The Choir plays a very important role in our worship. It is composed of men, and boys and girls of 9 to 14. From the age of 7½ they begin to train as “probationers”. They also give regular concerts with orchestra and soloists. Contact the Choirmaster Mr Jonathan Hope
Servers of both sexes assist in the sanctuary at the services, on a duty rota. Contact the Sacristan, Mr Harry Lamb
Sunday
School for
three-year-olds and upwards, meets in the Church Hall at 9.30 a.m., during
term time. The children come
into church for the last part of the service, and come up to the altar
rail to be blessed. In the
school holidays the service is somewhat simplified to encourage the
children to attend.
Contact Mrs Catherine Arnell
For the very young a
few toys and fun activities can be found in the “happy bags” hanging
at the back of the church. Alternatively,
there is a crèche in the clergy vestry (one of the sidesmen can
show you where).
Baptism takes place within the 9.30 a.m. Sunday service or at services of Public Baptism on certain Sundays at 11.30 a.m. Parents are visited at home by one of the clergy beforehand. Contact the Vicar
Confirmation - Children (usually 11-13) meet together for just over a year in an "Ichthus Group" before being presented to the Bishop for Confirmation and becoming communicant members of the church. Preparation is arranged for adults considering baptism, confirmation, or reception from another Christian Church. Contact the Vicar
Weddings normally take place in the church of the parish in which one of the couple lives; weddings outside the parish of residence usually require a Special License. Contact the Vicar
Funerals of
those who live in the parish are usually conducted by one of the clergy of
the parish. In this way a visit can be made to the family in their home
beforehand, and the problems of an anonymous service by a “duty
minister” at a crematorium avoided.
The clergy always try to be available for the time preferred by the
family, but it is best if the funeral director can be asked to contact the
Vicar before the time is finalised.
The
Parochial Church Council is responsible for most aspects of parish life, and is assisted by a
number of committees. Correspondence
should be addressed to its Secretary,
Mrs Jenny Hearn
Its members are elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting each April.
To vote at this one's name must be on the Electoral Roll.
Contact the Electoral Roll Secretary, Mrs Jenny Hearn
The
Financial Support of the
church comes chiefly from the regular giving of its members, through
weekly envelopes or banker's order. Signing
a simple Gift Aid form increases its value by 28% through tax refunded
directly to the church.
Contact the Stewardship Recorder,
Mr Ray Beaumont
FOCUS (40p) is
the monthly paper published by John Keble Church.
It can be delivered to any address in the parish or emailed further
afield and is on sale at
the church.
Editor:
Mr Andrew Arnell
For delivery, contact
Mrs Christina Bunce
John Keble Chronicle is a weekly leaflet listing services and activities
Local Ecumenical Partnership - This is one of nine local churches who have joined together in a Local Ecumenical Partnership. We hold an United Service at 6.30 p.m. on the first Sunday of each month and together sponsor a wide range of community help, including the Mill Hill Good Neighbour Scheme. A monthly newssheet lists many joint activities.
Emmaus
Groups - Several
different groups meet at various times for Christian exploration,
growth and development.
Contact the Vicar
Ecumenical House Groups A number of Ecumenical House Groups meet weekly during Lent
Quarterly
Quiet Days and an Annual Retreat are held.
A Meditation Group meets fortnightly throughout the year
(except during Lent).
Contact Mr Harry Lamb
or Mr Michael Buck