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. A special welcome to the family and friends of William Phillips, who is being baptised during this morning’s service. 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 website: www.stjohns-hydepark.com.
St John’s, like the Hyde Park Estate, wants to be part of a dog-friendly community. We welcome people to bring their dogs with them to church but we ask that they are mindful of the need for dogs not to disturb others at worship. If your furry friend begins to bark or to feel uncomfortable, please do feel free to take him or her for a walk outside.
Children and Young Families
We are pleased to have families with children as members of our congregation. Kids’ Club meets this morning in the hall with Red Balloon – the children go out after the talk and re-join their families in time for communion. Toilets with changing facilities are available near the entrance of the church.
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.
BEATUS VIR
From September 10th to the end of October, our morning services feature music extracted from Beatus Vir (Blessed is the man). These large-scale works date from the early 17th century through to far more recent works by contemporary composers and vary greatly in style and combination of instruments supporting the choir.
Osgood
This morning’s Beatus Vir, composed by the English composer Clive Osgood, is the last in the series of Beatus Vir’s sung by the choir. The piece, written for double choir, strings and soprano soloist, has very lush textures reminiscent of Delius, Debussy and Howells. Osgood was born in 1977 and his written output includes a variety of music for choirs, orchestras and chamber works.
Autumn at St John's
Here I Stand
This autumn, join us at St Martin-in-the-Fields for a compelling lecture series inspired by Martin Luther's renowned proclamation "Here I Stand" said during the Reformation in 1521. Examine the beliefs we hold dear and the stands we'd make for them.
Line-Up
30th October - Rev Dr Sam Wells: "Standing with God"
6th November - Prof Catherine Sleeman: "Death & Dying"
20th Nov - Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy General Secretary of the U.N:
"Climate Change".
Each event starts at 7pm and Alex will be on the steps of St Martin's at 6.45pm, so we can sit together. Drinks are then served in the crypt afterwards for those who want to attend. Each lecture is ticketed with a suggested £10 donation; please contact Alex for tickets and further information.
St John’s Book Group
The book group met recently and selected their next book – D H Lawrence’s Women in Love. They will meet to discuss this classic on 30th October. Speak to Irwin Nazareth if you would like more information.
All Souls
2nd November 2023, 6pm
We mark this special festival with a service at which we remember those who are part of the church community but who have died. This year the choir are singing Mozart’s Requiem and during the service we remember those dear to us who have died. If you will be at the service and wish to have loved ones remembered, please add them on the sign up sheet in the porch. As part of the liturgy, there will be opportunity for you to light a candle and place it on the altar in remembrance of your loved ones.
Jenny Clark Concert
This year’s Jenny Clark Concert takes place on Sunday, 12th November, immediately following the 10am service. We are pleased that soprano Sofia Kirwan-Baez, one of our choral scholars, will be giving this year’s concert and will be accompanied by Ben Collyer. She will be performing a varied programme to include opera, musical theatre and some of her own compositions. The concert will last 35-40 minutes and is open to all.
St John’s Late
Returning in November, St John’s Late services offer a friendly but contemplative space for those who’ve missed the morning, want to try something different or need space for reflection.
Jazz Mass
12th November, 6.00pm
The atmosphere of a jazz club, great music and the beauty of the eucharist meet in this fantastic service with wine and nibbles available throughout. The setting is Chilcott’s Nidarus Jazz Mass and the anthem is Eja Mater by Arensen.
Compline
19th November, 6.00pm
preceded by a light supper at 5.00pm
This ancient monastic service, in a candlelit church, is stunning in its simplicity. The service is sung and the anthem is Poulenc’s Ave Verum. Sign up if you wish to join us for supper.
Choral Evensong
26th November, 6.00pm
This service is the foundation of English tradition, a gem in the crown of the prayer book. The setting for the responses is by B Rose with the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis by C V Stanford in G. The anthem will be Blessed City by Bairstow.
St John’s Quiz Evening
15th November, 7pm
This annual event returns on 15th November, when Chris Cochran, landlord of The Victoria, will once again have an array of questions to test your general knowledge. The evening starts at 7pm in church. Tickets cost £20 and include a cooked supper. Form a team of up to 8 or come on your own – it’s a great fun evening!
New Vestments
St John’s has been renewing its vestments over the past few years, having replaced the green, gold and red sets, and has now ordered a green set of vestments, consisting of a cope, chasuble and stoles. If you would like to sponsor one or more of these in memory of a loved one or to mark a special occasion, please speak to the Vicar or to Bryan Sollenberger.
Safeguarding at St John’s
Safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults is a priority at St John’s. On 21st June the Parochial Church Council (PCC) carried out their annual reviewed of the parish’s Safeguarding Policy. A copy is available in the porch and on the parish website. Safeguarding concerns can be raised in the first instance with the church’s Safeguarding Officer, Mary Langford.
COMMUNITY NOTICES
Giggles and Gossip
Thursdays, 9.30-11.30am
Giggles & Gossip, run by Red Balloon Foundation, is aimed at parents with babies and toddlers. There will be soft play available and the club will also consist of crafts and a story time for the parents and children to take part in.
A Classical Christmas Concert
Soprano Emily Burnett, choral scholar here from 2017-18, invites you to join her and some friends for a mesmerising evening of classical music at their Classical Christmas Concert at St John’s on Saturday, 9th December, at 7.30pm. Immerse yourself in the magical ambience as a bunch of talented musicians take to the stage to perform timeless Christmas classics. Indulge in the harmonious sounds of the choir and soloists create an atmosphere that captures the true essence of Christmas. Tickets are £15 and can be purchased via Eventbrite.
