Thank you message from Father Jerry and Mother Anne-Marie

To all our friends at St John's

We would like to say a very big thank you to you all for making our last Sunday at St John’s such a wonderful and memorable occasion. It’s hard to leave after so many years, though of course we are also looking forward very much to new things. On our final Sunday it was good to share with so many friends including those from other parishes in the Caterham Group and even old friends from previous parishes. We both felt very much embraced by your love and warmth.

We would also like to thank you for your amazing generosity - we were overwhelmed by your many gifts and cards. We particularly loved the card from Junior Church. When we are down in Shoreham our door will always be open. And it’s good to think that every morning when we have our first cup of coffee we shall be reminded of you all.

Thank you again

With all our love
Father Jerry and Mother Anne-Marie

Sunday 12 February 2023 - a service and lunch to remember

It seemed like any other communion service, but this one was different. After over 2 decades service to the parish of Caterham, Father Jerry was taking his last service.

The differences started at the end of the service, with in church presentations from Junior Church and the Congregation.

Celebrations then switched to the church hall, with a magnificent cake, live bouzouki music, a very filling lunch, presents and much love and appreciation for Father Jerry and Mother Anne-Marie.

Jerry and Anne-Marie’s farewell Bring and Share lunch

The year 2000 brought a new millennium and Father Jerry and Mother Anne-Marie to St John's, Caterham. On Sunday 12th February 2023, Father Jerry will take his final service before retirement.

To celebrate over two decades of service to the people of this parish, there will be a Bring & Share Lunch after the morning service. Details are:

• St John's Church Hall, 12 noon for 12.30pm
• Bring food with an international flavour e.g. from your country of birth or that you enjoy visiting
• Main course or desert that can be easily served. Food to be precooked
• Label food: country and information about food
• When preparing the food please ensure you have clean hands and surfaces
• Bring your own drink and glasses
• Wear traditional clothing (if you wish)

Please join us for Father Jerry's final service and contact us to indicate what you are bringing to the B&S lunch. A Bring & Share Lunch poster is available to download.

Patience by Gilbert and Sullivan

Patience

Utopians Unlimited

present a fund-raising staged production

Friday 3rd March 2023
7:30pm

St John's Church
Clareville Road
Caterham Valley

Tickets can be booked in advance for £10 each.

A PDF of the Patience poster is available to download.

Weekday mass for 1st week of January

Please note that as the feast of Epiphany falls on Friday this week there will be no service on Thursday 5th but there will be a mass on Friday 6th at 10am.

Fr Jerry's Silver Jubilee

On the 4th October Fr Jerry celebrates the 25th anniversary of his ordination as a priest. Mthr Anne-Marie celebrates her 19th anniversay on the same date.

We are celebrating with a sung mass at 7.30pm followed by refreshments at the back of church.

We are also delighted to be welcoming the Ven. Moira Astin, Archdeacon of Reigate, as our preacher.

All welcome.

The Queen's Platinum Jubliee

Queen’s fun hats made by local people will be on display throughout June.

The choir will sing a special anthem composed for the Royal School of Church Music with words and music by Thomas Hewitt-Jones based on the Queen’s speeches. It is called “In our service”. The organist John Woodhouse will play music for royalty at the church fair on June 25^th and there will be items from local schools. Why not come along and “have a go” on the magnificent organ?

 Bell-ringers all over the country will ring a quarter-peel in June.

More details on the website https://www.stjohnscaterham.org.uk/ and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/stjohnscaterham.

Bishop Christopher's Christmas Message

Covid-19 / Plan B - Updated guidelines

Following the introduction of Plan B by the Government, the Church of England has updated its guidlines on public worship.

The main change is that the wearing of facemasks is now, once more, mandatory. When attending services at St John's you will therefore need to wear a face covering. This incudes while singing. The usual medical exemptions apply, of course.

The full guidance can be read here: Opening and Managing Church Buildings 

The Bridge

The latest edition of the Diocesan newspaper is now out!

Read your copy of The Bridge here.