St John the Evangelist

And, as always, if you need us, you can contact

• The Rector on 01387 254126 / 07487 653069 / rector@stjohnsdumfries.org
• The Church Office on 07754 596140 / pastadmin@stjohnsdumfries.org

St J’s is delighted to announce that, starting from Saturday, 03/07/2021, our building will be hosting services of the Romanian Orthodox Church, once a month, on the first Saturday. The services run from 10.15-12.00 approximately and members of St J’s or, indeed, anyone, subject to the current maximum building numbers, is welcome to attend. They have their own Orthodox Priest, Father Florin, and there are thought to be some 15 or so members of the Romanian Orthodox Community in the Dumfries area; so it’s a great pleasure to us at St J’s to be able to provide them with a place to meet and worship. This does mean that the church will not be available for organ practice, flower arranging etc. between approximately 10.00am and 1.00pm on the first Saturdays of the month and we will be placing an A frame noticeboard outside during those times to explain what’s going on. The actual Saturday may occasionally vary, depending on weddings etc. Let’s make this new part of our community really welcome. We will aim to hold some joint social event as soon as this kind of thing becomes possible. Meantime, if you have any queries about how things will work, please speak to Janice (07487 653069) or David (07754 596140). PS: The first Romanian Orthodox service was held here last Saturday and the congregation professed themselves delighted with the church and the welcome afforded them. They would welcome anyone from the St J’s congregation who would like to join them at their next service: 10.15am on Saturday, 07/08/2021. They can offer the service both in Romanian and English and can also provide a liturgy book in English.

St John’s is delighted to congratulate our Director of Choral and Organ Music, Jamie Brand, on the award of the MBE for Services to Music and Education in the Birthday Honours list.  As well as a demanding job as Principal Teacher of Expressive Arts, he directs our own choir and oversees all of our more traditional music as well as leading a number of local and regional choirs.  Jamie also somehow finds time to be fully involved in a number of other whole school activities at Annan Academy, to support other activities at St J’s and to take an active part in the running of his family’s farm in East Lothian.  We salute, and are very grateful for, his faithfulness and the skill, good sense and energy he brings to all these activities.

Aberlour write…With reference to your recent letter and the very generous donation of £1,610, we are blown away with your donation and your continued support over the years. Our service is going from strength to strength. We have now taken over the majority of the Northwest building, [Lincluden] through a Community Asset Transfer, which, we hope, over the years the community will take ownership of. We will be holding lots of different group events for all age groups in the coming months once it is safe to do so. We will also be opening a community café in the near future and groups will be able to meet up for a coffee and a chat. You can be reassured that your donation will be put to good use as there are many items that we still require for the building. Please let the congregation know how grateful we are for their kind donation and that they are more than welcome to come and visit us in the near future.

On Wednesday, 07/07/2021, Debbie Johnson wrote…Today, my parents are celebrating their 65th Wedding Anniversary, and I am delighted to say that they will be able to meet up today, unlike last year where they had to sit either side of a window. Congratulations to them both! 🍾🥂❤️

Now

Then

D&G Handyvan Service tell us…“As you will be aware, we are now, and have been since 26^th April, offering our full service once again.  We are getting a few calls from people who have seen our vans out and about and whilst we’re busy, we would like to ensure that everyone who needs to know about our service does so.  I would be extremely grateful if you could forward our leaflet [available on St J’s website & noticeboard] to your contacts in the hope of us spreading the word about our service.”

The Diocesan Office says…There will be a Formation Day for Authorised Lay Ministers on Saturday 9th October – please save this date in your diaries. This meeting will be opened up to everyone, not just those in Authorised Lay Ministries. The theme will be “ Emerging Together in Hope & Fear: pilgrims to our new future.” Further details will be issued in due course.