For the Jewish Community in 1st Century AD, “My Father’s House” would always mean the Temple in Jerusalem. It was high on the hill so they could see it from afar and it was the holiest place in their religion. The journey to Jerusalem was the last journey that Jesus made with his disciples and he taught them as they walked together on the way.

When I lived in Lincolnshire, I realised how much Lincoln Cathedral meant to the people who lived there. You could see the cathedral from fifteen or more miles away and people would say, they knew they were home when they saw the Cathedral on the horizon. For some it was a matter of belonging or geography, for others it was the centre of their spiritual lives.

Pilgrimage and journeys to holy places are popular at the moment; perhaps its about a restless searching in troubled times, or a search for a place where we might discover something new about ourselves and God. Some people walk alone to have time to become more centred and to notice the natural world. Sometimes people walk together, like the group who took part in the BBC programme Pilgrimage and new insights have come out of the long conversations they have had. When I walked St. Cuthberts way to Lindisfarne the best thing about the journey was the way it brought the three of us on the walk much closer together into a friendship that has lasted twenty-five years now.

Both the journey and the Journeys end are important. In today’s passage Jesus is talking about both- the place and the way.

The sense of home, of a place to find God is something we yearn for. We long for a dwelling place, where we can come close to God, and holy place or thin places can be a part of that.

But Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life. We often understand that to mean that we have to believe the right things about Jesus, but I think that it is more heart than head; Jesus is calling us to let go of all our self-centred concerns and to follow him in the way of service and self-giving love. It is a hard ask and we are bound to fail. But where we begin to know that we are loved, and to offer love to others then new life becomes possible. Yes, the dwelling place that Jesus was talking about was in part about our final home in God at death, but it was more too. It was about the journey, the letting go of self, and finding God both on the journey and at the journey’s end.

Saturday 2 May
St Peter’s goes to market!

This Saturday, St Peter's will have a market stall on the High Street market 8am-1pm. We plan to meet people out in the town, hand out leaflets and promote our year-round activities and welcome for families. We'll also be advertising June's Petertide Fair.

Why are we doing this? In our recent Mission Action Plan consultation, many people thought that we should be more active in our outreach to the community. So, instead of waiting for the public to come to us, we are going out on the High Street to extend our welcome. It will be an opportunity to chat to shoppers - we won't be forcing beliefs on people, but telling them about St Peter's activities and letting them know that our doors are open to all, whatever their faith. 

If you haven't already volunteered, please speak to Carolynne Charman. She's got a rota, so you only need to offer an hour of your time. 

Contact:

Carolynne Charman    07503 156 751

 Contact Carolynne Charman

Saturday 9 May at 10:30 am
Doves for Peace

Pru Murray is running a 'Doves for Peace' morning at St John's church, Bedford (as part of a St Albans diocese course) on Saturday 9 May 10:30-1pm. The aim of the event is to encourage people to decorate a paper dove with their own personal message or prayer for peace in our troubled world.  We appreciate Bedford is a way away, but she was wondering if anyone would be interested in helping out at this event (ideally you would need to have done a C of E safeguarding course to attend). If you can help, please email Pru:

Contact:

Pru Murray   

 Contact Pru Murray

Saturday 9 May at 7:00 pm
Lasagne Evening

There will be another fundraising lasagne evening in the Court House, raising money for the St Peter's Renovation Appeal. The last event was such an enjoyable evening with good food and good company, so do please support this evening. We have a lot of hidden talent for la Cucina Italiana in the parish, so if you can contribute a lasagne or a desert, please contact:

Contact:

Carolynne Charman    07503 156 751

 Contact Carolynne Charman

Sunday 10 May at 9:30 am
Exam prayers

At our 9:30am Parish Mass we will be praying for God's blessing on any children preparing to take GCSEs, A levels or other exams this summer. Any children and teenagers with exams coming up would be especially welcome.

Sunday 10 May at 6:00 pm
Choral Evensong

All are welcome at our next choral evensong, when our choir will lead our worship with sung responses, Psalms and an anthem. Music TBA.

The music list for our morning worship is available at:

 www.stpetersberkhamsted.org.uk

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 28 June
The Petertide Fair

Save the date! The Petertide Fair is going ahead! This will be a fun-filled family fête, with afternoon entertainments, games, stalls, food and drink. Drop by for Pimms or a beer in the sun, browse the plant stalls and bric-à-brac stalls. For youngsters, there are train rides - and bring a cuddly toy to ride the daring Teddy Zip Wire from the bell tower! Entry is free, and all proceeds will go to the St Peter's Renovation Appeal, helping us to fix our leaking church roof! This is another opportunity for St Peter's to welcome the wider Berkhamsted community, and an important fundraiser for our repair costs, so please support this in any way you can.

It's not too late to volunteer! If you'd like to help with preparations or volunteer on the day, please speak to Hilary Armstrong. Maybe you can help running a stall, leading an activity, or help with setting up? The more people that take part, the easier the task. You can also fill in a volunteer form online:

Contact:

Hilary Armstrong   

 Contact Hilary Armstrong

 www.stpetersberkhamsted.org.uk

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.

 www.justgiving.com

 hectorshouse.org.uk

Election of the new Bishop of St Albans

Last week, the College of Canons of St Albans Cathedral met for Evensong followed by the Election of the 11th Bishop of St Albans. Among the Canons, you may spot Bev Jullien (right)! 

The Canons were unanimous in electing the Rt Revd Andrew Rumsey, currently Bishop of Ramsbury in the Diocese of Salisbury, to be our new Diocesan Bishop. The next step in Bishop Andrew's journey to St Albans is that the Archbishop of Canterbury will confirm this election, which will take place in June.

Sunday 3 May at 2:30 pm
Sarah Garrett organ recitals

The first of this year's Sarah Garrett Recital Series at All Saints' Church will be given by William Fox who is the organist and director of music at St Albans Cathedral. Refreshments will be available at the interval. Entry is free no booking is required, and there will be a retiring collection to support the series and the church fund.

All Saints' Church, Shrublands Road

 www.allsaintsberkhamsted.org.uk

Sunday 3 May at 4:00 pm
A Song of Summer

Behind the Mirror are at Berkhamsted Town Hall, presenting a celebration of English music old and new for cello and harp. The programme will feature a mix of music inspired by folk traditions, including works by Delius, Vaughan Williams, Walton and Purcell. Eleanor Turner (harp) and Clare O'Connell (cello). Tickets: £25 U18 free.

 www.behindthemirror.org

Thursday 7 May at 7:00 pm
Gardeners’ Question Time

Berkhamsted Citizens' Association invite all Berkhamsted's green-fingered residents to a Gardeners' Question Time at the Town Hall. Bring your questions and quiz a panel of knowledgeable experts - Zora Tyrone (head gardener of Ashridge), Lisa Hardinge (March Hare Garden Design), Paul Cramp (Amberley Garden Services), Anne Foster and Pam Ferguson. The event will also include artworks, demonstrations and a plant sale. Entry £5, all proceeds to the Castle Fields Appeal, saving the historic fields next to Berkhamsted Castle.

 www.berkhamstedcastle.org.uk

Friday 8 May - Sunday 10 May
Berkhamsted Art Fair

Berkhamsted Art Society is holding its spring Art Fair in the Civic Centre. Drop in to browse paintings, prints and ceramics, meet local artists and pick up a nice artwork. Free entry.

 berkhamstedartsociety.co.uk

Saturday 9 May at 3:00 pm
Musical & Literary Arts Fundraiser

Berkhamsted Citizens' Association are holding an afternoon of music and readings at the Great Hall, Berkhamsted Town Hall. Madalina (soprano) and guests, accompanied on piano by Bertha Kum (Castle Choir music director). Tickets £10, in aid of Berkhamsted Castle Trust's Save Castle Fields appeal.

 www.berkhamstedcastle.org.uk

Sunday 10 May
The Berkhamsted Walk 2026

Registration is now open for the Berkhamsted Walk. This is Berkhamsted's annual fundraiser for the Children's Society, helping disadvantaged young people and vulnerable children which has been going since 1968!

You can choose from three different walks: 6, 12 or 18 miles (the routes vary each year), and there are checkpoints and refreshments along the way. To take part, you need to register on their website, and you can make a personal donation (online or by bank card on the day), or collect sponsorship (download the sponsor form from the website).

Sunday 10 May at 2:00 pm
Journey from Faith Learners to Faith Leaders

The interfaith organisation Beyond Difference is holding an event at Chesham Town Hall, Journey from Faith Learners to Faith Leaders. They'll be talking to three faith learners to compare their perspectives on becoming faith leaders today. All are welcome to attend - please fill in the signup form in advance if possible, so they know how many people are coming.

 beyonddifference.org

Thursday 14 May at 2:00 pm
1000 Years of Berkhamsted’s History

Berkhamsted Local History & Museum Society (BLHMS) are holding an afternoon talk at Berkhamsted Library: A Gentle Stroll Through 1000 Years of Berkhamsted's History Come and delve into the rich history of Berkhamsted across the last millennium. All proceeds go to supporting Berkhamsted library. Tickets £7.70 - pop into the library to book.

Saturday 16 May
RSCM Festival Service, St Paul’s Cathedral

The Royal School of Church Music is holding a choral evensong at St Paul's Cathedral in London. This special event offers singers opportunity to sing under Christopher Wren's magnificent dome, celebrating the joy of church music and the work of the RSCM. Singers will be directed by Andrew Carwood, Director of Music at St Paul's. To participate, book your space online - RSCM Members £15, non-members £20, accompanied under-18s £5. St Peter's Church Choir members qualify for the RSCM members' rate - speak to Geoff Povey in the choir if you wish to attend.

 www.rscm.org.uk

Saturday 16 May at 7:30 pm
Blaze Ensemble concert

The Blaze Ensemble will be playing in St Peter's: Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony, Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 23 (piano: Anjulie Chen), Mendelssohn's Fingal's Cave and Delius's 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:

chiltern arts festival

Beethoven Pastoral & Mozart Piano Concerto

 chilternarts.com

Castle marathon video

There's some fantastic drone footage in this video, shot 2 weeks ago for the 2026 Chiltern Ridge Ultra Marathon. 200 runners started at Berkhamsted Castle and ran a 50km through Ashridge and Ivinghoe Beacon, finishing at Wendover. Even if you're feeling exhausted just watching this video, you can enjoy the spectacular views over Castle Fields - these are the historic fields that Berkhamsted Castle Trust are trying to save from development.

Video:

 www.berkhamstedcastle.org.uk

Brahms Requiem

Berkhamsted Choral Society played another successful concert to a packed St Peter's last Saturday with their performance of the Brahms Requiem. The chorus was joined by soprano Elen Lloyd Roberts, baritone Dyfed Wynn Evans under the baton of conductor Graham Wili, delighting the audience with this profoundly moving work.

The spring/summer concert season at St Peter's continues on Saturday 16 May, when the Chiltern Arts Festival presents the Blaze Ensemble to perform music on a theme of nature, including Beethoven's 'Pastoral' Symphony. Then on 13 June, we welcome back the Bridgewater Sinfonia with the Sibelius Violin Concerto. Pick up a leaflet in church or visit:

 www.stpetersberkhamsted.org.uk