News

Welcome back to church, Junior church and Harvest festival – same as the 13^th September 2020

Services, Remembrance Sunday and Joan’s Birthday remains the same because I am sending a picture of the card the Archbishop sent her on behalf of the Diocese.  – same as the 13^th September

                                                 ……………………………………………………

Donations for the food bank in Church. Basket for this could be found at the back of the church or talk to the church wardens if you are not sure.

Welcome to our church community

We welcome Lyu Lee and son and Mohan , Ellen and Corrine, their daughter to the church. 

St Johns is very happy to have you with us.

 Request for Birthdays, date and Month

Please send along birthdays to Alberta so we can pray for them in church

For those who died recently and for those whose years mind we keep. We would put out a list very soon for these to be updated. Thank you.

Sale of the vicarage at Sowerby Close – Diocesan Property

 We are sad to announce that the Diocese has decided to sell one of the two vicarages in the Parish – that of Sowerby close. The diocese still has a second property at Kings Orchard just over the road from St Johns, where the new incumbent will reside when he is appointed.   

We were informed about the intention to sell in August, as this is diocesan property, we sadly did not have any choice in the matter, neither would we reap any financial benefits as a church from the sale.  Following on from that on the 10^th September, we were formally informed that the property has now been sold.

This week we pray for

Churches: 

• Emmanuel, Sidlow Bridge, St Mathew the Apostle & Evangelist, Good Shepherd Tadworth & St Peter Woodmansterne.
• For International Day of Peace.

• Diocesan Personnel –  

Ruth Martin & Jackie Pontin Diocesan secretary, and Company secretary and her Deputy respectively.

Wendy Robins – Director of Press and communications 

David Loft – director of human Resources

Colin Bushell – Diocesan Surveyor

All Supporting staff at Trinity House and the area offices.

Those with Birthdays

Dorian Woodward,

Those who died recently 

Jumoke Wright, Dr Ulric Jones and Leslie Nelson- Williams

Those whose years mind we keep

Eleanor Macauley and Jessie Lee

Parish Eucharist

There is Eucharist on Thursday at 10am but no service on Fridays until further notice.

Readings – 27^th September, Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity – Ezekiel 18; 1-4, 25-end,

 Philippians 2:1-13, Mathew 21:23-32

HARVEST FESTIVAL 

This year, we will be celebrating Harvest Festival on 11th October. As usual, we’re asking everyone to bring donations to the Sunday morning service, where they will be added to those from our local church school. Once again, we will be sending all donations to the Manna Society, a London-based charity that works with homeless people and others in need. Harvest Festival donations are of critical importance to the charity, providing about 70% of their food for the year. NB. In addition to tinned food, pasta and rice etc, other items such as toiletries, clothing and shoes are also needed.

SERVICES

Now that the church has reopened, we’ll resume our services at 10am on Thursdays. As with the Sunday Eucharist, everyone attending will be asked to adhere to the new rules as listed in this newsletter. For the time being, there will be no Friday services.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

Given the persistence of the pandemic, it is extremely unlikely that this year’s Remembrance Sunday service, which typically involves a mass meeting outside the church, will go ahead in the usual way. We are awaiting guidance from the diocese and British Legion as to what alternative arrangements may be made.

100THBIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

We celebrated Joan Jeal’s 100th birthday on Friday 21st August with a service at St John’s, presided over by the Very Revd Dr John Hall. We all wish Joan a very happy birthday and hope she will see many more to come.

NEW MEMBERS

We welcome two new church members, who attended for the first time last Sunday. St John’s is very happy to have you with us.

WELCOME BACK TO CHURCH

We are pleased to welcome back parishioners to St John’s and hope that everyone finds themselves and their families safe and well. Please observe the following guidelines to prevent any contagion while the threat of the coronavirus persists:

• Sanitise your hands upon entering the church and register for track and trace; your data will be protected as per GDPR guidelines
• Pick up a service booklet from the table at the back of church
• Follow the one-way system, keep 2 metres apart, and sit where indicated by the signs (families may sit together)
• Wear a mask throughout the service, except when receiving the Eucharist. Children under the age of 11 are not required to wear a mask
• There will be organ music, but no singing except by the cantor
• Exit via the door next to the Lady Chapel
• Please don’t socialise in church, but feel free to chat outside in the churchyard, maintaining social distancing
• Please do stay at home if you are feeling unwell

JUNIOR CHURCH

We were happy to see many children returning last Sunday and look forward to welcoming more in the coming weeks. Junior Church has been organised along the following lines:

• Parents, please register your children for track-and-trace purposes
• Sanitiser is available near the door to Junior Church
• Junior Church is now split into ‘bubbles,’ with children sitting at tables to observe distancing guidelines. Please locate your child’s name and sit with them
• Keep to the bubbles. If your child hasn’t been allocated to a group, contact Alberta or Hannah. New children will be allocated once a registration form has been filled in (see Alberta for a form)
• It is important that children bring in their own pens, pencils and reading materials for now
• Please ensure that Junior Church toys are wiped down after use. There will not be any cuddly toys
• Exit via the double back-doors near the staircase. To regain entry into church, parents will have to come back via the main entrance
• If in doubt about any of the guidelines, please see Hannah or Alberta

THIS WEEK

We pray for

Our local churches and schools: St Margaret’s Chipstead; for the Horley Team Ministry, including St Bartholomew’s, St Francis’ and St Wilfrid’s; for St Andrew’s in Kingswood and the Wisdom of God, Lower Kingswood; for the bishops, priests and people of those places; for St Bede’s School in Redhill.

Those in need abroad: the people of Zimbabwe, for those suffering hardship and hunger, for the Zimbabwean clergy; for the UN International Day to Protect Education from Attack, to be celebrated for the first time in 2020; for all retired clergy around the world, for their years of faithful service.

Those with birthdays: Evelyn Crowther, Josephine Macauley, Timon Chan

Those who recently died: Sybil Bennett

Those whose year’s mind we keep: Phoebe Allen, Lee Belcher, Samuel Fergusson

Parish Eucharist

20th September 2020 at 10am, 15th Sunday After Trinity

Readings: Jonah 3:10-end, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16

NEXT WEEK

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.

GUIDELINES ON CORONAVIRUS

In accordance with advice from the diocese, St John’s has now suspended all church services until further notice to reduce the risk of infection from the coronavirus. Could all members of the congregation please make sure the churchwardens have your contact details so that theycan keep everyone up to date on the latest guidance. 

CHRISTIAN AID
This Lent, Christian Aid is again running its ‘Count Your Blessings’ initiative. This involves putting your faith into action through daily reflections and challenges.

If you would like to take part, please see christianaid.org.uk/resources.

GIFT SALE

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the gift sale last Sunday. We raised £46 in total. Well done!

ELECTORAL ROLL 

The Electoral Roll was completely revised and republished in 2019. Nevertheless, if you have joined St John’s recently and wish to be included, please contact the churchwardens or Jean Harker for a form. You must be over 16, have been baptised, and either a resident in the parish or a regular worshipper here for six months. 

THIS WEEK WE PRAY FOR:

Those in any kind of distress of mind, body or soul: Angella Baptiste, Dinah Fergusson, Alan Gearing, Hilary Bracefield, the Cox family; all those suffering from or affected by the coronavirus, especially all those who are in hospital or housebound

We also pray for churches in the diocese:

St Nicholas and St Luke, St Paul with St Mark, both in Deptford; St Peter’s Brockley,

St Catherine’s Hatcham, All Saints Hatcham Park; Haberdashers’ Aske’s Hatcham College, St James Church of England School in Bermondsey, Goldsmiths University of London; for the priests and people of those places

those whose year’s mind we keep: Don Bennett

GIFT SALE

We’re holding a gift sale today after the Eucharist. Please do stay and have a browse.

GUIDELINES ON CORONAVIRUS

Following guidance given last week, we are now taking further steps to prevent any contagion of the coronavirus at St John’s. Firstly, please use the hand sanitiser provided in church. Secondly, it is now necessary to suspend the administration of the chalice, as well as physical contact during the sharing of the peace. Thank you for your understanding. For more details, please see notices at the entrance to church.

THE BISHOP OF SOUTHWARK’S LENT CALL 2020
The theme this year for the Bishop’s Lent Call is taken from Matthew 19.14: 

But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; 
for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs’

There are envelopes in St John’s during Lent, marked ‘Bishop’s Lent Call,’ for any donations. This year, funds gathered will help support projects within the Southwark Diocese as well as in the Holy Land, Nigeria and in our link dioceses in Zimbabwe.

CHRISTIAN AID
This Lent, Christian Aid is again running its ‘Count Your Blessings’ initiative. This involves putting your faith into action through daily reflections and challenges.

If you would like to take part, please see the church noticeboard or Robyn Price.

MOTHERING SUNDAY – 22ND MARCH

Thank you to all the people who have offered to help with making the posies for Mothering Sunday. It is much appreciated. We will be making them next Saturday in the church, beginning around 10am. The small front door should be open, and the side door will also be open for music classes. It is not too late to join us, even if only for a limited time. Please see Robyn Price with any queries. Thank you!

SUNDAY COFFEE

We’re able to provide free tea and coffee after the Eucharist every Sunday because of the donations we receive from you! People contribute £5 on a date of their choosing to mark a birthday or other occasion that’s significant to them. The list for 2020 is on the noticeboard, so do please sign up! See Sheila Squire for more details. 

ELECTORAL ROLL 

The Electoral Roll was completely revised in 2019, and a copy is on the noticeboard.However, if you have joined St John’s recently and wish to be included, please see a churchwarden or Jean Harker for a form. You must be over 16, have been baptised,and either a resident in the parish or a regular worshipper here for six months. 

THIS WEEK

We pray for

St Giles Church, St Matthew’s Church and St Luke’s Church in Camberwell, St Giles Trust, which helps the homeless, St John with St Andrew and St Mary Magdalene Church in Peckham, St Mary Magdalene Primary School, for the priests and people of those places; King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, South Maudsley NHS foundation Trust

those in any kind of distress of mind, body or soul: Angella Baptiste, Dinah Fergusson, Alan Gearing, Hilary Bracefield, the Cox family

those who are housebound: Susan Wulstan

those whose year’s mind we keep: Florence Jane Hayes, Bell Smallwood, 
Mary O’Connor, Beryl Springett, Ronald Cadell

There is a Eucharist on Thursday at 10am and Friday at 12.15pm 

and a service of midday prayer at 12 noon on Friday

Parish Eucharist on 22nd March at 10am: Mothering Sunday

Readings: Exodus 2: 1-10, 2 Corinthians 1: 3-7, Luke 2: 33-35

GUIDELINES ON CORONAVIRUS

Amid the spread of the coronavirus in the U.K., churches are taking steps to prevent further contagion. At St John’s, we are providing hand sanitiser and urge parishioners to use it. At communion, please do not dip wafers into the wine. For more detailed guidance, please see notices at the entrance to church.

GIFT SALE

The sale that was initially planned for last Sunday will now take place on Sunday 15th after the morning service. Please leave any items for sale in the church office.

THE BISHOP OF SOUTHWARK’S LENT CALL 2020
The theme this year for the Bishop’s Lent Call is taken from Matthew 19.14: 

But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; 
for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs’

There are envelopes in St John’s during Lent, marked ‘Bishop’s Lent Call,’ for any donations. This year, funds gathered will help support projects within the Southwark Diocese as well as in the Holy Land, Nigeria and in our link dioceses in Zimbabwe.

CHRISTIAN AID
This Lent, Christian Aid is again running its ‘Count Your Blessings’ initiative. This involves putting your faith into action through daily reflections and challenges.

If you would like to take part, please see the church noticeboard or Robyn Price.

MOTHERING SUNDAY
Mothering Sunday this year is on 22nd March. At St John’s, the children traditionallydistribute small posies of flowers during the service. If anyone is able to take responsibility for making the posies this year – or to help – please see Robyn Price.

SUNDAY COFFEE

We’re able to provide free tea and coffee after the Eucharist every Sunday because of the donations we receive from you! People contribute £5 on a date of their choosing to mark a birthday or other occasion that’s significant to them. The list for 2020 is on the noticeboard, so do please sign up! See Sheila Squire for more details. 

ELECTORAL ROLL 

The Electoral Roll was completely revised in 2019, and a copy is on the noticeboard.However, if you have joined St John’s recently and wish to be included, please see a churchwarden or Jean Harker for a form. You must be over 16, have been baptised,and either a resident in the parish or a regular worshipper here for six months. 

THIS WEEK

We pray for

St Augustine of Canterbury in Honor Oak Park, St Bartholomew in Sydenham, St Philip the Apostle in Sydenham, All Saints Peckham, Christ Church in Camberwell, St George in Camberwell; for the priests and people of those places

those in any kind of distress of mind, body or soul: Angella Baptiste, Dinah Fergusson, Alan Gearing, Hilary Bracefield, the Cox family

those who are housebound: Susan Wulstan

those whose year’s mind we keep: Ronald Mallone, Alan Sykes

There is a Eucharist on Thursday at 10am and Friday at 12.15pm 

and a service of midday prayer at 12 noon on Friday

Parish Eucharist on 15th March at 10am: Third Sunday of Lent

Readings: Exodus 17: 1-7, Romans 5: 1-11, John 4: 5-42

NEXT WEEK

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.

GIFT SALE

Today after the Eucharist, there’ll be a stall in church selling any unwanted Christmas gifts. Do please stay and take a look.

THE BISHOP OF SOUTHWARK’S LENT CALL 2020
The theme this year for the Bishop’s Lent Call is taken from Matthew 19.14: 

But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; 
for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs’

There are envelopes in St John’s during Lent, marked ‘Bishop’s Lent Call,’ for any donations. This year, funds gathered will help support projects within the Southwark Diocese as well as in the Holy Land, Nigeria and in our link dioceses in Zimbabwe.

SUNDAY COFFEE

We’re able to provide free tea and coffee after the Eucharist every Sunday because of the donations we receive from you! People contribute £5 on a date of their choosing to mark a birthday or other occasion that’s significant to them. The list for 2020 is on the noticeboard, so do please sign up! See Sheila Squire for more details.

CHRISTIAN AID
This Lent, Christian Aid is again running its ‘Count Your Blessings’ initiative. This involves putting your faith into action through daily reflections and challenges.

If you would like to take part, please see the church noticeboard or Robyn Price.

MOTHERING SUNDAY
Mothering Sunday this year is on 22nd March. At St John’s, the children traditionallydistribute small posies of flowers during the service. If anyone is able to take responsibility for making the posies this year – or to help – please see Robyn Price.

PRAYERS

We are a praying community at St John’s and welcome all requests for prayer. Should you wish the church to offer prayers for a particular friend or relative – whether to mark a birthday, to lend support at a time of distress, or to remember the passing of a loved one – please speak to Patricia Allen or Alberta Rosenior. 

ELECTORAL ROLL 

The Electoral Roll was completely revised in 2019, and a copy is on the noticeboard.However, if you have joined St John’s recently and wish to be included, please see a churchwarden or Jean Harker for a form. You must be over 16, have been baptised,and either a resident in the parish or a regular worshipper here for six months. 

THIS WEEK

We pray for

All those observing St David’s Day, the World Day of Prayer and World Wildlife Day; for St Michael’s and Holy Trinity primary schools in Sydenham and StChristopher’s Hospice, Sydenham; West Lewisham Deanery, including St Saviour inBrockley, the Forest Hill Team Ministry and All Saints Sydenham, for the priests and people of those places

those in any kind of distress of mind, body or soul: Angella Baptiste, Dinah Fergusson, Alan Gearing, Hilary Bracefield, the Cox family

those who are housebound: Susan Wulstan

those whose year’s mind we keep: Rhoda Barrett

There is a Eucharist on Thursday at 10am and Friday at 12.15pm 

and a service of midday prayer at 12 noon on Friday

Parish Eucharist on 8th March at 10am: Second Sunday of Lent

Readings: Genesis 12: 1-4a, Romans 4: 1-5, 13-17, John 3: 1-17

NEXT WEEK

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 2020
The theme this year for the Bishop’s Lent Call is taken from Matthew 19.14: 

But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; 
for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs’

There will be envelopes in St John’s during Lent, marked ‘Bishop’s Lent Call,’ for any donations. This year, funds gathered will help support projects within the Southwark Diocese as well as in the Holy Land, Nigeria and in our link dioceses in Zimbabwe.

PRAYERS

We are a praying community at St John’s and welcome all requests for prayer. Should you wish the church to offer prayers for a particular friend or relative – whether to mark a birthday, to lend support at a time of distress, or to remember the passing of a loved one – please speak to Patricia Allen or Alberta Rosenior. 

ASH WEDNESDAY

Please note there will be a Solemn Eucharist with the Imposition of Ashes at 7:30pm in church this Wednesday.

ALL FOR JESUS: A RETREAT AT PLESHEY 

Fr John-Francis Friendship, who has preached frequently at St John’s during the interregnum, will be leading a retreat at Pleshey in Essex on 24th-26th April.

The retreat will take the Eucharist as its theme, opening up different aspects of the subject, including prayer and preparation; confession and reconciliation; and life’s oblation. To book a place, email retreathouse@chelmsford.anglican.org.

GIFT SALE

On Sunday 1st March after the Eucharist, there’ll be a stall in church selling any unwanted Christmas gifts. Do please leave any items for sale in the church office.

STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN

As the St John’s stewardship campaign continues, please consider whether you’re able to give to the church, whether financially or in other ways. If you’d like to make a financial offering and are a taxpayer, it would help if you use a gift-aid envelope. This allows the church to claim 25p for every £1 you give. Thank you very much!

THIS WEEK

We pray for

Eltham Church of England Primary School; St Andrew With St Alban and St Edward the Confessor, Mottingham; for the priests and people of those places; for Catherine Shelley, new dean of Eltham and Mottingham Deanery; for the CofE’s Mission Agencies and their work around the world; for the Southwark Diocese Training Centre, led by Richard Ellis

those with birthdays: George Radulescu

those in any kind of distress of mind, body or soul: Angella Baptiste, Dinah Fergusson, Alan Gearing, Hilary Bracefield

those who are housebound: Susan Wulstan

those whose year’s mind we keep: Spencer Jeal, Ira Palmer

Services

Ash Wednesday service on 26th February at 7:30pm

There is a Eucharist on Thursday at 10am and Friday at 12.15pm 

and a service of midday prayer at 12 noon on Friday

Parish Eucharist on 1st March at 10am: First Sunday of Lent, St David’s Day

Readings: Genesis 2: 15 -17, Romans 5: 12-19, Matthew 4: 1-11 

NEXT WEEK

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.

STEWARDSHIP SUNDAYS

Today is St John’s Stewardship Sunday. Gabby Parikh, head of giving at Southwark Diocese, will deliver the sermon, and there’ll be no crèche or Junior Church so that everyone can hear her talk. The service is part of our stewardship campaign thatkicked off last month and will explore how we can all give to the church, whether financially or in other ways.

GIFT SALE

On Sunday 1st March after the Eucharist, there’ll be a stall in church selling any unwanted Christmas gifts. Do please leave any items for sale in the church office.

HEAT LOSS IN WINTER

During this cold weather, it’s important that we keep all the doors in the churchfirmly shut to avoid valuable heat being lost, especially the side entrance. Thank you.

CHRISTIAN AID

Two dates for your diaries: Christian Aid Week this year is 12th-18th May, and our traditional Super Soup Lunch will be on 14th May. Details will be provided nearer the time. Thank you so much for your continued support.

ALL FOR JESUS: A RETREAT AT PLESHEY 

Fr John-Francis Friendship, who has preached frequently at St John’s during the interregnum, will be leading a retreat at Pleshey in Essex on 24th-26th April.

The retreat will take the Eucharist as its theme, with each address opening up different aspects of the subject, including prayer and preparation; confession and reconciliation; our sacrifice of thanksgiving; and life’s oblation. To book a place at a cost of £164 (or £180 with en-suite), email retreathouse@chelmsford.anglican.org.

SAFEGUARDING

At St John’s we’re committed to keeping everyone safe in our church and during its activities. This means we take measures to protect the health and wellbeing of allindividuals, especially children and vulnerable adults. If you have any concerns, please speak to our safeguarding officers, Mick Hayes and ​Alberta Rosenior​.

THIS WEEK

We pray for

St Michael and All Angels, Blackheath Park; St Luke with Holy Trinity, Charlton;Holy Trinity, Greenwich Peninsula; for the Koinonia CofE Schools Federation and its two schools – St Mary Magdalene and Christ Church Primary; for the priests and people of those places; also for Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance

those with birthdays: James Shipp, Nola Delury, Suzanne Allard-Gomes

those in any kind of distress of mind, body or soul: Angella Baptiste, Dinah Fergusson, Alan Gearing, Hilary Bracefield

those who are housebound: Susan Wulstan

those whose year’s mind we keep: Ethel Burrell, Clifford Lacey, David Rhys, 
Geoff  Mason, Reg Lover, Gregory Nadar, Vinnie Cummings-John 

There is a Eucharist on Thursday at 10am and Friday at 12.15pm 

and a service of midday prayer at 12 noon on Friday

Parish Eucharist
23rd February 2020 at 10am, Sunday Before Lent

Readings: Exodus 24: 12-18, 2 Peter: 16 -21, Matthew 17: 1-9

If you would like to make a financial offering to the church and are a taxpayer, 

it would help if you use a gift-aid envelope. This will enable the church to claim 25p for every £1 you give. Envelopes are at the back of church. Thank you very much. 

NEXT WEEK

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.

STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY

St John’s Stewardship Sunday is on 16th February, when Gaby Parikh, head of giving at Southwark Diocese, will deliver the sermon. The service is part of our current stewardship campaign, which kicked off last month and will explore how
we can all give to the church, whether financially or in other ways.

GIFT SALE

On Sunday 1st March after the Eucharist, there’ll be a stall in church selling any unwanted Christmas gifts. Do please leave any items for sale in the church office.

HEAT LOSS IN WINTER

During this cold weather, it’s important that we keep all the doors in the church firmly shut to avoid valuable heat being lost, especially the side entrance. Thank you.

CHRISTIAN AID

Many thanks to everyone who contributed to the Christian Aid Christmas appeal. We raised £34.07. Two dates for your diaries: Christian Aid Week this year is 12th-18th May, and our traditional Super Soup Lunch will be on 14th May. Details will be provided nearer the time. Thank you so much for your continued support.

SUNDAY COFFEE

We’re able to provide free tea and coffee after the Eucharist every Sunday because of the donations we receive from you! People contribute £5 on a date of their choosing to mark a birthday or other occasion that’s significant to them. The list for 2020 is on the noticeboard, so do please sign up! See Sheila Squire for more details.

SAFEGUARDING

At St John’s we’re committed to keeping everyone safe in our church and during its activities. This means we take measures to protect the health and wellbeing of allindividuals, especially children and vulnerable adults. If you have any concerns, please speak to our safeguarding officers, Mick Hayes and ​Alberta Rosenior​.

COLLECTION

The general collection during the Eucharist now takes place during the final hymn. 
If you would like to make a financial offering to the church and are a taxpayer, 

it would help if you use a gift-aid envelope. This will enable the church to claim 25p for every £1 you give. Envelopes are at the back of church. Thank you very much. 

THIS WEEK

We pray for

The forthcoming meeting of the General Synod – the national assembly of the Church of England; for the House of Clergy and its representatives in the Southwark Diocese; for Charlton Deanery, including St John the Evangelist in Blackheath, St Luke With Holy Trinity in Charlton and St Alfege in Greenwich, for the priests and people of those places

those in any kind of distress of mind, body or soul: Angella Baptiste, Dinah Fergusson, Alan Gearing, Hilary Bracefield

those who are housebound: Susan Wulstan

those whose year’s mind we keep: John Martyn, Eric Mercer, 
Waldomir Gomes and Win Purkiss

There is a Eucharist on Thursday at 10am and Friday at 12.15pm 

and a service of midday prayer at 12 noon on Friday

Parish Eucharist
16th February 2020 at 10am, 2nd Sunday before Lent

Readings: Genesis 1:1-23, Romans 8:18-25, Matthew 6:25-34

NEXT WEEK

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.

STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY

St John’s Stewardship Sunday is on 16th February, when Gaby Parikh, head of giving at Southwark Diocese, will deliver the sermon. The service is part of the church’s stewardship campaign, which kicked off last Sunday and will explore the ways in which we can all give to the church, whether financially or in other ways.

JUNIOR CHURCH

Keli Bolton, diocesan mission support officer for children and young people, is at St John’s today for a brief meeting after the Eucharist with all Junior Church leaders.

GIFT SALE

On Sunday 1st March after the Eucharist, there’ll be a stall in church selling any unwanted Christmas gifts. Do please leave any items for sale in the church office.

HEAT LOSS IN WINTER

During this cold weather, it’s important that we keep all the doors in the church firmly shut to avoid valuable heat being lost, especially the side entrance. Thank you.

COLLECTION

The general collection during the Eucharist will now take place during the final hymn.

SUNDAY COFFEE

We’re able to provide free tea and coffee after the Eucharist every Sunday because of the donations we receive from you! People contribute £5 on a date of their choosing to mark a birthday or other occasion that’s significant to them. The list for 2020 is on the noticeboard, so do please sign up! See Sheila Squire for more details.

SAFEGUARDING

At St John’s we’re committed to keeping everyone safe in our church and during its activities. This means we take measures to protect the health and wellbeing of allindividuals, especially children and vulnerable adults. If you have any concerns, please speak to our safeguarding officers, Mick Hayes and ​Alberta Rosenior​.

CHRISTIAN AID

Many thanks to everyone who contributed to the Christian Aid Christmas appeal. We raised £34.07. Two dates for your diaries: Christian Aid Week this year is 12th-18th May, and our traditional Super Soup Lunch will be on 14th May. Details will be provided nearer the time. Thank you so much for your continued support.

THIS WEEK

We pray for

The St John’s stewardship campaign as we pool our financial and human resources for the improvement of the church; the deans of Woolwich Anglican Ecumenical Borough; Welcare and the work it does in the Southwark Diocese; Bermondsey Deanery, including St James with Christchurch and St Crispin, for the clergy and people of that parish

those in any kind of distress of mind, body or soul: Angella Baptiste, Dinah Fergusson, Alan Gearing, Hilary Bracefield

those who are housebound: Susan Wulstan

those who died recently: Malcolm Jarrett, Martha Fergusson

those whose year’s mind we keep: Ada Austin, Betty Shipp, Fred James, Leonid Ivanyuk

There is a Eucharist on Thursday at 10am and Friday at 12.15pm 

and a service of midday prayer at 12 noon on Friday

Parish Eucharist
9th February 2020 at 10am, 3rd Sunday before Lent

Readings: Isaiah 58:1-9, 1st Corinthians 2:1-12, Matthew 5: 13-20

NEXT WEEK

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.

STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY

Please save the date for the St John’s Stewardship Sunday on 16th February. It’ll be an opportunity to explore how we use and manage all of God’s resources for the protection and improvement of our surroundings. 

As part of a potential stewardship campaign, St John’s would like to put together a couple of leaflets. If anyone has design or layout skills that could help us, please see Dorian Woodward. Thank you!

HEAT LOSS IN WINTER

As the weather gets colder, it’s important that we keep all the doors in the churchfirmly shut to avoid valuable heat being lost, especially the side entrance.

COLLECTION

The general collection during the Eucharist will now take place during the last hymn. If you have any queries or suggestions about this, please see the churchwardens.

JUNIOR CHURCH

Keli Bolton, mission support officer for children and young people at the Diocese of Southwark, will come to St John’s for a brief meeting after the Eucharist on 2nd February. It would be great if all Junior Church leaders could attend.

NEW ARRIVAL

Congratulations to Erica and Ben Wright on the birth of Oliver, a brother for Poppy and Jacob. Oliver was in church last Sunday at just three days old.

SUNDAY COFFEE

We’re able to provide free tea and coffee after the Eucharist every Sunday because of the donations we receive from you! People contribute £5 on a date of their choosing to mark a birthday or other occasion that’s significant to them. The list for 2020 is on the noticeboard, so do please sign up! See Sheila Squire for more details.

SAFEGUARDING

At St John’s we’re committed to keeping everyone safe within our church and during its activities. This means we take measures to protect the health and wellbeing of allindividuals, especially children and vulnerable adults. If you have any concerns, please speak to our safeguarding officers, Mick Hayes and ​Alberta Rosenior​.

ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL ADULT LEARNING PROGRAMME

St Paul’s has published its latest calendar of talks and workshops. Many are free,including a discussion led by priest, scholar and author John Barton on the history of the Bible on 24th March. Do pick up a leaflet from the table in the south aisle.

THIS WEEK

We pray for

St John’s in its interregnum; St Margaret’s and St Mildred’s in Lee, St Mary the Virgin in Lewisham, for the priests and people of those places; the deans of Woolwich Anglican Ecumenical Borough; Southwark Diocese churchwardens; our link diocese in Zimbabwe

those with birthdays: Ian Shipp

those in any kind of distress of mind, body or soul: Angella Baptiste, Dinah Fergusson, Alan Gearing, Hilary Bracefield

those who are housebound: Susan Wulstan

those who died recently: Malcolm Jarrett, Martha Fergusson

There is a Eucharist on Thursday at 10am and Friday at 12.15pm 

and a service of midday prayer at 12 noon on Friday

Parish Eucharist
2nd February 2020 at 10am, Candlemas

Readings: Malachi 3: 1-5, Hebrews 2: 14 – 18, Matthew 4:12- 23

NEXT WEEK

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.

STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY

Please save the date for the St John’s Stewardship Sunday on 16th February. It’ll be an opportunity to explore how we use and manage all of God’s resources for the protection and improvement of our surroundings. 

As part of a potential stewardship campaign, St John’s would like to put together a couple of leaflets. If anyone has design or layout skills that could help us, please see Dorian Woodward. Thank you!

HEAT LOSS IN WINTER

As the weather gets colder, it’s important that we keep all the doors in the churchfirmly shut to avoid valuable heat being lost, especially the side entrance.

COLLECTION

The general collection during the Eucharist will now take place during the last hymn. If you have any queries or suggestions about this, please see the churchwardens.

LAST SUNDAY’S SERMON

Fr John-Francis Friendship, who preached at St John’s last Sunday, has kindly provided a link to his sermon. Everyone can access it at francisjon.blogspot.com.

SAFEGUARDING

At St John’s we’re committed to keeping everyone safe within our church and during its activities. This means we take measures to protect the health and wellbeing of allindividuals, especially children and vulnerable adults. It’s our collective responsibility look out for and help each other in church. If you have any concernson this matter, please speak to our safeguarding officers, Mick Hayes and ​Alberta Rosenior​.

JUNIOR CHURCH

Keli Bolton, mission support officer for children and young people at the Diocese of Southwark, will come to St John’s for a brief meeting after the Eucharist on 2nd February. It would be great if all Junior Church leaders could attend.

ST PAUL’S ADULT LEARNING PROGRAMME

St Paul’s Cathedral has published its calendar of talks and workshops up until the summer. Among the events, scholar and author John Barton will lead a discussion on the history of the Bible on 24th March, and Bishop of London Sarah Mullally will explore Florence Nightingale’s vocation on 28th May. Details of all events and how to register for free places can be found in the leaflets on the table in the south aisle.

THIS WEEK

We pray for

St John’s during its interregnum, and Eltham Church of England Primary School; East Lewisham Deanery, in particular the Catford and Downham Team Ministry; thecurrent Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and for our shared ecumenical journey

those with birthdays: Angela Davis

those in any kind of distress of mind, body or soul: Dinah Fergusson, Alan Gearing, Hilary Bracefield

those who are housebound: Susan Wulstan

those whose year’s mind we keep: Stan Brown, John Rudkin and Thomas Cleworth

There is a Eucharist on Thursday at 10am and Friday at 12.15pm 

and a service of midday prayer at 12 noon on Friday

Parish Eucharist
26th January 2020 at 10am

Readings: Isaiah 9: 1-4, 1 Corinthians 1: 10-18, Matthew 4: 12-23

NEXT WEEK

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.

STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY

Please save the date for the St John’s Stewardship Sunday on 16th February. It’ll be an opportunity to explore how we use and manage all of God’s resources for the protection and improvement of our surroundings. ‘The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world and all who live in it’ (Psalm 24:1).

HEAT LOSS IN WINTER

As the weather gets colder, it’s important that we keep all the doors in the church firmly shut to avoid valuable heat being lost, especially the side entrance.

COLLECTION

The general collection during the Eucharist will now take place during the last hymn. If you have any queries or suggestions about this, please see the churchwardens.

ST PAUL’S ADULT LEARNING

St Paul’s Cathedral has published its calendar of talks and workshops – some of them free to attend – up until the summer. See stpauls.co.uk/learning-faith/adult-learningfor details of all the events, with speakers including Bishop of London Sarah Mullally, poet and theologian Padraig O Tuama and Chaplain to the Queen Liz Adekunle.

SUNDAY COFFEE

We’re able to provide free tea and coffee after the Eucharist every Sunday because of the donations we receive from members of the congregation. People contribute £5 on a date of their choosing to mark an occasion that’s significant to them. The list of dates for 2020 is up on the church noticeboard, so do please sign up if you would like to celebrate a birthday or other special day. See Sheila Squire for more details.

ST JOHN’S INTERREGNUM

The churchwardens and the Parochial Church Council are continuing the process to seek a new priest for St John’s. We will update you on any developments, and ask that you continue to pray for all prospective candidates and for a smooth transition.

THIS WEEK

We pray for

Our Bishops the Rt Revd Dr Karowei Dorgu and the Rt Revd Christopher Chessun; St Saviour’s and St Paul’s, Herne Hill; East Lewisham Deanery, including St Dunstan’s in Bellingham, All Saints in Blackheath and St Andrew the Apostle, Catford; all churches in Australia and for the priests and people in all areas affected by the fires

those with birthdays: Cindy Shipp

those in any kind of distress of mind, body or soul: Dinah Fergusson, Alan Gearing, Hilary Bracefield

those who are housebound: Susan Wulstan

those whose year’s mind we keep: Thomas Cleworth, Allan Squire, Stanley Austin

There is a Eucharist on Thursday at 10am and Friday at 12.15pm 

and a service of midday prayer at 12 noon on Friday

Parish Eucharist
19th January 2020 at 10am

Readings: Isaiah 49: 1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1: 29-42

If you would like to make a financial offering to the church and are a taxpayer, 

it would help the church if you use a gift-aid envelope. This will enable the church to claim 25p for every £1 you give. Envelopes are at the back of church. Thank you. 

NEXT WEEK

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.

A FESTIVAL OF NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS

Today at 6pm, an expanded church choir – including a number of professional singers recruited for the occasion – will lead us in our carol service. They’ll sing six beautifultraditional carols, while the congregational carols will include classics such as ‘Once in Royal David’s City’, ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’, ‘Hark the Herald’ and more.Please come along for what promises to be a rousing and atmospheric festive celebration!

AND COMING UP…• Tuesday 24th December at 4pm: Children’s nativity• Tuesday 24th December at 11:30pm: Christmas Eve midnight mass• Wednesday 25th December at 10am: Christmas Day Eucharist

Please note there are no services on Thursday 26th and Friday 27th December.

CHRISTMAS CARDS

A reminder to pick up any Christmas cards left for you in the alphabetical trays on the table at the back of church. If you wish to give cards to other members of the congregation, please put them in the trays before Christmas Day. We’re sorry that we cannot deliver any uncollected cards, but will keep them until 29th December.

SUNDAY COFFEE

We’re able to provide free tea and coffee after the Eucharist every Sunday because of the donations we receive from members of the congregation. People contribute £5 on a date of their choosing to mark an occasion that’s significant to them. The list of dates for 2020 is now up on the noticeboard, so do please sign up if you would like to celebrate a birthday or other special day. See Sheila Squire for more details.

CHRISTIAN AID

There are envelopes on the pews for anyone who would like to make a donation to Christian Aid this Christmas. The collection container is at the back of church.Details of this year’s campaign can be found on the noticeboard. Many thanks!

CHRISTMAS TREES

As in past years, our local church school has kindly provided two Christmas trees. One is decorated by the school children and the other by our Sunday School children,both on the theme of Christmas carols.

THIS WEEK

We pray for

those in hospital and hospices over Christmas and all chaplaincy teams serving these places; Christian leaders in their denominations and the work of the ecumenical movement; for the local foodbank, for those who run it and for the families they will serve during the festive season; for those involved in ‘Crisis at Christmas’

those in any kind of distress of mind, body or soul: Angella Baptiste, 
Dinah Fergusson, Alan Gearing, Hilary Bracefield

those who are housebound: Susan Wulstan

those whose year’s mind we keep: Peyo Peyko, Stanley cox, Hannah Jonah 
and Camilla Ward

Parish Eucharist
25th December 2019 at 10am, Christmas Day

Readings: Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2: 11-14, Luke 1:1-14  

If you would like to make a financial offering to the church and are a taxpayer, 

it would help the church if you use a gift-aid envelope. This will enable the church to claim 25p for every £1 you give. Envelopes are at the back of church. Thank you. 

NEXT WEEK

There will be no news sheet next week. Please send any items for inclusion in the following Sunday’s Church News to Amanda Jordan at amanda.jordan@virgin.net by 30th December.

CHRISTMAS CARDS

At the back of the church are alphabetical trays. If you wish to give cards to other members of the congregation, please put them in the appropriate trays before Christmas Day and collect any addressed to you. We’re sorry that we cannot deliver any cards that remain uncollected, but will keep them until 29th December.

A FESTIVAL OF NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS

Next Sunday at 6pm, an expanded church choir – including a number of professional singers recruited for the occasion – will lead us in our Christmas carol service. They will perform a selection of six beautiful traditional carols, while the congregational carols will include classics such as ‘Once in Royal David’s City’, ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’, ‘Hark the Herald’ and more. Please come along for what promises to be a rousing and atmospheric festive celebration, and bring your friends and family!

POSTAGE STAMPS

The Air Ambulance is no longer taking used stamps, so in future all the stamps we collect will go to the Royal National Institute of Blind People. There’s a collection box on the table near the church noticeboard. See Anne Thomson with any queries.

SUNDAY COFFEE

We’re able to provide free tea and coffee after the Eucharist every Sunday because of the donations we receive from members of the congregation. People contribute £5 on a date of their choosing to mark an occasion that’s significant to them. The list of dates for 2020 is now up on the noticeboard, so do please sign up if you would like to celebrate a birthday or other special day. See Sheila Squire for more details.

CHRISTMAS TREES

As in past years, our local church school has kindly provided two Christmas trees. One will be decorated by the school children with the theme of Christmas carols, and the other by our Sunday School children, on the theme of the Jesse tree.

LAST SUNDAY’S SERMON

Fr John-Francis Friendship, who preached at St John’s last Sunday, has kindly provided a link to his sermon. Everyone can access it at francisjon.blogspot.com.

THIS WEEK

We pray for

All Saints, St James and St Paul, Christ Church – Shooters Hill and Thamesmead Ministry; for the priests and people of those places

those with birthdays: Mark Foster

those in any kind of distress of mind, body or soul: Angella Baptiste, 
Dinah Fergusson, Alan Gearing, Hilary Bracefield

those who are housebound: Susan Wulstan

those whose year’s mind we keep: Unity Lister, Evelyn Taylor, Ken Saunders

There is a Eucharist on Thursday at 10am and Friday at 12.15pm 

and a service of midday prayer at 12 noon on Friday

Parish Eucharist
22nd December 2019 at 10am, Fourth of Advent

Readings: Isaiah 7: 10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:1-18

If you would like to make a financial offering to the church and are a taxpayer, 

it would help the church if you use a gift-aid envelope. This will enable the church to claim 25p for every £1 you give. Envelopes are at the back of church. Thank you. 

NEXT WEEK

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.

PRIEST VACANCY: MEETING TODAY

As promised, we will hold a brief meeting immediately after today’s Eucharist to update everyone on our search for a new parish priest. Following the briefing, your churchwardens will do their best to answer any questions that members of the congregation may have regarding the timing and selection process. All are welcome.

FATHER JIM

We’re pleased to report that Peter Horton and his daughter Alice were able to attend the institution of Fr Jim in his new parish in East Perthshire, Scotland, on 16th November. The service was presided over by the Bishop of St Andrews, Dunblane and Dunkeld, and apparently included some lusty singing! Photos are displayed on the church noticeboard. Copies can be obtained from Peter or from Dorian Woodward.

POSTAGE STAMPS

The Air Ambulance is no longer taking used stamps, so in future all the stamps we collect will go to the Royal National Institute of Blind People. There’s a collection box on the table near the noticeboard. Please see Anne Thomson with any queries.

A FESTIVAL OF NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS

On Sunday 22nd December at 6pm, an expanded church choir – including a number of professional singers recruited for the occasion – will lead us in our Christmas carol service. They will perform a selection of six beautiful traditional carols, while the congregational carols will include classics such as ‘Once in Royal David’s City’, ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’, ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’, ‘Hark the Herald’ and more.Please come along for what promises to be a rousing and atmospheric festive celebration, and bring your friends and family as well!

CHRISTMAS TREES

As in past years, our local church school has kindly provided two Christmas trees. One will be decorated by the school children with the theme of Christmas carols, and the other by our Sunday School children, on the theme of the Jesse tree.

LAST SUNDAY’S SERMON

Fr John-Francis Friendship, who preached at St John’s last Sunday, has kindly provided a link to his sermon. Everyone can access it at francisjon.blogspot.com.

THIS WEEK

We pray for

Purley St Swithun in Croydon South Deanery; Plumstead Deanery; St Michael and All Angels, Abbey Wood; for the priests and people of those places

those in any kind of distress of mind, body or soul: Angella Baptiste, 
Dinah Fergusson, Alan Gearing, Hilary Bracefield

those who are housebound: Susan Wulstan

those whose year’s mind we keep: Joyce Ward, Geoffrey Wheeler

There is a Eucharist on Thursday at 10am and Friday at 12.15pm 

and a service of midday prayer at 12 noon on Friday

Parish Eucharist
15th December 2019 at 10am, Third of Advent

Readings: Isaiah 35: 1-10, James 5: 7-10, Mathew 11: 2-11

If you would like to make a financial offering to the church and are a taxpayer, 

it would help the church if you use a gift-aid envelope. This will enable the church to claim 25p for every £1 you give. Envelopes are at the back of church. Thank you. 

NEXT WEEK

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.

PRIEST VACANCY

We’ll hold a brief meeting one Sunday after the Eucharist to bring the congregation up to date on arrangements during the interregnum and in particular to explain the process of finding a new priest. The meeting will hopefully be before Christmas. Allare welcome to attend and share views on the sort of person we’d wish to appoint.

ELTHAM PARISH CHURCH CHOIR

Our choir is recruiting! We sing mostly traditional choral music during communion and at feast day services. We don’t ask for a significant commitment and would love for anyone who’s interested to get involved. If you can come to church at 9.30am on SOME Sundays to rehearse before the Eucharist, please get in touch. Talk to our Director of Music Theo Lester after the service, or contact him on 07872 571588.

JUNIOR CHURCH
Our Junior Church and crèche are looking for more adult helpers. 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, please speak with Alex MacKenzie. 

REMEMBERING LOVED ONES

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

LAST SUNDAY’S SERMON

Fr John-Francis Friendship, who preached at St John’s last Sunday, has kindly provided a link to his sermon. Everyone can access it at francisjon.blogspot.com.

ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS SERVICES

Sunday 22nd December at 6pm: A service of nine lessons and carols

Tuesday 24th December at 4pm: Christmas Eve nativity

Tuesday 24th December at 11.30pm: Christmas Eve midnight mass

Wednesday 25th December at 10am: Christmas Day Eucharist

There will also be school carol services taking place in the church, includingEaldham Primary School on 17th December at 7pm and Eltham Church of England Primary School on 18th December at 6pm.

THIS WEEK

We pray for

Croydon South Deanery, for its priests and congregations; also for World Aids Day and for the mission agencies and their work throughout the Anglican community

those with birthdays: Jene Kerr

those in any kind of distress of mind, body or soul: Angella Baptiste, 
Dinah Fergusson, Alan Gearing

those who are housebound: Susan Wulstan

those whose year’s mind we keep: Sydney Jeal, Lydia Croxford and Amy Gosling

There is a Eucharist on Thursday at 10am and Friday at 12.15pm 

and a service of midday prayer at 12 noon on Friday

Parish Eucharist
8th December 2019 at 10am, Second of Advent

Readings: Isaiah 11: 1-10, Romans 15: 4-13, Mathew 3:1-12

NEXT WEEK

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.

FATHER JIM 

Fr Jim has let us know that he and Liz have settled in well in their new home in Scotland – although it is noticeably cooler! He thanks everyone for the send-off and the presents. If anyone wants his new contact details, please ask the church wardens.

PRIEST VACANCY

We’ll hold a brief informal meeting one Sunday after the Parish Eucharist to bring the congregation up to date on arrangements during the interregnum and in particular to explain the process and timing for finding a new priest. We haven’t yet agreed a date for the meeting but hopefully it’ll be before Christmas. All are welcome to attend and share views on the sort of person we would wish to appoint.

ELTHAM PARISH CHURCH CHOIR

Our church choir is recruiting! We sing mostly traditional choral music during communion and at feast day services. We don’t ask for a significant commitment and would love for anyone who’s interested in singing to get involved. If you’re able to come to church at 9.30am on SOME Sundays to rehearse before the Eucharist, pleaseget in touch. You can talk to our Director of Music Theo Lester after the service, or contact him at theo.lester@city.ac.uk or on 07872 571588.

JUNIOR CHURCH
Our Junior Church and crèche are looking for more adult helpers. 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, please speak with Alex MacKenzie. 

YEAR’S MIND

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

LAST SUNDAY’S SERMON

Fr John-Francis Friendship, who preached at St John’s last Sunday, has kindly provided a link to his sermon. Everyone can access it at francisjon.blogspot.com.

THIS WEEK

We pray for

South Croydon Deanery, St Augustine’s South Croydon, Welcare in Croydon; 
for the people and priests of those places

those with birthdays: Alex MacKenzie

those in any kind of distress of mind, body or soul: Angella Baptiste, 
Dinah Fergusson, Alan Gearing

those who are housebound: Susan Wulstan

those whose year’s mind we keep: Margaret Hall, Frank Horton, Dorothy Allen, Katherine Godwin, Bean Crandon, Stanley Smith

There is a Eucharist on Thursday at 10am and Friday at 12.15pm 

and a service of midday prayer at 12 noon on Friday

Parish Eucharist
1st December 2019 at 10am, First of Advent

Readings: Isaiah 2:1-15, Romans 13:11-end, Mathew 24:36-44

If you would like to make a financial offering to the church and are a taxpayer, it would help the church if you use a gift-aid envelope. This will enable the church to claim 25p for every £1 you give. Envelopes are at the back of church. Thank you. 

NEXT WEEK

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.

FATHER JIM 

Fr Jim has let us know that he and Liz have settled in well in their new home in Scotland – although it is noticeably cooler! He thanks everyone for the send-off we gave him on his last Sunday with us, and for the presents. Anyone who wants his new contact details should ask the church wardens.

PRIEST VACANCY

We’ll hold a brief informal meeting one Sunday after the Parish Eucharist to bring the congregation up to date on arrangements during the interregnum and in particular to explain the process and timing for finding a new priest. We haven’t yet agreed a date for the meeting but hopefully it’ll be before Christmas. All are welcome to attend and share views on the sort of person we would wish to appoint.

ELTHAM PARISH CHURCH CHOIR

Our church choir is recruiting! We sing mostly traditional choral music during communion and at feast day services. We don’t ask for a significant commitment and would love for anyone who’s interested in singing to get involved. If you’re able to come to church at 9.30am on SOME Sundays to rehearse before the Eucharist, pleaseget in touch. You can talk to our Director of Music Theo Lester after the service, or contact him at theo.lester@city.ac.uk or on 07872 571588.

JUNIOR CHURCH
Our Junior Church and crèche are looking for more adult helpers. 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, please speak with Alex MacKenzie. 

YEAR’S MIND

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

WENSLEY CLOSE

The Friends of Wensley Close invite you to a coffee morning in aid of Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice this Tuesday at 10am-12.30pm at Charter House, King John’s Walk. There’ll also be a bring-and-buy stall. Do come and bring your friends!

THIS WEEK

We pray for

St. Mildred’s Addiscombe, Christ Church in Croydon, and St John the Baptist, Eltham, as they begin their interregnum; for all the people of those places

those with birthdays: Lucy McKenzie, Dinah Fergusson, Dilys Mason

those in any kind of distress of mind, body or soul: Dinah Fergusson, Alan Gearing

those who are housebound: Susan Wulstan

those whose year’s mind we keep: Gilbert Benjamin, Cecil Roberts, Geoffrey Marsh, Winifred Marlow, William Harris

There is a Eucharist on Thursday at 10am and Friday at 12.15pm 

and a service of midday prayer at 12 noon on Friday

Parish Eucharist
24th November 2019 at 10am, Christ the King

Readings: Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1: 11 -20, Luke 23:33-43

If you would like to make a financial offering to the church and are a taxpayer,

it would help the church if you use a gift-aid envelope. This will enable the church to claim 25p for every £1 you give. Envelopes are at the back of church. Thank you. 

NEXT WEEK

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.

CIVIC SERVICE

Today’s Parish Eucharist will be shorter than usual, as the Remembrance Day 

Civic Service will follow at 10.55am.

ELTHAM PARISH CHURCH CHOIR

Our church choir is recruiting! We sing mostly traditional choral music during communion and at feast day services. We don’t ask for a significant commitment and would love for anyone who’s interested in singing to get involved. If you’re able to come to church at 9.30am on SOME Sundays to rehearse before the Eucharist, pleaseget in touch. You can talk to our Director of Music Theo Lester after the service, or contact him at theo.lester@city.ac.uk or on 07872 571588.

JUNIOR CHURCH
Our Junior Church and crèche, 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. Please note a DBS check will be required for all helpers. If you would like to be involved, please speak with Alex MacKenzie. 

GREENWICH WINTER NIGHT SHELTER     

Volunteers are needed for the Greenwich Winter Night Shelter, which opens its doors this year on 14th November. The shelter is a Christian charity that provides dinner, a bed and breakfast to homeless people over the winter months. If you’d like to get involved or make a donation of money or food, please visit the website – gwns.org.uk – and fill in the online form. There’s also a poster on the noticeboard.

PANTOMIME

A trip to see Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Bob Hope Theatre is arranged for Saturday 4th January at 2pm. Please sign up for tickets on the noticeboard. It costs £9 for children/concessions, £12 for adults. See Jean Harker for more details.

COFFEE HELPERS

We still need two people to join our rota of coffee makers who prepare the drinks after the Sunday Eucharist. If you can help, please see Cindy Shipp. Thank you.

THIS WEEK

We pray for

the Church in Caterham: St Mary the Virgin, St Mary Magdalene with St Martin Addiscombe; for the priests and people of those places

those with birthdays: Alberta Rosenior

those who are in any kind of distress of mind, body or soul: 
Dinah Fergusson, Alan Gearing

those who are housebound: Susan Wulstan

those whose year’s mind we keep: Gilbert Benjamin, Cecil Roberts, Geoffrey Marsh, Winifred Marlowe, William Harris

There is a Eucharist on Thursday at 10am and Friday at 12.15pm 

and a service of midday prayer at 12 noon on Friday

Parish Eucharist
17th November 2019 at 10am

Readings: Malachi 4: 1-2a; 2nd Thessalonians 3: 6-13; Luke 21:5-19

If you would like to make a financial offering to the church and are a taxpayer, it would help the church if you use a gift-aid envelope. This will enable the church to claim 25p for every £1 you give. Envelopes are at the back of church. Thank you. 

NEXT WEEK

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.