Weekly News 23rd February 2014/ 'When I Needed a Neighbour'

‘WHEN I NEEDED A NEIGHBOUR’

Is the theme for the Bishop of Southwark’s Lent Call this year.

You can find further details of the projects, which are the focus for 2014, on the Southwark Diocese website. We take a collection over Easter for these projects, but Bishop Christopher would also love for them to be the subject of prayer. They are as follows:

Week 1: Our neighbours in the Diocese – Create, Southwark Day Centre for Asylum Seekers, The Joel Community and St Mildred’s Addiscombe Drop In.

Week 2 & 3: Our neighbours in our Link Dioceses in Zimbabwe.

Week 4 & 5: Our neighbours in the wider world, featuring Five Talents, Christian Solidarity Worldwide and the Institute for the Healing of Memories.

Click here to download Weekly News 23rd February 2014

Weekly News 16th February 2014/ The Power of Prayer

THE POWER OF PRAYER

‘One of the best ways to get on your feet is to first get on your knees.’

There is a rich seam of quotes to mine when it comes to the topic of prayer. Not least of all because Christians, down the ages, have recognized its significance in the life of anyone who wants to walk closely with God. We don’t want to be people who treat God like a lawyer, only going to Him when we are in trouble.

Following on from our ‘All In’ series, we are going to explore together the subject of prayer over the coming weeks. I hope that it will give us big imaginations  as to how and when we can pray, and the impact that prayer can have on us individually, and as a community. As someone else said,

‘Prayer will put backbone where your wishbone is.’

 Click here to download Weekly News 16th February 2014

Weekly News 9th February 2014/ Sacred Space

SACRED SPACE

 On Saturday 22 March, we are privileged to have singer songwriter, John Nuttall, join us to lead another retreat day.

John has composed many songs, and his albums ship out to over 35 different countries. He uses his acoustic, devotional music to convey the nature of God and the love He has for His children. The day will explore our identity in God and how that affects the way we become more Christ-like. It will be an unashamed opportunity ‘to receive’ from God through music, scripture, story, poetry and meditation, and there will be plenty of space to reflect and enjoy the surroundings of Holmshaw Farm.

Time:   10am – 4pm, Saturday 22 March (Lunch Provided)

Venue: Holmshaw Farm, Off Layhams Road

Cost:    Free - although we will invite people to give towards a collection for John as a Thank You.

If you would like to come, please sign up on the sheet in church, or let the Parish Office know.

Click here to download Weekly News 9th February 2014

Weekly News 2nd February 2014/ What If...

WHAT IF…

Last week, Christine Blackburn, our Treasurer, gave us a snapshot of our current financial position and outlined the budget for 2014.

As with any church, we are dependent on the financial contributions of our members to run all that we think God is calling us to. At St John’s, we do not want your generosity to be motivated by shortfalls in a budget, but rather by the impulse to respond to God’s goodness and grace to us. Equally, we don’t want to shirk the reality of our financial position and what that means for us in terms of mission.

Based on current levels of giving, we anticipate there will be a notable shortfall in our budget. Christine helpfully presented a ‘what if’ scenario that went like this – if the people who make up our 83 ‘giving units’ were to give £1.50 extra per day, then with the help of gift aid, we could be facing a surplus to the tune of £40k. This would open up a whole world of opportunities, the possibility of employing a Children & Families Worker being just one of them.

Don’t let guilt drive you, but be excited at the ‘what if’ and the ways in which God might bless our response to Him.

Click here to download Weekly News 2nd February 2014

Weekly News 19th January 2014/ Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY

From 18 – 24 January, the different churches across West Wickham will take turns in hosting evenings of prayer. The theme for 2014 is ‘Is Christ Divided?’

We join together as different denominations to pray and sound our ‘No’ to that rhetorical question. We are hosting on Monday at 8pm, but the full programme is as follows:

Sat 18Jan, 10 am – Emmanuel Church

Sun 19 Jan, 6:30pm – West Wickham & Shirley Baptist

Mon 20 Jan, 8pm – St John’s

Tue 21 Jan, 8pm – Coney Hill Baptist

Wed 22 Jan, 8pm – St Francis

Thur 23 Jan, 8pm – West Wickham Methodist

Fri 24 Jan, 8pm – St Mark’s RC

We hope you can make it to some, as we support and encourage each other.

Click here to download Weekly News 19th January 2014

Weekly News 12th January 2014/ 'All In'

‘ALL IN’

This morning we begin a mini sermon series entitled ‘All In’.

Today will be an introduction to something that I hope becomes a hallmark of how we approach 2014 - that we jump in with both feet when it comes to living life for and with God.

What that looks like will vary from individual to individual, but the intention to run towards full-on commitment is something that grows in strength by joining together and cheering each other on. It’s not about a collective guilt-trip that we’re not doing enough. Rather, about sharing a common desire to allow God to help himself to us and see what He will do through us.

After all, we are but works in progress. As John Newton said, ‘I’m not what I ought to be, I’m not what I’d like to be, I’m not what I hope to be, but I’m not what I was, and by the grace of God I am what I am.’

Let’s be confident that if we give ourselves to Him, ‘He who began a good work will carry it on to completion’ – All In.

Click here to download Weekly News 12th Janaury 2014

Weekly News 5th January 2014/ Happy New Year

HAPPY NEW YEAR

I hope 2014 has started well for you all.

I am aware that many of you will not be too sad to bid farewell to 2013. It appeared to contain more than its fair share of bereavements and health challenges for many of our church family. Before the rhythm of the New Year gathers pace, I trust there will be time to reflect on how God has held you during those testing times.

Whatever 2013 may have held, it is a healthy spiritual discipline to do some stock taking and think about your hopes for the coming year and your life with God.

With that in mind, during January we’ll be looking at a theme that I hope will be our motto for the year – ‘All In’. It’s about full on commitment to Jesus with every bit of who we are; no half measures!

Click here to download Weekly News 5 Janaury 2014

Weekly News 22nd & 29th December 2013/ Happy Christmas

HAPPY

CHRISTMAS

This edition of our News Sheet covers two weeks. Therefore, you maybe casting your eye over this itching with anticipation for 25 December (possibly staggering to the ‘finish line’), or you may be looking back on all the Christmas celebrations wondering where 2013 has gone.

I hope that whatever your vantage point, there is time to pause and give sincere thanks to God and know the reality of ‘Emmanuel’ – God with us.

Please accept a big thank you for all the hard work that you put in throughout the year to contribute to the life of our church. I hope there is space for some rest and we can approach 2014 with anticipation.

May Christ’s Spirit bring you peace and joy this season. God Bless.

Click here to download  Weekly News 22nd 29th December 2013

Weekly News 15th December 2013/ Christmas Programme

CHRISTMAS PROGRAMME

So you’ve got them all in one place, here is a run-down of the services and preparations taking place over the Christmas period:

TODAY, 15DEC:          CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT, 7:00PM (FINAL REHEARSAL, 3:00PM)

Orchestra, choir, mulled wine and mince pies – what more could you want?

MONDAY, 23 DEC:     CHRISTINGLE MAKING, 2:00PM @ CHURCH  Come and join the sweet-laden production line, as we make the Christingles in preparation for our ever-popular service. All welcome.

CHRISTMAS EVE:        CHRISTINGLE SERVICES, 3:00 & 5:00PM                                           MIDNIGHT COMMUNION, 11:15PM

CHRISTMAS DAY:       COMMUNION SERVICE, 8:00AM

                                             FAMILY WORSHIP, 10:00AM

Click here to download   Weekly News 15th December 2013

Weekly News 8th December 2013/ A Big Alpha Thank You

A BIG ALPHA

THANK YOU

 The Alpha course concluded on Monday evening last week. It finished by looking at the whole idea of belonging to God’s church; a body made up of all the people contributing to its life in different ways.

 Alpha has itself been a great example of the church in action. Many people have contributed to its running by preparing and cooking meals, delivering them each week, leading groups, or giving talks. It has been serious business in a relaxed and fun environment, and the food has been a great start to each evening. It has gone down very well!

 It’s also a great encouragement that at least six of the group intend to continue meeting with Maureen and Nick for “After Alpha” evenings in the New Year.

 So, a very big thank you to all who have helped the course run so well.

Click here to download  Weekly News 8th December 2013

Weekly News 1st December 2013/ 'Waiting' & 'Preparing'

‘WAITING’ AND ‘PREPARING’

I wonder which of those activities you prefer, waiting or preparing?

Culturally, there is a case to say we are more proficient at making preparations. This year I stumbled into a shop putting out the Christmas decorations before I had barely shaken the South Coast sand out of my summer trunks… it was the first week of September.

Waiting was clearly not high on their agenda. It’s also easy to confuse jumping the gun with being well prepared. The bible tells us that for everything there is a season; and to hasten ‘the time’ can lead to frenetic, out of joint lives.

Today is the start of advent. It’s not the klaxon sounding to charge around madly getting ready for Christmas. It’s an invitation to wait and dwell on exactly what it is we are getting ready for. 

Find ways to press pause this Advent. You might just discover that it’s the best form of preparation for the season.

Click here to download Weekly News 1st December 2013

Weekly News 24th November 2013/ All You Need is Love...

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE…

 The apostle Paul said something like this long before McCartney and Lennon!

Last week, as we surveyed 1 Corinthians 12, we discovered that we are called to belong to the one body of the church...worldwide and here at St John’s. Each and every one of us has a vital part to play with the gifts we have been given; no-one more important than another.

But...Paul goes on to say today, in chapter 13, that the most important characteristic for Christians is love. Notwithstanding all the exciting and varied gifts Paul speaks about, he is clear that the most excellent way is love, and if we don’t have that, the gifts count for nothing.

So, as we continue to explore the use of our gifts over the next weeks and months, what it means to ‘love one another’ will be at the forefront of our thinking. We start to explore that today.

Download  Weekly News 24th November 2013

Weekly News 17th November 2013/ Body Image

BODY IMAGE

 We live in an image conscious age.

The appearance and state of our bodies is sometimes an unhealthy pre-occupation. This morning though, at our 10am service, we’ll be looking at body shape from a different perspective. In 1 Corinthians 12, the apostle Paul sets out a vision of God’s church as gifted by the Holy Spirit and he likens it to a body. Not just any old body, but the embodiment of Jesus.

In Christ’s body, as in fact with our own, there is something that runs much deeper than image. We’ll explore this together. As was hinted at in the Assembly Rooms a couple of weeks ago, this is just a small piece of bigger body work that we will be looking to partake in as a church over the coming years – identifying our gifts and encouraging each other to exercise them.

That’s probably flogged the body metaphor to within an inch of its life; but it’s exciting, because it’s really about people seeing Jesus at work.

Click here to download Weekly News 17th November 2013

Weekly News 10th November 2013/ Remembrance Sunday

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

Today, we remember all those who have lost their lives in two World Wars, as well as current service men and women who give their lives as a consequence of conflicts across our globe. Remembrance Sunday is a stark reminder of the brokenness of our world and the high price that people pay for our collective failure to love and do as God desires.

Let’s turn back to our Maker, and pray earnestly for all those who bear the scars of war.

 ‘They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.’

Click here to download Weekly News 10th November 2013

Weekly News 3rd November 2013/ Shirley Raymond's Blessing to St John's

SHIRLEY RAYMOND’S

BLESSING TO ST JOHN’S

            Many of you will know of Shirley Raymond, who died last year, and who went to be with her Lord in glory. Shirley lived in Coney Hall and worshipped at St John’s all her life; her father, George, was a Curate here over 20 years ago.

Shirley quietly dedicated her life as a physiotherapist to those with disabilities, working for many years at Nash College and latterly taking wheelchairs and the Gospel abroad to Africa with a charity ‘Through the Roof’. Shirley also served her community devotedly dedicating many years to the Guiding Movement. She served God faithfully; loving the Lord Jesus, St John’s and the community.

Shirley has continued to bless St John’s by leaving a combined legacy of £32,500.

The PCC has set this sum aside in a designated fund in Shirley’s name for two reasons; firstly, so that it doesn’t get spent on ‘run of the mill’ things, secondly so the PCC can take time to consider using the money wisely, as gifts like this don’t come along very often.

We give thanks and glory to God for Shirley’s life; her commitment to the Gospel, her foresight in financial planning and her generosity to St John’s.

Click here to download   Weekly News 3rd November 2013

Weekly News 27th October 2013/ Thank You for your Support

‘THANK YOU’ FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Last week there was a sale for Demelza House at the Beacon Centre, as well as some cake-trading in church – all in memory of Bethany Gaved, Ken’s grand-daughter.

 We would like to say a big thank you for all who gave their support and the total raised so far for Demelza House is £343, with more money continuing to trickle in.  Another raffle raised a further £100, which went to Bethany’s Riding for the Disabled Group; a favourite activity of hers.

Many have commented on the great atmosphere of the event and we hope that it was a real encouragement to the Gaved family. Do continue to keep Bethany’s parents, Andrew and Tracey, in your prayers as they continue to negotiate life without her, as well as the many others who knew Bethany well.

Click here to download  Weekly News 27th October 2013

Weekly News 20th October 2013/ Seeking God in Stillness

Sometimes The Message renders a bible passage in a way that resonates deeply with us. One such passage is from chapter 11 of Matthew’s gospel and reads like this:

‘Are you tired? Worn Out? Burned Out on religion? Come to me.

Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me – watch how I do it.

Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.’

 If this beautiful passage strikes a chord, then you might want to think about our ‘retreat morning’ on Saturday 16 November, 10am-1pm. It’s being held at Holmshaw Farm, off Layhams Road. It will be a relaxed and informal few hours to slow down, receive some low-key input on prayer and enjoy plenty of space to engage with God in the way that suits you.

Further details will shortly appear on the website, but spaces will be limited, so if you’re interested let Jon or Margaret know shortly.

Click here to download  Weekly News 20th October 2013

Weekly News 13th October 2013/ Talking About God Without Feeling Weird

TALKING ABOUT GOD WITHOUT FEELING WEIRD

 Is the subject we will be exploring together on Sunday 3 November.

Instead of our two usual morning services in church, we will meet in the Assembly Rooms at 10am in a similar manner to how we did back in March, followed by a bring-and-share lunch. There will be activities for the younger children, but like last time we want our teens to be in the thick of the table conversations.

The change of venue gives us a bit more flexibility, and is a good chance to get to know a few more people in the church in a relaxed environment.

Back to the subject matter – if you’ve ever felt awkward, embarrassed or reticent about sharing your faith with work colleagues, family or friends, then you’re not alone. We’re going to be honest about the good, the bad and the ugly of evangelism.

Click here to download Weekly News 13th October 2013

Weekly News 6th October 2013/ A Match Made in Heaven?

A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN?

As you tucked into your bowl of cornflakes this morning, it is unlikely that you thought too much about the connection between what you were eating and the land it came from.

Most of us live quite removed from the production of our food. Our ancestors celebrated Harvest after all the crops had been gathered in, as a way of showing their appreciation for God’s goodness towards them. We may not have that affinity of old with the food growing process, but Harvest remains a powerful reminder to us of the claim made in one of the psalms, ‘The Earth is the Lord’s and everything in it!’

All our food is gifted to us, no matter the complexity of our current production processes. To pause, reflect and allow that truth to inspire deep gratitude in us is good. A grateful spirit is infectious and naturally leads to generosity. As we give thanks today for all we have, we in turn look to be generous in the way we give to others in this world that God has made (see inside for details of our collections).

Gratitude and Generosity – you decide what sort of match.

Click here to download Weekly News 6th October 2013

Weekly News 29th September 2013/ Link to Hope Moldova

LINK TO HOPE IN MOLDOVA

 Moldova is the poorest country in Europe. It is landlocked with no natural resources - a country where two thirds live off less than £2.50 a day, many living below the international poverty line of 78 pence per day.

This is a community where:

“People have nothing,

Give everything,

Want nothing

But need everything.”

 Pastor Slavic and Bishop Dumitru from Dancu and Ciora will be speaking at an informal evening about how together with Link to Hope, a Christian charity, they work to support people and projects, with the vision of one day being independent.

Do come and join us

@ Holmshaw Farm, Layhams Road, Thursday 17^th October,

8pm tea/coffee & cakes, 8.30pm informal talk

For more details see Milly Johnson or Sue Watson

Click here to download Weekly News 29th September 2013