| Volume 16 No. 43 | Friday 18 September 2026 |
The Friday ThoughtIt was wonderful to be with you at the blessing of the backpacks last Sunday. I am writing this reflection on the evening before my first day back at school (theological college, to be more precise!). I am excited to be shortly catching up with my classmates and teachers, as well as looking forward to the dinner and worship which precedes an always interesting lecture. Indeed, we are truly blessed by the standard of teaching at our college, – delivered by church leaders, experts, theologians and leading authors. The most memorable and impactful lecture from my last year centred on how stories, or narratives, are incredibly important. They have power. They are key to understanding. In that class, we discussed the stories which may be experienced by society (particularly our younger people – but, my hunch is it equally applies to us older folk too; perhaps our youth are just a bit more honest about it?!): how we are all too often presented with this distorted worldview narrative where we are: not good looking enough; where we search for authenticity but are plagued by anxiety; where we don’t have enough stuff; have unhealthy coping mechanisms; and believe things will not get better. The class was then asked: what, then, is the story, the narrative, of Christianity? We considered scripture for each of these examples we came up with: peace, purpose, acceptance, repentance, forgiveness, inclusion, salvation, love. All of this shines through in our Gospel reading for Sunday. In fact, (for various reasons) the lectionary for this Sunday provides a further two alternative Gospel readings. Looking at all three pieces of scripture in summary, I’d say the theme holds true: - Where we may be at times competitive, envious or hierarchical, – Jesus dismisses that narrative to show us that God’s grace, love and mercy is not transactional but instead radically generous and freely given. Where the last will be first, and the first will be last;
- Where we have a tendency to seek fulfilment and security in material possessions, – Jesus reminds us that the provision and care from the Lord is all we need. We are not to be materially rich yet spiritually bankrupt; and
- Jesus shows us that in a world where we are focussed on hacks, quick fixes and cures – wholeness and inner healing is available to all and actually comes from humility, gratitude and faith.
Nowhere does Jesus disrupt the narrative more stunningly than in my favourite piece of scripture: the Sermon on the Mount. Over and over, we hear the Messiah say: “You have heard that it was said………….But I say to you………..”.
As Christians, as Disciples, we too are to disrupt, with love and kindness, the harmful narratives that may playout around us, or within us: Maybe something like… You have heard that it was said: that you are not good enough; but I say to you: you are perfectly created in the image of God. You have heard that it was said: that division is ok, and to fight; but I say to you: love your enemies. You have heard that it was said: that you are not loved; but I say to you: you are a child of God, loved more than you can imagine. I’ll let you know how the first day back at skool goes…. Helen |
Church news & notices Parish office printer After limping along for many months in a "Trigger's Broom" twilight zone, the Parish Office printer has finally given up the ghost. We hope that a new printer will be installed in due course.
This of course means that there will be no pew sheets on Sunday mornings. If you do prefer to have the readings, music and parish news on paper, please download the sheet below and print it at home. You may also consider printing a few extra copies for those who do not have home computers. If a few people run off 10 copies or so, we should have enough to go around. Normal service will be resumed as soon as possible! | Saturday 3 October at 7:00 pm
An Audience with Captain John TyeThe David Pearce Memorial Lecture was started last year in memory of our dear departed churchwarden and Berkhamsted schoolmaster. It's run by the Friends of St Peter's in partnership with Berkhamsted School, and this year's event is a fundraiser for the St Peter's Renovation Appeal, supporting our urgent ongoing roof repairs. This year the Friends welcome BA Concorde pilot Captain John Tye as speaker. John will explain technical features of Concorde and take us on a virtual flight from Heathrow to New York. There will be a Q&A session and an opportunity to purchase a signed copy of his best-selling book, Life of a Concorde Pilot - From the Orphanage to the Edge of Space. Tickets are £15 and include a complimentary drink on arrival (£5 for under-18s and students). All ticket holders will also be entitled to a year's membership of the Friends of St Peter's. Centenary Theatre, Kings Road, drinks from 7pm. Don't miss this - and invite your friends and neighbours, and support this vital appeal! Book online, or contact Cathy Imber to secure a ticket.  
Contact:Cathy Imber  07909 868 928 | Sunday 4 October
Singing day at St Peter’sSt Peter's Church is inviting children in years 3 - 6 for a day of singing and fun. Over the course of the day, they will have the chance to learn some songs and find out about being a chorister at Berkhamsted's parish church. The day will end with a short concert, in which they'll appear alongside existing members of the choir. No previous experience is required, just a good singing voice and bags of enthusiasm! | Sunday 4 October at 11:00 am
Harvest Promises Auction On Sunday 4th October we will be celebrating Harvest Festival and as part of our thanksgiving, we'll be holding a Promises Auction to raise money for the work of Christian Aid. If you would like to auction a 'promise' please email Fr Stuart. It helps to be as specific as possible, eg 'two hours light gardening' rather than just 'gardening'. Thank you!
| Saturday 17 October
Parish Pilgrimage to AldburyOn Saturday 17th October there will be a pilgrimage to St John the Baptist's, Aldbury. We will begin with Midday Prayer at St Peter's and then walk to Aldbury via the Ashridge Estate. After a picnic lunch we will say Afternoon Prayer and then walk back to Berkhamsted via the canal and finish with Evening Prayer. Please speak to Fr Stuart if you're interested and would like to know more. Contact:Fr Stuart 01442 879 739 | RosaryPlease note that the Rosary will be prayed at midday on Tuesdays and not Fridays, beginning Tuesday 22 September. All are welcome. | Could you run Little Fishes?We are looking to recruit new leaders for our Little Fishes Parent and Toddler Group. The group was founded in 1997 and so will be thirty years old next year! Each week the group welcomes anything from 30-40 people (adults and children) who enjoy time together with other parents (and grandparents and guardians!), offer mutual support and friendship, and allow the children to develop and thrive in the company of their peers. Download the specification below. For more information, please contact Fr Stuart: | Food Hub – donations wantedBerkhamsted Food Hub is appealing to us for help topping up the pantry table at the back of the church. It's well used by people in a number of different difficult situations, who come into St Peter's to get food to take home. Many people who use this are actually working, but still find it hard to make ends meet. Need is greatest towards the end of the month, when people find the money running out. The Food Hub is dependent on supermarket collection days, which don't happen often enough, so if we can offer support with regular donations (on a Sunday - bring a tin or two?) it would help enormously. They need canned food, esp. meals in a can (but not more baked beans!) or jar, and packets of rice or pasta, plus toiletries. Coffee and tea go fast. No perishables. Thank you everyone for your kind support. | Music listThe music list for autumn is now available on our website. Unfortunately, due to printer problems, the paper version is not available. | Guided tour fully bookedPlease note that this Sunday's Heritage Open Days guided tour of St Peter's is now fully booked. |
Schools news
The Castle Federation is the governing body responsible for our two Church of England schools in Berkhamsted
 www.castlefederation.org
More about our schools:
 www.stpetersberkhamsted.org.uk/about/schools
 Church of England news
Lambeth AwardWarmest congratulations are due to Bev Jullien, who has been awarded the Cross of St Augustine for Services to the Anglican Communion in this year's Lambeth Awards. Each year, the Archbishop of Canterbury presents these awards recognising special services by individuals. Bev's award follows her retirement from Mothers' Union in June, recognising her leadership for over a decade. Under Canon Bev's leadership, the Mothers' Union strengthened its voice and visibility, deepened its global partnerships, and renewed its commitment to supporting women, children, families and communities in some of the most challenging contexts worldwide. Archbishop Sarah has said: "It is such a privilege to meet some of these individuals who have gone above and beyond in their fields, responding to the call to show compassion to our neighbours in the pursuit of a more just world. Each recipient of an award demonstrates love in action, bringing healing and hope to communities. I thank all of them for their tireless work." In all, there were 27 recipients of Lambeth Awards - read more on the Archbishop of Canterbury's website: |
 Diocesan news
Saturday 19 September at 2:00 pm
The Installation of the 11th Bishop of St AlbansTomorrow, the Rt Rev Dr Andrew Rumsey is being installed as the 11th Bishop of St Albans at a special service of celebration in St Albans Cathedral. The service marks the beginning of Bishop Andrew's ministry across the Diocese of St Albans, and will be attended by representatives from churches, schools, civic organisations and communities from across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Luton and Barnet. There's one spare ticket going - if you would like to attend, email St Peter's Parish Office. You can participate in this historic service on Saturday via the live video stream from the Cathedral: 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 11 September - Sunday 20 September
Heritage Open Days exhibition: The Working People of Berkhamsted As part of Heritage Open Days, Berkhamsted Local History and Museum Society (BLHMS) are holding an exhibition in St Peter's about daily working life through the ages. Photographs and illustrations from yesteryear will reveal how ordinary people in Berkhamsted made a living, from Roman times to more recent industries. Visitors can learn about lost trades and discover the location of forgotten industries and trades. Free entry, no booking required - open all day 10am-4pm.
Please note that most Heritage Open Days tours are now fully booked. | Thursday 17 September - Sunday 20 September
Berkhamsted Art TrailThis weekend only: explore the Berkhamsted Art Trail with 3 venues in and around Berkhamsted, part of this month's Hertfordshire Open Studios. Berkhamsted Civic Centre, Lagley Meadow Hall and Hill Farm Barn by Northchurch Common are all open 10am to 4pm until Sunday, with over 50 exhibiting artists and makers showing a wonderfully wide range of painting, printmaking, ceramics, glass, jewellery, textiles, furniture, wood, gifts, cards and more. All venues are free to visit. | Sunday 20 September
September 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. | Wednesday 23 September at 7:00 pm
The People’s Emergency BriefingAmid drought, extreme heatwaves and wildfires, come to find out about the science behind climate change in a 50-minute film screened in St Peter's by EcoBerko. The People's Emergency Briefing brings together leading climate experts to explore the impacts of climate change on our lives, with 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. Free entry, but please book a space online if you can: | Thursday 24 September - Sunday 27 September
Graham Greene FestivalThe annual Graham Greene International Festival returns, celebrating Berkhamsted's famous author. This year's speakers include novelist Jo Baker, broadcaster Robin Ince, journalist Melanie McDonagh, John le Carré biographer Adam Sisman, and espionage expert Robert Verkaik. Among the highlights will be talks about the book cover art of Paul Hogarth, hidden references to Watford in Greene's Cold War-era thriller The Human Factor (1978), a walking tour of Berkhamsted Common, film screenings of England Made Me (1973) and A Splinter of Ice (2021), and much more! Tickets are now on sale Contact:Graham Green Birthplace Trust 07491 674594 | Sunday 27 September at 4:00 pm
Climate and Creation SundayAt St Mary's Church, Studham - come and Listen to Dr Martin J Hodson and the Revd Margot Hodson speak about the current state of our climate and what we can do in our lives to make a difference: how to live wisely and well in God's world and how to live sustainable lives. There will also be group discussions on food, fashion, transport, home energy, young people, and finance. Free workshop - sign up online: | Friday 2 October - Thursday 22 October
Little Missenden FestivalLooking ahead to October, this gem of cultural life in the Chilterns returns to St John the Baptist Church in Little Missenden, just 7 miles (10km) south of Berkhamsted. There's a varied programme of string quartets, piano recitals, jazz and choral. The line-up includes the Alex Clarke Quintet, the Kleio Quartet, St Martin's Voices, with poetry read by BBC Radio 4's Zeb Soanes and a lecture on the portraits of Jan van Eyck by National Gallery curator Nicholas Flory. Booking opens 24 August. | Saturday 10 October at 7:30 pm
Bridgewater SinfoniaThe thriving Berkhamsted music scene continues with the Bridgewater Sinfonia new concert season. It opens on Saturday 10 October at Berkhamsted School's Centenary Theatre with Mendelssohn's Hebrides Overture, leader of the BBC Concert Orchestra Nathaniel Anderson-Frank playing Mozart's Violin Concerto N° 5, and Beethoven's Eroica Symphony (please note that this replaces the performance of Verdi's Requiem advertised earlier). And on Advent Sunday 29 November, they will be presenting a pre-seasonal Sunday matinée performance of Tchaikovsky Ballet Suites in Deans' Hall, Berkhamsted School. Advance/online tickets are £22, or £24 on the door, under-18s free. Pick up a season brochure at the back of church or visit: | Saturday 7 November
Fleetwood Mac by candlelightThe Rumours are true...! Something to look forward to in November - experience the hits of Fleetwood Mac as you've never heard them before, played by a string trio! We welcome Lumos back to St Peter's for an enchanting evening of classical rock by candlelight. We wouldn't tell you Sweet Little Lies - it really will be a super evening, so don't Go Your Own Way - book now! Say You Will! Tickets £20-£45, two sittings at 5pm and 7pm. | Berkhamsted Music
Berkhamsted Music have unveiled their 2026-27 concert season, with world-class performers appearing in the intimate setting of Berkhamsted Civic Centre. The season opens with Saturday 10 October with the Fibonacci Quartet, followed by pianist Amiri Harewood, early music from the Bellot Enseble and in the new year, the London Bridge Trio and the Carducci Quartet. Season tickets £90 and single concert tickets £25, under-18s free. Pick up a leaflet in church or visit: | The Orangery Café The Orangery Café is now open within the Spring Centre at The Hospice of St Francis. The volunteer-led cafe is in the heart of the Hospice with incredible views of the gardens and beyond. There is free parking available for guests visiting and all are welcome. Every penny of profit supports the care the Hospice provides. Currently open Monday-Friday, 10am-3pm the cafe promises coffee, cake and kindness served daily. Pop in for a cuppa - you may even meet some St Peter's volunteers there!
| DENS at Waitrose – thank you Last week's DENS food bank collection at Berkhamsted Waitrose was a huge success. Over two days, they received a staggering 987kg of food items, which is enough to provide 2,350 meals for those most in need. 215kg of household and hygiene items were also donated. The DENS team would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to every shopper that kindly donated, and to Waitrose staff for their support.
Most people know DENS as our local homeless charity. In fact, DENS do so much more than just provide a roof and a bed - they also support people in Dacorum who are facing homelessness, poverty and social exclusion by helping them to take the next positive step in their lives and secure housing. Read more on their website: |
Cartoon Church This week's cartoon courtesy of CartoonChurch
Copyright © 2026 Dave Walker
  | Worship with usThis Sunday: 20 September 2026
16th Sunday after Trinity |
9:30am Sung Eucharist
You are invited to join us at our main Sunday service
Next Sunday: 27 September 2026
17th Sunday after TrinityMusic this weekHymns: | Anthem: | Ubi caritas - Ola Gjeilo | | Voluntary: | Prelude from 'Suite Medievale' - Jean Langlais |
ReadingsJonah 3.10 - end of 4When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it. But this was very displeasing to Jonah, and he became angry. He prayed to the Lord and said, ‘O Lord! Is not this what I said while I was still in my own country? That is why I fled to Tarshish at the beginning; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and ready to relent from punishing. And now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.’ And the Lord said, ‘Is it right for you to be angry?’ Then Jonah went out of the city and sat down east of the city, and made a booth for himself there. He sat under it in the shade, waiting to see what would become of the city. The Lord God appointed a bush, and made it come up over Jonah, to give shade over his head, to save him from his discomfort; so Jonah was very happy about the bush. But when dawn came up the next day, God appointed a worm that attacked the bush, so that it withered. When the sun rose, God prepared a sultry east wind, and the sun beat down on the head of Jonah so that he was faint and asked that he might die. He said, ‘It is better for me to die than to live.’ But God said to Jonah, ‘Is it right for you to be angry about the bush?’ And he said, ‘Yes, angry enough to die.’ Then the Lord said, ‘You are concerned about the bush, for which you did not labour and which you did not grow; it came into being in a night and perished in a night. And should I not be concerned about Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who do not know their right hand from their left, and also many animals?’ Psalm 145 (vv.1-9)1 I will exalt you, O God my King, and bless your name for ever and ever.2 Every day will I bless you and praise your name for ever and ever.3 Great is the Lord and highly to be praised; his greatness is beyond all searching out.Response4 One generation shall praise your works to another and declare your mighty acts.5 They shall speak of the majesty of your glory, and I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.Response6 They shall speak of the might of your marvellous acts, and I will also tell of your greatness.7 They shall pour forth the story of your abundant kindness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.Response8 The Lord is gracious and merciful, long-suffering and of great goodness.9 The Lord is loving to everyone and his mercy is over all his creatures.Response Gospel: Matthew 20.1-16‘For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire labourers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the labourers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the market-place; and he said to them, “You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.” So they went. When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, “Why are you standing here idle all day?” They said to him, “Because no one has hired us.” He said to them, “You also go into the vineyard.” When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, “Call the labourers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.” When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, “These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.” But he replied to one of them, “Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?” So the last will be first, and the first will be last.’
 In our prayers this weekAnglican Cycle of Prayer:The Anglican Church of AustraliaIntercessions | 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, Barbara Fisher, Stacy Giles, Yvonne Hart, Judith Hill, Barbara McKenna, Ghullam Mutaheri, Frozan Mutaheri, Ken Organ, Gwen Roberts, Neata Thomson, Clare Wallington, Liz Wright | In our
immediate prayers | Doug Billington, Patricia Cody, Graeme Davis, Mark Few, Peter Kirk, Peter Rolfe, Charlotte Szypryt, Sienna Vallance | Weddings
(next four weeks) | Philip Gameson & Suzy Harker
| Wedding banns
called this Sunday | | Baptisms
(next four weeks) | | | RIP | Barbara Baggaley | | Memorial (year's mind) | |
 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 20 September 2026 - Trinity 16| 8am Eucharist |
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| President | Fr Stuart | | Preacher | Fr Stuart | | Reader | Sarah H. | | 9:30am Eucharist |
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| President | Fr Stuart (Helen) | | Preacher | Fr Stuart | | Sidesperson | Samantha O. | | Sidesperson | Carole D. | | MC | Mark G. | | Cruficer | Stephen L. | | Acolyte | Emma G. | | Acolyte | Kiril S. | | Thurifer | Richard C. | | Reader | Barbara J. | | Intercessions | Joseph C. | | Eucharistic Minister (Chalice) | Kate H. | | Eucharistic Minister (Chalice) | Pru M. | | Sunday School | . | | Sound | Jeremy D. | | Friday Thought | |
Sunday 27 September 2026 - Trinity 17| 8am Eucharist |
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| President | Fr Stuart | | Preacher | Richard | | Reader | Mike H. | | 9:30am Eucharist |
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| President | Fr David (Margaret) ((Fr Stuart)) | | Preacher | Richard | | Sidesperson | Liz Y. | | Sidesperson | Barbara J. | | MC | Will G. | | Cruficer | Hayley K. | | Acolyte | Richard C. | | Acolyte | Tilly A. | | Thurifer | . | | Reader | Hilary A. | | Intercessions | Will G. | | Eucharistic Minister (Chalice) | Carole D. | | Eucharistic Minister (Chalice) | Uli G. | | Sunday School | . | | Sound | Jeremy G. | | Friday Thought | |
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Email Cathy Imber
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