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. Yet that can suggest that everything is already mapped out for us and we just have to accept whatever situation comes along. Jesus encourages his followers in the Gospels not to be afraid and to trust, even in times of gr
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 implication that we are the sheep and we can feel safe being in the sheep fold. A few weeks ago we had the pilgrimage to St Albans Cathedral and I was chatting with someone who does not go to church. We walked past a few
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 please just pop by or email Coach, Rev Jonathan Gordon!
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 to heal, to heal the divide, the rift which human-centred theology has brought about; to wake, to waken, to see again, to feel again, to become conscious of the sacredness of all life.” “We, all of us, are currently overs
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 between Soul Survivor Watford, local and national youth organisations, the Diocese of St Albans and our ecumenical partners, and the Cathedral. Prayer stations and activities will run from 16:00. The Celebration will be th
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!
Join us at 19:00 in the Parish Rooms on Saturday 21st April for the St George's Sausage Sizzler event! Enjoy Train Robbers sausages & mash, apple pie and custard and test your knowledge of St George’s Day with our quiz! Tickets are £10 per head – to book your place please contact Evelyn Hodgson after church on Sunday or telephone 01442 873458. Please bring your own drinks
The major festivals in the church and in particular Easter are a good time to reflect on what has happened in the church over the last year. One service that stands out is the Memorial Service last November that took place shortly after Kacey had died from her injuries after being hit by a car on the High Street. The church was packed with family and friends from Bridgewater School and as part of the service candles were lit for Kacey and others who had died over the year. It was a profoundly moving service and there was hopefully support for the family in people from across the community coming together. At Easter we reflect on the promise of Jesus: “I came that they may have life, and have
