Sunday 7th December 2025
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,
We are now firmly in the season of Advent—that time of watching and waiting, of light kindling in the darkness. And this weekend marks one of St. John’s most joyful traditions: our Annual Christmas Tree Festival!
From Friday to Sunday (11.00am onwards each day), the church will be filled with sparkle, song, and the scent of pine. Come along to admire the trees decorated by local charities, schools, and community groups—each one sharing a message of hope and goodwill. There’ll be hot drinks, mince pies, crafts for the family, and plenty of festive cheer. It’s a lovely way to bring friends and neighbours into the warmth and welcome of St. John’s. Our local MP–Yuan Yang–and our local Mayor–David Bragg–are coming to switch on the lights on the Friday at 11.00am, so please do join us for this special launch!
On Sunday morning, we’ll gather for a Family Service, perfect for inviting others along. Revd. Mark will be speaking on Isaiah 11: 1–10 – “The Peaceful Kingdom.” As we stand among the Christmas trees, we’ll be reminded that each tree points upward to God, stays evergreen like His love, and shines with light that no darkness can overcome. The Christmas tree itself becomes our teacher, whispering that hope is alive and growing—right here among us in Woodley.
Every blessing,
Mark 甄英深
Notices
GREEN PASTURES GRIEF CAFE CHANGES IN 2026. From January 2026 the Saturday session of Green Pastures Grief Cafe will be CLOSED. The Tuesday session will still be open every first Tuesday in each month from 2.00pm - 4.00pm.
WEDNESDAY HOLY COMMUNION SERVICE DATES. PLEASE NOTE: There will be NO COMMUNION SERVICES on Wednesday 24th and Wednesday 31st December 2025.
For our prayers
For our world. Pray for peace in our world. For leaders of countries that are at war. Pray that they will talk to each other and bring peace to their countrymen and women. Pray especially for the leaders of Ukraine and Russia, Gaza and Israel. Pray for the people of Hong Kong still suffering the devastating effects from the tower block fire. For those who have lost loved ones and those in hospital. Pray too for the people of Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand suffering severe flooding.
For our country. Pray for all who are struggling with money worries. For those who do not have sufficient means to feed themselves or their families. For those who cannot afford adequate heating. For those who have no home and are sleeping rough. Pray for the many charities who are trying to help. Pray that those who are able to will donate to the charities generously. Pray for all who work in our hospitals. For enough staff in A&E and the wards. Pray for our surgeons and doctors.
For those who are unwell. Many of our loved ones are suffering just now. Especially pray for Marion B., Suzanne, Michael B., Val, Pam B., Jill, Lucy, Margaret H., Carol, Irene and Ricky M., Dhoj Gurung, Liz, Devina, Mo, Katie, Janet A., Wayling and Chris. Pray too for all who care for them.
In our prayers. Pray for all suffering the loss of a loved one. Pray for the family of St. John’s. For Mark, Richard, Suzanne and Dawn as they lead us in our faith journey. Pray for all who have recently joined our family. Pray that they will feel welcomed. Pray for our Christmas Tree Festival this weekend and for all the people who will walk through our doors.
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 7th December
9.00am - BCP Said Service of Holy Communion.
10.00am - Morning Family Service. Second Sunday of Advent.
The Bible reading is Isaiah 11: 1-10. A video recording of the service will be uploaded to the website at: https://www.youtube.com/@stjohnswoodley3:00pm - Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi Fellowship. Please note for this week, this Service will take place in the Church Centre.
Tuesday 9th December
10.00am - St. John’s Toddler Group. Contact Dawn for further details.
7.30pm - Praying Together on Zoom. To phone in, call 0203 481 5237. Zoom ID: 977 0607 9786.
Wednesday 10th December
10.00am - Midweek Communion Service.
7.45pm - Fellowship and Study Group. To phone in, call 0203 481 5237. Zoom ID: 962 9254 2704.
Friday 12th December
11.30am - Lunch, Munch & 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, tinned tomatoes, coffee, milk 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.
