Prayer Walks :
Every year we aim to walk along all the streets in St. John's Parish, praying for the residents and for the whole area (e.g. praying against crime). We also deliver prayer-request leaflets to people so they can ask us to pray specifically for them if they wish. Details of forthcoming prayer walks are published in our newsletter, please come along if you would like to join us.
Healing Café :
Tuesdays 11am to 2:30pm in the Café.Everyone welcome for FREE tea, coffee, a chat and prayer.
Our aim is to help people through listening, mentoring and prayer, in the hope that God in His infinite wisdom will meet their deepest needs. We also pray in general and for individual prayer requests on the church Prayer Board; most importantly we are there for each other. Come and See! We welcome all who come to us.
Study Groups :
Midweek Groups :
Various groups for adults and children meet at St John's during the week and there are also Midweek Bible Groups in the homes of Church members.
Midweek Groups are a good way of† learning more about the Bible
† meeting other Christians
† sharing, caring and praying for each other
If you would like to join a group please contact the Church Office for more details - new members are always welcome
Groups for Adults :Women's Group :
The group meets on a Friday evening once a month here at St John's and was formed to reach out to the church and its members, providing support to members who are sick, helping them with shopping, caring for children while parents have hospital or dental appointments. We also pray together, go on trips, help with cleaning and dusting the church ready for Sunday services and help run church functions. The objective of the group is to, through belief and trust in God, provide action, both spiritually and practically. For more information please contact the church office.
Men's Group :
The Men's Group meets on a Thursday evening once a month. These meetings were mainly fashioned around bible study time led by members and occasionally invited guest clergy. They seek to find their place in God's work. For more information please contact the church office.
The Agenda Group is a new group, formed in autumn 2010. It was recognised that there was no specific ministry for the 'single' people who form part of the congregation at St. John's Church. The Church is made up of a diverse group of people of varying ages, cultures, traditions and backgrounds and the thing which connects many of them is the fact that they are single, divorced, separated or widowed. Therefore, it is inevitable that they may possibly share a number of common issues and challenges, which would be of benefit and of interest for them to meet together regularly to explore. Agenda Forums are held once a month on a Saturday evening. The group aims to attract a good mix of men and women of different ages and cultures, to encourage real and natural friendships amongst members, to facilitate a number of interesting, informative and thought provoking forums throughout the year and to encourage organisation and participation in a variety of social activities. For more information please contact the church office.
Sports Activities :
Football :In the past we have had both an 11 to 14s team and an adult team, and have played other churches and entered local 5-a-Side competitions. At present we are hoping to organise a revival of this and any help would be appreciated.
Cricket :
For more information please contact the church office.
Groups & Activities for Children :
Sunday Morning Groups for Children & Teenagers :
(new members should enrol in the relevant group at the start of the session)
Children are welcome in our church. We love having people of any age in our Services. We think that the Church Family, like any family, should include grandparents and grandchildren. Very young children seem to sleep happily through the Services (as do some of their grandparents). It's probably best if they stay in Church with parents/carers until they join ...
- The Ark (for children aged 1 to 3½)
Toddlers need special attention so we have established a special group for them. The Ark meets during the second part of the Morning Service. Safety is obviously important, so all children must be taken to The Ark and collected afterwards (please ask for directions or follow the crowd!). We ask a parent/carer to stay with the child until the child is happy to be left. Ark Helpers are all church members, we ask parents/carers to help on a rota basis, if possible. Each session includes a story from the Bible and a special activity. Our aim is that the youngest members of our Church learn about Jesus and how much he loves them in a safe and happy environment. - There are 4 Sunday Club groups :
These provide Christian Teaching and special activities for children aged 3½ to 13. We think that separate teaching for adults and children is the best way of keeping everybody happy. The children go to different groups for the second part of the Morning Service. - Sparklers (age 3½ to 5)
- Kingdom Kids (age 6 to 7)
- The 'J' Team (age 8 to 10)
- Teen LIVE! (age 11 to 13)
All the lessons are Biblically based.- Sparklers (age 3½ to 5)
- YPF (age 14 to 18)
This group meets on Sundays during the second part of the morning Service, in the Café area. The group aim to learn about the Christian faith and encourage daily discipleship. The group also meets at various times for social events (cinema, pizza etc.) which are advertised in advance on the Newsletter.
Togetherness :
is important - that's why we start and finish each Service as a family together. Once a month (on the 4th Sunday) the children stay in the church for the whole Service, and we have some teaching that appeals to all ages.
We're Flexible :
Every child has different needs and, like any family, we fit in the needs of individual children. If you have any questions, problems or special needs please talk to Carol.
Birthdays :
We like to give children a Birthday Card on the Sunday before their Birthday, so please let us know your child's name and date of birth so that the whole Church can celebrate with them.
Helping To Keep Children Safe :
We have adopted the policy document of the Diocese of Chelmsford and all leaders and helpers are subject to a Criminal Records Bureau disclosure. A copy of our Child Protection Policy is available here.
Stratford Saturday School :
Stratford Saturday School was founded in 1995. The teacher is Geoff Hobbs.
Maths and English and taught from 11am to 1:15pm every Saturday in Term time.
For more information please contact the Church Office.
The 13th Newham Scout Group meets at St John's on Tuesdays during term time. Boys and girls from 6 years upwards are welcome at the group.
- Beaver Section aged 6 to 8 years.
- Cub Section aged 8 to 10½.
- Scout Section aged 10½ to 14½.
Lots of different activities. Please contact the Church Office for more details.
Beaver's Cubs and Scouts attend St John's on the fourth Sunday of the month for Church Parade.