News

22nd OCTOBER – NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY
TODAY’S SERVICES.
10.00 am. Sung Mass
Lesson Readers: Camelia Morgan and Joy Tregartha
Intercessor: Ann Tuesley
Stewards: Noreen Lynes and Blanche McCartney
Hymns: Hymns Old and New 9; 644; 675; 37; 92

SERVICES THIS WEEK
Monday. Feria. No service
Tuesday. Feria. 6.00pm Confessions. 6.30pm. Mass
Wednesday. Feria. 12noon Rosary. 1.00pm. Mass
Thursday. Ss Chad and Cedd. No service
Friday. Feria. 12.00 noon Service of Reflection
Saturday. Ss Simon and Jude. 9.30 a.m. Mass

On days when the church is open the Angelus is said at noon.
NEXT SUNDAY: 10.00am Parish Mass
Lesson Readers: Mike Polanyk and Ian Johnston
Intercessor: Camelia Morgan
Stewards: Michelle Thomas and Kay Smith

SERVICE OF REFLECTION. The next Service of Reflection takes place this Friday at 12noon, followed by a jacket potato lunch. All are welcome to join us for this gentle and prayerful service.

ALL SOULS’ DAY. All Souls’ Day, when we pray for all the faithful departed, falls on Thursday, 2nd November. Requiem Masses will be celebrated at 1.00pm and 7.00pm that day. If there is a departed loved one you would like us to remember in our prayers that day, please put their name on the list at the back of church.
In addition to the services on All Souls’ Day, there will be a Service of Remembrance on Sunday 5th November at 4.30pm, at which people will be invited to come and remember and pray for their departed loved ones.

HYMN BOOKS. As a parish, we are seeking ways to grow in our worshipping life. One of the ways in which we plan to do this is to vary the range of hymns that we sing on Sundays, and we will do that by using The New English Hymnal (the green book) on some Sundays, whilst continuing to use Hymns Old and New (the red book) on other Sundays. We hope that this will ensure that we are able to use the best of both traditional and modern hymnody.

THE ROSARY. We pray the Rosary in church after the Angelus at mid-day on Wednesdays. All are welcome to join us for this devotion. If it is new to you, do come along and try it.

CONFESSIONS. Fr Dexter is available to hear confessions regularly, on Tuesday evenings from 6.00pm. He is also available at other times by appointment.

CONFIRMATION. Bishop Jonathan will be with us on Wednesday 15 November to celebrate Mass and administer the sacrament of Confirmation. The service takes place at 7.00pm, and we will be joined by people from other Society parishes in the diocese. Please hold the confirmation candidates in your prayers.

PEACE FESTIVAL. The Peace Festival runs from 30 October to 14 November. We aim to be open as long as we can for the 16 days of the Festival - there are rota sheets available at the back of the church - please spare a couple of hours to aid the Visitor Ministry in this important Festival. Please see Mike for more details.

CHRISTMAS FAYRE. This event takes place on Saturday 2 December. If anyone can donate prizes for the raffle or tombola stalls, please put them in the box at the back of church.
WE WELCOME ALL VISITORS TO OUR SERVICE TODAY
Please join us for a hot drink and chat in the Parish Room after the service.
For those who like to make a Gift Aided donation, envelopes can be found in the Mass book cover.
Thank you.

15^th OCTOBER – EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

TODAY’S SERVICES.

10.00 am. Sung Mass
Lesson Readers: Ann Tuesley and Jo Shelton
Intercessor: Chas Coleman
Stewards: Sheila Polanyk and Mike Polanyk
Hymns: 550, 636, 205, 451 & 240

SERVICES THIS WEEK

Monday. Feria. No service
Tuesday. St Ignatius. 6.00pm Confessions. 6.30pm. Mass
Wednesday. St Luke. 12noon Rosary. 1.00pm. Mass
Thursday. Feria. No service
Friday. Feria. No service
Saturday. Our Lady on Saturday. 9.30 a.m. Mass

On days when the church is open the Angelus is said at noon.

NEXT SUNDAY: 10.00am Parish Mass

Lesson Readers: Camelia Morgan and Joy Tregartha

Intercessor: Ann Tuesley

Stewards: Noreen Lynes and Blanche McCartney

ST LUKE’S PATRONAL FESTIVAL. We are invited to join St Luke’s, Holbrooks, as the parish celebrates its Patronal Festival THIS EVENING at 6.00pm. Bishop Jonathan will preside and preach.

SERVICE OF REFLECTION.The next Service of Reflection takes place on Friday 27^th October at 12noon, followed by a jacket potato lunch. All are welcome to join us for this gentle and prayerful service.

THE ROSARY. We pray the Rosary in church after the Angelus at mid-day on Wednesdays. All are welcome to join us for this devotion. If it is new to you, do come along and try it.

CONFESSIONS. Fr Dexter is available to hear confessions regularly, on Tuesday evenings from 6.00pm. He is also available at other times by appointment.

CONFIRMATION. If anyone would like to prepare for the sacrament of Confirmation, please speak to Fr Dexter.

WALSINGHAM PILGRIMAGE Next year’s Coventry North PILGRIMAGE to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham will be from Monday, 13th to Thursday, 16th August 2018. Please speak to Fr Dexter to reserve a place. At this stage a £10 deposit is required.

PEACE FESTIVAL. The Peace Festival runs from 30 October to 14 November. We aim to be open as long as we can for the 16 days of the Festival - there are rota sheets available at the back of the church - please spare a couple of hours to aid the Visitor Ministry in this important Festival. Please see Mike for more details.

DISASTER APPEALS. The PCC has sent £250 to each of the appeals following Hurricane Irma and the floods in Bangladesh from the Sunday coffee restricted fund. Please hold all those affected by these natural disasters in your prayers, and those bringing assistance to them.

8^th OCTOBER – SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

TODAY’S SERVICES.

10.00 am. Sung Mass

Lesson Readers: Noreen Lynes and Leah Roberts
Intercessor: Jo Shelton
Stewards: Joyce Butterfield and Jo Shelton

Hymns: 210, 361, 457, 590 & 518

SERVICES THIS WEEK

Monday. Blessed John Henry Newman. No service
Tuesday. St Paulinus. 6.00pm Confessions. 6.30pm. Mass
Wednesday. Feria. 12noon Rosary. 1.00pm. Mass
Thursday. St Wilfrid. No service
Friday. St Edward the Confessor. No service
Saturday. Our Lady on Saturday. 9.30 a.m. Mass

On days when the church is open the Angelus is said at noon.

NEXT SUNDAY: 10.00am Parish Mass
Lesson Readers: Ann Tuesley and Jo Shelton
Intercessor: Chas Coleman
Stewards: Sheila Polanyk and Mike Polanyk

PRISONS WEEK. Today marks the beginning of Prisons Week, a week of prayer for all in prison, as well as those who are victims of crime, those who work in prisons and all involved in the criminal justice system. Please hold all these in your prayers this week, and remember prison chaplains, among them Deacon Sarah Gillard-Faulkner, Chaplain of HMP Onley.

THE ROSARY. October is a month traditionally associated with praying the Rosary, so it seems a good time to introduce the opportunity to share in this devotion together. We pray the Rosary in church after the Angelus at mid-day on Wednesdays. All are welcome to join us for this devotion. If it is new to you, do come along and try it.

CONFESSIONS. As mentioned last week, Fr Dexter will be available to hear confessions regularly, on Tuesday evenings from 6.00pm. He remains available at other times by appointment.

THANK YOU FROM THE FOODBANK. We have received the following message of thanks from the Foodbank for our harvest donations: “Just to let you know that the total amount of food donated last week and today came to 45.75kg Thanks also for the Harvest donations of fruit and veg - all of which was given out. Thanks again for your continued support and encouragement and also for the cash donations.”

INVITATION. We are invited to theInstitution of The Revd Gareth Irvine as Vicar of St Laurence Church, Foleshill, on Thursday 12 October at 7.30pm. Please hold him and the parish in your prayers.

CONFIRMATION. If anyone would like to prepare for the sacrament of Confirmation, please speak to Fr Dexter.

ST LUKE’S PATRONAL FESTIVAL. We are invited to join St Luke’s, Holbrooks, as the parish celebrates its Patronal Festival on Sunday 15 October at 6.00pm. Bishop Jonathan will preside and preach that evening.

1st OCTOBER – SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

TODAY’S SERVICES.

10.00 am. Sung Mass
Lesson Readers: Nigel Makepeace and John Oliver
Intercessor: Nigel Makepeace
Stewards: Ann Luckman and Ian Johnston
Hymns: 15, 146, 726, 141 & 172

4.30pm
Evening Prayer

SERVICES THIS WEEK
Monday. The Holy Guardian Angels. No service
Tuesday. Feria. 6.30pm. Mass
Wednesday. St. Francis. 12noon Rosary. 1.00pm. Mass
Thursday. Feria. No service
Friday. Feria. No service
Saturday. Our Lady of the Rosary. 9.30 a.m. Mass

On days when the church is open the Angelus is said at noon.

NEXT SUNDAY: 10.00am Parish Mass

Lesson Readers: Noreen Lynes and Leah Roberts

Intercessor: Jo Shelton

Stewards: Joyce Butterfield and Jo Shelton

THE ROSARY. October is a month traditionally associated with praying the Rosary, so it seems a good time to introduce the opportunity to share in this devotion together. We will pray the Rosary in church after the Angelus at mid-day on Wednesdays, beginning this week. All are welcome to join us for this devotion. If it is new to you, do come along and try it.

INVITATION. We are invited to the Institution of The Revd Gareth Irvine as Vicar of St Laurence Church, Foleshill, on Thursday 12 October at 7.30pm. Please hold him and the parish in your prayers.
CONFIRMATION. If anyone would like to prepare for the sacrament of Confirmation, please speak to Fr Dexter

ST LUKE’S PATRONAL FESTIVAL. We are invited to join St Luke’s, Holbrooks, as the parish celebrates its Patronal Festival on Sunday 15 October at 6.00pm. Bishop Jonathan will preside and preach that evening.

WALSINGHAM PILGRIMAGE Next year’s Coventry North PILGRIMAGE to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham will be from Monday, 13th to Thursday, 16th August 2018. Please speak to Fr Dexter to reserve a place. At this stage a £10 deposit is required.

Further Information from the NEWS Sheet of Sunday 17th. September, 2017

HERITAGE OPEN DAYS. Many, many thanks to all who helped welcome 1294 visitors to church during the heritage weekend. Many commented on the warmth of the welcome they received from us.

PCC MEETING. The PCC meets tomorrow at 7.00pm in St John’s Chapel.

INVITATION. We are invited to the Institution, Induction and Installation of The Reverend Canon Miles Anthony Baker as Rector of All Saints, Allesley at 7.30pm on Tuesday of this week. Please hold him and the parish in your prayers.

HARVEST THANKSGIVING. We will celebrate our harvest thanksgiving NEXT Sunday, 24 September. Once again, we are invited to offer contributions to the Foodbank as part of our thanksgiving. The Foodbank is particularly in need of coffee, sugar, rice, rice pudding, UHT milk, tinned fruit, long life juice, squash and toiletries at this time. Following Mass that day, there will be a bring-and-share lunch in the hall. Please sign the list at the back of church if you would like to take part in that.

ORTHODOX FESTIVAL Our friends from the Serbian Orthodox community will be holding a concert featuring three choirs here at St John’s on Saturday 30 September at 7.00pm. Tickets £10, available at the door. Further details are available at the back of church.

This picture was taken at the Street Pastors Commissioning Service last Friday, 8th Sept,held at St John's when 13 new Street Pastors were commissioned. Fr Dexter preached, and the service was also addressed by Chief Superintendent Sharon Goosen of the West Midlands Police in Coventry and Cllr Jim O'Boyle, a St Michael's ward Councillor on the City Council.

Further Information from the NEWS Sheet of Sunday 10th. September, 2017

HERITAGE OPEN DAYS. Thank you to everyone who is helping to keep the church open to welcome visitors, and all who are helping with the hospitality in the hall.

SENT BACK TO COVENTRY. This Saturday, September 16, at 7.00 p.m.Charity Concert by Midland Baroque - Sent back to Coventry! The programme will feature music by Handel, Telemann, Purcell, John Blow, Heinrich Biber, Matthew Locke, and Coventry’s very own 18th century composer Capel Bond. Tickets, available at the door, are £10 (£6 concessions) and all proceeds will go to the Grand Piano Restoration Fund.

INVITATION. We are invited to the Institution, Induction and Installation of The Reverend Canon Miles Anthony Baker as Rector of All Saints, Allesley at 7.30pm on Tuesday 19 September. Please hold him and the parish in your prayers.

HARVEST THANKSGIVING. We will celebrate our harvest thanksgiving on Sunday 24 September. Once again, we are invited to offer contributions to the Foodbank as part of our thanksgiving. The Foodbank are particularly in need of coffee, sugar, rice, rice pudding, UHT milk, tinned fruit, long life juice, squash and toiletries at this time. Following Mass that day, there will be a bring-and-share lunch in the hall. Please sign the list at the back of church if you would like to take part in that.

VISITOR MINISTRY. Mike reports an amazing 574 visitors in August, the largest ever for a Spring or Summer month! Our cumulative year figure is 4224, some 10% increase on last year’s record figure.

Many thanks to the volunteers who kept the doors open during some very bizarre weather last month!

Further Information from the NEWS Sheet of Sunday 3th. September, 2017

TODAY we welcome Fr Norman Stevens as our celebrant and preacher, and are grateful to him for being with us whilst Fr Dexter and Amy take a short break.Fr Dexter will be back on duty on Tuesday.

HERITAGE OPEN DAYS. These take place from Thursday to Sunday this week, and we look forward to welcoming many visitors to St John’s. Thank you to everyone who has volunteered to help keep the church open and welcome people.

WALSINGHAM CELL The cell of Our Lady of Walsingham will meet this Friday at St Luke’s, Holbrooks, at 7.30pm, to celebrate the Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary. All are welcome to attend.

STREET PASTORS On Friday evening at 6.00pm, we host the commissioning service for new Street Pastors. Please keep them in your prayers as they continue their service on the streets of our city at night.

CONCERT FOR GRAND PIANO RESTORATION FUND. On Saturday 9 September at 7 pm our friends from Unlock the Music will be putting on another concert presenting The Thrup'nny Bits(folk) and Harim Oh (opera singer) in aid of the Grand Piano Fund. Please share the leaflets at the back of church with friends.

SENT BACK TO COVENTRY. Saturday, September 16, 2017 at 7.00 p.m. Charity Concert by Midland Baroque - Sent back to Coventry! The programme will feature music by Handel, Telemann, Purcell, John Blow, Heinrich Biber, Matthew Locke, and Coventry’s very own 18th century composer Capel Bond. Tickets, available at the door, are £10 (£6 concessions) and all proceeds will go to the Grand Piano Restoration Fund.

ORTHODOX FESTIVAL Our friends from the Serbian Orthodox community will be holding a concert featuring three choirs here at St John’s on Saturday 30 September at 7.00pm. Further details are available at the back of church.

Further Information from the NEWS Sheet of Sunday 27th. August, 2017

HOLY BAPTISM Today we celebrate the baptism of LeBron Obi at 11.30am. Please stay after Mass to support LeBron and his family if you are able to do so.

WEEKDAY SERVICES. Weekday Masses will be re-introduced on Tuesday evenings at 6.30pm and Wednesday lunchtimes at 1.00pm, from this week.

SCOTT BURT PIANO TRIO CONCERT. The Scott Burt Piano Trio will be giving a lunchtime concert this Friday 1^st September at 1pm. This is free concert with donations towards the Benslow Hills Instrument Loan Scheme.

EBBSFLEET LAY CONGRESS 2017. This will be held in Coventry Cathedral next Saturday, 2^nd September, from 10.00 a.m. More details are on the notice board.

HERITAGE OPEN DAYS. Anyone interested in volunteering to help out during the Heritage Days Weekend between September 7 -10 will find sheets at the back of the Church for the four days. See Mike for more details.

ORTHODOX FESTIVAL Our friends from the Serbian Orthodox community will be holding a concert featuring three choirs on Friday 30 September at 7.00pm. Further details are available at the back of church.

WALSINGHAM PILGRIMAGE Booking is now open for next year’s pilgrimage to Walsingham, which will take place between 13 and 16 August. Please speak to Fr Dexter if you would like to book a place.

Further Information from the NEWS Sheet of Sunday 20th. August, 2017

SERVICE OF REFLECTION. The next Service of Reflection will be this Friday, 25th August, at noon and will be followed by a jacket potato lunch. All are welcome.

SCOTT BURT PIANO TRIO CONCERT. The Scott Burt Piano Trio will be giving a lunchtime concert on Friday 1^st September at 1pm. For those who have been to the Bablake School concerts in St John’s, Cathy Scott Burt will be familiar as the conductor, Dr Nicholas Scott Burt as their organist and Harry as their cellist son. This is free concert with donations towards the Benslow Hills Instrument Loan Scheme.

EBBSFLEET LAY CONGRESS 2017. This will be held in Coventry Cathedral on Saturday 2^nd September from 10.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. More details are on the notice board. Please sign the sheet if you will be attending.

HERITAGE OPEN DAYS. Anyone interested in volunteering to help out during the Heritage Days Weekend between September 7 -10 will find signing in rota sheets at the back of the Church for the four days, whether it be in the Church, the Hall, and the special events. See Mike for more details.

INVITATION. We are invited to the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of Ss Mary and John, Camp Hill, on Saturday 9 September at midday.

WEEKDAY SERVICES. Weekday Masses will be re-introduced on Tuesday evenings at 6.30pm and Wednesday lunchtimes at 1.00pm. We will begin these new services from Tuesday 29 August, which is the day on which the Church commemorates the Beheading of John the Baptist, our Patron.

Further Information from the NEWS Sheet of Sunday 13th. August, 2017

VISITORS . Mike reports that we had a record July footfall of 897, that sees a 8% year increase on 2016. Thanks to all our volunteers.

THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY .We are invited to the Vigil of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Monday 14 August at 7.30pm at The Abbey Church in Nuneaton. Fr Dexter will be preaching.

PILGRIMAGE TO THE SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF WALSINGHAM . We wish those going to the Shrine of Our Lady at Walsingham this coming week a happy and blessed pilgrimage.

HERITAGE OPEN DAYS . The church will be open for all four of the Heritage Open Days from Sept 7 - 10, and we need volunteers to welcome visitors. If you can give us an hour or two of your time, please speak to Mike. Bablake School 6^th form pupils will be performing at 1pm on the Friday.

CONCERT FOR GRAND PIANO RESTORATION FUND . On Saturday 9 September at 7 pm our friends from Unlock the Music will be putting on another concert presenting The Thrup'nny Bits(folk) and Harim Oh (opera singer) in aid of the Grand Piano Fund.

SCOTT BURT PIANO TRIO CONCERT . The Scott Burt Piano Trio will be giving a lunchtime concert on Friday 1^st September at 1pm. For those who have been to the Bablake School concerts in St John’s, Cathy Scott Burt will be familiar as the conductor, Dr Nicholas Scott Burt as their organist and Harry as their cellist son. This is free concert with donations towards the Benslow Hills Instrument Loan Scheme.

SENT BACK TO COVENTRY . Saturday, September 16, 2017 at 7.00 p.m. Charity Concert by Midland Baroque - Sent back to Coventry! The programme will feature music by Handel, Telemann, Purcell, John Blow, Heinrich Biber, Matthew Locke, and Coventry’s very own 18th century composer Capel Bond. Tickets, available at the door, are £10 (£6 concessions) and all proceeds will go to the Grand Piano Restoration Fund.

INVITATION . We are invited to the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of Ss Mary and John, Camp Hill, on Saturday 9 September at midday.

EBBSFLEET LAY CONGRESS 2017 . This will be held in Coventry Cathedral on Saturday 2^nd September from 10.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. More details are on the notice board. Please sign the sheet if you will be attending.

SERVICE OF REFLECTION . The next Service of Reflection will be on Friday 25th August at noon and will be followed by a jacket potato lunch.

Further Information from the NEWS Sheet of Sunday 31st. July, 2017

WE WELCOME Fr Dexter and Amy on their first Sunday here at St John’s. We wish them every happiness in their new home and as part of the family of St John’s.

RECTORY TELEPHONE NUMBER . The Rectory telephone number has changed to 024 7671 1687.

FR DEXTER’S INSTITUTION . A huge thank you to everyone who prepared, took part in or restored order following Fr Dexter’s institution service or the refreshments after.

PRAYER CIRCLE . The updated prayer circle is available at the back of church.

CONGRATULATIONS to Gemma, Dean and Kial on the birth of new baby Mason last week.

GRAND PIANO RESTORATION FUND . Our friend, Martin Griffiths, from Unlock the Music has been appealing for donations from different charities towards our Grand Piano Restoration Appeal. On Friday he received a letter from Allchurches Trust Limited saying that they have awarded us £1250. Our thanks to Martin and our friends from Unlock the Music. On Saturday 9 September at 7 pmthey will be putting on another concert presenting The Thrup'nny Bits(folk) and Harim Oh (opera singer) in aid of the Grand Piano Fund.

SAVE THE DATE . Saturday, September 16, 2017 at 7.00 p.m. Charity Concert by Midland Baroque - Sent back to Coventry! The programme will feature music by Handel, Telemann, Purcell, John Blow, Heinrich Biber, Matthew Locke, and Coventry’s very own 18th century composer Capel Bond. Tickets, available at the door, are £10 (£6 concessions) and all proceeds will go to the Grand Piano Restoration Fund.

TWO CELEBRATION INVITATIONS . The first is the celebration of the Vigil of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, on Monday 14 August at 7.30pm at The Abbey Church in Nuneaton. Fr Dexter will be preaching. The second is the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of Ss Mary and John, Camp Hill, on Saturday 9 September at midday. We are all invited to join in both of these celebrations.

SERVICE OF REFLECTION . The next Service of Reflection will be on Friday, 25^thAugust at noon and will be followed by a jacket potato lunch.

EBBSFLEET LAY CONGRESS 2017 . This will be held in Coventry Cathedral on Saturday 2^nd September from 10.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Further details are on the notice board. This event is free but please sign the sheet at the back of church if you will be attending

Further Information from the NEWS Sheet of Sunday 16th. July, 2017

WE WELCOME back Canon John Randall as our celebrant and preacher today. This is Fr John’s last service with us before Fr Dexter’s institution. We thank him for his continuing ministry to us through the interregnum.

PRAYER CIRCLE . It is time to update the Prayer Circle list. Please give your updates to Jo Shelton.

FR DEXTER’S INSTITUTION . If you have not received an invitation please speak to Ann T or Ian.

SAVE THE DATE . Saturday, September 16, 2017 at 7.00 p.m. Charity Concert by Midland Baroque - Sent back to Coventry! The programme will feature music by Handel, Telemann, Purcell, John Blow, Heinrich Biber, Matthew Locke, and Coventry’s very own 18th century composer Capel Bond. Tickets, available at the door, are £10 (£6 concessions) and all proceeds will go to the grand piano restoration fund.

TWO CELEBRATION INVITATIONS . The first is the celebration of the Vigil of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, on Monday 14 August at 7.30pm at The Abbey Church in Nuneaton. Fr Dexter will be preaching. The second is the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of Ss Mary and John, Camp Hill, on Saturday 9 September at midday. We are all invited to join in both of these celebrations.

VISITOR MINISTRY . Despite the church being closed several times during May and June due to the unavailability of volunteers, we have beaten our half year record of last year in getting 2753 visitors by the end of last month. It is a splendid achievement and a big thank you to all of our welcome team.

SERVICE OF REFLECTION . The next Service of Reflection will be this coming Friday, 28^thJuly at noon and will be followed by a jacket potato lunch.

EBBSFLEET LAY CONGRESS 2017 . This will be held in Coventry Cathedral on Saturday 2^nd September from 10.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Further details are on the notice board. This event is free but please sign the sheet at the back of church if you will be attending.

Further Information from the NEWS Sheet of Sunday 16th. July, 2017

WE WELCOME back Fr Norman Stevens as our celebrant and preacher today. This is Fr Norman’s last service with us before Fr Dexter’s institution. We thank him for his continuing ministry to us through the interregnum.

PAUL TILLEY – RIP . Canon David Tilley emailed to say that his son Paul died on Friday in Myton Hospice and to ask us to pray for Paul’s eternal rest. We pray too for Fr David, Penny and Ryan.

PRAYER CIRCLE . It is time to update the Prayer Circle list. Please give your updates to Jo Shelton.

FR DEXTER’S INSTITUTION . If you have not received an invitation please speak to Ann T or Ian.

SUMMER FAYRE . A huge thank you to all who supported the Summer Fayre in any way, thus contributing to its success. The net cash takings were £259.45 plus £83.05 for refreshments.

SERVICE OF REFLECTION . The next Service of Reflection will be Friday 28^thJuly at noon and will be followed by a jacket potato lunch.

Further Information from the NEWS Sheet of Sunday 2nd. July, 2017

WE WELCOME back Canon David Tilley as our celebrant and preacher today. This is Fr David’s last service with us before Fr Dexter’s institution. We thank him for his continuing ministry to us through the interregnum.

HALL WINDOWS . A huge thank you to our friend John Matty who has spent 3 sessions cleaning and polishing our hall windows.

SSAFA – THE BIG BREW UP . Michael reports that, as a result of the efforts at St John’s, he has sent £168.50 to SSAFA and wishes to thank both Anns, little David and all who kindly helped at or supported the 2 events.

NOT THE LENT GROUP . This group is meeting on Monday 3^rd July at 7.30 p.m. at Jo and Ann’s. Rev Dr Peter Whale will be speaking about truth in the Bible. Others welcome, but please tell Jo if you want to come.

PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN SERVICE. We are invited to the Chapel of Unity, Coventry Cathedral on Monday 3^rd July from 4-5p.m. to hear about and pray for Carriers of Hope. More information from John Lloyd, 02476 413004, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

SUMMER FAYRE - NEXT SATURDAY. There will be various stalls including jams, cakes, gifts, books, vinyl, greeting cards and artefacts made in Palestine as well as entertainment, photographic and historic exhibitions, tours, children’s way, walks in the grounds and a viewing of the church's Green Man door. Refreshments will be available from 10am until 2pm in the hall. Speak to Mike and Sheila if you can help on the day or if you can provide cake, jam or other items to sell.

FR DEXTER’S INSTITUTION . Invitations for Wednesday 26^th July at 7pm have now been issued and replies are coming in. If you have not received your invitation please speak to Ann T or Ian. As there will also be other guests, seating will need to be allocated to different groups. In order that we know how many seats are needed for St John’s members and to help with the catering numbers, please RSVP to Margaret O.

MIDSUMMER FESTIVAL . Thank you to UMCM and all who helped at the Midsummer Festival.

SERVICE OF REFLECTION . The next Service of Reflection will be Friday 28^thJuly at noon and will be followed by a jacket potato lunch.

Further Information from the NEWS Sheet of Sunday 25th. June, 2017

WE WELCOME back Canon John Randall as our celebrant and preacher today.

MIDSUMMER FESTIVAL . Thank you to all who helped at the Midsummer Festival and to our friends from Unlock the Music for organising the programme and performing.

SUMMER FAYRE . This will be on Saturday 8^th July. There will be various stalls including jams, cakes, gifts, books, vinyl, greeting cards and artefacts made in Palestine as well as entertainment, photographic and historic exhibitions, tours, children’s way, walks in the grounds and a viewing of the church's Green Man door. Refreshments will be available from 10am until 2pm in the hall. Speak to Mike and Sheila if you can help on the day or if you can provide cake, jam or other items to sell.

FR DEXTER’S INSTITUTION . This will be on the evening of Wednesday 26^th July at 7pm. Everyone on our electoral role and regular congregation members will be invited, but there will also be other guests. Therefore seating will need to be allocated to different groups of guests. In order that we know how many seats are needed for St John’s members and to help with the catering numbers, please RSVP to Margaret Oliver when you receive your invitation.

EBBSFLEET LAY CONGRESS 2017 . Bishop Jonathan has sent a letter inviting us to the Ebbsfleet Lay Congress – We are all missionary disciples – to be held in Coventry Cathedral on Saturday 2^nd September from 10.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The main speakers will be Bishop Phillip North and Fr Damien Feeney. Bishop Jonathan will celebrate the Mass. This event is free but please sign the sheet at the back of church if you will be attending.

CBS NATIONAL FESTIVAL . Bishop Jupp and Fr Darren Smith thanked everyone who supported this day in any way.

SERVICE OF REFLECTION . The next Service of Reflection will be Friday 30^th June at noon and will be followed by a jacket potato lunch. Donations to SSAFA (THE ARMED FORCES CHARITY). Michael and Maureen have collected over £100 so far – thank you for supporting them in this effort.

Further Information from the NEWS Sheet of Sunday 18th. June, 2017

WE WELCOME back Canon John Eardley as our celebrant and preacher today.

CBS NATIONAL FESTIVAL . Bishop Jupp and Fr Darren Smith thanked everyone who supported this day in any way.

MIDSUMMER FESTIVAL . On Saturday 24^th we are holding a Midsummer Festival jointly with our friends from Unlock the Music . The café will be open all day with pop up performances there and in church and there will be a concert in the evening. Tickets for the evening concert are now on sale in our shop £8. Proceeds will be shared between our grand piano appeal and the Rotary Club appeal for books for a school in Lokiliri, South Sudan.

SUMMER FAYRE . This will be on Saturday 8^th July. Speak to Mike and Sheila if you can help on the day or if you can provide cake or jams to sell.

NATURAL CHURCH DEVELOPMENT . St John’s has been offered free places at an event to hear Christoph Schalk, the International Director of Natural Church Development . Christoph will be speaking on ‘Empowering People’ at St Mary’s, Leamington Spa, at 7.30 pm on 12th July. £ of us are attending. Please speak to Ann Tuesley if you also wish to attend.

EBBSFLEET LAY CONGRESS 2017 . Bishop Jonathan has sent a letter inviting us to the Ebbsfleet Lay Conference – We are all missionary disciples – to be held in Coventry Cathedral on Saturday 2^nd September from 10.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The main speakers will be Bishop Phillip North and Fr Damien Feeney. Bishop Jonathan will celebrate the Mass. This event is free but please sign the sheet at the back of church if you will be attending.

MYTON HOSPICE - SSAFA (THE ARMED FORCES CHARITY). As a result of the collection at the last Service of Reflection £41.55 was sent to Myton Hospice. Michael and Maureen have raised over £100 so far for SSAFA (THE ARMED FORCES CHARITY).Thank you toall who have donated to either charity.

FR DEXTER’S INSTITUTION . This will be on the evening of Wednesday 26^th July at 7pm. Please write the date in your diary.

SERVICE OF REFLECTION . The next Service of Reflection will be Friday 30^th June at noon and will be followed by a jacket potato lunch. Donations to SSAFA (THE ARMED FORCES CHARITY).

Further Information from the NEWS Sheet of Sunday 11th. June, 2017

WE WELCOME back Canon David Tilley as our celebrant and preacher today.

FR DEXTER’S INSTITUTION . This will be on the evening of Wednesday 26^th July at 7pm. Please write the date in your diary.

NOT THE LENT HOUSE GROUP . is meeting at Jo and Ann’s on Monday 12^th June at 7.30 p.m. for a Taize service. If anyone else would like to join us please speak to Jo.

CORPUS CHRISTI . Fr Simon has invited us to join the congregation at St Luke's on Corpus Christi, Thursday, 15th June at 7.00 p.m. There will be wine and strawberries afterwards, so for catering numbers please sign the sheet at the back of church if you intend to go.

CBS NATIONAL FESTIVAL . St John’s is hostingthis event on Saturday 17^th June. There will be a Solemn Con-celebrated Mass at 12 noon and Exposition, Procession of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction at 3p.m. to which we are invited.

MIDSUMMER FESTIVAL . On Saturday 24^th we are holding a Midsummer Festival jointly with our friends from Unlock the Music . The café will be open all day with pop up performances there and in church and there will be a concert in the evening. Proceeds will be shared between our grand piano appeal and the Rotary Club appeal for books for a school in South Sudan. More details to follow.

SUMMER FAYRE . This will be on Saturday 8^th July.

MYTON HOSPICE . As a result of the collection at the last Service of Reflection £41.55 was sent to Myton Hospice. Thank you to all who donated.

SERVICE OF REFLECTION . The next Service of Reflection will be Friday 30^th June at noon and will be followed by a jacket potato lunch. Donations to SSAFA (THE ARMED FORCES CHARITY).

Further Information from the NEWS Sheet of Sunday 28th. May, 2017

WE WELCOME back Canon David Tilley as our celebrant and preacher today.

LENT BOXES FOR ADDITIONAL CURATES SOCIETY .ACS Lent boxes totalled £ 82.32.

FR DEXTER’S INSTITUTION . This will be on the evening of Wednesday 26^th July at 7pm. Please write the date in your diary.

RISE COVENTRY, PENTECOST CELEBRATION - 4 June . On Pentecost afternoon, Sunday 4th June 2017, everyone is invited to join together in the ruins of Coventry Cathedral for a festival of Prayer & Worship called Rise Coventry. This free event will start at 2pm and will include a festival of events including a bring and share picnic; live music by local Christian artists; interactive prayer stations; bouncy castles and more! At 4pm there will be an informal service led by the Bishop of Coventry including baptisms and confirmations.

SSAFA (THE ARMED FORCES CHARITY) BIG BREW . We are holding a Big Brew on Saturday 10^th June

10 a.m. – 12 noon. Speak to Michael Smith for more details about this charity.

MIDSUMMER FESTIVAL . On Saturday 24^th we are holding a Midsummer Festival jointly with our friends from Unlock the Music . The café will be open all day with pop up performances there and in church and there will be a concert in the evening. Proceeds will be shared between our grand piano appeal and the Rotary Club appeal for books for a school in South Sudan. More details to follow.

SUMMER FAYRE . This will be on Saturday 8^th July.

FOOD BANK . We have received thanks from Tim from the Foodbank for another full bin of food.

SERVICE OF REFLECTION . The next Service of Reflection will be next Friday 30^th at noon and will be followed by a jacket potato lunch.

Further Information from the NEWS Sheet of Sunday 21st. May, 2017

WE WELCOME back Fr Norman Stevens as our celebrant and preacher today.

ASCENSION DAY – 25^th MAY . We have invited Fr Brian to celebrate a said Mass with hymns on Ascension Day morning at 10 a.m. We have received this invitation from Fr Tom Wintle:

‘The Society in the Diocese of Coventry have arranged a Mass of the Feast of the Ascension on Thursday 25th May at St Luke, Holbrooks, to mark the beginning of the international period of prayer 'Thy Kingdom Come'. We would be thrilled if the good people of St John the Baptist would join the other Society Parishes to celebrate this holy day and to mark this important event. Please do come along and let me know how many might be able to join us. Fizz and nibbles will follow on from the Mass!!’ If you wish to attend, please sign the sheet at the back of church. We usually attend the service at the Cathedral on Ascension Day evening. Ascension Day this year is also the 55th anniversary of the consecration of the Cathedral, and there will be an ecumenical non Eucharistic service at 7.30pm with His Grace, Archbishop Bernard Longley of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Birmingham.

SERVICE OF REFLECTION . The next Service of Reflection will be next Friday, 26th May at noon and will be followed by a jacket potato lunch. Donations will be for Myton Hospice.

FOOD BANK . We have received thanks from Tim from the Foodbank for another full bin of food.

VISITOR MINISTRY. Mike reports that the end of April cumulative figure of 1740 sees a 6% increase on the 2016 record year. This is mainly due to us keeping the church open for longer over Holy Week. A big thanks to all the volunteers involved in this vital ministry. However, unless there are any key holder volunteers, during Ian’s absence the church will be closed on Monday and Thursday mornings.

CHURCH WARDENS . Ian Johnston and Ann Tuesley have now been sworn in as Church Wardens for the coming year. Our thanks go to Ann Luckman for the seven and a half years of sterling service in this role. She has handed the keys over to Ian, but has agreed to be a deputy warden while Ian is away on pilgrimage on The Camino Portugues or the Portuguese Way from Lisbon to Santiago de Compostella.

Further Information from the NEWS Sheet of Sunday 14th. May, 2017

WE WELCOME back Canon John Randall as our celebrant and preacher today.

ASCENSION DAY – 25^th MAY . We have invited Fr Brian to celebrate a said Mass with hymns on Ascension Day morning at 10 a.m. We have received this invitation from Fr Tom Wintle:

SERVICE OF REFLECTION . The next Service of Reflection will be on Friday 26th May at noon and will be followed by a jacket potato lunch.

Further Information from the NEWS Sheet of Sunday 30th. April, 2017

WE WELCOME back Canon John Eardley as our celebrant and preacher today.

FOOD BANK . If anyone is thinking of dropping items in the foodbank in the next couple of weeks - these are the items that Tim has told Sheila they are short of - tinned fruit and tinned rice pudding.... long life juice and tinned tomatoes....As ever Tim has sent on his thanks for our church's very generous support.

PARISH LUNCH - LAST CHANCE . Today is the last chance to sign up for the lunch at Town Crier, and choose your meal. Please sign the sheet at the back of church if you wish to come and choose your dishes. Any problems see Sheila.

REQUEST FOR JARS . The request goes out again for small to medium glass jars for jams etc for Summer Open Day in July. Please pass these on to Sheila.....many thanks

BABLAKE CONCERT. The next Bablake concert is at 1.10 p.m. on Friday 5^th May. Cathy Scott-Burt writes “The senior string quartet from Bablake School will play a selection of classical favourites, including Mozart Divertimento in D major and the famous Nocturne from Borodin's second string quartet as well as some lighter music. The quartet have been playing together for a year and are all music scholars at Bablake; they are very much looking forward to sharing this lovely selection of quartet music”

ST. GEORGE’S DAY . Thank you to all who helped at our St George’s Day Open Event.

PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN SERVICE . Monday 8th May 4pm-5pm in the Chapel of Unity. We will hear about, and pray for, the Street Pastors who patrol the city centre every Friday and Saturday night between 10pm and 3am. More information: John Lloyd (Co-Chair, Chapel of Unity Joint Council)

02476 413004 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

SATURDAY MORNING MASS . Fr Brian Regan will be celebrating Mass next Saturday at 9.30 a.m.

NO EVENING PRAYER . There will be no service of Evening Prayer next Sunday.

SERVICE OF REFLECTION . The next Service of Reflection will be on Friday 26th May at noon and will be followed by a jacket potato lunch.

Further Information from the NEWS Sheet of Sunday 16th. April, 2017

WE WELCOME back Fr Darren Smith, as our celebrant and preacher today and thank him for his ministry to us throughout Holy Week and Easter.

A HUGE THANK YOU to all who helped prepare our church for the Holy Week and Easter services and to those who contributed in various ways to the worship.

MESSAGE FROM F^R DEXTER BRACEY . Last week it ws announced that our new Rector is to be Fr Dexter Bracey, currently serving in Swindon New Town. Fr Dexter has sent this message - “I am very pleased to have been appointed as your new Rector, and am much looking forward to joining you in Coventry during the summer. There is, of course, a big job to do in sharing the good news of Our Lord and his saving death and resurrection which we will celebrate during this Holy Week, and an urgency about sharing it with younger generations. But I hope and pray that we, as priest and people together, can both celebrate and proclaim that good news in the parish of St John the Baptist. Amy and I are looking forward to our move, and getting to know you all. Please pray for us as we prepare for that move, as we pray for you as the parish prepares for this next chapter in its long and exciting history. With all good wishes for a blessed Holy Week and Easter, Fr Dexter.” A copy of this message with a photograph can be seen on the notice board.

FLOWER CROSS . The flower cross in the sanctuary is in memory of our dear brother, Trevor Nicholas, RIP.

DIOCESAN PRAYER DIARY 18^th APRIL. St John’s is featured in the Diocesan Prayer Diary on Tuesday. The Cathedral will be praying for us and for Fr Dexter and Amy. Some of us are going to Evening Prayer at 5.15p.m.

ST GEORGES DAY. The church will be open from 11.30 a.m. until 4 p.m. next Sunday, St George’s Day. If you are interested in helping out in church for a couple of hours,please see Mike.Refreshments will be served in the hall.

PARISH LUNCH . The Social Committee is proposing a parish lunch at the Town Crier at 12.30pm Friday 19^th May. James from the pub can cater for 20 people. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Please sign the sheet at the back of church if you wish to come.

LENT BOXES . Please return all Additional Curates Society Lenten boxes as soon as possible.

HOUSE MOVE . Our warm wishes go to David Campbell who moved house during Holy Week.

SERVICE OF REFLECTION . The next Service of Reflection will be on Friday 28th April at noon and will be followed by a jacket potato lunch.

Sunday April 23, 11.30am - 4pm.

St George's Day Open Day.

Up to the right of the East Window - St George - also a closer in view below

The Dragon is not quite so clear.

Come and see the unique 14th century sculptures either side of the great East Window of St George and his dragon at St John the Baptist Church, Fleet Street, Coventry.
It dates from the time in the late 14th century when the monks of the great churches in Coventry were beginning to suffer being in the pilgrim shade when compared to those visiting Canterbury, Lincoln and Lichfield.
Church warden Ann Tuesley takes up the story.
"So they came up with a great piece of spin, that St George, whose reputation of being England's patron saint was flourishing due to his winning appearances via banners and shields on French battlefields,was born in Coventry!
Caludon Castle in fact!
A load of hokum, but chapels and statues were soon blossoming in the city!
Very few have survived, but those two in St Johns survived and in a very competant state.
These can be see next Sunday as well the many other grotesques that are such a vibrant visual part of this beautiful church.
Throughout the day sample the superb acoustics of this medieval gem with organ music and recorder recitals.
Meet Queen Isabella, the founder of the church, and be amazed by the stories of St Johns origins.
There will be exhibitions, guided tours, and refreshments all day.

Further Information from the NEWS Sheet of Sunday 2nd. April, 2017

WE WELCOME back Canon David Tilley as our celebrant and preacher today.

TREVOR NICHOLAS RIP . Trevor’s funeral will be here at St John’s at 11 a.m. on Tuesday 11^th April, followed by the committal at the crematorium and a reception back at St John’s. Our thoughts, prayers are with John.

HOT CROSS BUNS . Donations of hot cross buns would be welcome for Good Friday. Thank you

EASTER LILIES . Please give donations for Easter lilies in memory of loved ones to Ann Luckman. Thank you.

FOODBANK EASTER COLLECTION . Tim from Foodbank will be emptying the foodbank bin early on Tuesday 11 April for Easter; so next Sunday is the last chance to donate chocolate and other seasonal related goods.

PARISH LUNCH . The Social Committee is proposing a parish lunch at the Town Crier at 12.30pm Friday May 19. James from the pub needs to know an idea of numbers before end of the month - please can you inform Sheila or Ann L if you wish to attend.

VISITOR FIGURES. Mike reports a record first quarter, 1109, some 9% increase on last year. This is chiefly due to extending our hours into the afternoon - a policy that we will continue, volunteers permitting. If you are interested in helping out for a couple of hours on Palm Sunday, Easter Monday and St Georges Day, please see Mike.

LENT & HOLY WEEK 17

Lent Boxes . Boxes for Lenten donations to Additional Curates Society are available at the back of church. Fr Darren Smith (General Secretary of ACS) will be leading our Worship in Holy Week from Palm Sunday through to Easter Sunday with the exception of Maundy Thursday, when Bishop Jonathan will be presiding.

Evening Lent Groups – our evening Lent group, continues on Monday 3^rd April at 7.30pm at Jo and Ann’s.

Palm Sunday - 9^th April .Our Mass starts at 9.45a.m. at the precinct fountain with the blessing of palms and procession to church (which will stay open for those who prefer not to process). Celebrant: Fr Darren Smith.

The Cross of Christ – 3.30 p.m. please come and support the choir for this devotion for choir and congregation for the start of Holy Week.

Holy Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 10^th - 12^th April. 6.30 p.m. The Stations of the Cross & Mass.

Maundy Thursday - 13th April . 7.30 p.m. Sung Parish Mass with the Washing of the Feet and Stripping of the Altars. Celebrant: Rt Rev Jonathan Goodall, Bishop of Ebbsfleet

The Watch of the Passion. 9.00 p.m. until Midnight. 14th April .

Good Friday. – 14^th April 10.30 a.m. Family Stations of the Cross

The Liturgy of the Day with the Veneration of the Cross - 2.00 p.m. - Fr Darren Smith.

Holy Saturday - 15th April . The Easter Ceremonies of the Lighting of the Paschal Fire, Vigil & First Mass of Easter - 8.00 p.m. Celebrant: Fr Darren Smith.

Further Information from the NEWS Sheet of Sunday 26th. March, 2017

We Welcome back Canon John Eardley as our celebrant and preacher today.

TREVOR NICHOLAS RIP. Our dear brother Trevor passed away in the early hours of Monday morning. His funeral will be here at St John's at 11 a.m. on Tuesday 11th. April, followed by the committal at the crematorium and a reception back at St. John's. Our thoughts, prayers and our thanks for keeping us so well informed go out to John.

BABLAKE SCHOOL CONCERT The Brass Ensemble will give a concert at 1.10 p.m. on Thursday 30th March.

EASTER LILIES Please give donations for Easter lilies in memory of loved ones to Ann Luckman. Thank you.

APCM 19th. March - A summary sheet is available today.

FR BRIAN’S SILVER ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION MASS . Today is the last chance to sign the sheet for Father Brian’s silver anniversary celebration Mass at 7.30 p.m. on Wednesday 28^th June at the Abbey Church of St Mary the Virgin, Manor Court Road, Nuneaton, CV11 5HU.

LENT & HOLY WEEK 2017

Friday 31^st March – NO SERVICE OF REFLECTION

Evening Lent Groups – the fourth evening Lent group, A World of Injustice, taken from the USPG course Living An Authentic Life-Discipleship and the World Church will be on Monday 27^th March at 7.30pm at Jo and Ann’s. Free course booklets, for those who would like to follow the course at home, are available at the back of church.

The Cross of Christ – 3.30 p.m. please come and support the choir for this devotion for choir and congregation for the start of Holy Week.

Holy Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 10^th - 12^th April. 6.30 p.m. The Stations of the Cross & Mass.

Maundy Thursday - 13th April . 7.30 p.m. Sung Parish Mass with the Washing of the Feet and Stripping of the Altars. Celebrant: Rt Rev Jonathan Goodall, Bishop of Ebbsfleet

The Watch of the Passion. 9.00 p.m. until Midnight. 14th April .

Good Friday. – 14^th April 10.30 a.m. Family Stations of the Cross

The Liturgy of the Day with the Veneration of the Cross - 2.00 p.m. - Fr Darren Smith.

Holy Saturday - 15th April . The Easter Ceremonies of the Lighting of the Paschal Fire, Vigil & First Mass of Easter - 8.00 p.m. Celebrant: Fr Darren Smith.

Further Information from the NEWS Sheet of Sunday 19th. March, 2017

WE WELCOME back Fr Norman Stevens as our celebrant and preacher today.

APCM 19^th March. Please make your way to the hall after the service for our APCM today.

OFFA HOUSE . This coming Wednesday, 22 March, there will be an opportunity to give thanks for the life of Offa House, to look ahead and to listen to what the Spirit may be saying to the churches, from 7:30pm till 9:30pm at St Nicholas, Radford Semele. Refreshments will be available from 7pm. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are going.

FR BRIAN’S SILVER ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION MASS . Father Brian invites all of St John’s congregation to his silver anniversary celebration Mass at 7.30 p.m. on Wednesday 28^th June at the Abbey Church of St Mary the Virgin, Manor Court Road, Nuneaton, CV11 5HU. We are requested to let Fr Brian know as soon as possible the numbers attending. Please sign the sheet at the back of church by the end of the month if you will be joining him.

SOUTH SUDAN APPEAL . We have sent £200.00 to Christian Aid’s appeal for South Sudan from our Sunday coffee restricted fund.

LENT 2017

Fridays in Lent . The noon service, with a reflection on Parables Revisited, followed by a Lenten Lunch, continues:

Friday 24^th March – Dives and Lazarus – Fr Tim Brooke

Friday 31^st March – NO SERVICE OF REFLECTION

Evening Lent Groups – the third evening Lent group, Living with Difference, taken from the USPG course Living An Authentic Life-Discipleship and the World Church will be on Monday 20^th March at 7.30pm at Jo and Ann’s. Free course booklets, for those who would like to follow the course at home, are available at the back of church.

Mothering Sunday . Next Sunday is Mothering Sunday and daffodils will be distributed as usual.

Palm Sunday - 9^th April .Our Mass starts at 9.45a.m. at the precinct fountain with the blessing of palms and procession to church (which will stay open for those who prefer not to process)

The Cross of Christ – 3.30 p.m. please come and support the choir for this devotion for choir and congregation for the start of Holy Week.

Further Information from the NEWS Sheet of Sunday 12th. March, 2017

WE WELCOME back Canon John Eardley as our celebrant and preacher today.

APCM 19^th March. Please make every effort to come to our APCM after Mass on Sunday 19^th March. It is also:

COVENTRY HALF MARATHON – Please use Junction 7 (Spon End-IKEA) to access Corporation Street, which was open from 9.45 a.m last year. Before this, there has been an agreement to open the barrier at the back of the Odeon so we can access Spon Street beyond the Odeon car park - also off Junction 7. The ring road will be open in both directions. People living in Coundon should come down the Radford Road which is open in the City Centre direction-crossing points on Barker Butts Lane close at 9.45a.m. The Holyhead Road from Morrisons to Allesley is open out of town only-to avoid this use the Allesley Old Road.

SOUTH SUDAN APPEAL . We have sent £200.00 to Christian Aid’s appeal for South Sudan from our Sunday coffee restricted fund.

LENT 17

Fridays in Lent . The noon service, with a reflection on Parables Revisited, followed by a Lenten Lunch, continues:

Friday 17^th March – The Good Samaritan – Canon David Tilley

Friday 24^th March – Dives and Lazarus – Fr Tim Brooke

Evening Lent Groups – the second evening Lent group, How Shall We Live, taken from the USPG course Living An Authentic Life-Discipleship and the World Church will be on Monday 13^th March at 7.30pm at Jo and Ann’s. Free course booklets, for those who would like to follow the course at home, are available at the back of church.

OFFA HOUSE . On 22 March there will be an opportunity to give thanks for the life of Offa House, to look ahead and to listen to what the Spirit may be saying to the churches, from 7:30pm till 9:30pm at St Nicholas, Radford Semele. Refreshments will be available from 7pm. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are going.

Further Information from the NEWS Sheet of Sunday 5th. March, 2017

WE WELCOME back Canon John Randall as our celebrant and preacher today.

APCM 19^th March. Please make every effort to come to our APCM after Mass on Sunday 19^th March. It is also:

SOUTH SUDAN APPEAL . We have sent £200.00 to Christian Aid’s appeal for South Sudan from our Sunday coffee restricted fund.

LENT 17

Fridays in Lent . The noon service, with a reflection on Parables Revisited, followed by a Lenten Lunch, continues:

Friday 10^th March – The Prodigal Son - Major Gethin Thomas (Coventry City Salvation Army Corps) Friday 17^th March – The Good Samaritan – Canon David Tilley

Friday 24^th March – Dives and Lazarus – Fr Tim Brooke

Evening Lent Groups – the first evening Lent group, Introducing Discipleship, taken from the USPG course Living An Authentic Life-Discipleship and the World Church will be on Monday 6^th March at 7.30pm at Jo and Ann’s. Free course booklets, for those who would like to follow the course at home, are available at the back of church.

DAY PILGRIMAGE TO WALSINGHAM . In addition to the four day pilgrimage in August (see notice board), St Luke’s is also organising a one day trip on Bank Holiday Monday 29th May. If you are interested in going please call Jenny on 7672 5950.

Further Information from the NEWS Sheet of Sunday 26th. February 2017

WE WELCOME back Father Norman Stevens as our celebrant and preacher today.

ELECTORAL ROLL – The annual revision of the electoral roll commenced on Sunday 12th February and will end today. If you wish to join the electoral roll or have moved during the past year, please speak with Sheila. The new roll will be published on 5th March ready for our APCM on 19th March.

GUILD OF SERVERS OF THE SANCTUARY . Members of the congregation are invited to the servers Guild Office at 3 pm on Saturday 4th March. This will be followed by tea and the GSS AGM.

LENT 17 . Ash Wednesday - Wednesday 1^st March. Fr Brian Regan will be celebrating Mass with Imposition of Ashes at 7 pm. Speak to a church warden if you need a lift to this service.

Fridays in Lent . Once again there will be a noon service, with a reflection on Parables Revisited, followed by a Lenten Lunch, on the first four Fridays in Lent.

Friday 3^rd March – Approaching Parables – Rev Dr Peter Whale – this week

Friday 10^th March – The Prodigal Son – Major Gethin Thomas
(Coventry City Salvation Army Corps)

Friday 17^th March – The Good Samaritan – Canon David Tilley

Friday 24^th March – Dives and Lazarus – Fr Tim Brooke

Evening Lent Groups – you are welcome to join the evening Lent group which will follow the USPG course

Discipleship and the World Church and will be on Monday evenings at 7.30pm. Please give your name to Jo.

Holy Week – Fr Darren Smith (General Secretary of ACS) will be leading our Worship from Palm Sunday through to Easter Sunday with the exception of Maundy Thursday, when Bishop Jonathan will be presiding.

ST LUKE’S HOLBROOKS PILGRIMAGE TO WALSINGHAM . St Luke’s Holbrooks are planning a pilgrimage to The Shrine of Our Lady at Walsingham from Monday 14^th to Thursday 17^th August and have invited interested members of St John’s to join them. The cost for full board will be £182 with extra for travel. A deposit of £50 will be requested. Please see the poster on the noticeboard or contact Jenny on 76275950 if you are interested.

DAY PILGRIMAGE TO WALSINGHAM – In addition to the four day pilgrimage in August (see notice board), St Luke’s is also organising a one day trip on Bank Holiday Monday 29th May. If you are interested in going please call Jenny on 7672 5950.

OFFA HOUSE - On 22 March there will be an opportunity to give thanks for the life of Offa House, to look ahead and to listen to what the Spirit may be saying to the churches, from 7:30pm till 9:30pm at St Nicholas, Radford Semele. Refreshments will be available from 7pm. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are going.

Further Information from the NEWS Sheet of Sunday 19th. February 2017

SECOND SUNDAY BEFORE LENT

We are God’s holy people, made perfect through the loving work of God in Christ.

Let us bring God our praise and thanksgiving.

SERVICE OF REFLECTION . The next Service of Reflection will be this coming Friday, February 24^th at noon and will be followed by a jacket potato lunch.

ELECTORAL ROLL – The annual revision of the electoral roll commenced on Sunday 12th February and will end on 26th. If you wish to join the electoral roll or have moved during the past year, please speak with Sheila. The new roll will be published on 5th March ready for our APCM on 19th March.

LENT 17 . Ash Wednesday - Wednesday 1^st March. Fr Brian Regan will be celebrating Mass with Imposition of Ashes at 7 pm. Speak to a church warden if you need a lift to this service.

Fridays in Lent – once again there will be a noon service, with a reflection on Parables Revisited, followed by a Lenten Lunch, on the first four Fridays in Lent.

Friday 3^rd March – Approaching Parables – Rev Dr Peter Whale

Friday 10^th March – The Prodigal Son – Major Gethin Thomas
(Coventry City Salvation Army Corps)

Friday 17^th March – The Good Samaritan – Canon David Tilley

Friday 24^th March – Dives and Lazarus – Fr Tim Brooke

Evening Lent Groups – you are welcome to join the evening Lent group which will follow the USPG course

Discipleship and the World Church and will be on Monday evenings at 7.30pm. Please give your name to Jo.

MESSAGE FROM TIM OF THE FOOD BANK . "Just to let everyone at St John’s know that the total amount donated this month was 49.90kg, which is great for January donations. Once again for your continued support and especially for the variety-brilliant!"

VISITOR MINISTRY . Mike reports that despite the church only being open around 80% of the mornings in January, we were able to achieve a church record of 270 for the month - which is traditionally the worst month of the year. Many thanks to our visitor team for all their help. Mike is still keen for new volunteers; so please contact him if you have some spare weekly time.

Further Information from the NEWS Sheet of Sunday 12th. February 2017

THIRD SUNDAY BEFORE LENT

Grace, mercy and peace are gifts promised to the children of God in Christ Jesus.
Let us praise God with thanksgiving for all He has given us.

TODAY’S SERVICES.

10.00 a.m. Sung Mass
WE WELCOME back the Canon John Randall as our celebrant and preacher today.

LENT 17 . Ash Wednesday - Wednesday 1st March. Fr Brian Regan will be celebrating Mass with Imposition of Ashes at 7 pm. Speak to a church warden if you need a lift to this service.

Fridays in Lent – once again there will be a noon service, with a reflection on Parables Revisited, followed by a Lenten Lunch, on the first four Fridays in Lent.
Friday 3rd March – Approaching Parables – Rev Dr Peter Whale
Friday 10th  March – The Prodigal Son – Major Gethin Thomas (Coventry City Salvation Army Corps)
Friday 17th  March – The Good Samaritan – Canon David Tilley
Friday 24th  March – Dives and Lazarus – Fr Tim Brooke

Evening Lent Groups – you are welcome to join the evening Lent group which will follow the USPG course

Discipleship and the World Church and will be on Monday evenings at 7.30pm. Please give your name to Jo.

Holy Week – Fr Darren Cox (General Secretary of ACS) will be leading our Worship from Palm Sunday through to Easter Sunday with the exception of Maundy Thursday, when Bishop Jonathan will be presiding.

APCM . This will take place after Mass on Sunday 19th March. Please note this date in your diary.

MESSAGE FROM TIM OF THE FOOD BANK . "Just to let everyone at St John’s know that the total amount donated this month was 49.90kg, which is great for January donations. Once again for your continued support and especially for the variety-brilliant!"

VISITOR MINISTRY . Mike reports that despite the church only being open around 80% of the mornings in January, we were able to achieve a church record of 270 for the month - which is traditionally the worst month of the year. Many thanks to our visitor team for all their help. Mike is still keen for new volunteers; so please contact him if you have some spare weekly time.

ST LUKE’S HOLBROOKS PILGRIMAGE TO WALSINGHAM . St Luke’s Holbrooks are planning a pilgrimage to The Shrine of Our Lady at Walsingham from Monday 14th to Thursday 17th August and have invited interested members of St John’s to join them. The cost for full board will be £182 and travel will be extra. A deposit of £50 will be requested. Please see the poster on the noticeboard or contact Jenny on 76275950 if you are interested.

OFFA HOUSE - On 22 March there will be an opportunity to give thanks for the life of Offa House, to look ahead and to listen to what the Spirit may be saying to the churches, from 7:30pm till 9:30pm at St Nicholas, Radford Semele. Refreshments will be available from 7pm. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are going.
SERVICE OF REFLECTION . The next Service of Reflection will be on Friday, February 24th at noon and will be followed by a jacket potato lunch.

Further Information from the NEWS Sheet of Sunday 5th February 2017

PRAYER CIRCLE . An updated edition of the prayer circle is available at the back of church.

PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN SERVICE . Come and hear about, and pray for, Fresh Start: a new initiative pioneered by Together for Change, seeking to mobilise churches in Coventry to both befriend and provide practical support to people from different cultural backgrounds. Introduced by Matt Robinson (Project Coordinator). Monday 6th February 4pm-5pm in the Chapel of Unity. Details from John Lloyd, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 02476 413004

OFFA HOUSE – A MESSAGE FROM BISHOP JOHN . “For all that has been, thanks. For all that will be, yes!” Dag Hammarskjöld. On 22 March there will be an opportunity to give thanks for the life of Offa House, to look ahead and to listen to what the Spirit may be saying to the churches. Refreshments will be available from 7pm with the event taking place from 7:30pm till 9:30pm at St Nicholas, Radford Semele, CV31 1TA.It would be helpful, although not essential, to let us know if you intend to come. Please email Kerry Vanston-Rumney - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

INTERCESSIONS FOR OUR PARISH . All Society parishes are prayed for at Mass in The English Chapel at Christ The King, Gordon Square. Our parish will be remembered by name in the intercessions on: Monday 6th February and also at exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on Thursday of that week.

VISITOR MINISTRY . Mike announced at the last PCC that last year’s visitor figure of 7293 was yet another record for St John’s Visitor Ministry, a 38% increase on last year’s results. Heritage Days, St George’s Day, the Peace Festival and the staging of the Thousand Years of Coventry exhibition, together with longer opening times in the summer were contributing factors to the increase. Mike is still keen for new volunteers; so please contact him if you have some spare weekly time. Our thanks to Mike and the team.

BISHOP OF COVENTRY VISITS IRAQ . Last week, the Bishop Christopher visited Iraq as part of a global delegation of church leaders. The 14-member delegation organised by the World Council of Churches (WCC) spent five days in Iraq, in both Baghdad and the northern Kurdistan region. During the trip, the delegation talked to political religious and humanitarian leaders about the future of vulnerable people in Iraq following the expected military defeat of so-called ‘Islamic state.’

SERVICE OF REFLECTION . The next Service of Reflection will be on Friday, February 24^th at noon and will be followed by a jacket potato lunch.

On Saturday 21st. January there was a Ecumenical Service in the Chapel of Unity at 1 pm
For the text of the sermon click here or for other ecumenical information
follow this link to the Chapel of Unity

Further Information from the NEWS Sheet of Sunday 29th January 2017

Candlemas - The Presentation of Christ in the Temple

PRAYER CIRCLE . An updated edition of the prayer circle is available at the back of church.

FEBRUARY 5^th . Next Sunday, February 5^th, we welcome Very Reverend John Witcombe, Dean of Coventry Cathedral as our celebrant and preacher.

SERVICE OF REFLECTION . The next Service of Reflection will be on Friday, February 27^th at noon and will be followed by a jacket potato lunch.

Further Information from the NEWS Sheet of Sunday 22nd January 2017

THE THIRD SUNDAY OF EPIPHANY

SERVICE OF REFLECTION . The next Service of Reflection will be on this coming Friday, January 27th at noon and will be followed by a jacket potato lunch. Donations will be shared with The Children’s Society.

VISITOR MINISTRY . Mike announced at last Thursday’s PCC that last year’s visitor figure of 7293 was yet another record for St John’s Visitor Ministry, a 38% increase on last year’s results. Heritage Days, St George’s Day, the Peace Festival and the staging of the Thousand Years of Coventry exhibition, together with longer opening times in the summer were contributing factors to the increase. Mike is still keen for new volunteers; so please contact him if you have some spare weekly time. Our thanks to Mike and the team.

PRAYER CIRCLE . If you have asked for anyone to be put on St John’s Prayer list, please speak to Jo with an update on their progress.

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY . The City Council would like to make you aware of some important events taking place in Coventry city centre on Friday 27th January. This year’s theme is “How Can Life Go On”

12 noon to 12.30: Lidice Place Rededication Ceremony – Lidice Place. All welcome

1pm to 1.45pm: Holocaust Memorial Day event – Broadgate. All welcome

2.30pm to 4pm: Talk by Dr Martin Stern (Holocaust survivor) followed by Q and A’s – Lord Mayor’s Hospitality Suite, The Council House, Earl St. All welcome

JANUARY 29th – CANDLEMAS . A reminder that on January 29th our Candlemas service will start in the hall from where we process onto church, so please gather there and not in church.

THE BENEFICE . The new advertisement for the post of Rector went live on Friday 6th January with a closing date of 17th February. The interview process is booked for 5th March (evening meeting with PCC) and 6thMarch (starting with breakfast for community members).

AGE UK . A representative from Age UK talked to the wardens last week and has left some handbooks detailing how Age UK services can help the over 50s at the back of church together with a list of classes.

REPAIR & RESTORATION OF THE MAIN DOOR . The work to repair the damage to our main door caused by vandalism and to our notice board has now been completed.

FEBRUARY 5th . On February 5th we welcome Very Reverend John Witcombe, Dean of Coventry Cathedral as our celebrant and preacher.

Further Information from the NEWS Sheet of Sunday 15th January 2017

PRAYER CIRCLE . If you have asked for anyone to be put on St John’s Prayer list, please speak to Jo with an update on their progress.

THE BENEFICE . The new advertisement for the post of Rector went live on Friday 6th January with a closing date of 17^th February. The interview process is booked for 5^th March (evening meeting with PCC) and 6^th March (starting with breakfast for community members).

AGE UK . A representative from Age UK talked to the wardens this week and has left some handbooks detailing how Age UK services can help the over 50s at the back of church together with a list of classes.

EILEEN CAIRNS . As a result of donations £75 was sent to the local Air Ambulance in memory of Eileen Cairns in lieu of flowers.

REPAIR & RESTORATION OF THE MAIN DOOR . The work to repair the damage to our main door caused by vandalism and to our notice board has now been completed.

STREET PASTORS . 7 new street pastors were commissioned here in St John’s on Friday 6^th January at an ecumenical service. Both the street pastors and the police thanked us for the use of our hall in December. We received a donation of £50 towards the heating and the police have visited to share their vision for future use. If anyone is interested in becoming a street pastor speak to the Church Wardens.

SERVICE OF REFLECTION . The next Service of Reflection will be on Friday January 27^th at noon and will be followed by a jacket potato lunch. Donations will be shared with The Children’s Society.

JANUARY 29^th – CANDLEMAS . A reminder that on January 29^th our Candlemas service will start in the hall from where we process onto church, so please gather there and not in church.

FEBRUARY 5^th . On February 5^th we welcome Very Reverend John Witcombe, Dean of Coventry Cathedral as our celebrant and preacher.

Older information from Events in 2016 :-

HERITAGE DAYS.

St Johns was singled out for praise at the Coventry Heritage meeting last Wednesday (26th Oct?) by the Chairman Roger Bailey.

He stated that during Heritage Days 2016 we were....".....the anchor attraction of the event in the city" and went on to say that we received great notices from council officials, heritage members and the public.

A big thank you to all who made this a great success.

BARDSLEY WORK CLUB

- urgently needs a couple more work club volunteers - it is now getting 5 or 6 clients at a session, some needing one-to-one help. A copy of the job description is at the back of the church for anyone who might be interested.

HARVEST THANKSGIVING

Thanks to all who contributed or bought produce. As a result of selling the produce a further £32 worth of food was added to the foodbank bin, which is now full. Some produce has also been taken to the Forum.

See below some photos taken at the Harvest Thanksgiving.

Sunflowers