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The church service is the gathering together of Christians in corporate worship, to hear the Word of God and at the Eucharist to celebrate the saving work of Jesus Christ.
On Sundays we meet at 8.00am for a Said Eucharist using the Common Worship Order Two (Traditional language) rite, while Order One (Contemporary) is used for the Parish Eucharist at 9.30am, which includes a Sunday School during term time . Coffee is served in the Church Hall after the 9.30am service.
Evening services on a Sunday are held on special occasions: watch out for details in the Parish Notes section and Diary page.
On Wendesdays there is a Said Eucharist at 9.30am (CW Order 1, Contemporary), being a Mothers Union Corporate Communion on the second Wednesday of each month. On major holy days there is usually a celebration of the Eucharist either in the morning or the evening. See Diary pages for details.
Morning Prayer is said publicly by the clergy on most weekdays, usually at 8.45am, and all are invited to join them. Times occasionally have to be amended or cancellations made so please see weekly notice sheet or telephone the Vicarage to confirm times if you would like to take part, especially if wheelchair access is required.
For more information on weekly services please click here.
For additional services both at St Johns & other local Churches, please click here to view the Parish Diary.
TAKING PRECAUTIONS AGAINST SWINE FLU…
We have been asked by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, reinforced by our own Bishops, to make changes in the way we administer Communion. This is because of the swine flu outbreak. The Archbishops are acting on advice from the Department of Health, who wish the Churches to take precautions to limit the spread of disease by not sharing common vessels for food and drink.
The change that is being recommended by the Archbishops is that, for the time being, we discontinue using the shared or common cup at Communion. This would mean that the congregation will only receive the bread at Communion, although the celebrant will receive both bread and wine.
It is also recommended that individuals do not instinct their own communion wafers, and that the sacrament should not be placed directly on the tongues of recipients. This is to further prevent the possibility of the flu virus being unwittingly transmitted.
The Archbishops have also recommended the use of alcohol-based hand gel or wipes before the Eucharistic Prayer by those administering Communion, and we will be adopting this practice.
We realise that a change in the way we administer Communion is slightly uncomfortable for all of us. Please be assured that the Church of England has always believed that, in case of necessity, Communion may be administered in one kind only. The Archbishops believe that this instance is such a case. Be assured that the validity of the Sacrament is in no way affected by this temporary change. We continue to pray for those who are affected by this outbreak of flu, and especially for our health workers who are doing all they can to treat them.
These measures will remain in force until we receive notice that a return to normal may be made.
Vicar & Churchwardens July 2009
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