Parish News

PARISH NEWS    

 CHRISTMAS GIVING – Charity Donations from the Offertories over the Christma s period were as follows: 

Greenwich & Bexley Hospice      £ 105.03

N.S.P.C.C                                £ 105.04

The Children’s Society                £ 90.91 

Shelter                                      £ 102.16

CRISIS                                      £ 102.17

EVENING SERVICES – Since the beginning of Lent prayer services have been held in the Church at 6.30pm on Sunday evenings, and on some weekdays at 5.00pm in the Wheatley Chapel. 

ASH WEDNESDAY – A service of ‘Ashing’ took place on Wednesday 17^th February to mark the beginning of Lent.

 MOTHERING SUNDAY – We were again able to provide posies for children to give to their mothers at the morning service on Mothering Sunday, thanks to the group of ‘flower’ ladies who prepared them on the Saturday morning.  Thank you Ladies.

 The PALM SUNDAY SERVICE will take place on Sunday March 28^th at 10.00am in Church 

On MAUNDY THURSDAY – April 1^st there will be a service of Holy Communion celebrating the Last Supper, followed by stripping of the altars ready for Good Friday. 

On GOOD FRIDAY – 2^nd April there will be a service of hymns, readings and meditation from 2.00 – 3.00pm remembering the last hour of the Crucifixion. Do try to come for a time of quiet reflection.

 PREPARATION of the Church for EASTER. – Saturday 3^rd April – from 9.30am.

Nicky, and the other members of the flower would appreciate help from anyone who would like to come and assist with flower arrangements, and Margaret would like any children interested to help her with the Easter Garden. 

EASTER BREAKFAST -  This will take place at the Mario’s Café  in West Street between 8.00 and 9.00am on Easter Sunday morning – 4^th April.  It will cost £3.50 per head.

EASTER SERVICE – A celebration of Easter Communion will be held at 10.00am in Church followed by an Easter Egg hunt organised by Dave and Jackie Wickham for the children. 

PARISH MEETING – A meeting was held on Saturday 6^th March for the congregation to hear about proposals regarding the Church Hall.  A number of concerns and issues were voiced which the PCC will have to consider in their next meetings.

 CHURCH OPENING – We are again hoping to open the Church on Wednesdays from 11.00am – 1.00pm beginning on April 7^th.  If you are able to help with greeting any visitors we may have please come to the initial planning meeting at 11.30am on Wednesday 31^st March.

 ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING - The APCM will take place after the morning service on Sunday 18^th April.  Please stay and hear what has been happening in the Church and what is needed in the future.  Nominations are also invited for Church Wardens and members of the PCC.

 PATRONAL SERVICE – This year’s Patronal festival Service will take place on Saturday 26^th June at 3.00pm. It will take the form of a SONGS of PRAISE for the whole Church Family. You are all welcome to come and stay to afternoon tea.

The AGM of the Friends of St John’s will take place after tea.

 On SATURDAY 20^th MARCH a band of ringers from the Kent County Association of Change Ringers rang a PEEL in celebration of the life of Margaret Macey a ringer at Foots Cray who died recently after a short illness.

CONGRATULATIONS

 To the JUNIOR CHOIR who came first in a recent chorister and choir competition held at St John’s Church Welling with 78 points. 

Congratulations also to CLAUDIA BROOKES who has recently passed her ballet exam and was commended for her tap dancing.  

Well done Junior Choir and Claudia 

Margaret Heald has also been approved for the Rochester Diocese Adult Chorister Award

ERITH PLAYHOUSE THEATRE                               Box Office – 01322 350345

12^th – 17^th April                        Erith Operatic production of Godspel

3^rd – 8^th May                            Outside Edge

24^th – 29^th May                        The Titfield Thunderbolt

14^th – 29^th June                        Ghost from a Perfect Place

12^th – 17^th July                         Nell’s Belles – a Musical

MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS

Magazine subscriptions for the next year’s magazines are now due.  If you haven’t already taken out a subscription for the next year, now is the time to do so.  It does help us to have some idea of how many to produce.  The subscription for a copy to be collected from Church is £4.80, and for a postal copy £7.40.  Please make cheques payable to PCC Erith Parish Church, or pay by cash to Margaret Heald.

BARN DANCE – We raised £252.40 from the Barn Dance which took place on the 6^th February 2010. It was a good evening and everyone enjoyed themselves

Congratulations to the people who won the raffle.

The money raised is going towards the Bell Tower Fund for the necessary re-bushing and repair of the clappers.

We raised £72.46 from the BEETLE DRIVE which took place on the 13^th March 2010. Although very few people were able to come, it was a good evening and everyone enjoyed themselves Congratulation to the people who won the raffle.

The money raised is going towards the Church Repair Fund.

Thank you to everyone who helped.

Luke Potgieter

A HAPPY NEW YEAR to all our readers.  Christmas 2009 now seems a distant memory to most of us as we get back into our usual routine.  Our special services were well attended and it was great to see so many friends in church to share in the celebrations.  We were also pleased to welcome children from Belvedere Infant and Junior Schools, who trudged through the snow for their carol services.

TOY SERVICE:

For the December Church Parade we held a toy service as we did last year.  There was a good response from the congregation and toys were given to the Salvation Army for their work amongst needy families locally.

JUNIOR CHURCH NATIVITY:

The members of the Young Church, from 5 – 17 presented a thought-provoking presentation on the meaning of the Christmas Story

CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT:

This took the form of an Advent Carol Service.  It was an enjoyable service which was well attended.  Thanks go to the choir for their hard work in preparing for the service and to everybody who helped in any way with decorating the Church.

The CHRISTMAS EVEservice for the young in heart took the form of a Christingle service.  In view of possible health and safety issues, Margaret and Burddette found a source of ‘glow candles’ which do not have a naked flame, and glow for some hours.  The children were therefore able to leave the church with a light shining in the darkness.

The MIDNIGHT COMMUNIONwas well attended and as usual the loose offerings from the Christmas services were, donated to a number of charities including Crisis, Shelter, the Children’ Society, and Children In need

CONFIRMATION:

On Sunday 6^th December we welcomed The Bishop of Tonbridge to the Church to confirm twenty two members of the congregation.  It was great to see so many of our Young Church coming forward to confirm their commitment

       MOTHERING SUNDAY SERVICE

10.00am on Sunday 14^th March.  Help would be appreciated on Saturday 13^th March at 9.30am to prepare posies for the ladies at the service on Sunday.

MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS

Magazine subscriptions for the next year’s magazines are now due.  If you haven’t already taken out a subscription for the next year, now is the time to do so.  It does help us to have some idea of how many to produce.  The subscription for a copy to be collected from Church is £4.80, and for a postal copy £7.40.  Please make cheques payable to PCC Erith Parish Church, or pay by cash to Margaret Heald. or email magazine@stjohnserith.org

We have had several favourable comments from friends who read the magazine to keep in contact with us.

“I always look forward to receiving St John’s Review which keeps me in touch with ‘my roots’ as it were! Very best wishes for Christmas and 2010.” – Freda Jakes

“Thank you for sending the magazine – I always enjoy reading it.” – Brenda Tapp

“We’re looking forward to reading more about our church family in Erith,” – Julie Bell

“I read every word of it” – Audrey Pugh

CHURCH OPENING:

We again hope to open the Church on Wednesday mornings for two hours during the summer months, but if we are to do so we urgently need volunteers to be in the Church to welcome any visitors.  openchurch@stjohnserith.org

BARN DANCE:

It is hoped to hold a Family Barn Dance on Saturday 6^th February form 7.30 – 10.30pm in the Church Hall, and a BEETLE DRIVE on 13^th March

PREPARATION FOR EASTER:

Help will be needed on Saturday 3^rd April from 9.30am in decorating the Church for Easter.  Also any children who would like to help prepare the Easter Garden are welcome to come at the same time to help Margaret.

WOMEN’S WORLD DAY of PRAYER:

will be held on Friday 5^th March at 2.00pm at Belvedere Pentecostal Church.

BEXLEY CHOIR CONCERTS:

The four choirs from Bird College, originally the Bexley Music Centre will be singing in a concert at St John’s, Welling, near Danson Park, on 20^th March at 7.00pm.  David and Helen Smith will be singing with the Junior Choir and Margaret Heald with the Bexley Choir.The Bexley Choir will also be holding a Charity Concert on Tuesday 23^rd March at St Lawrence’s Church Sidcup at 8.00pm.  Watch out for posters in Church.

Harvest Festival

Thank you everybody who helped to make our Harvest Festival a happy occasion.  The harvest display was lovely.  Thanks to our flower team and helpers and thanks to the choir for their anthems.  As usual the donated produce was given to the Greenwich and Bexley Hospice and the loose collection was given to the Bishop’s ‘build Africa’ appeal.

Harvest lunch

The Harvest lunch was excellent and much appreciated by those who were able to attend.  Thank you Jackie & David and your band of helpers for providing such a magnificent repast.

Discipleship groups

We have continued to meet and are reflecting on the theme of ‘the life you’ve always wanted’ by John Ortberg, to hep us with our spiritual growth.  If you would like to join a group, please speak to Robert.

Friends Outing

A great day was had by all those who went on the trip to Oxford the ‘City of dreaming spires’ organised by Mary Chapman.  Most of us used the open top ‘hop-on-hop-off’ buses to visit places of interest in the town and had a very enjoyable experience.  Thank you Mary.

Operation Christmas Child

Once again we have supported this charity by preparing boxes of presents for children in deprived areas of the world.  Over 75 boxes and donations were collected.  Thank you Graham and Ken for making the necessary arrangements for this collection, and to everybody who gave so generously to bring happiness to others.

Remembrance

Our usual Remembrance Service on Sunday 8th November was well attended.  The sale of poppies goes toward the Royal British Legion provision of vital welfare and benevolent work for members of our armed forces and to the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Winter Fayre

This was held on Saturday 14th November where over £1,170 was raised for church funds.  Thank you Ken and Luke and all your helpers for making it such a success.

Deanery Youth Worker

Four members of the Junior Choir and other members of the congregation attended the commissioning service for the new Deanery Youth Worker, Alice Pettitt.  The children joined with other junior choirs to sing Badgers and Hedgehogs from Bless the Lord, by Andrew Carter.

Decorations

We will be preparing the church for Christmas on Saturday 12th December from 9:30am. Nicky Winch would be grateful for any help with the decorations and children are welcome to help Margaret set up the crib.

Also on December 12th we have been asked to sing carols in the Riverside Shopping Centre from 11am to 12:30pm.  If you are interested, please let Robert know or sign the list in Church so that we known how many people to expect.

Lights of love

The Greenwich and Bexley Cottage Hospice are again holding ‘light up a life’ services to enable people to celebrate the lives of those who are no longer with us, and to support the work of the Hospice.  Sponsoring a light can be a positive way of remembering a loved one.  To find out more or to download a dedication form, visit the hospice website www.cottagehospice.org.uk.

PCC Secretary

We are urgently in need of somebody who would be able to act as Parish Secretary.  The PCC need someone who would attend our meetings – usually six a year – with occasional Standing Committee meetings, to take and distribute minutes.

Magazine adverts

Do you have a business to advertise?  If so, why not put an advert in the magazine?  The cost is £7 for one issue, £35 for the year – i.e. 6 issues for the price of 5.  See Margaret Heald or Luke Potgieter if you wish to place an advert in the magazine.

Bexley Choir

The choir will be hosting a Christmas concert at St Lawrence’s Church, Main Road, Siodcup on Tuesday 15th December from 7:30pm.  They will be performing Bob Chilcot’s Jubilate and a variety of carols.  The concert is free but a collection will be taken for charity.

Erith  playhouse

Pantomime – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will be performed from 2nd – 16th January 2010.  Performances will be from Tuesday – Friday at 7:45pm, Saturdays at 2pm, 5pm and 8pm and Sunday at 3pm.  Tickets:  Tues-Thurs £7.50, Frid-Sun £9.00.

Box Office: 01322 350345

www.playhouse.org.uk

Andrew Blewitt

On 21st October, Andrew suffered a heart attack and died at the age of 79.  He was a member of St John’s congregation throughout the late 1930s, 40s and 50s before moving away from the district.  he had also been a member of the choir and sometimes played the organ for services.

May he rest in peace.

Please remember his brother Bill and his family and friends at this time.

Women’s Fellowship

When Women’s Fellowship was originally set up many years ago, the intention was to have speakers and Bible studies etc. as an outreach in the Parish.  Sadly over the years the numbers have dwindled and at a recent meeting it was decided by those who attended to discontinue this group as Women’s Fellowship.

It was agreed by the ladies that the £65.25 that had been collected over previous years for subs should be sent to the charity ‘Help for Heroes’.

Church opening

The Church has continued to be open on Wednesday morning throughout the summer months.  We have had a few visitors who have appreciated the chance to look around the Church, or to have a chance for a time of contemplation.  Thank you to all the members of the congregation and friends of the Church who have manned these days.

Bazaar

Due to unforeseen circumstances the date of the Autumn Bazaar has had to be changed from 7th November to 14th November from 10:00am.  If you are able to help in any way, please see Ken Lambert, Luke Potgieter or Donna Baker.

Barn Dance

The Barn dance held on 19th September was enjoyed by those who attended and raise £260.23.  Thank you to Donna, Luke, Ken and Margaret who organised it.  There have been requests for another one, and a date in early February is being considered.  Watch this space!

Harvest

The Harvest Festival will be held this year on Sunday 11th October to be followed by lunch in the Church Hall.  Tickets are available from David Wickham.  Perishable goods donated at this service will be taken to the Greenwhich and Bexley Hospice and the loose collection will be donated to the Build Africa Project in response to an appeal by Bishop Brian.  This project aims, not only to provide seeds for subsistence farmers in Africa, but also to educate the farmers in good farming practice so that they can not only feed their families, but also possibly have extra produce to sell and thus improve their standard of living and hopefully be able to send their children to school.

Friends’ Outing

By the time you read this, the Friends’ outing to Oxford will have taken place.  Those who are going are looking forward to it.  Thank you Mary.

Remembrance

The Service of Remembrance will take place on Sunday 8th November at 10:00am, with an Act of Remembrance and two minutessilence at the War Memorial at 11:00am.

Shoeboxes

Once again we are supporting the Operation Christmas Child shoebox appeal for shoe box parcels to send to children in deprived areas of the world for Christmas.  The closing date for these is Sunday 1st November.  Last year we provided over 150 boxes.  Can we make it more this year?

Exam Results

Congratulations to Alex Hill for achieving the equivalent of ten GCSEs with B and C grades.  Well done Alex.  Alex has started a course at Bromley College in electronics and engineering.  We wish him every success in his career.

New Baby

William and Joanne Heald have become the proud parents of Serena Catrin Joy, born on 5th September, a sister for Arwen and a granddaughter for Margaret and Bill Heald.  Serena was born at 5:30am at a weight of 8lb 14oz.  Joanne sometimes plays the organ for us when Graham is away.

Toy Service

As last year we will be holding a toy service on December 13th.  You are asked to bring new toys to the service, which will be distributed to local needy families by the Salvation Army.

Deanery Youth Worker

The Commissioning Service for the new Deanery Youth Worker will be held at St Martin’s Barnehurst on Sunday 25th October at 3:30pm.

Alternative to Halloween

Why not go to Trinity Baptist Church at Bexleyheath for a Christian rock concert on October 31st?

Patronal service

This was held on Saturday 27th June at 3:00pm.  It took the form of Evening Praise and was followed by afternoon tea and the AGM of the Friends of St John’s.  We were delighted to welcome the Rev. Irene Durndell to lead the service and to be our guest preacher.  It was also great to see so many old friends who no longer live in the Parish.  We also thank our friends in the choirs of Christ Church and St Augustine’s Slade Green, who gave their support to our choir in leading the worship, and to all those who prepared the church for the service.

Parish weekend

As agreed by the PCC after the APCM, the parish weekend away has been postponed from the 18th-20th September 2009 at Ashburnham place in Battle.  It will now tak place on the weekend of 18th-20th June 2010.  The cost is £125 full board, £58 for 5-15s and free for under 5s.  Day visitors are also welcome.  Places are limited, so if you would like to go, or would like to know more, please see Robert or Barbara.  Please sign up as soon as possible if you wish to go.  We really need 25 names.

Friends outing

Mary Chapman is organising a coach trip to Oxford on 3rd October.  Meet at the bottom of Avenue Road at 9:00am.  Cost £12.

Concert

The choir present a concert on Sunday 5th July in aid of the Ellenor Lions shining lights children’s team which provides support and care, mostly at home, for children with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions.  Well done to all those who took part.

Church opening

The church has continued to be open on Wednesday mornings from 11:00am.-1pm for visitors to look around or have a time of quiet.

Summer gift day

The summer gift day raised £600, thanks to your kind donations.  Thank you to everyone who has supported us financially.

Barn Dance

It is proposed to hold a Family fun barn dance, with a ‘bring and share’ supper in the Church Hall on Saturday 19th September in aid of Church funds.  Please try to come.  You don’t have to know any dances as they will all be easy to pick up.  Come and have some fun.

New starts

We wish all our young people going on to secondary school in September best wishes.  Several of them, including Eleanor, Michael and Isobel will be going to Trinity School.

Thanks

We would like to say a big thank you to Neil Bunker and Jim Bennett for their support in leading our worship during the last few months.  We also congratule Neil on celebrating 25 years of ordained ministry.

Mothering Sunday

Thank you Nicky and your helpers for preparing the posies for children to give to their mothers at this service.

Palm Sunday

This service will take place on April 5th at 10:00am in church

On Maundy Thursday – April 9th at 8pm there will be a service of Holy Communion celebrating the Last Supper, followed by stripping of the altars ready for Good Friday.

On Good Friday 10th April there will be a service with hymns, readings and meditations from 2 until 3pm remembering the last hour of the crucifixion.  Do try to come for a quiet time of reflection.

Saturday 11th April - Preparation of the church for Easter. Nicky would appreciate help with the flowers and Margaret would like any children interested to help her with the Easter Garden from 9:30am.  You don’t have to be good at flower arranging because it always looks lovely.

Easter Sunday – April 12th.  Holy Communion at 10am.  Come and celebrate the resurrection with us.

Church opening – We are again hoping to open the church on Wednesdays form 11 until 1pm beginning in April.  If you are able to help with greeting any visitors we may have please see Ron Penalver.  If we have plenty of offers, individuals will not have to be there many times.

Annual Parochial Church Meeting – The APCM will take place after the service on Sunday 26th April.  Please try to stay and hear what has been happening in Church and what is needed in the future.

Dustbusters – once again we are asking if there are any of you able to lend a hand on the first Tuesday of the month from 9:30-11am to help with keeping the Church tidy and polishing the brasses.  If you are able to help out please see Pam Sadler.

Patronal service: The service this year will take place on Saturday 27th June at 3pm and will be followed by the AGM of the Friends of Erith Parish Church.

Discipleship Groups – have been meeting throughout Lent to reflect on the Narnia stories and writings of C S Lewis.

Choir Concert – Following last year’s successful concert, the choir are preparing another concert for Sunday 5th July, the major proceeds of which will go to a children’s hospice charity.  Do try to come for a musical evening.

Congratulations – to Amelia Brookes on achieving 77/100 in her recent Primary ballet exam, being commended and 80/100, Highly Commended for Primary Tap dancing.

We also have several children who will be going to Trinity School in September.

Mothering Sunday

Thank you to those who helped make the posies for Mothering Sunday.

Palm Sunday

The service on Palm Sunday started with a procession of witness from the Riverside Gardens along West Street to Church.  The Church members who braved the elements were pleased to welcome the Mayor of Bexley who joined them for the procession.  The Mace Bearer also brought the old Mace of Erith for the congregation to see.

Easter Services

Thank you everybody who contributed in any way to the smooth running of our Easter services.

On MAUNDY THURSDAY the service took the form of a shared mean and meditation on the events of the day before the Crucifixion.

On GOOD FRIDAY the Church was open from 12:00pm for private prayer and meditation followed by a thought provoking service at 2:00pm.

On EASTER SUNDAY the day started with a breakfast in the church hall.  Thanks to Janet for masterminding it.  Thanks also to Nicky and her team and for all those who came to help to make the church look so beautiful.  Thank you Amelia, Claudia, Ryan, Eleanor and Jenny for helping Margaret to prepare the Easter Garden.  A lot of hard work went into preparing the Services for Holy Week and we did appreciate the beautiful singing of the choir, the worship and hearing God’s word spoken afresh.  Thank you.

EASTER EGG HUNT.  Thank you Dave and Jackie for organising the Easter Egg hunt for the children on Easter Sunday.

Church Opening

The Church will again be open this summer on Wednesday mornings for visitors to look around or spend time in prayer.

Annual Parochial Church Meeting

The APCM will take place after the service on Sunday 27th April.  Please try to be there.

Church cleaning

Once again we are asking if there are any of you who can lend a hand with this important ministry.  Church cleaning is held on the first Tuesday of each month from 9:30am until around 11am.  However we would be grateful for any time that can be given to help out.  If it is something that you think you could do, please see Pam.

Patronal Service

This will be held on Saturday 21st June at 3pm.  It will take the form of a Songs of Praise Service and will be followed by afternoon tea and theAGM of teh Friends of St John’s.

Discipleship Groups

These have continued throughout Lent with members following a course based on the “power of small choices.”  There will be a praise service around Pentecost on 11th May for members of the Discipleship groups and anyone interested.  Please listen out for details.

Friends

It was lovely to see Barbara Edwards and Dorothy otgieter in Church over the Easter season after their operations.

Junior Choir

Welcome to Ryan who was admitted to the choir on Palm Sunday and congratulations to Eleanor, Michael and Helen who have gained their light blue ribbons on the RSCM Voice for Life training scheme.

Choir concert

The choir members are hoping to give a concert on 19th July, in order to raise funds towads new collars, cuffs and surplices which are getting rather shabby.  Half of the proceeds will be given to charity.

Beetle Drive

There will be a fund raising beetle drive at 7:30pm on 19th April.  Please support this.  Margaret would also appreciate any items for raffle prizes for this event.

Church fete

This will be held on Saturday 7thJune.  Please listen out for details of time.  Offers of help would be appreciated by David and Jackie Wickham.

Bexley Choir

The choir will be performing Rossini’s Petite Messe Solonelle on Tuesday 15th April at St Lawrence’s Church, Sidcup at 7:00pm.  Tickets will be available on the door, cost £5, or see Margaret Heald.

Church opening

The church has continued to open on Wednesday mornings for the summer months.  We have had a few visitors, some of whom would like to come again.  We will be reviewing whether it has been worthwhile and whether we will continue next year.  Wednesday opening ends at the end of September.

Open House London

The Church was open to visitors on Saturday and Sunday 15th and 16th September as part of the scheme to allow people to visit notable buildings in London.  Our thanks go to Bill Brookes who organised our participation and made the arrangements for the day.  Thank you, Bill.

Church flowers

The flower arrangements for the Open House days were beautiful and several visitors commented on them.  Thank you to Nicky Winch and her team who spent hours working on them.  If anyone would like to join the flower team, please see Nicky who would appreciate your help.

Winter Fayre

For many reasons, we did not hold a summer fete this year.  There will now be a Winter Fayre in the Church Hall on November 24th from 10am – 2pm.  Any offers of help would be appreciated.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Stuart Hill who will be celebrating his 18th birthday on the 18th October.

Claudia Brookes achieved a score of 78 marks in her Grade 2 ballet exam and was commended.  Well done Claudia!

Amelia Brookes is also be to congratulated on being elected to the School Council at Belvedere infant school.

Rebecca Heald, who used to be a server and member of the choir was deemed very competent in her Bar Training course and was called to the Bar in the Inner Temple Church on July 26th.  She is now looking for a pupillage for twelve months in order to finish her qualification and start practising as a barrister.  We wish her every success in her chosen career.

In Memoriam

Sadly we have heard of the deaths of two former members of our congregation.  Rose Ward died on Thursday 26th July and Doug Robinson on Friday 25th August.  Both had moved away from Erith but kept in touch with some members of St John’s.

Shoe Boxes

Once again we are supporting the Samaritan’s Purse appeal for shoe box parcels to send to children in deprived areas of Europe for Christmas.  The closing day for these is 7th November.  Last year we sent 126.  Can we make it more this year?