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In the busyness of life, it can be hard to find time to sit in stillness long enough to hear what God has to say. With the incessant pinging of phone notifications, partners, children, and pets all vying for our attention, the tv blaring in the background, life can be busy, noisy and fast paced. I hadn’t fully realised this until Holy Week when I attended a Maundy Thursday vigil and got to sit in silence for hours, away from the distractions of life. It was then that I realised that far from God ignoring me, I was struggling to hear him amongst the noise of everyday life. My head had been so full of endless lists, worries and angst that I’d effectively blocked God out. When I sat in silence, minus my phone, in the semi darkness I started to feel my whole body settle. It was like I’d taken a much-needed deep exhale. At first my mind chattered, then slowly as the hours passed the chattering stopped. Silence came. Then peace. Absolute peace. I genuinely don’t think I’ve ever felt that level of closeness to God, nor the same level of calmness. It was as if my body had simply reset itself to how it was intended to be. How do we find time to be still when life is so incredibly hectic? Author James Clear suggested in his book “ Atomic habits’’ that we are wise to anchor new habits onto our existing rituals, so taking a little time on a morning, doing something like mindfully drinking tea in the garden, or having that first few minutes of our day in silent contemplation (if that’s possible for you) can really help. Having a solitary walk somewhere beautiful is another good way of reconnecting with God. Your body is doing its own thing, and your mind can then start to unwind a little. As you look around you, you are likely to notice all the little glimmers of hope – the blossom on the trees, the cheeping of birds, the light shining through the trees, the scent of a fragrant herb. This is a great way of reminding ourselves that God is all around us, wherever we are. 
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 Our Wonderful Caroline, who you’ll know from her many different St John’s hats, received in April (after many, many years) her Tertiary Cross, being admitted to The Order of the Holy Paraclete. The Tertiary Order of the Holy Paraclete (TOHP) invites individuals to embrace a Christian sacred rhythm of life, intertwining daily existence with the divine presence. Rooted in the Anglican tradition and inspired by the Holy Spirit—the Paraclete—this path offers a harmonious blend of contemplation and action.  A Sacred Calling Tertiaries are lay individuals—women and men—who feel drawn to live out their Christian faith deeply connected to the Order of the Holy Paraclete. Guided by the Holy Spirit, they commit to a Rule of Life that nurtures spiritual growth within their everyday lives.  The Order of the Holy Paraclete Founded over a century ago, the Order is a female Anglican religious community based at St Hilda’s Priory in Whitby, North Yorkshire. Inspired by the Benedictine tradition, St Hilda, and the Northern Saints, the Sisters live and work together, both at the Priory and in community settings in the UK and in Africa. Journeying Through the Stages
 Communal Harmony Tertiaries gather regularly, both in person and via Zoom, participating in quiet days, talks, joint worship, and study sessions. Annual Chapter meetings at the Priory in Whitby offer opportunities for collective worship and fellowship. Conferences and retreats are held every three years, fostering deeper spiritual connections.  Spiritual Resources Members receive the Rule of Life, a commentary on the Rule, and a Midday Prayer and Compline booklet. Regular mailings include a daily prayer diary, the Warden’s letter, and news updates, nurturing a continuous spiritual journey. 01947 899560 [email protected]
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Rosemary,
As you retire after many years of faithful service as our Church Warden, we gather to thank you and celebrate your dedication. You have offered loving pastoral care to all, always ready with a kind word, and have carefully overseen countless baptisms, weddings, and funerals with compassion and grace. You have been a steady support to our clergy and have diligently handled the church’s administration, keeping our parish running smoothly for all these years. You have inspired and motivated volunteers with your warmth, gently resolved countless issues, and provided wise and calming leadership whenever challenges arose.
We have all cherished seeing you with your familiar cuppa in hand, usually devouring some time-sensitive paperwork, and your wonderful Peter faithfully not far away, usually amongst the churchyard. Thank you, Rosemary, for pouring your heart into this community and for your tireless, loving service all these years. We pray God’s richest blessings on you as you begin this new chapter of rest and joy in your retirement. In the words of our Lord from Matthew 25:21, “Well done, good and faithful servant” – a fitting tribute to your years of selfless dedication.
As you retire after many years of faithful service as our Church Warden, we gather to thank you and celebrate your dedication. You have offered loving pastoral care to all, always ready with a kind word, and have carefully overseen countless baptisms, weddings, and funerals with compassion and grace. You have been a steady support to our clergy and have diligently handled the church’s administration, keeping our parish running smoothly for all these years. You have inspired and motivated volunteers with your warmth, gently resolved countless issues, and provided wise and calming leadership whenever challenges arose.
We have all cherished seeing you with your familiar cuppa in hand, usually devouring some time-sensitive paperwork, and your wonderful Peter faithfully not far away, usually amongst the churchyard. Thank you, Rosemary, for pouring your heart into this community and for your tireless, loving service all these years. We pray God’s richest blessings on you as you begin this new chapter of rest and joy in your retirement. In the words of our Lord from Matthew 25:21, “Well done, good and faithful servant” – a fitting tribute to your years of selfless dedication.
(A poem by Lori Hanson accompanying her artwork above)
The Narrow Path
Between thorns and bramble,
A hidden narrow path, unseen by hurried eyes.
Its edges softened by time's gentle sway, This winding trail beckons both night and day.
Amidst tangled chaos, flowers bloom.
Their fragile faces lifting toward the sun.
Petals whisper secrets to the heavens.
Promises of eternity, whisper back.
For this path, though fraught with pain and strife, Leads beyond the thorns, into eternal life.
Step lightly, weary traveller, and behold:
The narrow way, where love and grace unfold.
Between thorns and bramble,
A hidden narrow path, unseen by hurried eyes.
Its edges softened by time's gentle sway, This winding trail beckons both night and day.
Amidst tangled chaos, flowers bloom.
Their fragile faces lifting toward the sun.
Petals whisper secrets to the heavens.
Promises of eternity, whisper back.
For this path, though fraught with pain and strife, Leads beyond the thorns, into eternal life.
Step lightly, weary traveller, and behold:
The narrow way, where love and grace unfold.
Lori Hanson is an American-born artist now rooted in the poetic landscapes of North Yorkshire. Working in an impressionist style, she captures the quiet magic of the English countryside with oil on canvas—favouring soft, dreamy colours, energetic brushwork, and subtle textures. Inspired by nature’s inherent beauty, Lori paints both in-studio and in the Yorkshire Countryside, using small outdoor studies to inform her larger works.
Her process is deeply reflective, often accompanied by poetry that emerges alongside the paintings. Though she has faced challenges with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Lori continues to find moments of creative vitality in the open air, even leading a Yorkshire Plein Air painting group. This summer, she serves as Artist in Residence at Newby Hall, celebrating the region’s light, atmosphere, and quiet wonder through her art.
We are blessed to count Lori amongst our congregation here at St John’s. She is kindly offering 30% donated to St John's when you purchase an original painting or commission directly from her.
Find out more about this incredible offer :
[email protected]
07956 506 707
https://www.lorihansonart.com
Her process is deeply reflective, often accompanied by poetry that emerges alongside the paintings. Though she has faced challenges with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Lori continues to find moments of creative vitality in the open air, even leading a Yorkshire Plein Air painting group. This summer, she serves as Artist in Residence at Newby Hall, celebrating the region’s light, atmosphere, and quiet wonder through her art.
We are blessed to count Lori amongst our congregation here at St John’s. She is kindly offering 30% donated to St John's when you purchase an original painting or commission directly from her.
Find out more about this incredible offer :
[email protected]
07956 506 707
https://www.lorihansonart.com
Where did it all begin: this searching, this believing in something other? This believing in something beyond ourselves, something larger and stronger and deeper than humanity, took hold of earliest peoples, who first worshipped what they could see; things which existed before and after the lifespan of mortals, so were thought to be inhabited by spirits, which could not be seen.
Not only inanimate objects such as trees, rocks, mountains were worshipped but in many cultures, ancestors were worshipped too. They had been, so maybe they still are I imagine our own ancestors thought. So perhaps, early on in our development there was a concept of another realm beyond this.
Many religions, or belief systems, were embraced by our brothers and sisters in ages past. A great many deities were regional or even domestic and there was huge diversity across national borders. Several different gods, or objects of worship were identified as being worthy of devotion and took the form of created objects in precious metals and gems, the richness of their parts showing the extent of esteem in which these deities were held. I’ll admit that although I don’t carry gold and gems with me on my travels, to aid my worship, I do carry a small wooden cross which I often hold in prayer. We are all different and for some, a jewelled set of prayer beads or a rosary serve the same purpose.
What stands out for us as we look at differing forms of religion is that most were polytheistic, from Paganism practised is what became Britain to household gods of Roman times. Many ancient religious beliefs continue to be held today.
As to the emergence of monotheism: dates in the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament are the subject of debate but Jews, Christians and followers of Islam share the belief that God, one God, made himself or herself, known to those who would follow. Many ancient religions from earlier times still have their adherents across the world. In our own Christian faith, some of the religious celebrations central to our practice have overlaid long forgotten pagan festivals. Think of our Easter, known by ancestors long ago as Eostre, a celebration of spring. I like to think of our faith having grown to embrace ancient beliefs rather than totally contradict them. We believe God is and always has been, so must have been part of the whole history of humanity. In the gospel of St Matthew we read that Jesus said: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them.” Of course this refers to the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament but many pre Christian religions may find echoes of their own beliefs in the teachings of Jesus. Even Wicca a contemporary pagan religion whose practices are totally at odds with our Christian faith, seeks to honour the life-giving and life-sustaining powers of Nature through ritual worship and a commitment to living in balance with the Earth. There are so many connections between people of faith.
Our turning point came with the birth, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Just days ago I was sitting with an elderly Muslim widow and she gave me a precious Koran to hold. It had belonged to her grandmother and was richly bound and illuminated. As she touched it with reverence and love, she told me how she had learned about Jesus and his mother Mary from this sacred text. It was slightly shocking that she knew more of our faith than I did of hers. We had little language to share but we’re able to say “One God” and “One peace” Our realities and hopes and prayers were united in that moment and it felt that more should and could unite us than divide us. She was as sure of her faith as I am of mine yet there was respect and acceptance of difference. It is a moment I shall never forget. The only other English she had was to wish us a Happy Easter. Where there is understanding, there is hope and our shared hope is for peace.
The elderly lady (who was probably younger than I am) is a family matriarch of a large, loving family whose religious faith differs from one member to another. It must be so in families across the world. She would influence without directing, share without imposing. Every group or family needs people to lead and take responsibility. So does every church family. It’s like a baton being handed from generation to generation .
Right now I’m thinking about such people in our own church family in Sharow. About twenty years ago, when I started my training as a Reader, now more commonly known as a Licensed Lay Minister, the then priest in charge said I should give up being a church warden. I’d been in post for five years of the allotted six, having been guided in the first three years by one Peter Triffitt. So,who would take over? We say the Lord will provide and lo and behold, the Lord provided Rosemary. She hasn’t been in post continuously since then but it might feel that way to her.
Nobody could have known then what a huge influence she would become in the post and in everyone who came her way. We know now what a huge part Rosemary has played in the life of St John’s, far beyond those early days when she and I were Sunday school leaders with our own children from 1983!
I run out of words of praise and thanks for all Rosemary has done because there are so many things at St. John’s when she has been involved. It’s not just that she makes events happen but happen so smoothly. Thank you Rosemary but did you have to make it so hard for anyone to step into your shoes??!! She may have taken breaks from the church warden role but seemed to keep coming back - some people will never learn. However, the time has come for her to pass on the baton to someone else or several people. Rosemary you have our thanks and love for all you have done and been in our church family.
Another hugely important role which didn’t exist 42 years ago when Simon and I first came to St Johns is that of Safeguarding Officer. Every organisation has had to take greater care to protect its members, especially young, old and vulnerable and overseeing this essential work requires vigilance and empathy. As we all know, this now complex job has been handled over recent years by Nicky Howgate, also a long standing worshipper with us all. She has encouraged and occasionally cajoled members of the PCC to complete safeguarding training and has been a huge support to incumbent priests. All done with remarkable good nature. She too is standing down from the Church Council and leaves us as a much better informed, aware and qualified group than we were years ago. Thank you Nicky for always being there as wise counsel, for turning up for absolutely every event possible and for your legendary patience with us all. I’m so pleased you will continue to be a friendly, welcoming presence at services, concerts and the like. Nicky too goes back to times when we brought our children to Sunday school and then SCHADY (Sharow Copt Hewick and district youth) all of whom are parents themselves now.
Similar groups and roles exist in other churches of widely differing traditions and in mosques, temples and synagogues across the land and around the world. Most people want to live in peace, see future generations thrive and support and protect our hard won freedoms. We do well to look to the commandments God gave to early followers who, like many families went their different ways. Those commandments continue to be building blocks of many faiths and instruct us to love our God and our neighbours. Those neighbours don’t just live next door but share this world and in standing up for them we ensure that in return they will stand up for us because that’s what families do. Remember that old joke” it’s a great day for the race” “race, what race.” “Why, the human race of course” like the faiths we follow in our different ways, if surviving is to turn into thriving, we, Gods children must care for one another and together protect this wonderful world we have been given to share, inhabit and pass on in good order.
-Kindly penned by our marvellous LLM Ruth Grenfell
Not only inanimate objects such as trees, rocks, mountains were worshipped but in many cultures, ancestors were worshipped too. They had been, so maybe they still are I imagine our own ancestors thought. So perhaps, early on in our development there was a concept of another realm beyond this.
Many religions, or belief systems, were embraced by our brothers and sisters in ages past. A great many deities were regional or even domestic and there was huge diversity across national borders. Several different gods, or objects of worship were identified as being worthy of devotion and took the form of created objects in precious metals and gems, the richness of their parts showing the extent of esteem in which these deities were held. I’ll admit that although I don’t carry gold and gems with me on my travels, to aid my worship, I do carry a small wooden cross which I often hold in prayer. We are all different and for some, a jewelled set of prayer beads or a rosary serve the same purpose.
What stands out for us as we look at differing forms of religion is that most were polytheistic, from Paganism practised is what became Britain to household gods of Roman times. Many ancient religious beliefs continue to be held today.
As to the emergence of monotheism: dates in the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament are the subject of debate but Jews, Christians and followers of Islam share the belief that God, one God, made himself or herself, known to those who would follow. Many ancient religions from earlier times still have their adherents across the world. In our own Christian faith, some of the religious celebrations central to our practice have overlaid long forgotten pagan festivals. Think of our Easter, known by ancestors long ago as Eostre, a celebration of spring. I like to think of our faith having grown to embrace ancient beliefs rather than totally contradict them. We believe God is and always has been, so must have been part of the whole history of humanity. In the gospel of St Matthew we read that Jesus said: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them.” Of course this refers to the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament but many pre Christian religions may find echoes of their own beliefs in the teachings of Jesus. Even Wicca a contemporary pagan religion whose practices are totally at odds with our Christian faith, seeks to honour the life-giving and life-sustaining powers of Nature through ritual worship and a commitment to living in balance with the Earth. There are so many connections between people of faith.
Our turning point came with the birth, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Just days ago I was sitting with an elderly Muslim widow and she gave me a precious Koran to hold. It had belonged to her grandmother and was richly bound and illuminated. As she touched it with reverence and love, she told me how she had learned about Jesus and his mother Mary from this sacred text. It was slightly shocking that she knew more of our faith than I did of hers. We had little language to share but we’re able to say “One God” and “One peace” Our realities and hopes and prayers were united in that moment and it felt that more should and could unite us than divide us. She was as sure of her faith as I am of mine yet there was respect and acceptance of difference. It is a moment I shall never forget. The only other English she had was to wish us a Happy Easter. Where there is understanding, there is hope and our shared hope is for peace.
The elderly lady (who was probably younger than I am) is a family matriarch of a large, loving family whose religious faith differs from one member to another. It must be so in families across the world. She would influence without directing, share without imposing. Every group or family needs people to lead and take responsibility. So does every church family. It’s like a baton being handed from generation to generation .
Right now I’m thinking about such people in our own church family in Sharow. About twenty years ago, when I started my training as a Reader, now more commonly known as a Licensed Lay Minister, the then priest in charge said I should give up being a church warden. I’d been in post for five years of the allotted six, having been guided in the first three years by one Peter Triffitt. So,who would take over? We say the Lord will provide and lo and behold, the Lord provided Rosemary. She hasn’t been in post continuously since then but it might feel that way to her.
Nobody could have known then what a huge influence she would become in the post and in everyone who came her way. We know now what a huge part Rosemary has played in the life of St John’s, far beyond those early days when she and I were Sunday school leaders with our own children from 1983!
I run out of words of praise and thanks for all Rosemary has done because there are so many things at St. John’s when she has been involved. It’s not just that she makes events happen but happen so smoothly. Thank you Rosemary but did you have to make it so hard for anyone to step into your shoes??!! She may have taken breaks from the church warden role but seemed to keep coming back - some people will never learn. However, the time has come for her to pass on the baton to someone else or several people. Rosemary you have our thanks and love for all you have done and been in our church family.
Another hugely important role which didn’t exist 42 years ago when Simon and I first came to St Johns is that of Safeguarding Officer. Every organisation has had to take greater care to protect its members, especially young, old and vulnerable and overseeing this essential work requires vigilance and empathy. As we all know, this now complex job has been handled over recent years by Nicky Howgate, also a long standing worshipper with us all. She has encouraged and occasionally cajoled members of the PCC to complete safeguarding training and has been a huge support to incumbent priests. All done with remarkable good nature. She too is standing down from the Church Council and leaves us as a much better informed, aware and qualified group than we were years ago. Thank you Nicky for always being there as wise counsel, for turning up for absolutely every event possible and for your legendary patience with us all. I’m so pleased you will continue to be a friendly, welcoming presence at services, concerts and the like. Nicky too goes back to times when we brought our children to Sunday school and then SCHADY (Sharow Copt Hewick and district youth) all of whom are parents themselves now.
Similar groups and roles exist in other churches of widely differing traditions and in mosques, temples and synagogues across the land and around the world. Most people want to live in peace, see future generations thrive and support and protect our hard won freedoms. We do well to look to the commandments God gave to early followers who, like many families went their different ways. Those commandments continue to be building blocks of many faiths and instruct us to love our God and our neighbours. Those neighbours don’t just live next door but share this world and in standing up for them we ensure that in return they will stand up for us because that’s what families do. Remember that old joke” it’s a great day for the race” “race, what race.” “Why, the human race of course” like the faiths we follow in our different ways, if surviving is to turn into thriving, we, Gods children must care for one another and together protect this wonderful world we have been given to share, inhabit and pass on in good order.
-Kindly penned by our marvellous LLM Ruth Grenfell
For my own sake I never imagined that I would be ringing bells again after 45 years. I learned when I was about 12, standing on a box in St Mary’s, Dunsfold, Surrey, where I grew up. I met Charles on a walk in Ripon and he encouraged me to return to, ‘Have another go!’. This I did on 9th October 2023 and I have never looked back.
It has provided the most remarkable, life changing experience because I moved churches and ring now with my wife. Ringing bells gives us physical exercise, tests our mental agility and yet also contributes to our spiritual worship. Combined with an environment of wonderful friendship this is a cocktail of wellbeing that has exceeded all my expectations!
If anyone reading this would just like to come and see what the experience can provide for them you would be SO welcome. It is always a privilege to show visitors our tower. Please contact [email protected]
-Wood
Tower Captain
It has provided the most remarkable, life changing experience because I moved churches and ring now with my wife. Ringing bells gives us physical exercise, tests our mental agility and yet also contributes to our spiritual worship. Combined with an environment of wonderful friendship this is a cocktail of wellbeing that has exceeded all my expectations!
If anyone reading this would just like to come and see what the experience can provide for them you would be SO welcome. It is always a privilege to show visitors our tower. Please contact [email protected]
-Wood
Tower Captain
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.
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 !
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Today at St John’s Church in North Yorkshire, we witnessed a moving celebration of faith as four wonderful souls—Caroline, Jo, Abby, and young Gregory—stepped forward in confirmation. The ceremony, graced by the presence of our esteemed Bishop Anna, was one of divine joy and promise, affirming the sacred calling that awaits each confirmed believer.
Our wonderful Bishop Anna led the service with a resplendent blend of tradition and heartfelt modernity
Psalm 118:24:
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
The confirmation is not merely a rite of passage but a luminous testament to a lifelong walk with Christ—a journey that transforms hearts and kindles the divine spark within. Each candidate, with their unique stories and radiant spirits, has embraced this commitment, stepping boldly into a future illuminated by faith and guided by the Holy Spirit.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our wonderful ordinand Juliet, whose gentle wisdom and patient guidance in the weeks leading up to the ceremony have been nothing short of inspirational. Her nurturing spirit and dedication have prepared these candidates not just for this day, but for a lifetime of faithful service.
As we reflect on today’s confirmation, our hearts overflow with hope and gratitude. We stand together as a community bound by love, ready to support these newly confirmed members in their spiritual journey. May they always feel the embrace of our congregation, the guidance of our lay and visiting clergy, and the radiant warmth of God’s light.
Our wonderful Bishop Anna led the service with a resplendent blend of tradition and heartfelt modernity
Psalm 118:24:
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
The confirmation is not merely a rite of passage but a luminous testament to a lifelong walk with Christ—a journey that transforms hearts and kindles the divine spark within. Each candidate, with their unique stories and radiant spirits, has embraced this commitment, stepping boldly into a future illuminated by faith and guided by the Holy Spirit.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our wonderful ordinand Juliet, whose gentle wisdom and patient guidance in the weeks leading up to the ceremony have been nothing short of inspirational. Her nurturing spirit and dedication have prepared these candidates not just for this day, but for a lifetime of faithful service.
As we reflect on today’s confirmation, our hearts overflow with hope and gratitude. We stand together as a community bound by love, ready to support these newly confirmed members in their spiritual journey. May they always feel the embrace of our congregation, the guidance of our lay and visiting clergy, and the radiant warmth of God’s light.
 Image Credit : Debbie Carter  Image Credit : Debbie Carter |  Image Credit : Debbie Carter  Image Credit : Debbie Carter |
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 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”.
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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...
L to R Julia, Debbie, Bridget and their dear friend, Sally Robinson, who they sadly lost too soon.Image Credit : Debbie Carter
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.
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.
Thank you to Debbie. May our flag honour your dear friend Sal. May it bring you and those she held dear a smile to her memory when they pass by St John's.
-x-
🔔🎄🌟 Merry Christmas 🌟🎄🔔 Well what a fantastic year we have had at Sharow St John's Church! The bells have been ringing from strength to strength, announcing our services and special events for our Bicentennial year which is almost at a close.
We have looked at the history of our past years with fascination, introduced lovely new people into our Church family, with Baptisms, and a lovely Holiday Club; also said our goodbyes to some old friends. We helped to launch our wonderful Reverend Ruth to the Diocese of Carlisle as Archdeacon, and have borrowed her energetic encouragement to enthusiastically continue the good work.
We are gently growing in deepened discipleship with Brian's brilliant Bible Studies; and our monthly Cafe Church, led by our newly authorised Lay Worship Leaders, growing the Ministry Team just in time for navigating the waiting time for another regular Priest.
Various members of our congregation are now exploring Theology courses, Pastoral training, and I have had the privilege as a new Ordinand of assisting the Church Wardens and LLM in 'holding the fort' and enjoyed meeting all the visiting clergy, learning from our own retired Priest in between exploring the peace and joy of following Jesus with Morning Prayer, and weekly soothing calm Celtic Evening Prayer.
Monthly Family Services have been a lovely time to learn across our gathered community, with
our lovely Licensed Lay Minister, and Children's Minister captivating our children (and inner child!).
Choir has continued to attend, with 9 enthusiastic choristers and helpful parents.
Wonderful Wednesdays started in the Autumn, and the take up has more than doubled with others due to join us in the New Year, for lots of creative projects and chat, a thriving community from the village and beyond. How creative this Church is, following our Creator God, including a cornucopia of fabulous concerts interspersed with weekly Ecumenical Prayer Meetings, and quarterly Art & Spirituality Retreat Days add to immersing St John's in prayer with all our regular services.
The Church Wardens have done a tremendous amount behind the scenes to keep the Church running, and we feel happy and healthy as a community. We really are the body of Christ in Sharow, and always ready to lend a helping hand, we expanded our Sharow Village Pantry provision to those who make use of it.
Thankyou to a wonderful community for stepping up to the challenges, to the Friends of St John's for financial and social support, there will be more to navigate ahead but in prayer we take it all to
God, who is faithful, and brings to birth new things for us all in His perfect timing.
We wish you and yours a Peaceful, Blessed and Happy Christmas, do come and see what
exciting things we can all offer as gifts to our community, from and for everyone in the New Year!
-Juliet ✨💖🙏🏻
PS. Please do join us today at either St John’s or The Holy Innocents at 10am for Holy Communion.
We have looked at the history of our past years with fascination, introduced lovely new people into our Church family, with Baptisms, and a lovely Holiday Club; also said our goodbyes to some old friends. We helped to launch our wonderful Reverend Ruth to the Diocese of Carlisle as Archdeacon, and have borrowed her energetic encouragement to enthusiastically continue the good work.
We are gently growing in deepened discipleship with Brian's brilliant Bible Studies; and our monthly Cafe Church, led by our newly authorised Lay Worship Leaders, growing the Ministry Team just in time for navigating the waiting time for another regular Priest.
Various members of our congregation are now exploring Theology courses, Pastoral training, and I have had the privilege as a new Ordinand of assisting the Church Wardens and LLM in 'holding the fort' and enjoyed meeting all the visiting clergy, learning from our own retired Priest in between exploring the peace and joy of following Jesus with Morning Prayer, and weekly soothing calm Celtic Evening Prayer.
Monthly Family Services have been a lovely time to learn across our gathered community, with
our lovely Licensed Lay Minister, and Children's Minister captivating our children (and inner child!).
Choir has continued to attend, with 9 enthusiastic choristers and helpful parents.
Wonderful Wednesdays started in the Autumn, and the take up has more than doubled with others due to join us in the New Year, for lots of creative projects and chat, a thriving community from the village and beyond. How creative this Church is, following our Creator God, including a cornucopia of fabulous concerts interspersed with weekly Ecumenical Prayer Meetings, and quarterly Art & Spirituality Retreat Days add to immersing St John's in prayer with all our regular services.
The Church Wardens have done a tremendous amount behind the scenes to keep the Church running, and we feel happy and healthy as a community. We really are the body of Christ in Sharow, and always ready to lend a helping hand, we expanded our Sharow Village Pantry provision to those who make use of it.
Thankyou to a wonderful community for stepping up to the challenges, to the Friends of St John's for financial and social support, there will be more to navigate ahead but in prayer we take it all to
God, who is faithful, and brings to birth new things for us all in His perfect timing.
We wish you and yours a Peaceful, Blessed and Happy Christmas, do come and see what
exciting things we can all offer as gifts to our community, from and for everyone in the New Year!
-Juliet ✨💖🙏🏻
PS. Please do join us today at either St John’s or The Holy Innocents at 10am for Holy Communion.
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