March 2026

Beloved friends in Christ,


March unfolds in the intensity and promise of Lent.  We remember those whose lives inspire faith. On the first we celebrate David, Bishop and patron of Wales. On the seventeenth, Patrick, Bishop and missionary. The nineteenth brings Joseph of Nazareth, guardian of Jesus. On the twenty-fifth we mark the Annunciation, when Mary welcomed God’s call. And on the twenty-ninth we enter Holy Week with Palm Sunday, marking the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and the path that leads to the cross. Each day invites us to notice Christ boldly present in our lives and in our communities.


The Lent course continues on Sundays, 7:00 to 8:30 pm, and everyone is warmly welcome. It is a space to share reflection, and to deepen your journey with Christ. Keep an eye on the blog for the Holy Week lineup, including an Easter Sunday fire, a vivid symbol of resurrection and hope.


Life at St John’s and The Holy Innocents continues with energy and generosity. The bell tower news highlights the dedication and joy of all who keep this ministry alive. Juliet’s next Art and Spirituality Day Retreat (18th March) offers a moment to pause and be nourished creatively and spiritually.


On Friday 20th March, the Lent Lunch provides a simple but meaningful opportunity to share fellowship, conversation, and warmth in this bold season.


The parish blog continues to offer rich reflection. Denise writes about the passion flower and its connection to missionaries in South America, a meditation especially resonant in Lent. And for a lighter moment, one of our wonderful churchwardens has suggested we might all like a story from a popular writer which a few of the St Johns congregation are enjoying. 


We have a full flush of Morning Prayer at St John’s throughout March, please do join us Monday’s and Friday’s at 9am. 


A prayer for March:


O God of patient love and steadfast courage, in these bold days of Lent help us to walk closely with Christ. Let us notice your presence in prayer, in reflection, in fellowship, and in the rhythms of our lives. May our hearts be open, our faith strengthened, and our eyes ready to see the promise of Easter in every day. Amen.


Whether this is your first Lent or one of many, whether you come alone or with friends, we hope you find space to reflect, to pray, and to be renewed. Here there is room for curiosity, for courage, for questions, and for belonging.