Welcome to St John’s Hyde Park
We are delighted that you have chosen to join our community today, especially if you are joining us for the first time. For those who have come as a family with young children, Kids’ Club meets during the service in the Parish Hall. Further information about St John’s can be found on our web site: www.stjohns-hydepark.com.
Children and Young Families
We are delighted to have families with children as members of our congregation. Kids’ Club meets this morning in the hall – the children go out after the Collect and rejoin their families in time for 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.
Coronavirus (Covid-19)
The government’s ‘COVID-19 Response: Living with COVID-19’ has lifted most legal restrictions connected with the pandemic. That doesn’t mean we are quite back to normal yet but we are taking significant steps in that direction and are getting much closer to it.
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 unless you have had a negative Covid tested.
Facemasks are no longer mandatory, although you are welcome to wear one if you feel more comfortable doing so.
Hospitality will once again be served in the north aisle but please do spread out around the church and do not congregate around the serving stations.
Communion will continue for the time being to be distributed as we have been. 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.
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 to normality by this time. This obviously brings a renewed uncertainty for life at St John’s for a third 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.
ANTHEMS FOR LENT
The Fruit of the Spirit
If we live by the spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit - Galatians 5. 25. We are told by the Apostle Paul that if we ‘live by the Spirit’ our lives will produce a fruitful harvest that brings encouragement and life to those around us. During Lent we shall explore this theme in our music as we trace the various aspects of fasting and self-examination upon which we are called to reflect during this season.
LOVE. The anthem this Sunday is Do I Love You from Requiem for an Angel by Paul Carr. It was originally a Baritone solo with piano, but is here performed by a baritone, choir and small orchestra. The words are from the poem by Jack Larson, which is dedicated to his life-long partner James Bridges. The music of the requiem was written after the death of the composer’s mother in 2005. Carr wanted the work to be seen as a requiem of love and compassion rather than one simply adhering to the formalities of the liturgy.
Lead Us out of Darkness
A Carol Service for Lent
Sunday 13th March 6pm
We continue our carol series with our second ever Lent Carols. We will explore Lenten themes - the chaos of sin, the test of enduring temptation, self-examination to amend what we are, the expanse of God’s forgiveness and the call to holy living - using music, songs, readings and poetry. Some of the musical selections for this service are Dies Irae by Karl Jenkins, Stabat Mater by Pärt, Elgar’s Dream of Gerontius, Requiem for an Angel by P Carr and S S Wesley ‘s Blessed Be the God and Father. The service will be followed by a reception with hot cross buns.
Mothering Sunday
On 27th March we celebrate Mothering Sunday, when we give thanks for the many ways our mums have cared for and influenced us. The theme for this year is the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1. During the service our children will give flowers to every woman in the congregation while the choir sings
Annual Vestry and Parochial Church Meeting
This year’s annual meetings take place on 3rd April 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 17th March, after which it will be closed until the conclusion of the APCM. 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 at the back or from Bryan Sollenberger.
Easter Baptisms
Are you considering baptism? Easter is the perfect occasion and the dawn service at 6am on Easter Day is a great opportunity for it. This is a very special and unique service and there will be an opportunity for adults and children to be baptized as part of the Easter liturgy. If you are interested in being baptized at this service, please speak to one of the clergy as soon as possible.
Lent Resources
For those wishing to engage with the spiritual themes of the season, we have put together a list of the resources available for Lent. Whether it’s a book, an app, a video series, podcasts, a set of challenges, daily email meditations, articles or an online retreat, there will be something for you to support you in your discipleship this Lent. Either pick up a leaflet at the back of church, speak to Rev’d Georgina or visit www.stjohns-hydepark.com/lent-2022.
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.
