Sunday 29th March 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 Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week, when the Church recalls Christ’s entry into Jerusalem. It is a curious sort of procession: branches, cloaks, noise, expectation — and at the centre of it all, Jesus riding not in splendour but in humility.
Our readings are Psalm 118:19–24 and Matthew 21:1–11. Between them, they give us a picture of praise, welcome, and the odd way God so often works through what seems ordinary, overlooked, or easily dismissed. Palm Sunday has celebration in it, certainly, but also the first hint that this king will not be the sort people expected.
It is the sort of Sunday that makes sense of bringing someone along — a friend, neighbour, or family member — because it is one of those great church days when the story speaks for itself.
Every blessing,
Mark 甄英深
Notices
DATES OF EASTER SERVICES. Maundy Thursday 2nd April at 7.00pm; Good Friday 3rd April at 3.00pm; Easter Sunday 5th April at 10.00am.
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.
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. We are ready to receive reports from our leaders and groups to be included in the APCM booklet! It’s an opportunity to review and share the wonderful work and activities that take place at St John’s. The booklet will be downloadable from our website as well as available in hard copy for the meeting. Please would you send reports to Michael Garaway - secretary@stjohn-woodley.com - by Tuesday 7th April 2026.
MEN’S BREAKFAST | Saturday 28th March 2026 8.30am. The next Men's Breakfast is THIS COMING Saturday 28th March 2026 8.30am at the Wee Waif, Charvil. The speaker will be Jim Herring talking about HOPE HOUSE - a place for recovering addicts after rehab. If you have not already signed up, please contact Clive Boys on 07769721449.
FLIGHT-RG5 WORKSHOP | Sunday 29th March 2026 10.00am. It's 'Do Something Different' week for our Eagles groups, and we have invited a very special guest to deliver a workshop for the Flight-RG5 young people. Mandy Shora has a wealth of experience in helping people to explore their potential, especially in the realm of performance and public speaking. Mandy has planned a fun and engaging session to help the young people to feel more confident when speaking in front of an audience, particularly those who read the Bible in church, but all will benefit from her sparkling wit and wisdom! We hope as many of our older young people as possible will be able to attend.
TODDLER GROUP EASTER BREAK. Please note there will be NO TODDLER GROUP on Tuesday 31st March and Tuesday 7th April, in line with school Easter holidays. They will return on Tuesday 14th April 2026 at 10.00am.
LUNCH, MUNCH & CHINWAG. Please note there will be NO Lunch, Munch & Chinwag on Good Friday 3rd April 2026. Back on Friday 10th at 11.30am.
FELLOWSHIP & STUDY GROUP ON ZOOM. Please note the Fellowship & Study Group will take a break over the Easter period, so there will be NO meetings on 1st or 8th April. They will return on Wednesday 15th April 2026 at 7.45pm on Zoom.
FAMILY EASTER ENCOUNTER! | Saturday 4th April 2026 2.00pm - 3:15pm. Where: Church yard, behind the hall (or in the hall if it's raining!) What: Easter themed races, games, craft, refreshments, Easter trail and egg hunt around the church yard! All welcome, bring your friends and family! Sign up - https://stjohnswoodley.churchsuite.com/events/ks46uyoj
ARTSPRING FESTIVAL | Saturday 25th April 2026 10.00am. Following the success of our previous events in April and November last year, we’re really looking forward to our next celebration of local arts and crafts, including our own St John’s Arts Group. The next ARTSPRING FESTIVAL will run in the Church Centre on Saturday 25th April from 10:00am to 4:00pm and feature stalls and displays with jewellery, cards, prints, paintings, and more. Please support us and spread the word among your friends and family, and use the flyers and posters that will be available. We will be offering refreshments for visitors and are therefore asking for help to serve from the kitchen. Please let Michael Garaway know by text message on 07773 781223 if you can help for an hour or so on the day.
For our prayers
For our world. Pray for a world that is broken by hatred. For those who are suffering because there is war in their country. For those who are suffering because those who hate them are damaging their buildings, their transport, their lives. Pray for the perpetrators of such hatred that they will turn from their ways and see goodness around them. Pray for all leaders who are at war. Pray that they will talk and sort out their differences and bring peace to their people.
For our country. Pray for all who work in national or local government. Pray that they will look at the needs of their people and serve them fairly. Pray for all who are struggling with the ever rising cost of living. Pray for organisations such as food banks and Share who are providing aid to the needy. Pray too for those who are working to provide safe places for all who live on our streets.
For those who are unwell. Pray for our many loved ones who are struggling with poor health just now. For those recovering from hospital stays. For those waiting for treatments. For those at home no longer able to get out. Pray especially for Suzanne, Marjorie, Jenny, Pat A, Arthur, Wendy S, Michael B, Carol, Irene and Ricky M, Liz, Dhoj Gurung, Devina, Margaret, Mo, Ruilan and Joan T. Pray too for their families and those who care for them.
In our prayers. Pray for all mourning the loss of a loved one. Pray especially for Steve Akehurst and family mourning the loss of Janet. Pray for the family of St. John’s. For Mark, Richard, Suzanne, Dawn and their families. Pray for all who are in our Confirmation classes waiting to be confirmed in May. Pray for our young people who worship together on a Sunday and for those who teach them. Pray for us all as we stand together in faith and pray that our doors will be open to welcome all. Pray for Archbishop Sarah Mullally that she will be a strong leader able to calm the stormy seas ahead.
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 29th March
10.00am - Service of The Word. Palm Sunday. This week’s Bible readings will be Psalm 118: 19-24 and Matthew 21: 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 31st March
NO Toddlers - back on 14th April.
Wednesday 1st April
10.00am - Midweek Communion.
NO Fellowship & Study Group on Zoom ID: 96292542704 - back on 15th April.
Thursday 2nd April
7.00pm - Maundy Thursday Service.
Friday 3rd April
NO Lunch, Munch and Chinwag - back on 10th April.
3.00pm - Good Friday Service.
Saturday 4th April
2.00pm - Family Easter Encounter - see details in Notices!
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, rice or custard and carrots, soap and toilet rolls. 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.
