It has been the Parish Church of New Alresford since
1851. However, we know from the Domesday Book that there was a church in
New Alresford soon after the Norman Conquest. Until 1851 it was part of
the Parish of Old Alresford.
St.John's now forms part of the Arle Valley
Benefice which is made up of the parishes of New Alresford, Ovington, Old
Alresford and Bighton.
St.John's serves the whole community of Alresford.
It is there to meet the spiritual needs of the community which it does
through a variety of ways: through the use of the church and its building
and through the use of its John Pearson Hall....
- By offering public worship,
usually at least 3 times, on Sundays and on different occasions during
the week.
- By offering baptism, confirmation, marriage or funerals to anyone
who lives in the Parish of New Alresford.
- By visiting the sick, at home
or in hospital, by praying for them regularly, and by taking Holy Communion
to the housebound where it is requested. We need to be notified of those
who are sick and need a visit. St.John's also has a regular ministry of
the laying of hands for wholeness.
- By encouraging reflection on the Christian
faith and how we may share it, both through House Groups and a programme
of Nurture and Training events. These are often available to members of
other churches. St.John's also has a Sunday School which meets at the same
time as the main service on Sunday (9.30am) in term time.
- By offering opportunities
to look at issues of importance today, such as pressure at work, or parenting
courses, or how to work with people in other places and cultures.
- By offering
social events which enable others to meet people from the church.
- By working
as closely as possible with the other churches of the town. St.John's is
covenanted for unity with Alresford Methodist Church, St Gregory's Roman
Catholic Church and St.Mary's Church, Old Alresford (Churches Together
in Alresford).
St.John's has a Church Hall (The John Pearson Hall) which
is available to groups within the community. We are pleased to give a meeting
place to Chatterbox (for mums and toddlers) weekly, as well as meetings
for other age groups.
The Parish Office is in the John Pearson Hall and
is open Monday - Friday from 10.00 - 12.00. The Office telephone is 01962
733545. Initial questions about Baptism, Confirmation, Weddings or Funerals:
about the churchyard or about parish organisations should be addressed
to the Parish Office. (01962 733545)
