St. John the Evangelist

News Page

This page is for information of limited life.

Special Appeals

New members are requested for the Guild of Servers.

Sanctuary Guild

Please come and join us, we are looking for some new members. You may not have heard of us - not many people realize we exist! We provide all the flower displays that you see weekly at St John's, wedding flowers and all the displays at Christmas, Easter and Harvest. Also every week a small group from the Sanctuary Guild goes into the church to tidy up the Sanctuary and Altar areas. All that you have to do is vacuum, empty the bin and dust; it takes very little time.

Small separate groups of flower arrangers and cleaners are on a rota system once every 6 weeks - so if you do not have much time to spare this is the group for you. All we need is just half an hour to one hour (approximately) of your time every six weeks.

The flowers or cleaning, depending on what group you would like to join, needs to be done between Thursday and Saturday. It is up to you whenever it suits you as long as it gets done before that week's Sunday morning service. Keys can be obtained or the parish office is open every week day from 9.30 p.m. until 12 noon.

The Sanctuary Guild is very child-friendly, many of us are mums with small children. Why not bring your children along to help; little ones make great helpers!

You could even make up a new group if there is a group of friends that would like to go into the church together. If you require further information or would like to volunteer, please give a call. Thank you for your support.

Calendar

Notices

HELP NEEDED (posted for wb 29/6/8)
ROCK needs more ‘Take Down Crew’ at the end of sessions to help with the putting away of the resources used. With a team of two people it should only take about 5 minutes. We meet on the 2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays. If we had a team of four, you would usually only need to come once a month.

SMALL GROUPS - We would also like to recruit more people to help as a few team members are moving on to pastures new.

The Guild of Servers is appealing for more members.

PRAM SERVICE (posted for wb 13/7/8, amended for wb 20/7/8)
We had a break in August and the following Pram Service will not be until Tuesday, 16th September.

DADS TOGETHER (posted for wb 13/7/8, amended for wb 20/7/8)
There was a break from the regular sessions in August. Hope you had a great summer. You can email me. Simon

MEETING POINT (posted for wb 20/7/8)
ALWAYS OPEN! Many of our regular events and house groups, etc. took a break during the latter part of July and throughout August, but MEETING POINT is still open EVERY THURSDAY AFTERNOON from 3.30 to 5.00 p.m. in the Old Church. So if you are out for a walk, in the park with the children or just in need of some company and conversation just pop in. There's always a welcoming cup of tea, coffee or squash (and biscuits). And there are toys and board games available for the younger ones. We look forward to seeing you.

THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS? (posted for wb 20/7/8)
Ecclesiastical Insurance is “.. inviting people to make a one-minute film about the true meaning of Christmas. Films can be shot on a camcorder, laptop or mobile phone and uploaded to our specially created website. Entrants have the chance to win £3,000 for their church, along with other great prizes. Anyone can take part. All films will need to be endorsed from either a church leader or a youth group leader. We see the competition as a fantastic way to raise the Church's message, support the valuable work already taking place in the community and reinforce the core spiritual values of Christmas. Visitors can leave their email addresses to receive advice, hints and tips on how to wow the judges and can upload their completed films to the website. The closing date for entries is 10 October 2008.”

NEWS FROM UGANDA (posted for wb 10/8/8)
“Hello Everyone at St. John's

“We arrived safely here on Friday - it was raining in Entebbe and no warmer than the UK. After a long road journey we got to Kasese about 4.30 p.m. and discovered, to our joy, that our accommodation was very spacious - palatial almost. We have been made very welcome by everyone we meet, and have become quite fluent in local greetings: ‘Wabuchire’ = ‘Good morning’. On Sunday we spent all morning in church - four services from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. - in which I preached at three, and we performed a short drama sketch at the youth service. We felt we had had enough church for one day after six hours! but were rewarded with a nice lunch at the local hotel.

“We have been working very hard in the mornings shifting sand and stones, mixing concrete and transporting it in buckets. It is hot and hard work, but we have already made a real difference: we have completed the floors in three classrooms, and the plastering in one. By this weekend we should have completed the plastering in the other two.

“In the afternoon we have been working with the children - aged from 6 to 16. It's been challenging, but the kids are so cheerful and as they have so little we feel that anything we do is appreciated.

“There is a lot more that could be said, but we are all well - if somewhat tired - and are really enjoying the experience. We are well fed and have been shown very generous hospitality.

“We all send our greetings to you. We have remembered you in our prayers, as you are remembering us in yours. Very best wishes” PAUL

TRAINING COURSE 2008 (posted for wb 10/8/8)
The Woodside Bereavement Service’s new training course is beginning in September. There is quite a bit of interest already - but we are always on the lookout for more people. We offer a 50-hour training course run over 12 weeks. For more details, please contact ‘The Listening Ear’ on 020 8662 1648.

ANNUAL BIKE RIDE (posted for wb 10/8/8)
As we are about to start on the repair and redecoration of the new church in readiness for our Golden Anniversary, one way you could help to raise money for this is to join the Surrey Churches Preservation Trust Annual Bike Ride (and walk) which is on Saturday 13 September. Cyclists and Walkers choose their own routes from the list of participating churches and are sponsored for the number of churches they visit. There are beautiful churches all over Surrey and Kent, which take part - you do not have to keep to this area. Half the money raised goes to the SCPT and half goes to St John's.

TRAIDCRAFT (posted for wb 17/8/8)
Because of holidays and other commitments we are sorry we cannot run a Traidcraft stall in church before 5th October. After that we will be back to our usual stall on 26th October. Let us know if you need anything during September. However, every one is invited to see a display of goods from the new Autumn / Christmas catalogue, at OTT, Robert Denholm House, Nutfield, on Wednesday, 10th September 11.00 a.m. - 3.00 p.m. Let us know if you would like to go and require a lift or could offer one.

WOMEN'S CAREERS FOUNDATION (posted for wb 17/8/8)
House of Lords Reception 27th October - WCF is a charity which provides Study Grants and Loans to women in difficult circumstances - particularly relevant in today's financial climate. It was founded in 1900 as 'Girls of the Realm Guild' by the then Bishop of London and a magazine of that name, for the daughters of impecunious gentlefolk, but is equally applicable to ordinary women in today's financial climate. In a bid to increase funds, WCF have arranged to have a reception in the River Room. This is the principal State Room of the House of Lords, controversially redecorated in the original Pugin style by Lord Irvine of Lairg in 1997 - now occasionally available to charities. The Reception will be from 6.00 to 8.00 p.m. The cost, to include drinks and canapés, will be £25 per head. Entry is by ticket only. For more information or an application form, please ask.

GARDENING (posted for wb 24/8/8)
Thank you to the group which recently worked so hard in the Garden of Remembrance. A number of people have said how nice it looks and it was good to welcome some new faces. In order for it to stay looking good, another work party is planned for the morning of Monday, 8th September, 10.00-12.00. Do please come along and join us.

PRAYER BREAKFAST (posted for wb 31/8/8)
Saturday, 6th September at 8.30 a.m. in the Old Church. We have breakfast first followed by a time of prayer for the life and work of St. John’s. Get your weekend off to a good start - everyone very welcome.

OASIS ACADEMY (posted for wb 31/8/8)
On Sunday 7th September we welcome John Murphy, Head of the new Oasis Academy, Coulsdon (which opened at the old Coulsdon High School site on the 1st September) at our 9.30 All-Age Communion Service.

GOLDEN FUND (posted for wb 31/8/8)
On Sunday 7th September Paul launches our ‘Golden Fund’ in preparation for the Golden Anniversary of the ‘new’ Church at Easter 2009. Be sure to come and find out what is being planned.

BRING & SHARE LUNCH (posted for wb 31/8/8)
On Sunday, 28th September there will be tea, coffee & cake after the 9.30 Service as we mark Gill’s retirement as Hon. Curate at St. John’s. This will be followed by a Bring & Share Lunch at 12.00. We hope as many as possible will be able to stay (or come) for this. Please could you sign the list on the Information Desk indicating what you would like to provide for the buffet lunch. Thank you.

PLANNING APPLICATION (posted for wb 31/8/8)
We have been asked to include the following: Application for planning permission for Class A5 Hot Food Takeaway at Lacey Green shops (site of former Coulsdon Glass). Ref. no: 08/02784/P. Closing date for objections: 9th September.

ALPHA (posted for wb 7/9/8)
A new Course is starting and on Thursday, 18th September at 7.30 p.m. there will be an Introductory Supper in the Old Church. So if you would like to find out more, then please come to the Supper. There’s no charge for this, but you will be able to give a donation if you wish, and once you have found out about it, there is no pressure to join the Course if you do not want to.

For those who decide to follow the Course, it will start on the following Thursday evening (25th September) and run for approximately ten Thursdays with each evening starting at 7.30 with a meal. To book your place or find out more, please contact the Parish Office.

Could you help with food? Each evening starts with a ‘main course’ meal followed by cake and tea or coffee. If you could offer to help by providing a meal or part of a meal or cake (all costs can be reimbursed) then please call. Many thanks

If you have been thinking about being Confirmed (in November), the Alpha Course would be an important part of the preparation. Do speak to Paul Roberts about this.

SEEKING TRUTH AT ST. PAUL'S CATHEDRAL (posted for wb 7/9/8)
Internationally-known scientists, philosophers and theologians will be exploring the science-religion debate at Public Debates on the four Tuesday evenings in October at 6.30 p.m. in the Cathedral. Admission Free. Programmes, which also include details of study days, services and a retreat, are on the table at the back of the church.

‘THE BRIDGE’ (posted for wb 7/9/8)
The September edition is now in church. Take home a copy of this FREE colourful and interesting newspaper from the Diocese of Southwark (of which we are a part).

SITUATION VACANT! (posted for wb 7/9/8)
After 18 years, the church cleaner is retiring at the end of September. We are very grateful for her loyal and regular work over such a long time. If you are interested in taking on this paid job, please contact Paul Roberts for the job description and rate of pay.

THE BUTTERFLY SERVICE (posted for wb 7/9/8)
On Sunday 21st September at 3.00 p.m. at St Barnabas Chapel, Mayday Hospital, Croydon. An opportunity for parents to remember the children they have loved who have died. In music, song and prayer, in the lighting of candles and the roll call of names, the memory of each child is celebrated. All are welcome. Organized by Mayday Hospital Chaplaincy (020 8401 3105). Free parking will be available in the Woodcroft Road Car Park adjacent to the Chapel. Ring to get the access number for the car park before the service.

‘A FAIRER SHARE’ (posted for wb 7/9/8)
On Sunday 14th. at all services we are showing a short film entitled ‘A Fairer Share’. It shows how some of the money we give to the Diocese is used to help churches in poorer areas. For all those who wonder why St. John's appears to give so much to the Diocese, perhaps this will answer some of your questions.

FAMILY SERVICE (posted for wb 7/9/8)
On Sunday 14th. Family Service returns at 11.15 a.m. after its summer break. We look forward to seeing mums, dads, grannies, grandpas, aunties, uncles and all their young children at this relaxed and friendly service. There will also be a special welcome for the families of babies and children who have been baptized here recently.

FROM THE SEPTEMBER PARISH MAGAZINE

14th. Holy Cross Day
17th. Deadline for October magazine
21st. Team St. John’s - including leaflet delivery and tea party
Annual sponsored walk
25th. Uganda Evening
5th. October Harvest Festival (supper on 4th.)


ST. JOHN’S AT THE FAIR
St. John’s had a Prayer Tent at the Old Coulsdon Village Fair on 5th. July. The children are drawing a long picture which was displayed in church. Click on the thumbnails below for the poster and then use the back button to return to this page.

What's New on Site

A preliminary page on The Golden Fund has been added.

A new section has been added to the Mission Support page. In due course it will receive a report on The Mission to Uganda.