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.
Autumn Music Series: Aspects of Love
‘God is love’ but there are many types of love. This Autumn our music series explores how we experience and share the various aspects of love as defined by Platonic and Aristotelian thought. This week our series opens with Andrew Lloyd Webber's ‘Love Changes Everything’, from his 1989 musical Aspects of Love. The lyrics are by Charles Hart and Don Black, and the character was originated by Michael Ball, both on Broadway and in London. It was also released as a single in 1989 and became Ball’s signature tune. The words speak of the transforming power of love; a fitting introduction to our series.
08/09 Eros Sexual or passionate love.
15/09 Philia Friendship dependability and trust.
22/09 Storge Familial love between parent and child.
29/09 Agape Sacrificial unselfish concern for others.
06/10 Ludus Playful or undemanding love.
13/10 Pragma Practical love founded on reason or duty.
20/10 Philautia Self-love whether healthy or unhealthy.
27/10 Mania An obsessive or possessive love.
The Choir
This morning we welcome the choir back form a summer break. A special welcome to our new scholars for this year – soprano Ffion Edwards, alto Judith Le Brueilly, tenor Ryan Williams and basses Max Battefeld and Ed Jowle, along with returning scholars Helen May, Holly-Marie Bingham and Robert Forrest. Please take time to say hello and introduce yourself to the choir over coffee as all our singers, along with Robert our director of music and Nicky our organist, are such an important part of our life and worship here at St John’s.
School Starter Sunday
8th September, 10am
Starting school is a big step as our children grow up and next Sunday morning we give a blessing to all children starting reception classes this term. They will also receive a St John’s pencil case, and all school-age children will receive a commemorative St John’s wristband.
Monthly Wednesday Clubs
After a break for August, these monthly meetings resume this month. Check dates below for both the Bible Book Club and the Wednesday Club.
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 normally take place on the first Wednesday of the month and the next meeting is on 4th September. For further information, speak to one of the clergy.
The Wednesday Club
This group typically meets on the third Wednesday of the month in The Duke of Kendal pub to discuss everyday ethics and how the things we think and do relate to our understanding of God and faith. The next meeting of this group will be on 18th September. To sign up or for further information, speak to Dan.
St John’s Book Club
St John’s Book Club next meets on 9th September when they will be discussing Rabbit, Run by John Updike. For further information, please speak to Michael King.
SAVE THE DATE
Our annual quiz night returns on Thursday, 3rd October, at 7pm. Form a team of 6-8 or come on your own and join a team on the evening. Tickets are £20 and proceeds will go to the roof appeal to make this year’s loan repayments.
Mid-week Services
St John’s isn’t just a church for Sundays! There are services at 5.30pm Monday to Thursday. Monday’s service is a eucharist with said evensong Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Services take place in the sanctuary and are open to all.
Help Robin Get to Church
Robin Plummer lives just off the Harrow Road a short drive from St John’s and needs help getting to and from church. Would you be willing to help him? There is a rota and you would be expected to help Robin approximately one Sunday per month. One of his carers would come along to help look after him. Coming to church is very special to Robin and helping him get here each week would be a real service to him.
Volunteer with a Cheer!
One of the great strengths of St John’s is the involvement of so many volunteers. Nowhere is this truer than at our Sunday services. We are profoundly grateful to everyone who takes part on the various rotas and in other ways as needed but we are always on the lookout for others who would like to be involved. If you would be willing to read a lesson, lead our prayers, carry the cross & candles, prepare and serve tea & coffee or help out in other ways, Dan and Andre would love to speak with you.
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.
Click St John’s to Share a Smile
smile.amazon.co.uk
If you find yourself shopping online as the summer days draw to a close, whatever you do, don’t go directly to Amazon.co.uk but head over to smile.amazon.co.uk and raise some money for St John’s. When you log in you can nominate St John’s Hyde Park for Amazon to simply donate 5% of the cost of your purchases to the church. Feel good about getting some good deals whilst supporting your parish church!
Culture Vulture Ventures
Culture Vultures and A Big Gay Night Out
visit to Osborne House, the Isle of Wight, September 2019
“It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot,” said Queen Victoria of Osborne House, her palatial holiday home on the Isle of Wight. In the 100th anniversary year of her birth, Culture Vulture Ventures and A big gay night out are joining forces and venturing to the Isle of Wight to visit Queen Victoria’s country home, Osborne House. We are offering 3 options:
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
Sat 14th Sept
A day trip to Osborne House travelling by train, ferry and bus.
Fri 13th - Sun 15th Sept
A weekend trip, meeting the day trippers at Osborne House and then staying on to enjoy the Island, with B&B accommodation in Sandown for 2 nights.
Family options.
Either come for the day, travelling there and back with the day trippers, or come for the Saturday and Sunday, linking up with the weekenders at Osborne House and travelling by train/ferry or by your own vehicle.
For more details please speak to either Margaret, or Ian Smith
If you are interested in any of the options, please register your interest by using the following form: https://form.jotformeu.com/92014478309357. Make sure you do not include the full stop if cutting and pasting the link into your browser.
An Evening with William Shawcross
Tuesday 17th September 7pm at the Vicarage
Meet the Author Evening in aid of St John ‘s high roof works appeal: St John's is very fortunate that parishioner William Shawcross, recently retired chair of the Charities Commission, broadcaster, author and historian, has agreed to be the guest of honour at a Meet the Author Evening. All profits from this occasion will go towards the St John’s High Roof Works Appeal. The evening begins with a fizz and canapé reception from 7pm, followed at 7.30pm by the author’s talk on his 2009 book ‘The Queen Mother: The Official Biography’ and a question and answer session. Bring your copy if you would like the author to sign it! A two-course buffet supper with wine will then be served, with an opportunity to speak to William (and ask all those questions which you were too shy to ask earlier!). All this for £48, numbers are limited, with payment to Margaret please, cheques preferred.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
School Gate Gossip
St James & St John is a school with a proud history and an aspirational future. It provides both academic and personal development for every child, underpinned by Christian values. To quote Ofsted: "This is a good school. It is strongly supported by parents and carers. The strong provision for development of pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural qualities ensures that pupils are kind to new arrivals and respect one another's values. Progress in English and mathematics is good and this reflects the good teaching and curriculum." Please feel free to visit.
Stay and Play
A community playgroup meets weekly in St John’s on Thursday mornings from 10-11.30am. Come and stay for a play, a sing-song and to share stories over a cup of coffee. All children and babies are welcome (newborn to 5 years). Suggested donation: £2.
