Truth, Faith and Politics in a Post-Truth World:
exploring Bonhoeffer today with Rowan Williams
St Paul's Cathedral, Tuesday 20th May, 6.30-8pm
In the final months of his imprisonment in Flossenbürg concentration camp in 1945, Dietrich Bonhoeffer looked beyond the walls of his cell—and beyond the walls of the Church itself—considering a way to speak of God that was not confined to religious insider language. What does that vision mean for us today?
Join us as Rowan Williams reflects upon how the Church can remain truthful in a post-truth world: how it can resist the urge to defend itself at every turn and instead become a community that welcomes the unexpected. In a time of uncertainty, what does it mean to live with courage, integrity and radical hospitality? Dr Williams is a poet and theologian and was the 104th Archbishop of Canterbury. Afterwards, we will discuss our thoughts on the lecture over pizza.
Please contact Alex if you would like to reserve a free seat at this event. He will be meeting outside the front of the cathedral at 6.15pm.
Sung Eucharist for Ascension
Thursday, 29th May, 6pm
The Ascension, coming 40 days after Christ’s resurrection, is the culmination of Easter, the season in which we celebrate the stories of the risen Christ. This year Ascension falls on Thursday, 29th May and we will celebrate it with a choral eucharist at 6pm. The choir will sing Andrea Gabrieli’s Missa Brevis mass setting and the anthem I Will Not Leave You Comfortless by Carlton Young.
Whitsun Carols
Sunday, 8th June, 6pm
Our ultimate carol service of the year marking the events from Easter to Pentecost. A unique service of readings and music from our choir and guest musicians, followed by a seasonal reception of Pimms and cucumber and mint sandwiches. Make sure you don’t miss this.
Safeguarding and Photography at St John’s
Safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults is a priority at St John’s. A copy of the PCC’s Safeguarding Policy is available in the porch and on the parish website. Photographs of the church may be taken outside of services but please do not take any pictures during the service. When photographing the church, should you happen to capture people in your photographs, please delete them. Safeguarding concerns can be raised in the first instance with the church’s Safeguarding Officer, Mary Langford.
COMMUNITY NOTICES
Refugee Drop-in Volunteers
St John’s hosts 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 normally 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 is this afternoon.
Book Club
Book Club next meets on 14th July and will discuss the classic Sanskrit book The Kama Sutra, meaning ‘Principles of Love’, based on an ancient Indian Hindu Sanskrit text attributed to Vātsyāyana (this translation is in English by Sir Richard Burton & F F Arbuthnot). It is a guide to the art of love, relationships, social behaviour and living a fulfilling life. For further information about the book club, please speak to Irwin Nazareth.
