Author: elthamch

THE BISHOP OF SOUTHWARK’S LENT CALL 2019
The theme this year for the Bishop’s Lent Call is:

‘I came that they may have life and have it abundantly’ (John 10:10b). 

There are envelopes in St John’s during Lent, marked ‘Bishop’s Lent Call,’ for any donations. This year, funds gathered will go to supporting agribusiness and education projects in Zimbabwe; helping leprosy-affected communities in Sri Lanka; financing urban mission training in Nairobi; and developing projects in the Southwark Diocese – the Sutton Women’s Centre, Christian CARE Merton and the Salmon Youth Centre.

JUNIOR CHURCH

Our Junior Church and crèche, organized and run by members of St John’s, are looking for more adults to get involved. We’re seeing growing numbers of families coming to church, for which we give thanks, and we want to make sure our Junior Church and crèche are well-staffed to welcome all children. If you would like to be involved, or have any questions, please speak with Alex MacKenzie or Fr Jim.

PILGRIM JOURNEYS

‘However you take this Pilgrim Journey, make space. Allow God’s word to dwell 
in you richly’ (The Archbishops of Canterbury and York).

The Church of England has produced a small booklet for Lent called ‘Pilgrim Journeys, the Beatitudes’. It offers 40 days of reflections, starting from Ash Wednesday and finishing on Palm Sunday. The guide is for anyone to use, exploringwhat each beatitude tells us about Jesus, a vision for human life and the life of the Church. Please pick up a copy of the booklet at the back of church.

BABY NEWS

Many congratulations to bell-ringers Tiffany and Tom Baird, who have just had their first baby. The church bells will ring in celebration today from 3pm to 4pm!

MOTHERING SUNDAY POSIES

If anyone is interested in helping to prepare the posies that are traditionally distributed in church on Mothering Sunday, please speak to Fr Jim or Robyn Price.The posies will be made in church on Saturday 30th March from 10:30am.

CHRISTIAN AID LENT APPEAL 

Together we can rise up against climate change this Lent.

Life at the sharp edge of climate change has pushed communities to the edge of survival. This Lent, Christian Aid is asking us to put faith into action through thedaily reflections and challenges set out in its ‘Count Your Blessings’ calendar. There’s a copy of the calendar on the church noticeboard for anyone interested in taking part.

SAVE THE DATE – CHRISTIAN AID WEEK 2019

Christian Aid week this year runs from 12th to 18th May, and there’ll be a variety of events taking place at St John’s. Last year, the charity raised £8 million to helppeople living in poverty. Robyn Price will be in touch with details nearer the time.

CONFIRMATION:  ADVANCE NOTICE!

On 14th July, the Rt Revd Dr Karowei Dorgu, Bishop of Woolwich, will come to St John’s for a Service of Confirmation. If you were baptised as a child, your parents and godparents made promises on your behalf. As a young person or adult, you may wish to confirm these promises for yourself at a confirmation service. If you are interested in confirmation, or if you were not baptised as a child but want to make a commitment of faith as an adult, please speak with Fr Jim.  

THE BISHOP OF SOUTHWARK’S LENT CALL 2019
The theme this year for the Bishop’s Lent Call is:

‘I came that they may have life and have it abundantly’ (John 10:10b). 

There are envelopes in St John’s during Lent, marked ‘Bishop’s Lent Call,’ for any donations. This year, funds gathered will go to supporting agribusiness and education projects in Zimbabwe; helping leprosy-affected communities in Sri Lanka; financing urban mission training in Nairobi; and developing projects in the Southwark Diocese – the Sutton Women’s Centre, Christian CARE Merton and the Salmon Youth Centre.

JUNIOR CHURCH

Our Junior Church and crèche, organized and run by members of St John’s, are looking for more adults to get involved. We’re seeing growing numbers of families coming to church, for which we give thanks, and we want to make sure our Junior Church and crèche are well-staffed to welcome all children. If you would like to be involved, or have any questions, please speak with Alex MacKenzie or Fr Jim.

PILGRIM JOURNEYS

‘However you take this Pilgrim Journey, make space. Allow God’s word to dwell 
in you richly’ (The Archbishops of Canterbury and York).

The Church of England has produced a small booklet for Lent called ‘Pilgrim Journeys, the Beatitudes’. It offers 40 days of reflections, starting from Ash Wednesday and finishing on Palm Sunday. The guide is for anyone to use, exploringwhat each beatitude tells us about Jesus, a vision for human life and the life of the Church. Please pick up a copy of the booklet at the back of church.

BABY NEWS

Many congratulations to bell-ringers Tiffany and Tom Baird, who have just had their first baby. The church bells will ring in celebration today from 3pm to 4pm!

MOTHERING SUNDAY POSIES

If anyone is interested in helping to prepare the posies that are traditionally distributed in church on Mothering Sunday, please speak to Fr Jim or Robyn Price.The posies will be made in church on Saturday 30th March from 10:30am.

CHRISTIAN AID LENT APPEAL 

Together we can rise up against climate change this Lent.

Life at the sharp edge of climate change has pushed communities to the edge of survival. This Lent, Christian Aid is asking us to put faith into action through thedaily reflections and challenges set out in its ‘Count Your Blessings’ calendar. There’s a copy of the calendar on the church noticeboard for anyone interested in taking part.

SAVE THE DATE – CHRISTIAN AID WEEK 2019

Christian Aid week this year runs from 12th to 18th May, and there’ll be a variety of events taking place at St John’s. Last year, the charity raised £8 million to helppeople living in poverty. Robyn Price will be in touch with details nearer the time.

CONFIRMATION:  ADVANCE NOTICE!

On 14th July, the Rt Revd Dr Karowei Dorgu, Bishop of Woolwich, will come to St John’s for a Service of Confirmation. If you were baptised as a child, your parents and godparents made promises on your behalf. As a young person or adult, you may wish to confirm these promises for yourself at a confirmation service. If you are interested in confirmation, or if you were not baptised as a child but want to make a commitment of faith as an adult, please speak with Fr Jim.  

THE BISHOP OF SOUTHWARK’S LENT CALL 2019
The theme this year for the Bishop’s Lent Call is:

‘I came that they may have life and have it abundantly’ (John 10:10b). 

There are envelopes in St John’s during Lent, marked ‘Bishop’s Lent Call,’ for any donations. This year, funds gathered will go to supporting agribusiness and education projects in Zimbabwe; helping leprosy-affected communities in Sri Lanka; financing urban mission training in Nairobi; and developing projects in the Southwark Diocese – the Sutton Women’s Centre, Christian CARE Merton and the Salmon Youth Centre.

JUNIOR CHURCH

Our Junior Church and crèche, organized and run by members of St John’s, are looking for more adults to get involved. We’re seeing growing numbers of families coming to church, for which we give thanks, and we want to make sure our Junior Church and crèche are well-staffed to welcome all children. If you would like to be involved, or have any questions, please speak with Alex MacKenzie or Fr Jim.

PILGRIM JOURNEYS

‘However you take this Pilgrim Journey, make space. Allow God’s word to dwell 
in you richly’ (The Archbishops of Canterbury and York).

The Church of England has produced a small booklet for Lent called ‘Pilgrim Journeys, the Beatitudes’. It offers 40 days of reflections, starting from Ash Wednesday and finishing on Palm Sunday. The guide is for anyone to use, exploringwhat each beatitude tells us about Jesus, a vision for human life and the life of the Church. Please pick up a copy of the booklet at the back of church.

MOTHERING SUNDAY POSIES

If anyone is interested in helping to prepare the posies that are traditionally distributed in church on Mothering Sunday, please speak to Fr Jim or Robyn Price.

A THANK YOU

Sha Lu would like to thank everyone who bought tickets to the piano concert she organised in half term. Sha raised almost £140 for church funds.

CHRISTIAN AID LENT APPEAL

Together we can rise up against climate change this Lent.

Life at the sharp edge of climate change has pushed communities to the edge of survival. This Lent, Christian Aid is asking us to put faith into action through thedaily reflections and challenges set out in its ‘Count Your Blessings’ calendar. There’s a copy of the calendar on the church noticeboard for anyone interested in taking part.

SAVE THE DATE – CHRISTIAN AID WEEK 2019

Christian Aid week this year runs from 12th May to 18th May, and there’ll be a variety of events taking place at St John’s. For more than 70 years, the charity hashelped to change the lives of people living in poverty around the world. Last year, it raised £8 million. Robyn Price will be in touch with further details nearer the time.

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.

THE BISHOP OF SOUTHWARK’S LENT CALL 2019
The theme this year for the Bishop’s Lent Call is:

‘I came that they may have life and have it abundantly’ (John 10:10b). 

There will be envelopes in St John’s during Lent, marked ‘Bishop’s Lent Call,’ for any donations. This year, funds gathered will go to supporting agribusiness andeducation projects in Zimbabwe; helping leprosy-affected communities in Sri Lanka; financing urban mission training in Nairobi; and developing projects in the SouthwarkDiocese –the Sutton Women’s Centre, Christian CARE Merton and the Salmon Youth Centre.

JUNIOR CHURCH

Our Junior Church and crèche, organized and run by members of St John’s, are looking for more adults to get involved. We’re seeing growing numbers of families coming to church, for which we give thanks, and want to make sure our Junior Church and crèche are well-staffed to welcome all children. If you would like to be involved, or have any questions, please speak with Alex MacKenzie or Fr Jim.

PILGRIM JOURNEYS

‘However you take this Pilgrim Journey, make space. Allow God’s word to dwell in you richly’ (The Archbishops of Canterbury and York).

The Church of England has produced a small booklet for Lent called ‘Pilgrim Journeys, the Beatitudes’. It offers 40 days of reflections, starting from Ash Wednesday and finishing on Palm Sunday. The guide is for anyone to use, exploringwhat each beatitude tells us about Jesus, a vision for human life and the life of the Church. Please pick up a copy of the booklet at the back of church.

ASH WEDNESDAY

There’ll be a Solemn Eucharist with the Imposition of Ashes at 7pm on 6th March. 

NEW ELECTORAL ROLL

A new electoral roll is required this year. To that end, we need everyone eligible to sign up: all those who are baptised, at least 16 years of age and resident in the parish – or if not resident, a regular worshipper at St John’s for at least six months.

Forms and pens are available on tables in the south aisle. If you’re not sure whether to tick box A or B (ie. if you’re unsure whether you’re in the parish), ask the Electoral Roll Officer – Mary Roberts – or consult the list of streets in the parish, copies of which are on the tables. Please place your completed form in the box provided.

All parishes must have an up-to-date electoral roll to present to the annual meeting, which is usually held close to Easter. Every six years, a new roll must be compiled. Its main purpose is to provide an electoral body in each parish, tasked with electing the Parochial Church Council and representatives on the Deanery Synod. It also provides the nearest thing the Church of England has to an official list of members of a particular parish church. Please see the poster on the noticeboard for more details.

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.

THE BISHOP OF SOUTHWARK’S LENT CALL 2019

The theme this year for the Bishop’s Lent Call is:

‘I came that they may have life and have it abundantly’ (John 10:10b). 

There will be envelopes in St John’s during Lent, marked ‘Bishop’s Lent Call,’ for any donations. This year, funds gathered will go to supporting agribusiness andeducation projects in Zimbabwe; helping leprosy-affected communities in Sri Lanka; financing urban mission training in Nairobi; and developing projects in the SouthwarkDiocese –the Sutton Women’s Centre, Christian CARE Merton and the Salmon Youth Centre.

CONFIRMATION: ADVANCE NOTICE!

On 14th July, the Rt Revd Dr Karowei Dorgu, Bishop of Woolwich, will come to St John’s for a Service of Confirmation. If you were baptised as a child, your parents and godparents made promises on your behalf. As a young person or adult, you may wish to confirm these promises for yourself at a confirmation service. If you are interested in confirmation, or If you were not baptised as a child but want to make a commitment of faith as an adult, please speak with Fr Jim.  

JUNIOR CHURCH

Our Junior Church and crèche, organized and run by members of St John’s, are looking for more adults to get involved. We’re seeing growing numbers of families coming to church, for which we give thanks, and want to make sure our Junior Church and crèche are well-staffed to welcome all children. If you would like to be involved, or have any questions, please speak with Alex MacKenzie or Fr Jim.

NEW ELECTORAL ROLL

A new electoral roll is required this year. To that end, we need everyone eligible to sign up: all those who are baptised, at least 16 years of age and resident in the parish – or if not resident, a regular worshipper at St John’s for at least six months.

Forms and pens are available on tables in the south aisle. If you’re not sure whether to tick box A or B (ie. if you’re unsure whether you’re in the parish), ask the Electoral Roll Officer – Mary Roberts – or consult the list of streets in the parish, copies of which are on the tables. Please place your completed form in the box provided.

All parishes must have an up-to-date electoral roll to present to the annual meeting, which is usually held close to Easter. Every six years, a new roll must be compiled. Its main purpose is to provide an electoral body in each parish, tasked with electing the Parochial Church Council and representatives on the Deanery Synod. It also provides the nearest thing the Church of England has to an official list of members of a particular parish church. Please see the poster on the noticeboard for more details.

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.

ASH WEDNESDAY

There will be a Solemn Eucharist with the Imposition of Ashes at 7pm on Wednesday 6th March.

PIANO CONCERT

Sha Lu will lead a concert of piano music – played by herself and young children – at St John’s on Friday 22nd February at 3pm. Tickets cost £2, with all proceeds going to church funds. Sha will sell tickets after the Eucharist today at the back of church.

ST PAUL’S ADULT LEARNING

St Paul’s Cathedral has published its latest adult-learning programme. Events include two free evening discussions: Rowan Williams on ‘Jesus Christ The Unanswered Questions’ on Wednesday 27th March; and Barbara Brown Taylor on ‘Holy Envy: Finding God in the Faith of Others’ on Thursday 30th May. 

There’s also a reflective day on Saturday 30th March entitled ‘Imagining Peace’, at St Katharine’s Foundation in Limehouse, east London. Pádraig Ó Tuama, a poet and theologian based in Belfast, will lead a discussion on peace and conflict within ourselves, in our communities and in politics.

Visit stpauls.co.uk/learning-faith/adult-learning for ticketing and further details, see the posters on the noticeboard, and pick up a leaflet at the back of church.

JUNIOR CHURCH

Our Junior Church and crèche, organized and run by members of St John’s, are looking for more adults to get involved. We’re seeing growing numbers of familiescoming to church, for which we give thanks, and want to make sure our Junior Church and crèche are well-staffed to welcome all children. If you would like to be involved, or have any questions, please speak with Alex MacKenzie or Fr Jim.

DEMOCRACY AND THE COMMON GOOD: WHO IS WELCOME HERE?

Tomorrow, Monday 18th February at 6:30pm, the Rt Revd Sarah Mullally, Bishop of London, will lead a panel discussion on ‘Democracy and the Common Good’ at St Paul’s Cathedral. The event will look at the prospect of Brexit and its implications for London in relation to freedom of movement and labour. Asking ‘what kind of city do we want to be?’ the speakers will consider: ‘who is welcome here?’ The event is free of charge but donations are welcome. Sign up at whoiswelcome.eventbrite.co.uk.

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.

CONFIRMATION: ADVANCE NOTICE!

On 14th July, the Rt Revd Dr Karowei Dorgu, Bishop of Woolwich, will come to St John’s for a Service of Confirmation.

If you were baptised as a child, your parents and godparents made promises on your behalf. As a young person or adult, you may wish to confirm these promises for yourself at a confirmation service. If you were not baptised but still want to make a commitment of faith, you can be baptised and confirmed at the same service. You may then share in the bread and wine of Holy Communion for the first time. 

If you are interested in confirmation, confirmation with baptism, or being admitted to Holy Communion with Bishop Karowei in July, please speak with Fr Jim.

PIANO CONCERT

Sha Lu will lead a concert of piano music – played by herself and young children – at St John’s on Friday 22nd February at 3pm. Tickets cost £2, with all proceeds going to church funds. Sha will sell tickets after the Eucharist today at the back of church.

ST PAUL’S ADULT LEARNING

St Paul’s Cathedral has published its latest adult-learning programme. Events include two free evening discussions: Rowan Williams on ‘Jesus Christ The Unanswered Questions’ on Wednesday 27th March; and Barbara Brown Taylor on ‘Holy Envy: Finding God in the Faith of Others’ on Thursday 30th May. 

There’s also a reflective day on Saturday 30th March entitled ‘Imagining Peace’, at St Katharine’s Foundation in Limehouse, east London. Pádraig Ó Tuama, a poet and theologian based in Belfast, will lead a discussion on peace and conflict within ourselves, in our communities and in politics.

Visit stpauls.co.uk/learning-faith/adult-learning for ticketing and further details, see the posters on the noticeboard, and pick up a leaflet at the back of church.

NEW ELECTORAL ROLL 

A new electoral roll is required this year. To that end, we need everyone eligible tosign up: all those who are baptised, at least 16 years of age and resident in the parish – or if not resident, a regular worshipper at St John’s for at least six months.

Forms and pens are available on tables in the south aisle. If you’re not sure whether to tick box A or B (ie. if you’re unsure whether you’re in the parish), ask the Electoral Roll Officer – Mary Roberts – or consult the list of streets in the parish, copies of which are on the tables. Please place your completed form in the box provided.

All parishes must have an up-to-date electoral roll to present to the annual meeting, which is usually held close to Easter. Every six years, a new roll must be compiled. Its main purpose is to provide an electoral body in each parish, tasked with electing the Parochial Church Council and representatives on the Deanery Synod. It also provides the nearest thing the Church of England has to an official list of members of a particular parish church. Please see the poster on the noticeboard for more details.

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.

CONFIRMATION: ADVANCE NOTICE!

On 14th July, the Rt Revd Dr Karowei Dorgu, Bishop of Woolwich, will come to St John’s for a Service of Confirmation.

If you were baptised as a child, your parents and godparents made promises on your behalf. As a young person or adult, you may wish to confirm these promises for yourself at a confirmation service. If you were not baptised but still want to make a commitment of faith, you can be baptised and confirmed at the same service. You may then share in the bread and wine of Holy Communion for the first time. 

If you are interested in confirmation, confirmation with baptism, or being admitted to Holy Communion with Bishop Karowei in July, please speak with Fr Jim.

CHRISTIAN AID – GIVE PEACE A CHANCE

Christian Aid Week 2019 takes place in May, and will be discussed at a launch event on Thursday 7th February at the charity’s head office in Lower Marsh, Waterloo.There’ll be two sessions that day, at 2pm-4.30pm and 6pm-8pm, which will include an introduction to the new global strategy, exploring Christian Aid’s key areas of focus: poverty, power and prophetic voice. If you are interested in attending and would like more information, please speak with Robyn Price or Fr Jim.

ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL ADULT LEARNING

St Paul’s has published its latest adult-learning programme. Events include two free evening discussions: Rowan Williams on ‘Jesus Christ The Unanswered Questions’ on 27th March; and Barbara Brown Taylor on ‘Holy Envy: Finding God in the Faith of Others’ on 30th May. There’s also a reflective day on 30th March entitled ‘Imagining Peace’, at St Katharine’s Foundation in Limehouse. Pádraig Ó Tuama, a poet and theologian based in Belfast, will lead a discussion on peace and conflict within ourselves, in our communities and in politics. See the posters on the noticeboard.

NEW ELECTORAL ROLL 

A new electoral roll is required this year. To that end, we need everyone eligible tosign up: all those who are baptised, at least 16 years of age and resident in the parish – or if not resident, a regular worshipper at St John’s for at least six months.

Forms and pens are available on tables in the south aisle. If you’re not sure whether to tick box A or B (ie. if you’re unsure whether you’re in the parish), ask the Electoral Roll Officer – Mary Roberts – or consult the list of streets in the parish, copies of which are on the tables. Please place your completed form in the box provided.

All parishes must have an up-to-date electoral roll to present to the annual meeting, which is usually held close to Easter. Every six years, a new roll must be compiled. Its main purpose is to provide an electoral body in each parish, tasked with electing the Parochial Church Council and representatives on the Deanery Synod. It also provides the nearest thing the Church of England has to an official list of members of a particular parish church. Please see the poster on the noticeboard for more details.

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.

CONFIRMATION: ADVANCE NOTICE!

On 14th July, the Rt Revd Dr Karowei Dorgu, Bishop of Woolwich, will come to St John’s for a Service of Confirmation.

If you were baptised as a child, your parents and godparents made promises on your behalf. As a young person or adult, you may wish to confirm these promises for yourself at a confirmation service. If you were not baptised but still want to make a commitment of faith, you can be baptised and confirmed at the same service. You may then share in the bread and wine of Holy Communion for the first time. 

If you are interested in confirmation, confirmation with baptism, or being admitted to Holy Communion with Bishop Karowei in July, please speak with Fr Jim.

CHRISTIAN AID – GIVE PEACE A CHANCE

Christian Aid Week 2019 takes place in May, and will be discussed at a launch event on Thursday 7th February at the charity’s head office in Lower Marsh, Waterloo.There’ll be two sessions that day, at 2pm-4.30pm and 6pm-8pm, which will include an introduction to the new global strategy, exploring Christian Aid’s key areas of focus: poverty, power and prophetic voice. If you are interested in attending and would like more information, please speak with Robyn Price or Fr Jim.

ST PAUL’S ADULT LEARNING

St Paul’s Cathedral has published its adult-learning programme for the first half of 2019. Events include two free evening discussions: Rowan Williams on ‘Jesus Christ The Unanswered Questions’ on Wednesday 27th March; and Barbara Brown Taylor on ‘Holy Envy: Finding God in the Faith of Others’ on Thursday 30th May. 

There’s also a reflective day on Saturday 30th March entitled ‘Imagining Peace’, at St Katharine’s Foundation in Limehouse. Pádraig Ó Tuama, a poet and theologian based in Belfast, will lead a discussion on peace and conflict within ourselves, in our communities and in politics. See the posters on the noticeboard and pick up a leaflet.

CHURCH HANDRAILS

The Parochial Church Council has received planning consent for handrails to be fitted to the steps between the war memorial and the main door to the church. The council will now seek diocesan approval. 

RAISING FUNDS FOR THE JUNIOR DIABETES RESEARCH FOUNDATION

The JDRF is holding an ‘Evening of Light Verse’ on Saturday 2nd February at St Mary the Virgin Church Hall, Wickham Street, Welling, DA16 3QU. There is no charge but a retiring collection will be held. If you’re interested in going along, please contact alan.wiltcher@gmail.com as numbers are needed for refreshment purposes. The evening starts at 7pm and finishes at 9.30pm. See the noticeboard for more details.

WALKING | WELCOMING | GROWING: THE WOOLWICH AREA LAY CONFERENCE

For all those planning to attend the Woolwich Area Lay Conference on Saturday 2nd February, there are forms at the back of church listing all the available workshops. If you would like to come along but haven’t yet registered, email emma.kimsey@southwark.anglican.org or speak with Fr Jim. The conference will take place at Ark All Saints Academy in Camberwell, running from 10am to 4pm.

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.

PARISH SUPPORT FUND

Bishop Christopher has written to convey his thanks for our contributions to the Parish Support Fund. Every church in the diocese gives money to the fund, which helps to pay for church buildings, vicarages and vicars. St John’s gives 50% of its income; that’s over £36,000 last year, or more than £3,000 a month. This money is raised mostly through donations from you, our congregation. Pledges to the PSF across the diocese for 2019 exceed £16 million. Bishop Christopher said he’s ‘very encouraged by the response’.

SERVERS‘ FESTIVAL

All servers are invited to attend the Diocesan Guild of Servers’ Festival on Saturday 26th January at Southwark Cathedral. The day will begin at 12.30pm with a Choral Eucharist, with the Bishop of Southwark, the Rt Revd Christopher Chessun,presiding. 

At 2.45pm, there’ll be session for adult servers entitled ‘Called to Serve,’ led by the Very Revd Andrew Nunn, Dean of Southwark, as well as an activity for under-16s. The festival will end with a Choral Evensong at 4pm. Please register at eventbrite.co.uk.

PARISH SUPPORT FUND

Bishop Christopher has written to convey his thanks for our contributions to the Parish Support Fund. Every church in the diocese gives money to the fund, which helps to pay for church buildings, vicarages and vicars. St John’s gives 50% of its income; that’s over £36,000 last year, or more than £3,000 a month. This money is raised mostly through donations from you, our congregation. Pledges to the PSF across the diocese for 2019 exceed £16 million. Bishop Christopher said he’s ‘very encouraged by the response’.

CHURCH HANDRAILS

The Parochial Church Council has received planning consent for handrails to be fitted to the steps between the war memorial and the main door to the church. The council will now seek diocesan approval. 

RAISING FUNDS FOR THE JUNIOR DIABETES RESEARCH FOUNDATION

The JDRF is holding an ‘Evening of Light Verse’ on Saturday 2nd February at St Mary the Virgin Church Hall, Wickham Street, Welling, DA16 3QU. There is no charge but a retiring collection will be held. If you’re interested in going along, please contact alan.wiltcher@gmail.com as numbers are needed for refreshment purposes. The evening starts at 7pm and finishes at 9.30pm. See the noticeboard for more details.

WALKING | WELCOMING | GROWING: THE WOOLWICH AREA LAY CONFERENCE

For all those planning to attend the Woolwich Area Lay Conference on 2nd February, there are now forms at the back of church listing all the workshops. If you’d like to come along but haven’t yet registered, email emma.kimsey@southwark.anglican.orgor speak with Fr Jim. The conference will take place at Ark All Saints Academy in Camberwell, running from 10am to 4pm.

‘ONLY JUSTICE’: THE WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY 2019

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2019 runs from 18th-25th January. The theme this year – ‘Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue’ – is inspired by Deuteronomy 16:18-20. Material for the week has been produced by the churches of Indonesia, where there’s a strong focus on fostering unity amid ethnic and religious diversity. Resources can be found on the World Council of Churches website atoikoumene.org.

CHRISTIAN AID – GIVE PEACE A CHANCE

Christian Aid Week 2019 takes place in May, and will be discussed at a launch event on Thursday 7th February at the charity’s head office in Lower Marsh, Waterloo.There’ll be two sessions that day, at 2pm-4.30pm and 6pm-8pm, which will includean introduction to the new global strategy, exploring Christian Aid’s key areas of focus: poverty, power and prophetic voice. If you are interested in attending and would like more information, please speak with Robyn Price or Fr Jim.

ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL ADULT LEARNING

St Paul’s has published its adult-learning programme for the first half of 2019. Please see the posters on the noticeboard and pick up a leaflet at the back of church.

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.

Parish Priest: Revd James Bryson – Tel. 020 8859 0802

SERVERS‘ FESTIVAL

All servers are invited to attend the Diocesan Guild of Servers’ Festival on Saturday 26th January at Southwark Cathedral. The day will begin at 12.30pm with a ChoralEucharist, with the Bishop of Southwark, the Rt Revd Christopher Chessun,presiding.

At 2.45pm, there’ll be session for adult servers entitled ‘Called to Serve,’ led by the Very Revd Andrew Nunn, Dean of Southwark, as well as an activity for under-16s. The festival will end with a Choral Evensong at 4pm. Please register at eventbrite.co.uk.

PARISH SUPPORT FUND

Bishop Christopher has written to convey his thanks for our contributions to the Parish Support Fund. Every church in the diocese gives money to the fund, which helps to pay for church buildings, vicarages and vicars. St John’s gives 50% of its income; that’s over £36,000 last year, or more than £3,000 a month. This money is raised mostly through donations from you, our congregation. Pledges to the PSF across the diocese for 2019 exceed £16 million. Bishop Christopher said he’s ‘very encouraged by the response’.

WALKING | WELCOMING | GROWING: THE WOOLWICH AREA LAY CONFERENCE

For all those planning to attend the Woolwich Area Lay Conference on 2nd February, there are now forms at the back of church listing all the available workshops. 

If you’d like to come along but haven’t yet registered, please contact emma.kimsey@southwark.anglican.org or speak with Fr Jim. The conference, aimed at equipping lay people to grow in confidence in their faith as witnesses to Jesus Christ, will take place at Ark All Saints Academy in Camberwell, from 10am to 4pm.

‘ONLY JUSTICE’: THE WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY 2019

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2019 runs from 18th-25th January. The theme this year – ‘Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue’ – is inspired by Deuteronomy 16:18-20. Material for the week has been produced by the churches of Indonesia, where there’s a strong focus on fostering unity amid ethnic and religious diversity. Resources can be found on the World Council of Churches website atoikoumene.org.

CHRISTIAN AID – GIVE PEACE A CHANCE

Thanks to everyone who contributed to the Christian Aid collection over Christmas –we raised £134.26. We’re now looking ahead to Christian Aid Week 2019 in May, to be discussed at a launch event on Thursday 7th February at Christian Aid’s head office in Lower Marsh, Waterloo. There’ll be two sessions that day, at 2pm-4.30pm and 6pm-8pm, which will include an introduction to the new global strategy, exploring the charity’s key areas of focus: poverty, power and prophetic voice. If you are interested in attending and would like more information, please speak to Robyn Price or Fr Jim.

ST PAUL’S ADULT LEARNING

St Paul’s Cathedral has published its adult-learning programme for the first half of 2019. Events include two free evening discussions: Rowan Williams on ‘Jesus Christ The Unanswered Questions’ on Wednesday 27th March; and Barbara Brown Taylor on ‘Holy Envy: Finding God in the Faith of Others’ on Thursday 30th May.

There are also still places for the reflective day on Saturday 30th March entitled ‘Imagining Peace’. Pádraig Ó Tuama, a poet and theologian based in Belfast, will lead a discussion on peace and conflict within ourselves, in our communities and in politics. The day takes place at St Katharine’s Foundation in Limehouse, east London. 

Please see the posters on the noticeboard and pick up a leaflet at the back of church.

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.

CHRISTMAS CARDS
Today is the last day to leave and collect cards from the trays at the back of church. We’re sorry that we cannot deliver any Christmas cards that remain uncollected.

USED STAMPS
There’s a box on the table in the south aisle to deposit your used postage stamps. Please do bring in all the stamps from your Christmas cards – and any others of course – as the proceeds go to the Air Ambulance. The stamps should be cut with a margin of envelope around. See Anne Thomson with any queries. Thank you!

GREENWICH FOODBANK
As you prepare for Christmas, please remember the Greenwich Foodbank. Donations of food can be brought into church and placed in the basket at the back. The charity, which gave out food to almost 7,000 people across the borough last year, is very grateful for the generosity of members of St John’s.

CHRISTIAN AID CHRISTMAS APPEAL – GIVE PEACE THIS CHRISTMAS
If anyone is able to donate to the Christian Aid appeal, there’ll be a collection bucket at the back of church today and over Christmas. Many thanks.

SUNDAY BIRTHDAY LIST
The new list for 2019 is now on the church noticeboard. If you would like to donate £5 to mark a birthday or some other special occasion, everyone can enjoy a free coffee or tea after the Eucharist on your chosen date. It would be helpful if the early months of the year could be entered, so that we can start 2019 with free drinks! For further information, please have a word with Sheila Squire. Thank you.

CHANGING LIVES THROUGH THE PARISH SUPPORT FUND
Every church in the Diocese of Southwark gives money to the Parish Support Fund, which helps to pay for church buildings, vicarages and vicars. St John’s gives 50% of its income to the PSF; that’s over £36,000 this year, or more than £3,000 a month. This money is raised mostly through donations from you, the congregation of St John’s. Diocesan Secretary Ruth Martin has written to give her thanks for our contribution, saying, ‘there are many exciting projects taking place across the diocese, in our parishes, schools and wider communities, enabling lives to be transformed.’

SIXTY YEARS OF BELL RINGING
Brenda and Eddie Coode rang their first peal in St John’s on 3rd January 1959 and still ring the bells today. To celebrate 60 years of bell ringing by Brenda and Eddie, the bells will ring a quarter peal on 3rd January 2019. We give thanks to Brenda and Eddie and all the bell ringers!

A PRAYER FROM THE ARCHBISHOP OF YORK
God of eternal love and power,
Save our parliamentary democracy;
Protect the high court of parliament and all its members
From partiality and prejudice;
That they may walk humbly the path of kindness, justice and mercy.
Give them wisdom, insight and a concern for the common good.
The weight of their calling is too much to bear in their own strength,
Therefore, we pray earnestly, Father,
Send them help from your Holy Place, and be their tower of strength.
Lord, graciously hear us. Amen.

CHRISTMAS CARDS
At the back of church are alphabetical trays. If you would like to give cards to other members of the congregation, please put them in the appropriate trays and collect those addressed to you. Next Sunday, 23rd December, will be the last day to leave and collect cards. We’re sorry that we cannot deliver any that remain uncollected.

USED STAMPS
There’s a box on the table in the south aisle to deposit your used postage stamps. Please do bring in all the stamps from your Christmas cards – and any others of course – as the proceeds go to the Air Ambulance. The stamps should be cut with a margin of envelope around. See Anne Thomson with any queries. Thank you!

GREENWICH FOODBANK
As you prepare for Christmas, please remember the Greenwich Foodbank. Donations of food can be brought into church and placed in the basket at the back. The foodbank is very grateful for the generosity of our church members. Last year, almost 7,000 people across the borough received food provisions from the charity. Many thanks.

CHRISTIAN AID CHRISTMAS APPEAL – GIVE PEACE THIS CHRISTMAS
If anyone is able to donate to the Christian Aid appeal, there’ll be a collection bucket at the back of church today and next Sunday, and over Christmas. Many thanks.

SUNDAY BIRTHDAY LIST
The new list for 2019 is now on the church noticeboard. If you would like to donate £5 to mark a birthday or some other special occasion, everyone can enjoy a free coffee or tea after the Eucharist on your chosen date. It would be helpful if the early months of the year could be entered, so that we can start 2019 with free drinks! For further information, please have a word with Sheila Squire. Thank you.

WALKING | WELCOMING | GROWING: THE WOOLWICH AREA LAY CONFERENCE
Anyone wishing to attend the next Woolwich Area Lay Conference, on Saturday 2nd February, should register as soon as possible as the loose deadline of 14th December has now passed. The conference takes place at 10am-4pm at Ark All Saints Academy in Camberwell. Email emma.kimsey@southwark.anglican.org if you’d like to go.

The conference is aimed at encouraging and equipping lay people to grow in confidence in their faith as witnesses to Jesus Christ. Keynote speakers will be Rachel Jordan, Director of Evangelism at Church House, and the Rt Revd Dr Karowei Dorgu, Bishop of Woolwich. The various workshops include ‘Being a Christian in a secular workplace,’ ‘Sharing our faith through social media’ and ‘Working with teenagers.’

The event is being held for the third time – people from St John’s attended the last two conferences. For further details, please speak with Fr Jim.

CHRISTMAS SERVICES
TODAY, Sunday 16th December, there will be a traditional candlelit service with nine lessons and carols at 6pm. The service is followed by mince pies and mulled wine.

On Monday 24th December at 4pm, St John’s will hold a nativity service, during which children are invited to take part in the story of Christmas around the stable.
At 11.30pm there’ll be a Midnight Mass, the first Eucharist of Christmas.

On Tuesday 25th December, Christmas Day, there will be a Family Eucharist at 10am.

SUNDAY BIRTHDAY LIST
The new list for 2019 is now on the noticeboard. If you would like to donate £5 to mark a birthday or some other special occasion, everyone can enjoy a free coffee or tea after the Eucharist on your chosen date. It would be helpful if the early months of the year could be entered, so that we can start 2019 with free drinks! For further information, please have a word with Sheila Squire. Thank you.

WENSLEY CLOSE
Megan Roberts would like to thank everyone who came to her coffee morning last month, or donated to the Friends of Wensley Close. The magnificent sum of almost £650 was raised for this good cause, and is much appreciated.

DECORATIONS IN CHURCH
As part of their preparations for Christmas, the children of the church are making 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.

ADVENT QUIET EVENING
Finding peace and space in the busy world of today can be difficult. Yet we need time to reflect and take stock of where we are, and to discern the will of God in our lives.

The Sisters of St Andrew – an Ignatian community – invite everyone to participate in an Advent quiet evening at their ‘Urban Oasis’ in Lewisham on Wednesday 12th December at 7.30pm to 9pm. A biblical introduction will be followed by an hour of silence, concluding with prayer. All are welcome and there’s no booking required.
See sisters-of-st-andrew.com or email welcome@sisters-of-st-andrew.com.

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

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.