| Volume 16 No. 37 | Friday 7 August 2026 |
Church news & notices Thursday 13 August at 10:30 am
Funeral of Fr Chris RogersFr Chris Rogers passed from this life in the early hours of Wednesday morning 29th July at Watford General Hospital. We have received so many messages of sorrow and support from people all around the country, including churches where Chris had previously served, friends and neighbours in Berkhamsted. Chris was a lively and unforgettable part of our community, and we will all miss him terribly. Our prayers are especially with his partner, John, and with his family and friends. On Wednesday 12 August we will receive Chris's coffin into St Peter's at 4pm, and there will be a time for prayers and quiet thanksgiving. Thursday 13 August at 10:30am: Funeral
We will gather at St Peter's to say farewell to Chris and to give thanks to God for his life and ministry. This will be followed by a committal service at Hemel Hempstead Crematorium, to which all are welcome. "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord."
Matthew 25:21 Heavenly Father, we give thanks for the ministry of your servant Chris.
Rest eternal grant unto him, O Lord,
and let light perpetual shine upon him.
May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
Amen
Directions to Hemel Hempstead Crematorium: | Saturday 5 September
St Peter’s Market StallWe are running another stall on Berkhamsted High Street Market, and we need some volunteers to help. This will involve chatting to members of the public and telling them what a fabulous place St Peter's is. There will be leaflets to give out, and it will be another opportunity for us to extend a welcome to the wider community and to enhance the church's presence in the town. Some help will be needed first thing in the morning and at lunchtime with setting up/breaking down. You only need to do a 1-hour stint, so it won't take up too much of your Saturday! Please put your name down for a slot on the signup sheet at the back of church on Sunday. | Saturday 12 September
Bike ‘n’ Hike 2026The Beds & Herts Historic Churches Trust is holding its annual Bike 'n' Hike event. If you'd like to take part yourself, you plan a challenging but achievable route to visit as many churches as you can, and find sponsors who will donate an amount per church you visit. All the information and resources you'll need are on the BHHCT website. Our ever-hardy Rector, Fr Stuart, is taking part by walking 50 miles overnight on the Three Bishops Way, leaving Bedford on Friday evening, getting to Hertford on Saturday morning, and skipping into St Albans around Saturday lunchtime for a pint, or two. Do please sponsor Stuart - last year, St Peter's sponsorship total was the highest in the two counties, so let's try to keep that record going!
| Sunday 13 September
Blessing of the Backpacks (and a picnic)On Sunday 13th September as part of our regular 9.30am Sunday Service we'll be inviting the schoolchildren of the parish to come forward to have their school backpacks/satchels blessed to mark the start of the new school year. All are very welcome to join us. After the service there will be a picnic at The Rectory (Rectory Lane, HP4 2DH) to which everyone is very welcome (weather permitting!). You can read more about backpack blessing here: | Thursday 17 September at 6:30 pm
A Service of Thanksgiving for VolunteersFrom Fr Stuart: Week in and week out, I'm conscious of how dependent I am on the contribution of volunteers to keep St Peter's church going. It's not just St Peter's, across our community and across the country our lives are hugely enriched by the work of volunteers. A 2025 report by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport estimated the financial benefit of volunteering in the UK to be around £25 billion. At St Peter's we would like to say thank you to all those who make this town a better place to live in through volunteering their time. On Thursday 17th September at 6.30pm we will be holding a short 'Service of Thanksgiving for our Community's Volunteers', and this will be followed by a drinks reception. I hope that many of our St Peter's volunteers will be able to come along to be part of that celebration. To help us with refreshments we'd invite you to complete this Google form to let us know if you'll be joining.
| Friends of St Peter’s – Treasurer The Friends of St Peter's charity (FoSP), which raises funds for work on the church building and the cemetery, is in need of a new Treasurer. Ideally, we would like to recruit someone from outside the church community itself. Please do put your thinking caps on, and if you know of anyone in the town or local area who might be suitable do please point them in my direction. You can download a Role Description from the FoSP website:
Contact:Fr Stuart Owen  01442 879 739 |
 Diocesan news
Saturday 19 September at 2:00 pm
Installation of the Bishop of St AlbansThe Rt Rev Dr Andrew Rumsey will be installed as the 11th Bishop of St Albans at a special service in St Albans Cathedral. This joyful and historic service marks the beginning of Bishop Andrew's ministry across the Diocese of St Albans, and will bring together representatives from churches, schools, civic organisations and communities from across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Luton and Barnet. Tickets are being allocated first to invited guests, clergy and parishes across the Diocese, and a limited number of tickets are available to book online on the Cathedral website. Further tickets will be released at a later stage, so do check again later. The service will be live-streamed, and a link will be sent out in September so that you can watch online. | St Albans Cathedral eventsThere is a wide variety of events taking place at the Cathedral this summer: - Guided tours are a great way to discover the hidden stories of the ancient Abbey, including a tour exploring medieval graffiti, science and engineering on the solar eclipse day, women's handiwork in the Cathedral, stained glass tours, and a special Wars of the Roses tour on the anniversary of the Battle of Bosworth Field.
- Four-day Greek and Latin Summer Schools, exploring Virgil's Georgics or the Gospel of John.
- Candlelit concerts with tribute acts performing the music of Fleetwood Mac, Bruce Springsteen, Ed Sheeran and Tina Turner
| Diocesan job vacanciesThe Diocese of St Albans is currently advertising the following roles: For details and application forms, visit the Diocesan website: |  | 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
|
Berkhamsted community news & events Sunday 9 August
Berkhamsted Artisan Market AugustThe next Artisan Market is on the High Street, offering handmade jewellery, gifts, crafts, wooden homewares, ceramics, sculpture and more. Come and have a browse - all stall fees go towards the Friends of St Peter's. | Wednesday 12 August at 7:13 pm
Partial eclipseBerkhamsted (and indeed the rest of Western Europe) will experience a partial eclipse of the sun this month. Between 6:17pm and 8:06pm the moon will begin to move in front of the sun, with the eclipse reaching it peak of 91% coverage at 7:13pm. As it's the evening, the sun will be in the west, so you'll need to look roughly towards Tring. As always, observers are reminded not to look directly at the sun or to use telescopes or binoculars, or risk permanent retina damage. Find out more from BBC Sky at Night Magazine: | Friday 14 August - Sunday 16 August
Latimer Music FestivalThe Latimer Music Festival is a weekend of concerts and recitals in St Mary Magdalene Church, Latimer in Buckinghamshire, just a 20-minute drive south from Berkhamsted. Highlights include a multi-pianist recital, a Celebration of English Composers (including On Wenlock Edge), Elgar's Piano Quintet, chamber music by Mozart, Schumann, Lyadov and Britten, and more. Book online via the Latimer website: | Wednesday 23 September at 7:00 pm
The People’s Emergency BriefingEcoBerko are holding a special community screening of The People's Emergency Briefing, a 50-minute film that brings together nine leading UK scientists and experts to explore the impacts of climate change on our lives. The film also has appearances from Chris Packham, Deborah Meaden, and a range of voices from across the UK. After the film, there will be an open discussion about what it means for our community and what we can do locally. Seats are FREE but limited so please book in advance if possible: | Pitstone Green Museum open daysPitstone Green Museum is a fascinating blend of attractions from the past, based in the buildings of an old Victorian farm near Ivinghoe Beacon. It's only open on certain days, when you can come and explore military and vintage vehicles, traction engines, model railways and live demonstrations. Open days are 10:30am - 4:30pm: - Sunday 9 August
- Bank holiday Monday 31 August
- Sunday 13 September
- Sunday 11 October
| Castle Fields Appeal passes 50% Amazing news from Berkhamsted Castle Trust - their Castle Fields Appeal has now passed the hal-way mark, raising a huge £251,889 - that's 50.3% of their target! They still have a significant challenge ahead of them to raise £248,111 in the next 14 months. If they hit this target, BCT will be able to pay off the loan that enabled them to purchase the fields next to Berkhamsted Castle and save the area from housing development.
If you'd like to support BCT and help to save this historic space for future generations, you can send an online donation at the link below. It can be any amount, but if you donate £39 (or multiples thereof) you can "sponsor" a square of field and put your name on it! (Note that you don't get any land rights - this is just a symbolic sponsorship!). If you're not an internet user, come and meet the Castle volunteers at their market stall on Sunday, and they'll help you out. 
|
Cartoon Church This week's cartoon courtesy of CartoonChurch
Copyright © 2026 Dave Walker
  | Worship with usThis Sunday: 9 August 2026
10th Sunday after Trinity |
9:30am Sung Eucharist
You are invited to join us at our main Sunday service
Next Sunday: 16 August 2026
11th Sunday after TrinityMusic this weekSt Peter's Church choir is normally on holiday during August, and will return to the choir stalls in September. Hymns: Readings1 Kings 19.9-18At that place he came to a cave, and spent the night there.Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’ He answered, ‘I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.’ He said, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.’ Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then there came a voice to him that said, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’ He answered, ‘I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.’ Then the Lord said to him, ‘Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus; when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael as king over Aram. Also you shall anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel; and you shall anoint Elisha son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah as prophet in your place. Whoever escapes from the sword of Hazael, Jehu shall kill; and whoever escapes from the sword of Jehu, Elisha shall kill. Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.’ Gospel: Matthew 14.22-33Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking towards them on the lake. But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’ Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’
 In our prayers this weekAnglican Cycle of Prayer:The Episcopal Church (USA)Intercessions | Diocese | ✚✚Sarah, Archbishop of Canterbury, ✚Andrew, Bishop of St Albans, ✚ Jane, Bishop of Hertford, and Charles, Archdeacon of St Albans | In our
continuing prayers | Mary Beard, Christina Billington, Stacy Giles, Yvonne Hart, Judith Hill, Ghullam Mutaheri, Frozan Mutaheri, Ken Organ, Neata Thomson, Clare Wallington, Liz Wright | In our
immediate prayers | Patricia Cody, Graeme Davis, Mark Few, Barbara Fisher, Peter Kirk, Gwen Roberts, Peter Rolfe, Charlotte Szypryt, Barbara McKenna, Sienna Vallance, Doug Billinton | Weddings
(next four weeks) | | Wedding banns
called this Sunday | | Baptisms
(next four weeks) | | | RIP | Nola Frost, Fr Chris Rogers, Susannah Prinz | | Memorial (year's mind) | Pamela Short | ☩ Funeral noticesTuesday 11 August at 12:00pm: Funeral of Israel Butler
Thursday 13 August 10:30am: Funeral – Fr Chris Rogers
 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 9 August 2026 - Trinity 10| 8am Eucharist |
|---|
| President | Fr David | | Preacher | Fr David | | Reader | Ruth W. | | 9:30am Eucharist |
|---|
| President | Fr Stuart (Margaret) ((Fr David)) | | Preacher | Fr David | | Sidesperson | Samantha O. | | Sidesperson | Jenny H. | | MC | Peter M. | | Acolyte | Libby G. | | Acolyte | Hayley K. | | Thurifer | Chris C. | | Cruficer | . | | Reader | Libby G. | | Intercessions | Dagna H. | | Eucharistic Minister (Chalice) | Paul J. | | Eucharistic Minister (Chalice) | Hilary E. | | Sunday School | . | | Sound | Michael A. | | Friday Thought | |
Sunday 16 August 2026 - Trinity 11| 8am Eucharist |
|---|
| President | Fr Stuart | | Preacher | Fr Stuart | | Reader | Sarah H. | | 9:30am Eucharist |
|---|
| President | Fr Stuart (Helen) | | Preacher | Fr Stuart | | Sidesperson | Liz Y. | | Sidesperson | Barbara J. | | MC | Richard C. | | Acolyte | Stephen L. | | Acolyte | Hayley K. | | Thurifer | Tilly A. | | Cruficer | . | | Reader | Lea W. | | Intercessions | James O. | | Eucharistic Minister (Chalice) | Helen N. | | Eucharistic Minister (Chalice) | Bev J. | | Sunday School | . | | Sound | Jeremy D. | | Friday Thought | |
|
Email Fr Stuart Owen
