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.
Spring Term 2018 Anthems
This term’s offering of anthems during the Sunday morning service has two main themes running through it: on one hand we take a look at ‘God on Stage’, uncovering some of the ways religious themes and ideas have appeared in musical theatre shows over the years, either more or less overtly, and we also celebrate a range of major composers who celebrate important anniversaries in 2018.
Continuing the theme of God on Stage, this week we hear Stars, from the West End classic Les Miserables. At this point in Act I, the character Javert explains some of his reasons for pursuing the law as he does, and vows to capture Jean Valjean once and for all. The song begins ‘There, out in the darkness, a fugitive running, fallen from God, fallen from grace. God be my witness, I never shall yield till we come face to face. He knows his way in the dark; mine is the way of the Lord and those who follow the path of the righteous shall have their reward.’ Today's arrangement is by our own Nick Miller and features our marvellous orchestra leader Jonathan Hill, who leads the orchestra in Les Mis on the West End.
Whitsun Carols, 20th May 2018
A unique musical service at 6pm concluding our annual cycle of carol services which tell the events of the Christian year. At Whitsun Carols we commemorate the events from Easter to Pentecost, with readings and musical selections from the choir and guest musicians. A reception with the first of the summer Pimms will follow.
Bible Book Club
Bible book club meets once a month to read and to discuss the gospel reading for the coming Sunday and concludes with Compline. Meetings take place on the last Tuesday of the month – the next meeting is on 29th May. For further information, speak to one of the clergy.
St John’s Big Pub Quiz
Our popular quiz night returns on Thursday, 7th June, in St John’s at 7pm. Tickets will be £15 and include dinner and entry. They are available from staff in the parish office. Invite some friends and form a team of 6 to 8 or come on your own and join a team. The quizmaster for the evening is from The Victoria.
Culture Vultures visit Lambeth Palace
On Friday June 8th at 10.30am we have a guided tour of the state rooms at Lambeth Palace, SE1 7JU, London residence for nearly 800 years of the Archbishops of Canterbury. We will have the chance to explore the rooms and chapel, watch a video and hear about the history of the Archbishops of Canterbury. The tour finishes at approximately 12 noon, when we adjourn to the acclaimed and adjoining Garden Museum café for lunch: www.gardenmuseum.org.uk. There is no set menu: we select from the ‘menu du jour’ and pay on an individual basis. Meet at the Palace entrance, Morton’s Tower, at 10.15am. This is the red brick Tudor gatehouse built in 1469 by Cardinal Morton and is visible from the road. Payment to Margaret (cheques preferred) of £13 for the tour, including £1 tip for our volunteer guide, to secure your place.
Ordination of Dan Warnke and Summer Barbecue
Dan Warnke, our next assistant curate, will be ordained deacon on Saturday, 30 June, at St Paul’s Cathedral at 3pm. Dan will officially join the staff team at St John’s on Sunday, 8th July. As part of the celebrations on that Sunday, we will be holding our annual summer barbecue following the 10am service.
St John’s Book Club
St John’s Book Club met recently and enjoyed a riveting discussion over Iris Murdoch’s The Bell. Their next read will be Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders and they will meet to discuss it on Monday, 2nd July. See Michael King for further information.
The Rood Screen
Those of you who have been waiting patiently for the promised staining of the screen so that the north end, which had to be specially made when the screen was moved to its present location, will match the older sections can now rejoice in the fulfilment of your faith! Just after Easter the conservator was on site: the north end was stained and the rest was freshened up so that it now looks almost new.
Celebrate!
Marking a special birthday? Celebrating an anniversary? Wanting to remember that special person? St John’s can help! To honour a loved one or to commemorate a special event, you can sponsor some music or flowers, have fizz & refreshments after the service - there are lots of possibilities. If you would like to observe a special occasion or honour someone special, speak to Bryan Sollenberger.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Children’s Community Choir
Thursdays, 4.10pm
The Children’s Community Choir is open for children 6 years old and above, sessions will be 30 minutes long and children will sing different genres of music. If you are interested in bringing your children along please let Robert know.
LORD MAYOR’S CORNER
It’s hard to believe that this is my final week serving as The Lord Mayor of Westminster. And what a year it’s been, ably supported by Chris as my hard-working Consort and with the support of Steve as Lord Mayor’s Chaplain. There are a few final engagements to report on, including services at Westminster Abbey last week to commemorate the life of Florence Nightingale and a sung Eucharist on Ascension Day. I also took part in the annual Bathing of the Buddha Festival in Leicester Square on Saturday.
As well as hosting a few thank you receptions to mark my final week as Lord Mayor, Chris and I are excited to be paying a visit to HMS Westminster in Portsmouth on 14 May. The following day we are at St Martin in the Fields for a Service of Remembrance organised by the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association. My final engagement as Lord Mayor sees a return to Westminster Abbey on Wednesday for a service celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Arts Society, attended by HRH The Duke of Gloucester. It’s been a huge honour to represent Westminster as Lord Mayor over the past 12 months and I’m extremely grateful to the St John’s Community for their support and interest in my year. Thank you.
St James & St John School Gate Gossip
Get your quizzing muscles in shape for St John’s quiz night by supporting the St James and St John Quiz Night on Thursday, 17th May, at the Lancaster Hall Hotel, 35 Craven Terrace, opposite the school. The evening starts at 8pm. Tickets are £12 and include entrance, curry and a welcome glass of prosecco. Alternatively you can enter a team of up to 8 for £80! See Anna Haase for tickets and further information. There are a limited number of tickets so get yours while you still can!
Under Five’s Playgroups
An international playgroup aimed at Russian speakers meets in St John’s on Wednesdays at 10am. Another playgroup meets on Thursdays at 10am. Suggested donation for all groups: £2. Information about the playgroups can be found at www.HPPplaygroup.weebly.com and www.HPPrussian.weebly.com for the Russian speaking playgroup.
