Notices

Notices from Sunday 22 January 2023

 

Bible Verse for 2023 

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.    Romans 12:12

January – April Programme

For the Spring Term Programme see here.

Marriage and Sexuality Conference – Saturday 25 March

In the next month or so, the Church of England will most likely make decisions about Marriage and Sexuality that will affect us on a local level. Alongside teaching on Identity and Relationships on Sundays (from 29 January), Esther has invited Ed Shaw and Andrew Goddard to come and teach us in greater depth on Saturday, 25 March. She would really appreciate it if you would prioritise this date as it will help us move forward together in the wake of whatever General Synod will decide in February.

To book a place via ChurchSuite please go to https://stjohnschurchegham.churchsuite.com/events/8ovcn4qv.  

Esther is aware that the church is having a conversation about people and that this whole process has been painful for some. If this heated up conversation is triggering for you and you would value a conversation, please do get in touch with Esther.

Please also keep the Bishops in prayer as they meet this month to agree a proposal and Prayer for General Synod (6-9 February)

3-10 July – Mission Week

The Flatmans are sending a Latin Link Step Team of 6 with experience in children’s activities such as crafts, games, worship, parties and events, as well as in street evangelism, preaching, youth ministry and much more! They will partner with us as we seek to ‘Love Egham’. We are looking for hosts for them to stay with for the week that they are in Egham. If you are able to help, please contact the Church Office.

Hardship and Wellbeing Fund

After the cost of Christmas, are you struggling financially?  The St John’s Church Hardship and Wellbeing Fund is a discretionary fund that has been created to help offer financial assistance to those who may require some financial support at this time.  Please contact hardship@stjohnsegham.com for further information or to make a request.  Donations are also greatly appreciated and if you would like to donate to the fund, please follow this website link:  https://givealittle.co/campaigns/19027bca-fe00-493d-9900-d6b961f808e6. Thank you

Hope in Depression Course 

A new six-week course is starting on Wednesday 25 January, 7.30-9.30pm in Kerith Church Windsor.  You can join online or in person.  For more details see here.

Community Fridge

We are pleased to let you know that during October – December 2022 the Community Fridge has collected and distributed 893.9kg of surplus food.  It has been visited 611 times during that time.  Many thanks to Rima and her team for all their hard work to establish this ministry.  Please contact the Church Office or come along to the Caddey 11am-1pm on Saturdays to find out more.    

Tea Time Together

Do you know of any families who are struggling with the cost of living? Then why not invite them for a free meal on the 25th of January. A warm welcome awaits!

For more information email teatime@stjohnsegham.com.

Justice Worriors Podcasts

Did you know that St John’s has a podcast run by 3 of our members?
It’s called Justice Worriers. If you don’t yet listen, why not download a recent episode? Available wherever you get your podcasts.  “What are your worries?” We invite listeners new and old to come along and join the conversation. What are your worries about justice and life as a Christian? Contact Andy Balaam or the Church Office for more information. 

Group study book recommendation

The Church Oasis group are completing the final study this week of the book called ‘The Holy Spirit’ by Selwyn Hughes. Heather Kimberley’s feedback is that it is the most fantastic, well-balanced and inspiring book / study that she has done in a long time and that she would thoroughly recommend it.

Upright piano available

The upright piano at present housed in the vestry is in need of a new home. Please contact the Church Office if you are interested in having it or know someone who would.

The Surrey Appropriate Adult Service (SAAVS)

The SAAVS offers support to vulnerable adults and young people who find themselves detained in Police custody. They are seeking more volunteers and could use your help.  For more details contact info@saavs.org.

Runnymede Foodbank

For details of what the Runnymede Foodbank needs during January 2023 please see here.

Open Church

This will be taking place 2-4pm on Wednesdays only for the whole of the Spring Term, to save heating costs in church. 

Community Fridge for Egham

Every Saturday 11am-1pm in the Caddey (at the back of the church car park).  Come and pick up some veggies and more.  Let’s be kinder to our planet by keeping food waste down.  

Church Grounds Working Party –  Saturday 28 January

9.30am-12noon in the Churchyard.  All welcome. 

Winter Ball – Saturday 21 January 7.30-9.30pm

Live music, dancing, drinks and nibbles. No entrance fee. On the first floor of the Easter Centre. 

Please contact Joanna on Joanna.starr@stjohnsegham.com for more information or if you would like to come along

RSVP by Wednesday 11 January if possible

Free event for over 18s

Baptism dates for 2023

These are 5 February, 28 May and 19 November.  To find out more contact Esther or the Church Office.

The Prayer Room is open and available to use

Please do come along and pop in to pray in this special and comfortable space during our Easter Centre opening hours.

Dates for your diary

A small Brazilian mission team will be coming to Egham 10-16 July 2023.  Please contact the Church Office if you are able to offer one or two of them a place to stay. 

Opportunity to serve

 Volunteers needed to help with Playtime Toddler Group set-up either Thursday evenings or early Friday mornings.  For more details contact the Church Office

10.30 refreshments are returning

We currently have teams for the first and third Sundays.  Would you be able to help us extend this ministry?  Contact the Church Office for more details.

Wildlife Gardening Sessions

We will be continuing these wildlife-gardening sessions in cordination with the working party who regularly maintain the churchyard.  The next session is 9.30am-12noon on Saturday 28 January.  If you would like to meet new people, get outdoors and promote wildlife in your community then please come along.

Weekly communications for the Church Family

Please contact the Church Office if you would like to receive the weekly church newsletter by email or Esther’s weekly email. 

New Venture – Recycling for Good Causes

We have signed up with Recycling For Good Causes who offer “cash for our trash”. We will get 75% of what they can get from the following.

Jewellery; including broken chains, odd earrings, costume jewellery and in all materials.

Gadgets; Sat Navs, games consoles and games, cameras/video cameras, mobile phones, iPods, MP3 players and of any age and condition.

Currency; Any country and any age including pre-euro notes and coins

All our recycling for cash items (including ink cartridges) can be dropped off at the Community Fridge on a Saturday morning at the Caddey 11am to 2pm. Otherwise you can contact Phil Darby.

Discussion Evening with local MP

Please note that the Discussion Evening with the MP at St Paul’s Egham Hythe  has been postponed to 26 January 2023 at 7pm.

Eat Well, Spend Less Courses

Learn how to cook healthily and eat on a budget.  For details of a course in Chertsey see here and one in Addlestone see here

Volunteers Wanted

Are you interested in assisting people with a variety of disabilities in an Assisted Swimming session at the new ‘Egham Orbit’ pool?  Can you spare a few hours, one day per week on Tuesdays between 11am and 2pm?  To find out more without any obligation, please contact Pauline Carter (Treasurer) on 01344 845787 or paulinecarter@pcswebstore.co.uk.   

Egham District Girlguiding – Volunteers Needed

For more details see here.

Fundraising Activities and Events

If you would like to be kept up to date about activities and events in aid of reducing the Easter Centre buildings costs then please email Phil Darby at  fundraisingfortheeastercentre@stjohnsegham.com to receive a monthly newsletter. 

Prayer Diary

For the Prayer Diary for January 2023 please see here.

Recycling Used ink cartridges

Phil Darby is now collecting used / unused ink cartridges to recycle with all profits going to the Easter Centre. Please contact Phil or the Church Office for further information.