Sunday 3rd May 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,
This Sunday is the Fifth Sunday of Easter, and we continue to live in the long bright echo of the resurrection. This week our readings take us to Psalm 31 and Acts 7, where Stephen, under terrible pressure, fixes his eyes not on the stones around him, but on the risen Christ before him. There is something deeply Easter-shaped about that. The resurrection does not remove every hard thing from view, but it gives us a greater thing to behold.
So do come along this Sunday, and perhaps bring someone with you — a friend, neighbour, family member, or someone who simply needs to be reminded that their times are held in God’s hands. As ever, there will be worship, Scripture, prayer, and coffee — the Church’s ancient fourfold pattern, with the fourth almost certainly implied by the apostles!
Every blessing,
Mark 甄英深
Notices
A MESSAGE FROM MICHAEL GARAWAY. Michael Garaway would like to say a big THANK YOU to all who gave their time and energy for the ArtSpring Festival on Saturday 25th April. It was a lovely and enjoyable event for all concerned, visited by over 100 people, the proceeds of which will be donated to the Bells Restoration Fund. The next Arts event will be the Autumn Arts Festival on Saturday 7th November 2026.
BELLS RESTORATION APPEAL. BELLS RESTORATION APPEAL. The BELLS RESTORATION APPEAL has just been featured by the Diocese of Oxford. Do check out the article here and please share with your friends: https://www.oxford.anglican.org/news/restoring-the-voice-of-st-johns-woodley.php
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.
EXPLORING MEXICO FUNDRAISER | Saturday 2nd May 2.30pm. Paul & Lin Isgar are raising funds for the Bells Restoration Appeal with a social event called ‘Exploring Mexico’ THIS SATURDAY Saturday 2nd May from 2.30-3.30pm. With photos and stories from a recent trip, they will be sharing some of the things they discovered about the history, culture and food of Mexico. Refreshments will follow. There is no charge for the event but donations towards the Bells Restoration Appeal are warmly welcomed.
LOCAL ELECTIONS | Thursday 7th May 2026. The local elections are to be held on Thursday 7th May 2026. Please note that the Church Centre is to be used as a Polling Station and the Church Office will be CLOSED.
GREEN PASTURES GRIEF CAFE | Tuesday 12th May 2026 2.00pm. Please note there is a change of date for the Cafe this coming month. They will meet on the second Tuesday - 12th May at 2.00pm.
FELLOWSHIP & STUDY GROUP ON ZOOM. Please note that there will be just two meetings this month on 13th and 20th May.
For our prayers
For our world. Pray for the leaders of all nations and for the people of those lands. For those who are at war with one another. For lands where there is an abuse of power, corruption or totalitarian authority. Pray for all who suffer under such governments. Pray that justice and peace will come to those lands. Pray for those who become refugees as a result of war and injustice in their lands. Pray that they will find safety.
For our country. Pray for those in need in our country. For the poor and the hungry, the oppressed and the exploited, the lonely and infirm, the frightened and the anxious. Pray for those standing in our local elections who will have to make decisions and wrestle with limited finances. Pray that they will have the qualities to serve faithfully putting the needs of people first.
For those who are unwell. So many of our loved ones are struggling with poor health just now. Pray especially for Clive, Suzanne, Marjorie, Pat A, Arthur, Ian, Michael B, Lucy, Carol, Devina, Liz, Irene and Ricky M, Dhoj Gurung, Mo, Margaret, Ruilan, Katie, baby Niamh and baby Edward who is now well enough to go home but still needs our prayers. Pray too for all who care for them.
In our prayers. Pray for all mourning the death of a loved one. Pray for the family of George G. For Jenny M.’s family and for Janet A. ’s family. Pray for the family of St. John’s. For Mark, Richard, Suzanne, Dawn and their families. For everyone who comes through our doors on Sundays, Wednesdays and during the week just to pray. Pray for those who will be confirmed on 24th May and for us as we join them on their faith journey.
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 10.00am on Thursday, for inclusion in that week's newsletter.
THIS WEEK
Sunday 3rd May
9.00am - BCP Said Service of Holy Communion.
10.00am - Morning Family Service. The Fifth Sunday of Easter.
This week’s Bible readings will be Psalm 31: 1-5, 15-16 and Acts 7: 54-60. A video recording of the service will be uploaded to the website at: https://www.youtube.com/@stjohnswoodley3:00pm - Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi Fellowship.
Tuesday 5th May
10.00am - Toddlers. Please contact Dawn for details.
Wednesday 6th May
10.00am - Midweek Communion.
NO Fellowship & Study Group on Zoom ID: 96292542704. April.
Thursday 7th May
POLLING DAY. Church Centre used as a Polling Station.
Friday 8th May
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 tomatoes, baked beans & carrots; pasta sauce; tinned custard & rice pudding; any soups; hand soap and washing up liquid. 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.
