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.
Georgina Elsey
This morning we celebrate the ministry of The Reverend Georgina Elsey and bid her farewell after three years of ministry among us here at St John’s. Georgina arrived as a deacon during Covid and served her title among us, facilitating our education programme, overseeing our safeguarding procedures, developing a ministry to Iranian asylum seekers in our community and guiding our discussion of Living in Love and Faith and our feeding back to the Church of England on it. Over her time here Georgina has become valued by the staff and congregation. We are sad to see her go but wish her well as she starts as an army chaplain this week. Please stay behind after the service to wish her well during a special gin and tonic farewell reception.
School Starter Sunday
Starting school is the first big step as our children grow up. This morning we give a blessing to all children starting reception classes this autumn and there will also be a presentation of a St John’s pencil case to all children going into reception. All school age children will receive a commemorative St John’s wristband.
The Choir
This morning we welcome the choir back from their summer break. A special welcome to our new scholars for this year – sopranos Olivia Singleton and Madeleine Perring, mezzo Esme Loughlin-Dickenson, tenors Constantine Akritides and Jacob Cole and Daniel Barrett, bass, along with returning scholars Sofia Kirwan-Baez and Theodore Day.
Please take time to say hello and introduce yourself to the choir and Ben over coffee as all our singers, along with Robert our director of music, are such an important part of our life and worship here at St John’s.
Activities for Children at St John’s
Red Balloon are resuming our midweek activities for children.
Giggles and Gossip
Thursdays, 9.30-11am
Giggles & Gossip 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.
After School Group
Thursdays, 3.30-5pm
This group is for school children between reception and year six. Parents/Carers can drop off and collect their children. Children will play drama, lead games and explore biblical stories.
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.
Prom Concert 6th September 7pm
A recital of Organ and Song
St. John’s organist Ben Collyer and former choral scholar Tom McGowan present an exciting program of works for piano & voice and solo organ. Tickets are available on the door for £5 – refreshments will be provided! The programme includes O Waly Waly by Benjamin Britten, Banalités by Francis Poulenc, the slow movement from Edward Elgar’s Sonata and Duruflé’s Prelude et Fugue Sur le Nom d’Alaine.
St Paul's Cathedral Talk
My Spirit Rejoices: Mary the Mother of Jesus.
Tuesday, 26th September 6.30pm - 8pm
St Paul's Cathedral are hosting an evening with Paula Gooder and Rowan Williams where they will be discussing the contrasting aspects of Mary's story in the Bible and the church, her place in our faith and why she matters so much. There will also be music sung by the St Paul's Cathedral Consort during the evening, as well as time for a Q&A with the speakers.
Alex will be attending this and he invites you to join him. He will be on the steps of St Paul's at 6.15pm for those who wish to attend. Admission is free.
