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. Children are welcome at all our services. Information about St John’s can also be found on our web site: 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.
Advent 2023
Christingle Service, 10th December, 4pm
A special service this afternoon for children of all ages. Come make a Christingle, incorporating symbols of Jesus coming as the Light of the World. The collection will go to support the work of the Children’s Society.
NATIVITY PLAY
17th December 10am
Next week, Sunday 17th, is the performance of this year’s nativity play. This year’s play features a new director so be prepared for something a little bit different. If any young people would like to be included, let Alex know this week – alex@stjohns-hydepark.com!
Nine Lessons and Carols, 17th December, 6pm
Our traditional carol service kicks off the countdown to Christmas. The choir will be accompanied by a magnificence of musicians and the service will be followed by a fizz and panettone reception. This is one of the biggest musical treats of the year for all the family. Invite your friends and neighbours to join us for this festive community celebration.
Christmas 2023
Parish Carolling
6.30pm Wednesday 20th December
You are invited to join us for a jolly traditional Christmas evening as we walk around the parish to sing some carols with our choral scholars and collect money for the food bank at St Matthew’s, Bayswater. Meet at the church, then we will walk around to several pubs, give them our best musical delights under Robert’s conducting and end at The Victoria for a mince pie.
Christmas Eve
4.00pm – Crib Service
A unique service for all ages, telling the story of Joseph, Mary and the infant Jesus in the crib, join us as we begin the feast of birth of Christ.
11.30pm – Midnight Mass
Enjoy the first mass of Christmas in a candlelit church, singing Christmas carols led by the choir and orchestra. The setting will be Mozart’s Coronation Mass K317.
Christmas Day
10am – Family Festival Eucharist
Children are invited to come along dressed up in their fairy costumes and sparkly shoes or Christmas pyjamas and to bring their toys with them if they wish. Sing Christmas carols with the choir, accompanied by orchestra.
Christmas Flowers
Remember a loved one by making a donation to this year’s Christmas flowers. Complete the slip inside your order of service and leave it with Bryan Sollenberger. A list of those in whose memory donations are given will be displayed in the porch.
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 white, 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.
