Facilities and features
Accessibility
A single accessible toilet is situated in the porch, this is locked when the church is not in use
Baby changing facilities in the toilet
There is a car park within the church grounds. There is also limited car parking in the lay-by at the front of the church and in Rectory Road. Please note that we cannot be held responsible for cars or their contents left in the Church Car Park. Please do not block the emergency exit to the Church when using the car park
Accessible toilet in the porch
There is accessible parking within the church yard. It is also possible to drive up to the front door. Drive along the path and past the church to reach this
Our Building
The church of St John the Evangelist in Staplegrove dates back to the 13th century and although there has been much restoration, especially during the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries, a significant amount of the early stonework remains.
Inside the church among the most interesting features is the east window, above the altar. The centre light depicts the Crucifixion of Christ, flanked by scenes of Gethsemane and the Empty Tomb. Beneath these is depicted the Emmaus Supper. On the south side of the nave, as you enter the church, is the Millennium window. Funded by public subscription, and made by Henry Haig in 2000, this celebrates the continuing revelation of God, and marks the beginning of the 3rd Christian Millennium.
The tower, with its ancient gargoyles, is 13th century. It houses a peal of six bells, four of which, including the 12cwt tenor, are dated 1608, one is dated 1653 and one commemorates the Silver Jubilee of King George V in May 1935. Over the door of the tower is a clock commemorating the Silver Jubilee of HM Queen Elizabeth II in 1977.
Music and Worship
Bell ringing practice on a Monday evening. The bells are rung twice a month for morning services and also special events. The Tower Captain is Mike Hansford
A number of concerts are held during the year in the church. They are advertised under Events. The Church is available for hire by singing groups for practice
There is an organ and piano within the church
A Common Prayer Service is held on alternate Sundays at 8 am and on the first Thursday of the month at 10.30 am
The choir sings at our 10.30 am Sunday Services and special events. There is a regular practice in the church at 6.30 pm on most Friday evenings. The choir leader is Elizabeth Hall.
Groups, Courses and Activities
There is a Saturday Coffee morning each week and a Neighbourhood Coffee Morning on the third Tuesday of the month. These are held from 10.30 am until 12 noon in our Church.
A number of community and fundraising events arranged during the year, including concerts, skittles, Songs of Praise and the annual Benefice cricket match
Community groups include: the Evergreens, Mother’s Union, Mother’s Union Knitters Group, the Strollers, The Men’s Society, a Home Group, Youth Mission (who arrange Open the Book, Mothering Sunday Service and the Parish Breakfast)
A programme of Messy Church events for accompanied children are held during the year
The Staplegrove Branch of the Mother's Union meet in the Church, normally on the second Thursday in the month, normally at 2pm. The knitters group meet once a month in the church at 2.30 pm
The Evergreens was set up as a social gathering for the elderly.
The group meets on the second Tuesday afternoon of each month
Help for Visitors
There is a 'Guide to St. John's' available in the church. You will find a copy of this on the News page. The notice board in the porch is accessible daily.
The Church is normally open daily during daylight hours, but please note that the toilet is locked.
Other Features
The fair-trade stall is available in church after the monthly Eucharist Service, on the third Sunday of the month
There are food bank collection points in the Church porch and in Staplegrove Stores
A data projector and screen is available for use upon request. The church has a loud speaker system and an induction loop
There is a conservation area in the church yard
Our church is available to hire for meetings, concerts and other events. There are no fixed pews so the space is adaptable. There is a scale of charges in the porch or available by Getting In Touch