Pentecost 2026 at St John's, Upper Norwood

"When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place" (Acts 2.1).

This year, Pentecost at St John's was a whole parish celebration, one which brought together every corner of our community in a shared spirit of joy, creativity, and fire.

Throughout the week, the familiar rhythms of parish life were filled with the colour and energy of the season. Across our groups, people of all ages got stuck in creating stunning flaming banners to adorn the pillars of the church, vivid signs of the Spirit's presence among us. The banners were made by The Hub (our Thursday group), Messy Meals (our Wednesday group), our Friday toddler group PlayTime!, and by the children themselves at Pentecost Camp. Each one was a small act of devotion, and together they transformed the church into something really rather special.

At the heart of the week was Pentecost Camp 2026, which welcomed 30 primary-school-aged children for a weekend full of wonder. Scavenger hunts, Lego, science workshops and baking, campfires, fireworks, sparklers, pyjama prayers, hot chocolate, and a full cooked breakfast, it was quite a weekend! A huge thank you to the 30 children who brought such energy and delight, and to the superb team of volunteers whose generosity and creativity made every moment possible. You are, quite simply, amazing!

The week came to a close with a joyful all-ages High Mass on Sunday, a service which felt exactly as Pentecost should. Full of sparkle, full of life, and full of people. Young and old, all gathered in one place.

Pentecost calls us back to something simple: that the Church is, above all else, its people. This year, St John's felt that in every banner hung, every biscuit baked, and every candle lit. Thank you to everyone who played a part.