Hearing the Service
St John’s has an Induction Loop System so if you have a hearing aid, please switch it to the ’T’ setting.
No Intinction Here!!
It is our general practice here at St John’s not to practice individual intinction (dipping the bread into the wine) during the taking of communion. For some years we have only practised it by the wafer being dipped by the chalice assistant. In light of the potential outbreak of the coronavirus, we have been asked to remind people that because hands can be as much a source of pathogens as lips, intinction is no safer than drinking and can introduce germs into the cup. For the time being, we will therefore no longer offer any kind of intinction. It is Anglican teaching that to receive the sacrament in one kind only, i.e. just the bread, is to receive the sacrament in its entirety; therefore, should a communicant feel ill or not wish to drink from the chalice then he or she ought to receive the consecrated bread alone. At present, however, the advice is that there is no need at this stage to cease offering the chalice to members of the congregation.
Gluten Free Communion Wafers
Gluten free wafers are available for those who suffer from a gluten allergy. Please speak to a priest before the service if you would like to receive one at communion.
St John’s Late
The winter series of Lates concludes this evening at 6pm with a candlelit choral evensong, sung by the choir. Centred around a reading from the Bible, the service includes a psalm and the canticles Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis. The Responses are by Smith and the settings for the canticles by Dyson. The anthem is Elgar’s Light of the World – The Light of Life.
Ash Wednesday, 26th February 2020, 12.00 noon & 7.00pm
We begin our Lenten observations on Ash Wednesday, which this year falls on 26th February. As usual there will be a said lunchtime service at 12.00 noon. In the evening there will be a sung Eucharist at 7.00pm (note the slightly earlier time this year), the setting Victoria’s Missa Quarti Toni, featuring Allegri’s Miserere and Casals’ O Vos Omnes. If you still have your palm crosses from last year, bring them in and we will burn them to make this year’s ash.
Bible Book Club
Bible book club meets once a month to read and to discuss the gospel reading for the coming Sunday and concludes with Compline. Meetings take place on the first Wednesday of the month – the next meeting is on 4th March.
For further information, speak to one of the clergy.
Becoming Mindful
A Carol Service for Lent
Sunday, 8th March, 6pm
This service is a bold new venture for Lent which we hope will capture peoples’ imaginations is a carol service-like liturgy but with a completely different feel. Music, song, readings and poetry will explore the Lenten themes of mortality, fasting, prayer, restoration and perseverance and designed to assist us in our preparation for Easter. The service will be followed with tea, coffee and hot cross buns. Please save the date in your diary.
Annual Vestry and Parochial Church Meetings
This year’s annual meetings take place on 29th March immediately after the 10am service. The first step in preparation for these meetings is to revise the Electoral Roll. Accordingly, the Roll will be open until 5th March. Having your name entered on the Electoral Roll is an indication of your involvement in the life of the parish and entitles you to attend and take part in the annual meeting. It is also something that Church of England schools ask about when applying for a place. Forms are available from the table in the porch or from Bryan Sollenberger.
Photo Fresh
In the coming weeks we are looking at how we might refresh our online presence, reflecting the beauty of who we are as a church family. We’re different, yet alike in so many ways, with some surprising friendships that encourage and help us grow in our faith. This is possible when we remain open and welcoming, so as part of this, Chris Skarratt will be taking photos on three consecutive Sundays in March (15, 22, 29) both during and after the service, capturing the ‘vibe’ of our worship and the warmth of our time together over coffee. If for any reason you would rather not be in any picture do just let Chris or Dan know on the day. Thanks in advance for your help in spreading the word!
Confirmation
On Sunday, 17th May, the Bishop of London will be presiding at a service of Confirmation. Courses preparing children and adults for Confirmation will be starting shortly. If you would like to be confirmed or if you would like to explore the possibility of being confirmed, please talk with one of the clergy.
New Assistant Curate
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Georgina Elsey as the new assistant curate here at St John’s. Georgina is training for ordination at Cranmer Hall, Durham and will be ordained deacon by the Bishop of London in St Paul’s Cathedral on Saturday, 4th July 2020. She will begin her ministry here at St John’s the following day. A flyer introducing Georgina is available in the porch.
Rainy Day Appeal
Raised: £33,574
Target: £40,000
Two years ago we undertook some very essential repairs to the roof, gutters and parapets. If you look up on the outside north or south sides of the church, you’ll notice the beautiful new stonework. To fund the works, however, we had to borrow £200,000 from the Diocese of London.
The goal of our Rainy Day Appeal is to raise £40,000 to cover this year’s repayment commitment and interest. T here are 160 metres of guttering, which works out at £250 per metre (£200 per metre if gift aided). To clear one or more metres or for more information about Gift Aid, speak to Bryan Sollenberger. Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far.
A Big Gay Night Out
Dick Whittington (an adult Panto) December 2020! There’s nothing like planning ahead – and tickets for this year’s panto at Above the Stag are now on sale! If you are interested in coming to the Panto on Tuesday 8th December 2020, please contact Ian Smith [ipas@hotmail.co.uk] asap. Tickets, £28 a seat, sell fast (even this far ahead!).
COMMUNITY EVENTS
School Gate Gossip
Pupils and staff are enjoying the winter half term break this week. News from the school will resume next week when classes resume.
We hold school tours every other Wednesday during the Spring term. Please contact our school office on office@stjstj.co.uk to book a place. We encourage all those parents considering applying for a Nursery place in September 2020 or January 2021 to apply as soon as possible as places will start to be allocated at the end of February.
Stay and Play
A community playgroup meets weekly in St John’s on Thursday mornings from 9.30-11.30am. Come and stay for a play, a sing-song and to share stories over a cup of coffee. All children and babies are welcome (newborn to 5 years). Suggested donation: £2.
