The latest issue of Quest is now available to download as a PDF.
In this issue:
- Photos from Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday
- Autumn 2015 Project
- Our Poster for the Gathering
We pray for the people suffering in the aftermath of Saturday’s earthquake in the Gorkha region of Nepal, thinking especially of those who have lost loved ones as the death toll rises, but also giving thanks for rescuers and aid workers struggling to do what they can in remote locations.
To donate to the Christian Aid Nepal Earthquake Appeal, please click here.
Please note a change to our service times on the first Sunday of each month.
From 3rd May our all-age ‘Alive For Christ’ service will start at 10.30, rather than 10.45. This brings the first Sunday of the month into line with other Sundays and ensures that there is a service of communion starting at the same time in church every Sunday.
What a change there was after our Good Friday meditations…
Many people worked hard on Easter Saturday to decorate the church and prepare for our Easter celebrations. The Easter morning sunshine streamed in through the windows, giving a joyous air to the whole church.
As the 8.30 Communion service ended the smell of bacon from the Threshold next door proved irresistible. Many from this early service stayed on to share an Easter breakfast and were joined by people arriving early for the 10.30 Eucharist. We must do this more often!
The church was packed at 10,30, with both balconies in use as we joyfully celebrated Christ’s resurrection. At the end of the service the children hunted enthusiastically for Easter eggs around the church, then refreshments were served in the Threshold with tea, coffee and cake.
More photos can be seen on our Facebook page.
On Maundy Thursday we gathered in church for a Seder meal which incorporated prayers, Bible readings, a symbolic meal, washing of hands and feet and a memorial of the Last Supper. At the end of the meal we moved to the front of the church and watched as the altar was stripped and turned into a garden of repose. The lights were dimmed and we kept a candle-lit vigil till ten o’clock with a real sense of Christ’s presence.
The table in church prepared for the Seder meal
Final adjustments to the lamb stew which was served at the Seder meal
Many people helped in preparing for this commemoration which brought alive for us the events of that night.
The candle-lit altar during the vigil
On Good Friday morning the church was returned to its traditional layout in time for Rev Dr Anne Tomlinson to lead us in three hours’ meditation on Jesus’ seven words from the cross.
Details of our Holy Week Services
Fellowship Coffee Morning 2015
St Johns’ Fellowship held a coffee morning on 14th March with a raffle and a cake and candy stall. The money raised for this year’s charities will be over £700.
Graham Taylor interviews Most Rev David Chillingworth
On Mothering Sunday, 15th March, we welcomed our bishop, David Chillingworth, to preside at our Sung Eucharist. Families with young children were particularly welcome and children handed out posies of flowers to the congregation at the end of the service.
Instead of preaching a sermon, Bishop David was interviewed by our rector Graham about his faith journey.
After the service there were refreshments in the Threshold, including home-baked cakes.
Mothering Sunday congregation
During Lent there have been no sermons at the Sunday morning Eucharist service. Instead, different members of the congregation have been invited to share their faith stories.
Graham Taylor and Lillian Fleming in conversation
Graham Taylor and Lillian Fleming in conversation
This is proving to be a source of encouragement for all of us.