Sunday Evensong Sermons

The theme of our this Term's Sunday sermon series is 'The intent of art' Sermons inspired by works of art.

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Sunday Eucharist Sermons

Sermons Preached at the Eucharist for Michaelmas term may be found following this link.

Each term the Sunday Evensongs have a theme and guest preachers from best-selling novelists like Salley Vickers to eminent scientists like John Polkinghorne have encouraged us to think more deeply.

For a selection of our most recent themed sermons, click here.

Annual Highlights for students

Matriculation Service (Sunday of Fresher’s Week).
Your formal welcome to the College, immediately after the Matriculation Photograph.

Advent Carol Services (Last weekend of full Michaelmas Term)
Broadcast live on Radio 3 and followed by Advent Hall, these are the most popular services of the year by far. Current students get priority.

Epiphany Carol Service (First weekend of Lent Term)
This is one of our most atmospheric services, lit only by candlelight.

Meditation on the Passion of Christ (Last Saturday of Lent Term)
A meditative service with music, poetry and singing.

Bach Cantata Evensongs (Termly)
Today, Bach Cantatas are usually only heard as high-profile concert pieces, but these termly services restore them to their original setting of worship.

Graduation Service (Graduation Day)
Just after the graduation photograph, this is a service to celebrate the end of your time at St John’s, and is open to visitors who come to support you at graduation.

Other highlights

Study and Reading Groups

Each term there are a variety of small groups that meet around college for discussion, prayer and support. There are also lots of opportunities to pray more intimately and personally. The groups vary from term to term. The College also has a Christian Union who meet on Saturdays and Sundays.

Chapel trips and events

Each term we avail of all the wonderful opportunities around Cambridge including visits to the theatre or museums. There are walks to Grantchester for cream tea and longer country walks, sustained by a hearty pub lunch. We also have poetry readings and book discussions, punting and impromptu picnics. At the end of the Michaelmas Term the Chapel Team host ‘Mince & Mulled’ - a Christmas Party with carol singing from the St John’s Voices, mince pies, mulled wine and festive cheer for all. In the Easter Term there’s a Chapel Garden Party to which all students are invited.

At the end of each Lent Term there is an opportunity for four days of fun together in the annual Chapel Trip. It’s a few days away from Cambridge to recharge the batteries with a programme of activities largely designed by those who participate - it might include films, reading, board games, football, walking or enjoying time on the beach.

Making a Difference

We encourage people to get involved in making a difference to others through their faith. Our biggest collective commitment is the ‘Walworth Trip’ at the end of Michaelmas, when a group travel down to Walworth in London to help at the Church of St John the Evangelist. We run a party for children from the local area, help with the activities and share a meal. We also join in the fun with the local community in the evening at their social event. In the Lent Term we will be participating in Amnesty's 'Write for Rights' Campaign.

The Dean

Canon Mark Oakley read Theology at London and Oxford before being ordained in St Paul’s Cathedral in 1993. He served his title at St John’s Wood Church and then served as Chaplain to the Bishop of London, Rector of St Paul’s, Covent Garden (known as ‘the Actors’ Church), Archdeacon of Germany and Northern Europe and, from 2010 to 2018, Chancellor and Residentiary Canon of St Paul’s Cathedral. He is a Visiting Lecturer in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies, Kings College London and Visiting Scholar at Sarum College. Since 1996 he has also been a Deputy Priest in Ordinary to HM the Queen. He was appointed Dean in 2018.

His duties as Dean include the final responsibility of the conduct of the services in the College Chapel and oversight of pastoral care provided by the Chapel within the College community. He is also responsible for the appointment of clergy to the College’s 39 livings (parishes) with which the College has long had official connections. He is an Ambassador for StopHate UK, Patron of Tell MAMA (supporting those affected by anti-Muslim hate crime) and a Trustee of the Civil Liberties Trust. His interests include poetry, theatre and human rights.

The Chaplain

Andrew Hammond was an undergraduate at Clare College, and then worked in classical music for nearly twenty years: first as a singer, then in arts administration. He was ordained in 2007, and has worked in two London parishes and at St Paul’s Cathedral. Before coming to St John’s he was Chaplain at King’s College.

The Chaplain supports the College Tutors who are the primary point of pastoral care for the 900 Junior members of the College (undergraduates and research students). The Chaplain is available to everyone in College – Fellows, Students and Staff.

Director of Music

Performing as a conductor and organist in North America, South Africa, Far East, and throughout Europe, Andrew Nethsingha has been Director of Music at St John’s College, Cambridge since 2007.

Andrew received his early musical training as a chorister at Exeter Cathedral. He later studied at the Royal College of Music and at St John’s. He held Organ Scholarships at St John’s, before becoming Assistant Organist at Wells Cathedral. He was subsequently Director of Music at Truro and Gloucester Cathedrals.

Director of St John's Voices

Graham Walker studied mathematics as a Choral Scholar at St John’s College, Cambridge, and was subsequently awarded a scholarship and bursary to study cello at the Royal Academy of Music in London. Graham has performed as a cellist across Europe and North and South America.

Graham is a highly respected choral conductor, and directs several choirs and orchestras. Alongside his work with St John's Voices, Graham is Precentor and Director of Music at Magdalene College and Musical Director of two other choirs.

Chapel Clerk 

Stephen came to St John’s in April 2007, having previously served as Verger at Romsey Abbey and St Marylebone Parish Church in London. He has been a Verger since 1999. His responsibilities are for the care of the Chapel and associated administration under the direction of the Dean.

In August 2016 Stephen attained the Diploma for the Church of England Guild of Vergers. Stephen currently serves as General Secretary to the Church of England Guild of Vergers.