ECO TIP
As winter approaches, let’s ensure our homes are ready. It may be the time for your annual boiler check … and you could also replace any light bulbs with LED bulbs – they are cost effective and have a longer lifespan than ordinary bulbs.
And don't forget the clocks go back an hour overnight over the 24th to 25th October!
HARVEST HOME!
On Saturday 3rd October we are decorating the church for Harvest. Please join us around 10a.m. and bring along any flowers, greenery and fruit or vegetables for our displays. Everyone is welcome
Then on Sunday 4th October, at 10.30a.m., it’s our All-Age Harvest service. Please bring along non-perishable food items which will all be taken to the Booth Centre in Manchester on the Monday. If you cannot attend but wish to donate, the church will be open on Saturday morning (as above) or on Thursday 1st October from 9.30am to 12 noon.
At 6.30pm on Sunday 4th it’s our Communion service in the side chapel, so if you miss taking Communion, it will be available then. It is lovely to worship in the chapel: it has a different feel to the main church area – so do join us. Harvest goods can also be dropped off then.
THE BIG COUNT
October is always our counting month. Everyone aged 16 or over who attends St John’s is asked to complete an anonymous income survey form – and even if you have no personal income it is important you complete a form, as the average is used by the diocese to calculate a fair amount that each church should contribute to clergy costs and back-up services, as our “Parish Share”. All you have to do is complete the box that most closely represents your individual total income. There is a letter name for each category, so box A means you get less than £1,000 per annum, and so on. You just shade out the letter and put the form in the collecting box. No other details are required.
We also count the number of people who attend each service in October and submit the numbers to the Diocese. This also influences the calculation of our Parish Share.
WATCH WHAT'S NEW
The PCC met in September and there are now two exciting plans progressing to enhance our worship. We are replacing the central video screen with a more modern one, with enhanced quality and functions. We also hope to replace the organ, as the one we have is very old and malfunctioning. Costings have been agreed, and we are awaiting the Archdeacon’s approval of the installation of a new electronic organ console in the same position as the present one, with new loudspeakers on the same wall as two of the three existing ones. Please pray we will get approval soon and can go ahead with that, too.
OUR AUTUMN WORK DAY
Please come and join in our autumn Work Day on Saturday 10th October, from 10a.m. There are jobs for all ages and abilities, both indoors and out, so we can find something for everyone.
SCARGILL WEEKEND 2027
Next year we have the chance to visit Scargill House in the Yorkshire Dales for a church weekend again, this time from September 17th to 19th, 2027. We have around 20 adult places available (plus children).
A limited number of en-suite double rooms are available for £207.50 per person, and other rooms (with plentiful facilities near each one) will cost £182.50 per person. To secure a room, you need to notify Robert Beale and to pay a deposit of at least 25 per cent. Reductions are available for students, children (under-5s go free), carers and single-parent families.
LOOKING AHEAD TO CHRISTMAS.....
On Thursday December 10th at 7.30pm Rev. Rodney and Rev Debra will be holding our “Advent Event” (no house groups will meet that day). The evening will include Bible study, reflections, prayer and discussions. Everyone is welcome make this a time of preparing for the joyous celebration ahead.
On Christmas Eve at 3.30pm we have our Crib Service, which will include the nativity story as told by Mabel (the owl in the stable). Youngsters can help build the stable scene and dress up as nativity characters. Last year we ran out of costumes for them – so if you have any suitable outfits, or spot any in a charity shop, we would welcome them. Shepherds, kings and angels are all required (and if anyone can make a couple of capes for the kings that would also help). Please speak to Reverend Debra or Angela Easdon.
PLEASE NOTE.....
On Thursday Holy Communion services are to be held at St. John’s at 10.30am on 1st, 15th and 29th October and on 5th November, and at St Michael’s Flixton at 10.15am on 8th and 22nd October.
Our Coffee, Tea and Chat social afternoon is on Tuesday 6th October – from 2pm to 3.30pm in church. Come, and bring your friends.
FACEBOOK PAGE
St. John’s in Flixton has a Facebook page – search St. John’s Flixton for regular Facebook updates on events and activities taking place in church. Please “like” the page and encourage neighbours, family and friends to do the same to help us grow our followers.
Join the JC Squad!
'The J C Squad' is the new name for our Sunday School, and it runs at 10.30am during morning service. Children rejoin their parents in church at the end of the main service and often share with the whole congregation something of what they've been doing that day.