Update for December
Returning to Church for Services
From Sunday 6th December we can return to services in church, we are still unable to sing during the services but we can worship together and enjoy our fellowship in the beauty of the church. Sunday services start at 10.30am. All necessary precautions are still being taken to ensure everyone’s safety whilst at St John’s. Chairs are positioned to maintain social distance, we will ask you sanitise your hands on arrival and face masks must be worn inside the building.
Christmas at St John’s
Christmas at St John’s has always been very popular within our community and this year is no exception, we have a number of different ways that you can still come and enjoy festive worship and Christian celebration at this special time of the year.
Saturday 19th December – Call in for Carols
The church will be decorated for Christmas and open from 10.00am until 3.00pm. Come in and enjoy the beauty of the church and listen to your favourite carols. We’ll be doing requests! Social distancing will apply and face masks must be worn.
Sunday 20th December – 4pm – Tidings of comfort and joy.
Due to the current restrictions our popular carols by candle light service can not go ahead. BUT WAIT, the creative congregation here at St John’s have a short alternative service prepared for you all to enjoy. The crib will be prepared for baby Jesus while we listen to the Christmas story and live music. If you would like to come to this service it is essential that you book your place by contacting Marney Hearn on 01928566400. Hurry and secure your seats, we don’t want anyone to be disappointed. If you would like a traditional carol service, please visit the Church of England’s website using the following link churchofengland.org.
Christmas Eve – Thursday 24th December – 11.30pm – Midnight Communion
A traditional service of Holy Communion which will include a sermon and listening to some carols. The current restrictions mean that you will only be able to receive the bread during communion and not the wine. Enjoy a peaceful start to your Christmas Day celebrating the real meaning of Christmas.
Christmas Day – Friday 25th December – 10.30am
A short service of Morning Prayer to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
We might be much more on our own than we are used to, but we are not truly alone knowing that God is with us and that we join our prayers with those of millions of other people not only in this country but throughout the world.
A prayer about the Coronavirus outbreak (from the Church of England’s website, further prayers can be found there)
Keep us, good Lord,
under the shadow of your mercy
in this time of uncertainty and distress.
Sustain and support the anxious and fearful,
and lift up all who are brought low;
that we may rejoice in your comfort
knowing that nothing can separate us from your love
in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Amen.
