 Are you grieving the death of a loved one or struggling with the long-term effect of loss? The Bereavement Journey is a safe, supportive seven-week course where you can gently explore the impact of loss and find encouragement among others who understand. Each week we'll explore themes such as coping with loss, anger and guilt, adjusting to change, and moving forward in healthy ways. Starting Tuesday February 3 2026, 9.30am-11.30am at Thorpe Prebend House, High St. Agnesgate, Ripon, HG4 1QR. If you'd like to find out more or register your interest, please contact: [email protected] 
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 Every Tuesday at 10:45 a group of lovely people from Sharow and surrounding villages get together for a drink and a natter (and the biscuit tin is always open). They'd love more people to pop by. It's a great opportunity to get to know your neighbours, make new friends or even just grab a pause in your day.
Holy Anointing and the Laying on of Hands at St John’s There is a moment in our worship when words begin to give way to presence. After Holy Communion, when we have received the sacrament, carrying Christ within us, the Church opens a quieter space. At St John’s, this is the moment when holy anointing and the laying on of hands are offered, on all Sundays except the second and the last. If you wish to receive this ministry, you are invited to head to the left of the church after Communion, before taking your seat again. A practice older than words The anointing of the sick and the laying on of hands are among the most ancient actions of God’s people. In the Letter of James we hear the instruction plainly, “Are any among you sick? Let them call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord.” This is not metaphor but embodied prayer, drawing body, mind, and spirit into God’s healing presence. Oil in Scripture is never merely practical. It heals, but it also consecrates. Kings are anointed. Prophets are anointed. The sick are anointed. The same holy sign marks vocation, authority, and vulnerability, reminding us that God meets us most powerfully where strength and weakness intertwine. The laying on of hands echoes throughout the Gospels and the life of the early Church. Jesus touches those others would not. The apostles lay hands on those seeking healing, blessing, or the gift of the Spirit. Theology here is not only spoken, it is enacted.  Why it follows Communion There is a deep wisdom in offering this ministry after we have received Holy Communion. Having shared in Christ’s body and blood, we come not as isolated individuals but as members of his body, already gathered into his life. Anointing at this point in the liturgy is not an add-on. It flows directly from the sacrament. What we have received inwardly is gently affirmed outwardly, through touch, prayer, and oil. Grace continues its movement. Why touch matters In a world often marked by distance and restraint, the Church continues to trust that God works through human hands. Not instead of prayer, but as prayer. Not instead of medicine, but alongside it. When hands are laid and oil is traced in the sign of the cross, the whole person is held before God. Physical illness, emotional weariness, spiritual confusion, grief, hope, and joy can all be brought without explanation. Healing may come as physical restoration, or as peace, clarity, courage, or comfort. Sometimes it comes simply as the assurance that one is known and not alone. All of this belongs to God’s mercy.  How to participate Before heading back to your pew after receiving Communion or a Blessing, our resident Reverend Christopher Cowper will be waiting at a small table at the left side of the church. He will lay a hand often on your shoulder and pray a short prayer over you. after which, put your palms facing up infant of you and he will again pray whilst anointing your hands and your forehead with the symbol of the cross. This special oil won't mark you in anyway and is clear in colour. It's been blessed specially for this purpose by our wonderful Bishop. Afterward, please head back to your seat as usual. It is of course entirely optional but a lovely addition to the service should you wish to take part. For whom is it? This ministry is for anyone. For those who are ill or in pain. For those who are weary or overwhelmed. For those facing decisions, loss, or change. For those who simply desire prayer. There is no need to have the right reason or the right words. The Church meets you where you are.  A liminal and ancient moment
The anointing offered among us belongs to a long and tender history. In the Gospels, Jesus himself enters a liminal space at Bethany, where a woman breaks open a jar of costly oil and pours it over him. It is an act of devotion that confuses onlookers and unsettles assumptions, yet Jesus receives it without hesitation. He understands what others miss. This is preparation, blessing, love, and grief interwoven. It is worship enacted through touch. Bethany sits on the threshold of Holy Week, poised between table fellowship and the cross. The anointing there holds together intimacy and sacrifice, vulnerability and reverence. It is not hurried. It is not efficient. It is profoundly human, and profoundly holy. When the Church anoints today, she stands in that same threshold space. This is a ministry that resists spectacle and explanation. It lives in the in-between, where prayer is felt as much as spoken, and where grace moves quietly through ordinary signs made holy by love. Here, history breathes. The same oil, the same gesture, the same trust that God meets us not only in words, but in presence. What was offered to Christ at Bethany continues in his body now, a reminder that tenderness has always been at the heart of holiness.  First Sunday of every month, 5:30–7:30pm
As evening falls and the light softens, our church fills with the gentle glow of candles, quiet music, and a sense of stillness. Candlenights is a space to pause — to breathe, to pray, to reflect, and to simply be. Each first Sunday of the month, from 5:30–7:30pm, the doors of St John’s are open for anyone who wishes to step out of the noise of the week and into a place of calm. Whether you come for five minutes or stay for the whole two hours, you’re welcome just as you are. There’s no formal service, no expectation to speak or participate — simply a peaceful, sacred atmosphere shaped by candlelight, gentle music, and the quiet presence of others doing the same. Some choose to sit in stillness, others light a candle, catch up with your writing, read a book, remember loved ones, or wander quietly in the space. In the glow of many small flames, we are reminded that even the smallest light can hold back the darkness. Come as you are. Come and rest. Candlenights – the first Sunday of every month, 5:30–7:30pm at St John’s. Some months ago, I came across a sermon series by the marvellous Pete Grieg. It highlights how, even amongst Christians, we often shy away from discussing our personal encounters with the Holy, our faith journeys and the miracles that happen all around us. The profound moments that give us a belief, or, the lifelong relationships with Christ. We so often shy away from topics of gifts, signs, wonders or even spiritual warfare. It’s entirely understandable why we don't discuss these personal moments. But, I invite you to open up, share your faith story and see who you can inspire. So very grateful to Bridget for sharing her journey in Christianity.  Some months ago, I came across a sermon series by the marvellous Pete Grieg. It highlights how, even amongst Christians, we often shy away from discussing our personal encounters, our faith journeys and the miracles that happen all around us. The profound moments that give us a belief, or, the lifelong relationships with Christ.
As a child I sat between my dad, who had a fine tenor voice and my mum, in Erdington Methodist church in Birmingham. I was surrounded by my extended family. My parents and grandparents seemed to know everybody. Church was very sociable. I enjoyed singing the hymns and my mum made sure I stopped fidgeting especially to say the Lords Prayer. In the Sunday School room was a picture of Jesus, children sitting at his feet, with the words “Suffer the little children to come unto me”. I found the illustration fascinating and comforting. Later when I could understand the words I was singing, the line from the Christmas Carol “What can I give Him, give Him my heart” had a big effect on me. I carried on regularly attending church, even briefly becoming a Sunday School teacher, until I came to Leeds as a student. I turned my back on all things church, but the foundation of my faith was deep inside. I meet my first husband, Liam, through a friend. Liam was a Northern Ireland Catholic. It was the hight of The Troubles. On my first visit to Newry in 1990, I thought I would be shot because I was English and a non-Catholic, but I was made to feel very welcome and regularly attended Mass. When Liam and I got married in Guiseley Methodist church, Cannon Harold Parker from Ripon Catholic church took part in the service. At Liam’s funeral in Ripon Catholic Church, Rev Andrew Howarth who had married us, gave the Address. Liam and I had decided our son Will would be brought up a Catholic, go to St Wilfrid’s Catholic School. When visiting Birmingham we also attended the Methodist church. Now I’m happily married to David and so much part of St John’s wonderful community. Ringing the bells to let the village know the church is here and open for business! When I sing in church, on Sunday or with Ripon Choral Society at rehearsals, and at the Cathedral, the words have a profound effect on me. “And in a still voice, onward came the Lord” from Mendelsohn Elijah recently reminded me to stop, listen and “be still in the presence of the Lord”. " Ripon Cathedral are hosting ‘The Bereavement Journey’ for those dealing with loss. The course starts in September, please contact the Cathedral office if interested. 01765 603462  Dementia is something that worries many people, especially as we get older. But just how much do you know about what it is, and is not? How can you support someone with dementia, and where can you turn if you are concerned about symptoms? Dementia Forward are an experienced and established team supporting people with dementia and those who care for them through a range of services. They can support you whether you have a diagnosis, are worried about memory problems or care for someone affected by dementia. C3 is hosting a free Dementia Information Evening on MONDAY, 2ND SEPTEMBER 7:30 PM In Thorpe Prebend House Places are limited, so if you are interested in attending, please reserve a place By emailing [email protected]  |
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Typically, the church is open 10am-4pm, seven days per week. Our Facebook Page is never left unattended for long, so please don't hesitate to pop in, join a service or just message 'hello'.
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