| Volume 16 No. 25 | Friday 15 May 2026 |
The Friday ThoughtIn the autumn of last year I completed (successfully!) a safeguarding course on Leadership. All retired clergy, who have permission to officiate, are obliged to continue with safeguarding training. The first session of the course required us to reflect on Building Healthy Church Cultures, spending some time reflecting on the culture of your home church. At the end of the course participants had to commit to drafting and implementing a 3-point Action Plan in the months following the course. Point 1in my Plan was to have a meeting and general discussion about safeguarding with those responsible for safeguarding at St Peter’s. That has taken place. Point 2 is this Friday Thought, to share with those within the church and beyond something of the course. Point 3 is still a work in progress!! What do we mean when we talk about the culture of the church? Very briefly we mean the nature and quality of the life of the church, how people treat each other, general behaviour and that the organisation is compassionate, caring and welcoming. It is also important that there is openness, good communication and transparency in the way in which the leadership and management of the church is exercised. These characteristics are not peculiar to churches of course but are to be found in other communities and organisations. Churches become unhealthy places when there develops a culture of gossiping, people jostling for positions of power and influence, bullying and an atmosphere of cliqueness, and as has been said already this kind of culture is not peculiar to churches. I am sure many people have experienced unhealthy cultures in work places and elsewhere. In terms of the mission of the Church, a healthy culture is critical in welcoming people exploring the life of the church and ensuring that they are welcome and that the community is a safe place in which to worship and participate. Sadly there is a history of unhealthy church cultures which have harmed and abused many people, who have as a result lost faith in the church and the Christian faith more generally. We will soon be celebrating the gift of the Holy Sprit to the Church, and that gift is none other than the gift of God’s love, the hallmark of the life and mission of the Church. A church which is energised by the Holy Spirit will be a community where there is palpable respect and care for one another, especially the vulnerable, where all are welcome and sense that this is a safe place where people will flourish in faith and life. |
Church news & notices Saturday 23 May - Thursday 28 May
Sponsored walk for Hector’s House Over the course of 6 days, Fr Stuart will be making a 180-mile sponsored walk from Berkhamsted to Manchester, for the local suicide prevention charity Hector's House. You can find out more about the work of Hector's House at the link below. If you would like to sponsor Fr Stuart, you can do that on his JustGiving page.
| Sunday 17 May at 10:45 am
Petertide meeting There will be a short meeting after the 9:30am morning service this Sunday for Petertide volunteers to go through the arrangements. Rotas have been sent out to everyone who has already volunteered, but there are still some gaps to fill. So, if you have not yet volunteered, hit the button below or fill in a short form in church. Please use the form as it helps Hayley and Hilary to plan more easily.
The Petertide Fair is on Sunday 28 June 12:30pm-3:30pm, and we are raising money towards the St Peter's Renovation Appeal, so that we can build up funds to continue with the next phase of roof repairs. Do please support Petertide - it will be a really lovely family event, and everyone on a rota will also have a chance to walk around and enjoy the fair.
Contact:Hayley Khazaneh Hilary Armstrong | Sunday 24 May at 12:30 pm
Ecumenical Picnic Members of local Berkhamsted churches are gathering together for a picnic at Berkhamsted Castle on Sunday 24th May from 12.30pm. All are welcome. | Sunday 14 June
Choral Evensong for RSCM Music SundayOur choir worked incredibly hard last week to provide a truly glorious choral evensong in St Peter's. The music included the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis by Charles Villiers Stanford, an awe-inspiring setting of the evening canticles. We are so fortunate to have wonderful cathedral-style worship in our parish church, so do please support these services. For your diaries, the next evensong will be sung on Sunday 14 June, and the music will be fantastic. This will be RSCM Music Sunday, when we will join with choirs all over the UK in celebrating the work of our church musicians who enrich our worship with music. Responses: Ayleward
Canticles: Noble in B minor
Anthem: Let all the world - Vaughan Williams
Organ voluntary: Psalm Prelude No 1 Set 1 - Herbert Howells Don't stay at home - you can catch up with Antiques Roadshow on iPlayer afterwards! | Prayer Adventure for KidsThis year, the St Peter's Sunday School team are encouraging children and their families to get involved with the Thy Kingdom Come - 11-day Kids' Prayer Adventure. Thy Kingdom Come is a global ecumenical prayer movement that invites Christians around the world to pray for more people to come to know Jesus. It takes place during the period from Ascension Day until Pentecost. We invite children and their families to join us in participating in the 2026 Prayer Adventure for Kids. This is an exciting resource to encourage the prayer lives of children for the 11 days from Ascension to Pentecost. For each day there is a video, reflection, prayer and activity. Please follow the link below to access the resource: | Canon John PritchardOur congratulations to Fr John Pritchard, a former curate of this parish, who has been made an Honorary Canon of Southwark Cathedral. Fr John continues in his role as vicar of St John the Evangelist, Upper Norwood. Our prayers go with you, John. There are more lovely photos on the St John's Facebook page: | District Bellringing CompetitionOn Saturday 9th May two teams of St Peter's bellringers competed in the District Bellringing Competition. One team was formed of St Peter's youth bellringers who are all aged under sixteen - possibly the first time such a young team has ever taken part. Both teams did well, and the St Peter's band was particularly pleased to have two teams in the contest. We welcome new ringers aged from about 14 and upwards. Contact Mike Below if you are interested in joining the band. | 10 years ago: the Royal Visit10 years ago this month, on 6 May 2016, we welcomed Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to Berkhamsted, and into St Peter's Church. The Queen was greeted by the Rector, Fr Tim Pilkington, David Pearce, churchwardens Tim Hennessey and Mark Grego, and Tilly Armstrong presented a floral posy to Her Majesty. In a special ceremony, the Queen unveiled the Coat of Arms of Elizabeth I, recently been restored by the Friends of St Peter's. A joint choir of singers from St Peter's Church and the Berkhamsted School sang choral pieces, including Vivaldi's Gloria and Charles Wood's O Thou the Central Orb, and a new work by our Director of Music, Adrian Davis, O Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem. There are wonderful photos and videos of this historic, memorable day on the church website: Video: |
 Church of England news
Thy Kingdom ComeBetween Ascension and Pentecost, the global prayer initiative, Thy Kingdom Come is streaming a daily video to encourage Christians across the world to pray for renewal. In the first video on Ascension Day, Archbishop Sarah asks us to pray with simple faith, asking God to move afresh in us and through us: "Come Holy Spirit, Thy Kingdom Come". You can follow these daily videos on the Thy Kingdom Come Facebook page and YouTube channel. Video: |
 Diocesan news
Tuesday 14 July
Reception for young adultsBishop Jane, the Bishop of Hertford, is hosting a reception for young adults (aged 18 to 35) on July 14th, at her home in Knebworth. If you would like to attend this reception please contact Fr Stuart directly and he will pass on your details to the Bishop's office. Contact:Fr Stuart Owen  01442 879 739 | Falcon crècheThe Peregrine falcons nesting on top of St Albans Cathedral have hatched four fluffy chicks this week! The Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust have said that this is a record for the proud parents, Boudica and Alban, although one chick does look noticeably smaller than the others. Click the link below for the inevitably adorable video: |  | The Parish of Great Berkhamsted is in the Church of England's Diocese of St Albans |
 www.stalbansdiocese.org
St Albans Cathedral:
www.stalbanscathedral.org
 Church noticeboard
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Berkhamsted community news & events Friday 15 May at 7:30 pm
Medieval Music ConcertMarco Cannavo and Steve Tyler present Musica Medievalis, an instrumental journey into the music of medieval Europe at the historic St Mary's Church in Northchurch. Featuring hurdy-gurdy and its early predecessors, alongside harp, lute, citole, portative organ, bladder pipe, and tambourine, the concert explores rhythms and melodies from both sacred and secular traditions, interpreted with imaginative freedom while remaining rooted in historical sources. Tickets £15.00 and concessions £12.00: | Saturday 16 May at 8:00 am
Prayer BreakfastSacred Heart Church are hosting this month's Prayer Breakfast, starting with breakfast at 8 am. All are welcome to join Berkhamsted churches as they pray for the town. Prayer leaflets are available at the back of St Peter's Church with the monthly prayers from around the town. | Saturday 16 May at 7:30 pm
Blaze Ensemble concertDon't miss tomorrow's fabulous concert in St Peter's with the Blaze Ensemble: Beethoven: Pastoral Symphony
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 23
(piano: Anjulie Chen)
Mendelssohn: Fingal's Cave
Delius: On hearing the first Cuckoo in Spring.
This concert is part of the 2026 Chiltern Arts Festival (15-23 May) - eight days of concerts, walks and events inspired by nature. Music will include orchestral, jazz, Renaissance and contemporary choral music at venues including Great Missenden, College Lake, Ashridge, Aldbury, Henley-on-Thames, Marlow, Thame and Princes Risborough. Pick up a festival brochure at the back of the church. Full listings and ticket sales are all on the Chiltern Arts website: | Sunday 17 May
May Farmers’ MarketThe next Farmers' Market is on Berkhamsted High Street, offering a range of local produce, tempting street food, beers and wines, delicatessen and fine cheeses, plus hand-crafted gifts, herbalist therapies and much more. Farmers' Markets are held on the 3rd Sunday of every month. | Sunday 17 May
The Distinguished Gentleman’s RideThe Distinguished Gentleman's Ride is a fundraising motorcycle event, raising money and awareness for prostate cancer research men's health. 175 classic and vintage motorcycles, ridden by chaps and lasses dressed in dapper tweeds, will be setting off from Marsworth at 11am and passing through Aston Clinton, Tring and Berkhamsted an to Ivinghoe Beacon. If you're on Berkhamsted High Street around 11:30-ish, you'll catch the motorcycle parade. You can make a donation on their website at: | Monday 18 May - Wednesday 3 June
High Street roadworks Berkhamsted High Street and London Road are going to be resurfaced! According to Herts Highways, there will be road closures from Monday, lasting a fortnight from the Kings Road junction, past Swing Gate Lane and up to Bourne End.
Fixing potholes is welcome, but there will be disruption, so check Google maps before you try to drive anywhere! Find out more on the Herts Highways map: | Thursday 21 May at 7:30 pm
Choir on the Green ConcertNext week, the Choir on the Green are singing a concert in St Peter's in aid of the Hospice of St Francis and Gaddesden Place Riding for the Disabled. Come and enjoy choral favourites, contemporary rock and pop and musical hits - tickets are just £10. Book on the Hospice website or pay on the door.  
| Friday 22 May - Saturday 23 May
Have a go at bowlsBerkhamsted Bowls Club are running free taster sessions for new players. Just turn up at the club on Canal Fields (across the canal from Waitrose) on the Friday evening 6pm-9pm or the Saturday afternoon 2pm-6pm and give it a go. It's an inclusive game, open to all ages, and you don't need to bring any equipment - just wear trainers. | Saturday 23 May - Sunday 24 May
Hertfordshire County ShowHertfordshire County Show is being held at the Hertfordshire County Showground on Dunstable Road, Redbourn, AL3 7PT. The weekend will feature livestock displays, quad bike stunt displays, pony racing, sheepdogs, falconry, vintage tractors, wedding shows, children's entertainments, plus live music and food stalls. Advance day tickets £27, concessions & family tickets available. | Saturday 23 May - Monday 25 May
Boxmoor Floating MarketThere's another Floating Market event coming up on the Grand Union Canal on the May bank holiday weekend. The Fishery Wharf Café in Boxmoor will host a weekend of live Blues, Folk and Roots music, food and drink. Come and browse the narrowboat stalls for handmade gifts and crafts. | Friday 5 June - Sunday 14 June
Great Big Green Week 2026Berkhamsted will be holding another Great Big Green Week, with events all over town - walks, talks, family activities, quizzes and gardening events. On Saturday 6 June there will be the popular Berkhamsted Eco Fair in the Civic Centre. | Saturday 13 June at 7:30 pm
Bridgewater Sinfonia concertBridgewater Sinfonia is back at St Peter's this summer for a performance of the Sibelius Violin Concerto in D minor, and they welcome soloist Michael Foyle to the concert stage. The programme will also feature Britten's Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, making this an ideal concert for young people (under-18s' tickets are free!), followed by Shostakovich's famous Symphony N° 5 in D Minor. Advance tickets are available from Ashtons Estate Agents (next to Tesco) and online for £20, or £22 on the door. | Friday 3 July - Saturday 4 July
ChilfestTickets are now on sale for Tring's Chilfest summer festival, with a lineup of tribute bands covering hits from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. Come and enjoy outdoor performances in the sun at the festival site in Pedley Meadow on Cow Lane, Tring. Tickets £38.50, with discounts for children and family tickets available. | Community Shop opens On Thursday, the Berkhamsted Food Hub Community Shop opened in part of the former Open Door premises at 360-362 High street. The Food Hub is responding to a growing need for food support for many families in the community and this project aims to offer an affordable shopping solution and a helping hand for all. A large number of items will be available to purchase with a maximum spend of £5 per visit. The shop will open twice a week on a Monday from 9.30-12.30pm and on a Thursday from 4-7pm and will be entirely run by a team of volunteers. There will also be times to drop donations off at the shop. Should anyone need support with food, please contact:
| New town mayor This week Berkhamsted Town Council welcomed the new Town Mayor, Tom Pedrick and Deputy Town Mayor, Adam Hawkswood.
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Cartoon Church This week's cartoon courtesy of CartoonChurch
Copyright © 2026 Dave Walker
  | Worship with usThis Sunday: 17 May 2026
Sunday after Ascension |
9:30am Sung Eucharist
You are invited to join us at our main Sunday service
Next Sunday: 24 May 2026
PentecostMusic this weekHymns: | Anthem: | O sing joyfully - Adrian Batten | | Voluntary: | March on a Theme of Handel - Alexandre Guilmant |
ReadingsActs 1.6-14So when they had come together, they asked him, ‘Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He replied, ‘It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up towards heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up towards heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.’ Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away. When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers. Psalm 93 (vv. 1-6)1 The Lord is king and has put on glorious apparel; the Lord has put on his glory and girded himself with strength.2 He has made the whole world so sure that it cannot be moved.3 Your throne has been established from of old; you are from everlasting.4 The floods have lifted up, O Lord, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their pounding waves.5 Mightier than the thunder of many waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea, the Lord on high is mightier.6 Your testimonies are very sure; holiness adorns your house, O Lord, for ever. Gospel: John 17.1-11After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed. ‘I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.
 In our prayers this weekAnglican Cycle of Prayer:The Anglican Church of Papua New GuineaIntercessions | Diocese | ✚✚Sarah, Archbishop of Canterbury, ✚Andrew, Bishop Designate of St Albans, ✚ Jane, Bishop of Hertford, and Charles, Archdeacon of St Albans | In our
continuing prayers | Mary Beard, Christina Billington, Patricia Cody, Nola Frost, Yvonne Hart, Judith Hill, John Malcolm, Ghullam Mutaheri, Frozan Mutaheri, Clare Wallington, Stacy Giles, Liz Wright | In our
immediate prayers | Alan Conway, Graeme Davis, Mark Few, Barbara Fisher, Peter Kirk, David Labbett, Gwen Roberts, Fr Chris Rogers, Peter Rolfe, David Steadmann, Charlotte Szypryt, Neata Thomson, Ken Organ, Barbara McKenna, Sienna Vallance | Weddings
(next four weeks) | | Wedding banns
called this Sunday | | Baptisms
(next four weeks) | | | RIP | Denis Beard | | Memorial (year's mind) | Jackie Fisher |
 RotasWe are ever thankful for our team of dedicated clergy and volunteers who support our collective worship every week. If you are new to St Peter's, we encourage you to get involved in our parish life. Listed below are rotas for this coming Sunday and the week after. You can check future rota dates on the parish website at www.stpetersberkhamsted.org.uk/rotas Sunday 17 May 2026 - Easter 7| 8am Eucharist |
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| President | Margaret | | Preacher | Margaret | | Reader | Sarah H. | | 9:30am Eucharist |
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| President | Fr Stuart (Fr David) ((Margaret)) | | Preacher | Margaret | | Sidesperson | Cathy I. | | Sidesperson | Nicky E. | | MC | Libby G. | | Acolyte | Will G. | | Acolyte | Emma G. | | Thurifer | Richard C. | | Cruficer | . | | Reader | Libby G. | | Intercessions | James O. | | Eucharistic Minister (Chalice) | Kate H. | | Eucharistic Minister (Chalice) | Pru M. | | Sunday School | . | | Sound | Jeremy G. | | Friday Thought | Fr David |
Sunday 24 May 2026 - Pentecost| 8am Eucharist |
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| President | Fr David | | Preacher | Fr David | | Reader | Mike H. | | 9:30am Eucharist |
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| President | Margaret (Helen Rowland) ((Fr David)) | | Preacher | Fr David | | Sidesperson | Uli G. | | Sidesperson | Carole D. | | MC | Mark G. | | Acolyte | Hayley K. | | Acolyte | Chris C. | | Thurifer | Will G. | | Cruficer | Richard C. | | Reader | Richard N. | | Intercessions | Bev J. | | Eucharistic Minister (Chalice) | Paul J. | | Eucharistic Minister (Chalice) | Hilary E. | | Sunday School | . | | Sound | Michael A. | | Friday Thought | Fr Anthony |
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Email Hayley Khazaneh
