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.
Just when you thought it was becoming safer, the Omicron variant of Covid-19 makes its appearance as the ghost of Christmas so we are working to keep you safe in church. We have revised our risk assessment and guidelines for worship in line with the latest guidance from the government and the Church of England and are on display in the porch and on our website at https://www.stjohns-hydepark.com/covid19guidance.
First and foremost, if you are experiencing any Covid-19 symptoms, especially a high temperature, a continuous cough and/or a change in your normal sense of taste and smell, please do not come to church but self-isolate and arrange for a test.
Facemasks are mandatory once again, although you can lower them to sing and to take communion. In order to lower risk, all hospitality will be served outside on the forecourt. We keep an attendance register for those who would like to e register for track and trace purposes and the NHS QR code is available for those who wish to scan it with the app.
When exchanging the peace, please do so only with others in your immediate vicinity and do 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.
Children and Young Families
We are delighted to have so many families with young children as members of our congregation. Kids’ Club does not meet this morning but resumes next week, 2nd January, in the hall. 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 two years! 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 still not be back into normality by 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.
High Notes Rest!
Our thanks to our Director of Music, Robert Greenhill, our choral scholars, guest singers and volunteers, along with all of our musicians for providing us with such wonderful and inspiring music throughout Advent and Christmas. Once again the music here at St John’s has reached new heights and everybody’s hard work in both planning and rehearsing is very much appreciated. We wish them all a well earned rest.
EPIPHANY
The arrival of the Magi, after their long journey following a star seeking Jesus, is one of the oldest festivals of the Christian Church. In the Eastern and Russian Orthodox Churches, this is the equivalent of Christmas. St John’s will celebrate Epiphany with a festival Eucharist on Sunday, 9th January 2022. There will be a procession of the Magi and Presentation of Gifts before the crib as part of the service. The service will be followed by a fizz and canapé reception.
Epiphany Carols
16th January 2022, 6pm
After our fantastic Advent and Christmas carol services, what next? Epiphany carols! Robert and the choir have prepared another special treat to conclude our seasonal celebrations marking the events of the Epiphany season. The service will be followed with fizz and galettes des rois. A great way to beat the post-Christmas blues!
Parish Office
The office will be closed for Christmas and will reopen as normal on Tuesday, 4th January. A member of the clergy team will be in residence in case of pastoral need. Messages can be left on the office answering machine as they will be collected regularly.
Services in Church between Christmas and New Year
There will be no midweek services until Wednesday, 5th January 2022. There will only be a 10am service on 26th December. On 2nd January there will be services at 8am and at 10am as usual.
Church Flowers
Thank you to all those who have donated towards the cost of decorating the church for Christmas. Our thanks go also to Harry’s Flowers, who have done a splendid job with their floral arrangements.
