Open Church - Rosemary Blackbee

In keeping our church open it allows people from the community to come in and pray, sit quietly or be helped with any problems they may have, normally over tea and biscuits.

It offers in the groups, friendship and support, belonging and activities to take part in. Generally trying to help each other when problems arise.

We also have teaching and learning in our services and in other ways that reflects and is very relevant to today's life in its many aspects. In the future the Tea/Coffee Bar we are hoping to have will give greater opportunities to be able to welcome in the community.

Jazz Tuesdays & Fridays - Christine Bartlett

2 jazz sessions run every week. All are welcome either to sing, play or just listen.

The 2 jazz groups have also supported St John's by playing at the Festival and at Christmas.

Bereavement Support & Friendship Group - Jean Jenkins

We have been delighted to welcome new members to our group. In a relaxed atmosphere we can discuss any concerns.

We enjoy our time together with a cup of tea and biscuit. Our afternoon ends with a short time of reflection, with music, a poem and prayers. Ending with lighting a candle for our loved ones.

We also arrange occasional outings, meals together, recently visiting a garden centre.

These events have proved very popular.

We meet on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at 2.30 pm in the church.

Meditation - Kath Harrison

Thursday lunchtime meditations have continued throughout the year-thanks to those 'regulars' who took turns to lead during the sabbatical

A core of 4 or 5 of us are now settled into an established but still evolving pattern, involving movement and stillness, silence and music..

The church building is still a great asset (laying down in front of the altar is a great way to pray) and a great constraint (too little flexible space)

My 3-month break has strengthened my desire to share times of whole-self prayer with others, especially those whose busy lives allow little opportunity to slow down and be still and quiet, and those who don't see themselves as 'praying people'…

Currently looking for openings for this, taking soundings (eg via web forum); constrained by time factors but open to suggestions