7w &o'o St John's Church, Danbury Annual Report 2026 ## Contents Authorised Lay Preachers .............................................................................................................................................. 5 Bellringers Report ........................................................................................................................................................... 6 Café Praise ....................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Chalice and Serving Ministry ........................................................................................................................................ 9 Charity Giving ................................................................................................................................................................. 9 "The Chosen" - a Lent Study Course ........................................................................................................................ 10 Compass Churches ...................................................................................................................................................... 11 Events ............................................................................................................................................................................. 12 Easy Fundraising ........................................................................................................................................................... 15 Flowers ........................................................................................................................................................................... 16 Health & Safety ............................................................................................................................................................. 17 Landisdale Almshouse and Unknown Donor Charity ............................................................................................. 18 Ladies Who Lunch ........................................................................................................................................................ 19 Livestreaming Services ................................................................................................................................................ 19 Men’s Group ................................................................................................................................................................. 20 Mothers Union .............................................................................................................................................................. 20 Music Report ................................................................................................................................................................. 21 Prayer Ministry .............................................................................................................................................................. 22 Sunday Children’s Club ............................................................................................................................................... 22 Tea and coffee .............................................................................................................................................................. 23 World Vision .................................................................................................................................................................. 23 List of Sidespeople ....................................................................................................................................................... 25 DEANERY SYNOD (CHELMSFORD DEANERY) ...................................................................................................... 26 FABRIC ........................................................................................................................................................................... 27 SAFEGUARDING .......................................................................................................................................................... 29 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ......................................................................................................................................... 30 ~~3~~ ## PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP PRIEST-IN-CHARGE Revd Canon Jacqui Jones CHURCHWARDENS Vacancy AUTHORISED LAY PREACHERS Jenny Molyneux-Berry & Janet Arthurs TREASURER Alan Dixon PARISH SECRETARY Nicola Telling PCC SECRETARY Vacancy DEANERY SYNOD REPRESENTATIVES Steve Arthurs & Alex Cooper MMU COMPASS CHURCHES REPRESENTATIVE Alex Cooper ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES Alex Cooper Steve Arthurs Alison Cooper Susan Priestley Janine Archer Sylvia Hennem Joan Graham BANKERS Barclays Bank plc, 40/41 High Street, Chelmsford Sort 20-19-95 Account 90982571 LEGAL ADVISOR Diocesan Registrar, 53, New St., Chelmsford ## INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Mr Michael Ovendon, 10 Hyde Lane, Danbury REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 1130296 The full PCC meets monthly accept for August. Ad hoc PCC meetings are called when necessary. On most occasions a representative from St Mary's Little Baddow has been in attendance. Agendas over the last twelve months have been full and varied and minutes are available to be viewed any time upon request. Baptisms: 6 Marriages: 2 couples Funerals in church or at crematorium: 18 Interments of ashes: 16 Report compiled by Alex Cooper, thanks to all contributors ~~4~~ ## Authorised Lay Preachers As long ago as November 2013, Jenny and I were licensed as Authorised Local Preachers by the Diocese after a period of training. That authority has been renewed for both of us periodically since then, and the last time for myself in April this year. Prior to the most recent renewal I needed to re attend some Safeguarding courses and the relevant Safeguarding certificates have been awarded. Due to some health issues, Jenny has not yet applied for renewal of her licence, but may still do so when she feels able. I am also delighted to say that at the end of last year, Paul Hagger, with the support of Rev Jacqui and the PCC, applied to become an Authorised Local Preacher and is currently undergoing the necessary training. I know he will receive the same encouragement from Revd Jacqui and the congregation that we have received over many years. In the last year, Jenny has preached twice, and I have preached on 12 occasions, usually on the 3rd Sunday of the month at the Eucharist service. As well as at the Remembrance Day service in church for those who cannot attend the main service at the War Memorial. Both Jenny and I have also given talks at Café Praise services on 13 occasions between us, as referred to in that report. We take the opportunity of attending preaching and theological or study courses either in person or by zoom. In the last year we attended a course at the Cathedral on the Nicene Creed. We are fortunate in knowing in advance what the lectionary readings are on which to base a sermon, as well as often knowing the hymns which may feature. We pray that our words have meaning according to God’s word; and endeavour to give those who hear us food for thought for the coming week, and always encouragement in faith. - Jennifer Molyneux-Berry and Janet Arthurs ~~5~~ ## Bellringers Report The tower bell ringers enjoyed a very busy year and continue to practice every Wednesday evening and prioritise Sunday service ringing. Practice nights are a great deal of fun and we benefit from some very regular visitors, which helps us to improve our general ringing. The bells themselves remain in good mechanical order, with routine maintenance checks during the year as necessary. We hosted a SE District 8 Bell Advanced practice on Sat 22nd February and on Saturday 12th April our bells were used by the Essex Ringing Course. Friday 8th May was the 80th anniversary of VE Day and we arranged a band to ring from 6.30pm in line with the national commemorations. On 10th May Mary Roast, one of our longest serving ringers and choristers, sadly passed away. A local band rang a quarter peal of 1260 mixed Doubles on Tuesday 14th May. Her funeral was held on 30th May and a band of senior officers of the Essex Association of Change Ringers rang a QP of 1280 Plain Bob Major. On Saturday 21st June we assisted with the annual Tower and Teas open tower event, and we were pleased to enjoy wonderfully warm weather and a constant stream of visitors. The following day, Sunday 22nd June we took part in the call change competition at Terling and along with many other bands we relaxed in the churchyard, playing outdoor games. Our team came 2nd in the competition. Friday 10th August saw the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, and we arranged a band of ringers to take part in the nationwide commemorations at 6.30pm. On Saturday 27th September, again our tower hosted a SE District 8 bell advanced practice. A group of us took part in the SE District Quiz Night at Springfield Church and enjoyed playing our part in raising funds for EACR’s bell restoration account. We received a set of 4 new bell ropes from Ellis’s as agreed at the tower AGM. Over 5th-7th December, we sponsored a Christmas Tree for the Christmas Tree Festival. Many thanks to Christine for decorating it. Our handbell ringers had a very successful Christmas season and received donations to the value of £707.00. It was agreed that the proceeds would be donated to Little Havens. During the year, Danbury received many requests for the use of the bells, and bands came from St Albans, Hackney and Suffolk among others. Our thanks to all those who kindly agreed to welcome the visitors. We also thank everyone within the parish for their help and support with arranging the events we have been lucky enough to take part in, and enabling visitors to enjoy the use of our bells. ~~6~~ Please see below a table showing the peals and quarter peals that were arranged and rung at Danbury during 2025. |||| |---|---|---| |Date|Method|Footnote| |Wednesday, 14
May 2025|1260 Mixed
Doubles|In loving Memory of Mary Roast, who sadly passed away on
10/5/25. Life Member of the Essex Association. The entire
Danbury Band and John Macefeld wished to be associated
with this quarter peal.| |Friday 30thMay|1280 Plain Bob
Major|Rung immediately after the service of thanksgiving and
remembrance celebrating the life of Mary Roast, who died
on 10thMay aged 86. A life-long ringer at this tower, and
Life Member of the Essex Association of Change Ringers.| |Sunday, 27 July
2025|1296 Cambridge
Surprise Minor|Visiting band from Essex| |Wednesday, 6
August 2025|1344 Spliced
Surprise Major|Visiting band from Hertford County Association| |Sunday, 31
August 2025|1344 Spliced
Surprise Major|Visiting band from Essex| |Tuesday 16th
September|1280 Yorkshire
Surprise Major|Especially arranged and rung as an 80thbirthday
compliment to Sue Spurgeon| |Sunday 28th
September|5088 Lincolnshire
Surprise Major|Visiting band from Essex| - Mike Ovenden – Ringing Master, Tracy Southgate – Tower Secretary ~~7~~ ## Café Praise This informal Service of the Word is held in the meeting room, on the 4th Sunday of the month, unless there is a clash with e.g. Patronal Festival. The theme of the service often, although not always, follows the lectionary readings. There is no set liturgy, so the pattern of the service may vary. However, the hymns, readings, prayers, time for reflection on our wrongdoings and prayer for forgiveness, together with a declaration of our faith, and of course the Lord’s Prayer, are there; all the things that you would expect to see in a Service of the Word. What makes this service different is the seating around café style tables of 4 or 6 people, with tea/coffee, cakes and sometimes bacon rolls, served during the service. The joy of catching up with old friends, making new friends; facing each other instead of the back of someone else’s head in the pew in front is, we are told, much appreciated and the numbers attending bear that out. The seating allows people to talk and listen to each other, learn a little bit more about each other, hear other’s views and opinions, and explore topics in a safe and friendly way, building on fellowship. There are always one or two talks about the readings, and a question or two for discussion. That is an opportunity that is unique to this service. We can all learn something from each other – including those leading the service. Feedback can sometimes surprise us with something that we hadn’t thought of! The service is led by one or more of us who have prepared the readings, hymns, talks etc in advance. This year due to ill health, Jenny has been unable to join as often as she would like, although we hope to welcome her back very soon. On one occasion Tiggy read a talk that Jenny had prepared. And having had a taster, Tiggy is now involved in preparing and leading. It is very much a service where anyone can be involved, and other people often read the readings, and lead us in prayers. A special thanks to those who prepare the room, prepare and serve refreshments, Paul playing the music, and Alex providing technical support. And not forgetting Jenny Hagger preparing and guiding children’s activities based on the theme that week. It is wonderful to see the creative contributions from the children’s imaginations. If you would like to contribute, don’t be shy. It’s a people led service and we would love to hear from you with any ideas. . - Janet Arthurs, Jenny Molyneux-Berry, Tiggy Farrow, Alex Cooper ~~8~~ ## Chalice and Serving Ministry Soon after writing last year’s report, St Johns received a request from the Bishop of Chelmsford to return to the common cup during Communion. Tincturing is no longer allowed in the Church of England. However, some people are uncomfortable with sharing the chalice and partake in communion by receiving in one kind or come forward for a blessing instead. The change means that this year I must re-emphasise how desperately thin on the ground we are for servers and chalice assistants. I am grateful that Janine Archer has taken to the serving role extremely well, but that still means that there are only 3 servers, Janine Archer, Brian Harris and myself, for the 3 Sunday Eucharists per month, 4 Thursday communion services per month, plus additional Eucharists at eg Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Patronal Festival etc. With family, holidays and other commitments it is a difficult juggling act to ensure that one of us 3 is always available to serve. I would urge anyone considering becoming a server, or even just learning how to set up the altar and being willing to clear away afterwards, which would help the priest enormously, to come and talk to me. We really do need your assistance. Which brings me on to Chalice Assistants. They are now needed with the return to a traditional communion. Age and health have taken their toll. We only have 3 chalice assistants, Katie, Rachel and Christine, and myself when I am not serving and it is simply not enough, particularly when taking holidays into account. On occasion I have been both server and chalice assistant and this is really difficult. So please, please, please do consider offering your service for these essential roles. It really is a privilege to take part in the Eucharist service from a different viewpoint, and be able to support the Priest in giving communion. And in serving others, you are serving God. It takes a little training and practice, but you would not be asked to serve alone or administer the chalice until you felt ready to do so. Being willing to give it a try is a first step, and I would be happy for anyone thinking of offering to sit beside me in the sanctuary when I’m serving. You would receive every encouragement from me and Revd Jacqui. If you think you may have a calling for this ministry, please do come and have a chat with me, absolutely without obligation. - Janet Arthurs - Sacristan ## Charity Giving St John’s continues to support a number of charities, this year we supported – - Friends of Essex Churches Trust - CHESS Homeless Charity - World Vision - Quadrant Trust (pictures below) - Safer Places - Alex Cooper ~~9~~ ## "The Chosen" - a Lent Study Course During Lent 2026, we ran a six-week study group based on selected scenes from The Chosen, meeting weekly for one hour. The course aimed to deepen our understanding of Jesus’ ministry through Scripture, reflection, and discussion. It also encouraged participants to engage more intentionally with Lent as a season of spiritual growth, aided by scenes from the television show "The Chosen". Each session combined short video clips with Bible readings, guided discussion, and prayer. The themes explored over the six weeks were: - Being known and called by God - Responding to Jesus’ call - Encountering living water and transformation - Learning to pray - Loving those on the margins - Trusting Jesus in times of difficulty The use of visual storytelling helped bring the Gospel accounts to life and encouraged thoughtful and honest discussion. Participants engaged well with the material, and there was a strong sense of openness and reflection within the group. Particular highlights included discussions around compassion and the cost of discipleship, as well as the opportunity to consider how the experiences of the disciples and those around them might resonate with our own lives today. The final session, focusing on trust in the midst of uncertainty and hardship, provided a meaningful conclusion as we approached Holy Week. Attendance was good throughout the course, and there was clear appreciation for the accessible format, which welcomed those with a range of familiarity with Scripture. We are grateful to all who attended and contributed. The group provided a valuable opportunity for fellowship, learning, and spiritual reflection during Lent. The Chosen is available to watch free of charge on its website and mobile app. With the next season continuing the story towards the crucifixion, it may provide a valuable starting point for future Lent study groups. - Paul Hagger & Alex Cooper ~~10~~ ## Compass Churches Compass Churches continues to bring together our group of parishes in shared worship, fellowship, and mission. The partnership includes the churches of Little Baddow (St Mary the Virgin), Danbury (St John the Baptist), Sandon (St Andrew), East Hanningfield (All Saints), Bicknacre (St Andrew), Woodham Ferrers (St Mary the Virgin), South Woodham Ferrers (Holy Trinity), Stock Harvard (All Saints), West Hanningfield (St Mary & St Edward), Downham (St Margaret), South Hanningfield (St Peter), and Ramsden Bellhouse (St Mary the Virgin). Since being commissioned in 2018, Compass Churches has continued to meet regularly, with triannual gatherings providing an opportunity to share ideas and explore how we can grow and develop our faith together across the group as well as helping each other in the day to day running of the parishes. Revd Jacqui is serving as clergy chair, supported by Revd Jacqui Pearson and Revd Jacqui King. The weekly Thursday morning service continues to be held online via Zoom, enabling participation from across our churches. Further details of joint services, events, and activities can be found at www.compasschurches.org.uk . - Alex Cooper ~~11~~ Events ## Spring Afternoon Tea In March we held a Spring Afternoon Tea in the Meeting Room. All tickets were sold. Tables were laid with white cloths, decorated with beautiful flower arrangements and set with vintage china. Serving dishes were laden with delicious savoury and sweet treats and glasses were filled with fizz. Music was provided by Paul Hagger, playing piano, Sarah Dixon playing her harp and Debra Aloba singing. A raffle was held, prizes were won and over £1,000 was raised. A big thank you to all the ladies and gentlemen who did the catering, and to the waitresses who did such a splendid job. Thank you to everyone who attended. ## Patronal Festival Our Patronal Festival 2025 was celebrated with a full weekend of events. On Friday, we were entertained by Men2Sing, Saturday was our Tower and Teas event and visitors from all parts of Essex came to climb the Tower and enjoy the views – then stayed to enjoy refreshments and try their hand at various stalls. On Sunday, the congregation were invited to celebrate after the service as glasses of fizz and canapes were served. In the afternoon Grammaticus gave us a wonderful concert, rounding off a very successful weekend. ~~12~~ ## Annual BBQ The 2025 BBQ took place in July – not only was it the annual get together, but it was also a celebration marking Jenny MB’s 90th birthday. Many friends, neighbours and church family members made it an afternoon to remember for Jenny and the wider community. ~~13~~ ## Xmas Tree Festival Following on from the success of the Xmas Tree Festival of 2023, it was decided to repeat the event. This time there were 35 trees inside and 4 outside. Each tree inside was decorated by a different village organisation – each with a different theme, different colour scheme and one even had its own train running around its branches. Refreshments and stalls were set up in the Meeting Room. The stalls all sold out. Father Xmas visited and presented gifts. Decorations were made by the children and we enjoyed an enormous turnout. There were some trees left after the weekend, which were quickly snapped up by local families for a donation – all adding to the funds. Thank you to everyone who has helped throughout the year at all our fundraising events. Without you, none of this would be possible. ~~14~~ ## Looking to 2026 We have Tower and Teas on June 13, and Patronal Festival on June 27 with a Summer Afternoon Tea. There will be our Annual BBQ on July 10 and a Crib Festival on December 5 with an exciting concert by Grammaticus on December 6. Let’s hope for another successful year of events. - Joan Graham ## Easy Fundraising Can I remind you that whenever you buy anything online – from your weekly shop to your annual holiday – you could be raising free donations for Danbury St John Baptist Church with Easyfundraising. There are over 4,000 shops and sites on board ready to make a donation – including eBay, Argos, John Lewis, ASOS, Booking.com and M&S – and it won’t cost you a penny extra to help us raise funds. All you need to do is: 1. Go to: https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/danburystjb and join for free. 2. Every time you shop online, go to easyfundraising first to find the site you want and start shopping. 3. After you’ve checked out, the retailer will make a donation to Danbury St John Baptist Church at no extra cost to you whatsoever! There are no catches or hidden charges and the church will be really grateful for your donations. You have helped raise over £600 so far! - Alex Cooper ~~15~~ ## Flowers This year we welcomed Michelle to our group of church arrangers, making us now 10 members very much enjoying our turns. We have continued to avoid using floral foam for most weekly arranging, & strive to become more sustainable as is recommended by our diocese. Our costs are mostly covered by church funds with kind donations from members gratefully accepted. Anyone wishing to sponsor a pedestal in memory of a loved one or for an anniversary or birthday celebration should contact me on 07740482556, email suzms@hotmail.co.uk or speak to me at church to get details. - Suzanne Gaywood - Flower Warden ~~16~~ ## Health & Safety Our Our safety record continues to be excellent, no accidents have been reported to visitors, worshipers’, volunteers or people working on the Church. This due to the hard work of everyone in our Church teams, who plan volunteer work, services and events to avoid risks to those attending. With the increase in our hugely successful monthly concerts, increased attendance at our principal services and the number of events in both church and our meeting room, additional work and responsibility falls on the organisers of these events. We maintain a library of Risk Assessments for events and services that we have built over the years. These are reviewed and updated to cater for each event. These assessments and the safety measures contained are communicated to the organising teams. At our big events a pre-public admission briefing is provided for the stewards and/or Sidespeople. The front line of our protection for those using St. Johns are our volunteers’, sidesmen, stewards, and helpers who keep our congregations safe throughout the year. We will be appealing for new members to join the Sidesmen Team. They will be offered training before the commencement of their duties. It’s not onerous, but is essential for smooth running and safety at our church events and services. The use of the Meeting Room increased again during the last year, and we now have village organisations and Church sponsored groups using the room on most days every week, even providing full meals on at least one day each week. All users of the Meeting Room have been provided with guidance on the use of the facilities and means of avoiding risk. The Meeting Room contains extensive video presentation and media equipment, all with comprehensive instructions on how to use it safely St. John’s Health and Safety Policy is reviewed, updated, and approved by the PCC each year, the policy aims to be user friendly and not prescriptive, it is kept up to date to serve relevant needs. This takes much thought and research. If you have a question about the facilities or how the meeting room can be used, please ask Alan, Alex, or Steve A. Our inspection and certification regime for fixtures and fittings, lightning protection, firefighting equipment and electrical installations continues on a quarterly basis. Any discrepancies are remedied as soon as possible and always before they become a problem. The keeping of all certification and inspection documents is a legal requirement which cannot be ignored and needs regular review. Let’s make 2026 another safe, happy, and enjoyable year. - Stephen Arthurs - ~~17~~ ## Landisdale Almshouse and Unknown Donor Charity The four Almshouses on Church Green in the heart of Danbury continue to offer shelter and good quality housing to the needy of the parish. These familiar homes are owned and maintained by the Landisdale Trust. The Trust built and has maintained the Almshouses on Church Green. Since 1313 when John and Margaret Landisdale gave land in Danbury, Purleigh and Woodham Walter “for the relief of the poor and the repair of the church". The Charity has continued to provide help for the needy of Danbury ever since. An area of land off Maldon Road at the west of the village, adjacent to Littlefields and known as Sandpit Field was bequeathed to the Trust many years ago. There is proven need for social housing in Danbury and the Landisdale Trust is able to provide some support. It has been our aim to build some Almshouses on Sandpit Field for some time, and after discussion with residents and the Parish Council, this proposal was included in the Danbury Neighbourhood Plan. Things have started to accelerate with regard to the use of a small part of Sandpit Field to establish a small development of 9 Almshouses for the needs of Danbury residents. The Trust is in discussions with Chelmsford City Council regarding pre-application planning advice regarding this development. We have got as far as an outline site layout and proposed buildings. This will now be reviewed by CCC planners, and their comments will influence the final design. Only a small part of the area will be used for Almshouses, leaving the remainder for open space and continued agricultural use. We can now begin the work of planning for the development and ensuring that the high standards set by the Church Green Almshouses are continued in the new buildings. It will still be some years before the new development is ready for occupancy, but the Trust will ensure that it provides a fitting setting for the Almshouses and environment for residents who are in need of a safe and secure home. The Trust welcomes applications from people who have been a Danbury resident for at least 10 years and who are in need of somewhere to live. Please apply to the address below.The address of the Clerk to the charity is: The Clerk to the Charity., Danbury Landisdale Charity, P. O. Box 933, Colchester. Essex. CO3 3TQ. - Alison Cooper and Stephen Arthurs ~~18~~ ## Ladies Who Lunch We meet on the second Thursday of the month, usually at The Bell, Woodham Walter. About 7- 12 ladies attend the lunch, and it is open to all ladies who enjoy good food and a chat. - Ann Poulard ## Livestreaming Services Livestreaming continues to be an important part of St John’s ministry, making worship accessible to those unable to attend in person and extending our reach beyond the church building. Over the past year, improvements have been made to enhance both the quality and reliability of our services. Regular Sunday services typically attract 45–50 viewers, with higher numbers for special occasions such as Remembrance Sunday and services around Easter and Christmas. Livestreaming has also enabled family and friends from across the world to join weddings and funerals held at St John’s. We remain committed to developing and refining this aspect of our ministry, ensuring it continues to support inclusion, connection, and engagement in our worshipping community - . - - Alex Cooper ~~19~~ ## Men’s Group SSt. John’s Men’s Group has enjoyed some memorable evenings at their monthly event, each full of good food and good cheer. The Bakers Arms at Eve’s Corner is still our favoured venue and Kayley has gone out of her way to provide exceptional meals for our special events. We enjoyed Haggis and Cranachan on Burns Night, plus some very special whisky and a full address to the haggis from David Graham., Roast Beef for St. Georges Day and other special requests. Our convivial group meet on the last Thursday of each month December this year was held along with Community Carols at the Bakers Arms, the evening was very much enjoyed by all. We enjoy good food, good ale, good company, good friends and good conversation. We are definitely not polically correct and few subjects are closed from discussion. Our numbers vary between 6 and 12 and allow comfortable imbibing and lively discussion, ages range between teens and eighties. All gentlemen of the parish, their friends and guests are made most welcome. - Stephen Arthurs ## Mothers Union We have 19 members this year, about 10 -14 attend the meetings, we have 11 meetings during the year. We heard about CHESS, and our MU Project, English for Women, both of which are doing very well. Julie Gilligan read some of her poems, we enjoyed a Strawberry Tea, and a Songs of Praise afternoon. We enjoy tea, cake and conversation. Anyone is wel come to come and join us. We meet on third Wednesday afternoons in the Meeting Room. - Ann Poulard ~~20~~ ## Music Report Last year, I reflected that 2024 felt like the point when we really began to spread our wings musically within the wider community. I am very pleased to say that this momentum has continued throughout 2025 and into 2026. Music remains a powerful way of welcoming people into our church, both for services and concerts, many of whom might not otherwise come through our doors. Week by week, we continue to offer strong musical worship, with a motet most Sundays. However, we do need to be honest about the challenges ahead. Our regular choir is ageing together, and attracting new members has become increasingly difficult. Unless something changes significantly, it is likely that our weekly church choir may not be sustainable over the next 5–10 years. While this is not easy to acknowledge, it underlines the importance of the work we are now doing to plan for the future. One encouraging step has been the development of the St John’s Festival Choir, which already shows promise in ensuring that high-quality choral music remains part of our life as a church, even if only on special occasions. Musical highlights from 2025 included: - A continued programme of excellent and varied concerts, featuring musicians from many different genres - A rich and moving sequence of music during Holy Week and Easter, including a particularly reflective Good Friday service based on the last words of love from the cross - • A very successful Come and Sing performance of John Stainer’s The Crucifixion in April - A stirring Come and Sing event on Remembrance Sunday featuring Karl Jenkins’ Requiem - Record-breaking attendance at our candlelight carol service, with standing room only Looking ahead to 2026, there is much to be positive about: - - Plans are underway for a Come and Sing Gospel event - We have begun the search for our first ever Organ Scholar, who will work alongside Paul and receive financial support towards formal organ lessons – an exciting and hopeful development - We are exploring tonal improvements to our organ, which celebrates its 90th birthday this year, to make it more effective for congregational singing and more enjoyable for organists and listeners alike - Welsh Chamber Choir Cor Aduniad, accompanied by Emma Gibbins, Organst at Chelmsford Cathedral, will be coming to perform a candlelit concert for us on Saturday 31[st] October (Halloween!!) - The Grammaticus Choir will perform a Christmas Cantata for us during the Crib Festival weekend in December As always, anyone with a love of singing is very welcome to join our friendly choir. For those who prefer not to commit regularly, future Come and Sing events will continue to offer opportunities to take part. - Paul Hagger, Organist and Director of Music ~~21~~ ## Prayer Ministry The previously established range of Prayer Ministry has continued with good use being made of the Prayer Board located near the Memorial book on the south side of the church. In addition to people who read the board and pray for the requests, they are also referred to in the intercessions during the main Sunday service. Alternatively, the weekly pew leaflet lists names of those who are unwell who have requested prayers for themselves or for others, and also those who have recently died. It is important when requesting that a name of someone sick be added, that permission is sought from that person first, before asking Revd Jacqui to add their name to the prayer list. It is also helpful if Revd Jacqui can be updated from time to time as to how that person is faring. Prayers for those named on the pew leaflet are also referred to in the intercessions during the main Sunday service. Additionally, on the first Sunday in the month, children who have been baptised at St Johns during that month in the 10 years previously are remembered in prayers as they continue on their spiritual journey. Their names are listed each month on the Prayer Board. If you wish to have personal face to face private prayer, then please contact Revd Jacqui in the first instance. - Jennifer Molyneux-Berry ## Sunday Children’s Club Our Sunday Children’s Club continues to be a warm and welcoming part of church life. We meet twice a month: on the second Sunday in the church building and again on the fourth Sunday during Café Praise in the meeting room. At present, five children attend regularly, with a further three joining us from time to time, along with their parents. Each session includes a fun and creative craft activity linked to the weekly Bible readings or church festivals. These activities help make the readings more meaningful and accessible for children – and, judging by the smiles and enthusiasm, they enjoy them very much! If you would like to join us for worship but are concerned about keeping your children engaged, please do come along. And if you know families who might be interested, we would be delighted if you invited them. Everyone is very welcome. - Jenny Hagger ~~22~~ Tea and coffee Refreshments are served after every Sunday service and continue to be a much appreciated part of our fellowship together. Many thanks go to Steve, Tiggy, Christine, David, and Alison, whose generosity and time make this possible each week. Although there is no charge, donations are collected. Any small surplus helps with replacing mugs and equipment and also contributes towards the costs of the Children’s Sunday Club. If you are looking for a simple and friendly way to become more involved in church life, helping with refreshments is an excellent place to start. If you are interested, please speak to Jenny. - Jenny Hagger ## World Vision Falancia who lives in Mozambique writes with warm greetings to our entire church family & thanks us for the kind gift, sent by our PCC. She writes ‘we managed to purchase one mattress, one wooden bed, two ducks for breeding for sale to earn money to buy school supplies & also for food, two African fabrics one skirt, one shirt & one pair of slippers’. She ends with ‘many thanks for fulfilling my wishes & improving my life.’ Glory in Malawi wrote ‘Dear Danbury, St John the Baptist, thank you for the gift of money. We managed to buy 3 iron sheets, 2 bags on maize & clothes. My family will be able to build modern house with the iron sheets, & the maize will add up to our food reserve & I will look presentable in new clothes.’ Jiyaul in Nepal was also sent an equal share of £550 donated by our PCC which I know he has received, but we’re still waiting for his letter & pictures of his gift. If it arrives in time it will be attached. Through the charity World Vision we have been sponsoring children across the world for the last 28 years. We have three at a time, with the length of sponsorship varying depending on the progress of the Area Development Project (ADP). The monthly sponsorship payments are made by members of our church, for our church, & we thank them most heartily. The annual gifts from our PCC are most gratefully received by the children, their families & the projects supporting them, with part of the funds used for the community. ~~23~~ WL¥kl Vis Hello! My message for you 4 gl JoHh] 771E GApriST t&ll Translat5on T: L>•4rSTJOHN THE BAPTIST. NaM￿le1 IGTtttlry ID Nwlll Thank much for the specwl giftyou sent l arn finÈ horelnd I hyth•tyw there. FfL¥nthe 59edal amou￿tY0V Setii I tth9ht rnystard Churth buildin￿a￿.. Priyatedonakn, bBquests,oftsllnt*Jndtsi*ngl given orr4￿￿ 5pÈilfiTrl￿fr￿thÈ PUIP05e Wi11a8E Friends.. During2014the Re￿Or￿TOtetOalll househDldsinthepari5h reques1in8financial 5UPPtyL The resultlnglncome. much ofwhlch 55 Intheform of PGS DlrertDeblt5. ¥yhich are ongolnglnto the future, Is to be used eXtIuS￿￿1YftsrthÈ maintenan¢eand testtratson Dfthechurch buildin8. Other5pecrfir gran15 anddonation5th3thave been ¥5EdforthÈ putP05e wven TranbUryPar￿hC￿n￿1 & Wor Graves Commission Ichurchyardl, spedèlcollectlons etc aer8yHou51n8Fund.. Represents value of the curJts5 hw5e¥t40 Mllthelds at purchaseln 1989 34