Rogation Sunday - 10 May 2026After a three year break, St John's once again Beat the Bounds. Three years ago suntan cream was advisable, this time it was not.Nevertheless, a quartet set out to circumnavigate the parish, pray to God for all that is included within and have a bit of healthy exercise. Church Hill soon bought the exercise element into clear focus, but once conquered set us up for the run down to Caterham School.Passing the woods where St John's Forest Church hangs out, we climbed up towards View Point where reinforcements and lunch awaited. Jaimée took pity on me and lent me a brolly so I was mostly dry while I ate. Hobbit, not being a daft dog, took refuge in the Lord and disappeared up the Vicar's jumper!Onwards and downwards and then very much upwards. After crossing the A22 by bridge, the long steep haul up the downs on the other side took some determination and a great deal of breath. Green fields spread out before us, but this time instead of a herd of cattle, just the solitary cow who was gathering her two calves while keeping an eye on the unfamiliar humans.Heading towards the northen edge of the parish, the A22 was recrossed by bridge and we headed home to St John's via footpaths above the town.A different second experience, more reflective than the first, I pondered on the noise pollution that seems too prevalent in too much of the parish and on the umbrella I forgot to return to its owner.
All sessions are free, on Saturdays at 3pm, at Caterham School Pre-Prep Outdoor Learning Area, which is next to the pre-prep car park. 11th July: Wild Music (we will be making musical instruments from natural things like bamboo, sticks, coconuts etc) and using them to praise God! 1st August: BUGS & the little details of God's creation 29th August: Footprints & Next Steps There will be a Christmas session, "Carols under the Stars", the date for that is yet to be confirmed.
There will be another Bingo Evening to raise funds for the Accessibility Project on Saturday 16th May 2026 starting at 7pm.Please bring own drinks, glasses, snacks and money for the Raffle.Hot and cold drinks will be available for a donation.Cost is £10 per head for a 6-page book and flyer.St John's Church Hall Caterham CR3 6LA
We will start at church after the service (11:45am) and make our way up to View Point via Church Hill for a picnic.The boundary path then takes us along the North Downs Way to Tillingdown, back down to Wapses Lodge roundabout and back along Stafford Road. You don’t have to do all of the walk, just what you feel up to.If you don’t feel you can do any, then just come and join us for lunch. The walk will be interspersed with prayers and readings as we remember Gods wonderful creation and those who work and live in our community.Please talk to Susan if you want to know more.The video is from our last journey round the parish in 2023.
