Welcome! Whether you have been to St John’s hundreds of times before, or this is your first visit, you are so welcome! It is great to have you with us! We strive to be an inclusive church community for all people, made up of different ages and backgrounds. We open ourselves to God in word and sacrament, enriched by the music of the Anglican choral tradition. We care deeply about serving the local community, offering support groups, social events, community projects, and more. Find out what is going in our church and local community this week, and how you can be involved! Speak to someone or get in touch using the contact details, if you would like more information or have any questions. We are here to help!
Parish News THANK YOU! – We are so grateful for all those who made Easter at St John’s such a wonderful experience. Thank you for being a part of our community! The clergy would also like to say thank you for the cards and chocolate gifted to us!
Recruiting New Altar Servers – Are you looking for a new way to get involved in church and worship? The servers would gladly welcome new members, adults and children (7+), to learn new skills and help our worship run smoothly, especially at the 9.30am Sung Eucharist. This might involve carrying candles, helping with incense, ringing bells, processing in and out with the cross, and more! Please speak to Olivia Parenzee or one of the clergy if you are interested or have questions. All are welcome to try it out and get involved!
A Church of England Prayer after the Death of Pope Francis - Father in heaven, we praise your name for all who have finished this life loving and trusting you, for the example of their lives, the life and grace you gave them and the peace in which they rest. We praise you today for your servant Francis and for all that you did through him. Meet us in our sadness and fill our hearts with praise and thanksgiving, for the sake of our risen Lord, Jesus Christ. Into your hands, O merciful Saviour, we commend your servant Francis. Acknowledge, we pray, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Enfold him in the arms of your mercy, in the blessed rest of everlasting peace and in the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen. Christian Aid
Myanmar Earthquake Appeal – Families and communities are in fear of their lives after a deadly 7.7 magnitude earthquake devastated Myanmar on Friday 28 March. A second 6.4 magnitude quake followed soon after, making the destruction even more widespread. We will be holding a retiring collection after our services during Easter, so please give to help those affected and distressed by this crisis. Alternatively, visit caid.org.uk/HelpMyanmar or scan the QR code to donate online. Call 08080 005 005 to donate by phone. Speak to Sally Fairweather or Geoff Wolfson for more details.
First Communion – If your child is Year 3 and above, and would be interested in taking their first communion as part of the Patronal Festival on 22nd June, please chat to Chris and fill in the details on the sheet provided.
Electoral Roll – NOT LONG LEFT! If you are a member of St John’s, sign up to our Electoral Roll using the link or QR code, or paper forms in church - Chris and Will can help, if needed!
Car Park – Unless your car registration is on our pre-existing list, please ensure it is typed into the portal when attending church or the Parish Hall: you will need to input your registration in the portal/tablet, or through the QR codes on the posters, to avoid facing a fine. Thank you! Apologies for some of the problems with the portals in the last couple of weeks – get in touch with Sammy if you have been affected.
Parish Events
Rosemary Wells’ Funeral Service – There will be a Thanksgiving Service taking place on Thursday 1st May at 12pm in St John’s. Dress does not need to be black. Family flowers only please. Donations in memory of Rosemary to Save the Children and/or St John's Church, Loughton can be made via the funeral director Daniel Robinsons or on the day. Jenny and family would like to invite you for refreshments after the service at 2 Baldwins Hill.
St Paul’s Cathedral Talk – Will is giving a talk at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on 4th May at 1pm on his work and research around masculinities, the Bible, and theology. It is an accessible and free event, which you are welcome to attend. Please book tickets here: https://www.stpauls.co.uk/whats-on/boys-will-be-boys-being-man-before-god-in 21st-century
Big Church Makeover! 17/18th May 2025! We will gather as a community to do some work on the Parish Hall. If you could donate your time, money, or resources, PLEASE join us! Speak to Vicky Shankland or Will for more details.
Sing a New Song! – A new children’s choir (approx. Year 4 and above) will be starting at St John’s on Thursdays from 4pm, beginning 22nd May. Speak to Will for more details or see our posters and share on social media!
Save the Dates! – Sunday 22nd June, St John’s Summer Social and Saturday 4th October, Harvest Barn Dance. More info coming next week – or speak to Sam Davies!
Contact Details Rev’d Chris Davies (Day off: Friday) rector.stjohnsloughton@gmail.com | 020 8508 2912 Rev’d Barbara Read (Day off: Monday and Friday) revbarbararead@talktalk.net | 01992 679375 Rev’d Will Rose-Moore (Day off: Friday) revdwillrm@gmail.com | 07858 858975 Parish Office – Sammy Alder (Monday-Friday, 9am-1pm) loughton.church@outlook.com | 020 8532 0060 Social Media – Keep in touch with us online. You can find us on Facebook and Instagram @StJohnsLoughton. Give us a follow and make sure to tag us in your posts, pictures, and stories of your time spent at church – we’d love to see them and share them, where possible. You can find us on our website www.loughtonchurch.org.uk. The notices are also available via email, just ask.
Live-Streaming – We are pleased that we are able to livestream all our services on St John’s Loughton YouTube, whether you want to tune in live on a Sunday morning or catch up later on @StJohnsLoughton.
Safeguarding – We are committed to the safeguarding of children, young people, and adults, following Church of England guidance and policies. For more information, please speak to our Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) on 07351 422153 or look at the safeguarding pages on the Chelmsford Diocese website.
Giving – If you would like to donate to the mission, ministry, and community outreach of our church, we would prefer you to make a regular or one-off donation with Gift Aid through the Parish Giving Scheme, which you can access using the QR code below. Alternatively, there is a contactless machine at the back of church or a box or tray for cash. Thank you for your donation!