Parliament will be debating the issue of physician-assisted dying on 29 November. The issue is a complex one which raises many concerns, ethical and practical, for both advocates and opponents. Dr Dave Leal of Oxford University's Faculty of Philosophy will present some of the arguments and considerations which lie behind the debate, and offer a chance for discussion of this pressing moral question.If you can register via our website , that would help us get an idea of numbers www.stjohnshighlegh.org
Every month there is an All-Age service (2nd Sunday of the month) and Café Church (4th Sunday of the month). Except for a special service such as Harvest, for the other weeks we have a brand new Sunday School for primary school aged children.The Sunday School takes place in the Church Room, running alongside the service in church. We have an enthusiastic team of volunteers who have been safely recruited. For pre-school children and toddlers there is an area at the back of church with toys, books and colouring.
World Day of Prayer is an international, inter-church organisation which enables us to hear the thoughts of women from all parts of the world: their hopes, concerns, and prayers. The preparation for the day is vast. An International committee is based in New York and there are national committees in each participating country. Regional conferences meet to consider the service and then local groups make their plans. This year we focused on Taiwan and St John’s hosted this ecumenical service with members of the eight Lymm Churches taking part in the delivery, to celebrate the service prepared by the women of Taiwan. The title for this year was “I have heard about your faith”. Our sisters in Taiwan sent us blessings with the service they prepared for World Day of Prayer 2023. Taiwan is an island rich in natural resources and culturally diverse. The women of Taiwan shared the issues faced geographically, politically and socially and also their hopes for the future. We joined with them as we gave thanks for the beautiful island and people of Taiwan and encouraged one another in our faith just as Apostle Paul did in his letters. Fifty eight people came to the service which began with a slide show depicting life in Taiwan. The reading was from Ephesians 1:15-19, followed by a reflection. We sang five hymns and a prayer response with a display of orchids setting the scene, as Taiwan is renowned for its orchids. Homemade cakes and hot drinks were provided for all our visitors many of whom expressed how much they had enjoyed the service. The Day of Prayer is celebrated in over 120 countries. It begins in Samoa and prayer in native languages travels throughout the world --- through Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas before finishing in American Samoa some 38 hours later. For more information contact this website wwdp.org.uk. 21 Thank you to all the people who helped to: deliver the service, prepare the display, set up the projector, show the slides, bake delicious cakes, serve the refreshments and play the organ. Thank you to all the people who helped to: deliver the service, prepare the display, set up the projector, show the slides, bake delicious cakes, serve the refreshments and play the organ. The closing prayer May God hear our stories and keep us in faith. May Jesus grant us wisdom truly to know the meaning of redemption. May the Holy Spirit open our hearts so that we can be a blessing to others. Amen Chris (WDP representative for St John’s)
It was certainly a very busy and active time at St. John’s during Advent! As well as welcoming Clare as our new priest in charge there were a number of other special events and services.The Christmas Tree Festival was a lovely community event with many beautifully and very differently decorated trees adorning the church, to say nothing of the decorations in the porch and the entrance to church. Held over 3 days on the first weekend of December, the festival attracted many visitors. There was also some wonderful music from individuals and choirs, including from High Legh Primary School. Thank you to everyone who decorated trees and the church, to all our visitors and to everyone who took part. A big thank you also to the organisers and volunteers.On Wednesday 7th December a special service took place led by our Archdeacon, Ian Bishop, to dedicate newly created banners depicting the Christmas story. These beautiful banners were made over several months by members of our community and have adorned the church throughout Advent and the Christmas period.Thank you to everyone who helped to decorate the church in readiness for Christmas. This year we had a combined Christingle and Crib service on Christmas Eve with readings from younger members of our community. This was followed by the traditional Nine Lessons and Carols in the evening. This service was signed, and we were delighted to welcome so many members of the deaf community as part of a full congregation. Thank you to everyone who contributed to these services.On Christmas Day Rev Clare led our All Age Communion service where she was helped by two of our younger members of the congregation during her talk to unpack the meaning of Christmas from one of her recently used packing boxes!
