I once listened to a radio programme describing the life of Terry Wogan. Near the end of his life he was awarded an honouree degree by Leicester University. He spoke to the students and said that in his life he had been incredibly lucky and he hoped that they in turn would have more good luck than bad. In the church sometimes there can be unease with the idea of luck as it suggests chance and uncertainty, whereas we are encouraged to see life as providential or meant to be. Y

Keep up to date with the latest Parish news in the May edition of the Parish Newsletter. If you have any advertising or editorial queries please direct these to Editor, Jill Hipson.

Every year, on the fourth Sunday of Easter, the lectionary passages for the day include a gospel account that emphasises Jesus as the good shepherd. The fourth Sunday in Eastertide is therefore often designated as “Good Shepherd Sunday.” In both the Old and New Testaments, God is frequently identified as a faithful shepherd to his people. Possibly one of the most well known verses in the Bible is Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Part of the image is the

As the weather is now improving it seems a good time to kick of the St Mary’s Church football season! If you are interested in joining a skilled team of professionals for a high intensity and competitive Sunday match – I’m afraid you’re out of luck! If on the other hand you would like to join a friendly game for any ability, please do come along! We will be playing on St Mary’s Northchurch School playing field at 7pm starting this Sunday 22 April. If you would like to join in

In 1918, following years of bitter struggle, (some) women finally gained the right to vote. To mark this centenary the St Mary’s film club will be showing Suffragette, a story of the bravery of the woman who demanded change. Join us in the Parish Room on Tuesday 22nd May at 8pm. Everybody is welcome and refreshments will be provided.

A big well done to our team of puzzlers at the St Mary's Wednesday Open Afternoons! They have been working on this puzzle for a number of weeks and finished it off this Wednesday! St Mary's is open every Wednesday from 2-4pm for tea, coffee, cake... and of course puzzles! Everyone is welcome so please do pop along.

At long last it seems as if spring might be arriving and the weather will improve. Tring the other evening felt like January. There are theologians express their delight in spring in poetic ways. Sam Wells: Have you ever sat still in the early morning and heard the dawn chorus? Have you ever felt your heart rise in a throbbing ovation as the birds of the air form an orchestra of glory and voice creation’s praise? Peter Owen Jones: our great work is to become healers: “It is t

Join us at the Easter Taizé Service this Sunday 22nd April at 6pm. This is a quiet meditation service with chants and silence to celebrate Easter. Tea, coffee and cake will be served afterwards and everybody is welcome!

Thy Kingdom Come Beacon Celebration Event – Saturday 19th May 2018 18.30 at St Albans Cathedral Everyone is welcome and entry is free! StartFragment Christians of all denominations are invited to celebrate and pray together on the evening of 19th May. We are delighted that Archbishop Justin Welby will be joining us. This inter-generational and inter-denominational celebration is one of many Thy Kingdom Come events taking place around the country and will be a collaboration be

The Berkhamsted Deanery Barn Dance will be held on Saturday 16th June at Northchurch Social Centre. The evening will kick off at 19:30 and will be led by a band and caller. Fish and chips will be provided but please do bring your own drinks. Tickets cost £5.98 each – please click here to book. Please do dust off your dancing shoes and join us for the evening!