Sunday 22nd February 2026
St John’s holds services in Church on Sundays at 10am, with a recording of the morning service uploaded online for those not able to join us.
Paper services available on request.
Dear Church Family,
Lent has arrived — that honest, hope-filled season when the Church invites us to clear a little space for God (and discover what’s been filling it instead). This Sunday, the 1st Sunday of Lent, we hear Matthew 4:1–11, as Jesus goes into the wilderness and faces temptation head-on. It’s sobering, yes — but also strangely cheering: Jesus meets us in the places we’d rather avoid, and doesn’t flinch.
Revd. Richard will be preaching, and it’s a wonderful Sunday to come along — and to bring a friend or family member. Lent is perfect for fresh starts, because God is remarkably good at them.
Grace and peace,
Mark 甄英深
Notices
BELLS RESTORATION APPEAL. The BELLS RESTORATION APPEAL was launched on 1st February 2026. A page has been set up on our website here that explains some of the history behind the bells and what will be involved in the restoration, as well as details on how donations can be made.
CAN YOU HELP? At St John's, we love investing in children and young people. Our brilliant Sunday morning Eagles groups are low on helpers this term – could you help out? It doesn't have to be every month (though it's wonderful if you can offer that). Role is subject to DBS and Safeguarding processes. Contact Dawn - families@stjohn-woodley.com or 07907 496769.
FELLOWSHIP AND STUDY GROUP MEETING DATES. A reminder that the Fellowship and Study Group on ZOOM returns THIS COMING week and will meet on Wednesday 25th February.
ELECTORAL ROLL REVISION. The Church Electoral Roll (ER) for St John the Evangelist, Woodley will be revised by the PCC beginning Thursday 12th February 2026 and ending Thursday 26th February 2026. Application Forms for enrolment can be obtained from the Church office info@stjohn-woodley.com; from Nicola Protheroe, the Church Electoral Roll Officer; downloaded or completed online here. Please return them to the Church Office whether in hard copy or by attachment as soon as possible.
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER | Friday 6th March 2026 10.30am. A service for the World Day of Prayer will be held at St. John’s on Friday 6th March at 10.30am with tea/coffee following the service. It's truly interdenominational and ecumenical, so everyone is welcome to join in this uplifting service.
MEN’S BREAKFAST | Saturday 28th March 2026 8.30am. The next Men's Breakfast will be held on Saturday 28th March 2026 8.30am at the Wee Waif, Charvil. Speaker to be confirmed. Please contact Clive Boys on 07769721449 or see him at Church on Sunday to sign up.
IS GOD CALLING YOU? Our APCM is fast approaching and in April our wonderful Churchwarden, Brian Main and our Treasurer, David Crane, will be stepping down after many years of faithful service. We are deeply grateful for all they have given to St. John’s. As a Church, we rely on people serving in these vital roles and at present we do not yet know who will be taking them on next. Please pray about this and consider whether God may be prompting you (or someone you know) to explore one of these ministries. To find out what either role involves—no commitment, just a conversation—please email the office at info@stjohn-woodley.com and we’ll arrange to meet. We trust that God is already preparing the right people as we look ahead with faith and hope.
For our prayers
For our world. Pray for peace in our world. For world leaders who are at war, pray that they will talk together and find a way to bring peace to their people. Pray for organisations like NATO and the United Nations who act as peacemakers. Pray Christian Aid, Tear Fund, Save The Children and the many others who work to bring aid to suffering people. Pray for all in refugee camps struggling to find comfort, food and a decent life.
For our country. Pray for the many people in our country who are suffering badly from the effects of adverse weather conditions. For those whose homes have been damaged by flood waters. For the farmers whose grounds are waterlogged. For those who have had outdoor events washed out. Pray for rough sleepers. Pray that all those who can offer help to struggling neighbours will watch out for them and help. Pray for our hospital staff coping with rising numbers of sick people. Pray too for our doctors.
For those who are unwell. Pray for the many people we know and love who are unwell just now. Pray especially for Suzanne, Wendy S, Lucy, Val, Margaret H, Carol, Irene and Ricky M, Liz, Devina, Dhoj Gurung, Janet A, Mo, Katie and Wayling. Pray too for those who care for them.
In our prayers. Pray for all mourning the death of a loved one. Remember the family and friends of Richard N.. Pray for the family of St. John’s. For Mark, Richard, Suzanne and Dawn and their families. Pray for Brian our Churchwarden, for our PCC. Pray for the leaders of our organisations. For our young people and those who nurture them on a Sunday morning. Pray for all who have recently stepped through our doors on a Sunday or Wednesday morning. Pray for those who will be taking the Confirmation classes. Pray that our doors will be wide open and welcoming.
Church Office
The church office is usually open Tuesday - Fridays from 10am - 12pm. Please note that any notices need to be sent to info@stjohn-woodley.com by 10.00 am on Thursday, for inclusion in that week's newsletter.
THIS WEEK
Sunday 22nd February
9.00am - Bubble Church.
10.00am - Service of Holy Communion. The First Sunday of Lent. Led by Rev’d Richard Christopher. This week’s Bible readings will be Romans 5: 12-19 and Matthew 4: 1-11. A video recording of the service will be uploaded to the website at: https://www.youtube.com/@stjohnswoodley
3:00pm - Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi Fellowship.
Tuesday 24th February
10.00am - Toddlers. See Dawn for details.
7.30pm - Praying Together on Zoom ID: 97706079786
Wednesday 25th February
10.00am - Midweek Communion.
7.45pm - Fellowship and Study Group on Zoom ID: 96292542704
Friday 27th February
11.30am - Lunch, Munch and Chinwag.
Pastoral Support
Would you like a prayer?
If you would like support, please do let us know - you do not need to face hard things alone. Please contact the office to arrange for a Pastoral Visit from one of our team. Alternatively, complete the prayer request form below and someone will be in touch.
A MESSAGE ON BEHALF OF WOODLEY FOODBANK. Thank you for your donations throughout the year. We are currently low in tinned potatoes, toilet rolls, tinned rice and custard, and toiletries. There continues to be a high demand at the moment, so your help is very much appreciated. Donations of Sugar, Coffee, Pasta Sauce, Noodles (inc. Pot Noodles), Tinned Vegetables (all types), Tinned fish, Tinned fruit, Tinned meat meals, Biscuits, Crisps, Custard - tinned and dried, Tinned Desserts, Long Life milk, Juice (cordial & long life), Toiletries and Toilet Rolls are welcome at any time.
Envelope Collection. David, our Treasurer, is kindly offering a collection service for those that usually give to St John’s by envelope. Please call him direct on 0118 969 2521 or email.
Church Suite - Login Required. Please do log in and update your personal contact details and what information you want to share with others in the St John’s church family. This way you can make sure you are kept up-to-date with news at St John’s and stay linked in with others. For those who are not online, we will be contacting them separately to do this.
