Coronavirus (Covid-19)
We are delighted that you have chosen to worship with our community this morning. A special welcome to any who are joining us this morning for the first time.
We are pleased that many of the Covid restrictions have now been lifted. We know many are excited at this, but that others feel less so. While we hope there is a more relaxed feeling here at St John’s this morning, we hope that you will understand that we have chosen a gradual process of returning to normality in order that as many people feel comfortable.
We still need to take steps to minimise the risks due to the spread of the Covid-19 virus, so we are still worshiping with some degree of caution and have drafted a new risk assessment and guidelines for worship. These have been revised to reflect the latest guidance from the Church of England and are on display in the porch and on our website at https://www.stjohns-hydepark.com/covid19guidance.
If you are displaying any of the Covid-19 symptoms – high temperature, continuous cough or a change in your normal sense of taste & smell – please do not come into church but self-isolate and arrange for a test.
Sanitiser is available for those wishing to sanitise their hands on entering the building and will be available before taking communion. We are still keeping an attendance register if you would like to sign in for track and trace purposes and the NHS QR code is available for those who wish to scan it with the app.
Orders of service have been printed in advance and placed on the chairs on Sunday morning by a member of staff.
At the collection, members of staff wearing face masks will circulate with collection plates. Place your cash or Gift Aid envelope in the plate but do not touch it.
When exchanging the peace, please do so only with others in your immediate vicinity but be respectful of those who may not wish to make physical contact.
For communion, please approach the step to the sanctuary via the central aisle. Sanitiser is available should you wish to sanitise your hands before receiving. Please keep a safe distance from those on either side. The clergy will bring the bread to you and place a wafer in your hand after touching the edge to the wine. If you prefer to receive a blessing instead, cross your hands over your chest. After receiving, please return to your seat via one of the side aisles.
At the end of the service, you are free to leave at your leisure. If you feel comfortable please joins us for a cup of tea or coffee.
Children and Young Families
We are delighted to have so many families with young children as members of our congregation. Kids’ Club meets this morning in the hall and the children leave the service after the Collect, rejoining the service just prior to communion. Toilets with changing facilities are available near the entrance of the church.
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.
Keep Calm! Keep Alert! Keep Giving!
In the midst of the uncertainties of Covid, we are very grateful for all who have been steady in their financial support during the last 18 months! Who would have thought, back in the spring of last year when we began to ponder the financial hit to St John’s of the first lockdown, that we would only be easing back into normality now. This obviously brings a renewed uncertainty for life at St John’s for a second year running and, while we make every effort to watch costs and look out for help where it might be available, we ask you to remember that again this year the carpark is not always full and we have been unable to raise money through letting the church and hall. Please continue to help us if you can by contributions either on Sunday mornings in the collection plate or, alternatively, directly to our bank account. Our details are:
Name: St John the Evangelist
Bank: HSBC
Sort Code: 40-11-58
Account #: 80108251
Donations given electronically still qualify for Gift Aid as your name will appear alongside your donation. If you have any questions about giving, please speak to Bryan Sollenberger.
Mid-week Services
St John’s isn’t just a church for Sunday! There are services at 5.30pm Monday to Thursday. Monday’s service is a eucharist and there is a said evensong Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Services take place in the sanctuary and are open to all.
St John’s Late
21st November, 7pm
Compline by Candlelight
Night prayer sung by the choir for Christ the King. A sung service stunning in its simplicity. The anthem will be Henry Purcell’s O God, the King of Glory. A cheese and soup supper precedes the service in the hall at 6pm. Please sign up if you intend to come.
Advent 2021
Advent Course, 24 Nov, 1 & 8 Dec, 7.30pm
Join our discussions of the apocalypse, final judgement, and God’s (seeming) absence as we explore the traditional themes of Advent. Email revgeorginaelsey at gmail dot com for details.
Advent Carols, 28th November, 6pm
This candlelit service always features outstanding music and this year will be no different. The theme of this year’s service is God Coming to Dwell With Us and features music by Haydn, Elgar, Roderick Williams, Rutter, Handel and John William, along with seasonal carols for everyone to sing. There will be mulled wine and homemade mince pies after.
Christingle Service, 5th December, 4pm
A special service for all, particularly families and children. Come receive a Christingle (if you don’t know what that is, come find out!), celebrate the fruits of creation, and rejoice with Jesus as the Light of the World. Great songs, a bit of fun, and the first sprinkle of Christmas magic.
Commissioning of Vicar as Area Dean
This past Thursday the Bishop commissioned the Vicar as the new Area Dean for the Paddington at a service in her private chapel as part of the Two Cities Area staff meeting.
