The Church Year 2009

*Patronal Festival* 21 June 2009

Unusually the Patronal Festival was celebrated at a nave altar as scaffolding on the outside of the organ meant the choir stalls were inaccessible. The choir and Rector during the introit.		Presiding at the nave altar, wearing the Bodley chasuble. Shaun Moore is acting as deacon, having come back to visit the church before his ordination the following weekend.

Sunday School showing what they have learnt	The young people, the Mighty Mango group, who had attended the Big Feast at Chelmsford Cathedral the day before demonstrating what they had learnt		The Flower Guild, as always, produced stunning flower arrangements
*The Town Show* 21 June 2009

The St John's Church Stall at the Epping Town Show ...	The displays on these boards show a mixture of work down with children and young people and mission work ...		The front of the stall with posters about activities.

Looking back at the Town Show from the Circus area, with the fun fair on the right and the clubs and society stalls to the left and straight ahead. St John's stall was to the left of the picture.
*Ordination of Gill Anderson and Sally Lynch, 28 June 2009*

Gill Anderson (second left) and Sally Lynch (far right) with the other ordinands after their priesting at St John's Loughton on 28 June 2009.		The Bishop who presided at the ordination service was Bishop David, Bishop of Barking. The photos were kindly provided by Paul Bowtell, Bishop David's Chaplain
*Visit from Fr Ross Weaver - 12 July 2009*

Fr Ross Weaver answering young people's questions about the church in Sydney at the beginning of the service	Preaching the sermon, from the stage, as this was an all-age worship service, which is more informal.	Sitting at ease in the Rectory Garden after lunch, chatting to Diana Lowry, reader in training and Geoffrey. Fr Ross was over from St Alban's, Epping Sydney for a visit and renewing links with St John's
*Barbara Butler from Christians Aware preaching 19 July 2009*

Barbara Butler came to tell us more about Christians Aware, an international and ecumenical movement aiming to develop multi-cultural understanding, raising awareness of the gifts and needs of God's people everywhere. Barbara Butler is the company secretary and Bob Taylor is one of the trustees.		Her sermon illustrated the lectionary texts with stories of the work of Christians Aware, and also talked about the importance of bells on Bellringing Sunday.	The bell ringers were also rededicated during the service - here are some of them joining in a prayer and declaration
*Commissioning of Jill Cherry - 26 July 2009*

Jill Cherry has trained to be a Lay Pastoral Assistant	She was formally commissioned at St John's by the Rector and the church wardens.		Presentation of gifts to symbolise Jill's new role
*Transfiguration - Thursday 6 August 2009*

The Feast of the Transfiguration on Thursday 6 August 2009 was marked an additional mid-week communion service ....	... and by the return of the icon to the Chapel of Transfiguration after the completion of the organ works.

*Organ Recital - 19 September 2009*

David Winters introducing one of the pieces, with Simon Winters glimpsed behind at the organ. The recital was to celebrate the completion of maintenance work.	Everyone involved in the restoration of the organ, including those who'd worked so hard from David Wells and Co for the repair of the organ with Geoffrey, Simon and David.