Residential Homes

St John’s has close links with two residential homes in the Parish.  The clergy and members of the congregation make regular visits to the homes to provide spiritual care to those who find themselves in unfamiliar surroundings which are often away from their friends and some distance from their church.  There is also a strong teaching element in our links, and both homes have invited the clergy to lead staff training sessions on preparing the Christian for death.  All the residents enjoy receiving our Parish Magazine and Pew Sheet; through all these links they know that they are not forgotten and appreciate that they are still part of the Church with an active part to play in her ministry.

Both homes enjoy regular communion services throughout the year and this is augmented by additional services to mark the seasons of the Church’s year.

The Alpine Residential Home
This home is situated on Bradbourne Park Road and has a monthly communion service on the first Thursday of the month at 11am.  About twenty residents join the simple service in the lounge where those who are able receive communion.  At Christmas time a shortened service of lessons and carols is held, to the great delight of all in the house.

Gloucester House
This home is situated on Lansdowne Road and has a communion service twice a month on the second and fourth Thursdays at 11am.  About twenty residents join the service in one of the day rooms, while others receive communion in their rooms.  We are blessed with a pianist and so the services are able to include the singing of a couple of hymns.  In September the house celebrates harvest thanksgiving, while in November the service includes a short act of remembrance.  At Christmas time a shortened service of lessons and carols is held and the majority of residents come and join in before all present enjoy a glass of sherry and a mince pie!