CHURCH
The History of this charming church is contained elsewhere in this site.
The Church is part of a United Parish with St Perter's Freshford, and St Mary's Limpley Stoke. It has a seating capacity for about 160 people and is set in a beautiful well maintained churchyard on the outskirts of the village. The tower contains a carillon of three bells.
There is a small choir that takes part in sung services, and there is a space set apart towards the back of the Church for small children to occupy themselves during the services.
The new Priest in Charge, the Reverend Jonathan Hoffmann, was licensed by the Bishop of Bath and Wells, the Right Reverent Peter Price, on 24 July 2006. He is married to Kate and has one daughter called Olivia.
.
Tthe normal pattern is:
| Sun | St John's | St Peter's | St Mary's |
| 1ST | Holy Communion
(sung) 10am |
Morning Prayer
11am |
Evensong BCP
6pm |
| 2nd |
United Parish Village Service 10.30am |
Holy Communion
BCP (said) 8am
| |
| 3rd | Matins BCP
10am |
Holy Communion (sung) 11am | Holy Communion BCP (sung) 9.30am |
| 4th | Holy Communion (said) 10am | Morning Prayer
11am |
Evensong
6pm |
| 5th |
United Parish Holy Communion 10.30am |
||
MORNING PRAYER AT ST JOHN’S
St John’s has a long tradition of using Morning Prayer from the Book of Common Prayer (Matins), and this version has a loyal following. But on 18th May the congregation at St John’s will find the Common Worship version handed to them as they enter the church. It is a beautiful way to start the day and will have very different music from the chants that are normally sung, which Peter Jackson will bravely lead us through.
The congregation will have the chance to give their views after the service, and if it goes down well we could be using this form more often. Do try to come if you can.
;MAY 2008
Alpha Course 2008
In January’s letter I said that I would be running an Alpha course this year. Several people have already expressed an interest and wanted to know more. So here are some further details and hopefully some answers to some of your questions.
What is it? ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega the Beginning and the End’ (Revelation 21 v6) The Alpha course means ‘beginning’ and is therefore an introduction to the Christian faith. It is open to everyone and consists of ten weekly meetings covering the basic principles of the Christian faith.
Who’s it for? Really for anyone, those who want to investigate Christianity, those who are new to the faith, but also those who have been part of the church for a long time and would like to get back to the basics once again. In other words stripping the Gospel down and getting back to basics.
What happens in an evening? The evening begins with a simple meal together followed by a DVD on a given topic after which there will be an opportunity to get together in a small group to discuss, share and question. The evening will be completely relaxed and non-threatening, friendly and fun.
When does it start? Tuesday 23rd September beginning at 7.00pm and finishing by 9.45pm (at the latest). There will be a two-week break during the October half term and the last session will be on Tuesday 9th December. There will be a Saturday ‘Away Day’ during the early part of the course. The venue will depend on how many come, either in someone’s home or the Old Bakery.
How much will it cost? Absolutely nothing-it’s free.
Over 2 million people in the UK and 11 million around the world have now attended an Alpha course. Please let me know or one of the churchwardens if you are interested in coming, and do not hesitate to get in touch for any further information.
God bless.
Jon Hoffmann
JUNE 2008
Mary or Martha?
I am writing this the day before my annual retreat; three nights at Glasshampton Friary in Worcester. It is a time for me to move away from my normal environment with all its pressures, stresses and many distractions into a place of silence and prayer. But also a time to walk and talk with those I choose to be with. It is above all for me, a time to re-centre and simply be with God rather than do for him, which wrongly seems to dominate my life. It is an environment in which I can enter more deeply into knowing and listening to God.
I love the story of Jesus at the home of Mary and Martha (Luke 10.38-42). Mary sits at Jesus’ feet and listens, while Martha is distracted by all the preparations that have to be made. Martha becomes upset with Jesus, because Mary simply sits and listens whilst Martha does all the work. To make matters worse for Martha, Jesus says that Mary chooses the better way because only one thing is needed. He wasn’t saying that doing isn’t important, rather that our doing must spring from our being in Christ. God is the ground of our being, that still centre, and we need to be grounded in him. This means we must let go of our many distractions so that like Mary we can sit and listen. Right doing springs from right being and becomes good fruit springing from a good tree rooted in good soil.
This is why Brunel (October 17-19) is so important for us as a parish. To have some time away from all the distractions, to be with God and each other and listen. Who knows what the fruit of this will be?
God bless.
Jon Hoffmann
Churchwardens Angela Ould
David Woods
Nick Paige
Isla Tuck
Secretary Christine Nalder
Treasurer Robert Foster
17th to 19th October 2008, Brunel Manor, Torquay, Devon
A weekend of spirituality, discussion, worship and fellowship led by our Archdeacon AndyPiggott in the delightful surroundings of Brunel Manor
Separate adult and children’s programmes. Time for relaxation and recreation. A very special weekend for all. Great Food GUARANTEED!
£125 per person full board!. (children 11-16 £95; 5-10 £65; under 5 free)
If you would like to come, please contact one of the Churchwardens for a form. A deposit of £10 per person is required, with full payment due by 1st September.
This is an organisation that exists with the objective of bringing together all those in the local community who have an interest in maintaining this ancient Church and wish to help in raising money for this purpose. The Committee that runs it is a sub-committee to the Main Church Committee and its chariman, Mary Worgan (722368) is appointed by it.
The Friend's Committee runs its own programmne of events (see diary of events) and decides how the money raised is to be used. Any projects proposed must be agreed by the Main Church Committee.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2008!
THE FRIENDS OF ST JOHNS CHURCH are delighted to be able to announce another exciting event in 2008.
On 4th June 2008 at 7:30pm at the Memorial Hall Hinton Charterhouse there will be an illustrated talk and plant sale from Mark Stainer, Head Gardener of Margery Fish Gardens at East Lambrook Manor. This event will be FREE for members of the Friends and £3.00 to non members.
Thank you to all our 'friends' for there support in 2007, we look forward to seeing you in 2008.
I
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