Spring Anthems
Our anthem series on Walking with Jesus continues this week, with Ellen Foncannon’s setting of words by Charles Austin Miles. In this lilting and gentle piece, the narrator is walking alone in a garden when they hear Jesus walking alongside them; the text of the refrain is as follows: ‘He walks with me and he talks with me and he tells me I am his own; and the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.’
Prom Concert
This morning immediately following the 10am service we are privileged to have a prom recital given by Nick Miller, Director of Music. He will present a short varied programme of light and bright works by Bach, Stanley, Handel and Boulanger. Do feel free to gather in the sanctuary if you would like to see Nick and Betty close-up during the show, but neither will be offended if you prefer to remain in the nave!
Refugee Drop-in Centre with West London Synagogue
As Refugee Week begins, St John’s is pleased to be entering into a new partnership project with the West London Synagogue by hosting a monthly Sunday drop-in centre for refugees. WLS set up the drop-in in 2011, which provides families with a hot meal, a shopping voucher and a contribution towards their transport, as well as signposting for other practical help. Initially for six months, the first Sunday we will be hosting them is this afternoon. If you would like to join the volunteer crew, please speak to the Vicar.
The Reverend Owen Dobson
Team St John’s is delighted to be joined by the Reverend Owen Dobson, who is joining us as a temporary house-for-duty priest. Many of you will know Owen as he was previously the assistant curate at St James’s, Sussex Gardens. While at St John’s he will be helping out with education courses, some Culture Vulture Ventures and other bits and pieces as well as becoming part of the Sunday clergy team. His licensing by the Bishop of London will take place on Monday, 17th June, at 9am at The Old Deanery.
7th July 2024
Jazz mass, 10am
Summer is here, Wimbledon is in full swing – what could be better than a festive jazz mass on a July Sunday morning? The choir, accompanied by double bass, will sing Nick Miller’s Jazz Mass No 1, written especially for St John’s! This is a world premier – you won’t want to be late on THIS Sunday!
St John’s Summer Barbecue
The 10am service on 7th July is followed by our summer barbecue in the gardens behind the church. Tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for children. St John’s provides the meat and dessert; you are asked to bring a salad. Sign up on the sheet in the porch or by e-mailing Bryan at parishadmin@stjohns-hydepark.com, making sure you let us know how many will be in your party and what salad you will be bringing.
Calling all chocolate lovers!
London Chocolate Company Visit
19th June, 6.30pm
On Wednesday 19th June at 6.30pm we have the opportunity to visit the London Chocolate Company on Connaught Street who have agreed to open up especially for us that evening. During the visit we will be shown around the factory, given the opportunity to make our own bars of chocolate, then have a chocolate tasting along with a glass of champagne.
Spaces are strictly limited to 17 people and the ticket price is £27.00 per head. The evening is sold out but we have the opportunity to include one extra person. Please contact Alex for more information.
Who Will You Vote for on 4th July?
If you’re still making up your mind, then St John’s is here to help!
Monday, 24th June 7pm
St John’s is hosting a community hustings for the candidates standing for election MP for the constituency of the Cities of London and Westminster. All candidates have been invited to take part and all three major parties have already accepted. All are welcome and entry is free.
Save the Date!
The Dog Collar Dinner returns this year and takes place on 27th September. Note this date in your diaries now!
The Car Park
Following the death of a small child on a church carpark in Scotland, Team St John’s has produced a risk assessment relating to St John’s car park. The Vicar is hesitant for the return of ‘Clipboard Bill’ but feels that we should be aware of the dangers relating to the forecourt. We kindly ask that you use the footpaths when accessing the church and avoid cutting through the car park or walking in front of or behind vehicles. Also, children should not play in the car park at any time but only on the footpaths provided parents are keeping a watchful eye on them.
Safeguarding at St John’s
Safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults is a priority at St John’s. The Parochial Church Council (PCC) carries out an annual review of the parish’s Safeguarding Policy and the current policy is available in the porch and on the parish website. Safeguarding concerns can be raised in the first instance with the Parish Safeguarding Officer, Mary Langford.
COMMUNITY NOTICES
Pamela Binns
We are thrilled that Pamela Binns has been awarded the second prize in the Disabled Rider’s Association Creative Poetry competition. As you know, Pamela is an avid poet and has written a number of poetry books. We are delighted that she is still very much in the game at 92!
Book Club
St John’s Book Club met recently to discuss Scarborough by Canadian author Catherine Hernandez, which was a popular choice. They have chosen their next book – the thriller Trust No One by New Zealand author Paul Cleave – and will meet to discuss it on 17th June. For further information about the book club, please speak to Irwin Nazareth.
Giggles and Gossip
Thursdays, 9.30-11am
Giggles & Gossip, a playgroup for parents with babies and toddlers, meets on Thursday mornings. There is soft play available and the club will also consist of crafts and a story time in which parents and children can take part.
