Open for Business

Around 200 people packed St John's today for the service of re-dedication following the extensive interal building work that has taken place, funded by the European Regional Development Fund and other generous donors. St John's congregation was joined by the congregations of St Aidan's, St Columba's and Victoria Dock Churches as well as the Bishop of Hull and many local community "movers and shakers". We were also blessed by the participation of the Hot Gospel Community Choir in the service.

The new mezzanine floor came in very handy when all 170 chairs in the nave became full, and several dozen people sat in "the gods" (to use a theatrical term) to enjoy a birds-eye view of the precedings.

The work now begins in bringing the "stones to life" and turning this magnificant multi-functional building into a real blessing to all the community living in the area.

On Saturday 19th January 2008, local MP John Prescott and local councillors Mary Glew and Stephen Brady as well as representatives of the European Regional Development Fund and other supporting bodies will be present for the public launch of St John’s as a Community Centre. The event will include music from the Hot Gospel Community Choir and drama from Credo Arts Community.

It's finished, and it looks great!

Phase 1 of the redevelopment of St John's church is now finished. We now have three new rooms available for meetings - the Matson room, the Upper Room (on the mezzanine floor) and the Ladychapel (with concertina doors so that it can be converted between a meeting room and the full chapel).

Today we had our last services at Estcourt Street Primary School. We are very grateful for the help that the school has given us while Halls' builders were busy in the church. It's not good bye forever, as Rev Chris will continue helping with assemblies at the school, and the school will be coming to the new St John's for the school's Christingle service.

The first service in the refurbished building will start at 10:30 am on Sunday 16th December 2008. It will be a rededication of St John's as both a Church and a new Community Centre for the area. The service will include Holy Communion, with the Bishop of Hull presiding. The neighbouring churches of St Aidan's, St Columba's and Victoria Dock have all cancelled or rearranged their services for that Sunday so that they can join us. We will also be joined by the Hot Gospel Choir, who will be singing before as well as during the service.