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.
Mozart – Vesperae confessore
This morning the choir with strings, are singing the Beatus Vir from Mozart’s larger work, Vesperae solennes de confessore, written in 1780 for Salzburg cathedral. The Beatus Vir captures the essence of Psalm 112. The jubilant sections evoke the happiness and fulfilment of a virtuous life, while the introspective moments invite contemplation on the deeper spiritual dimensions of righteousness and blessedness.
Thanks for Last Sunday
A very big thank you to everyone who contributed to making last Sunday’s farewell for Georgina such a big success, especially those who brought a bottle of gin or contributed towards the costs of the service, as well as giving towards the leaving purse for Georgina.
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.
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.
St John’s Goes Contactless!
The more observant of you will have noticed a new addition in the porch last Sunday - 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Accommodation Needed for a Ukrainian Refugee
Matthew Hindhaugh has made us aware of the plight of Yana, a Ukrainian from Kyiv, is seeking accommodation. For the past year she has been living in Islington under the Homes for Ukraine scheme but her current hosting arrangement is coming to an end in the middle of September. She is therefore in need of a room for at least six months. The Homes for Ukraine team on your local council will pay £500 per month (£550 if in Islington) and her current host will be happy to provide a reference. Yana is single and neither smokes nor drinks. She is quiet, clean and tidy and independent. She would prefer to share with another female or a couple. She can be contacted by e-mail at yana.ilchen@gmail.com or via WhatsApp/Telegram/Viber on +38 050 3355284.
