Dear Reader,

Just because the Christmas decorations have been packed away it doesn't mean that nothing is happening at St Johns. We marked the Feast of Epiphany on 4 Jan which marks the next season in the liturgical year. For more information on the seasons please click here.

As the cold weather continues our wonderful heated pew cushions are in use but we suggest that visitors wrap up warmly as unfortunately we are still without a working heating system.

Epiphany

The word ‘epiphany’ means ‘manifestation’ or ‘appearance’, and the Feast of the Epiphany marks the recognition of the newborn Jesus by the world. Later, the Church remembers the Baptism of Christ by John, when a voice from heaven declares Jesus to be God’s beloved Son. Finally, on 2 February, the season of Epiphany ends with the Feast of the Presentation. Jesus is brought to the Temple by his parents according to the law of Israel. There, he is recognised by Simeon, who declares him to be ‘a light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of God’s people Israel.’ The traditional service for this feast includes a procession of candles, and so it is often known as Candlemas.

Website

As you may have noticed we have given our website something of a makeover! The new layout will hopefully make navigation of the site a lot easier, and will allow us to show upcoming events with greater prominence than before. Please send any feedback to administrator@elthamchurch.org.uk.

Blackbirds Children's Choir

We are please to announce that two of our experienced musicians Beverly Howard and Liz McGechie have launched a new children's choir with the aim of introducing children aged 8 to 16 to the wonders of choral music, singing in harmony and taking part in services. Please see here for more information or speak to Beverly or Liz in church.
The Blackbirds made their singing debut during our Sung Holy Communion service on Sunday 13 July and we look forward to hearing what they do next!

Keeping up-to-date

Keep an eye out here and in our calendar for all upcoming events.

Many blessings

Hello and welcome to our church. If you are a new visitor, we have a page for you to get to know us and learn more about planning a visit.
Click here to see more.

Visitors click here.

Planning your Visit

A Warm Hello

The following information is specifically for those planning a visit, so that you know, beforehand, what to expect on a Sunday morning. People of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to join us. We are an eclectic inclusive church. There is space for buggies and it is a safe place for breastfeeding.

Where and When

We meet in the Church for our Sunday Service starting at 10am. When you arrive, you will be greeted by one of our welcomers.

Accessibility

There is wheelchair access, and a sound loop for anyone who needs it. We don't currently have a disabled toilet.

Our Service

The main service begins at 10am with a warm welcome from the priest. You will then be invited to stand and we sing a hymn while the choir, servers and priest process in. The service can be followed in the service booklet handed out by the welcomers. Our style of worship follows the Church of England Common Worship. It is easy to follow, with a mixture of prayers and hymns (both traditional and modern), and includes Holy Communion each week. We all begin together in church, and on the weeks when there is Children's Church, the children move into the hall before the readings begin. They then rejoin us for Communion. After the service free refreshments are available in the hall.

What about my kids?

Children are welcome in the church service. There are books available and a colouring table. We encourage parents to help the children engage in the service by following the service sheet together, joining in with the talk in All Age services, and joining in with prayers where they can.

On the second, third (and sometimes fourth) Sunday of the month we have Children's Church which uses the Diddy Disciples resources. It involves bible stories, songs, prayers and craft. Parents are encouraged to stay with their children if they are below school age to help them get as much out of the session as possible.

We want parents to be able to feel they can worship as much as possible as well as the children, so that church can be a place of refreshment, friendship and spiritually uplifting for everyone.

As children get older, there are more opportunities for them to participate in the life of the church. For more information please see our Children's Church page.

Children

Get in touch with us to plan your visit

If you would like to come and visit the church beforehand you are more than welcome! Get in touch and we can arrange a time that suits you.

Name:

Telephone:

Email Address:
Comments / Questions or anything you would like to say?

Next, we will contact you by email to say hello and help arrange anything necessary for your visit.

Leadership


Rev. Caroline Risdon		Rev. Jo McCrone
Vicar		Assistant Curate

We hope that whoever you are, you will feel at home at our church.

Best Wishes

Caroline