Message from Rev Dr Sarah Baker
Minister, St John the Baptist, Rowlands Castle
At this time of new beginnings I would like to take the opportunity to say “Hello” and introduce myself. For those of you who don’t know me I have been a member of St John’s congregation for five years, usually attending the 10.00 service. I am now taking on the role of Minister for St John’s with effect from January 1st 2024. minister@saintjohnschurch.org.uk
As part of developing our Mission Action Plan we undertook a review of where we are and how we are in order that we may understand what we need to be and do in the future to continue to be part of God’s Mission here in Rowlands Castle. I have collated the results from this review. Copies are available from me or in church.
Sarah
News and notices
Here is the weekly news sheet for w/b 21st April
New Sermon Series
Following Easter, we shall be having a departure from the lectionary for a few weeks as we look forward to having a series of sermons on mission, based on a book by Robert Warren, called ‘Developing Healthy Churches – returning to the heart of mission and ministry’.
During the interregnum the 8am service on the 1st Sunday in the month will be held at Holy Trinity, Blendworth, Blendworth Lane, Waterlooville, PO8 0AB
The Parish Office is open every Friday between 9am and 1pm alternatively the Parish Office can be contacted by email or a message can be left on the Parish Office answer phone, 02392 410111.
Anna Chaplain
Bishop Jonathan made the care of older people one of his two main priorities. The bishop aims to create a network of Anna Chaplains across the diocese. Mary Close has been appointed as an Anna Chaplain for Saint John’s. Mary’s role is part of an ecumenical, community-based, chaplaincy network promoting the spiritual welfare of older people, for people of strong, little or no faith at all. There is more information about this ministry and Mary’s contact details on the Anna Chaplaincy page.
A snapshot of our Ministry and Mission
Ministry and Mission at St John’s Church Rowlands Castle. What our church gets up to outside of Sunday everyday church.
Building God’s Kingdom through Christ’s love in action.
What’s happening at Saint John’s
You can find out about all our church services here. Check the availability of the church centre by looking at the calendar and then make contact by completing the booking enquiry form. There are some special events at Saint John’s coming up in the next few weeks. More details about these events can be found by selecting the images below.
Little Fishes
Little Fishes starts again after the Easter holidays on 15th April at 9:00am to 11:00am every Monday morning during term time in the Church Centre.
Join in the playtime with singing, stories, craftwork and snacks too. Swim on by!
We extend a warm welcome to all the new families, with pre school children, in the village and invite you to come and join us.
The Quicken Trust is our charity of the month for April
What is the Quicken Trust?
The Quicken Trust was founded as a registered charity by Geoff Booker in 1996. At that time tackling poverty and transforming lives in the rural Ugandan village of Kabubbu was not on the agenda.
Instead the aim of the Trust was to provide support to help the development of new charities based in the UK. The name was inspired by the old English word “quicken” meaning to give new life to others.
But, after Geoff and his wife Geraldine returned to Kabubbu in 2000, the focus changed. The Trust now concentrates entirely on working to help the villagers find a way out of poverty, destitution, disease and despair.
From the start, Quicken was underpinned by Geoff and Geraldine’s Christian faith. But preaching was never the main aim. As Geoff puts it: “We are inspired by the words of Francis of Assisi: ‘Wherever you go, preach the Gospel – and only if necessary, use words’. On every visit we share our experience of God in church. We also share our faith when asked by others who have experienced a miraculous provision or felt God’s love personally.”
About Saint John’s Church
St. John the Baptist is an Anglican church situated to the south of Rowlands Castle near to its church primary school. With a wealth of history to explore, and many unique and beautiful features we are well worth a visit. Our adjoining Church Centre has excellent facilities and has full disability access. However, we are more than just a building; we are a community of people who are inspired by our faith in God, to learn from the teachings of Jesus and seek to be led by the Holy Spirit, to love and serve the community around us. We worship together on Sunday mornings, and are involved in many other aspects of church and village life. We would love to welcome you to St. John’s and get to know you, so please click on the links or download the trifold welcome leaflet to find out more.
Saint John’s has been awarded the A Rocha Bronze Award as an Eco Church
The Eco Church initiative is an ecumenical scheme helping churches to make the link between environmental issues and the Christian faith, and to respond in practical action.
It has three award levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold, and considers how the environment is addressed within Worship and Teaching, Buildings, Land, Community & Global Engagement and Lifestyle. More than an award scheme, it is also a growing learning community of churches all wanting to play their part in responding to climate change and biodiversity loss.
Saint John’s has been awarded the A Rocha Bronze Award for the work it has completed towards meeting this vision. To achieve this award Saint John’s undertook the A Rocha survey covering the five disciplines outlined above. Some of the questions were easily answered whereas others required research and a change of thinking for the church and the church family. More information on the Eco Church initiative is on the Eco Church page
Our Safeguarding Policy.
St John’s is fully committed to the Church of England’s Safeguarding Policies. Our Parish Safeguarding Statement to this effect can be read here.
Any safeguarding concerns about either children or vulnerable adults should be brought to the immediate attention of Carol Milford or Chris Hollis.
Registered Address: Parish Office,
Saint John’s Church Centre,
120 Redhill Road,
Rowlands Castle,
PO9 6DF
02392 410111
