St John’s Church on Gateford Road, Worksop is 150 years old this August. Completed in 1869, the beautiful grey stone building with its tall spire is one of the town’s key landmarks, and since 1892, its clock has chimed and kept time for local residents.
Built to minister to the growing population in the north of the town, it has shared in the joys and sorrows of the community: celebrating marriages, baptising children and offering comfort in funerals.
Many people will have memories of attending services, or of involvement with the boys’ and girls’ schools, or other connections like the weekly toddler group. Generations of young people will have developed new skills and friendships through the uniformed groups, or have enjoyed social activities and been introduced to the Christian faith through Sunday School and young people’s groups.
For many, the church has opened a door to new life: they have experienced God’s love, forgiveness, friendship and support, and this has motivated them to share that love within the community in different ways over the years. Currently the church is known in the town for its Thursday ‘Drop-in’ for those struggling with addiction, homelessness and other issues.
To celebrate this important birthday, the church is holding some special events to which all are warmly invited:
- Open Church Weekend
Saturday 7th July, 10.30am to 2.30pm
Sunday 8th July, Morning Service 10.30am to 11.30am, church open until 2.30pm
Floral, group and photo displays, refreshments. A quiet space for memories and lighting a candle. - Paul Williams, Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham — Sunday 14th July, 10.30am
- Afternoon Birthday Party
Saturday 31st August, in the church grounds from 12.00pm
Steel band, gospel choir, teas, bouncy castle, etc - Celebration and Thanksgiving Service
Sunday 1st September, 3.00pm
Followed by tea - Celebration of Marriage
Sunday 15th September, 10.30am
An invitation to all who were married at the church - Dr Elaine Storkey
Saturday 28th September, 7.30pm
Sunday 29th September, 10.30am
Past member, international speaker and author, familiar voice on Radio 4 ‘Thought for the day’.
Photos
If you have photos of events at the church: baptisms, weddings, young people’s activities and would like to share them, the church would love to copy them for their displays. Please deliver them to the church office on Overend Road through the letter box or call in on Fridays from 9.30am to 12.30pm. Email office@worksopstjohn.plus.com.