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 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.
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.
Sunday, 12th November 2023
Remembrance Sunday
Today we observe Remembrance Sunday. We have shortened the service in order to be outside at the War Memorial at 11am. At the end of the service the choir will lead us to the War Memorial in the north garden for a short Act of Remembrance, the laying of wreaths and a two minutes’ silence. Poppies are for sale at the back of church. Please give generously.
Jenny Clark Concert
This year’s Jenny Clark Concert takes place this morning 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 this month, 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 are available from the parish office. Form a team of up to 8 or come on your own – it’s a great fun evening! The ticket includes a curry supper courtesy of The Cock and Bottle pub in Notting Hill.
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.
Final Lecture
20th Nov - Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy General Secretary of the U.N:
"Climate Change".
The lecture 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.
Advent 2023
Advent Carols, 3rd December, 6pm
The first of our great carol services takes place at 6pm by candlelight. This service always features outstanding music and this year is no different. The theme of this year’s service is Voices in the Wilderness and features music by Orff, Whitacre, Lowdermilk, Whitbourn, Mozart, Brown and Silvestri, along with seasonal carols for everyone to sing. There will be mulled wine and homemade mince pies after.
Christingle Service, 10th December, 4pm
A special service for children of all ages. Come make a Christingle, incorporating symbols of Jesus coming as the Light of the World.
All Souls Apology
Several names submitted to be read at the service on 2nd November were unfortunately missed. We very much regret this oversight and apologise for it. These names were read out at the Sunday morning service during the intercessions.
St John’s Choral Scholars in Don Giovanni
Choral Scholars Ted, Dan and Esmée will be performing in the Royal College of Music's production of Gazzaniga's Don Giovanni this month. The dates for the performances are the 20th, 22nd, 24th and 25th of November and the dress rehearsals are the 17th and 19th.
If anyone would like to come to the dress rehearsals, please can they let Ted know by Tuesday evening on tday24601@gmail.com so he can inform the college. Otherwise, tickets are available from the RCM box office.
St John’s Goes to the Panto
It wouldn’t be the holidays without a trip to the panto! This year we are going on the Saturday, 6th Jan, 2pm at the Hammersmith Lyric to see Cinderella. For tickets, please book directly from the Hammersmith Lyric’s website: https://lyric.co.uk/shows/cinderella2023/#performances. They start from £15 and there are family rates as well for those with children. When we know numbers we will be looking to plan a lunch nearby beforehand. For further information, please contact Alex: alex@stjohns-hydepark.com
St John’s Book Group
The book group met recently and selected their next book – John Wyndham’s Day of the Triffids. They will meet to discuss this classic on 29th January. Speak to Irwin Nazareth if you would like more information.
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 in which parents and children can take part.
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.
