Author: elthamch

MARANATHA – OUR LORD, COME
Today, the first Sunday of Advent, begins a season of expectation and preparation as the Church looks toward the coming (or adventus) of Christ in his incarnation, and looks ahead to his final advent as judge at the end of time.

Many Christians use the expression and prayer ‘Maranatha’ during Advent. It comes from 1 Corinthians 16.22, and is an Aramaic word meaning ‘Our Lord, come’. The Advent season falls at the darkest time of the year, and the natural symbols of darkness and light are powerfully at work throughout Advent and Christmas.

DECORATIONS IN CHURCH
As part of their preparations for Christmas, the children of the church will make decorations based on Advent and Christmas carols, to be hung on one of two trees in church. The children of the church school will make decorations based on the Jesse Tree, which will adorn the other tree. The school will also hold a nativity service at St John’s on 12th December at 2pm and a carol service on 19th December at 6pm.

WINTER FAIR
A massive thank you to everyone who helped out or dropped in to the church’s Winter Fair yesterday. Watch this space for funds raised!

PANTOMIME
There’ll be a parish outing to Aladdin at the Bob Hope Theatre on Saturday 19th January at 2pm at the group rate of £9/person. If you’d like to book tickets, please sign up on the noticeboard. For further details, please speak to Fr Jim or Jean Harker.

WALKING | WELCOMING | GROWING: THE WOOLWICH AREA LAY CONFERENCE
Save the date for the next Woolwich Area Lay Conference, on Saturday 2nd February from 10am to 4pm at Ark All Saints Academy in Camberwell. Keynote speakers will be Rachel Jordan, Director of Evangelism at Church House, and the Rt Revd Dr Karowei Dorgu, Bishop of Woolwich. The event is being held for the third time – people from St John’s attended the last two conferences. For further details, please see Fr Jim.

CHRISTMAS SERVICES

Sunday 16th December, Third Sunday of Advent

• 6pm: A traditional candlelit service with nine lessons and carols, followed by mince pies and mulled wine

Monday 24th December, Christmas Eve

• 4pm: Nativity service, during which children are invited to take part in the story of Christmas around the stable
• 11.30pm: Midnight Mass, the first Eucharist of Christmas

Tuesday 25th December, Christmas Day

• 10am: Family Eucharist

WINTER FAIR
There will be a Winter Fair in church next Saturday from 10am to 2pm. Raffle tickets will be sold after the Eucharist today, with prizes announced at the end of the fair.

Contributions for the stalls, including books, toys, DVDs and bric-a-brac, are welcome – please drop off any items at church in the parish office, which is next to the font. The church is open on Thursdays at 9.30am-11am and Fridays at 11am-1pm.

We’d also be grateful for any homemade cakes you can offer. Cakes can be brought into church on Friday between 11am and 1pm, or on Saturday morning from 9am.

If you’d like to help with the fair or have any questions, please see Jene Kerr.

PANTOMIME
There’ll be a parish outing to Aladdin at the Bob Hope Theatre on Saturday 19th January at 2pm at the group rate of £9/person. If you would like to book tickets, please sign up on the noticeboard. For further details, please speak to Fr Jim or Jean Harker.

MARANATHA – OUR LORD, COME
The 2nd of December, the first Sunday of Advent, begins a season of expectation and preparation as the Church looks toward the coming (or adventus) of Christ in his incarnation, and looks ahead to his final advent as judge at the end of time.

Many Christians use the expression and prayer ‘Maranatha’ during Advent. It comes from 1 Corinthians 16.22, and is an Aramaic word meaning ‘Our Lord, come’. The Advent season falls at the darkest time of the year, and the natural symbols of darkness and light are powerfully at work throughout Advent and Christmas.

As part of their preparations for Christmas, the children of the church will make decorations based on Advent and Christmas carols, which will be hung on one of two trees appearing in church during Advent. The children of the church school will make decorations based on the Jesse Tree, which will adorn the other tree in church.

A SAFE CHURCH
At St John’s, we are committed to keeping our church members safe. This means we take measures to protect the health, wellbeing and human rights of all. It is our collective responsibility to take care of, look out for and help each other in church – especially children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you have any questions or safeguarding concerns, you can speak to our safeguarding officers in confidence: Mick Hayes on 020 8859 3389 or Alberta Rosenior on 020 8863 9413. You can also contact the Southwark Diocesan Safeguarding Team – see elthamchurch.org.uk for contacts.

GREENWICH WINTER NIGHT SHELTER
The Greenwich Winter Night Shelter is looking for volunteers to help provide for the homeless in our local community. For the past three years, St John’s has taken an active role in supporting the shelter, which provides a bed, breakfast and an evening meal for people in need. Please speak with Fr Jim if you think you can help.

WALKING | WELCOMING | GROWING: THE WOOLWICH AREA LAY CONFERENCE
Save the date for the next Woolwich Area Lay Conference, on Saturday 2nd February from 10am to 4pm at Ark All Saints Academy in Camberwell. Keynote speakers will be Rachel Jordan, Director of Evangelism at Church House, and the Rt Revd Dr Karowei Dorgu, Bishop of Woolwich. The event is being held for the third time – people from St John’s attended the last two conferences. For further details, please see Fr Jim.

ADMISSION TO COMMUNION
Today, we admit to Holy Communion Jessica Alison MacKenzie, Lucy Margaret MacKenzie and Jericho Julian Ayodele Olufemi Baruwa. Please pray for Jessica, Lucy and Jericho.

WINTER FAIR
There will be a Winter Fair in church on Saturday 1st December from 10am to 2pm. Contributions for the stalls, including books, toys and bric-a-brac, are welcome – please drop off any items at church in the parish office, which is next to the font. The church is open Thursdays at 9.30am-11am, Fridays at 11am-1pm and Sundays at 9am-midday. If you’d like to help with the fair or have any questions, please see Jene Kerr.

PANTOMIME
There’ll be a parish outing to the pantomime Aladdin at the Bob Hope Theatre on Saturday 19th January at 2pm at the group rate of £9 per person. If you would like to book tickets, please sign up on the church noticeboard. Payment is requested by the end of November. For further details, please speak to Fr Jim or Jean Harker.

A SAFE CHURCH
At St John’s, we are committed to keeping our church members safe. This means we take measures to protect the health, wellbeing and human rights of all. It is our collective responsibility to take care of, look out for and help each other in church – especially children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you have any questions or safeguarding concerns, you can speak to our safeguarding officers in confidence: Mick Hayes on 020 8859 3389 or Alberta Rosenior on 020 8863 9413. You can also contact the Southwark Diocesan Safeguarding Team – see elthamchurch.org.uk for contacts.

WENSLEY CLOSE
The Friends of Wensley Close are holding a coffee morning on Tuesday 20th November from 10am to 12.30pm at Charter House in King John’s Walk. For more information, please see the church noticeboard.

GREENWICH WINTER NIGHT SHELTER
The Greenwich Winter Night Shelter is looking for volunteers to help provide for the homeless in our local community. For the past three years, St John’s has taken an active role in supporting the shelter, which provides a bed, breakfast and an evening meal for people in need. Please speak with Fr Jim if you think you can help.

WALKING | WELCOMING | GROWING: THE WOOLWICH AREA LAY CONFERENCE
Save the date for the next Woolwich Area Lay Conference, on Saturday 2nd February from 10am to 4pm at Ark All Saints Academy in Camberwell. Keynote speakers will be Rachel Jordan, Director of Evangelism at Church House, and the Rt Revd Dr Karowei Dorgu, Bishop of Woolwich. The event is being held for the third time – people from St John’s attended the last two conferences. For further details, please see Fr Jim.

PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD: MUSIC FOR ADVENT
St Paul’s Cathedral is holding a four-week course in December exploring the music of Advent. The course – on consecutive Saturdays – will be led by the cathedral’s director of music, Andrew Carwood, and include music from the Renaissance to the 21st century. See stpauls.co.uk/learning-faith/adult-learning for further details.

St Paul’s is also hosting a series of free Sunday lunchtime forums, where some of the liveliest contemporary theologians speak about the challenges, contradictions and joys of being a Christian in the world today. The next forum is on 2nd December, when the Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford, will ask, ‘What is Prayer?’

CIVIC SERVICE
Today we commemorate the centenary of the end of the First World War. The Parish Eucharist will be shorter than usual, as we’ll be gathering outside at the War Memorial for an Act of Remembrance at 11am. This will be followed by a Service of Remembrance in church, at which the Archdeacon of Lewisham and Greenwich, the Venerable Alastair Cutting, will preside.

WINTER FAIR
There will be a Winter Fair in church on Saturday 1st December from 10am to 2pm. Contributions for the stalls, including books, toys and bric-a-brac, are welcome – please drop off any items at church in the parish office, which is next to the font. The church is open Thursdays at 9.30am-11am, Fridays at 11am-1pm and Sundays at 9am-midday. If you’d like to help with the fair or have any questions, please see Jene Kerr.

WENSLEY CLOSE
The Friends of Wensley Close are holding a coffee morning on Tuesday 20th November from 10am to 12.30pm at Charter House in King John’s Walk. For more information, see the church noticeboard.

A SAFE CHURCH
At St John’s, we are committed to keeping our church members safe. This means we take measures to protect the health, wellbeing and human rights of all. It is our collective responsibility to take care of, look out for and help each other in church – especially children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you have any questions or safeguarding concerns, you can speak to our safeguarding officers in confidence: Mick Hayes on 020 8859 3389 or Alberta Rosenior on 020 8863 9413. You can also contact the Southwark Diocesan Safeguarding Team – see elthamchurch.org.uk for contacts.

GREENWICH WINTER NIGHT SHELTER
The Greenwich Winter Night Shelter is looking for volunteers to help provide for the homeless in our local community. For the past three years, St John’s has taken an active role in supporting the shelter, which provides a bed, breakfast and an evening meal for people in need. Please speak with Fr Jim if you think you can help.

RESTORING THE SOPHIA TUCKER MEMORIAL
The Edith Nesbit Society has made an application to the diocese to restore the gravestone of Sophia Tucker (1847-1916) in St John’s churchyard. Sophia and her husband Tommy worked to promote better conditions for local workers and were active in the Co-operative movement, through which they met the writer Edith Nesbit. After Sophia died, Edith married Tommy.

The inscription on Sophia’s memorial reads: ‘In memory of Sophia, the beloved wife of Thomas Terry Tucker; died 14 January 1916 aged 66 years.’ Public notices summarising the application can be viewed inside and outside the church, and will be on display until 18th November. Details are also available in the parish office.

PANTOMIME
There’ll be a parish outing to the pantomime Aladdin at the Bob Hope Theatre on Saturday 19th January at 2pm at the group rate of £9 per person. If you would like to book tickets, please sign up on the noticeboard. Payment is requested by the end of November. For further details, please speak to Fr Jim or Jean Harker.

PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD: MUSIC FOR ADVENT
St Paul’s Cathedral is holding a four-week course in December exploring the music of Advent. The course – on consecutive Saturdays – will be led by the cathedral’s director of music, Andrew Carwood, and include music from the Renaissance to the 21st century. See stpauls.co.uk/learning-faith/adult-learning for further details.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY
Remembrance Sunday on 11th November will commemorate the centenary of the end of the First World War. At 11am Paris time on 11th November 1918, the armistice came into force, bringing fighting to an end.

One hundred years on, next Sunday at 11am, there will be an Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial in front of the church. A Service of Remembrance in church follows, at which the Archdeacon of Lewisham and Greenwich, the Venerable Alastair Cutting, will preside. The service will be attended by the Representative Deputy Lieutenant for the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Dr Pieter van der Merwe MBE, and the Mayor of Greenwich, Councillor Christine May. Representatives of the armed forces and the Royal British Legion will also join hundreds of people from the local community.

WINTER FAIR
There will be a Winter Fair in church on Saturday 1st December from 10am to 2pm. Contributions for the stalls, including books, toys and bric-a-brac, are welcome. If you would like to help in any way or have any questions, please speak with Jene Kerr.

GREENWICH WINTER NIGHT SHELTER
The Greenwich Winter Night Shelter is looking for volunteers to help provide for the homeless in our local community. For the past three years, St John’s has taken an active role in supporting the shelter, which provides a bed, breakfast and an evening meal for people in need. This winter, the shelter is open from November to the end of March, with a break over Christmas when Crisis will provide the support. Please see the poster on the noticeboard, and speak with Fr Jim if you think you can help.

RESTORING THE SOPHIA TUCKER MEMORIAL
The Edith Nesbit Society has made an application to the diocese to restore the gravestone of Sophia Tucker (1847-1916) in St John’s churchyard. Sophia and her husband Tommy worked to promote better conditions for local workers and were active in the Co-operative movement, through which they met the writer Edith Nesbit. After Sophia died, Edith married Tommy.

The inscription on Sophia’s memorial reads: ‘In memory of Sophia, the beloved wife of Thomas Terry Tucker; died 14 January 1916 aged 66 years.’ Public notices summarising the application can be viewed inside and outside the church, and will be on display until 18th November. Details are also available in the parish office.

PANTOMIME
There’ll be a parish outing to the pantomime Aladdin at the Bob Hope Theatre on Saturday 19th January at 2pm at the group rate of £9 per person. If you would like to book tickets, please sign up on the noticeboard. Payment is requested by the end of November. For further details, please speak to Fr Jim or Jean Harker.

PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD: MUSIC FOR ADVENT
St Paul’s Cathedral is holding a four-week course in December exploring the music of Advent. The course – on consecutive Saturdays – will be led by the cathedral’s director of music, Andrew Carwood, and include music from the Renaissance to the 21st century. See stpauls.co.uk/learning-faith/adult-learning for further details. There are also booklets detailing the adult learning programme at the back of church.

St Paul’s is also holding a series of free Sunday Forums – lunchtime events where some of the liveliest contemporary theologians discuss the challenges, contradictions and joys of being a Christian in the world today. On 2nd December at 1pm, the Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford, will lead a forum on ‘What is Prayer?’

FEED THE HUNGRY FOOD-PACKING EVENT
Feed the Hungry is holding a food-packing event on Friday 2nd November at Christ Church, Trafalgar Road, east Greenwich. The Rt Revd Dr Karowei Dorgu, Bishop of Woolwich, invites everyone to join him for refreshments at 6pm, followed by a briefing at 6.30pm from Feed the Hungry’s UK team. Then we’ll get packing! Our target is to pack 10,000 meals that evening, so 60-70 volunteers are needed to make it happen. Children are more than welcome. For further details, please email emma.kimsey@southwark.anglican.org.

SIXTY YEARS
Our very best wishes to Roy and Mary Creamer, who celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary on Thursday 1st November. Many congratulations!

PANTOMIME
There’ll be a parish outing to the pantomime Aladdin at the Bob Hope Theatre on Saturday 19th January at 2pm at the group rate of £9 per person. If you would like to book tickets, please sign up on the noticeboard. Payment is requested by the end of November. For further details, please speak to Fr Jim or Jean Harker.

ALL SOULS
There will be a Solemn Eucharist at 7pm on Friday 2nd November, All Souls Day, for the commemoration of the Faithful Departed. This is when the church remembers people known to us who have died.

RESTORING THE SOPHIA TUCKER MEMORIAL
The Edith Nesbit Society has made an application to the diocese to restore the gravestone of Sophia Tucker (1847-1916) in St John’s churchyard. Sophia and her husband Tommy worked to promote better conditions for local workers and were active in the Co-operative movement, through which they met the writer Edith Nesbit. After Sophia died, Edith married Tommy.

The inscription on Sophia’s memorial reads: ‘In memory of Sophia, the beloved wife of Thomas Terry Tucker; died 14 January 1916 aged 66 years.’ Public notices summarising the application can be viewed inside and outside the church, and will be on display until 18th November. Details are also available in the parish office.

WINTER FAIR
There will be a Winter Fair in church on Saturday 1st December from 10am to 2pm. Contributions for the stalls, including books, toys and bric-a-brac, are welcome. Thanks to Jene Kerr, who is arranging the fair this year. If you would like to help in any way or have any questions, please speak with Jene.

GREENWICH WINTER NIGHT SHELTER
The Greenwich Winter Night Shelter is looking for volunteers to help provide for the homeless in our local community. For the past three years, St John’s has taken an active role in supporting the shelter, which provides a bed, breakfast and an evening meal for people in need. This winter, the shelter will open from November to the end of March, with a break over Christmas when Crisis will provide the support. Please see the poster on the noticeboard, and speak with Fr Jim if you think you can help.

PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD: MUSIC FOR ADVENT
St Paul’s Cathedral is holding a four-week course in December exploring the music of Advent. The course – on consecutive Saturdays – will be led by the cathedral’s director of music, Andrew Carwood, and include music from the Renaissance to the 21st century. See stpauls.co.uk/learning-faith/adult-learning for further details. There are also booklets detailing the adult learning programme at the back of church.

A THANK YOU
The Manna Society has sent its thanks to St John’s and to the church school for all the food gathered at the Harvest Festival. The society relies on such donations to feed those in need who visit its day centre, which serves around 800 meals every week.

FEED THE HUNGRY FOOD-PACKING EVENT
Feed the Hungry is holding a food-packing event on Friday 2nd November at Christ Church, Trafalgar Road, east Greenwich. The Rt Revd Dr Karowei Dorgu, Bishop of Woolwich, invites everyone to join him for refreshments at 6pm, followed by a briefing at 6.30pm from Feed the Hungry’s UK team. Then we’ll get packing! Our target is to pack 10,000 meals that evening, so 60-70 volunteers are needed to make it happen. Children are more than welcome. For further details, please email emma.kimsey@southwark.anglican.org.

PANTOMIME
There’ll be a parish outing to the pantomime Aladdin at the Bob Hope Theatre on Saturday 19th January at 2pm at the group rate of £9 per person. If you would like to book tickets, please sign up on the noticeboard. Payment is requested by the end of November. For further details, please speak to Fr Jim or Jean Harker.

ALL SOULS
There will be a Solemn Eucharist at 7pm on Friday 2nd November, ‘All Souls Day,’ for the commemoration of the Faithful Departed. This is when the church remembers people known to us who have died.

RESTORING THE SOPHIA TUCKER MEMORIAL
The Edith Nesbit Society has made an application to the diocese to restore the gravestone of Sophia Tucker (1847-1916) in St John’s churchyard. Sophia and her husband Tommy worked to promote better conditions for local workers and were active in the Co-operative movement, through which they met the writer Edith Nesbit. After Sophia died, Edith married Tommy.

The inscription on Sophia’s memorial reads: ‘In memory of Sophia, the beloved wife of Thomas Terry Tucker; died 14 January 1916 aged 66 years.’ Public notices summarising the application can be viewed inside and outside the church, and will be on display until 18th November. Details are also available in the parish office.

WINTER FAIR
There will be a Winter Fair in church on Saturday 1st December from 10am to 2pm. Contributions for the stalls, including books, toys and bric-a-brac, are welcomed. Thanks to Jene Kerr, who is arranging the fair this year. If you would like to help in any way or have any questions, please speak with Jene.

GREENWICH WINTER NIGHT SHELTER
The Greenwich Winter Night Shelter is looking for volunteers to help provide for the homeless in our local community. For the past three years, St John’s has taken an active role in supporting the shelter, which provides a bed, breakfast and an evening meal for people in need. This winter, the shelter will open from November to the end of March, with a break over Christmas when Crisis will provide the support. Please see the poster on the noticeboard, and speak with Fr Jim if you think you can help.

PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD: MUSIC FOR ADVENT
St Paul’s Cathedral is holding a four-week course in December exploring the music of Advent. The course – on consecutive Saturdays – will be led by the cathedral’s director of music, Andrew Carwood, and include music from the Renaissance to the 21st century. See stpauls.co.uk/learning-faith/adult-learning for further details. There are also booklets detailing the adult learning programme at the back of church.

WELCARE CONCERT
Welcare, a charity long-supported by St John’s, will hold its annual concert on Friday 19th October at St Mary’s Church, Welling, at 7pm for 7.30pm. Entitled ‘Ticket to Ride,’ this evening of songs and choral arrangements, sung by the Ferrier Operatic Society, offers something for everyone. Tickets cost £10, and include drinks and nibbles. Please see the church noticeboard for more details or have a word with Sheila Squire.

PANTOMIME
There’ll be a parish outing to the pantomime Aladdin at the Bob Hope Theatre on Saturday 19th January at 2pm at the group rate of £9 per person. If you would like to book tickets, please sign up on the noticeboard. Payment is requested by the end of November. For further details, please speak to Fr Jim or Jean Harker.

JOB OPPORTUNITY
The Diocese of Southwark is looking for an IT support officer to work at Trinity House in London Bridge. The closing date is Wednesday 17th October. For further details, see the advertisement on the noticeboard. Visit cofepathways.org to apply.

ELTHAM & MOTTINGHAM ANGLICAN FORUM
A meeting of the Eltham & Mottingham Anglican Forum – the new name for the Deanery Synod – will be held on Wednesday 17th October at St Luke’s Church in Westmount Road. Refreshments will be available from 7.30pm, with the meeting starting at 8pm, led by Fr Ian Mobsby.

The deanery comprises eight parishes, and represents their churches. It meets every couple of months, and is currently conducting an experiment under its new name, whereby all people from the church congregations are invited to attend, in addition to the priests and elected representatives. Please see the poster on the noticeboard for more details.

FEED THE HUNGRY FOOD-PACKING EVENT
You may have heard Radio 4’s broadcast this morning on the work of Feed the Hungry and its food-packing events. The next event is on Friday 2nd November at Christ Church, Trafalgar Road, east Greenwich. The Rt Revd Dr Karowei Dorgu, Bishop of Woolwich, invites everyone to join him for refreshments at 6pm, followed by a briefing at 6.30pm from Feed the Hungry’s UK team. Then we’ll get packing! Our target is to pack 10,000 meals that evening, so 60-70 volunteers are needed to make it happen. Children are more than welcome. For further details, please email emma.kimsey@southwark.anglican.org.

GREENWICH WINTER NIGHT SHELTER
The Greenwich Winter Night Shelter is looking for volunteers to help provide for the homeless in our local community. For the past three years, St John’s has taken an active role in supporting the shelter, which provides a bed, breakfast and an evening meal for people in need. This winter, the shelter will open from November to the end of March, with a break over Christmas when Crisis will provide the support. Please see the poster on the noticeboard, and speak with Fr Jim if you think you can help.

PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD: MUSIC FOR ADVENT
St Paul’s Cathedral is holding a four-week course in December exploring the music of Advent. The course – on consecutive Saturdays – will be led by the cathedral’s director of music, Andrew Carwood, and include music from the Renaissance to the 21st century. See stpauls.co.uk/learning-faith/adult-learning for details. Booklets detailing the St Paul’s adult learning programme are available at the back of church.

HARVEST BRUNCH TODAY
After today’s Harvest Thanksgiving Eucharist, there’ll be a bring-and-share brunch in church. Do please stay, even if just for a short while to enjoy food with others. Don’t worry if you haven’t brought anything – there’s always more food than can be eaten!

WELCARE CONCERT
Welcare, a charity long-supported by St John’s, will hold its annual concert on Friday 19th October at St Mary’s Church, Welling, at 7pm for 7.30pm. Entitled ‘Ticket to Ride,’ this evening of songs and choral arrangements, sung by the Ferrier Operatic Society, offers something for everyone. Tickets cost £10, and include drinks and nibbles. Please see the church noticeboard for more details or have a word with Sheila Squire.

PANTOMIME
There’ll be a parish outing to the pantomime Aladdin at the Bob Hope Theatre on Saturday 19th January at 2pm at the group rate of £9 per person. If you would like to book tickets, please sign up on the noticeboard. Payment is requested by the end of November. For further details, please speak to Fr Jim or Jean Harker.

FEED THE HUNGRY FOOD-PACKING EVENT
The Rt Revd Dr Karowei Dorgu, Bishop of Woolwich, invites everyone to join him at Christ Church East Greenwich on Friday 2nd November to pack food parcels. The evening starts with refreshments at 6pm, followed by a briefing at 6.30pm from Feed the Hungry’s UK team. Then we’ll get packing! Our target is to pack 10,000 meals that evening, so 60-70 volunteers are needed to make it happen. Children are more than welcome. For further details, please email emma.kimsey@southwark.anglican.org.

GREENWICH WINTER NIGHT SHELTER
The Greenwich Winter Night Shelter is looking for volunteers to help provide for the homeless in our local community. For the past three years, St John’s has taken an active role in supporting the shelter, which provides a bed, breakfast and an evening meal for people in need. This winter, the shelter will open from November to the end of March, with a break over Christmas when Crisis will provide the support. Please see the poster on the noticeboard, and speak with Fr Jim if you think you can help.

YEAR’S MIND
We’re revising our Year’s Mind list of those who have died and whom we remember through the year. Please see the list on the table at the back of church. If someone you’d like to be remembered is already included, please tick their name. To add new people, enter the name you knew them by, as well as the date of their anniversary.

PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD: MUSIC FOR ADVENT
St Paul’s Cathedral is holding a four-week course in December exploring the music of Advent. The course – on consecutive Saturdays – will be led by the cathedral’s director of music, Andrew Carwood, and include music from the Renaissance to the 21st century. See stpauls.co.uk/learning-faith/adult-learning for details. Booklets detailing the St Paul’s adult learning programme are available at the back of church.

JOB OPPORTUNITY
The Diocese of Southwark is looking for an IT support officer to work at Trinity House in London Bridge. The closing date is Wednesday 17th October. For further details, see the advertisement on the church noticeboard. Visit cofepathways.org to apply.

WOOLWICH AREA LAY CONFERENCE
Save the date for the next Woolwich Area Lay Conference, on Saturday 2nd February from 10am-4pm at Ark All Saints Academy. Further details to follow.

HARVEST FESTIVAL
St John’s will hold a Harvest Thanksgiving Eucharist on Sunday 7th October. All are invited to bring along donations for the Manna Society, which works with the homeless and others in need in south London. The society is mostly seeking food – especially sugar, powdered milk, tinned tomatoes, tinned vegetables, pasta sauces, breakfast cereals and rice – but toiletries and clothes are also welcome. Please see the poster on the church noticeboard for more details.

The Harvest Thanksgiving Eucharist will be followed by a bring-and-share brunch in church. Please bring along food from your kitchen – at the last count there were 27 nationalities represented at St John’s and it would be wonderful to have contributions from around the world, especially any items that children have prepared at home.
Do stay after the Eucharist, even if just for a short while to enjoy food with others in church. If you’re unable to bring anything, please stay anyway – there’s always more food than can be eaten. For further information, speak with Fr Jim.

WELCARE CONCERT
Welfare, a charity long-supported by St John’s, will hold its annual concert on Friday 19th October at St Mary’s Church, Welling, at 7pm for 7.30pm. Entitled ‘Ticket to Ride,’ this evening of songs and choral arrangements, sung by the Ferrier Operatic Society, offers something for everyone. Tickets cost £10, and include drinks and nibbles. See the noticeboard for more details or have a word with Sheila Squire.

GREENWICH WINTER NIGHT SHELTER
The Greenwich Winter Night Shelter is looking for volunteers to help provide for the homeless in our local community. For the past three years, St John’s has taken an active role in supporting the shelter, which provides a bed, breakfast and an evening meal for people in need. This winter, the shelter will open from November to the end of March, with a break over Christmas when Crisis will provide the support. Please see the poster on the noticeboard for more details. If you think that you or someone you know may be able to help, please speak with Fr Jim.

YEAR’S MIND
We’re revising our Year’s Mind list of those who have died and whom we remember through the year. Please see the list on the table at the back of church. If someone you’d like to be remembered is already included, please tick their name. To add new people, enter the name you knew them by, as well as the date of their anniversary.

FROM EARTH TO HEAVEN: A PILGRIMAGE IN ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL
Do you ever wonder why church buildings are the way they are? They’re designed to teach us through our feet, eyes, hearts and minds about our place on earth and in heaven. On Saturday 6th October at 3pm, the Revd James Milne, Sacrist at St Paul’s, will take visitors on a journey through the cathedral, exploring the sacred meanings of the building. The pilgrimage will be followed by choral evensong at 5pm. Please see stpauls.co.uk/learning-faith/adult-learning for details of this event and others in the St Paul’s adult learning programme. Booklets are also available at the back of church.

WOOLWICH AREA LAY CONFERENCE
Save the date for the next Woolwich Area Lay Conference, on Saturday 2nd February from 10am-4pm at Ark All Saints Academy. The event is being held for the third time – people from St John’s attended the last two conferences. Further details to follow.

HARVEST FESTIVAL
St John’s will hold a Harvest Thanksgiving Eucharist on Sunday 7th October. All are invited to bring along donations for the Manna Society, which works with the homeless and others in need in south London. The society is mostly seeking food – especially sugar, powdered milk, tinned tomatoes, tinned vegetables, pasta sauces, breakfast cereals and rice – but toiletries and clothes are also welcome. Please see the poster on the church noticeboard for more details.

The Harvest Thanksgiving Eucharist will be followed by a bring-and-share brunch in church. Please bring along food from your kitchen – at the last count there were 27 nationalities represented at St John’s and it would be wonderful to have contributions from around the world, especially any items that children have prepared at home.
Do stay after the Eucharist, even if just for a short while to enjoy food with others in church. If you’re unable to bring anything, please stay anyway – there’s always more food than can be eaten. For further information, speak with Fr Jim.

WELCARE NEWS
Welcare, a charity long-supported by St John’s, will hold its annual meeting on Friday 28th September from 11am-2pm at the Kia Oval, Kennington. There will be an awards ceremony to celebrate Welcare’s dedicated volunteers and supporters, plus a review of the year and a look to the future, including plans for its 125th anniversary in 2019. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to info@welcare.org.

Welfare will also hold its annual concert on Friday 19th October at St Mary’s Church, Welling, at 7pm for 7.30pm. Entitled ‘Ticket to Ride,’ this evening of songs and choral arrangements, sung by the Ferrier Operatic Society, offers something for everyone. Tickets £10, including refreshments. See the noticeboard or Sheila Squire for details.

GREENWICH WINTER NIGHT SHELTER
The Greenwich Winter Night Shelter is looking for volunteers to help provide for the homeless in our local community. For the past three years, St John’s has taken an active role in supporting the shelter, which provides a bed, breakfast and an evening meal for people in need. This winter, the shelter will open from November to the end of March, with a break over Christmas when Crisis will provide the support. Please see the poster on the noticeboard for more details. If you think that you or someone you know may be able to help, please speak with Fr Jim.

YEAR’S MIND
We’re revising our Year’s Mind list of those who have died and whom we remember through the year. Please see the list on the table at the back of church. If someone you’d like to be remembered is already included, please tick their name. To add new people, enter the name you knew them by, as well as the date of their anniversary.

ST PAUL’S ADULT LEARNING
St Paul’s Cathedral has published its adult learning programme for autumn and winter. These public events are for everyone to come and explore the challenges, contradictions and joys of being a Christian in the 21st century, and many are free. Please pick up a booklet at the back of church.

WOOLWICH AREA LAY CONFERENCE
Save the date for the next Woolwich Area Lay Conference, on Saturday 2nd February from 10am-4pm at Ark All Saints Academy. The event is being held for the third time – people from St John’s attended the last two conferences. Further details to follow.

HARVEST FESTIVAL
St John’s will hold a Harvest Thanksgiving Eucharist on Sunday 7th October. All are invited to bring along donations for the Manna Society, which works with the homeless and others in need in south London. The society is mostly seeking food – especially sugar, powdered milk, tinned tomatoes, tinned vegetables, pasta sauces, breakfast cereals and rice – but toiletries and clothes are also welcome.

The society’s day centre serves around 800 meals a week, and offers showers, clothing, access to medical care and advice on housing. Harvest Festival donations provide the centre with about 70% of its food for the year. Thank you for anything you can offer!

WELCARE ANNUAL MEETING
Welcare, a charity long-supported by St John’s, will hold its annual meeting on Friday 28th September from 11am-2pm at the Kia Oval, Kennington. There will be an awards ceremony to celebrate Welcare’s dedicated volunteers and supporters, plus a review of the year and a look to the future, including plans for its 125th anniversary next year. If you would like to attend, please RSVP by 19th September to info@welcare.org.

CALLED BY NAME
How do you begin to discern what God’s call means to you? The Royal Foundation of St Katharine in Limehouse will host a quiet day on Saturday 29th September at 10am to 3.30pm in which participants can explore the ways in which God calls to them, in work and in life. The foundation is at 2 Butcher Row, E14 8DS, and the cost of the day is £10. Email vocations@southwark.anglican.org to book or for further information.

ST PAUL’S ADULT LEARNING
St Paul’s Cathedral has published its adult learning programme of events for autumn and winter. These public events are for everyone to come and explore the challenges, contradictions and joys of being a Christian in the 21st century.

Highlights include ‘My Soul Glorifies the Lord’, a free talk on Tuesday 30th October with historians Helen Bond and Joan Taylor. This evening discussion will focus on Jesus’ female disciples, following the Channel 4 TV programme on the same theme.

The adult learning series also includes a range of Saturday workshops and study afternoons, exploring different aspects of Christianity in depth. There are copies of the St Paul’s booklet at the back of church, and full details on the cathedral’s website.

WOOLWICH AREA LAY CONFERENCE
Save the date for the next Woolwich Area Lay Conference, on Saturday 2nd February from 10am-4pm at Ark All Saints Academy. The event is being held for the third time – people from St John’s attended the last two conferences. Further details to follow.

CHRISTIAN MEDITATION
On Saturday 20th October at 10am-3pm, St Michael’s Church in Stockwell will hold an introduction to Christian meditation. To book a place at £10 or for more information, email spirituality@southwark.anglican.org.

THE BRIDGE
Copies of the September issue of The Bridge, the newspaper of the Anglican Diocese of Southwark, are now available at the back of church. Do take one.

BIRTHDAY COFFEE
Would you like to commemorate a birthday or some other special occasion? For a £5 donation, everyone can enjoy free coffee on your chosen Sunday after the Eucharist. Please see available dates on the noticeboard or have a word with Sheila Squire.

HARVEST FESTIVAL
St John’s will hold a Harvest Thanksgiving Eucharist on Sunday 7th October. All are invited to bring along donations for the Manna Society, which works with the homeless and others in need in south London. The society is mostly seeking food, but toiletries and clothes are also welcome.

If you’re able to donate food, the most important items are sugar, powdered milk, tinned tomatoes, tinned vegetables, pasta sauces, breakfast cereals, rice and tinned meat. Much-needed toiletries include soap, shampoo, deodorants and shaving foam.

The society runs a day centre, which provides compassionate and practical support to the homeless and those in poverty. For some, it’s a place where they can come for their only hot meal of the day. For others, it’s a listening ear and a welcome respite from another day on the streets. The centre serves around 800 meals a week. It also offers showers, clothing, access to medical care and advice on housing and welfare.

Harvest Festival donations are of critical importance, providing the day centre with approximately 70% of its food for the year. Thank you for anything you can offer!

CALLED BY NAME
How do you begin to discern what God’s call means to you? The Royal Foundation of St Katharine in Limehouse will host a quiet day on Saturday 29th September at 10am to 3.30pm in which participants can explore the ways in which God calls to them, in work and in life. The foundation is at 2 Butcher Row, E14 8DS, and the cost of the day is £10. Email vocations@southwark.anglican.org to book or for further information.

ST PAUL’S ADULT LEARNING
St Paul’s Cathedral has published its adult learning programme of events for autumn and winter. These public events are for everyone to come and explore the challenges, contradictions and joys of being a Christian in the 21st century.

Highlights this autumn include ‘My Soul Glorifies the Lord’, a free talk with historians Helen Bond and Joan Taylor on Jesus’ female disciples, following on from their Channel 4 TV programme on the same theme. This evening discussion, on Tuesday 30th October, will present research that shows that as many as half of Jesus’ disciples were women, and will take a look at what this means for us today.

The adult learning programme also includes a range of Saturday workshops and study afternoons, exploring different aspects of Christianity in depth. Events coming up include ‘Entertaining Angels Unawares: Angels in the Bible, Music and Art’ on Saturday 29th September. Singer Patrick Craig will look at the representation of angels in the Bible through some of the music, painting and poetry they’ve inspired.

Copies of the St Paul’s booklet are available at the back of church. There’s also plenty of information on the website at stpauls.co.uk/learning-faith/adult-learning.

AN INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN MEDITATION
On Saturday 20th October at 10am-3pm, St Michael’s Church in Stockwell will hold an introduction to Christian meditation. The session is suitable for newcomers to meditation and to all those seeking calm amid the restlessness of life. For more information or to book a place at £10, email spirituality@southwark.anglican.org.

BIRTHDAY COFFEE
Would you like to commemorate a birthday or some other special occasion? For a donation of £5, everyone can enjoy free tea or coffee on your chosen Sunday after the Parish Eucharist. A list of available dates is on the church noticeboard for you to sign up. For more information, please have a word with Sheila Squire.

NEXT WEEK’S CHURCH NEWS
Please send any items for inclusion in next Sunday’s news sheet to Amanda Jordan
at amanda.jordan@virgin.net by Wednesday morning. Thank you.

ANN ROBERTS
Ann Roberts, a member of St John’s for many years, died peacefully on Friday 3rd August. We give thanks for her life and we pray for her family. Ann’s funeral will be held at St John’s on Tuesday 21st August at 12 noon, followed by a service at Hither Green Crematorium and a reception at Dartford Girls Grammar School. If anyone from St John’s is able to come to the reception, which starts at 2.45pm, please email Ann’s daughter Laura at lauraanncallaghan@hotmail.co.uk to give her an idea of numbers.

GROWING IN FAITH AND LIFE
Applications are still open for the Bishop’s Certificate in Discipleship 2018-19, a course that takes place from September to next June. Entitled ‘Growing in Faith and Life,’ the programme is for anyone wishing to read the Bible with more understanding, reflect on their journey as a Christian and deepen their response to God in prayer and service.

There’s an introduction for everyone taking part on Saturday 8th September at Trinity House off Borough High Street at 10.30am-12.30pm. The cost of the whole course is £200. Email ministryandtraining@southwark.anglican.org for an application form.

CALLED BY NAME
How do you begin to discern what God’s call means to you? The Royal Foundation of St Katharine in Limehouse will host a quiet day on Saturday 29th September at 10am to 3.30pm in which participants can explore the ways in which God calls to them, in work and in life. The foundation is at 2 Butcher Row, E14 8DS, and the cost of the day is £10. Email vocations@southwark.anglican.org to book or for further information.

ST PAUL’S ADULT LEARNING
St Paul’s Cathedral has published its adult learning programme of events for autumn and winter. These public events are for everyone to come and explore the challenges, contradictions and joys of being a Christian in the 21st century.

Highlights this autumn include ‘My Soul Glorifies the Lord’, a free talk with historians Helen Bond and Joan Taylor on Jesus’ female disciples, following on from their Channel 4 TV programme on the same theme. This evening discussion, on Tuesday 30th October, will present research that shows that as many as half of Jesus’ disciples were women, and will take a look at what this means for us today.

The adult learning programme also includes a range of Saturday workshops and study afternoons, exploring different aspects of Christianity in depth. Events coming up include ‘Entertaining Angels Unawares: Angels in the Bible, Music and Art’ on Saturday 29th September. Singer Patrick Craig will look at the representation of angels in the Bible through some of the music, painting and poetry they’ve inspired.

Copies of the St Paul’s booklet are available at the back of church. There’s also plenty of information on the website at stpauls.co.uk/learning-faith/adult-learning.

AN INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN MEDITATION
On Saturday 20th October at 10am-3pm, St Michael’s Church in Stockwell will hold an introduction to Christian meditation. The session is suitable for newcomers to meditation and to all those seeking calm amid the restlessness of life. For more information or to book a place at £10, email spirituality@southwark.anglican.org.

BIRTHDAY COFFEE
Would you like to commemorate a birthday or some other special occasion? For a donation of £5, everyone can enjoy free tea or coffee on your chosen Sunday after the Parish Eucharist. A list of available dates is on the church noticeboard for you to sign up. For more information, please have a word with Sheila Squire.

NEXT WEEK’S CHURCH NEWS
Please send any items for inclusion in next Sunday’s news sheet to Amanda Jordan
at amanda.jordan@virgin.net by Wednesday morning. Thank you.

GROWING IN FAITH AND LIFE
Applications are still open for the Bishop’s Certificate in Discipleship 2018-19, a course that takes place from September to next June. Entitled ‘Growing in Faith and Life,’ the programme is for anyone wishing to read the Bible with more understanding, reflect on their journey as a Christian and deepen their response to God in prayer and service.

There’s an introduction for everyone taking part on Saturday 8th September at Trinity House off Borough High Street at 10.30am-12.30pm. The cost of the whole course is £200, which includes a concluding residential weekend at Wychcroft in Surrey. Email ministryandtraining@southwark.anglican.org for an application form. If you have any queries, please speak with Fr Jim or with Cindy Shipp, who did the course last year.

BIRTHDAY COFFEE
Would you like to commemorate a birthday or some other special occasion? For a donation of £5, everyone can enjoy free tea or coffee on your chosen Sunday after the Parish Eucharist. A list of available dates is on the church noticeboard for you to sign up. For more information, please have a word with Sheila Squire.

ANN ROBERTS
Ann Roberts, a member of St John’s for many years, died peacefully on Friday 3rd August. We give thanks for Ann’s life and we pray for her family.

CALLED BY NAME
How do you begin to discern what God’s call means to you? The Royal Foundation of St Katharine in Limehouse will host a quiet day on Saturday 29th September from 10am to 3.30pm in which participants can explore the ways in which God calls to them, in work and in life. The foundation is at 2 Butcher Row, London E14 8DS, and the cost of the day is just £10. It’s highly recommended and places will fill up quickly – email vocations@southwark.anglican.org to book or for further information.

ST PAUL’S ADULT LEARNING
St Paul’s Cathedral has published its adult learning programme of events for autumn and winter. These public events are for everyone to explore the challenges, contradictions and joys of being a Christian in the 21st century.

Highlights this autumn include ‘My Soul Glorifies the Lord’, a free talk with historians Helen Bond and Joan Taylor on Jesus’ female disciples, which follows on from their Channel 4 TV programme on the same theme. This evening discussion, on Tuesday 30th October, will present research that shows that as many as half of Jesus’ disciples were women, and will take a look at what this means for us today.

The adult learning programme also includes a range of Saturday workshops and study afternoons, exploring different aspects of Christianity in depth. Events coming up include ‘Entertaining Angels Unawares: Angels in the Bible, Music and Art’ on Saturday 29th September at 2pm-4:30pm. Professional singer Patrick Craig will look at the representation of angels in the Bible through some of the extraordinary music, painting and poetry they have inspired.

Copies of the St Paul’s booklet are available at the back of church. There’s also plenty of information on the website at stpauls.co.uk/learning-faith/adult-learning.

AN INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN MEDITATION
On Saturday 20th October at 10am-3pm, St Michael’s Church in Stockwell will hold an introduction to Christian meditation. The session is suitable for newcomers to meditation and to all those seeking calm amid the restlessness of life. For more information or to book a place at £10, email spirituality@southwark.anglican.org.

NEXT WEEK’S CHURCH NEWS
Please send any items for inclusion in next Sunday’s news sheet to Amanda Jordan at amanda.jordan@virgin.net by Wednesday morning. Thank you.

GROWING IN FAITH AND LIFE
Applications are still open for the Bishop’s Certificate in Discipleship 2018-19, a course that takes place from September to next June. Entitled ‘Growing in Faith and Life,’ the programme is for anyone wishing to read the Bible with more understanding, reflect on their journey as a Christian and deepen their response to God in prayer and service.

There’s an introduction for everyone taking part on Saturday 8th September at Trinity House off Borough High Street at 10.30am-12.30pm. The cost of the whole course is £200, which includes a concluding residential weekend at Wychcroft in Surrey. Email ministryandtraining@southwark.anglican.org for an application form. If you have any queries, please speak with Fr Jim or with Cindy Shipp, who did the course last year.

BIRTHDAY COFFEE
Would you like to commemorate a birthday or some other special occasion? For a donation of £5, everyone can enjoy free tea or coffee on your chosen Sunday after the Parish Eucharist. A list of available dates is on the church noticeboard for you to sign up. For more information, please have a word with Sheila Squire.

WELCARE COFFEE MORNING
The Friends of Welcare in Greenwich are holding a coffee morning at 10am-1pm on Saturday 11th August in the memorial garden and churchyard of St Luke’s Church, Charlton Village. Do please come along, have a cake and a drink and take part in the raffle in aid of Welcare, a charity long-supported by St John’s. See the poster on the church noticeboard for further details, or call 020 8319 0159.

CALLED BY NAME
How do you begin to discern what God’s call means to you? The Royal Foundation of St Katharine in Limehouse will host a quiet day on Saturday 29th September from 10am to 3.30pm in which participants can explore the ways in which God calls to them, in work and in life. The foundation is at 2 Butcher Row, London E14 8DS, and the cost of the day is just £10. It’s highly recommended and places will fill up quickly – email vocations@southwark.anglican.org to book or for further information.

LISTENING TO THE SONG OF THE HEART
On Wednesday 8th August, St Columba’s House in Woking will hold a quiet day, providing space and encouragement for us to hear and respond to the invitation of God’s Spirit. We live much of our lives on the surface, meeting the expectations of others. But God sees the heart, and it is there that the Spirit of God stirs. The day will be led by Christopher Chapman, author of ‘Seeing in the Dark’ and ‘Earthed in God: Four Movements of Spiritual Growth’. For details, see the flyer on the noticeboard or visit stcolumbashouse.org.uk. To book, contact St Columba’s House on 01483 766498.

ST PAUL’S ADULT LEARNING
St Paul’s Cathedral has published its adult learning programme of events for autumn and winter. Highlights include a discussion with Helen Bond and Joan Taylor on Jesus’ female disciples. This free evening event, on Tuesday 30th October, follows on from their successful Channel 4 TV programme on the same theme. Copies of the St Paul’s booklet with details of the adult learning series are available at the back of church.

AN INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN MEDITATION
On Saturday 20th October at 10am-3pm, St Michael’s Church in Stockwell will hold an introduction to Christian meditation. The session is suitable for newcomers to meditation and to all those seeking calm amid the restlessness of life. For more information or to book a place at £10, email spirituality@southwark.anglican.org.

NEXT WEEK’S CHURCH NEWS
Next week Amanda Jordan is away. Please send any items for the news sheet to
Fr Jim at fergusonbryson@btinternet.com by Wednesday morning. Thank you.

GROWING IN FAITH AND LIFE
Applications are still open for the Bishop’s Certificate in Discipleship 2018-19, a course that takes place from September to next June. Entitled ‘Growing in Faith and Life,’ the programme is for anyone wishing to read the Bible with more understanding, reflect on their journey as a Christian and deepen their response to God in prayer and service.

There’s an introduction for everyone taking part on Saturday 8th September at Trinity House off Borough High Street at 10.30am-12.30pm. The cost of the whole course is £200, which includes a concluding residential weekend at Wychcroft in Surrey. Email ministryandtraining@southwark.anglican.org for an application form. If you have any queries, please speak with Fr Jim or with Cindy Shipp, who did the course last year.

BIRTHDAY COFFEE
Would you like to commemorate a birthday or some other special occasion? For a donation of £5, everyone can enjoy free tea or coffee on your chosen Sunday after the Parish Eucharist. A list of available dates is on the church noticeboard for you to sign up. For more information, please have a word with Sheila Squire.

WYCHCROFT RETREAT ON TUESDAY
This Tuesday, the Southwark Diocese Resource and Retreat Centre in Wychcroft will host a retreat on the theme of ‘The Woman at the Well,’ an icon commissioned by the Retreat Association which can be seen at Wychcroft. The day will run from 10am to 4pm and costs £25, including lunch. To book a place, contact Wychcroft on 01883 743 041. Details of the icon are available at www.wychcroft.org, and a flyer is on the church noticeboard in the south aisle.

WELCARE COFFEE MORNING
The Friends of Welcare in Greenwich are holding a coffee morning at 10am-1pm on Saturday 11th August in the memorial garden and churchyard of St Luke’s Church, Charlton Village. Do please come along, have a cake and a drink and take part in the raffle in aid of Welcare, a charity long-supported by St John’s. See the poster on the church noticeboard for further details, or call 020 8319 0159.

CALLED BY NAME
How do you begin to discern what God’s call means to you? The Royal Foundation of St Katharine in Limehouse will host a quiet day on Saturday 29th September from 10am to 3.30pm in which participants can explore the ways in which God calls to them, in work and in life. The foundation is at 2 Butcher Row, London E14 8DS, and the cost of the day is just £10. It’s highly recommended and places will fill up quickly – email vocations@southwark.anglican.org to book or for further information.

LISTENING TO THE SONG OF THE HEART
On Wednesday 8th August, St Columba’s House in Woking will hold a quiet day, providing space and encouragement for us to hear and respond to the invitation of God’s Spirit. We live much of our lives on the surface, meeting the expectations of others. But God sees the heart, and it is there that the Spirit of God stirs. The day will be led by Christopher Chapman, author of ‘Seeing in the Dark’ and ‘Earthed in God: Four Movements of Spiritual Growth’. For details, see the flyer on the noticeboard or visit stcolumbashouse.org.uk. To book, contact St Columba’s House on 01483 766498.

ST PAUL’S SUNDAY FORUMS
St Paul’s Cathedral is running a series of free ‘Sunday Forums’ as part of its adult learning programme. On 2nd September at 1pm, writer and Church Estates Commissioner Eve Poole will explore the themes of her book, ‘Buying God: Consumerism and Theology’. See stpauls.co.uk/learning-faith/adult-learning.

DEANERY SUMMER PARTY TODAY
The Eltham & Mottingham Deanery Summer Tea Party will be held today from 3pm to 5pm at All Saints Church in New Eltham. People are invited to bring something to share, but are also welcome to just bring themselves.

GROWING IN FAITH AND LIFE
Applications are still open for the Bishop’s Certificate in Discipleship 2018-19, a course that takes place from September to next June. Entitled ‘Growing in Faith and Life,’ the programme is for anyone wishing to read the Bible with more understanding, reflect on their journey as a Christian and deepen their response to God in prayer and service.

There’s an introduction for everyone taking part on Saturday 8th September at Trinity House off Borough High Street at 10.30am-12.30pm. The cost of the whole course is £200, which includes a concluding residential weekend at Wychcroft in Surrey. Email ministryandtraining@southwark.anglican.org for an application form. If you have any queries, please speak with Fr Jim or with Cindy Shipp, who did the course last year.

CALLED BY NAME
How do you begin to discern what God’s call means to you? The Royal Foundation of St Katharine in Limehouse will host a quiet day on Saturday 29th September from 10am to 3.30pm in which participants can explore the ways in which God calls to them, in work and in life. The foundation is at 2 Butcher Row, London E14 8DS, and the cost of the day is just £10. It’s highly recommended and places will fill up quickly – email vocations@southwark.anglican.org to book or for further information.

WYCHCROFT RETREAT
On Tuesday 24th July, the Southwark Diocese Resource and Retreat Centre in Wychcroft will host a retreat on the theme of ‘The Woman at the Well,’ an icon commissioned by the Retreat Association which can be seen at Wychcroft. The day will run from 10am to 4pm and costs £25, including lunch. For more details and to book a place, contact Wychcroft on 01883 743 041 or email wychcroft@southwark.anglican.org. Details of the icon are available at www.wychcroft.org, and a flyer is on the church noticeboard in the south aisle.

LISTENING TO THE SONG OF THE HEART
On Wednesday 8th August, St Columba’s House in Woking will hold a quiet day, providing space and encouragement for us to hear and respond to the invitation of God’s Spirit. We live much of our lives on the surface, meeting the expectations of others. But God sees the heart, and it is there that the Spirit of God stirs. The day will be led by Christopher Chapman, author of ‘Seeing in the Dark’ and ‘Earthed in God: Four Movements of Spiritual Growth’. For details, see the flyer on the noticeboard or visit stcolumbashouse.org.uk. To book, contact St Columba’s House on 01483 766498.

BIRTHDAY COFFEE
Would you like to commemorate a birthday or some other special occasion? For a donation of £5, everyone can enjoy free tea or coffee on your chosen Sunday after the Parish Eucharist. A list of available dates is on the church noticeboard for you to sign up. For more information, please have a word with Sheila Squire.

ST PAUL’S SUNDAY FORUMS
St Paul’s Cathedral is running a series of free ‘Sunday Forums’ as part of its adult learning programme. On 2nd September at 1pm, writer and Church Estates Commissioner Eve Poole will explore the themes of her book, ‘Buying God: Consumerism and Theology’. See stpauls.co.uk/learning-faith/adult-learning.

ST JOHN’S PATRONAL FESTIVAL AND SUMMER FAIR
A big thank you to everyone who helped out at our wonderful summer fair last month. The event raised more than £730, a fantastic achievement.

DEANERY SUMMER PARTY
The Eltham & Mottingham Deanery Summer Tea Party will be held on Sunday 15th July from 3pm to 5pm at All Saints Church in New Eltham. People are invited to bring something to share, but are also welcome to just bring themselves.

MARION SMITH
Many longstanding members of St John’s will remember Marion Smith, who sadly died on 20th June. Marion’s funeral will be held at St John’s on Friday 13th July at 2pm, followed by a service at Falconwood Crematorium at 3.15pm. Our church secretary for many years, Marion had also lived in the neighbourhood of St Francis Church, Hornpark, and with her husband gave much service to the church and the community there.

JUNIOR CHURCH
We’re delighted to see growing numbers of children coming to our church. With our Junior Church classes now quite crowded, we encourage parents to leave children aged 3 and up in the care of class leaders. This allows parents to remain in church and participate in the service. We’re also looking for people to help run our Junior Church classes. If you would like to get involved, or if you have any questions, please speak with Alex MacKenzie or Fr Jim.

GROWING IN FAITH AND LIFE
Applications are open for the Bishop’s Certificate in Discipleship 2018-19, a course with six modules that takes place from September to next June. Entitled ‘Growing in Faith and Life,’ the course is for anyone wishing to read the Bible with more understanding, reflect on their journey as a Christian, and deepen their response to God in prayer, worship and service. It concludes with a residential weekend at Wychcroft in Surrey. Application forms are available from Southwark Diocese at ministryandtraining@southwark.anglican.org. If you have any queries, please speak with Fr Jim or with Cindy Shipp, who did the course last year.

ST PAUL’S SUNDAY FORUMS
St Paul’s Cathedral is running a series of free ‘Sunday Forums’ as part of its adult learning programme. The lunchtime events invite some of the liveliest contemporary theologians and spiritual teachers to speak about the challenges, contradictions and joys of being a Christian in the world today. On 2nd September at 1pm, writer and Church Estates Commissioner Eve Poole will explore the themes of her book, ‘Buying God: Consumerism and Theology’. On 7th October, Father Nadim Nassar, the Church of England’s only Syrian priest, will discuss ‘Jesus and the Promise of Peace’. For more information, please visit stpauls.co.uk/learning-faith/adult-learning/sunday-forum.

PARISH SUPPORT FUND
People sometimes ask how the church is financed. The Parish Support Fund, or PSF, is the method through which the churches in the diocese contribute to a central pot of money, which helps pay for their ministry. While each church aims to cover its costs, most can’t, and the wealthier churches support them through the PSF. St John’s contributes about 50% of its costs and aspires to become self-funding. Letters from the Parochial Church Council treasurer about stewardship are available for all – if you haven’t received yours, please speak with Fr Jim.