News

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.

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.

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 Junior Church classes. If you’d 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. At 1pm today, Selina Stone, a lecturer in political theology at St Mellitus College, will lead a discussion on ‘Was Jesus Political?’. On 2nd September, writer Eve Poole will explore the themes of her book, ‘Buying God: Consumerism and Theology’. For more information, 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 to Fr Jim.

ST JOHN’S PATRONAL FESTIVAL AND SUMMER FAIR
A big thank you to everyone who helped out at our wonderful summer fair. Watch this space in the coming weeks for funds raised!

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.

GROWING IN FAITH AND LIFE
Applications are 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 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 and service. For an application form, email ministryandtraining@southwark.anglican.org. If you have any queries, please speak to Fr Jim or Cindy Shipp, who did the course last year.

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 Junior Church classes. If you’d like to get involved, please speak with Alex MacKenzie or Fr Jim.

WINDRUSH SUNDAY TODAY
The Bishop of Southwark, the Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, has encouraged all churches in the diocese to observe the 70th anniversary of the arrival of MV Windrush, and the contributions to this country of the Windrush generation.
He has sent the following prayer:

Almighty and everlasting God, we praise you for the gift and blessing of the Windrush generation. We thank you for their service to this country in so many essential roles
and for all they have given to the building up of our national life.

Enrich our understanding, deepen our appreciation of one another, banish ignorance, prejudice and fear, and knit us together by the power of your Spirit who is the bond of love.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

WE ALSO PRAY FOR

• the Church in the Southwark Diocese, for St Michael Battersea, for the priests and people of that place
• those with birthdays: Edward Horton, Mihaela Radulescu
• those who are in any kind of distress of mind, body or soul: Angella Baptiste, Robert Young, Joyce Miller, Joy Hearn, Harry Johnston, Emona Charlie, Denise Saunders
• those who are housebound: Susan Wulstan, Joan Henry
• those who died recently: Vera Spencer, Martin Knight
• those whose year’s mind we keep: Pat Quennell, Mary Anderson

THE COMING WEEK
There will be a Eucharist at 10am on Thursday and at 12.15pm on Friday, and a service of prayer at 12 noon on Friday.

Parish Eucharist on Sunday 1st July at 10am, with Junior Church and crèche.
Readings: Lamentations 3:22-33; 2 Corinthians 8:7-15; Mark 5:21-43

ST JOHN’S PATRONAL FESTIVAL AND SUMMER FAIR
The summer fair takes place next Saturday at 10am to 2pm, in and around the church. It’s a wonderful event when St John’s celebrates its patron saint and opens wide its doors to all who live and work in Eltham, as well as visitors to our parish.

Come and enjoy the café and barbeque, hear the bells ringing and visit the bell tower. Take part in the tombola and raffle, and even get your face painted!

Contributions for the stalls – books, toys and bric-a-brac – are welcomed. Items can be left in church (though please don’t bring cakes and plants until Friday). The church will be open at 9am-12pm on Thursday and 10am-1pm on Friday. If you can’t make those times, arrangements to leave items can be made with Fr Jim.

Volunteers are still needed for the day. If you’d like to help (even for an hour or so), please see Fr Jim. Do also snap up some raffle tickets, which are on sale today at the back of church. For more information, please speak with Jene Kerr 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.

THE BRIDGE
The June edition of The Bridge – the newspaper of the Anglican Diocese of Southwark – is available at the back of church. Please do take a copy.

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 1st July at 1pm, Selina Stone, a lecturer in political theology at St Mellitus College, will lead a discussion on ‘Was Jesus Political?’ For more information, please visit stpauls.co.uk/learning-faith/adult-learning/sunday-forum.

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.

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 – please look out for your letter at the back of church.

CHRISTIAN AID WEEK
A massive thank you to everyone who contributed in any way to Christian Aid Week this year. We raised more than £1,200 – a feat that would have been impossible without the support of so many of you. From the bucket collections to the Super Soup Lunch and the cake sale – where the older children of our church raised £14 selling delicious treats – it was a fantastic achievement.

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 JOHN’S PATRONAL FESTIVAL AND SUMMER FAIR
Raffle tickets will be on sale at the back of church after the Eucharist today. The summer fair, which this year takes place on Saturday 23rd June at 10am-2pm, is a wonderful event when the church celebrates its patron saint and opens wide its doors to all who live and work in Eltham, as well as visitors to our parish. For more information, please speak with Jene Kerr or Fr Jim.

THE BRIDGE
The June edition of The Bridge – the newspaper of the Anglican Diocese of Southwark – is available at the back of church. Please do take a copy.

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 are unable to do so and the wealthier churches support them through the PSF. St John’s contributes about 50% of its costs and aspires to become self-funding. The Parochial Church Council meets this week to prayerfully consider how much St John’s will pledge to the fund in 2019. Please pray for the PCC and for this important decision.

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 1st July at 1pm, Selina Stone, a lecturer in political theology at St Mellitus College, will lead a discussion on ‘Was Jesus Political?’ For more information, please visit stpauls.co.uk/learning-faith/adult-learning/sunday-forum.

TEA AND COFFEE AFTER THE EUCHARIST
We need someone to prepare a rota for our great team who serve tea and coffee after the Sunday Eucharist. The person taking on the role will also be given a small fund to ensure there are enough supplies. If you can help, please speak with Cindy Shipp or Fr Jim.

CHRISTIAN AID WEEK
A massive thank you to everyone who contributed in any way to Christian Aid Week this year. We raised more than £1,200 – a feat that would have been impossible without the support of so many of you. From the bucket collections to the Super Soup Lunch and the cake sale – where the older children of our church raised £14 selling delicious treats – it was a fantastic achievement.

RAISE FUNDS FOR WELCARE
Welcare, a Christian charity long-supported by St John’s, is calling for runners – including beginners – to join its team in the British 10K London Run on Sunday 15th July. Participants will run past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, while raising funds to support Welcare’s work with children and families in difficulty. For more information, please visit welcare.org or email fundraising@welcare.org.

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 JOHN’S PATRONAL FESTIVAL AND SUMMER FAIR
The summer fair is a wonderful event when the church celebrates its patron saint and opens wide its doors to all who live and work in Eltham, as well as visitors to our parish. The fair this year will be on Saturday 23rd June at 10am-2pm. We give thanks to Gill Hayes, who has led the organisation of the fair for many years, and to Jene Kerr for taking on the role. Further details will follow in the coming weeks. In the meantime, please speak with Jene or Fr Jim if you have any questions.

TEA AND COFFEE AFTER THE EUCHARIST
We need someone to prepare a rota for our great team who serve tea and coffee after the Sunday Eucharist. The person taking on the role will also be given a small fund to ensure there are enough supplies. If you can help, please speak with Cindy Shipp or Fr Jim.

ST PAUL’S ADULT LEARNING
As part of St Paul’s Cathedral’s adult learning programme, there’s a chance to see the new Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, in conversation with Cathedral Dean David Ison tomorrow at 6.30pm. For information on this free event, and booking details, please see www.stpauls.co.uk/learning-faith/adult-learning.

DATA PROTECTION
On Friday 25th May, the law around data protection changed. The General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR, governs how companies and public bodies hold and use our personal details. At St John’s, we will never share any of your information without your explicit permission. If you no longer want the church to hold your details, let us know and we’ll securely remove them from our database.

TEA AND COFFEE AFTER THE EUCHARIST
We need someone to prepare a rota for our great team who serve tea and coffee. The person taking on the role will also be given a small fund to ensure there are enough supplies. If you can help, please speak with Cindy Shipp or Fr Jim.

ST PAUL’S ADULT LEARNING
As part of St Paul’s Cathedral’s adult learning programme, there’s a chance to see the new Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, in conversation with Cathedral Dean David Ison on Monday 4th June at 6.30pm. For information on this free event, and booking details, please see www.stpauls.co.uk/learning-faith/adult-learning.

DATA PROTECTION
On Friday 25th May, the law around data protection changed. The General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR, governs how companies and public bodies hold and use our personal details. At St John’s, we will never share any of your information without your explicit permission. If you no longer want the church to hold your details, let us know and we’ll securely remove them from our database.

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 JOHN’S PATRONAL FESTIVAL AND SUMMER FAIR
The summer fair is a fantastic event when the church celebrates its patron saint and opens wide its doors to all who live and work in Eltham, as well as visitors to our parish. The fair this year will be on Saturday 23rd June at 10am-2pm. We give thanks to Gill Hayes, who has led the organisation of the fair for many years, and to Jene Kerr for taking on the role. Further details will follow in the coming weeks. In the meantime, please speak with Jene or Fr Jim if you have any questions.

RAISE FUNDS FOR WELCARE
Welcare, a Christian charity long-supported by St John’s, is calling for runners – including beginners – to join its team in the British 10K London Run 2018 on Sunday 15th July. Participants will run past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, while raising funds to support Welcare’s work with children and families in difficulty. For more information, visit welcare.org or email fundraising@welcare.org.

CHURCHWARDENS
We are delighted to say that our new churchwardens, Dorian Woodward and Alberta Rosenior, were admitted to office in Southwark Cathedral last Wednesday evening. We give thanks for their commitment to the church and pray for them.

CORPUS CHRISTI
There will be a Eucharist at Holy Trinity church in Southend Crescent, Eltham, at 7.30pm on Thursday 31st May, which is Corpus Christi. Congregations from all churches in the Eltham and Mottingham deanery are invited.

A GOODBYE
Pam and Gordon Rayment and their family, who have been attending St John’s for 14 years, are leaving to move to Rochester. We give thanks for their contribution to the community and wish them well in their new home.

CHRISTIAN AID CAKE SALE
As Christian Aid Week 2018 draws to a close, we’ll be holding a cake sale in church after the Eucharist today. A big thank you to everyone who supported and helped out with all our other events and collections over the past week. Watch this space for details of funds raised.

SPECIAL SERVICE AT SOUTHWARK CATHEDRAL
At the Annual Parochial Church Meeting last month, Dorian Woodward and Alberta Rosenior were appointed churchwardens. They’ll be admitted to office at a special service in Southwark Cathedral led by the Archdeacon of Lewisham and Greenwich, the Venerable Alastair Cutting, at 8pm this Wednesday. The service is open to all – do please attend if you can to support our new churchwardens.

TEA AND COFFEE AFTER THE EUCHARIST
We need someone to prepare a rota for our great team who serve tea and coffee. The person taking on the role will also be given a small fund to ensure there are enough supplies. If you can help, please speak with Cindy Shipp or Fr Jim.

DATA PROTECTION
On Friday 25th May, the law around data protection is changing. The General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR, governs how companies and public bodies hold and use our personal details. At St John’s, we will never share any of your information without your explicit permission. If you no longer want the church to hold your details, let us know and we’ll securely remove them from our database.

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 JOHN’S PATRONAL FESTIVAL AND SUMMER FAIR
The summer fair is a fantastic event when the church celebrates its patron saint and opens wide its doors to all who live or work in Eltham, as well as visitors to our parish. The fair this year will be on 23rd June at 10am-2pm. We give thanks to Gill Hayes, who has led the organisation of the fair for many years, and to Jene Kerr for taking on the role. Further details will follow in the coming weeks. In the meantime, please speak with Jene or Fr Jim if you have any questions.

ST PAUL’S ADULT LEARNING
As part of St Paul’s Cathedral’s adult learning programme, there’s a chance to see the new Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, in conversation with Cathedral Dean David Ison on Monday 4th June at 6.30pm. For information on this free event, and booking details, please see www.stpauls.co.uk/learning-faith/adult-learning

‘THY KINGDOM COME’
Many thanks to all those who helped keep the church open for daily prayer between Ascension Day and Pentecost. St John’s was one of thousands of churches worldwide to observe 10 days of prayer following a call from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York.

SPECIAL SERVICE AT SOUTHWARK CATHEDRAL
At the Annual Parochial Church Meeting last month, Dorian Woodward and Alberta Rosenior were appointed churchwardens They’ll be admitted to office at a special service led by the Archdeacon of Lewisham and Greenwich, the Venerable Alastair Cutting, in Southwark Cathedral at 8pm on Wednesday 23rd May. The service is open to all – do please attend if you can to support our new churchwardens.

‘THY KINGDOM COME’
The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have invited churches across the world to observe 10 days of prayer in May from Ascension Day to the Day of Pentecost. As such, St John’s is currently open for daily prayer at 10.30am to 12.30pm, until 20th May. If you’d like to help us keep the church open during this time, please let Fr Jim know.

TEA AND COFFEE AFTER THE EUCHARIST
We need someone to prepare a rota for our great team who serve tea and coffee after the Sunday Eucharist. The person taking on the role will also be given a small fund to ensure there’s enough supply. If you can help, please speak with Cindy Shipp or Fr Jim.

JUNIOR CHURCH
We’re delighted to see significant growth in the number 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. If you have any concerns, or would like to assist in Junior Church classes, please speak with Alex MacKenzie or Fr Jim.

ST JOHN’S PATRONAL FESTIVAL AND SUMMER FAIR
The summer fair is a fantastic event when the church celebrates its patron saint and opens wide its doors to all who live, work and visit Eltham. The fair this year will be on 23rd June at 10am-2pm. We give thanks to Gill Hayes, who has led the organisation of the fair for many years, and to Jene Kerr for taking on the role. Further details to follow. In the meantime, please speak with Jene or Fr Jim if you have any questions.

CHRISTIAN AID WEEK 2018

Christian Aid Week runs from today to 19th May. For more than 70 years, the charity has helped to change the lives of people living in poverty around the world. Please speak with Robyn Price if you can help with any of these events:

• Wednesday 16th May at 12.30pm: Super Soup Lunch. A sign-up sheet is on the noticeboard for anyone able to join us.
• Friday 18th May: Bucket collection at Eltham station
• Sunday 20th May: Cake sale in church after the Eucharist

Raffle tickets are on sale today, and the draw will be made at the Super Soup Lunch.

Donation envelopes are available in the pews for the duration of Christian Aid Week. They can be placed either in the collection bags during the offertory or in the Christian Aid collection bucket at the back of church. Thanks for your support!

SPECIAL SERVICE AT SOUTHWARK CATHEDRAL
At the Annual Parochial Church Meeting last month, Dorian Woodward and Alberta Rosenior were appointed churchwardens They’ll be admitted to office at a special service led by the Archdeacon of Lewisham and Greenwich, the Venerable Alastair Cutting, in Southwark Cathedral at 8pm on Wednesday 23rd May. The service is open to all – do please attend if you can to support our new churchwardens.

‘THY KINGDOM COME’
The Archbishops of Canterbury and York are inviting churches across the world to observe 10 days of prayer in May from Ascension Day to the Day of Pentecost. As such, St John’s will be open for prayer at 10.30am to 12.30pm from 11th to 20th May. If you’d like to help us keep the church open during this time, please let Fr Jim know.

TEA AND COFFEE AFTER THE EUCHARIST
We need someone to prepare a rota for our great team who serve tea and coffee after the Sunday Eucharist. The person taking on the role will also be given a small fund to ensure there’s enough supply. If you can help, please speak with Cindy Shipp or Fr Jim.

JUNIOR CHURCH
We’re delighted to see significant growth in the number 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. If you have any concerns, or would like to assist in Junior Church classes, please speak with Alex MacKenzie or Fr Jim.

ST JOHN’S PATRONAL FESTIVAL AND SUMMER FAIR
The summer fair is a fantastic event when the church celebrates its patron saint and opens wide its doors to all who live, work and visit Eltham. The fair this year will be on 23rd June at 10am-2pm. We give thanks to Gill Hayes, who has led the organisation of the fair for many years, and to Jene Kerr for taking on the role. Further details to follow. In the meantime, please speak with Jene or Fr Jim if you have any questions.

ASCENSION DAY DEANERY EUCHARIST
For the last few years, St John’s has hosted a deanery Eucharist in the evening of Ascension Day. This year, St Edward’s Mottingham will host the service on 10th May at 8pm. All are welcome.

CHRISTIAN AID WEEK 2018
Christian Aid Week will run from 13th to 19th May. For more than 70 years, the charity has helped to change the lives of people living in poverty around the world. Please speak with Robyn Price if you can help with any of these events:

• Wednesday 16th May at 12.30pm: Super Soup Lunch. A sign-up sheet is on the noticeboard for anyone able to join us.
• Friday 18th May: Bucket collection at Eltham station.
• Sunday 20th May: Cake sale in church after the Eucharist

Raffle tickets are on sale this Sunday and next, and the draw will be made at the Super Soup Lunch.

Donation envelopes will be available in the pews for the duration of Christian Aid Week. They can be placed either in the collection bags during the offertory or in the Christian Aid collection bucket at the back of church. Thanks for your support!

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING
Thanks to everyone who attended the APCM last week. We’re delighted to announce that Dorian Woodward and Alberta Rosenior were appointed churchwardens, Jean Harker joins the Parochial Church Council and Robyn Price will represent St John’s on the Deanery Synod. A special thank you goes to Nola DeLury, the PCC secretary and parish administrator, whose arrangements enabled the meeting to run so well.

SPECIAL SERVICE AT SOUTHWARK CATHEDRAL
The new churchwardens will be admitted to office during a special service led by the Archdeacon of Lewisham and Greenwich, the Venerable Alastair Cutting, in Southwark Cathedral at 8pm on Wednesday 23rd May. The service is open to all and it would be great if as many people as possible could attend to support our new churchwardens.

ELTHAM CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL
The Bishop of Woolwich, Rt Revd Dr Karowei Dorgu, will consecrate a new altar at a whole-school Eucharist on Ascension Day, 10th May. In preparation, Fr Jim is teaching pupils about the history of the Eucharist. Please pray for the school and for the bishop.

JUNIOR CHURCH
We’re delighted to see significant growth in the number 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. If you have any concerns, or would like to assist in Junior Church classes, please speak with Alex MacKenzie or Fr Jim.

ST JOHN’S PATRONAL FESTIVAL AND SUMMER FAIR
The summer fair is a great event when the church celebrates its patron saint and opens wide its doors to all who live, work and visit Eltham. The fair this year will be on 23rd June at 10am-2pm. We give thanks to Gill Hayes, who has led the organisation of the fair for many years, and to Jene Kerr for taking on the role. Further details to follow. In the meantime, please speak with Jene or Fr Jim if you have any questions.

ST PAUL’S ADULT LEARNING
As part of St Paul’s Cathedral’s adult learning programme this Spring, there are a number of free events, including a chance to see the new Bishop of London Sarah Mullally in conversation with Cathedral Dean David Ison on 4th June at 6.30pm. For information and booking details, see www.stpauls.co.uk/learning-faith/adult-learning

CHRISTIAN AID WEEK 2018
Christian Aid Week will run from 13th to 19th May. For over 70 years, the charity has helped to change the lives of people living in poverty around the world. Last year, St John’s raised more than £1,500, the most raised by any single church in Eltham. Robyn Price will be in touch shortly with news of this year’s Super Soup Lunch on Wednesday 16th May at 12.30pm, as well as the raffle, collections and other events.

‘THY KINGDOM COME’
The Archbishops of Canterbury and York are inviting churches across the world to observe 10 days of prayer in May from Ascension Day to the Day of Pentecost. As such, St John’s will be open for prayer at 10.30am to 12.30pm from 11th to 20th May. If you’d like to help us keep the church open during this time, please let Fr Jim know.

TEA AND COFFEE AFTER THE EUCHARIST
Refreshments after the Eucharist are an important part of the life of the church. It is a time when people can pause after Holy Communion and catch up with friends or meet new ones. We need someone to prepare a rota for our great team who serve tea and coffee. The person taking on the role will also be given a small fund to ensure there are enough supplies. If you can help, please speak with Cindy Shipp or Fr Jim.

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING TODAY
The Annual Parochial Church Meeting will be held in church immediately after the Eucharist today. It’s an opportunity to hear about what’s been happening in the church over the past year and is open to all on the electoral roll.

VOLUNTEER FOR WELCARE
Could you spare a few hours every couple of weeks? Welcare, a Christian charity long-supported by St John’s, is looking for volunteers. The organisation gives practical and emotional support to families in difficulty, providing one-to-one sessions for parents and children in a welcoming, non-judgmental environment. See welcare.org

ELTHAM CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL
The Bishop of Woolwich, the Rt Revd Dr Karowei Dorgu, will consecrate a new altar at a whole-school Eucharist on Ascension Day, 10th May. In preparation, Fr Jim is teaching pupils about the history and theology of the Eucharist. Please pray for the school and for Bishop Karowei.

JUNIOR CHURCH
We’ve been delighted to see significant growth in the number 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. If you have any concerns or questions, or would like to be involved with leading or assisting in Junior Church classes, please speak with Alex MacKenzie or Fr Jim.

ST PAUL’S ADULT LEARNING
As part of St Paul’s Cathedral’s adult learning programme this Spring, there are a number of free events, including a chance to see the new Bishop of London Sarah Mullally in conversation with Cathedral Dean David Ison on 4th June at 6.30pm. Mullally will discuss her faith, her life and how she feels about being the city’s first female bishop. For information on this and other talks, including booking details, please visit www.stpauls.co.uk/learning-faith/adult-learning

BIRTHDAY COFFEE
There are still some spaces on the Birthday Coffee list. If you would like to mark a birthday or some other special occasion, a list of available dates is on the church noticeboard. For a donation of £5, everyone can enjoy free tea or coffee on your chosen Sunday after the Eucharist. Please see Sheila Squire for more details.

CHRISTIAN AID WEEK
Christian Aid Week 2018 will run from 13th to 19th May. For more than 70 years, the charity has been helping to change the lives of people living in poverty around the world. Last year, St John’s raised more than £1,500, the most raised by any single church in Eltham. Robyn Price will be in touch in the coming weeks with news of this year’s Super Soup Lunch on Wednesday 16th May at 12.30pm, as well as the raffle, collections and other planned events.

‘THY KINGDOM COME’
The Archbishops of Canterbury and York are inviting churches across the world to observe 10 days of prayer in May from Ascension Day to the Day of Pentecost. As such, St John’s will be open for daily prayer at 10.30am to 12.30pm from 11th to 20th May. Some of those days will include the church’s regular worship. If you’d like to help us keep the church open during this time, please let Fr Jim know.

JESU, THOU ART ALL COMPASSION: RETREAT AT ASCOT PRIORY, BERKSHIRE
There are still spaces for the Ascot retreat on 15th-17th June. Run by the ecumenical Spiritual Association of the Compassionate Hearts of Jesus & Mary (www.cchjm.org), the retreat is set in the context of silence, with those present invited to enter into the heart of God through different perspectives – the Heart of the Father; the Heart in Silence; the Heart of Compassion, the Heart’s Softener. The cost is £160; please contact Fr John-Francis to book, at cchjm@outlook.com

ST PAUL’S ADULT LEARNING
As part of St Paul’s Cathedral’s adult learning programme this Spring, there are a number of free events, including a chance to see the new Bishop of London Sarah Mullally in conversation with Cathedral Dean David Ison on 4th June at 6.30pm. Mullally will discuss her faith, her life, what matters to her most, and how she feels about being the city’s first female bishop. For information on this and other talks, including booking details, visit www.stpauls.co.uk/learning-faith/adult-learning

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING
The Annual Parochial Church Meeting will be held in church immediately after the Eucharist next Sunday. It’s an opportunity to hear about what’s been happening in the church over the past year and is open to all on the electoral roll. For those planning to attend, the annual report is now available at the back of church.

WENSLEY CLOSE
The Friends of Wensley Close will hold a coffee morning and bring-and-buy on Tuesday 17th April at 10am to 12.30pm at Charter House in King John’s Walk (approach by Court Yard, turn right at Eltham Palace gates). Please come and support this local charity, which helps children with learning disabilities.

VOLUNTEER FOR WELCARE
Could you spare a few hours every couple of weeks? Welcare, a Christian charity long-supported by St John’s, is looking for volunteers. The organisation gives practical and emotional support to families in difficulty, providing one-to-one sessions for parents and children in a welcoming, non-judgmental environment. Volunteers have a range of backgrounds, ages and experience, and all receive training and ongoing support and guidance. To get involved or for further details, see welcare.org, call 020 7820 7910 or email volunteering@welcare.org

BIRTHDAY COFFEE
There are still some spaces on the Birthday Coffee list. If you would like to mark a birthday or some other special occasion, a list of available dates is on the church noticeboard. For a donation of £5, everyone can enjoy free tea or coffee on your chosen Sunday after the Eucharist. Please see Sheila Squire for more details.

CHRISTIAN AID WEEK
Christian Aid Week 2018 will run from 13th to 19th May. For more than 70 years, the charity has been helping to change the lives of people living in poverty around the world. Last year, St John’s raised more than £1,500, the most raised by any single church in Eltham. Robyn Price will be in touch in the coming weeks with news of this year’s Super Soup Lunch on Wednesday 16th May at 12.30pm, as well as the raffle, collections and other planned events.

JESU, THOU ART ALL COMPASSION: RETREAT AT ASCOT PRIORY, BERKSHIRE
There are still spaces for the Ascot retreat on 15th-17th June. Run by the ecumenical Spiritual Association of the Compassionate Hearts of Jesus & Mary (www.cchjm.org), the retreat will be set in the context of silence, with those present invited to enter into the heart of God through different perspectives – the Heart of the Father; the Heart in Silence; the Heart of Compassion, and the Heart’s Softener. The cost of the weekend is £160, and a booking form is available on request: please contact Fr John-Francis at cchjm@outlook.com

ST PAUL’S ADULT LEARNING
As part of St Paul’s Cathedral’s adult learning programme this Spring, there are a number of free events, including a discussion on ‘Who am I? Identity, Faith and Being Human.’ The event, led by former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, will take place in the cathedral on Monday 16th April at 6.30pm. For information on this and other events in the programme, including booking details, visit www.stpauls.co.uk/learning-faith/adult-learning

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING
The Annual Parochial Church Meeting will be held in church immediately after the Eucharist on Sunday 22nd April. The meeting is an opportunity to hear about what has been happening in the church over the past year and is open to all on the electoral roll.

WENSLEY CLOSE
The Friends of Wensley Close will hold a coffee morning and bring-and-buy on Tuesday 17th April at 10am to 12.30pm at Charter House in King John’s Walk (approach by Court Yard, turn right at Eltham Palace gates). Please come and support this local charity, which helps children with learning disabilities.

VOLUNTEER FOR WELCARE
Could you spare a few hours every couple of weeks to make a positive difference to a child’s life? Welcare, a Christian charity long-supported by St John’s, is looking for volunteers. The organisation gives practical and emotional support to families in difficulty, providing one-to-one sessions for parents and children in a welcoming, non-judgmental environment. Volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds, ages and experience, and all receive training and ongoing support and guidance. To get involved or for further details, see welcare.org or contact 020 7820 7910 / volunteering@welcare.org

CHRISTIAN AID WEEK
Christian Aid Week 2018 will run from 13th to 19th May. For more than 70 years, the charity has been helping to change the lives of people living in poverty around the world. Last year, St John’s raised more than £1,500, the most raised by any single church in Eltham. Robyn Price will be in touch in the coming weeks with news of this year’s Super Soup Lunch on Wednesday 16th May at 12.30pm, as well as the raffle, collections and other planned events.