Please don't hesitate to get in touch about visiting or joining us this April. We'd be over the moon to welcome you ! 
Please note, in the diary image attached, "HI" denotes the location as The Holy Innocents.
We can't wait to see you this spring !

Amendments 
* 5th April - Wood's Quarter Peal attempt will be postponed

Download the diary below

Holy Innocents presents a finely handcrafted purple altar frontal created for Lent, complemented by a matching purple velvet apron. The embroidered design is rich in symbolism. Twelve golden willow (palm) leaves represent the Twelve Apostles and recall the palm branches scattered along Christ’s entry into Jerusalem. The central stem from which these leaves grow symbolizes the winding and sometimes challenging path of life. Along this stem, delicate grey catkins signify the young believers who, nurtured by God’s love, mature into devoted followers.


The design further features three Passion Flowers that evoke the Holy Trinity. In each flower, a pale blue center suggests the expanse of the heavens, a mauve tone alludes to the sorrow of sacrifice, green represents eternal growth, and a silver background stands for purity. The intertwining tendrils recall the ropes that bound Christ to the Cross, while three gold anthers evoke the hammer used during His crucifixion. The leaves, shaped like the blades of Roman swords, remind us of the piercing of Christ’s side, and a central Crown of Thorns—rendered in gold stitching over a small silver diadem—serves as a poignant reminder of His Passion.


A pure gold Crucifix, with its interlacing design and diamond inlaid details accented by dew drops at each crossing, anchors the composition. At its heart lies a gold web symbolizing the tangled nature of life, eventually resolved by three pearls representing the Godhead, all embraced by the glorified Cross. Beneath the arms of this Cross, two small crosses in dull silver evoke the memory of the two thieves crucified alongside Christ, contrasting human frailty with divine grace.


As Isaiah 53:5 reminds us, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities…” This powerful verse resonates with the themes of sacrifice and redemption embodied in this altar frontal. Crafted by Mrs. Darnton as a replacement for the original bluish-purple piece donated by the Hirst family benefactors, this work of fabric art captures the reflective spirit of Lent with clarity and depth.

There are services very Tuesday at 10am. The first Sunday of the Month at 10am and also this month at 10am on Easter Sunday ! 

Update : Saturday 5yh April, Quarter Peal Attempt will be rescheduled.

You might have seen a glorious, shiny new flag atop St John's ! How did it come to be ? Our lovely Bridget who is the Bell Tower correspondent explains : 

"Debbie follows Sharow Bells Restoration on Facebook and saw my post in which I said I was looking into the price of a replacement everyday flag that we can fly all the time.
Debbie replied, “I can’t ring bells, but would like to contribute towards a new flag”.

Debbie kindly purchased our gorgeous new flag in memory of her dear friend (with whom Bridget and many others shared) - Sally Robinson. She tells us below, who 'Sal' was to her...

When Sal and family came back from France, Bram took to Lottie on their first day at school together. When Sal came to pick her up, Bram said 'Excuse me! Can Lottie come for tea?'. The rest is history. Sal was so supportive to me when I had cancer. When my chemo finished, she and Trevor said for us all to join them in France for a week's holiday - it was just what I needed 

Dog walks (she adored Leo - and, to a lesser degree, Flora and Blue); times with the kids; visits to Spa Gardens after school; countless cups of tea n chat;  meals n wine; George's fundraisers - he and Trevor not only fixed my car, but valeted my car as well (this, just after Ian had left me - their kindness made me cry); Sal also rang Trevor straight away to change my tyre when we discovered I had a flat after dropping kids at school; Sal  singing, dancing n wildly jumping off the windowsill into the 'crowd' at the karaoke party she hosted. So many kindnesses and happy memories. She was such a supportive friend, so brave and such fun. I do miss her.

The Story of Sharow Bells Restoration

In 2023 St John’s Sharow bells were cleaned. In 2024 a Bicentennial Peal was successfully rung, but to ensure the bells ring out for the next 200 years and beyond, vital work now needs to be undertaking.

There is a transformation planned. Recasting and rehanging the bells lower in the tower. Moving and improving the ringing chamber. The result will be an enriched sound qualityof the bells across the village and a more enjoyable ringing experience within the tower.

To raise funds for the work Sharow Ringers and the local community are holding events, making grant applications and helping with the installation to reduce costs. Mandy is buying a bell in memory of her husband Stephen. Bridget is Wild Swimming every month without a wet suit.

​Thanks to everyone who helped raise funds when the bells were cleaned.
Now we need to ensure the bells will ring out into the future.
 
To help towards the funding of a bell, buy a bell rope or contribute to moving the ceremonial window, please get in touch, visit  https:/justgiving.com/campaign/appealforapeal or make a donation at church
 
Many thanks for your support
St John’s Sharow Bellringers