September 2025 - Vicar’s Update
Dear Friends,
I hope you’ve had a refreshing and blessed summer.
As we step into September, many of us are beginning new rhythms—whether that’s the
start of the school year, fresh challenges at work, or simply adjusting to the pace of
autumn. In the midst of these changes, I’ve found myself drawn again to the familiar
words of Proverbs 3:5–6 (which Tendi so helpfully preached on last Sunday):
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your
ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
It’s a reminder that while we often long to plan, predict, and control every detail, God calls
us instead to trust Him fully. Trust doesn’t mean life will always be simple or
straightforward, but it does mean that as we cling to Him, He promises to guide, steady,
and lead us. I believe these words are not only for me personally, but for us as a church
family in this season, as we seek His will and look with eager expectation for what He will
do in and through St John’s.
With that in mind, I wanted to share a few key updates as we head into this new term:
Church Services
After prayer and discussion with the Ministry Team and PCC, we’ll be slowly introducing a
few small but important changes to our services this term. These include:
• A clearer definition of each service.
• Sung worship introduced at the 9.00am service.
• Returning to bread and the common cup at Communion.
• Ensuring our services begin promptly.
Here’s how our services will be described moving forward:of 2 3
9.00am – Traditional Service
Our 9am Traditional Service at St John’s is a peaceful and reverent time of worship,
rooted in the rich traditions of the Church of England. Using the Book of Common Prayer
or Common Worship liturgy, the service includes hymns, Bible readings, and a short
sermon. Holy Communion is celebrated twice a month. This service offers a reflective
space for those who appreciate a more formal and structured style of worship.
10.30am – Contemporary Service
Our 10.30am Contemporary Service at St John’s is a vibrant and welcoming time of
worship for all ages. With modern worship songs, engaging Bible teaching, and a relaxed
atmosphere, it’s a great space for exploring faith and growing together as a church family.
During the service, we run dedicated groups for children and young people, helping them
to learn about Jesus in fun and age-appropriate ways. Holy Communion is celebrated
once a month.
7.30pm – Encounter Service
Our 7.30pm Encounter Service at St John’s is a Spirit-led, Charismatic service with an
extended time of contemporary worship, Bible teaching, and space for prayer ministry. It’s
a place to go deeper in faith, encounter God’s presence, and respond to the work of the
Holy Spirit. The atmosphere is open and expectant, making room for worship, listening,
and personal prayer.
Wednesday 10.00am – The Wednesday Service
Our Wednesday Service at 10.00am is a short, friendly gathering lasting around 30
minutes. It normally includes Holy Communion, a short reflection, and a peaceful space to
pause and worship midweek. After the service, everyone is warmly invited to stay for
refreshments and fellowship in the Lower Lounge—a lovely opportunity to connect and
enjoy time together.
We hope these changes help us offer a breadth of worship styles, while enabling growth
across all our gatherings.
Sermon Series
On Sunday 14th September, we begin a new series: God’s Community, In the Community,
For the Community.
At St John’s, our vision is simple yet life-shaping: to be God’s community, in the
community, for the community. Over the next few weeks, we’ll unpack what that really
means—who we are as God’s people, where He has placed us, and what He has called
us to do. We’ll explore how His grace shapes our identity, how His presence sends us into
Walmley, Langley, and beyond, and how His love overflows in service and mission.
Following this, we’ll work through the book of James under the theme Genuine Faith,
before moving into our Advent series Journey to Joy. Do also note two special services:
our All Age Harvest on Sunday 5th October, and Remembrance on Sunday 9th
November.
Building Redevelopment
Our plans have now returned from the DAC with positive encouragement to move
towards fully costed proposals. This stage will involve significant financial outlay, withof 3 3
input needed from structural and mechanical engineers and more detailed drawings. We’ll
be meeting with the architects again this term and will begin to develop a fundraising
team.
If you have experience in fundraising, project management, or finance—and would be
willing to help—please do get in touch with me or with Adele Bright
(adelebright@btinternet.com).
Children’s Work – an exciting opportunity!
We are so blessed to have many children and young people as part of our church family.
It’s the responsibility of us all to help them grow and flourish in faith.
Kat has let me know that as we step into September, we’re looking for six new helpers to
join the rota for our Glow and Sparkle groups. You don’t need to prepare sessions—that’s
all covered by the leaders. We simply need people willing to support once a month:
helping children with crafts, drinks, and activities. In practice, it’s about an hour every four
weeks.
Could you serve in this way? If so, please email Kat (kat@stjw.org.uk).
Do also keep an eye on our weekly email for up-to-date information on all that’s
happening in the life of St John’s.
With my love and prayers,