St John's Church LemsfordNews
CAR PARKING
Because
car parking at the church is becoming difficult, we are opening
up the school playground on Sunday mornings for everyone to use. The
playground is at the back of the school, and is large enough to
accommodate about 30 cars. Please do use this area to park in, but take
extra care when exiting into the street as cars do tend to speed up and
down the hill.
Thanks
Nigel
REPORT AND PHOTOS FROM OUR ALL TOGETHER & BAPTISM SERVICE ON THE 7th JUNE
On the 7th we wondered - who would make Jesus’ guest list?
Alongside Matthew, the woman and the girl in our Gospel reading, it was a big ‘yes’ to our four wonderful baptism candidates – and a big yes to all of us too. Everyone is welcome into God’s family - just as they are.
What a weekend of celebrations we’ve had!
Please do keep our baptism families and our wedding couple in your prayers as they continue their journey in God’s love.
On the 7th we wondered - who would make Jesus’ guest list?
Alongside Matthew, the woman and the girl in our Gospel reading, it was a big ‘yes’ to our four wonderful baptism candidates – and a big yes to all of us too. Everyone is welcome into God’s family - just as they are.
What a weekend of celebrations we’ve had!
Please do keep our baptism families and our wedding couple in your prayers as they continue their journey in God’s love.
REPORT AND PHOTOS FROM THE WEDDING ON THE 6th JUNE
Congratulations to Pippa and Andrew on their wedding day.
Even the weather joined in with their joy, with the sun making a surprise appearance before, during and after the service!
All of us at St John's wish them every blessing for their life together.
Congratulations to Pippa and Andrew on their wedding day.
Even the weather joined in with their joy, with the sun making a surprise appearance before, during and after the service!
All of us at St John's wish them every blessing for their life together.
REPORT AND PHOTOS FROM OUR SPECIAL SERVICE OF THANKSGIVING AND REMEMBRANCE
A reflective afternoon remembering those we’ve loved and lost - in worship and conversation with new and old friends.
We were again treated to great weather - 21C - perfect and the rain stayed away. It was a really beautiful service.
Not wanting to take from the privacy of the service we catch up later when everyone is enjoying tea and cake.
Our next service of thanksgiving and remembrance is on 25th October at 4pm. All welcome.
A reflective afternoon remembering those we’ve loved and lost - in worship and conversation with new and old friends.
We were again treated to great weather - 21C - perfect and the rain stayed away. It was a really beautiful service.
Not wanting to take from the privacy of the service we catch up later when everyone is enjoying tea and cake.
Our next service of thanksgiving and remembrance is on 25th October at 4pm. All welcome.
Report and Photos from All Together Pentecost (Whit Sunday)
We have recently celebrated Pentecost — the moment an invisible helper showed up and changed everything for a group of frightened, hiding people.
With the help of some rather misbehaving balloons, we explored what it might look like for that same Spirit to breathe courage and life into our own situations today.
We wrote those situations on balloons to take home — with an invitation to blow them up this week as we prayed: Come, Holy Spirit.
If you couldn't make it this morning, why not try it at home?
We were also so glad to mark Saturday night's confirmation of Clare and Evie with the whole congregation this morning.
And finally, special mention to the younger members of the congregation who read and deaconed today — what a fantastic job they did.
A truly Spirit-filled day!
We have recently celebrated Pentecost — the moment an invisible helper showed up and changed everything for a group of frightened, hiding people.
With the help of some rather misbehaving balloons, we explored what it might look like for that same Spirit to breathe courage and life into our own situations today.
We wrote those situations on balloons to take home — with an invitation to blow them up this week as we prayed: Come, Holy Spirit.
If you couldn't make it this morning, why not try it at home?
We were also so glad to mark Saturday night's confirmation of Clare and Evie with the whole congregation this morning.
And finally, special mention to the younger members of the congregation who read and deaconed today — what a fantastic job they did.
A truly Spirit-filled day!
REPORT AND PHOTOS FROM OUR JOINT CHOIR CHORAL EVENSONG WITH ST MICHAELS
St Michael’s and St John’s choirs joined together on the evening of 17th May for our first Choral Evensong.
Such a treat to be helped to connect with God through such beautiful music. Huge thanks to everyone who led, sang, played, and supported it. Fabulous.
St Michael’s and St John’s choirs joined together on the evening of 17th May for our first Choral Evensong.
Such a treat to be helped to connect with God through such beautiful music. Huge thanks to everyone who led, sang, played, and supported it. Fabulous.
Report and Photos from St John's@3 Wild Worship ‘breakfast on the beach'
The weather was kind for our St John’s@3 Wild Worship ‘breakfast on the beach with Jesus’ this afternoon!
Look out for more St John’s@3 services coming soon - a relaxed, fun gathering for all ages
The weather was kind for our St John’s@3 Wild Worship ‘breakfast on the beach with Jesus’ this afternoon!
Look out for more St John’s@3 services coming soon - a relaxed, fun gathering for all ages
Baptism of Ivy Rose
Congratulations to Ivy Rose and her family as they said a big yes to God. It was wonderful to welcome her to the St John’s family during the 11am service.
Rev Kathryn - Appointed Chair of the Diocesan Racial Justice Action Group
It is was announced last week that Revd Kathryn has become chair of the Diocesan Racial Justice Action Group, with a remit to embed racial justice at the heart of mission and ministry across the Diocese of St Albans. More details can be found here. https://resource.stalbansdiocese.org/newsletters/a-new-commitment-to-racial-justice/
If you have ideas as to how she can best fulfil this role, please do have a chat with her!
It is was announced last week that Revd Kathryn has become chair of the Diocesan Racial Justice Action Group, with a remit to embed racial justice at the heart of mission and ministry across the Diocese of St Albans. More details can be found here. https://resource.
If you have ideas as to how she can best fulfil this role, please do have a chat with her!
Report and Photos from St John's@3 - Easter Journey
We’ve been on a Holy Week journey around the world (and the church!) at St John’s@3 on 22nd March at 3pm.
It was great to explore the story in a different form— and enjoy some amazing food along the way.
Thank you to everyone who came and helped make it happen.
If you’d like to join us for more all-age Easter joy, we’d love to see you at our All Together Easter Sunday service at 11am — with an Easter egg hunt!
We’ve been on a Holy Week journey around the world (and the church!) at St John’s@3 on 22nd March at 3pm.
It was great to explore the story in a different form— and enjoy some amazing food along the way.
Thank you to everyone who came and helped make it happen.
If you’d like to join us for more all-age Easter joy, we’d love to see you at our All Together Easter Sunday service at 11am — with an Easter egg hunt!
Report and Photos from Carols and Christmas Songs around the Village and in the Sun Pub (23rd Dec)
On the 23rd December we had an bsolutely brilliant night of carols and Christmas songs in Lemsford village and The Sun pub!
Thanks to everyone who organised and came along, and to Stephen the fantastic new pub owner for saying ‘yes’. Hope you’re feeling firmly festive!
and if you'd like to see Rev Kathryn doing the actions to the 12 days of Christmas click here,
Photos from the Crib Service (24th Dec)
St John's was packed with parents and children for our Crib Service.
Sparkly star and the wise(ish)men telling the Christmas crib service story. So good to see you all there!
St John's was packed with parents and children for our Crib Service.
Sparkly star and the wise(ish)men telling the Christmas crib service story. So good to see you all there!
ST JOHN'S@3 LIGHT PARTY
Photos and Report
Our St John’s@3 Light Party shone bright a few weeks ago — a creative and fun reminder that Jesus is the light of the world.
Our St John’s@3 Light Party shone bright a few weeks ago — a creative and fun reminder that Jesus is the light of the world.
HARVEST FESTIVAL SERVICE AND LUNCH
It was a Harvest-tastic at St John’s last Sunday!
Two joyful services full of wonderful readings, singing, exploring and generosity.
All topped off with a brilliant Bring and Share lunch.
Maple the dog also came to church today, especially to hear everyone sing happy birthday to her!
Happy birthday Maple!
Thank you to everyone who made this such a special celebration of God’s love
Report: St John's All Together Service - Dare to Try
We ‘Dared to Try’ as we began a new school year and season.
With the help of spot of paper aeroplane making and the story of Peter’s wobble on the water, we discovered that God is with us when we try new things — and really doesn’t mind if we don’t get it right first time.
In fact, he uses our mistakes to help us grow.
We rounded it all off with a brilliant BBQ — thank you so much to everyone who made it such a special start to the year!
We ‘Dared to Try’ as we began a new school year and season.
With the help of spot of paper aeroplane making and the story of Peter’s wobble on the water, we discovered that God is with us when we try new things — and really doesn’t mind if we don’t get it right first time.
In fact, he uses our mistakes to help us grow.
We rounded it all off with a brilliant BBQ — thank you so much to everyone who made it such a special start to the year!
'IOO CLUB' MAY DRAW WINNERS
The winning numbers of the February '100 Club' Draw were:
1st prize: Number 23 £91.80
2nd prize: Number 16 £55.08
3rd prize: Number 78 £36.72
To join the 100 Club contact please Nigel.
If anyone who has not yet signed up to the '100 Club' would like to do
so, please contact the Promoter Nigel Johnson whose email address is najofwgc@gmail.com
FOOD BANK
The
New Zion Christian Fellowship Food Bank, which is where I take all our
food donations to, always express their sincere gratitude to St John's
Church and school for our support week after week. After our Harvest
Festival services this year, I took them the vast amount of food that so
many people had donated, and I have just received a letter of thanks
from the organiser which I would like to share with you. Here it is.
Upcoming Events and Services
These are now kept up to date on 'A Church Near You' - specifically here:In Calendar form:
https://www.achurchnearyou.
If you prefer 'Event Advert' form - then click here:
https://www.achurchnearyou.
Please sign up for a spot in the Cleaning Rota
Still slots to fill!
More volunteers are needed to help us. All the materials you'll need are provided. All that we need is your time!
Let's spread this load between us all!! Please contact the churchwardens if you would like to take a turn with cleaning.
You can choose a date that suits you!
More volunteers are needed to help us. All the materials you'll need are provided. All that we need is your time!
Let's spread this load between us all!! Please contact the churchwardens if you would like to take a turn with cleaning.
You can choose a date that suits you!