Christingle Service
Our Christingle Service was held on Sunday 29 January. Our grateful thanks go to Pat Barker who made dozens of Christingle oranges for the congregation to enjoy. Pat helped Maureen Mills, her sister, assemble the Christingles for many years and although Maureen is no longer with us, Pat has faithfully continued the tradition. Many thanks Pat!
A Christingle begins with an orange which represents the world. The red ribbon around it reminds us of Jesus’ love and how He gave his life for us. The four sticks pushed into the orange represent the four seasons and the fruits of the earth, while the candle symbolises Jesus as the Light of the World.
Pray for Ukraine
On 24 February 2022, Russia launched a military offensive against Ukraine, which has seen nearly eight million people displaced and thousands killed. An estimated 15.7 million Ukrainians need humanitarian assistance. This winter is the worst in living memory for most Ukrainians, with medicine, food, water, and heating in short supply. If you would like to mark the first year by helping the people Ukraine, you may wish to contribute to Christian Aid.
Christian Aid was founded in 1945 by British and Irish churches to help refugees after the Second World War. Sadly, with war back in Europe, it is now back at work on the Continent.
https://www.christianaid.org.uk/appeals/emergencies/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal-2022
Every prayer, every gift, every action brings hope to the people of Ukraine. By donating you can give hope to our brothers and sisters in Ukraine.
Open table service Sunday 12 February 6 pm St John’s Crypt
Lent services and Passion Trail
Shrove Tuesday pancake party! Tuesday 21 February 6.30 – 8.30 pm. Come and help make and enjoy pancakes for Mardi Gras. Just bring toppings.
Ash Wednesday Service 6 pm 22 February at St John’s
Stations of the cross Passion Trail with the Deanery including St John’s, Saturday 25 March
Lent Course – Jesus’ journey. Every Tuesday in Lent, 6.30 pm. Journeying alongside Jesus through Lent. What can we learn about our own spiritual development from Jesus’ life and death? In person, in church, beginning Tuesday 28 February 2023.
Photo: Shanon Shah
The Vicar is back!
We welcome Giles and Shanon back on 8 February from their extended leave. We look forward to hearing all about their adventures including the Rain Forest and the Chinese New Year!
Column Inches is 100 editions old!
This is the 100th edition of Column Inches which has been published every month since November 2014, with a photo of a very young- looking Vicar, Giles Goddard! Originally only in printed version we went digital in June 2020 and have produced it in dual format since. Many thanks to all those members of the congregation who have contributed over the years and made it a lively reflection of our church life at St John’s, and of course to all our readers, some of whom we discover are from all corners of the globe.
For a spot of humour click here
Column Inches 