On a bright Sunday morning, our church family gathered together to celebrate Harvest Festival and give thanks for the abundance of God's gifts.The church looked wonderful, lovingly decorated with fresh and dried flowers, while displays of autumn produce surrounded the altar. Taking pride of place at the centre was a beautiful bread corn sheaf, handcrafted by Fionnagh Yates, which was much admired by everyone attending.Our Communion service was led by our minister, the Rev. Dr Tim Yates, and the congregation joined heartily in singing some of our favourite harvest hymns. During the final hymn, Tim invited members of the congregation to bring their harvest gifts forward to the altar. The response was generous, and the donations will now be passed on to the Chiltern Food Bank to help support people in our community.After the service, many stayed on for a churchyard and cemetery tidy-up. Armed with rakes, gardening tools and plenty of enthusiasm, volunteers worked hard weeding, tidying and caring for our church grounds. It was wonderful to see so many people giving their time and energy to help.Meanwhile, preparations were underway inside the church for a well-earned soup lunch. The warming homemade soup and delicious fresh bread were especially appreciated after a busy morning outdoors, and we rounded off our meal with some excellent cakes and plenty of conversation.Our grateful thanks go to the cooks, bakers and everyone who helped in any way throughout the day. From worship and giving to working and sharing a meal together, it was a joyful Harvest Festival and a wonderful reminder of the fellowship, kindness and community spirit that make our church family so special.
There are moments in village life when a community’s generosity becomes unmistakably visible. This summer, St John’s experienced exactly that. After the organ’s ageing motor finally fell silent, the church launched a modest appeal — and the village responded with remarkable warmth.What began as a simple £2,000 fundraising target soon became a shared effort across neighbours, volunteers, and visitors. The Church Fair played a central role: the organ was opened for viewing, children tried pumping it by hand, and the church filled with curious conversations about how the instrument works. Teas, cakes, and cheerful encouragement created an atmosphere that felt less like fundraising and more like a celebration of heritage.By end of August, the Organ Repair Fund had reached its goal. Donations came in quietly and steadily, each one adding to the sense that the organ — a familiar voice at weddings, Christmas services, and village gatherings — mattered deeply to the people who hear it.A member of the church team reflected on the achievement:“The organ has carried so many moments in our community. To see the village come together to restore it has been incredibly moving.”Repair work is now scheduled to begin this autumn, with hopes that the organ will be ready in time for the festive season. The church has expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed — whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word.The success of the Organ Repair Fund is more than a practical milestone. It is a reminder of how shared goodwill can bring life back to cherished places. Soon, when the first restored notes rise once again through the stone arches of St John’s, they will carry with them the spirit of a village that rallied to keep its music alive.
We are allowing some of the grass in the older part the graveyard to grow longer to encourage and support wildlife.
Our Minister in Charge is the Revd. Dr. Tim Yates. Tim is also the Minister in Charge at St John's Chapel of Ease, Bellingdon.We would love you to come and worship with us at St John's, we have services to suit everybody.1st Sunday of the month - All Age Service led by the Wardens2nd Sunday of the month - Morning Worship led by Rev. Dr Tim Yates3rd Sunday of the month - All Age Worship, led by the Wardens4th Sunday of the month - A Service of Holy Communion or Morning Worship led by a member of the St Mary's, Chesham, ministry team5th Sunday of the month - Morning Prayer from The Book of Common Prayer, led by the Wardens
