Epiphany Carols
12th January 2025, 6 pm
This evening is Epiphany Carols – the third of our series of great carol services retelling the events of the Christian year. Nick, James and the choir have prepared another special treat to enhance our seasonal celebrations marking the events of the Epiphany season. This year’s Epiphany Carols follows the theme Behold the Star, taking us from the arrival of the Shepherds and Magi right through Christ’s baptism in the Jordan and ending with the Presentation in the Temple. The music will include Mozart’s Viva! (Il Re Pastore), Alan Menken’s A Star Is Born (Hercules), Mack Wilberg’s arrangement of This is My Beloved Son, Rutter’s Rise Up, Shepherd and other music by Howells and Mendelssohn. After the service there will be fizz and galettes des rois. A great way to beat the post-Christmas blues!
St John’s Late
St John’s Late winter series begins on 19th January and runs until 23rd February. These services offer a friendly but contemplative space for those who’ve missed the morning, want to try something different or need space for reflection.
19th January, 6.00pm
Jazz Mass
First up is a jazz mass! - the atmosphere of a jazz club, great music and the beauty of the eucharist meet in an upbeat service with wine and nibbles available throughout. The setting is Chilcott’s Nidaros Jazz Mass and the anthem is Anthem by Leonard Cohen.
26th January, 6.00pm
Compline
This ancient monastic service, in a candlelit church, is stunning in its simplicity. The service is sung and the anthem is Alma Redemptoris Mater by Galvani. Sign up if you wish to join us for supper beforehand in the hall at 5pm.
2nd February
No service
9th February, 6.00pm
Book of Common Prayer Communion
For all who admire the beauty of Book of Common Prayer language! You don’t have to be a traditionalist to enjoy it. The setting is Thomas Tallis’s Mass for Four Voices and the anthem his Hear the Voice and Prayer.
16th February, 6pm
Choral Evensong
This service is the foundation of English tradition, a gem in the crown of the prayer book. The setting for the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis is by Dyson (arr Miller). The anthem will be Bairstow’s Save Us, O Lord (arr Miller).
St John’s Epiphany Thank Yous
Finger Food Reception
Last Sunday’s service and reception after the service were a huge success, thanks in part to our stunning and generous magi who brought their gifts to the crib of the infant Jesus as well as to those of you who brought some amazing and tasty contributions to our finger food reception. It was a very good spread and there was even a bit left over for the staff to enjoy at their Monday staff meeting! Thank you to all who brought something to share.
St John’s Nativity Scene
A big ‘thank you’ also goes to Baba Epega and Chris Skarratt, who, along with Alex Norris, created this year’s Nativity Scene using Artificial Intelligence and animation software. The image has been designed to move slightly helping provide the depth of perspective that you see in the image. Do take time to admire it and to contemplate the wonder of the birth of the infant Jesus during this season of Epiphany.
Each year we have a different nativity scene and in the past various individuals and families have helped us to create memorable and inspirational tableaux. If you have any idea for the nativity scene for Christmas 2025, please speak to the Vicar.
Choral Evensong with the Bishop of London
Tuesday, 14th January, 6.15pm
As part of the Bishop of London’s annual visit to the Paddington Deanery, there will be a choral evensong on Tuesday for the clergy and churches of the deanery. The service it as 6.15pm and all are welcome. During the service the Bishop will be giving an address.
Luminous: A Night of Light and Wonder at St Paul’s Cathedral
Wednesday, 26th February, 6.30 – 10pm
Experience St Paul’s in a while new light! Prepare to be amazed as the Cathedral unveils ‘Luminous’, an extraordinary new sound and light show by the award-winning artistic duo, Luxmularis. Step inside an iconic London landmark and witness a breathtaking fusion of art, sound, and architecture that draws inspiration from St Paul’s rich history and heritage. This immersive show will captivate audiences of all ages, offering a truly unforgettable evening!
Alex is taking a group to see this spectacular show on Wednesday, 26th February. Tickets are going fast so he will book them this week – please speak to him TODAY if you would like to go along. Tickets are £17.50. All proceeds from ticket sales will go directly to supporting the preservation of the Cathedral’s history and heritage.
COMMUNITY NOTICES
Marcus’ Mission to Uganda
Marcus Walters-Pearce, our children and families worker, spent two weeks in Uganda from 28th November to 8th December. While there, he shared the gospel and participated in several youth conferences. He was also involved in distributing clothing, toiletries, sanitary products and first aid supplies to adults as well as clothing, toys and books to children. He extends a big thank you to all who supported him financially and by your prayers. The trip was very successful.
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.
Refugee Drop-in Volunteers
Since May St John’s has been hosting a monthly Sunday drop-in centre for refugees run by the West London Synagogue. This provides families with a hot meal, a shopping voucher and a contribution towards their transport, as well as signposting for other practical help. The drop-in centre takes place on the third Sunday of the month and they are always open to volunteers to assist them. If you would like to join the volunteer crew, please speak to the Vicar. The next drop-in centre will be held on Sunday, 19th January.
