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News from St. John's Sharow

SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR

Welcome to June

31/5/2025

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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.
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“Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people.” — Ephesians 6:7

In May, we said a heartfelt thank you and farewell to our beloved Rosemary, who is has stepped down as Churchwarden, we are now looking for someone to take up the role. Could it be you? It’s a rewarding way to contribute to the life of St John’s, grow in your faith, and be part of a truly supportive and joyful team. No one walks this path alone — we’re in it together.

At our Annual Parochial Church Council Meeting we also said farewell to Ruth who has retired from the council after many years and Nicky who is handing over the reigns as Safeguarding Officer. We’re welcoming new members to our Parochial Church Council (PCC) — ideal for those who care deeply about the future of our church and want to be part of shaping it. This might be the moment to step forward and say, “Yes, I’m in!” 

We're very excited to welcome Jane to the Parochial Church Council. Sharon has joined Jean to serve on the Deanery Synod. Thank you so very much to both Jane and Sharon, we are so excited to have your help in taking St John’s forward. 

While we continue praying for the appointment of a new priest, we’re incredibly thankful for the dedication and warmth of our current ministry team — Reader Ruth, Ordinand Juliet, Lay Worship Minister Carol-Ann, visiting clergy, and of course Rev’d Chris from The Holy Innocents. If you’d like a chat, Juliet is available in church on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, or you can contact her by email at [email protected]. You’ll also find Tony in church every Monday at 9:30am, always happy to talk or answer questions.

We encourage everyone to take part in this season of energy, hope, and service — let’s move forward together in faith, with full hearts and open hands.

You can also support St John’s with zero fuss by using Easy Fundraising when you shop online:
https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/sjcs/
Here’s to a month of fresh beginnings, shared purpose, and joyful action!
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Christian Aid at Copt Hewick

21/5/2025

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Arriving in the Leaving

21/5/2025

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Some of you might know that our fabulous congregation member, Deborah, is a talented and thought provoking writer. Se writes under her birth name Deborah Sheppard. 
We are so pleased to share a poem from her, penned on the last day of her first retreat to Iona.

​Arriving in the Leaving

 
You arrived
with an idea of Iona.
You giddied the week into being -
 
the latest release:
 
‘Twelve Women Retreat to an Island’
 
…cinematic outtakes:
women, holding,
sharing - mingling
minds.
 
You left
with a reel
of real.
 
She can have this effect.
… Iona I mean.
 
She leaves you
reeling in
the realing.
 
She knows the script
of your Soul
and is not afraid
to leave you
alone with yourSelf.


She uses true mirrors
to good effect.
 
We arrive wanting;
solitude is part of this
course -
but, This
is ‘The Lone’
in aloneness.
 
You’re playing a part
that maybe
you’d prefer to be scattered
cuttings on the floor
in the final cut;
you discover  
that the riches
are in the subplot.
 
…The woman connection
goes deep…
as always.
 
We find that inner
longing is unanswered
but captured.
 
And, as you write this
solitary piece looking
over the sound to Mull,
 
The Iona Max Screen
is playing
‘A Flock of Geese’
forming the V:
the invisible
Unspoken.
 
Their versus
is held in belonging
and they don’t need
to honk about it​

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Be Still and Find God

1/5/2025

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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.
Connect here
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Congratulations Caroline !

1/5/2025

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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.
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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.
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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
  • Postulant: An initial period of 3 months to a year to explore the calling, guided by an experienced Tertiary.
  • Novice: Upon commitment, simple promises are made, and a Novice cross is received. This stage lasts at least two years, focusing on developing one’s Rule of Life.
  • Full Member: After the Novitiate, life promises are made, and a Full Member’s cross is received. These promises are renewed every three years.

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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.
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​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] 
Book a night by the coast staying in the Priory (open to all) from £60/pn [email protected]
​https://www.tohpwhitby.org.uk/index.php

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With love + thanks

1/5/2025

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Nicky,
​We want to express our heartfelt thanks to you as you retire from your role as our safeguarding officer. Your background as a nurse has shone through in every act of care, compassion, and diligence, and we’ve been truly blessed by your presence. Your gentle strength and unwavering commitment have made our church a safer and kinder place. For all the ways you’ve cared, supported, and protected us—thank you.
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Ruth,
​We would like to offer our heartfelt thanks to Ruth as she steps down from her ex officio role on the PCC. Her faithful guidance, rooted in prayer and centered in Christ, has been a steadying and inspiring presence for us all. Over the decades, Ruth has served St John’s in many invaluable ways, and her commitment to our church community is a true blessing. We are deeply grateful for all she has given and continues to give.

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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.
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Encapsulating Yorkshire & Raising Funds for St John’s

1/5/2025

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(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.
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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
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Welcome to May

1/5/2025

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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
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Back to the bells

8/4/2025

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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
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A Lenten Art

25/3/2025

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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.
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You can find out more about The Holy Innocents building here : 
The Holy Innocents
There are services very Tuesday at 10am. The first Sunday of the Month at 10am and also this month at 10am on Easter Sunday ! 
Holy Communion at The Holy Innocents
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