Carolling Collective
Several of our local pubs were treated to some amazing carols by our choir and volunteer carollers on 19th December. They sang their hearts out and shook some buckets vociferously, raising £592.62 for the food bank at St Matthew’s, Bayswater. This is by far the best result from our annual carol fund raising and a big well done to all who turned out for an evening of fun and generosity!
EPIPHANY
This morning we celebrate Epiphany - the arrival of the Magi, after their long journey following a star seeking Jesus. This is one of the oldest festivals of the Christian Church and, in the Eastern and Russian Orthodox Churches, is the equivalent of Christmas as it was in the Celtic Church until the mission of Augustine of Canterbury. There will be a procession of the Magi and Presentation of Gifts before the crib as part of the service. Afterwards, there will be a reception of fizz and finger food. Please stay for a glass and share in the celebrations with us.
Epiphany Carols
12th January 2025, 6 pm
After our fantastic Advent and Christmas carol services, what next? Epiphany carols! Nick, James and the choir have prepared another special treat to conclude 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 16th 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 by the choir 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! But 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).
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.
