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.
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 Collect and re-join their families in time for communion. Toilets with changing facilities are available near the entrance of the church.
Summertime Special Services
Our summer services are led by a cantor and musician and the mass setting is Folk Tunes, using familiar melodies for the Gloria and other sung parts of the service. Normal services resume again on Sunday, 3rd September. This morning we are pleased to welcome mezzo soprano Ruby Bak as cantor and as our guest musician Ruth Stockdale, flautist.
Farewell to Georgina
Georgina is leaving us in early September to begin training with the chaplaincy department to become an army chaplain. Her D-Day with initial training is in the first week of September so her last Sunday at St John’s will be 3rd September.
We hope that you will want to be present that Sunday to mark and celebrate Georgina’s time with us as well as to good-bye and to wish her well. The churchwardens have written to members of the congregation with further plans for the day. If you have not received a letter, please do speak to Bryan or Andre as soon as possible.
Please note that this is the first Sunday back after the summer so we are planning early so as not to be short of time!
Giggles and Gossip
After School Group
These Thursday groups have now finished for the summer but will resume again in September.
St John’s Book Club
St John’s Book Club meets regularly to discuss books chosen by its members. It next meets on Monday, 11th September, when they will be discussing The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka. New members would be very welcome to join the group. For further information, please speak to Irwin Nazareth.
Volunteer Opportunities
Intercessors Wanted
Ever thought of leading the prayers on a Sunday morning? New recruits are invited to join the rota of Intercessors. Having a diverse range of voices leading the prayers adds much to our worship and it’s not half as hard as you think. If you would like to lead the prayers once a quarter and are interested to find out more then please have a word with Michael or Kate or email them on kateandmikey1@gmail.com. A full template with a framework of prayers and lots of ideas is provided plus training and support. Do consider joining the intercessors’ rota.
You Know You Want to…
Do you get goosebumps/pimples listening to the opening hymn performed by our wonderful musicians while watching the Servers dutifully process up the centre aisle? Have you ever wondered what you would look like donning a hooded white alb? Are you interested in washing the Vicar’s hands with holy water before communion? If the answer is yes to any of these questions (or, even if you’re not sure), it’s time for you to become an Acolyte! No experience is required and we will be holding a training/refresher session in the coming months following the 10:00 am service. If you have any questions, please feel free to email our newly appointed Head Server, Bryan Stephens at bryan.m.stephens@gmail.com.
