Coronavirus (Covid-19)
We are delighted that you have chosen to worship with our community this morning. A special welcome to any who are joining us this morning for the first time.
Just when you thought it was becoming safer, the Omicron variant of Covid-19 makes its appearance as the ghost of Christmas so we are working to keep you safe in church. We have revised our risk assessment and guidelines for worship in line with the latest guidance from the government and the Church of England and are on display in the porch and on our website at https://www.stjohns-hydepark.com/covid19guidance.
First and foremost, if you are experiencing any Covid-19 symptoms, especially a high temperature, a continuous cough and/or a change in your normal sense of taste and smell, please do not come to church but self-isolate and arrange for a test.
Facemasks are mandatory once again, although you can lower them to sing and to take communion. In order to lower risk, all hospitality will be served outside on the forecourt. We keep an attendance register for those who would like to e register for track and trace purposes and the NHS QR code is available for those who wish to scan it with the app.
When exchanging the peace, please do so only with others in your immediate vicinity and do be respectful of those who may not wish to make physical contact.
For communion, please approach the step to the sanctuary via the central aisle. Sanitiser is available should you wish to sanitise your hands before receiving. Please keep a safe distance from those on either side. The clergy will bring the bread to you and place a wafer in your hand after touching the edge to the wine. If you prefer to receive a blessing instead, cross your hands over your chest. After receiving, please return to your seat via one of the side aisles.
Children and Young Families
We are delighted to have so many families with young children as members of our congregation. Kids’ Club meets this morning in the hall and the children leave the service after the nativity play, rejoining the service just prior to communion. Toilets with changing facilities are available near the entrance of the church.
Hearing the Service
St John’s has an Induction Loop System so if you have a hearing aid, please switch it to the ’T’ setting.
Keep Calm! Keep Alert! Keep Giving!
In the midst of the uncertainties of Covid, we are very grateful for all who have been steady in their financial support during the last 18 months! Who would have thought, back in the spring of last year when we began to ponder the financial hit to St John’s of the first lockdown, that we would only be easing back into normality now. This obviously brings a renewed uncertainty for life at St John’s for a second year running and, while we make every effort to watch costs and look out for help where it might be available, we ask you to remember that again this year the carpark is not always full and we have been unable to raise money through letting the church and hall. Please continue to help us if you can by contributions either on Sunday mornings in the collection plate or, alternatively, directly to our bank account. Our details are:
Name: St John the Evangelist
Bank: HSBC
Sort Code: 40-11-58
Account #: 80108251
Donations given electronically still qualify for Gift Aid as your name will appear alongside your donation. If you have any questions about giving, please speak to Bryan Sollenberger.
Anthems in Advent – Adam Lay y Bounden
On every Sunday morning in Advent the choir will be singing a different setting of the anthem Adam Lay y Bounden. The text is from the 15th century. Verse 1 is about the mediaeval thinkers’ belief that Adam was stuck in limbo until the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Verse 2 narrates the fall of humanity and verse 3 suggests the subsequent redemption of humanity by the birth of Christ. This morning’s anthem was written by Bob Chilcott in 2011. It is a movement from a longer work, “On Christmas night” which the choir with orchestra are performing this evening at the Nine Lessons and Carols service. The piece is full of syncopation and is very lively.
Advent 2021
Nativity Play, 19th December, 10am
This morning is our annual nativity play which takes the place of the sermon. At the end of the performance, we all join the children on the second chorus in singing “Away in a Manger”. Parents are then invited to take their children through to the parish hall for refreshments before returning for Communion. Afterwards, sherry and mince pies will be served at the back of church.
Charity Christmas Stall
During coffee our children will have a Christmas stall. Scented candles and soaps and reindeer food are among the items available to buy. Proceeds will go to towards purchasing a pallet of food for the North Paddington Food Bank.
Christmas 2021
Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, 19th December 6pm
Our traditional carol service takes place this evening at 6pm. The service this year is centred around Bob Chilcott’s On Christmas Night. The choir will be accompanied by a magnificence of musicians and the service will be followed by a fizz and panettone reception. This is one of the biggest musical treats of the year for all the family. Invite your friends and neighbours to join us for this festive community celebration.
Parish Carolling
6.30pm Wednesday 22nd December
This traditional Christmas event is back! We will be walking around the parish to sing some carols with our choral scholars and collecting money of the Paddington Food Bank. Meet at the church, then we will walk around to several pubs, give them our best musical delight under Robert’s conducting and end at the Victoria for a mince pie.
Christmas Eve
4.00pm - Crib Service
A unique service for children young and old with a special Covid-safe crib for Joseph, Mary and the infant Jesus.
11.30pm – Midnight Mass
Enjoy the first mass of Christmas in a candlelit church, singing Christmas carols led by the choir and orchestra. The setting will be Mozart’s Coronation Mass K317.
Christmas Day
10am – Family Festival Eucharist
Children are invited to come along dressed up in their fairy costumes and sparkly shoes or Christmas pyjamas and to bring their toys with them if they wish. Sing Christmas carols with the choir, accompanied by orchestra.
Christmas Flowers
As part of our Christmas celebrations we will spruce up the church with greenery and flowers. Donations to help with the cost of the decorations are welcome and can be made in honour of loved ones, with a list of those remembered displayed in the porch over Christmas. Donations can be made electronically or can be left in the collection. Complete the slip inside your order of service and leave it with Bryan Sollenberger.
