Church Groups

During term time, St. John’s hosts a Sunday school at 10:30 led by experienced teachers. We look to provide a learning experience that’s age-appropriate through games, activities, and learning based on the same scripture readings and stories we have each week in the church’s main service. (This also allows parents to attend the service with a little time and space to listen and join in more fully with the adult message). The children then re-join our main worship in time to be a part of the communion prayers – and to show the congregation what they’ve been up to! 

Throughout the year, the Rev’d Glen Wilkins at our sister church of Holy Trinity, Christchurch, leads Bible studies and Christian education courses that are regularly attended by the people of both Holy Trinity and St. John’s. These are usually for a fixed amount of time – typically four to six weeks – but happen several times in the course of a year. Over time, the folk of St. John’s and Holy Trinity have built up friendly relationships, enjoying one another’s company, and exploring the Christian story and teaching in a warm space. You, too, are welcome.

The Circle of Friendship was started several decades ago for young folk coming back from the war and resulted in life-long friendships. After all these years, the group still meets every second Tuesday of the month at 14:30 for a cup of coffee and to hear speakers on a range of subjects from local history and architecture to travel and holidays. The annual Circle meal at a nice local restaurant is a much-loved tradition. Newcomers are welcome and warmly received.

If you’re a regular visitor to the church – or, indeed, if you watch on YouTube – you will have seen some of the beautiful flower arrangements that transform St. John’s not only on the high holy days, but throughout the year. If you’ve been inspired or are looking to learn as a part of a new challenge, there is always an opportunity in the exquisite art of flower arranging. The team have a wealth of expertise and would be delighted to share their knowledge and experience with you. 

The Craft Group is an informal, friendship group that meets on the second Thursday of each month at 14:00 in the church hall.  They meet for a chat whilst knitting and sewing and otherwise creating their own work, making things for pleasure, for learning, and sometimes even for the church, especially around Christmas and Easter. 

No experience necessary!