DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS
Over the last few years, Lucy has coordinated the digital communications for St John's and Holy Innocents but will be stepping back from this role over the summer. The PCC are looking for someone who might be able to help continue Lucy's great work. In particular, we are looking for someone who can maintain our church website and produce our monthly e-newsletter. If you think you might be able to help, (training can also be provided as needed) please contact Tony Whitley, Jane Gazard or David PW.

PCC SECRETARY
Jan Carnell has given up as our administrator so we are looking for a PCC Secretary. The role involves taking minutes for about eight PCC meetings a year as well as sending out papers in advance. Once a year there is an annual meeting to minute, as well as a report to assemble and print. If think you might be able to help us, please contact Tony Whitley, Jane Gazard or David PW.
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JUNIOR CHURCH
St John's is restarting its Junior Church, starting on Sunday 5th July. To begin with this will be on the first Sunday of the month as part of the 10am service. Ideally we would like to be able to offer it on the third Sunday as well. Could you help? If so, please speak to David or to Carol-ann Howe.

Many thanks

David

We are seeking a reliable and detail-oriented volunteer to assist with the administration of DBS checks within our church.

All volunteers and those holding official roles are required to complete a DBS check every three years. This role supports our safeguarding processes by helping to ensure these checks are completed accurately and efficiently.

Full training and ongoing support will be provided, and the system we use through ThirtyOne:Eight is clear, secure, and straightforward to follow.

This is an essential but manageable role, requiring only a small and flexible time commitment. It involves:
    •    Following an online process with care and attention
    •    Verifying identity documents in person
    •    Maintaining confidentiality and good record-keeping
    •    Liaising with the Safeguarding Officer when needed

Confidence in using basic IT systems is helpful, as is a friendly and organised approach when meeting with volunteers and church members.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working carefully behind the scenes and wants to make a meaningful contribution to the safety and wellbeing of our church community.

If you are interested in serving in this important ministry, please speak to the Safeguarding Officer -
​Abby 
07841 697475
[email protected]

As we step into the month of June there is a real sense of spring turning into summer- this year my flipflops are out very early! So as always I have bought a car boot full of little plants, full of misplaced confidence in my gardening ability, but inspired by the beauty and optimism of the natural world around me.  At the moment the hawthorn is looking particularly stunning laden with blossom- the new growth and the warmer days promises a time of renewal.   


Just as nature reaches peak growing season, the season of Pentecost offers us its own renewal and promise of growth.   Pentecost is the great feast of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, reminding us that God’s presence isn’t just for Sundays, feast days or to be found in church, it’s the fire that ignites hearts, a wind that stirs life into dry bones and a warmth that makes things new.   On that first Pentecost the disciples, once fearful and uncertain, were transformed by the Spirit’s power.  Their courage swelled and their lives became a living testament to God’s love.   


So in June we are also invited to embrace transformation, just like my tiny plants who stretch to the sun to receive life, we are called to lean towards the Spirit. This is a season of growth for us all- Pentecost asks us to stir into life, embrace the gifts and talents we have been given and consider how our lives can also become that living testament to God’s love. 


We’ll see some of the talents in our community at the forthcoming Midsummer Piano, Pimms and Poetry Afternoon tea- everyone is welcome on 21st June at 2pm- [email protected]. This promises to be a very special event- what a lovely way to spend a Saturday afternoon!   Services in June are as usual, with, we hope, something for everybody throughout the month- hope to see you all soon.


-Kindly penned by our marvellous Children's Minister and Worship Leader 
-Carol-Ann
to edit.

​6th to 12th April saw a brilliant launch for the next phase of Sharow Bells Restoration. Unfortunately we had to postpone Wood’s Quarter Peal attempt, but the week unfolded with bellringers meeting church users and explaining the proposed developments. A display in church and a PowerPoint presentation documented what has been achieved so far and outlines what next. Due to the makeup of the metal and the shape of the bells, they can’t be retuned and will be taken away and recast before being put back lower in the tower. This will result in an improved tone quality of the ringing and a better experience for the bellringers. On Monday 7th Simon Burren came to St John’s to explain the proposed support from the Yorkshire Association of Change Ringers. Simon has been involved in a project in Middleham and offered his encouragement for the proposed work at St John’s. Wednesday 9th was an Open Morning in the ringing chamber to experience “Silent Ringing”. The bells are silenced using old cycle inner tubes and the sound of the bells is relayed by a computer. It was brilliant to welcome members of Magdalene Fellowship and Wonderful Wednesdays to try out the bells and see how it all works. On Saturday 12th Bridget was joined by Joanna, Alan and Tracey for a fundraising Wild Swim in the Ure. A lovely sunny day followed by cake, made the dip very enjoyable. The next Wild Swim is on Friday 9th May- please see attached poster. More details to follow. Many thanks to everyone who has contributed to Sharow Bells Restoration. During Launch Week the Gudgeon family said they would also like to fund a bell and Ginny Macay is donating the cost of a headstock. If you’d like to contribute towards the cost of project please get in touch or make a donation to https:/justgiving.com/campaign/appealforapeal Catch up with all that is going on in the bell tower on Facebook Sharow Bells Restoration.
 
Bridget Taylor-Connor Tower Correspondent 07752981346

After the absence of flowers in church during Lent it was  a pleasure to decorate the church for Easter. Margaret Bushell left two arrangements for me to include as she was away on holiday when the flowers were arranged on Easter Saturday. 
If anyone is interested in either joining the flower group (which currently consists of myself and Margaret) please do have a chat with me. You don't have to be a 'flower arranger', but if you're nervous about how to arrange or what to do I am only too happy to talk you through it and show you the ropes (basically the easy steps to follow to do the candle stick arrangement). Please make yourself known.​

email steden14@btinternet .com or text 07534123084-Denise