2024
St
John’s
United Refo
rmed
Churc
h
1 Cowpe
r Street, Ipswich IP4 5JD
Web
Address:
www.stjohnsurcipswich.org.uk
dvance
May
New surroundings
NEWSLETTER FROM ST JOHN’S URC
Ministers: Rev
Adam
Earle and
Rev
David
Rees
Office:
E-mail:
Web:
Tel:01473
724961
secretary@stjohnsurcipswich.org.u
k
www.stjohnsurcipswich.org.u
k
2
Minister’s Letter
Rev David R
ees
Refl
ecting on the Holy Spirit
It’s
not
lo
ng
till
Pentecost
Sunday,
and
I
fi
nd
myself
re
fl
ecting
on
the
incredible
power
and presence of the Holy Spiri
t in our lives.
Pentecost
is
such
a
special
time
for
us
as
Christians,
one
of
the
three
great
feasts
in
the
Christian
calendar.
It’s
a
time
to
remember
and
celebrate
t
he
outpouring
of
the
Holy
Spirit
upon
the
early
disciples,
as
described
in
the
book
o
f
Acts.
The
Holy
Spirit
came
like
a
rushing
wind
and
tongues
o
f
fi
re,
empowering
the
disciples
to
boldly
proclaim
the
Gospel
in
languages
they
didn’t
even
know.
Can
you
imagine
witnessing
such
a
miraculous event?
But
Pentecost
isn't
just
a
historical
even
t
to
commemorate;
it’
s
a
reality
we
can
experience
today.
The
same
Holy
Spirit
that
fi
lled
the
disciples
almost
2000
years
ago
is
alive
and
active
in
our
lives
right
now.
He
is
our
Comforter,
our
Guide,
our
Advocate.
He
empowers
us
t
o
live
out
our
faith
boldly
and
to share the love of Christ with others.
Sometimes,
we
migh
t
forget
about
the
Holy
Spirit
or
overlook
her
importance
in
our
Christian
lives.
We
get
caught
up
in
the
busyness
of
life,
relying
on
our
own
strength
and
wisdom
to
get
through
each
day.
But
the
truth
is,
we
were
never
meant
to
do
life
on
our
o
wn.
We
were
meant
to
rely
on
the
power of the Holy Spirit dwelling wit
hin us.
So
as
we
approach
Pentecost
Sunday,
let’s
take
some
time
to
re
fl
ect
on
our
relationship
with
the
Holy
Spirit.
Are
we
allowing
her
to
work in and through us? Are we open to her
leading
in
our
lives?
Ar
e
we
seeking
her
guidance and wisdom in
all that we do?
And
so,
let’s
pr
ay
for
a
fresh
outpouring
of
the
Holy
Spirit
in
our
church
and
in
our
community
and
in
ourselves
.
Let’s
pray
fo
r
hearts
to
be
stirred,
lives
to
be
transformed,
and
souls
to
be
saved.
May
we
be
a
people
who
are
continually
fi
lled
with
the
Holy
Spirit,
shining
the
light
of
Christ
wherever
we go.
As
we
celebrate
Pente
cost
this
year,
let’s
remember
the
incr
edible
gift
we’ve
been
given
in
the
Holy
Spirit.
Let’s
lean
into
her
presence
and
power,
knowing
that
with
her,
all things are possible.
Blessings, David
A note from Val
It
is
with
sadness
we
record
the
death
of
Rita
Scopes,
a
long
and
faithful
servant
of
St
John’s.
Way
back
in
1989,
when
our
current
buildings
were
open
ed,
Rita
took
on
the
task
of
‘Bookings
Secretary’
and,
despite
her
ill
health,
cont
inued
until
her
death.
Rita’s
job
was
done
very
much
behind
the
scenes,
but
it
is
a
vital
part
of
church
life
ensuring
the
worship
area
and
acco
mpanying
rooms
are
booked
for
the
various
activities
taking
place
during
the
week.
Rita
also
liaised
with
the
local
council
to
ensure
the
building
was
available
a
s
a
Polling
Sta
tion
for
local
elections.
As
well
as
‘Bookings
Secretary’,
Rita
was
also
the
Funeral
Steward
–
a
role
carried
out
with
great
dignity
and
understanding
of
t
he
family’s
needs.
We
will
miss
you
Rit
a,
and
our
thoughts
and
prayers
go
to
Raymond,
Rosemary, Rachel and t
heir families.
3
I
would
like
t
o
acknowledge
so
meone
else
who
quietly
carries
o
ut
an
amazing
job.
Gwen
was
recently
invited
to
an
event
in
Bury
St
Edmunds
where
sh
e
received
a
Su
ff
olk
Recognition
Award
for
serv
ices
to
Guiding,
a
journey
she
start
ed
around
58
years
ago
when
she
took
leadership
of
the
23rd
Ipswich
Brownie
Pack.
Gwen
has
served
as
a
Division
Pack
Holiday
Adviser,
is
Treasurer
for
Hamilton
Dis
trict
and
continues
as
a
Unit
Helper
of
the
2nd
Ipswich
Rainbow
s.
Well
done and congrat
ulations, Gwen.
As
reported
o
n
18th
April
a
t
Church
Meeting,
Sara
has
resigned
as
Church
Secretary.
She
will
continue
as
an
Elder
but
is
currently
taking
time
o
ut
from
her
church
duties.
Please
keep
Sara
in
your
prayers
and,
if
you
are
a
letter/card
writer,
I’m
sure
she
will
be
delighted to hear fro
m you.
Since
the
opening
of
the
church,
following
the
pandemic
closure,
Church
fl
owers
have
been
provided
by
Mary
A,
Penn
y
C,
Pauline
G,
and
Sara
P
with
occasional
con
tributions
fro
m
a
few
others.
I’m
pleased
to
say
Pauline
and
Gwen
have
o
ff
ered
to
reintroduce
the
Flower
Rota
so
pleas
e
have
a
word
with
them
if
you
would like to add your name. THANK YOU.
Also
at
Church
meeting,
Richard
W
and
Gwen
G
announced
they
will
be
stepping
down
from
their
Safeguarding
supervisory
roles
at
the
end
of
2024.
Our
thanks
go
to
bot
h
of
them
for
their
leadership
over
the
past
20
years.
All
Elders
and
leaders
of
organisa
tions
within
the
church
are
legally
required
to
complete
and
update
their
Safeguarding
knowledge
and
w
e
will
need
someone
to
take
on
the
supervisory
role.
Please
give
this
your
consideration.
CHRISTIAN AID COFFEE MORNING
Saturday 11th May 10.30 am
Brian
and
Lesley’
s
Community
Co
ff
ee
Morning
is
h
eld
each
month,
o
n
the
2nd
Saturday.
In
May
they
have
kindly
agreed
any
money
donated
w
ill
be
given
to
CHRISTIAN
AID.
There
will
be
a
few
extra
stalls,
i.e.
cards,
cakes
and
books/jig-saws.
If
you
can
contribute
to
any
of
the
stalls,
or
help
on
the
morning, please let V
al know.
Christian
Aid
envelo
pes
will
be
available
for
your
donatio
ns
on
Sunday
5th
May
and
should
be
returned
please
by
Sunday
19
th
May.
FELIXSTOWE WALK and TEA – Monday 3rd
June at 2 pm
In
past
years,
we’ve
enjoyed
a
short
walk
along
the
promenade,
starting
o
ff
from
the
pier
and
heading
towards
the
Spa
garde
ns.
Following
our
walk,
w
e’ve
enjoyed
a
cup
of
tea
and
cake
with
o
ur
friends
at
Felixstowe
URC.
Please
look
out
for
the
‘sign
up’
she
et
to be included in this event
.
Other Times and Dates to Note
Synod BIG DAY OUT
Trinity Park 8
th
June.
South
Su
ff
olk
Area
Partnership
Gathering
This
is
at
Hadleigh
URC
–
Sunday
7
t
h
J
ul
y
at
4.00 pm followed by a bring and share tea.
Val V
“Fruitfulness on the Frontline”.
The dates and times
Online via Castle
Hill’s Zoom
(ID: 889 953 6542)
@ 19:00 PM
St John’s
In Person
@ 2:00 PM
Wed 08
th
May
Wed 22
nd
May
Wed 05
th
June
Wed 19
th
June
Wed 03
rd
July
Thur 9
th
May
Thur 23
rd
May
Thur 6
th
June
Thur 20
th
June
Thur 4
th
July
4
Reports from Church AGM
Treasurer’s Report
You
are
thanked
for
O
ff
erings
in
March
totalling
£1,696
and
for
Communion
Fund
donations in April
o
f
£55
.
We
were
able
to
send
a
total
donation
of
£105.50 to the R N L
I.
Our Church Accounts
for 2023, having been
approved
by
Elders,
examined
by
our
Independent
Examiner,
were
duly
adopted
at
our recent Annual G
eneral Meeting.
Should
anyone
wish
for
a
full
detailed
copy,
we
can
send
one
to
you
by
em
ail
or
provide
a
hard copy - please ask Richard.
A
few
facts
for
your
in
formation
:
Overall
total
income
£58,728.30
(2022 £62,051).
Overall
total
expenditure £58,895.46
(2022
£64,197).
Net deficit over year £16
7.16
(2022 £2,146).
Income from all sources
of giving -
direct,
gift
aid,
gift
day
and
donations
£32,037
(2022 £35,872).
Property lettings £13,699
(2022 £12,266).
Community Coffee profit £401
Sunday am refreshments profit
£382
Expenditure
-
Cost
of
Activities
:
Utilities,
Insurance,
Cleaning,
Lif
t,
Maintenance,
Administration, Licences,
Organist, Pulpit supply and o
ther costs -
£18,930
(2022 £1
6,925).
Ministerial Costs : £4,590
(2022 £3,814).
Ministry
&
Mission
Fund £19,080
(£19,080).
We
received
donations
totalling
£375
in
memory of Beryl Abram.
We
are
having
t
o
replace
the
dead
hedging
at
the
front
of
the
C
hurch
-
if
a
nyone
would
like
to
"donate
a
plant
"
-
your
monetary
gift
would
be most welcome .
As always, we are grateful for
your generous
financial support.
Mary A & Richard W
Church Secretary’s Annual Report April
2024
Last
year
was
quite
an
active
year
for
us.
I
thought
I
would
divide
the
report
into
three
sections
–
Buildings
,
People
and
the
Future.
T
o begin with, what a year it’s
been
for
B
uildings!
Firstly,
an
Ambulance
ploughed
into
the
front
gardens.
Fortunately
there
were
some
sturdy
plants
ov
er
30
years
old,
that
opposed
the
motion!
Th
is
led
to
us
arranging
to
hav
e
the
garden
cleared,
re-planted
and
an
area
paved
with
a
seat
for
thos
e
waiting
for
the
bus
or
just
needing
a
rest.
A
positive
outcome.
The
n
somebody
decided
to
attempt
to
drive
into
the
building
via
the
Fire
escape!
T
his
dislodged
the
whole
side
of
the
building
and
destroyed
the
remaining
section
of
garden.
The
remaining
plants
were
removed
and
we
are
awaiting
what
amounts
to
major
repairs.
We
had
a
tile
replaced
on
the
roof,
toilet
leaks
and
a
water
leak
from
the
tank
in
the
roof
into
the
Playschool
o
ffi
ce.
A
team
of
volunteers
has
stripped
and
painted
the
fire
escape.
Well
done
to
all
involved.
Thanks
to
Adam
we
n
ow
have
some
improved
notice-boards
in
room
1.
Then
jus
t
at
the
‘right
time’
we
had
the
quinquennial
in
spection
to
high-light
the
state
of
the
buildings
and
suggest
repair
s
and
improvements
needed
and
also
to
enable
us
to
apply
for
grants
for
the
repairs.
Fortunately
Blake
has
summarized
the
report
and
we now need to plan how we proceed.
It
was
grea
t
to
be
able
t
o
hi
re
t
he
building
out
to
Framlingham
Church
for
an away day.
Considering
People.
We
did
well
retaining
our
congregation
after
Covid,
but
th
is
year
we
have
lost
B
eryl
Abram,
John
Pulham
and
Rita
Scope
s
–
all
of
whom
played
major
roles
in
our
church
life.
Beryl
produced
th
e
Advance
for
many
years
and
helped
with
paper
work
for
Rev
Bob
Woods;
John
w
as
an
Elder,
Church
Treasurer,
played
the
organ
and
helped
organise
the
Bowls
Club;
and
Rita
was
booking
se
cretary
and
pastoral
visitor
for
many
years.
Al
l
gav
e
a
l
ot
o
f
t
heir
tim
e
t
o
S
t
J
ohn’
s
f
or
which
we
are
grateful.
We
welcomed
our
min
ister
David
Rees
into
membership
(in
recognition
of
his
overseeing St John’s and Castle Hill
door
duty
giving
them
a
chance
to
meet
parents
and
support
leaders.
Just
being
around
means
people
can
chat
when
they
need
to.
Finally
of
course
we
all
need
to
encourage
our
friends
and
family
to
join
us
…perhaps
a
‘bring
a
friend’
Sunday?..
although
that’s every Sunday reall
y!
Let’s
encourage
each
other
and
encourage others to join us
.
Thanks
Adrian
Minister's Report to St John’s AGM,
April 2024
Looking
back
at
2023,
it
see
ms
to
me
t
hat
it
was
a
year
of
consolidation.
We
were
fi
nally
out
of
the
acut
e
issues
that
arose
from
Covid
19,
a
nd
the
general
in
fl
ation
brought
on
by
Russia's
invasion
of
Ukraine
in
2022.
At
least
in
the
second
half
of
last
year,
these
cost
increases
began
to
subside,though
many
in
society
continue
to
struggle
with
the
cost
of
living
increases.
Though
the
concern
around
t
he
Hamas'
terrorist
attack
on
Israel
on
the
7
th
October
and
Israel's
overwhelming
military
response
to
the
people
of
Gaza,
the
vast
majority
have
been
innocent
of
any
involvement,
did
result
in
many
feeling
unsettled
and
added
further
to
the
impression
that
life
and
society
was
not
in
a
good
place.
The
latest
drone
and
missile
attack
by
Iran
recently
has
just
added
to
the
impression
that
the
world
is
out
of
control.
Though
there
are
a
few
exceptions,
those
who
feel
able
to
return
to
church
aft
er
Covid
have
done
so
and
also
we
acknowledge
those
who
have
died,
some
of
whom
were
gr
eat
servants
of
the
church.
Our
ag
e
pro
fi
le
is
getting
older,
and
some
feel
it
is
harder
t
o
remain
viable,
and
to
do
the
'extras'.
However,
we
still
undertake
many
activities
that
meet
real
needs
and
serve
the
people
in
the
area
aro
und
the
church
in
various
and
caring
ways.
As
we
continue
to
prayerfully
explore
the
Mission of th
e church through the
initially)
along
with
Jean
Harvey
and
Roger Corall, eventually
.
It
is
always
good
to
do
things
with
our
partner
churches
and
we
enjoyed
singing
our
favourite
hymns
with
Castle
Hill
and
a
joint
c
hoir.
Our
Lent
studies
went
well
and
included
members
from
Tacket
St,
with
L
eiston
joining
on
line.
(our
se
cond
hymn
sing
was
t
o
be
o
n
April
20
th
but
now
is
to
be
r
earra
nged,
we
also
have
the
church
walk.
and
the
Big
Day
out
to
come)
We
have
also
been
very
grateful
for
all
the
help
we’ve
received
from
the
technical
team
at
Castle
Hill
helping
us
to
record
our
services
and
start
usi
ng
OBS
& YouTube.
Rainbows
and
Brownies
have
be
en
doing
well,
reporting
a
hu
ge
range
of
activities
to
our
Elders
meeting.
Unfortunately
Rainbows
will
be
looking
for
a
new
leader
next
year
and
als
o
the
Playschool
was
rated
unsatisfactory
by
OFSTED
and
are
awaiting
a
rev
iew
of
their
programme
and
procedures.
We
must
mention
Gwen’s
long
service
to
Girl
Guiding
award
(50+ years). Well done Gwen!
We
have
18
pe
ople
inv
olved
in
door
duty,
an
OBS
team
of
6,
19
people
serving
teas
and
coffees,
16
readers, 7
serving
Elders
and
about
9
visitors.
This
is
good
and
on
the
surface
seems
a
lot
of
involvement,
but
the
re
is
a
grou
p
of
peo
ple
w
ho
are
involved in most, if not all, of thes
e.
So
thinking
of
the
Future,
we
need
more
volunteers
to
spread
the
work
load,
especially
more
Elders.
Don’t
underestimate
your
abilities!
It’s
a
team
effort,
so
we
all
can
bring
diff
erent
strengths
to
the
team!
Similarly,
just
offering
to
program
the
heating,
be
on
door
duty,
hoe
the
gardens,
arrange
the
flowers,
or
serve
the
tea
&
coff
ee
would
mean
that
someone
who
does
3
jobs
could just do 2.
Ho
w
do
we
a
ttr
act
m
or
e
p
eop
le
?
I
haven’t
got
the
answer
but
we
must
seriously
think
about
this!
The
monthly
Co
ff
ee
Mornings
are
great
at
getting
people
in
who
may
not
come
to
c
hurch.
A
big
th
ank
you
to
Br
ian
&
Lesl
ey
for
the
ir
work
on
thi
s.
It
is
good
to
se
e
D
avid
attending
–
important
to
see
the
minister!
Indeed
I
think
it
is
vital!
Perhaps the minis
ter could help o
ut with
5
Mission
Action
Plan,
we
are
awar
e
of
ways
that
we
can
int
entionally
do
more
to
engage
in
the
circle
of
people
who
are
in
some
way
attached
to
the
church
and
also
to
the
wider
community.
The
big
questio
n
moving
forward
is
how
to
resource
the
future
o
f
the
church.
Though
fi
nance
is
an
issue
always,
and
especially
aft
er
the
quinquennial
early
this
year
highlighted
numerous
maintenance
concerns,
t
he
real
concern
is
how
do
we
enc
ourage
people
to
engage
with
the
life
and
leadership
of
t
his
congregation.
Rev
Adam
Earle
and
I
continue
to
share
ministerial
responsibilit
ies
across
the
5
churches
of
the
Ipswich
and
East
pastorate,
and
it
was
agreed
that
each
of
us
would
serve
'fo
r
a
season'
as
the
Primary
Con
tact
Minister,
the
fi
rst
point
of
call
in
each
church
for
ministerial
input
and
concerns. I am presently t
he PCM for St. John’s.
I
would
like
to
acknowledge
th
e
hard
work
and
dedication
by
so
many
in
making
St
John’s
URC
such
a
caring
and
hope-
fi
lled
place.
This
includes,
but
is
not
limited
to,
the
provision
of
online
and
frame service to tho
se unable to attend.
After
the
death
of
Moses,
as
a
new
ch
apter
started
in
the
hist
ory
of
t
he
people
o
f
Israel,
God
called Joshua with these words,
"I
h
ereby
command
you:
Be
strong
and
courageous;
do
not
be
frightened
or
dismayed,
for
the
Lord
your
God
is
with
you
wherever you go
." (Joshu
a 1:9)
Perhaps
we
to
o
need
to
respond
wit
h
courage
and
strength,
acknowledging
God's
sure
presence
and
support
as
we
give
thanks
for
2023
and
look
forward
to
another
year
of
worship,
care
and mission.
Blessings
David
New
Surroundings
photos
on
the
front
cover
are
of
the hedge plants which are :
Lonicera Nitida
Photos
were
taken
by
Adrian
very
recently,
as
they
hopefully
settle
in
despite
the
cold spell!
Services at St John’s
These are at 10:45 normally
5
May
Sunday Worship and Communion
Led by Peter Dawson
12
May
Sunday Worship
Led by Rev Adam Earle
19
May
Sunday Worship
Led by Rev David Rees
26
May
Sunday Worship
Led by Peter Dawson
2
June
Sunday Worship and Communion
Led by Rev Adam Earle
After Service Coffee Rota
Date
Coffee Rota Names
05
May
Greta a
nd Hazel
12
May
Pauline and Jill L
19 May
Dorothy
and Colin
26
May
Mollie a
nd Richard
02
June
Mary A and Pauline
To get in touch and send contributions to Advance
please use the email:
advance@stjohnsurcipswich.org.uk
Please note the deadline for the June
6
Advance is 22nd May
Pause for Thought
"We are all differ
ent p
eople.
It is up to us to make that d
ifference
work,
otherw
ise everything fails."
John Tinniswood, the world's oldest living man, born
26 August, 1912.