Morning Anthem
Lux Aeterna by Maurice Duruflé is a serene and contemplative piece that forms part of his Requiem, composed in 1947. The work is a setting of the Latin text from the Requiem Mass, and Lux Aeterna, meaning "eternal light," is one of its most ethereal and introspective movements. It conveys a profound sense of peace and transcendence, with its lush harmonies and flowing choral textures. Duruflé, known for his deep connection to Gregorian chant and sacred music, draws on these ancient traditions while infusing the work with rich, modern harmonic language. The movement is marked by its gentle, almost hypnotic rhythms and the soaring beauty of its melodies, evoking both a sense of mourning and a serene hope for eternal rest. The serene, meditative quality of Lux Aeterna has made it a beloved piece in the choral repertoire, offering solace and spiritual reflection to listeners and performers alike.
St John’s Late
Choral Evensong
17th November, 6.00pm
At this evening’s St John’s Late we have a real musical treat - our traditional service of Choral Evensong will be extra special as we are delighted to welcome the Chamber Choir of Queen’s College London, who will be singing alongside our own Choral Scholars, organ and orchestra. There will be exquisitely beautiful music composed by Stanford, Rose and Rutter, specially arranged for our musicians by Nick.
Jazz Mass
24th November, 6.00pm
Our final Late before Advent combines the atmosphere of a jazz club, great music and the beauty of the eucharist meet in this fantastic service with wine and nibbles available throughout. The setting is Chilcott’s A Little Jazz Mass and the anthem is Acclamation (Gospel Mass) by R.Ray
Autumn Education Courses
Advent Course
Heaven and Earth Collide
The Advent Course will take place on Wednesdays, 11th and 18th December, at 7.30pm. In these two sessions we will be expanding on the theme of our Advent Carol Service, ‘Heaven and Earth Collide: An Advent Odyssey’. For further information and to book please contact: parishadmin@stjohns-hydepark.com. All events are free to attend.
St John’s Sunday Lunch Club
24th November 2024
The next outing of the lunch club will be following the 10am service on Sunday, 24th November to the Victoria Public House, Paddington where we have agreed a special menu of a roast (chicken, beef or pork), pudding (Sticky toffee pudding / Apple & blackberry crumble / Warm chocolate brownie) and a soft drink for £27 per head including service.
If you would like to attend please contact Alex in the office. As we have done previously we will be paying for the meal in advance and then alcoholic beverages can be purchased on the day directly at the bar.
COMMUNITY NOTICES
Book Club
Book Club selected as their next book The Blood of Others (Le Sang des Autres), a 1945 novel by the French existentialist Simone de Beauvoir that depicts the lives of several characters in Paris leading up to and during the Second World War. The novel explores themes of freedom and responsibility. Book Club meets on 13th January to discuss it. For further information on Book Club, please speak to Irwin Nazareth.
Marcus’ Mission trip to Uganda 28th November-December 10th 2024
Marcus Walters-Pearce, our children’s worker, will be going to Uganda for two weeks to participate in a mission trip with ARC Global. During these two weeks, he will be involved in different community projects and outreach services and sharing the Gospel in different church projects across Uganda. The mission trip will also include the distribution of reusable women’s hygiene products and vital medication and first aid equipment for the local community.
Marcus is currently fundraising for his trip. The trip in total costs £1500 and this covers costs of flights, accommodation, meals, travel and the products and equipment that will be taken. There is a fundraising page where you can donate towards the trip: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/marcusxuganda. If you would like to donate in alternative means, please contact Marcus directly.
