St Johns Southgate

You could say it is on for young and old at St Johns!

With a playgroup for infants, meals for students and convivial and informative gatherings for retired people, just about everyone in the Southbank community is covered.

Downsizers abound in Southbank because of its services, proximity to city shopping, the arts precinct and Melbourne’s great sports stadiums.

They are all welcome to add the city church of St Johns as a place to visit regularly.

Friends Together, who specialize in conviviality, meet on the second Wednesday of every month for a meal, a chat and to hear of the exploits of the many and varied people who call St John’s their home as well as invited guest speakers.

Among the line-up in the past have been a retired senior policeman, a cancer researcher who also happens to be a Bach expert, a representative of the Bible Society who spoke about the society’s mission programs and someone from Lutheran World Service, which, as the name suggests, does great work around the world.

An officer from the AustralianQuarantine Service was also a hit with tales of the sorts of weird and not-so wonderful things that almost get into the country.

The general focus is on food – the stuff you eat, food for the brain and a little something for the soul, too. That was especially the case this month when a large group gathered for a special meal to celebrate … well, being retired.

Friends engender reactions such as this from a Southbank resident:

“When I came to live in Southbank I loved its vibrancy and the throngs of workers and visitors – but I didn’t know anyone in the crowd.

At St Johns I found like-minded people and genuine friendship. St Johns is my Southbank family.”

Proximity is not a requirement. Many people come to St Johns from far afield to attend Sunday services, for great music and a whole host of other activities.

But if you do live nearby and you are looking for something to do on a Wednesday once a month, please drop in.

If you are not sure of the timing, you can always call in at the friendly office at St Johns, 20 City Road, to check, or telephone on 9682 4995.