Notice of Meeting of the Parishioners 

An extraordinary meeting for the election of a churchwarden will be held at St John’s Church on Sunday 27th July 2025 at 11.30am, immediately after the morning service.

This is to correct the omission of a required resolution at the APCM in May and enable one of our churchwardens to continue beyond the normal maximum period.

The general rule is that an individual’s maximum continuous period of service as churchwarden of the same parish is six terms of office - i.e. six years.  This meeting will enable parishioners to pass a resolution that the six-year maximum term is not to apply in the parish.

Parishioners have absolute discretion as to the reasons why they may wish to pass or revoke the resolution, and it is recommended that they should consider whether dispensing with the general rule, at any rate for the time being, is appropriate for the particular circumstances of the parish. For example, and in our case, because it would be preferable to keep an experienced team of two churchwardens in office during a forthcoming interregnum.

If the resolution is approved, the parisioners will be invited to elect the churchwarden.
                                                                                   
This meeting may be attended by:

1. the persons whose names are entered on the church electoral roll of the parish; and
2. the persons resident in the parish whose names are entered on a register of local government electors by reason of such residence. 

Under section 5A of the Churchwardens’ Measure 2001*, an appeal against the election of a churchwarden may be made by any person entitled to take part in this meeting or by a candidate in the election. An appeal may be made against the election of any person on any of the following grounds:

1. That the person was not duly elected,
2. That the person was not qualified to be a candidate at the time of election, or
3. That before the election was held, the person misrepresented a material fact in connection with the election.
4. That the conduct of the election was such as to affect its outcome of the election.
5. That it has been determined on an appeal (under Rule 57 of the Church Representation Rules) that an error was made in the roll, or the question is awaiting determination on an appeal, and the error would or might be material to the result of the election.
6. That a vote which was allowed should have been disallowed, or that a vote which was disallowed should have been allowed, but only if the allowance or disallowance of the vote would or might be material to the result of the election. 

Any person who wishes to make an appeal—

1. Must do so in writing,
2. Must give brief particulars of the grounds of the appeal, and
3. May be accompanied by written submissions.
4. Notice of an appeal must be given to the lay chair of the deanery synod.On an appeal under this section, a person who was declared elected but whose election is or may be affected by the appeal is to be regarded for all purposes as elected pending the determination of the appeal.

AGENDA

• Welcome: Nigel Day, Churchwarden (Chair)
• Apologies
• Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Parishioners held on 5 May 2025 (displayed on the noticeboard)
• Purpose of the meeting explained
• Resolution:The parishioners agree that the six-year maximum term for Churchwardens to hold office is not to apply in the parish.
• Appointment of Churchwarden
• Closing prayer

Streetlight Needs You! 

The new team of James, Vicky and Chris are settling in well at Streetlight and God's light is clearly shining bright in that place! The Trustees are keen to support the new ministry initiatives whilst ensuring the Centre runs efficiently and is financially stable.  Currently, funding is tight, and the team are unable to work as many hours as the Trustees would like, and that would be required to deliver Streetlight's mission fully.

How can you help?

Volunteer:

We would love to welcome new volunteers, especially over summer - mainly to help in the cafe and soft-play area: serving drinks and refreshments and chatting to the children, parents, and carers. We are also seeking volunteers to oversee the occasional party. These are usually 1.5 - 2 hours long and generally held on the weekends. Training will be provided. You may require a DBS.

Trustees:

We are currently seeking new Trustees from any church in the area. If you know of someone who might be interested, or are interested yourself, please contact *Eddie Curry or *Paula Jones.
We would welcome all enquiries and are especially seeking those with gifts and experience in applying for grants or fundraising. Also, those with experience of social media and marketing.

Giving:

We are so grateful to those who already give regularly to support Streetlight. We rely heavily on this support and would welcome new one-off or regular giving, either directly to Streetlight or via designated gifts through St John's. Please contact Eddie Curry or Paula Jones for further information.

Praying:

Please do pray for the Centre, the staff, and the Trustees as we continue to work through the transitional and challenging phase from the 'old' team to the 'new' team. Your prayerful support is greatly appreciated.

*You need to be logged in to access contact details for Eddie and Paula. Alternatively, please contact Streetlight on 01202 848355 or trustees[@]streetlightproject.org.uk (remove the brackets). 

Our new Vicar - how can you get involved? 

The Churchwardens and Parochial Church Council would love to hear your views on a range of matters and invite you to take part in a church survey. Open this article for more information and a link to the survey. Hard copies will be available in the foyer but online entries are preferred, please.

You may be aware that our Vicar retires at the end of July and we are looking for a new one. As part of this process we would love to hear your views. It is important that we hear from everyone, not just regular church-goers!

The survey will take just a few minutes to complete. Your response will be anonymous (unless you choose to add your name) and the results may be utilised in our new Parish Profile. The Profile is an overview of St John's and the type of Vicar we are seeking. It is the document commonly provided to applicants for the role and is written for that audience. Hard copies will be available from late September. 

• We would like to understand what church members and our local community appreciate about St John's and what qualities you believe are important in a vicar.
• We are keen to engage with all who are involved with St John's; regularly or just occasionally.

Here is the link: menti.com
You will need this code: 8980 0345

The deadline to complete the survey is Monday 18th August.

Thank you for getting involved. Your input is so important!

 

Prayer Focus

We meet for Prayer Focus in the Youth Lounge at 8 pm, on the first Wednesday of the month. We hope to see you there.
 

Pastoral Care 

Our pastoral care team offer company and support to anyone in the church family who needs it. If you, or anyone you know, would like either to join the pastoral care team (via a safer recruitment process) or need support, please contact Gillian Mannouch on 01202 847911 or 07794 586608 or gillian@stjohnswimborne.org.uk.

Midweek Service of Holy Communion

The midweek communion generally takes place every second and fourth Thursday of the month at 10.30am. Our next service will be on Thursday 14th August.
After the service, we enjoy refreshments together in the youth lounge. We would love you to join us! All are welcome.

Supporting Anna and Murray 

If you would like to help practically with meals, washing, cleaning… then please send any offers to Matt Lee who will co-ordinate them.

Please continue to pray for Anna and her husband Murray and for the children.

If you would like to give financially to help relieve that burden over the summer, there are details here: https://gofund.me/ff1050be

Eve Dennis 

Eve Dennis, a member of St John’s church family for many years during the 1970’s and 1980’s, died in her home town near Exeter on 18th July.  Whilst at St John’s she was involved in youth work, was on the PCC, was a home group leader, and was involved in helping build relationships with other churches through the ‘Wimborne Council of Churches’.  She had a passion for nature and environmental issues and at a national level, helped establish an initiative called ‘The Living Churchyard Project’ challenging and helping churches to consider how best to use their lands and churchyards. 

Laura Hardie's Garden Party Invitation 

Alistair, Joanna and Laura warmly invite you to a very informal party on Sunday 10th August (3-5pm) in their garden for some nibbles and Laura's birthday cake. We want to say thank you for helping us get through this year since Laura's challenging birth. 

Please can you let Joanna know if you would like to pop round? (alistairjoannahardie@gmail.com)

216 Sopwith Cres, Wimborne BH21 1UA.

Bible Notes - The Ten Commandments 

Exodus 20:12      The fifth commandment
 
The importance of this commandment.
This is the first commandment of the second table which deals with man's duty to man. It reflects the basic family unit as God's design for society. Everyone has parents. This is the primary concern when moving from the consideration of God to man.
It is not just a matter of relationship; it is also one of authority. It points to a recognition of, and respect for, God-appointed leadership. At the time it was given, the Hebrew nation was being formed, so no political, judicial or religious institutions had been established to exercise leadership. This commandment can therefore imply the acceptance of other legitimate human authorities, in the state or the workplace for example.
 
The requirements of this commandment.
Our parents were given to us by God, so whatever their shortcomings we must develop a positive attitude towards them for that reason. They are to be honoured for the role they were given, even if we find it hard । to honour them for the way they fulfilled it. That sympathetic inner disposition towards them should be constantly expressed through appropriate practical actions. In the earlier years these would take the form of obedience and gratitude, while in the later years they will be seen in greater care and protection.
 
The implications of this commandment.
If children of any age are to obey this commandment, then parents are obliged to do what they can to facilitate it. If parents are to be honoured, they must be honourable. If children are to care for their
 parents, they must be cared for by their parents first. Paul presents this dual obligation in
Ephesians 6:1-4.
 
The promises of this commandment.
The promises show the general outworking of a basic principle rather than showing a direct result of an individual's obedience. They relate more to the founding of the nation and the prospects for any society which conforms to the principle. This is the only commandment with a promise attached to it, for it is saying that obedience to it will contribute to a person enjoying the best that life has to offer.
 

Creation Care: Baby Laura Asks

"Could you plan an event in your garden or at your local park and invite your community to come and enjoy some outdoor fun in God's creation?

If you've managed to do this, would you share a picture? It does much to encourage others to try!

What one good thing are you doing to be more eco friendly? Could you tell my mummy? My mummy (Joanna Hardie) would love to hear from you. Thank you!" 

alistairjoannahardie@gmail.com

The story behind 'To God be the Glory' 

HYMN: The story behind 'To God be the Glory!'
Fanny Crosby (1820 - 1915), the American singer & musician, was blind from the age of six weeks. She married her music teacher, Alexander Van Alstyne, who was also blind. She was a prolific song-writer, and once signed a contract with a publisher to write three songs every week throughout the year. In fact, she wrote thousands during her lifetime. Although American evangelists Moody & Sankey used this hymn on their missions, it did not become an immediate favourite. After Billy Graham featured it in his Harringay crusade in 1954, Londoners were soon singing it on their way home, in streets and busy queues and underground trains. When Dr Graham took it back to the United States & introduced it at his crusade in Nashville, Tennessee, it soon took its place in the group of top favourites hymns.

To God be the glory, great things He hath done, So loved He the world that He gave us His Son, Who yielded His life our redemption to win, And opened the life-gate that all may go in.
Oh, perfect redemption, the purchase of blood, To every believer the promise of God; The vilest offender who truly believes, That moment from Jesus a pardon receives written by Fanny Crosby (1820 - 1915)

Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done, And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son; But purer, and higher, and greater will be Our wonder, our transport when Jesus we see.
Refrain: Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Let the earth hear His voice; Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Let the people rejoice; Oh, come to the Father, through Jesus the Son, And give Him the glory; great things He hath done.

You can listen to the hymn below

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CeBoSQsBR0

 

Compass

Compass will return after summer break, please collect an Autumn term programme from the foyer. Our first speaker will be on the Sally Cadec on the 4th September.
From court shoes to combat boots and back again, Sally joined the army.

Running the Race 

‘Making the most of our retirement years’ is the aim of Running the Race, a new network at St John’s.
Retirement is a wonderful opportunity - God wants to use it!
It is a stage of life when we have many calls on our time and often lots of choices but it can also be a fruitful time as we continue growing more like Jesus and serve God.
The plan is to meet twice a year to share ideas, experiences and encourage one another along with some useful resources.
Our first meet up will be on Wednesday 13th August 7.30 – 9.00 p.m in the hall. We will start with wine (soft drinks available) and cheese before sharing something of our initial vision for the network.
Please come and help to shape this new network to encourage us all to make the most of our retirement years.
If you would like to know more about the Running the Race network, please ask Steven Lee, Debbie Fleming, or Sue Carr.

Guided Christian Tours of the Minster for your friends

Steven Lee, who is part of the preaching and leading team at St John’s, is offering a new way to talk about the Christian faith with friends/family who are not Christians.

Steven is one of the official Minster Guides and he has prepared a special tour of the Minster to offer people at St John’s. The idea is that you would invite people to come with you on a guided tour of the Minster with Steven.

The tour would last about an hour and, as well as taking people round the usual highlights, Steven would speak about some of the spiritual meaning and story of the Minster.

There are invitation cards available at the back of church and if you have group of friends who are interested, please email hopefriendshiptreasure@gmail.com to arrange a tour or to ask questions.

The tours are free, though donations to the Minster would be welcome.  
 

Temporary accommodation request 

A mother and son (aged 10) from the church family need temporary accommodation from the middle of August. They are applying to the council for housing but it may not be available in time. Please contact Matt Lee or the church office if you might be able to help.