Weekly News 21st & 28th December 2014/ Merry Christmas & A Blessed New Year

MERRY CHRISTMAS & A BLESSED NEW YEAR  This edition of our News Sheet covers the next few weeks. So depending on when you are reading this headline, there is every possibility that the greeting feels either a little premature, or a little late.

Whatever the timing, hopefully the sentiment behind it won’t be lost.

This is being written in the week leading up to Christmas – a time when you would hope for stories that warm your heart. Sadly, the news has been filled with headlines, which frankly shock afresh – revealing again humanity’s capacity for appalling acts of brutality, even towards the young. It has ever been thus. Part of the Nativity story that is often excised, tells of a threatened King committing infanticide.

Now, as always, we are in desperate need of the Light of the World to knock holes in the darkness. May you know His peace this season – God Bless.

Click here to download      Weekly News 21st 28th December 2014

Weekly News 14th December 2014/ Carols in the Park - Today

CAROLS IN THE PARK - TODAY If you’re not yet feeling the anticipation of Christmas, today is an opportunity to get in the mood, as well as warm up your voice for the season of festive singing.

Our annual gathering with plenty of local people to sing carols and drink mulled wine will be at Parklands Nursery at 5pm. Like so many of these events, it really is a case of the more the merrier. It’s also a great encouragement for Alison and the others working at Parklands, who are always looking to make positive connections with the community through all that they do at the Nursery.

So wrap up well, bring your friends, and take the opportunity to get to know some more people in Coney Hall.

Click here to download     Weekly News 14th December 2014

Weekly News 7th December 2014/ Christingle Capers

CHRISTINGLE CAPERS Our two Christingle Services continue to be a firm family favourite over the Christmas period, forming part of many people’s Yuletide traditions. As before, they will take place on Christmas Eve at 3:00 and 5:00pm.

Not only is it a familiar way to usher in Christmas, but it gives us a chance to respond to the ‘Light of the World’ by giving to the work of the Children’s Society. If you want to do some fund-raising in advance, you can grab a collection candle from the porch and then bring it along to one of the services.

We’ll need to get a production line going for the making of the Christingles themselves. It’s fun for the kids, as not all the sweets quite make it onto the oranges! The more people we have to help, the better.  Assembly will take place on Monday 22nd December at 10am, so if you would like to pitch in, join us at the church.

Click here to download     Weekly News 7th December 2014

Weekly News 30th November 2014/ Contact Book Update

CONTACT BOOK UPDATE It might not make for the most enthralling headline, but making it easy to get in touch with each other is important.

The last version of our book was compiled in 2012, so it’s time to give it a refresh. We hold 2 versions of our contact book - one available to everyone, and the other a confidential version, which is only available to the clergy, churchwardens, SPAs and Parish Administrator.

There will be a copy of the public version of the book on the Welcomers’ Table. If you’ve joined us in the last couple of years and would like to include your details, or there is existing information which needs amending, please fill in one of the forms and place it in an envelope in the box in the porch.

In accordance with Safeguarding guidelines, young people under 18 may only be included in their parents’ entry in the confidential book. Young people over 18 can have an entry of their own. If you have any questions, please ask Margaret at the Parish Office during her working hours.

Click here to download   Weekly News 30th November 2014

Click here to download   A5 Contact Book Form v1

Weekly News 23rd November 2014/ Some Dates for your Christmas Diary

SOME DATES FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS DIARY Senior Citizens Christmas Lunch

Saturday 13 December 12:30pm, Assembly Rooms

Please see the flyer from last week for details, but bookings need to be made by Friday 5th December. We could do with some more help to run this event. NB There won’t be a raffle this year, so no prizes are required.

BIG Christmas Sing

Sat 6 December, 4pm, St Francis’ Church

A Collection will be taken in support of Christian Aid. They are looking for more singers - there are just 2 rehearsals, including one on the day. If you would like to join with the choir, contact: Geoff Mussard.

' 020 8650 8389 or geoff@mussard.org.uk.

 St John’s Carols by Candlelight – 21 December, 7pm

Our publicity for this and all our Christmas services will be going out shortly, so your help with distributing the fliers will be much appreciated.

Click here to download     Weekly News 23rd November 2014

Weekly News 16th November 2014/ Something for Today

SOMETHING FOR TODAY… The diary is already starting to get fuller in the run up to Christmas, so we’re putting some of the things for ‘today’ on the front page.

The first is we gather to give thanks for Eli and Libby. The rapidly expanding Leeves household invites us to join them in praying for their family, as well as celebrating with them afterwards in a ‘bring and share’ tea party. If you can, please bring a drink. There will be some sandwiches, crisps, cake, scones and fruit etc, and if you fancy getting your bake on (or off), feel free to bring contributions.

As mentioned last week, we’re looking to gather some money so that we can buy some books to give to our guests at this year’s Carol Service. A collection plate we be left out near the Welcomers’ table. If everyone in the church was able to give a fiver, then that would go a long way to getting a book for every family who joins us.

Click here to download    Weekly News 16th November 2014

Weekly News 9th November 2014/ Remember War: Strive For Peace

REMEMBER WAR STRIVE FOR PEACE One hundred years on from The Great War and conflict is no less present in our world. Whilst the majority of us here don’t experience the immediate bite of war, for many across the globe it is an all too painful personal reality.

It is appropriate then that on occasions our act of remembering becomes more than a private matter, and is something shared and public – an act of solidarity. That might mean gently laying aside some of the politics for a moment to stand with those who have been scarred by war, as well as those who remain exposed to its traumas.

‘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.

As we remember, let’s also strive – not least of all in our prayers for peace.

Click here to download    Weekly News 9th November 2014

Weekly News 2nd November 2014/ Welcome to the Walsh Family

WELCOME TO THE WALSH FAMILY We extend a really warm St John’s welcome to Louisa and Paul, together with all their family and friends, as they bring Jackson to be baptized this morning.

Luka, was baptized by Ken a few years ago and today his little brother is following in his footsteps. We appreciate that being at St John’s may not feel like ‘home’ for all of you, but we hope that you will feel at ease quickly and you don’t see the need to put on any ‘airs and graces’ for us.

Today, a number of our young people are playing an integral part in leading our service and we wait to see what they have in store for us as we continue with our theme ‘Consider it Gain’ – exploring some of the great things we receive in faith.

If you would like to find out more about what goes on beyond Sunday, across the ages, then don’t hesitate to ask and someone will point you in the right direction.

Click here to download   Weekly News 2nd November 2014

Weekly News 26th October 2014/ Light the Night

'LIGHT THE NIGHT’ Our Light the Night celebration continues to draw a large following and is a great opportunity to rub shoulders (literally, given how packed it usually is!) with people in our community.

Not sure what it is?

Light the Night is our alternative to Halloween. Instead of basking in the typically ghoulish antics that come with 31 October, we encourage people to have fun in a different way. The evening is jammed with games, crafts, challenges, food and sometimes, the night rounds off with fireworks.

Someone once said, ‘I’d rather light a candle than criticize the darkness’. We’re not ramming our views about Halloween down people’s throats, but offering a positive substitute.

It all requires some organizing. If you have capacity to help out – either in getting Wickham Court School / the Church ready, or during the celebration itself – then please sign up on the noticeboard, or let Julie Lancaster know. Thanks for your help.

Click here to download      Weekly News 26th October 2014

Weekly News 19th October 2014/ Saying Thank You for Phoebe

SAYING THANK YOU FOR PHOEBE Is a big part of what we will be doing today in our time together, not to mention praying for her and the whole Showell clan, as they look to continue walking closely with God as a family.

After the service there will be cake, tea and coffee, followed by a short communion. Hot on the heels of all that, the church family is invited to stay and enjoy a BRING & SHARE LUNCH. You might need to dash home and grab something, but Paul and Heather would be delighted if as many people as possible would stay and enjoy a meal together at the church.

They will kindly supply drinks but please bring whatever you wish to eat with half an eye on sharing it around with others. Food for the lunch can be brought to the 10am service in a cool box, and left on the back pew in the north aisle during the service.

We look forward to enjoying the celebration together.

Click here to download    Weekly News 19th October 2014

Weekly News 12th October 2014/ Eternity...Farewell to John Munns

ETERNITY...FAREWELL TO JOHN MUNNS. Today we’re thinking about eternity. It’s the last of our sermon series, started weeks ago, about applying the gospel in our lives as Christians; at home, at work and in our community, in the world at large and among our neighbours. It must surely be a God-instance that this final topic comes just days after our farewell in church to John Munns.

At his service on Thursday we heard a bit about his wonderful final few hours with Sally, Andrew and Rachel. Jon Ward explained how, when John was asked what he felt about dying, in typical understatement he said that he was not really very keen on the idea but knew that he would soon be in a better place.

Later on he was asked what he would like to say to the church if he had one final opportunity to preach. After some thought, the sense of his reply was that he’d say that he knew that where he was going would be wonderful, and he wanted everyone to know that and to be sure to join him there!

So it can’t simply be a coincidence that on the day when we are thinking about eternity and heaven we have this vibrant example before us, of John’s faith and clear expectation of an amazing new life with God, forever. John understood eternity.

Click here to download    Weekly News 12th October 2014

Weekly News 5th October 2014/ A Weekend of Celebration & Thanks

A WEEKEND OF CELEBRATION & THANKS This Sunday we come together to mark Harvest and give thanks for everything that we receive from God. Within that spirit of gratitude, we’ll be getting behind the 3^rd West Wickham Scout Group as they celebrate their 80^th birthday.

As we have done in the past, we will take a food collection for the Salvation Army, who will distribute it to those who are struggling. We will also being taking a money collection to set up a bursary for the Scouts, called the ‘Ken Gaved Bursary’.

Many of you will have fond recollections of Ken and his love for Scouting. On their 80^th celebration, it seems a fitting way to honour his memory and mark this occasion, and we’ll provide some more details in the service as to what the bursary will go towards.

In the meantime, we join together to say thank you to our good God.

Click here to download   Weekly News 5th October 2014

Weekly News 28th September 2014/ Team Leaders

TEAM LEADERS We’ll be thinking a lot about mission beyond our parish this weekend, but I also want to draw your attention to the people who’ve been chosen to lead the teams we are developing to enhance our local mission.

You will recall that the PCC got together a couple of weekends ago to pray and vote from a list of people, nominated by the whole church. The following pairs of leaders emerged:

Faith Sharing                                                     Mission Outside the Parish

Charlotte Faint & Mike Slatter                    Milly Johnson & Elzbieta Cienciala

Worship                                                              Children & Youth

Jonny Faint & Barbara Bassot                      Anna Seabrook & Julie Lancaster

Care & Befriending                                         Social Action

Sue Watson & Maureen Lang                     Aston Stockdale & Jackie Barter

Prayer

Richard Greenhalgh & Barry Clements

We will commission these people in due course, and I will outline the next stage for the teams, but in the meantime please pray for them.

Thank you.

Click here to download      Weekly News 28th September 2014

Weekly News 21st September 2014/ ...Mourn with those who Mourn...

…MOURN WITH THOSE WHO MOURN...

I expect that most of you will have heard the sad news that our brother in Christ, John Munns, passed away on Wednesday evening.

 We can’t escape the reality that things moved faster than any of us anticipated. When you’re in shock, it’s difficult to digest too many words. For now, we acknowledge there is pain and use that feeling to stir us in prayer for Sally, Rachel and Andrew.

 Details of how we will mark John’s life and his strong faith are yet to be finalized. They will of course be shared in due course, and then we can put some more words to the man that he was, and the God that he believed in.

 Until then, let’s mourn with those who mourn.

 God Bless. Jon.

Click here to download   Weekly News 21st September 2014

Weekly News Extra 14th September 2014/ Churchill Theatre Event etc

A LIFE THAT MATTERS THE CHURCHILL THEATRE – BROMLEY

4TH & 5TH OCTOBER 2014 - DOORS OPEN 7PM.

Announcing an amazing entertainment and outreach opportunity.

Churches in Bromley, working with several large Christian organisations, have booked the Churchill Theatre for two amazing evangelistic concert evenings. There will be great entertainment and the speaker will be Andrew Palau – son of the famous father, Luis.

Entertainment will include:

Daughters of Davis

J Marie Cooper (The Voice)

LZ7

Tabitha Webb (Lead roles in Phantom and Les Mis)

Rebirth Dance Network

Noel Robinson

Tickets are free: www.sublime.uk.com

E-mail: info@sublime.uk.com

Tel: 020 3012 0059 Charity No. 1131280

BUT...remember this is not just entertainment for us, but an opportunity to bring our friends who aren’t Christians to a great, free evening where they will hear a very clear gospel message.

Click here to download   Weekly News Extra 14th Sept 2014

Weekly News 14th September 2014/ Pastoral Care Course

PASTORAL CARE COURSE Here is an exciting opportunity to explore and learn more about Christian pastoral care.

It’s a 10-session course, certificated by Pastoral Care UK and the Association of Christian Counsellors, which will be run at St John’s in late Autumn and early New Year. It is not so much an academic, as experiential course, whereby people will be encouraged to engage with God as they look to develop their pastoral care.

Whilst the course has a flavour of pastoral care for marriages, plenty of the core material is relevant for general pastoral care training. To that end, the course suits anyone wishing to learn more about pastoral care, those in need of a refresher, or simply people who want to be better equipped to attend to the needs in the community/workplace.

If you want to know more, please speak to Barry and Chrissy Turner (0208 462 6925 or 07513 586 873) or pick up a flyer in church or the Beacon Centre.

Click here to download   Weekly News 14th September 2014

Weekly News 7th September 2014/ Harvest Barn Dance & Supper

HARVEST BARN DANCE AND SUPPER 6pm, Saturday 4^th October

 Assembly Rooms

It’s time to don your cowgirl/cowboy gear and dust off your dosey doe, as we celebrate our Harvest Supper with a Barn Dance again.

It was great fun last year for all the family and we’ve got the same caller returning to send us spinning around the hall. It’s also a great occasion to invite friends along to. No previous experience is required and generally, the more inept the better.   Food is provided and you can bring your own drinks if you want, but soft beverages will be included in the price.

Tickets:  Adults 14 yrs and over - £8.

Children aged 2-13 years - £2

On sale in the Church or the Beacon Centre.

Click here to download   Weekly News 7th September 2014 v2

Mission Weekend 27th - 28th September 2014

Click here to download a copy of the Mission Weekend information leaflet   Mission Weekend 2014

Weekly News 31st August 2014/ Alpha Publicity to go Out

ALPHA PUBLICITY TO GO OUT The materials to publicise our forthcoming Alpha course have arrived. They include postcards to go out to all the homes in the parish, invitations with a tear-off response to be held at church and the Beacon Center, as well as posters to go up around the place.

We’re really grateful to everyone who distributes these materials. Please pray as you dole them out around the local area that God will use the Alpha course to draw people to his side, and these invites will be met with open hearts.

It’s encouraging to have received enquiries as a result of our website, and we hope for more from this publicity. We’ll keep saying it though; the most effective invitation is still the personal one that comes naturally out of our existing friendships. So pray for that open door as well.

Click here to download   Weekly News 31st August 2014

Weekly News 24th August 2014/ Collection for Andrew White

COLLECTION FOR ANDREW WHITE As events unfold in Northern Iraq, Canon Andrew White, continues to try and support Christians who have fled Mosul and Ninevah through the Iraqi established churches. A lot of his relief work is channeled through the foundation he established, Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East (FFRME), and as a church we will be taking a collection alongside our usual Sunday offering to contribute to the work the Foundation is doing.

A collection plate will be put out in church clearly marked with Andrews’ name.

Do continue to pray for him and all those involved in the crisis in Iraq and Syria, not least of all, for how they cope with some of the horrific things they witness. Andrew writes almost daily on facebook, so if you want to keep track of what’s going on, look him up there.

Click here to download   Weekly News 24th August 2014