News

The Diocese has provided some background to this year’s lent call, and with Ash Wednesday on 17 February, The Standing Committee wanted you all to be aware of what it is and how to engage if you wish to do so. 

In the last year so much has changed and we have all become much more aware of the fragility our lives and our communities. The footballer Marcus Rashford has helped to raise everyone’s awareness of the need to ensure that our children are adequately fed during school holidays. But it is not just schoolchildren who are at risk. Whole families are in need of help, as well as couples and individuals. That is why we are focusing the Bishop’s Lent Call this year on food insecurity, both here in the Diocese and in our Link Dioceses.

The materials contain information on the projects, Reflections and a Lent Call prayer, and some fundraising ideas with which we hope people will wish to engage. We are encouraging people to pray for the projects which we are featuring and, where possible, to give what they can to support the work of ensuring that people have enough to eat.
Full information can be found at:  

https://southwark.anglican.org/lentcall

We are happy to welcome parishioners back to St John’s and hope that everyone finds themselves and their families safe and well. Please be advised that the guidance on hand-sanitising, social distancing and the wearing of masks remains in place.

CHRISTIAN AID CHRISTMAS APPEAL: LOVE COMES DOWN – HOPE BUILDS UP

We were unable to run our usual Christian Aid fundraising events this year, but we’re holding a collection in the run-up to Christmas. Donation envelopes are at the back of church. And do please pop any loose change in the Christian Aid boxes. Many thanks!

GREENWICH WINTER NIGHT SHELTER

This year, the night shelter is unable to open, but the organisers are fundraising. One of the cooking teams at the GWNS has produced a book, ‘Favourite Recipes to Feed a Crowd or Friends,’ which is beautifully illustrated and contains 12 tried-and-trusted recipes. If anyone is interested in buying a copy for £10, please see Robyn Price.

CHRISTMAS CARDS

Due to government coronavirus guidelines, the church is not able to distribute Christmas cards in the usual way. Please deliver your own cards this year. Thank you

ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS SERVICES

The coming of Christmas brings us light at the end of a difficult year. 
St John’s will hold the following services to celebrate the festive season:• TODAY at 6pm – Nine Lessons and Carols• Thursday 24th Dec. at 4pm – Nativity; all children and parents are welcome• Thursday 24th Dec. at 11:30pm – Midnight Mass• Friday 25th Dec. at 10am – Christmas Day

Please note, these services are in addition to our normal Sunday services. There will be no 10am service on Thursday 24th December and Thursday 31st December.

USED STAMPS
There’s a box on the table in the south aisle to deposit your used postage stamps. Do bring in all the stamps from your Christmas cards – and any others of course – as the proceeds go to the RNIB. Please leave a margin of envelope around. Thank you!

THIS WEEK

We pray for:
Our local churches and schools: for Thamesmead Team Ministry, including St Paul’s, Thamesmead Church of the Cross and West Thamesmead Community Church; also for

Abbey Wood: William Temple, for St Mary the Virgin, Welling, and for Bishop John Robinson CofE School in Thamesmead; for the bishops and priests of all these places

We also pray for Christian Leaders in other denominations and the work of the ecumenical movement worldwide

We pray for all those in hospitals and hospices over Christmas and for their chaplaincy teams. We give thanks for local foodbanks and pray for the families they serve. We pray for the work of Crisis at Christmas and for all those facing their first Christmas alone

Those with birthdays: Michael Sillah
Those who are ill: Sophie Frick, Thelma Laverley, Abiodun Sillah and Peter Horton
Those whose year’s mind we keep: Peyo Peykov, Mary Smith, Stanley Cox, 
Hannah Jonah

Parish Eucharists
24th December at 11:30pm: Midnight Mass
25th December at 10am: Christmas Day
Readings: Isaiah 62: 6-12, Titus 3:4-7, Luke 2: 1-7, 8-20

We are happy to welcome parishioners back to St John’s and hope that everyone finds themselves and their families safe and well. Please be advised that the guidance on hand-sanitising, social distancing and the wearing of masks remains in place.

CHRISTIAN AID CHRISTMAS APPEAL: LOVE COMES DOWN – HOPE BUILDS UP

We were unable to run our usual Christian Aid fundraising events this year, but we’re holding a collection in the run-up to Christmas. Donation envelopes are at the back of church. And do please pop any loose change in the Christian Aid boxes. Many thanks!

GREENWICH WINTER NIGHT SHELTER

This year, the night shelter is unable to open, but the organisers are fundraising. One of the cooking teams at the GWNS has produced a book, ‘Favourite Recipes to Feed a Crowd or Friends,’ which is beautifully illustrated and contains 12 tried-and-trusted recipes. If anyone is interested in buying a copy for £10, please see Robyn Price.

CHRISTMAS CARDS Due to government guidelines, the church will not be able to distribute Christmas cards in the usual way. Please deliver your own cards this year. Thank you.

ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS SERVICES

The coming of Christmas brings us light at the end of a difficult year.
St John’s will hold the following services to celebrate the festive season:

• Sunday 20th Dec. at 6pm – Nine Lessons and Carols
• Thursday 24th Dec. at 4pm – Nativity; all children and parents are welcome
• Thursday 24th Dec. at 11:30pm – Midnight Mass
• Friday 25th Dec. at 10am – Christmas Day

Please note, these services are in addition to our normal Sunday services.
There will be no 10am service on Thursday 24th December and Thursday 31st December. Junior Church will resume on Sunday 20th December at 10am.

USED STAMPS
There’s a box on the table in the south aisle to deposit your used postage stamps. Do bring in all the stamps from your Christmas cards – and any others of course – as the proceeds go to the RNIB. Please leave a margin of envelope around. Thank you!

BETTY RUSSELL

Many of you will remember Betty, an active member of St John’s until she and husband Neil moved to Harpenden, Herts, 14 years ago. Neil has been in contact to say that sadly Betty passed away on 23rd November. She had been ill for many years with Parkinson’s disease and died peacefully at home. May she rest in peace.

THIS WEEK

We pray for:

Our local churches: for Croydon South Deanery, particularly St Mark’s Woodcote in Purley; St Swithun’s Purley; St James’ Riddlesdown; St Mary’s Sanderstead; also for Plumstead Deanery, particularly St Michael and All Angels, Abbey Wood

We also pray for all those working to enforce and restore human rights across the world, following this year’s UN Human Rights Day on 10th December.

Those with birthdays: Jericho Baruwa, Jacob Wright, Megan Skinner, Toby Wheatley
Those who are ill: Sophie Frick, Thelma Laverley and Abiodun Sillah
Those whose year’s mind we keep: Unity Lister, Evelyn Taylor, Ken Sanders

Parish Eucharist

20th December 2020 at 10am, Fourth Sunday of Advent

Readings: 2nd Samuel 7:1-11,16; Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:26–38 The Thursday 10am service will take place this week. There’ll be no Friday services.

GARDEN OF REMEMBRANCE

Immediately after today’s service, the Garden of Remembrance outside the church will be blessed in preparation for Remembrance Sunday next week. Anyone who wishes to stay for this is more than welcome – please collect a service sheet from Alberta. Those attending are kindly asked to socially distance and wear a face mask.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

Given the persistence of the pandemic, next week’s Remembrance Sunday service – which usually involves a mass meeting outside the church – will be different this year. 

We will hold the usual Eucharist at 10am, but it will be a shorter service than normal in order to prepare for the laying of wreaths at the war memorial outside the church, starting at 10:55am. Please remember to socially distance and wear a face covering.

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

Thank you to everyone who came to the APCM last Sunday, particularly the Revd Dr Catherine Shelley, our area dean, who presided; and Ian Shipp, who made the meeting possible. We congratulate the churchwardens and new PCC members for their tenacity in soldering on with the mission at hand during these difficult times.

GIVING TO THE CHURCH

We are very grateful to all those who give so generously to the church. It would help us further if those who donate by cash or cheque could consider giving by standing order. To set one up, please see Stewardship Secretary Angela Davis for a form, andput your name in the reference box. Alternatively, set up online using the following details: Sort code: 20-98-57; Account number: 20350907; Beneficiary ELTHAM PCC.

PRAYER LISTS

Every Sunday morning during the service, we pray for loved ones who are ill or who have recently died. Anyone is welcome to add names to the sheet on the notice-board by the main entrance at the back of church. We also pray for those who previously passed on and whose year’s mind we keep – there is a separate sheet on the table by the Lady Chapel, where we currently exit from church. Finally, there’s a list on thattable for people to record birthdays – also included in the intercessions.

THIS WEEK

We pray for:

Our local churches and schools: for churches in Surrey, including St Mary the Virgin, Bletchingley; St Peter and St Paul, Nutfield; St Bartholomew, Burstow; St John the Baptist, Outwood; St Mary the Virgin, Horne; St John’s Felbridge; St Nicholas Church, Godstone; St Stephen, South Godstone; also for St Stephen’s C of E Primary School; for St John the Evangelist, Blindley Heath; for Limpsfield &Tatsfield Team Ministry.

Those with birthdays: Eileen Sealey, Remus Radulescu

Those who are ill: Joyce Sillah, Thelma Dakin-Davies, Tony Fitzpatrick, Sophie Frick

Those whose year’s mind we keep: Priscilla Roberts, Dayrell Oakley-Hill, Sylvia Garside, Ted Cakebread, Frederick Davis, Jane Cleworth, Muriel David

Parish Eucharist

8th November 2020 at 10am, Remembrance Sunday

Gospel: Matthew 25: 1-13

The Thursday service at 10am has now resumed. For the time being, there’ll be no Friday services.

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.

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING TODAY

The Annual Parochial Church Meeting will take place in church immediately after today’s service. The meeting will elect churchwardens for the coming year and other members of the Parochial Church Council. It will also review the past year and give an opportunity to members of St John’s to raise any matters of concern. Do come along.

JUNIOR CHURCH ‘BUBBLES’

Junior Church is currently split into ‘bubbles,’ with children sitting at tables. If your child has not been assigned a bubble, see Alberta. Please note Bubbles 4 to 7 meet upstairs. Parents, we kindly ask that all tables and toys are wiped down after use.

PRAYER LISTS

Every Sunday morning during the service, we pray for loved ones who are ill or who have recently died. Anyone is welcome to add names to the sheet on the notice-board by the main entrance at the back of church. We also pray for those who previously passed on and whose year’s mind we keep – there is a separate sheet on the table by the Lady Chapel, where we currently exit from church. Finally, there’s a list on thattable for people to record birthdays – also included in the intercessions.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

Given the persistence of the pandemic, it is extremely unlikely that next month’sRemembrance 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.

THIS WEEK

We pray for:

Our local churches: for St Philip, St Oswald and St Stephen’s churches, all Norbury; for Holy Innocents, St Mark and St Alban the Martyr churches, all in South Norwood; for All Saints with St Margaret and St John the Evangelist in Upper Norwood; for St Paul, and St Jude with St Aidan, both in Thornton Heath; for the bishops, priests and people of those places.

Following the United Nations Day 2020, celebrated yesterday, we pray for the office of the Anglican Observer at the UN, an advocate, facilitator and lobbyist for the Anglican Communion worldwide; and for the Anglican Communion Representative to the UN in Geneva.

We also pray for those suffering the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, whether through illness, bereavement, job loss or other financial or emotional stress.

Those recently baptised: Tabitha Iris Eliza Driscoll

Those with birthdays: Edmond Bascho-George and Mags King

Those who are ill: Joyce Sillah, Tony Fitzpatrick and Sophie Frick

Those whose year’s mind we keep: Florence Macaulay, David Smith, 
Joyce Berry, Herbert Coare, Frederick Gosling, Rena Ciechowska, Hope Esi

Parish Eucharist

1st November 2020 at 10am

Readings: Revelation 7: 9-17, 1st John 3: 1-3, Matthew 5: 1-12

The Thursday service at 10am has now resumed. 
For the time being, there will be no Friday services.

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.

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING: CHANGE OF DATE

We have had to change the date of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting. It will no longer take place today, but straight after the service on 25th October, in order to accommodate the archdeacon’s attendance. The APCM will elect churchwardens for the coming year and other members of the Parochial Church Council. It will also review the past year and allow members of St John’s to raise any matters of concern.

HARVEST DONATIONS 

Thank you all for the generous donations of food and clothing brought in last Sunday. 

All items have been sent to the Manna Society, a charity that works with homeless people and others in need. We particularly give thanks to the pupils of Eltham Church of England School and to the children in our Junior Church, who came in their uniforms and school colours. Thanks also to their parents for making that possible!

JUNIOR CHURCH ‘BUBBLES’

Junior Church is currently split into ‘bubbles,’ with children sitting at tables. If your child has not been assigned a bubble, see Alberta. Please note Bubbles 4 to 7 meet upstairs. Parents, we kindly ask that all tables and toys are wiped down after use.

PRAYER LISTS

Every Sunday morning during the service, we pray for loved ones who are ill or who have recently died. Anyone is welcome to add names to the sheet on the notice-board by the main entrance at the back of church. We also pray for those who previously passed on and whose year’s mind we keep – there is a separate sheet on the table by the Lady Chapel, where we currently exit from church. Finally, there’s a list on thattable for people to record birthdays – also included in the intercessions.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

Given the persistence of the pandemic, it is extremely unlikely that next month’sRemembrance 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.

THIS WEEK

We pray for:

Our local churches and schools: for the Southwark and Newington Deanery, especially for St John’s Walworth and St Peter’s Walworth, for St John’s and St Peter’s primary schools; also for the Croydon North Deanery, especially for Holy Saviour Church and St Luke’s Church Woodside; and for St Luke’s for Clergy, a charity focusing on clergy health

For all those suffering in hunger and poverty; we pray for universal access to safe and nutritious food, after celebrating the United Nations World Food Day on 16th October

For those who have been recently baptised or confirmed

Those with birthdays: Tiago Plekta

Those who are ill: Tony Fitzpatrick

Those whose year’s mind we keep: Josephine Coare, Priscilla Wheeler

Parish Eucharist

25th October 2020 at 10am

Readings: Leviticus 19:1-2, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-8, Matthew 22:34-36

The Thursday service at 10am has now resumed. For the time being, there will be no Friday services.

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.

HARVEST DONATIONS 

Thank you so much for all the donations of food, clothing and toiletries, which will 
be sent to the Manna Society, a London-based charity that works with homeless people and others in need. Harvest donations are of critical importance to the society,providing about 70% of their food for the year.

YEAR’S MIND

Every Sunday during the service, we pray for loved ones who have passed on and whose year’s mind we keep. There is now a list on the table by the Lady Chapel to make any updates – please add any names to it as you make your way out of church.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

Given the persistence of the pandemic, it is extremely unlikely that next month’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.

JUNIOR CHURCH

We’ve been happy to see many children returning, and look forward to welcoming more in the coming weeks. Junior Church has been organised along these 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. Please locate your child’s name and sit with them
• If your child hasn’t been allocated to a group, contact Alberta or Hannah
• Children should bring in their own pens, pencils and reading books for now
• Please ensure that Junior Church toys are wiped down after use
• Exit via the double back-doors near the staircase. To regain entry into church, parents will have to come back via the main entrance

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

The Annual Parochial Church Meeting will take place in church immediately after the service next Sunday. The meeting will elect churchwardens for the coming year and other members of the Parochial Church Council. It will also review the past year and give an opportunity for members of St John’s to raise any matters of concern.

THIS WEEK

We pray for:

Our local churches and schools: for St Paul’s Newington and St Paul’s Primary School; Christchurch Southwark; Holy Trinity with St Matthew, Southwark; St George the Martyr with St Alphege and St Jude; Southwark Cathedral and Collegiate Church of St Saviour and St Mary Overie; also for St Saviour’s and St Olave’s School; London South Bank University; and the London College of Communication

Those whose year’s mind we keep: Pauline Crowley, Phyllis Hindson

Parish Eucharist

18th October 2020 at 10am

Readings: Isaiah 45:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22

The Thursday 10am service has now resumed, but please note there will be NO service this Thursday, 15th October, as the church’s lighting system is being repaired that day. 

For the time being, there will be no Friday services.

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.

HARVEST FESTIVAL 

We will be celebrating Harvest Festival next Sunday. As usual, we’re asking everyone to bring donations to the 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. Thank you!

FOOD BANK

We also welcome donations for the local food bank. Please drop off any items in the basket at the back of the church, or see the churchwardens.

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. 

JUNIOR CHURCH

We’ve been happy to see many children returning and look forward to welcoming more in the coming weeks. Junior Church has been organised along these 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. Please locate your child’s name and sit with them• If your child hasn’t been allocated to a group, contact Alberta or Hannah• Children should bring in their own pens, pencils and reading books for now• Please ensure that Junior Church toys are wiped down after use• Exit via the double back-doors near the staircase. To regain entry into church, parents will have to come back via the main entrance

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

The Annual Parochial Church Meeting will take place in church immediately after the service on 18th October. The meeting will elect churchwardens for the coming year and other members of the Parochial Church Council. It will also review the past year and give an opportunity for members of St John’s to raise any matters of concern.

THIS WEEK

We pray for:

Our local churches and schools: for churches in the Southwark & Newington Deanery, especially for St Mary Newington; also for the Ark All Saints Academy, for its principal and chaplain; and for the Lambeth Primary Pupil Referral Unit

Those with birthdays: Abigail Benjamin

Those who have recently died: Nadia Fergusson 

Those whose year’s mind we keep: Margaret Smith, John Thurland, Emily Bennett, Vera Harrison

Parish Eucharist

11th October 2020 at 10am, Harvest Thanksgiving

Readings: Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Luke 12:16-30

The Thursday 10am service has now resumed, but please note there will be NO service on 15th October as the church’s lighting system is being repaired that day. 

For the time being, there will be no Friday services.

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER

Please send any items for inclusion in the news sheet to amanda.jordan@virgin.ne

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 over the past few Sundays 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

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING The Annual Parochial Church Meeting will take place in church immediately after the service on Sunday 18th October. This meeting will elect the church wardens for the coming year and other members of the Parochial Church Council. It will also review the past year at St John’s and provide an opportunity for members of the congregation to raise matters of concern and ask questions. Any member of
St John’s who is on the Electoral Roll is welcome to attend. 

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 and clothing are also needed.

FOOD BANK

We also welcome donations for the local food bank. Please drop off any items in the basket at the back of the church, or see the church wardens.

SERVICES

Now that the church has reopened, we’ve resumed our services at 10am on Thursdays. As with the Sunday Eucharist, everyone attending is asked to adhere to the new rules as listed in this newsletter. For now, 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.

SALE OF VICARAGE

We are sad to announce that the diocese has decided to sell one of the two vicarages in the parish – that at Sowerby Close. The diocese still has a second property at King’s Orchard, just over the road from St John’s, where the new incumbent will reside when he or she is appointed.

PRAYERS

During our prayers at the Sunday Eucharist, we pray for all those with a birthday just gone or coming up. Please let Alberta know of anyone to be included. We also pray for loved ones who have passed on, and whose year’s mind we keep. There’ll be a list available to make any updates in the coming weeks. Thank you.

THIS WEEK

We pray for: The Croydon Area Mission Team, and for the Croydon-Central Zimbabwe Diocesan Link representatives

For all those training for ministries on diocesan courses as the academic year gets under way, and for the many course tutors and facilitators helping them with their learning; for the Southwark Diocese Vocations Team – the director of vocations and director of ordinands, and the bishop’s examining chaplains

Our local churches: for all churches in the Southwark & Newington Deanery, especially for St Michael and All Angels and All Souls with Emmanuel in Camberwell, and St Agnes Kennington Park; for the bishops, priests and people of those places

Those with birthdays: Felicia King, Kyu Lee, Jinn Kim and Cameron Warburton

Those whose year’s mind we keep: Tony Springett, Monica McClean, Victor Thomas, Barbara Kingston, Margaret Gardner, Phyllis Fletcher, Alfred Cleworth

Parish Eucharist

4th October 2020 at 10am, 17th Sunday After Trinity

Readings: Isaiah 5:1-7, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-end

The Thursday 10am service has now resumed. For the time being, there will be no Friday services.

PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP

People pray in church before the Eucharist. Please respect the quiet before the service begins.

AFTER THE EUCHARIST

Please feel free to socialise in the churchyard,
maintaining the necessary distance.

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

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 and clothing are also needed.

FOOD BANK

We also welcome donations for the local food bank. Please drop off any items in the basket at the back of the church, or see the church wardens.

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.

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

SALE OF VICARAGE

We are sad to announce that the diocese has decided to sell one of the two vicarages in the parish – that at Sowerby Close. The diocese still has a second property at King’s Orchard, just over the road from St John’s, where the new incumbent will reside when he or she is appointed.

WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH COMMUNITY

We welcome Lyu Lee and his son; also Mohan Krishna-Murty and Ellen Stone, with their daughter Connie Grace. St John’s is very happy to have you with us.

PRAYERS

During our prayers at the Sunday Eucharist, we pray for all those with a birthday just gone or coming up. Please let Alberta know of anyone to be included. We also pray for loved ones who have passed on, and whose year’s mind we keep. There’ll be a list available to make any updates in the coming weeks. Thank you.

THIS WEEK

We pray for

Our local churches: Emmanuel Church in Sidlow Bridge, the Church of the Good Shepherd in Tadworth, and St Peter’s in Woodmansterne; for the bishops, priests and people of those places

Churches abroad: St Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist in Tanzania

The International Day of Peace, which is celebrated on 21st September. It’s a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire around the world

Diocesan personnel:

Ruth Martin, diocesan secretary, and her deputy Jackie Pontin

Wendy Robins, director of press and communications

David Loft, director of human resources

Colin Bushell, diocesan surveyor

And all supporting staff at Trinity House and the diocese’s area offices

Those with birthdays: Dorian Woodward

Those who recently died: Jumoke Wright, Dr Ulric Jones and Leslie Nelson-Williams

Those whose year’s mind we keep: Eleanor Macauley and Jessie Lee

Parish Eucharist

27th September 2020 at 10am, 16th Sunday After Trinity

Readings: Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-end; Philippians 2:1-13; Matthew 21:23-32

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.

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.