St John’s is a vibrant church and part of the Inclusive Church network, which means we welcome all and support the LGBTQIA+ community. Our liturgy is gently modern catholic but we offer a range of different services at other times such as Café Breakfast Church on some Saturdays, and our popular Muddy Church for families. We are also a Fairtrade Church, part of our commitment to social justice. We believe that God’s Gospel concerns itself with the flourishing of all creation, including humanity, and the need for kindness and compassion is at the heart of what we believe.
Teaching and Learning Groups and Opportunities
The vicar runs a Faith Matters Group for those new to Christianity or seeking to explore it or revisit it. At various times during the year House or Lent Groups are available, and Quiet Days and Study Days are also planned during the year. We are hoping to develop what we are able to offer in respect to discipleship courses and groups. When required there is also an Access to Communion course for children and a Preparation for Confirmation Course for teenagers and adults.
Our Buildings
St.John’s has been reordered with a central altar. The Lady Chapel is used both as a quiet place for prayer and a great place for children and families during services with colouring materials, toys and games also provided. Our new annexe on Dunyeats Rd has added to our church life considerably. We also have our parish hall. These are available for use and hire. Contact the parish office for information. We are also able to hire a room in the church and the church itself for events, concerts etc.
Our Eco Group
St John’s has its own Eco group and having achieved Bronze Award, is now working towards its Silver Award. We have a committed Eco Group who help remind us to learn to live more sustainably. We have an Award from Dorset Wildlife Trust for our churchyard and run a Muddy Church for families.
Giving as Mission
Support for local and national missions and charities is given in two ways:
- By individual representatives who give out information and raise funds by promotional efforts, e.g. The Church has been quite active in recent years with raising money for the Leprosy Mission for instance.
- By the PCC through annual charitable giving. The congregation submit charity nominations and then vote to allocate financial gifts to the top 6. These will always include an international / national charity, a local charity, and an eco / environment charity. We invite the charities to come and give a talk about their work to St John’s.
Sudan Link
Since 1972 the Salisbury Diocese has carried out a commitment to help the Anglican Province of Sudan by prayer, by exchange of visits, in supporting their theological education and in their schools and medical work. St John’s congregation are encouraged to share in this commitment, particularly in the link with the Wau diocese of South Sudan, by praying regularly and by keeping abreast of the news.
Deanery Synod
All Parishes are encouraged to be fully involved in the life of the Poole Deanery and its Synod. This Synod is governed by its Standing Orders. It has its own Standing Committee which should meet from time to time to further the Synod’s work. Three members of the PCC attend the meeting as Poole Deanery representatives, as well as the clergy.
Churches Together
St John’s has been a member of CTB (Churches Together in Broadstone) since it started in the 1980s, the other members being Broadstone Methodist Church, United Reformed Church, and St Anthony’s (RC) Church. The vicar of St John’s, the Revd Helen Bailey, is its current Chair. Both lay representatives and ministers of the four churches meet Together regularly to share ideas, support one another, and plan joint activities and events. These include Lent Groups, Christian Unity week, the joint Christmas card to the whole community, the sharing of articles about faith in the local magazine The Broadstone Link, and prayers used by all the churches each Sunday. There is also now an Eco Group and a Justice and Peace Group, set up across CTiB.
Collaboration is excellent; lay members publish and support the special events of other churches. There is still , however, scope for more joint church projects.