It was hot!

Hot in the hall, hot outside, hot for the plants, hot for the Bean Bag Bonanza.

It looked easy, three practice bean bags and then the pressure mounted for the three that counted.

30+ points won a prize, the points were:

In contrast, the church was cool, the organ played and the bells rang.

The refreshments were popular, the cakes spectacular and the cream teas mouthwatering.

The high point for me, the (rather shy, no pictures) human fruit machine, which behaved like all the others and I won nothing :)

Well done to all those who helped prepare, helped run, helped put away and were patrons to the event.

HOT OFF THE PRESS: When all contributions are gathered in, looks like over £700 will have been raised.

Four in the fellowship outside St John's

A stealthy scarecrow waits to pounce upon the unwary (only birds of course).

Green Club new member

A new member of the Green Club takes post outside St John's, looking to see off any lurking crows.

Songs of Praise

Your chance to choose your favourite hymn.

You are welcome to speak about your choice or write a short item to be read out at the service. Please fill in the form by 1st July 2023.

The 'Songs of Praise' service is:

Sunday July 9th at 10 a.m. at

St John the Evangelist
Clareville Road,
Caterham Valley

We will do our best to include your choice on July 9th or on a later occasion.

Caterham ‘Summer Loving’ Scarecrow Display and Competition

Many towns and villages across the country have been holding Scarecrow displays during the summer months bringing smiles and laughter and visitors a plenty.

St John's are early into the game with a couple of characters relaxing outside the church. Perhaps more will join them?

Green Fair

Munch with Music - June 2023

The next Munch with Music will be held in the church on 7th June 2023 featuring Kyle Nash-Baker on piano.

You are invited to bring your own ‘Munch’.

Admission is free, donations are welcome.

Coffee, tea and biscuits from 12:15pm, with the performance starting at 12:45pm and lasting about 45 minutes.

The following Munch will be on 5th July, with Andrew Garrido on piano.

Appointment of Vicar of St John the Evangelist, Caterham Valley

Rogation Sunday 14 May 2023 - Beating the bounds

Rogation Sunday – traditionally this is when we ask for God’s protection of the agriculture industry, livestock, and crops. The tradition involves walking the boundaries of the parish – which is called “beating the bounds” – praying and asking for God‘s blessing for the well-being of that particular community.

The walkers from St John's were following a carefully planned route starting with the ascent of Church Hill, then south along the valley to Caterham School.

Striking south again, the party made our way via a muddy path to the View Point where lunch was taken and supplied, very kindly, to one foolish person who was ill prepared for the journey.

Heading east along the North Downs Way, a boundary marker was found and duly given a small beating. Crossing the A22 was complicated by having to give way to the runners heading in the opposite direction.

Climbing back up onto the downs was a testing time, though much mutual encouragement was given. Our sixth prayer location was deep in bucolic uplands and was followed by a respectful passage through a large herd of cows (or bulls with udders).

It was all downhill to the Wasp Lodge roundabout, thankfully, and after a trek along Stafford Road, it just remained to pray in front of the north entrance porch of the church.

St John's gains the Eco Church Bronze Award

'Thank you for your application for a Bronze Eco Church Award.

I have checked your survey scores and am delighted to confirm your award. Well done to everyone involved in reaching this milestone!'

Eco Church