St. Johns Church

24/05/2026

Today is Pentecost

16/05/2026

A death bed prayer from Richard Baxter a minister who served at Kidderminster.

11/05/2026

Seven Decades of Song: Dave Banner Celebrates 70 Years in St John’s Choir

While the world has traded vinyl records for streaming and telegrams for smartphones, one thing at St John’s Church has remained harmoniously constant: the voice of Dave Banner.

On Sunday, May 10th, the congregation gathered for a milestone service to celebrate Dave’s incredible 70-year tenure as a chorister. It is a rare feat of dedication that spans generations, musical eras, and local history.

Dave’s journey began in 1956 when he joined the choir as a wide-eyed six-year-old. Since that first rehearsal, he has been the backbone of the stalls, serving under:14 Different Organists and 9 Different Vicars

To mark the platinum anniversary, Dave curated a selection of his personal favorites for the service, including the stirring Jerusalem, There is a Green Hill Far Away, and Ye Holy Angels Bright. The choir also performed a moving rendition of Wood’s O thou the Central Orb.

The highlight of the morning service saw Dave presented with the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) Long Service Medal and Certificate, a prestigious acknowledgment of a lifetime dedicated to sacred music. Rev. Ray Khan put Dave’s achievement into historical perspective, noting that when Dave first donned his robes, the UK was just emerging from post-war rationing and witnessing the birth of rock and roll. "Dave has lived through seismic changes in our world and our town, yet he has remained faithful and loyal in his service," said Rev. Khan. "He reminds us all of those who enrich our community through steadfast, quiet dedication."

The celebration continued long after the final Amen. Joined by his family and fellow parishioners, Dave was toasted with refreshments, drinks, and—naturally—an impressive spread of cakes.

After 70 years of hitting the high notes, it was a well-deserved moment of harmony for a man who has become a true local legend.

30/04/2026

St John's features as church of the week

We love the UK’s churches. Let’s keep them at the heart of our community so that everyone can visit, enjoy and use them for good.

28/04/2026

Today is Worker's Memorial Day, which commemorates all who die at work or travelling to work. We pray for safety and wellbeing for those at work; for all under stress at work and vulnerable to mental illness, and for health & safety and environmental health officers 🙏

25/04/2026

A prayer for turbulent times.

My Lord God,
I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
nor do I really know myself,
and the fact that I think I am following your will
does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you
does in fact please you.
And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.
And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road,
though I may know nothing about it.
Therefore will I trust you always though
I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.
I will not fear, for you are ever with me,
and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.

“The Merton Prayer” from Thoughts in Solitude Copyright © 1956, 1958 by The Abbey of Our Lady of Gethsemani

23/04/2026

Amazing

23/04/2026

Almighty God, on St George's Day we thank you for courage and faith. Strengthen us to stand firm in Christ, serve others humbly, and proclaim your peace 🙏