News

Welcome to our online noticeboard. We hope you will find the information interesting. If you wish further information concerning these notices, or about Baptisms, Weddings Funerals or services of thanksgiving, please contact our priest.

St John the Baptist is part of a United Benefice with St George the Martyr, Campden Hill. The joint weekly noticesheets are published on both websites, and you can also download them in PDF format. To visit the archive of newsletters, held on the website for St George's Church, please click here.

Sunday 7th March 2010: Third of Lent

Are you threatening me?

The two disasters in today's gospel story prompted people to ask whether the victims had somehow deserved their demise. Were they sinners? Why else would God let them die? Were these disasters some kind of punishment? Jesus replies very promptly that of course disasters are not sent as a punishment from God, but adds that we too will similarly perish if we don't repent.

"Repent or perish!" It sounds like a chilling threat, but it's more of an invitation. Jesus invites us to repent, but he isn't asking us to wallow in guilt and shame or shuffle round wearing sackcloth. Repenting means changing the way we live and this is a very positive and exciting prospect. Jesus illustrates his point with the story of the fig tree. The fig tree had not borne fruit for three years and the exasperated owner was on the verge of giving it the chop. The merciful gardener on the other hand suggested cultivating it and giving it one more chance.

Things to consider in March

  • March 8th is International Women's Day. During this week make an effort to challenge any racist or sexist comment you may encounter.
  • Throughout Lent the charity Tearfund is promoting a 'Carbon Fast'. The Carbon Fast makes us think about how we're treating God's world; the savings go to the Climate Justice Fund to help those suffering from the effects of climate change.' For ideas on how to join the carbon fast visit and donate online.
  • March 21st marks 'International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.' Do something simple on this day to promote racial harmony in your family or community.
  • March is the 30th anniversary of Archbishop Oscar Romero, martyred in El Salvador in 1980. Read his amazing story at www.myhero.com

International Women's Day 2010: 8th March

Equal rights, equal opportunities: Progress for all

Each year around the world, International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8th. Hundreds of events occur not just on this day but throughout March to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women. The theme for 2010 is 'Equal rights, equal opportunities: Progress for all.' For the women of the world, this is an occasion to review how far they have come in their struggle for equality, peace and development. It is also an opportunity to unite, network and mobilize for meaningful change. During this week let's make an effort to challenge any racist or sexist comment we may encounter.

COMPOSERS PRESENT

  • St George's Church
  • SATURDAY 6 MARCH 2010 at 7.30pm
  • Tickets £9 (Concessions £7) in advance
  • £10 (Concessions £8) at the door
  • £5 (students) at the door (student cards); free for under 16s
  • Advance Booking - 020 8994 8810
  • Refreshments available from 7.00pm
    • Lloyd Buck : Songs from the Heart David Norton (tenor); Lloyd Buck (piano)
    • Andrew Wells : Piano Sonata No.3 'Albert!' GrongarHili (from 'Ten Tone-Poems') Lloyd Buck (piano)
    • Julian Dawes 'I never saw another Butterfly' - (Holocaust Songs) Camille Maalawy (mezzo-soprano); Andrew Robinson (piano)
    • Celia Harper : Funeral Sentences Chiswick Baroque
    • John Carmichael : Fetes Champetres - Clarinet & Piano Suite Peter Cigleris (clarinet); John Carmichael (piano)

Events

There are some important events on the horizon that I would encourage you to put in your diary now, please.

  • Saturday 6th March: 'Composers Present' Concert at St Georges. Details above.
  • Sunday 21st March @ 11:15: The Annual Parochial Church meeting at St Georges.
  • Sunday 28th March PALM SUNDAY
  • Thursday 1st April HOLY THURSDAY
  • Friday 2nd April GOOD FRIDAY
  • Saturday 3rd April HOLY SATURDAY
  • Sunday 4th April EASTER DAY
  • Sunday April 18th at 17:00 : The Annual Parochial Church meeting at St John the Baptist
  • May 14th-16th St John the Baptist a weekend Music Festival

General

May I encourage you to please try and arrive a little earlier for the service and, as far as you are able, to move forward from the back rows of pews to leave them free for those who unavoidably arrive late. That would be a good, Christian thing to do.

Can I also once again ask you to consider your financial support of St Georges and St Johns? Our giving is dropping dramatically in spite of increased attendance. The most effective way of giving is by standing order, there are forms at the back of the churches or you can set up an order on-line. Our Bank Account number for St Georges is 03411907 and the sort code 50-30-10 (NatWest). St Johns Acc no: 10821144 and the sort code: 20-35-90 (Barclay's Bank). For more information, please click here.


this page last updated on March 6, 2010