Christmas Services at Saint John’s church
You are warmly invited to our services this Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Carols on the Green, 22nd December, 2pm
First Holy Communion of Christmas. 24th December, 11pm
Christmas Morning Family Holy Communion, 10am
Revd Clare Challis is appointed to Saint John’s church
We are delighted to announce that Bishop Jonathan has invited Revd Clare Challis to be the Priest-in-Charge for Rowlands Castle. Clare will be licensed by Bishop Jonathan on 24th February 2025 at Saint John’s. Clare’s appointment was announced on the diocesan website.
Clare has asked us to thank all who were involved in the discernment process, and especially all those who came and prayed on the evening before the interviews. Clare is looking forward to moving into the village and sharing ministry with us and St John’s School. Please hold Clare and her husband Andrew in your prayers as they prepare for their move here.
About Saint John’s Church
St. John the Baptist is an Anglican church situated to the south of Rowlands Castle near to its church primary school. With a wealth of history to explore, and many unique and beautiful features we are well worth a visit. Our adjoining Church Centre has excellent facilities and has full disability access. However, we are more than just a building; we are a community of people who are inspired by our faith in God, to learn from the teachings of Jesus and seek to be led by the Holy Spirit, to love and serve the community around us. We worship together on Sunday mornings, and are involved in many other aspects of church and village life. We would love to welcome you to St. John’s and get to know you, so please click on the links or download the trifold welcome leaflet to find out more.
News and notices
Here is the weekly news sheet for Advent
During the interregnum the 8am service on the 1st Sunday in the month will be held at Holy Trinity, Blendworth, Blendworth Lane, Waterlooville, PO8 0AB
The Parish Office is open every Friday between 9am and 1pm alternatively the Parish Office can be contacted by email or a message can be left on the Parish Office answer phone, 02392 410111.
Anna Chaplain
Bishop Jonathan made the care of older people one of his two main priorities. The bishop aims to create a network of Anna Chaplains across the diocese. Mary Close has been appointed as an Anna Chaplain for Saint John’s. Mary’s role is part of an ecumenical, community-based, chaplaincy network promoting the spiritual welfare of older people, for people of strong, little or no faith at all. There is more information about this ministry and Mary’s contact details on the Anna Chaplaincy page.
A snapshot of our Ministry and Mission
Ministry and Mission at St John’s Church Rowlands Castle. What our church gets up to outside of Sunday everyday church.
Building God’s Kingdom through Christ’s love in action.
What’s happening at Saint John’s
You can find out about all our church services here. Check the availability of the church centre by looking at the calendar and then make contact by completing the booking enquiry form. There are some special events at Saint John’s coming up in the next few weeks. More details about these events can be found by selecting the images below.
Little Fishes
Little Fishes starts again after the Christmas holidays on 6th January at 9:00am to 11:00am every Monday morning during term time in the Church Centre.
Join in the playtime with singing, stories, craftwork and snacks too. Swim on by!
We extend a warm welcome to all the new families, with pre school children, in the village and invite you to come and join us.
Medaille Trust is our charity of the month for December
Medaille Trust’s mission is to provide refuge and freedom from modern slavery.
Today Medaille Trust runs ten safe houses across the country, making it one of the UK’s largest providers of supported accommodation for victims of modern slavery. Sr. Ann Teresa’s vision and that of the Catholic Religious congregations remain key to their identity. Their work is guided by the principles of Catholic Social Teaching: human dignity, solidarity, preferential option for poor and vulnerable people, and the dignity of work.
Saint John’s has been awarded the A Rocha Bronze Award as an Eco Church
The Eco Church initiative is an ecumenical scheme helping churches to make the link between environmental issues and the Christian faith, and to respond in practical action.
It has three award levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold, and considers how the environment is addressed within Worship and Teaching, Buildings, Land, Community & Global Engagement and Lifestyle. More than an award scheme, it is also a growing learning community of churches all wanting to play their part in responding to climate change and biodiversity loss.
Saint John’s has been awarded the A Rocha Bronze Award for the work it has completed towards meeting this vision. To achieve this award Saint John’s undertook the A Rocha survey covering the five disciplines outlined above. Some of the questions were easily answered whereas others required research and a change of thinking for the church and the church family. More information on the Eco Church initiative is on the Eco Church page
Our Safeguarding Policy.
St John’s is fully committed to the Church of England’s Safeguarding Policies. Our Parish Safeguarding Statement to this effect can be read here.
Any safeguarding concerns about either children or vulnerable adults should be brought to the immediate attention of Carol Milford or Chris Hollis.
Registered Address: Parish Office,
Saint John’s Church Centre,
120 Redhill Road,
Rowlands Castle,
PO9 6DF
02392 410111
