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!
It was a very special occasion on Monday 5th December as Mark, Bishop of Chester and the Archdeacon, Ian Bishop visited St. John's to license and install the Reverend Clare Leal as our new Priest-in-Charge.The church was full as members of our congregation and community as we welcomed Clare, along with her family and friends, to begin her ministry with us. It was great to see so many different organisations from our community represented.It was a very joyous evening and we will continue to pray that Clare's ministry here in High Legh will be blessed and fruitful.Welcome, Clare!
We're delighted that our Christmas Tree Festival will return after an absence of three years! Come and see the wonderful trees created and decorated by the many different organisations in our community.Refreshments will be available, including tea, coffee and cake and a soup lunch will be served on the Friday and Saturday.There is also a programme of live music taking place on the different days.Free entry - donations welcome!