Worship & Activities

Sunday's is the focal point of our worship with a Sung Eucharist at 9.45am. Jeffrey Conway is our Organist-and he creates a wonderful sound on our glorious church organ. On alternate Sundays one hymn is accompanied by guitars, played by David Barnes and Stephen.

On the 1st Sunday of the month during our Sung Eucharist we have introduced a ‘Healing’ component to it-which means prior to taking communion if you wish you can take part in the laying on of hands and anointing. This is a simple but effective moment when you can reflect on a part of your life that needs healing. You may wish to use this moment for someone close to you or to "take time out for yourself".

Some people have reported healing of mind and body. Others find it calming and and that it brings to them peace of mind. It involves the laying on of hands and anointing with holy oil. It takes place during the morning service on the 1^st Sunday of each month. People are invited to come up for healing for themselves or for someone else.

Morning Prayer is said at 8.15am on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and at 9am on Saturday.

The Southend Team Ministry has voted to be recognised as an’ Affirming Catholic’ Parish.

At the Reformation, the Church of England maintained Bishops as part of her ministry and continued to emphasise the importance of the Creeds of the Church and the Sacraments of the Church, alongside the Scriptures.

Prior to the vote in 1992 to ordain Woman to the Priesthood in the Church of England, many Anglican Christian of a Catholic emphasis who were in favour of ordaining women, felt that their voice should be heard and their presence felt.

It began with a day conference called by Bishop Richard Holloway at the church of St.Alban’s Holborn in 1990 and annual residential conferences have been held since then.

Affirming Catholicism holds to an ‘open’ Catholicism. This means holding to a traditional view of the importance of the Creeds, Sacraments, and Scriptures of the Church and at the same time being open to new trends and ideas in the modern world.

Our Brownies meet in the church hall on Mondays at 5.30pm. The Brownie leader is Margaret Shillitto. For further details, she can be contacted via the Parish Office on Tel: 01702 618114.

Southend District Mental Health Association has been in existence since 1967. It is an independent registered charity. The Association offers a range of community and residential services across South East Essex for adults vulnerable to mental health difficulties. The Association is affiliated to Mind, a leading mental health charity in England and Wales. The Programme at St John's is as follows:

Tuesday 1.30pm to 4.30pm Dual Diagnosis Drop In: This is for people who have problems with drugs and/or alcohol, they can call in to have a chat, play board games, quiz games. It is very informal with a relaxed atmosphere where they can meet their friends.

Thursday 11.30am to 14.30pm Women's Group: This group addresses the distinct needs of women with mental health problems by offering them educational, social help and other support. Topics include: women's life events and health care needs ,cooking, and fashion. There are guest speakers and social outings.

Fridays 1pm to 4pm Drop In Social Group: This a very informal social club. It is described by it members as a non-institutionalised space with a relaxed atmosphere where there is no pressure to join in activities. Just a friendly club.

For details contact the Southend & District Mental Health Association on 01702 601123. As part of this initiative St John's is preparing to provide a 'Mental Health' garden in our restyled graveyard which is to be made into a much more accessible green community space.