Dear Church Family,

This Sunday we are hoping to mark a long-awaited historic moment in the life of St John’s.

Our restored bells had originally been expected back in time for 16 August, but their return was delayed by a couple of weeks. It was disappointing not to hear them when we first hoped, but perhaps there is something to be said for the old wisdom: “good things come to those who wait.”

And so, this Sunday, we expect the bells to ring out over Woodley once again. After years of silence, this will be the first time they have sounded from the tower following their restoration — a wonderful moment not only for our church family, but for the wider community too. Revd Mark will be leading as we gather for this special morning. Do come and share in it with us — and perhaps bring a friend, neighbour or family member too.

And, as these Notices are for two weeks, a date for the diary: the following Sunday, 6th September, we will be celebrating our Festival of Creation, giving thanks for the beauty of God’s world and reflecting together on our calling to cherish and care for it. So we have two very special Sundays ahead. We hope you can join us for both.

Every blessing, 

Mark 甄英深

Notices

SUMMER BREAKS OF CHURCH GROUPS. Many groups that meet at St. John's are taking a well earned break over the Summer.                                          Toddlers - returning in a new format, to be confirmed.                                             Fellowship & Study Group on Zoom - return date in September to be confirmed.                                                                    Lunch, Munch & Chinwag - returning Friday 4th September.                            Arts Group - returning Monday 7th September.                                                       Bible Study Group - returning Wednesday 16th September.                        Mothers’ Union - returning Wednesday 16th September.         Watch this space for updates!   

GREEN PASTURES GRIEF CAFE | Tuesday 1st September 2026 2.00pm. The cafe will be held in the Church Centre on Tuesday 1st September at 2.00pm.

LUNCH, MUNCH & CHINWAG | Friday 4th September 2026 11.30am.         Lunch, Munch & Chinwag will be returning from their Summer break on Friday 4th September 2026 at 11.30am.

ARTS GROUP | Monday 7th September 2026 9.30am. The Arts Group will return after their Summer break on Monday 7th September at 9.30am.

FUNERAL SERVICE FOR JILL NICHOLLS | Friday 11th September at 11.30am.  Many of you may remember Jill Nicholls from her years of attending St John’s and working in the office. The family would like to extend an invitation to anyone who wishes to attend her funeral. It will be held at St John’s on 11th September at 11:30am and there is no need to wear black. Refreshments will be served afterwards in the long, front room of St John's Church Centre. Thank you to all who have expressed condolences and sent cards. Your love and prayers at this time are much appreciated.

For our prayers

For our world. God created a beautiful world. We are not looking after it properly. Pray for all areas of our world that are being destroyed by cutting down forests, by burning fossil fuels and creating large amounts of waste. Pray for the scientists who are researching ways to reduce the effects of all of these. Pray for the people in countries that are being damaged by war, corruption, earthquakes, floods and droughts. For the governments of those countries, pray that they will be mindful of their people’s needs and govern wisely.

For our country. Pray for our children and young people who will be returning to school, college and university. Particularly pray for those for which this will be a new experience. Pray that they will find friends and understanding from teachers and lecturers. Pray that as the weather hopefully settles down that there will be an end to the many wildfires which have done so much damage. Pray for our firefighters and for those who lost their homes. Many animals have lost their habitats. Pray that new growth will come soon.

For those who are unwell. Pray for our loved ones who are struggling with health issues just now. Especially pray for Suzanne, Clive, Ken, Paul K, Pauline H, Lucy, Pat A, Arthur, Ian, Michael B, Carol, Irene and Ricky M, Liz, Dhoj Gurung, Margaret, Mo, Katie, Ruilan, baby Edward and baby Niamh. Pray too for all who care for them.

In our prayers. Pray for all mourning the loss of a loved one. Pray for the family of St. John’s. For Mark, Richard, Suzanne and their families. For Jenny our churchwarden, our PCC, for all who work with our young people. For each one of us as we walk through our doors on a Sunday or Wednesday. For our Asian congregation meeting on Sunday afternoons and for all who will hear our restored church bells when they ring again.

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 11.00am on Wednesday, for inclusion in that week's newsletter.

THIS WEEK

Sunday 30th August

  • 10.00am - Morning Family Service. The Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity. This week’s Bible readings will be 2 Corinthians 4: 7-10, 16-18 and John 16: 31-33. A video recording of the service will be uploaded to the website at: https://www.youtube.com/@stjohnswoodley

  • 3.00pm - Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi Service.

Tuesday 1st September

  • 2.00pm - Green Pastures Grief Cafe.

Wednesday 2nd September

  • 10.00am - Midweek Communion.

  • NO Fellowship & Study Group on Zoom ID: 96292542704.

Friday 4th September

  • 11.30am - Lunch, Munch and Chinwag.

NEXT WEEK

Sunday 6th September

  • 9.00am - BCP Service of Holy Communion.

  • 10.00am - Morning Family Service. The Festival of Creation. This week’s Bible readings will be Isaiah 55: 12-13 and Matthew 8: 23-27. A video recording of the service will be uploaded to the website at: https://www.youtube.com/@stjohnswoodley

  • 3.00pm - Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi Service.

Wednesday 9th September

  • 10.00am - Midweek Communion.

  • NO Fellowship & Study Group on Zoom ID: 96292542704.

Friday 11th September

  • 11.30am - Funeral Service - see details in Notices.

  • 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 tins of potatoes, custard & rice pudding; cooking oil; pasta sauce; washing up liquid & coffee. 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.

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.