Dear Family of St John’s
How is it possible that we’re at the end of May? I’m already starting to think about Christmas services! In chatting with my eldest son on the weekend, he asked me what I’d been up to in the past week. My mind went blank… I knew I’d been busy, that my days were full. But I couldn’t call one specific activity to mind without thinking very hard about it. Do you find that life sometimes rushes past a little too quickly and when looking back it all feels like a blur?
And so, I spent some time deliberately looking at all the activities we’ve been involved in so far this year. We’ve had a wonderfully full calendar. As I reflected on everything I was reminded again of the joy of each occasion, some of the conversations and interactions, the people I’ve met, and the shared experiences.
One event that will stand out as a highlight for me this year was the Roof, Rolls and Reels weekend at the beginning of March. Do you remember the Skyroof Restaurant and the meals and teas we shared up on the roof?
My greatest memories over the weekend were having the time to chat with over 32 of our parishioners at various sittings in a 24-hour period. Although I’ve been Rector at St John’s for more than three years now, I don’t have the opportunity to meet and speak with everyone in that way on a regular basis. And, not everyone is able to climb a ladder for a coffee date!
The greatest joy of being your Rector is the privilege of walking with you through all the seasons of life – worshipping together, sharing stories, and supporting one another through joys and challenges. Church is more than a Sunday gathering; it’s a community, a family, a Body. We truly belong to one another.
With that in mind, and inspired by the Skyroof Restaurant experiences, I’d like to introduce a new opportunity for us to connect more personally and informally: “Coffee with Claire”.
Beginning in June, I’m inviting you to join me in my office on the last Thursday of each month for a cozy time of coffee (or tea, if that’s more your style), conversation, and a little something homemade from my oven to enjoy together. To make it easier for folks with different schedules, we’ll alternate meeting times – 10 am one month, 3 pm the next. Each gathering will be small, just seven of us around the table, so there’s plenty of room for everyone to share, listen, and connect.
There’s no agenda, no script – just a time to catch up, ask questions, share thoughts, or simply enjoy each other’s company. Whether you’ve been part of St John’s for decades or you’re new and still finding your way, I’d love to share a coffee with you!
Fellowship is a gift, and we’re reminded in Acts 2:42 that the early believers “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” That spirit of togetherness, of sharing life as we grow in Christ, is what we hope to nurture – one cup of coffee at a time.
If you’d like to join a ‘Coffee with Claire’ gathering, simply contact the church office to reserve your spot for an upcoming month. And don’t worry – when this round fills up, there will always be another opportunity next month.
Our first Coffee Date will be Thursday 26th June at 10am.
I look forward to our time together!
With love
Your friend and rector,
Claire