St Johns, Crowthorne

Revd Laura Wheatley Downs tells us how Hannah remained faithful when Israel was in chaos, by dedicating her son to the Lord. In our present world there are many crises. Where is God to be found?

The story suggests that there is a way. Elderly Eli encouraged the young boy Samuel to listen to God.

Whoever we are, and whatever our situation there is a space and role for us to encourage others to listen and to find God.

May we be blest like Hannah to offer our gifts back to God.

What will you do with your wild and precious life?

Revd Laura Wheatley Downs

Sunday 31st Dec 2023

Revd Canon John Edwards leads our thinking at the All Together Eucharist on Christmas Day.

Revd Canon John Edwards shares with us some thoughts on Mary and John the Baptist

John Edwards preaches on Isaiah 61.1-4, 8-9 and John 1.6-8, 19-28.

Laura explores 2 Peter through the lens of Greek Mythology and prompts us to think about how our view of God and Salvation impacts our discipleship as we wait for Jesus' return.

Laura speaks to us about advent as a season for leaning into our friends' hopes and dreams.

Isaiah 64:1-9 and Luke 12

It is not thou that shapest God
it is God that shapest thee.
If thou art the work of God
await the hand of the artist
who does all things in due season.
Offer Him thy heart,
soft and tractable,
and keep the form
in which the artist has fashioned thee.
Let thy clay be moist,
lest thou grow hard
and lose the imprint of his fingers.
- St. Irenaeus

Anita from Alexander Devine came to speak to us about the amazing work which has taken place within Alexander Devine over the last 16 years.

Alexander Devine is one of the missions which St Johns support.

Our vicar, Revd Laura Wheatley Downs leads us in thinking seriously about Safeguarding and how we can work together to ensure that all are loved and nurtured.

Reading: Matthew 25. 14-30 The parable of the talents