Sunday 30th November 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,
A warm welcome to the First Sunday of Advent—that curious moment in the Christian year when the church gives us both a candle and, rather mischievously, a wake-up call. Advent doesn’t begin with cosy nativity scenes but with the gentle tug on the sleeve that says, “Stay awake—something wonderful is drawing near.”
Our readings this week set the tone beautifully. In Isaiah 2:1–5, we glimpse that great mountain of hope where nations gather and peace is forged. And in Matthew 24:36–44, Jesus reminds us—quite firmly—that God’s timing isn’t ours, and so the wise thing is simply to live alert, expectant, and ready.
I’ll be preaching on this theme of watchfulness—why it matters, what it asks of us, and how Advent helps us look for God in the ordinary. It’s a perfect Sunday to invite friends or family: Advent has a way of opening hearts, even if we’re not entirely sure what we’re looking for yet.
As we begin this holy season, may we walk in the light, keep our eyes open, and find ourselves surprised by grace.
Every blessing,
Mark 甄英深
Notices
YOUNG MAKERS CHRISTMAS POP UP MARKET | Saturday 29th November 2.00pm. Join us THIS SATURDAY for a unique market filled with handcrafted makes and bakes made by talented young makers in our local community. Free entry for all the family. Everyone welcome.
FLIGHT COOKIE BAKE | Sunday 30th November 2025. Please bring your cash on Sunday! Flight RG5 is having a cookie bake Sunday 30th November during the service. After church the cookies will be on sale to raise money for Yin and his Gambia trip with the Scouts. Gluten free/vegan cookies available as well.
MOTHERS’ UNION CHRISTMAS TEA | Wednesday 3rd December 2025 2.00pm. The Mothers’ Union Christmas tea will be held on Wednesday 3rd December in the Church centre from 2.00pm.
CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL | Friday 5th - Sunday 7th December 11.00am - 6.00pm. Preparations are underway for our annual Christmas Tree Festival when the church will be filled with sparkle, song, and the scent of pine. Local charities, community groups and schools will be decorating trees that tell their stories, while visitors come to enjoy the festive atmosphere and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. It’s a lovely way to bring friends and neighbours into the warmth and welcome of St. John’s.
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 the many countries suffering as a result of war. Pray that world leaders will sort out their differences and let their people live safely. Pray especially for the people of Ukraine and Gaza. For those trying to negotiate peace treaties. Pray too for the people of Russia and Israel as they suffer retaliation. Pray for the people in Thailand suffering the result of devastating floods and for those in Hong Kong affected by the huge fire where many people have lost their lives.
For our country. Pray for all struggling with the cost of living. For those badly affected by new budget rules. For those trying to keep warm as the weather becomes colder. Pray for all affected by the growing knife crime incidents. For the families suffering the loss of a loved one as a result of this. Pray for the police as they deal with the incidents and for hospital staff trying to mend broken bodies.
For those who are unwell. As the winter begins to take hold, pray for our many loved ones suffering at this time. Please hold in your prayers Jenny M., Suzanne, Michael F., Jing, Michael B, Jill, Val, Lucy, Pam, Janet, Margaret H., Pat, Carol, Irene and Ricky M., Dhoj Gurung, Liz, Devina, Mo, Katie, Wayling and Chris. Pray too for all who care for them.
In our prayers. Pray for all mourning the loss of a loved one. Pray for the church family of St. John’s. As work mounts up in the run up to Christmas, pray for Mark, Richard, Suzanne and Dawn. Pray for our young people’s pop up market on Saturday and for our Christmas tree festival next week. Pray that all who walk through our doors will receive a warm welcome.
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 30th November
10.00am - Morning Family Service. First Sunday of Advent. This week’s Bible readings will be Isaiah 2: 1-5 and Matthew 24: 36-44.
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 2nd December
10.00am - St. John’s Toddler Group. Contact Dawn for further details.
2.00pm Green Pastures Grief Cafe.
7.30pm - Praying Together on Zoom. To phone in, call 0203 481 5237. Zoom ID: 977 0607 9786.
Wednesday 3rd December
10.00am - Midweek Communion Service.
2.00pm - Mothers’ Union Christmas Tea.
7.45pm - Fellowship and Study Group. To phone in, call 0203 481 5237. Zoom ID: 962 9254 2704.
Friday 5th December
11.00am - 6.00pm - Christmas Tree Festival.
11.30am - Lunch, Munch & Chinwag.
Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th December
11.00am - 6.00pm - Christmas Tree Festival.
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 sugar, tea, coffee, tinned potatoes, tinned carrots 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.
