Weekly News 15th December 2013/ Christmas Programme

CHRISTMAS PROGRAMME

So you’ve got them all in one place, here is a run-down of the services and preparations taking place over the Christmas period:

TODAY, 15DEC:          CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT, 7:00PM (FINAL REHEARSAL, 3:00PM)

Orchestra, choir, mulled wine and mince pies – what more could you want?

MONDAY, 23 DEC:     CHRISTINGLE MAKING, 2:00PM @ CHURCH  Come and join the sweet-laden production line, as we make the Christingles in preparation for our ever-popular service. All welcome.

CHRISTMAS EVE:        CHRISTINGLE SERVICES, 3:00 & 5:00PM                                           MIDNIGHT COMMUNION, 11:15PM

CHRISTMAS DAY:       COMMUNION SERVICE, 8:00AM

                                             FAMILY WORSHIP, 10:00AM

Click here to download   Weekly News 15th December 2013

Weekly News 8th December 2013/ A Big Alpha Thank You

A BIG ALPHA

THANK YOU

 The Alpha course concluded on Monday evening last week. It finished by looking at the whole idea of belonging to God’s church; a body made up of all the people contributing to its life in different ways.

 Alpha has itself been a great example of the church in action. Many people have contributed to its running by preparing and cooking meals, delivering them each week, leading groups, or giving talks. It has been serious business in a relaxed and fun environment, and the food has been a great start to each evening. It has gone down very well!

 It’s also a great encouragement that at least six of the group intend to continue meeting with Maureen and Nick for “After Alpha” evenings in the New Year.

 So, a very big thank you to all who have helped the course run so well.

Click here to download  Weekly News 8th December 2013

Weekly News 1st December 2013/ 'Waiting' & 'Preparing'

‘WAITING’ AND ‘PREPARING’

I wonder which of those activities you prefer, waiting or preparing?

Culturally, there is a case to say we are more proficient at making preparations. This year I stumbled into a shop putting out the Christmas decorations before I had barely shaken the South Coast sand out of my summer trunks… it was the first week of September.

Waiting was clearly not high on their agenda. It’s also easy to confuse jumping the gun with being well prepared. The bible tells us that for everything there is a season; and to hasten ‘the time’ can lead to frenetic, out of joint lives.

Today is the start of advent. It’s not the klaxon sounding to charge around madly getting ready for Christmas. It’s an invitation to wait and dwell on exactly what it is we are getting ready for. 

Find ways to press pause this Advent. You might just discover that it’s the best form of preparation for the season.

Click here to download Weekly News 1st December 2013

Weekly News 24th November 2013/ All You Need is Love...

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE…

 The apostle Paul said something like this long before McCartney and Lennon!

Last week, as we surveyed 1 Corinthians 12, we discovered that we are called to belong to the one body of the church...worldwide and here at St John’s. Each and every one of us has a vital part to play with the gifts we have been given; no-one more important than another.

But...Paul goes on to say today, in chapter 13, that the most important characteristic for Christians is love. Notwithstanding all the exciting and varied gifts Paul speaks about, he is clear that the most excellent way is love, and if we don’t have that, the gifts count for nothing.

So, as we continue to explore the use of our gifts over the next weeks and months, what it means to ‘love one another’ will be at the forefront of our thinking. We start to explore that today.

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Weekly News 17th November 2013/ Body Image

BODY IMAGE

 We live in an image conscious age.

The appearance and state of our bodies is sometimes an unhealthy pre-occupation. This morning though, at our 10am service, we’ll be looking at body shape from a different perspective. In 1 Corinthians 12, the apostle Paul sets out a vision of God’s church as gifted by the Holy Spirit and he likens it to a body. Not just any old body, but the embodiment of Jesus.

In Christ’s body, as in fact with our own, there is something that runs much deeper than image. We’ll explore this together. As was hinted at in the Assembly Rooms a couple of weeks ago, this is just a small piece of bigger body work that we will be looking to partake in as a church over the coming years – identifying our gifts and encouraging each other to exercise them.

That’s probably flogged the body metaphor to within an inch of its life; but it’s exciting, because it’s really about people seeing Jesus at work.

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Weekly News 10th November 2013/ Remembrance Sunday

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

Today, we remember all those who have lost their lives in two World Wars, as well as current service men and women who give their lives as a consequence of conflicts across our globe. Remembrance Sunday is a stark reminder of the brokenness of our world and the high price that people pay for our collective failure to love and do as God desires.

Let’s turn back to our Maker, and pray earnestly for all those who bear the scars of war.

 ‘They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.’

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Weekly News 3rd November 2013/ Shirley Raymond's Blessing to St John's

SHIRLEY RAYMOND’S

BLESSING TO ST JOHN’S

            Many of you will know of Shirley Raymond, who died last year, and who went to be with her Lord in glory. Shirley lived in Coney Hall and worshipped at St John’s all her life; her father, George, was a Curate here over 20 years ago.

Shirley quietly dedicated her life as a physiotherapist to those with disabilities, working for many years at Nash College and latterly taking wheelchairs and the Gospel abroad to Africa with a charity ‘Through the Roof’. Shirley also served her community devotedly dedicating many years to the Guiding Movement. She served God faithfully; loving the Lord Jesus, St John’s and the community.

Shirley has continued to bless St John’s by leaving a combined legacy of £32,500.

The PCC has set this sum aside in a designated fund in Shirley’s name for two reasons; firstly, so that it doesn’t get spent on ‘run of the mill’ things, secondly so the PCC can take time to consider using the money wisely, as gifts like this don’t come along very often.

We give thanks and glory to God for Shirley’s life; her commitment to the Gospel, her foresight in financial planning and her generosity to St John’s.

Click here to download   Weekly News 3rd November 2013

Weekly News 27th October 2013/ Thank You for your Support

‘THANK YOU’ FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Last week there was a sale for Demelza House at the Beacon Centre, as well as some cake-trading in church – all in memory of Bethany Gaved, Ken’s grand-daughter.

 We would like to say a big thank you for all who gave their support and the total raised so far for Demelza House is £343, with more money continuing to trickle in.  Another raffle raised a further £100, which went to Bethany’s Riding for the Disabled Group; a favourite activity of hers.

Many have commented on the great atmosphere of the event and we hope that it was a real encouragement to the Gaved family. Do continue to keep Bethany’s parents, Andrew and Tracey, in your prayers as they continue to negotiate life without her, as well as the many others who knew Bethany well.

Click here to download  Weekly News 27th October 2013

Weekly News 20th October 2013/ Seeking God in Stillness

Sometimes The Message renders a bible passage in a way that resonates deeply with us. One such passage is from chapter 11 of Matthew’s gospel and reads like this:

‘Are you tired? Worn Out? Burned Out on religion? Come to me.

Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me – watch how I do it.

Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.’

 If this beautiful passage strikes a chord, then you might want to think about our ‘retreat morning’ on Saturday 16 November, 10am-1pm. It’s being held at Holmshaw Farm, off Layhams Road. It will be a relaxed and informal few hours to slow down, receive some low-key input on prayer and enjoy plenty of space to engage with God in the way that suits you.

Further details will shortly appear on the website, but spaces will be limited, so if you’re interested let Jon or Margaret know shortly.

Click here to download  Weekly News 20th October 2013

Weekly News 13th October 2013/ Talking About God Without Feeling Weird

TALKING ABOUT GOD WITHOUT FEELING WEIRD

 Is the subject we will be exploring together on Sunday 3 November.

Instead of our two usual morning services in church, we will meet in the Assembly Rooms at 10am in a similar manner to how we did back in March, followed by a bring-and-share lunch. There will be activities for the younger children, but like last time we want our teens to be in the thick of the table conversations.

The change of venue gives us a bit more flexibility, and is a good chance to get to know a few more people in the church in a relaxed environment.

Back to the subject matter – if you’ve ever felt awkward, embarrassed or reticent about sharing your faith with work colleagues, family or friends, then you’re not alone. We’re going to be honest about the good, the bad and the ugly of evangelism.

Click here to download Weekly News 13th October 2013

Weekly News 6th October 2013/ A Match Made in Heaven?

A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN?

As you tucked into your bowl of cornflakes this morning, it is unlikely that you thought too much about the connection between what you were eating and the land it came from.

Most of us live quite removed from the production of our food. Our ancestors celebrated Harvest after all the crops had been gathered in, as a way of showing their appreciation for God’s goodness towards them. We may not have that affinity of old with the food growing process, but Harvest remains a powerful reminder to us of the claim made in one of the psalms, ‘The Earth is the Lord’s and everything in it!’

All our food is gifted to us, no matter the complexity of our current production processes. To pause, reflect and allow that truth to inspire deep gratitude in us is good. A grateful spirit is infectious and naturally leads to generosity. As we give thanks today for all we have, we in turn look to be generous in the way we give to others in this world that God has made (see inside for details of our collections).

Gratitude and Generosity – you decide what sort of match.

Click here to download Weekly News 6th October 2013

Weekly News 29th September 2013/ Link to Hope Moldova

LINK TO HOPE IN MOLDOVA

 Moldova is the poorest country in Europe. It is landlocked with no natural resources - a country where two thirds live off less than £2.50 a day, many living below the international poverty line of 78 pence per day.

This is a community where:

“People have nothing,

Give everything,

Want nothing

But need everything.”

 Pastor Slavic and Bishop Dumitru from Dancu and Ciora will be speaking at an informal evening about how together with Link to Hope, a Christian charity, they work to support people and projects, with the vision of one day being independent.

Do come and join us

@ Holmshaw Farm, Layhams Road, Thursday 17^th October,

8pm tea/coffee & cakes, 8.30pm informal talk

For more details see Milly Johnson or Sue Watson

Click here to download Weekly News 29th September 2013

Weekly News 22nd September 2013//Harvest Celebration

HARVEST CELEBRATION

In a couple of weeks’ time, we will give thanks for all that we receive from God in a celebration service with our uniformed groups. As part of our response to God for all that he provides, we take a food and money collection to give away. This year our gifts will be distributed as follows:

• We will give our food donations to the Salvation Army. It would be helpful to them if we could provide tins of pies, meat and fish, rather than beans, spaghetti and soup. They receive a lot of the latter, and it can then be hard to make up full meals;

• We will take a collection for the work of Tear Fund in Syria. While the international community continues to debate the best course of action, thousands of people are being forced to flee their homes every day. The civil war has squeezed 2 million Syrians from their country, and in most cases they leave with very little and an uncertain future.

Let’s give generously to these two worthy causes.

Click here to download    Weekly News 22nd September 2013

Men's Group Notice

The Mens Group will be meeting Friday 4 October at 8pm at

THE FOX, Keston (or if we prefer THE GREYHOUND opposite)

perhaps to discuss a Mens Service in church... or just simply to be social.

Weekly News 15th September 2013 // Amber CPC

We have a few things Amber-related this week: i) Amber’s client numbers are steadily increasing and they would love to have more people work with them.  A new course to train people as a ‘Pregnancy Choices Practitioner' has just been launched and the first one begins in October.

If you are at all interested, ring Amber on 8462 9990 or email at:  contact@amberpregnancy.com.

ii) As the work of Amber gently grows, they continue to need all the prayer support you can provide. The next prayer meeting is in the Beacon Centre on 24 September at 8pm.

iii) Sarah Fletcher is running the Royal Parks half marathon on 6October to raise funds for Amber CPC. If you would like to sponsor her, please see Sarah, or Alison Stockdale. Details of a JustGiving site will be available shortly. Thank you.

Click here to download  Weekly News 15th September 2013

Friends & Heroes Club // Weekly News 8th September 2013

FRIENDS & HEROES CLUB

 Our new club for families with primary school age children starts this month – designed for all the family to join in together. Using animated adventure stories, it brings the stories of the Old and New Testament to children in a fresh way. Fun activities and reflection help connect the stories to the challenges young people confront, and together we think about what it means to make good, wise and brave choices.

 Launch date: 22^nd September, 3.30 - 5.15pm in church.

 Needed Urgently

Unflattened cereal, food, & tissue boxes, as well as any sheets of coloured crepe or tissue paper.  If you have any spare, please leave in dustbin bags outside porch door from this Sunday.  Thank you!

Future Dates:

20^th October & 17th November

Helpers Meeting

All Welcome - 16^th September at 8pm at 124 Copse Avenue, WW.

Click here to download  Weekly News 8th September 2013

Weekly News 1st September 2013

NEVER NOT HERE

XX

 Is an eye-catching message that was on a chalkboard outside a café in Ealing. It’s a slightly more unusual way of conveying what we will be exploring this morning in our family service, as we look at the first chapter of Joshua.

 For many, this week brings a change from the Summer rhythms – many will be returning to School, some will find typical work routines being restored, and for others, simply the advent of September marks out the changing of the seasons. This shift may herald new challenges and opportunities, or might mean the return of old frustrations.

Whether it’s a jump into the unknown, or stroll into the familiar, we can go without worry or feeling disheartened; for wherever it is we travel, our God goes with us.

Click here to download Weekly News 1st September 2013

Welcome Back // Weekly News 25th August

WELCOME BACK…

…if you have been away on your Summer break. We hope time off has been restorative. You may have missed previous editions of our Weekly News so we’ve kept some of what is in store this Autumn on the front page, but there are also new notices inside.

•  On 8 September, Paul & Cathy Harris, our speakers at Ashburnham, will be joining us for our Morning Worship. Paul will preach, as we return to our walk through 1 Corinthians.
•  In November, there will be a retreat day for anyone who wants to take some time out from the hustle and bustle and think about what it means to slow down and engage with God in quiet.
•  We’ll get together in the Assembly Rooms for a Sunday morning and bring and share lunch, as we did not so long ago – to explore the joys and pain of sharing our faith.

We’ll be looking to develop the way we operate as Christ’s body, by developing some clearer team structures, with a view to putting these in place in the New Year.

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Sneak Preview // Weekly News 18th August

SNEAK PREVIEW

We don’t want to wish your Summer weeks away, but there is plenty in store for this Autumn. Some of what lies ahead is outlined overleaf, but here is a glimpse of other things to come:

• On 8 September, Paul & Cathy Harris, our speakers at Ashburnham, will be joining us for our Morning Worship. Paul will preach, as we return to our walk through 1 Corinthians.

• In November, there will be a retreat day for anyone who wants to take some time out from the hustle and bustle and think about what it means to slow down and engage with God in quiet.

• We’ll get together in the Assembly Rooms for a Sunday morning and bring and share lunch, as we did not so long ago – to explore the joys and pain of sharing our faith.

We’ll be looking to develop the way we operate as Christ’s body, by developing some clearer team structures, with a view to putting these in place in the New Year.

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Weekly News 11th August 2013

ALPHA  -

STARTING SEPTEMBER 30TH

Did you know that there is an Alpha course running virtually all day every day, somewhere around the globe? All around the world, in homes and halls, in prisons and on patios, people are exploring the big issues; asking those questions about life, spirituality and faith they may have wondered about, but never had the time to explore. And now it’s our time again.

Alpha will start at St. John’s on 30^th September so now is the time to be thinking about who you can invite. Several people are already waiting to get started and the more the better. In a relaxed, unpressured setting (probably in someone’s home) there will be a meal and a talk and discussion in groups. At Alpha friendships are made and confidence is gained to ask those challenging questions. No subject is off limits.

If you have non Christian friends, neighbours or family who have asked questions, expressed scepticism or even a casual interest in faith and spirituality, then why not invite them to come to Alpha? And, please start to pray now that people will hear about it, will want to come, and will be blessed by it.

Details from Jon, Nick and the Parish office. Also see www.stjohnsww.com

Download Weekly News here     Weekly News 11th August 2013