News, Events & Blog

September Mission Focus – Hope Gardens, India – A Man Of Vision – Archbishop Samuel Gnanaprahasam

As we envision our future as a Benefice, we find inspiration in Archbishop Samuel’s life and ministry in Tamil Nadu, South India. Despite being from the lowest Dalit caste, Samuel believed in his calling to be ordained, overcoming opposition even within the Church of South India. His mission was to uplift the poor in his community. “Where there is no vision the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18). In 2000, Samuel established the Highways Tea Estate, where Read more

By St John's Site Admin, ago

SMT Update

August is normally a quiet month when the Church Hall and St John’s Rooms are not as busy as normal. However the SMT have been busy, we have arranged for the doorway between the hall and the toilets to be made accessible for all, we also organised servicing of the accessible hoist in the hall toilet. We scheduled the Fire alarm to have a six-monthly test, and the carpets in the Church, the Hall and Read more

By St John's Site Admin, ago

Sabbath Rest

I hope you have had time for relaxation over this long hot summer. Sabbath rest – the need for proper periods of stepping away from routine work whether creative, practical or dutiful – has been baked into Creation from the very start. Do we rest enough I wonder? I read recently that UK adults spend over 7 hours a day on screens of one form or another, even in the holidays. Screens of course can Read more

By St John's Site Admin, ago

The National Emergency Briefing 

Have you ever thought about the consequences of Global Warming and Climate Change in terms other than temperatures increasing? Most of us will be highly aware at present of the impact of prolonged high temperatures and of Wildfires both abroad and at home. But do you know about Tipping Points? And do you think of it as a Nature Crisis?  On 27 November 2025, leading experts set out the evidence on the climate and nature Read more

By St John's Site Admin, ago

Join the Global Week of 24-7 Prayer Online

from 6th – 13th September 2026 The Global Week of Prayer is a unique opportunity to join together in unity with brothers and sisters all over the world. This year, we want a chance to connect in real time! So we are hosting several prayer calls throughout the week. Leaders from around the 24-7 Prayer movement have volunteered to lead each hour-long session, giving you ways to pray for the world alongside people from many Read more

By St John's Site Admin, ago

Introducing your new treasurer – Anna Beck

Guess which one is me? I spent my childhood in central Thailand with missionary parents, serving as doctors where, at the time, there was no medical care available to the public. We returned to the UK and I spent my teenage years in West London, before studying in Manchester where I met James. James and I married in 2000 and have lived in various locations across the south of England. We accidentally came across an Read more

By St John's Site Admin, ago