Dear Family of St John’s
Yesterday I hosted the first ‘Coffee with Claire’ gathering in my office. What a wonderful time spent in conversation, and laughter. We chatted about all sorts of things, one of which was how the church has changed over the years. Not St John’s specifically, but in general.
I heard stories from the 60’s and 70’s of very strict rules, high tradition and in some cases an unwelcoming attitude. I hope that you’d all agree that over the last decades the church has become more welcoming and shared the love of Christ a little better. We still have a long way to go in getting that right, but I hope we’re improving!
I’ve also been trawling through hundreds of photos this week for our Faces of Faith display at our Patronal Service. St John’s celebrates 144 years this weekend. That’s 144 years of people coming to church where we worship every Sunday. The buildings have changed over the years. The property has been developed in marvellous ways to incorporate another hall and offices, a Youth Centre and Conference Room, a Chapel, and our Retirement Cottages.
St John’s has grown over the years into an active and vibrant community, serving not only those who worship here but also our local community. And, further afield we have established lasting relationships with those in the mission field in places as far away as Lesotho, Egypt and Pakistan.
It’s been a beautiful and humbling thing to look at the old photos – so many faces, so many stories, so many moments of faith. Each image represents someone who gave of themselves in service to God through this parish. Some baked cakes. Some sang in the choir. Some led Sunday School or served on Parish Council. Others simply came faithfully, week after week, and lifted their voices in prayer. Together, they built more than just buildings – they built community.
As we celebrate 144 years of St John’s, we give heartfelt thanks to God for every life that has shaped this church. We remember with gratitude those who have gone before us, whose faith and dedication helped lay the foundation for the church we know and love today. We honour the legacy of generosity, prayer, and service that echoes through the walls of this place.
But let us not stop at memory. Let us be inspired.
This weekend, as we gather for our Patronal Festival surrounded by hundreds of photographs – Faces of Faith – we’re reminded that we are now the faces of the church. We are the ones called to take up the baton, to serve with joy, and to continue building a community rooted in Christ’s love.
May this anniversary mark not just a celebration of the past, but a renewal of our commitment to the present and future. Let’s recommit ourselves to loving our neighbour, to growing God’s kingdom, and to keeping the doors of St John’s wide open – physically and spiritually.
We are, after all, a family. A family of faith, of friendship, and of service. And in every generation, this family continues to grow.
Would you pray with me:
Gracious and faithful God, we thank you for 144 years of worship, service, and community at St John the Baptist, Walmer.
For every act of love, every offering of time and talent, every whispered prayer within these walls – we give you praise.
As we honour the past, stir within us a new passion for your mission. Help us to be faithful stewards of the legacy we’ve inherited, and bold witnesses to your love in our time.
Unite us as one body in Christ, that together we may shine Your light in our community and beyond.
In the name of Jesus, our Lord and Saviour, Amen.
With love,
Your friend and rector,
Claire