Newsletter

St John's Church  News

In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.  Exodus 15:13.
Introducing our new curate...
Great news! We have a curate coming to St John’s to train with us over the next 4 years (I believe this may even be the first time Felbridge has had a curate, certainly in recent memory). Rob Hindmarch will be moving to us mid-June with his wife, Mary, and their 2 daughters. His first Sunday will be the 26th June, but I caught up with Rob to ask him a few questions before he arrives…
 
Rob, could you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your family?
I was born in Manchester and trained as a classical violinist before moving to London and changing careers to work in the local government youth justice sector for 15 years. My wife, Mary, and I have two daughters; Hannah (14) and Abi (11). Before moving to study at college we lived in Wallington, South London. 
 
How has it been for you going “back to school” as you have studied for the last few years at Oak Hill?
Not easy! By God’s grace I’ve managed to learn how to write essays again, sit exams and to read more widely/deeply than before. It has been a challenge but it’s also been a joy and a privilege learning more about God and growing in love for Jesus. 
 
When did you become a Christian? And how has God led you to this point of being called to full-time Christian ministry?
My conversion to Christianity was relatively late in life after spending the first 30 years leading a very self-centred existence. After meeting my future wife Mary in 2004, who thankfully dragged me to church, the then Vicar Stephen Coe (Holy Trinity Wallington) and his wife Elizabeth, took me under their wing demonstrating God's love, patience, perseverance and faithfulness as I finally came to trust Jesus as my Lord and Saviour, being baptised in 2008. After becoming involved in church life at Holy Trinity Wallington, I helped to run and co-lead Christianity Explored, leading Pathfinders (11-14s), Bible study groups and then preaching and leading at the morning and evening services. 
 
As part of my calling I sensed God drawing me forward to reach out and share the good news of the Kingdom with others, meeting them as they are, at their time of greatest need. I am passionate about Jesus being at the centre of families, whatever their shape or size, so that God's love and light permeates into communities and into a world that is growing in division and darkness. 
 
What work have you and Mary done before you headed off to Theological College?
Mary has a background in nursing, midwifery and health visiting before giving up work to look after the girls. Mary is from Malaysia and she is one of eight siblings - as you can imagine, she has a huge family!
 
My first career was as a classical violinist after studying at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester 1991-1995. After graduating, I started to question if music was the most important thing in my life anymore and I had a growing desire to work with people and help others. After freelancing and teaching for a few years in London I requalified as a full time Youth and Community Worker. In 2004 I began a 15 year career in the local government youth justice sector, eventually becoming the manager of Kingston and Richmond Youth Offending Service in south west London. 
 
What do you and your family enjoy doing when not at work/school?
I enjoy the great outdoors - cycling, walking, and camping - as well as eating my favourite food; spicy Malaysian cuisine! Mary enjoys cooking and baking, playing badminton and catching up with family overseas. Hannah enjoys playing football, netball, running, reading and drama. Abi is very sporty too, enjoying running, football (especially Manchester City), cycling and baking. They both enjoy looking after their two guinea pigs (Coffee and Toffee). As a family, we enjoy walks, watching detective series, eating, travelling and family film nights with pizza and popcorn!
 
How can we be praying for you over the coming months? 
Please give thanks for the house for us in East Grinstead! Please pray for school places for the girls (in the same school), for wisdom, energy and strength for the upcoming move, and for making good connections with our neighbours and local community as we arrive. Thank you and we look forward to meeting everyone soon.
SERVICES AT ST JOHN'S

SUNDAY 22 May 
10am Morning Service
Meeting in church and live-streamed on our website and YouTube channel.
The Rock (ages 3-11) meets in the hall during this service. 
Title: The Trial (John 18:28-40)
Speaker: Tim Dullaway

6pm Evening Service
BOSS (ages 11-18) meets in the hall during this service.
Title: Bible Overview: Sinai (Exodus 19:1-25, Exodus 24:1-18)
Speaker: Luke Markham

MONDAY 23 May
2pm Jubilee Connections Praise
A traditional and accessible service followed by tea and cakes in the church.

8pm ALPHA at St John's Online
Online congregation meeting on zoom (link below). 
Title: Does God heal today?
Local Walk this Sunday at 2pm
We'll be walking in Ashurst Wood this Sunday, starting at 2pm. There will be a shorter (40 mins) and a longer option (2 hours), but both starting together. Please meet in Yew Close (there is space to park on the side of Cansiron Lane). Any questions, please contact Rowan Sunders. 
Online Church Directory
Please share your details on our new digital directory so we can keep in touch with one another. If you haven't done so yet, please do so this week as we are printing a hard copy for those unable to access the online version. Any questions, please speak to Luke Markham.

To access the directory, please visit stjohnsfelbridge.churchcenter.com in any web browser. To see more detailed step-by-step instructions to join, please click here.
THE YOUTH
Popcorn at TBS this evening before continuing with the big picture story of the Bible under the title: God Saves. 8:30-9:45 pm in the church. All in year 10+ are welcome.
VERVE meets beforehand with all the usual fun and games. 7-8:30pm for all those in year 6 and above. 
There's a Rock-climbing trip happening for all the youth on Friday 27 May at Volume 1 Climbing in Felbridge.

Platinum Picnic
If you have parties happening in your own neighbourhood that day, please do be part of those instead of this. But if you don't have anything going on, why not come and join us at the church and spread the word so others can come too.

If you are able to help with the set up or with any activities on the day, please email Mark Francis or sign up on the list on the Welcome Desk in church. In particular, we are still looking for help with...

  • Set up and pack down
  • Bunting and gazebos
  • Making and putting up signs
  • Serving Candy Floss
  • Running Badminton or Tug-o-war tournaments
  • Organising the Nature Count in the churchyard
The list of activities on offer is on the poster above, but if you have any other things you could offer as part of the afternoon, please do volunteer. Thank you.

Come and join us for these other Jubilee celebrations...
St Catherine's Hospice,
The hospice are one of our local mission partners and they have a special appeal this weekend to raise funds for their new centre at Pease Pottage. If you would like to support this, click the button below to find out more and for details about how to give.
St Catherine's Hospice 36 hour appeal for the new centre
PRAYER FOR THIS WEEKEND 
Dear Lord: May the message of the Bible be faithfully proclaimed at St John’s this weekend. May your people be encouraged as they sing and pray to you. May the Holy Spirit be at work in all ages who connect to groups and services. And may Jesus your Son be glorified in all we do. Stir up people’s hearts to put their faith in you and may the truths of your Word bring real joy and peace and hope to people’s lives. Amen.