Prayer and Study

We welcome everyone to all of our opportunities for prayer and study. Being with fellow Christians is a vital ingredient for ensuring spiritual growth.

Prayer

Prayerline gives confidential prayer support between 9.00am and 10.00pm on 01276 475550 or 01276 471012.

Early morning prayers - 6.45am Monday to Fridays. Fifteen minutes of prayer in St John's Church for earlybirds.

Start and stop the week - 8.45am Mondays and Fridays. A short service of morning prayer in St John's Church lasting 15 minutes.

Prayer evenings - 8.00pm-9.30pm on the first Monday of the month. Held at St John's Link.

Closer to God - 8.00pm-8.45pm on the third Monday of the month. A time of quiet, contemplative time of prayer and meditation - and a special way of deepening our relationship with God. The format varies but incorporates silence and meditative forms of prayer. Held at St John's Link.

Prayers for Healing - Prayers for Healing are offered in the St John's Chapel during Communion and Parish Communions and after the Morning Praise service on the first Sunday of each month.

The Prayer Cross - At the back of the church there is a prayer cross. Prayer requests can be hung on the cross, which is presented during the offertory at Sunday morning services. The prayers are then entered in a special Prayer Book which is kept in the St John's Chapel and used during the week.

Quiet Days

Quiet Days are unique opportunities to experience quiet in the company of others. Being silent doesn't mean we have to sit still - you can read a book, look at the surroundings, go for a walk, whatever you feel like doing. Plans for forthcoming quiet days will be made available here.

Parish Weekends

St John's plan retreats at least every two years either at home or away to enjoy worshipping God and exploring aspects of the Christian faith together. They are enriching experiences, fun and suitable for all ages - combining prayer, song, study and fellowship.

At other times during the year, many people from St John's enjoy other Christian festivals including the Spring Harvest and Greenbelt.

Home Groups

As well as friendship and Bible study, Home Groups also offer a time to pray together and support for each other whatever your circumstances. Groups meet either weekly or fortnightly Monday to Friday, morning and evenings. Everyone is welcome to join any group - to find out more please contact Sally Kew.

Courses

Christianity Explored

If you want to find out more about the Christian faith in a fresh and informal way then this is the course for you. It explores who Jesus was what his aims were and what it means to follow him.

You don't have to pray, sing or read aloud. You can ask questions if you like or just come along and listen. Find out more by contacting Lynne Hill.

Lent Course

Jean Lewis will be leading a Lent Course starting at 8pm on Wednesday 24 February in the Palm Room, upstairs in The Link. The theme of the course is 'When I survey...Christ's cross and ours'. This 5-week course will give people an opportunity to:

• learn about the Christian faith
• tackle the biggest questions facing humanity
• examine your own beliefs in the company of others

Anyone is welcome to attend - please join us.

Daily Bible Reading Notes

Reading the Bible regularly is an invaluable aid to spiritual life and growth. A wide range of publications is available for all ages, to help in Bible reading and understanding. To find out more contact Mary Witchell.