St John the Evangelist
Fr John's Letter
May 2009
“Who would have thought it?”
In my absence at a family funeral in NZ last year, Roger Gardner, one of our Wardens, wrote the Letter in the May magazine. In that letter he reflected on the state of affairs in the Parish, and expressed delight – and surprise – at the good progress we had made ‘in turning around the very difficult financial situation we were in some three years ago’.
Little did anyone (other than the so-called experts?) realise last May that in 12 months time the world would be literally engulfed in what is now recognised as a ‘global credit crunch’. And yet, despite the general mood of ‘doom and gloom’ around us, St John’s can again record a year of sustained growth and hopefulness in many areas of our parish life. Who would have thought it?
During the last year we have seen a steady growth in our congregation – as many as 42 new families or individuals have joined us, and received a “Welcome Pack” of information on our life at St John’s. The group of adults Confirmed by Bishop Peter earlier this year have expressed the desire to go on learning about their faith in an adult ‘explorers’ group. The new Junior Church Group of youngsters who have their own education programme during the Parish Eucharist, continues to grow. Our worship continues to be lively and buoyant, the level of faithful giving has held its own, and we have maintained a steady programme of responsible maintenance and improvement to our ageing buildings. Who would have thought it?
Looking ahead at what still needed to be done last year, Roger Gardner mentioned the new programme of fundraising that we began last year – a series of ‘fun’ events that would draw us together as a parish family, and help us financially as well. Roger asked if we could raise “more than £5000 or possibly even £6000’ during the year. In fact these events raised just over £8,000 in the year!! Who would have thought it? – indeed!!!
But should we be surprised at these signs of ‘new life’ – if we are living out the resurrection faith we profess? If we are truly God’s ‘Easter people’, then we will be people of faith and hope who are committed to trusting in God and his promise of new life – even when all around us looks bleak and hope-less. That’s the message of Easter. The ‘new life’ of the resurrection isn’t just something we talk about at St John’s; it’s not just something we believe; it’s something we actually live!!
Summer Fête
With summer on its way, it’s time to start thinking and planning for our Summer Fête. Our generous sponsor who helped us raise a record total last year has offered to sponsor us again this year with the advertising boards outside our homes. Last year these brought us £500. What a wonderful start to our efforts for this year. Will you take one of these boards this year? We’re also mounting a “big sunflower grow” competition. Will you take a packet of sunflower seeds, and get sponsorship from family and friends for the tallest and largest sunflower? And what about ideas of your own? Contact Sarah Collett
(tel. 020 8245 0804) with offers of help or other ideas.
Director of Music
We are delighted to announce the appointment of a new Director of Music for St John’s. After extensive advertising and a thorough interview and audition process (5 hours!) the interview panel unanimously selected 28 year old Travis Baker from the list of applicants. Travis received his formative education in Melbourne, Australia, at Trinity Grammar School, Melbourne, and subsequently at the University of Melbourne where he obtained his Bachelor of Music degree in 2001. He was Assistant Director of Music at St Paul’s Cathedral Melbourne from 1998-2002; and in this country he has held appointments as Director of Music in the Parish of St Francis of Assisi, West Wickham, and more recently as Assistant Director of Music at St Michael’s, Highate. This appointment is subject to the usual CRB clearances being verified. Travis takes up his appointment on 3 May.
May you know and live the new life and joy of Easter
now and always
Fr John
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