Many towns and villages across the country have been holding Scarecrow displays during the summer months bringing smiles and laughter and visitors a plenty.
St John's are early into the game with a couple of characters relaxing outside the church. Perhaps more will join them?
The next Munch with Music will be held in the church on 7th June 2023 featuring Kyle Nash-Baker on piano.
You are invited to bring your own ‘Munch’.
Admission is free, donations are welcome.
Coffee, tea and biscuits from 12:15pm, with the performance starting at 12:45pm and lasting about 45 minutes.
The following Munch will be on 5th July, with Andrew Garrido on piano.
Rogation Sunday – traditionally this is when we ask for God’s protection of the agriculture industry, livestock, and crops. The tradition involves walking the boundaries of the parish – which is called “beating the bounds” – praying and asking for God‘s blessing for the well-being of that particular community.
The walkers from St John's were following a carefully planned route starting with the ascent of Church Hill, then south along the valley to Caterham School.
Striking south again, the party made our way via a muddy path to the View Point where lunch was taken and supplied, very kindly, to one foolish person who was ill prepared for the journey.
Heading east along the North Downs Way, a boundary marker was found and duly given a small beating. Crossing the A22 was complicated by having to give way to the runners heading in the opposite direction.
Climbing back up onto the downs was a testing time, though much mutual encouragement was given. Our sixth prayer location was deep in bucolic uplands and was followed by a respectful passage through a large herd of cows (or bulls with udders).
It was all downhill to the Wasp Lodge roundabout, thankfully, and after a trek along Stafford Road, it just remained to pray in front of the north entrance porch of the church.
'Thank you for your application for a Bronze Eco Church Award.
I have checked your survey scores and am delighted to confirm your award. Well done to everyone involved in reaching this milestone!'
Eco Church
St John's service on the 7 May 2023 felt to me like the perfect reflection of the previous day's events.
An expectant congregation gathered and were not disappointed by the familiar, by the unique and by the message. The church was resplendent in red, white and blue, the refreshments were very welcome (nice bit of bubbly) and the cakes delicious.
Rev Catherine Dawkins led the service magnificently and we're very grateful to her.
There is an air of new beginnings around St John's.
A flavour of the service is available in the video 6 minute St John's Coronation reflection service.
St. John the Evangelist Church, Caterham Valley provides a welcoming, caring and inclusive space for the local community.
We need your help in making our Victorian Church accessible for all. The 1st Phase is to build a resin-bonded gravel path around the church wide enough for wheelchairs, with a level access into the church at the South door and hard standing at West door for vehicles to drop off for events in the church.
Thank you for your support and good luck!
Learn how to help!
St John's is planning to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III with you.
On the morning of May 6th, the church bells will be rung from 9:45am to 10:15am, please listen out for this traditional heralding of an upcoming Coronation.
Our Sunday service on May 7th, starting at 10am will reflect the momentous events of the weekend. It is planned to sing the anthem that has been specially composed for the occasion and the national anthem during the Together@10 service.
Cake and bubbly will be dispensed at the back of church after the service. Please come and celebrate with us!
The next Munch with Music will be held in the church on 3rd May 2023 featuring INDIG+O. The group play Recorders, Violin, Double Bass, Mandolin, Bouzouki and Hurdy-Gurdy.
You are invited to bring your own ‘Munch’.
Admission is free, donations are welcome.
Coffee, tea and biscuits from 12:15pm, with the performance starting at 12:45pm and lasting about 45 minutes.
The following Munch will be on 7th June, musicians from Trinity Laban.