NOTICES 24 SEPTEMBER 2023

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.

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.  

Monteverdi

This morning the choir with woodwinds will be performing Monteverdi’s Beatus Vir composed in 1640.  The piece features expressive melodies, rich harmonies and text-driven musical effects.  He uses a great deal of word painting in the piece.  Although originally written for strings this morning woodwinds are being used instead.  

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. 

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.  The event is ticketed and free to attend.  Please let Alex know if you are able to attend and he will get your ticket as part of a group booking.


You are invited to join Alex for a drink at Ye Olde London Pub on Ludgate Hill afterwards.

Harvest Sunday Family Eucharist

1st October 2023, 10am

Our annual giving of thanks for the fruit of the earth will take place on 1st October.  Our theme this year will be bees.  The older children will read the lessons and lead the intercessions and the younger children will be in church for longer than normal.  As usual, we will be collecting dried foodstuffs for the food bank at St Matthew’s, Bayswater.

Choral Scholar Seeking Accommodation

Esmée Loughlin-Dickenson, one of our new choral scholars for the year, is in need of a room for 4-6 weeks while she finds more permanent accommodation in the area.  If have a room available or know of something longer term, please speak to her after the service over coffee.

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.

St John’s Goes Contactless!

The more observant of you will have noticed a new addition in the porch recently - a contactless donation device!  With just a touch of a credit or debit card you can now make a donation even if you haven’t brought any cash with you.  Donations made via the device still qualify for Gift Aid, too.

Volunteer Opportunities

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.

COMMUNITY NOTICES

Red Balloon are resuming their 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.