The Cross and all that it represents is the foundation of the Christian faith. The meaning of all our liturgy and scripture – the Christian story – ultimately rests on the events that lead Jesus to the cross and all that happens afterwards. It is a profound symbol of what we believe and who his disciples are.

It’s interesting how people use the sign of the cross in their daily lives. I once had a taxi driver who crossed himself every time we drove through traffic lights. The colour of the lights was irrelevant – green, yellow, bright red, flashing, whatever. Whether he was praying that no other driver would cross the other way at the same time, or perhaps preparing himself in case they did, I shall never know. Some footballers cross themselves when they run onto the field, perhaps praying God will favour their team with success. I don’t question this at all – a public expression of Christian faith is always OK. Tertullian (an important C2/3 theologian) had no concerns. He recommended:

“In all our travels and movements, in all our coming in and going out, in putting on our shoes, at the bath, at the table, in lighting our candles, in lying down, in sitting down, whatever employment occupies us, we mark our forehead with the sign of the cross.”

Jesus tells us that unless we carry our cross, we cannot be his disciples. Not many people interpret this literally but one who did was Arthur Blessitt an American travelling preacher. In his late 20’s Jesus called him to walk to every nation, and over fifty years starting on Christmas Day 1969, he hauled a sizeable wooden cross for 43,000 miles through 324 nations and territories, proclaiming the gospel as he went. He devoted a large part of his life to Jesus’ call to carry his cross in the public square in the best way he knew. He died in January this year aged 84.

I think for most of us, our cross meets us in our private and personal lives, not the public square. Almost by definition, to carry our cross is sacrificial, willingly serving others at the cost of our own dreams. Perhaps only God really knows the crosses people bear, but sometimes we get a glimpse. To carry one’s cross is to be a disciple, and Jesus prayed for his disciples that they would know God in their lives as he does, and that they would receive the strength to match their calling. Maybe that’s how many people who commit their lives to supporting others manage to remain positive and even cheerful in the face of daunting difficulty. I remember a friend whose wife fell ill within a year or so of their marriage. Within months she could not walk, and he had to carry her everywhere. Somehow, he remained cheerful no matter the difficulties, until she died less than five years after their wedding. I don’t think he would ever describe what he did as carrying a cross, but I think I would, and that’s why he impressed me so much and why I clearly remember them after fifty years.

All Best wishes

Richard

Sunday 7 September
Blessing of the backpacks

To mark the start of the new school year, we're inviting schoolchildren to come and have their school bags blessed during the 9:30am service.  It's a lovely way to mark September's new beginnings with prayer, and to inspire our young people to start their new term in hope and confidence.

Sunday 7 September at 12:30 pm
Sundays Together Lunch September

Sundays Together Lunches are a friendly social group for our older friends in the parish who may be on their own at a certain age. Luncheon is laid on every 1st Sunday of every month in the Court House. Guests receive a welcome drink when they arrive, followed by two-course meal, all for a handsome £6. If you would like to take part, or if you know someone who might benefit from this lovely social event, please get in touch:

Contact:

 Send an email to: Carolynne Charman

 07503 156 751

 www.stpetersberkhamsted.org.uk/groups/sundays-toge

Saturday 13 September
Bike ‘n’ Hike

For anyone wishing to take part in the Bike 'n' Hike, you can get sponsored to visit beautiful churches on foot, by bike or other means. Any sponsorship you raise is divided equally between the Beds & Herts Historic Churches Trust (BHHCT) and the individual church chosen by you. If you want to know more, contact Chris Clegg. Find out more and download the registration and sponsor form on the Trust website via the link below.

Fr Stuart is taking part, walking nearly 50 miles from Bedford to St Albans, via Hertford. He's starting on the evening of Friday 12th September, and hopes to reach St Albans in time for a spot of lunch. Stuart will be raising money for St Peter's Restoration Fund and the BHHCT. You can sponsor Stuart via his JustGiving page below.

Bike ‘n’ Hike

Fr Stuarts sponsored walk

Contact:

 Send an email to: Chris Clegg

 bedshertshct.org.uk/bike-n-hike

 www.justgiving.com/page/stuart-owen-8

Saturday 27 September at 7:00 pm
Lasagne evening

Carolynne is organising another fabulous lasagne evening, so put the date in your diaries for another sumptuous Italian feast. There will also be another raffle with super prizes! Carolynne is also inviting the chefs of the parish to bake their own lasagne, so please contact her if you'd like to provide a dish. £15 a head, all proceeds towards the St Peter's Renovation Appeal.

Contact:

 Send an email to: Carolynne Charman

 07503 156 751

Intercessions

Could you lead intercessions in church? We could do with a couple of extra volunteers to lead prayers at our 9:30am service on Sunday mornings. Intercessions are the prayers of the people, and so we invite members of the laity to lead this part of our worship, praying for the church, the world, for people in need or distress, and for the departed. You don't need to be a great orator or a theologian to lead prayers - just a sensitivity to the needs of those we pray for. If you're uncertain, you can try out one Sunday and see how you feel. This role is open to everyone, young or old, and we do encourage young people to take part. If your child or teen might like to to take part, but is a bit nervous about standing up at the front of church, they could perhaps team up with a friend and do a "double act" intercessions. 

Full guidance will be given. Please speak to Fr Stuart if you'd like to try out this important role in our shared worship.

Contact:

 Send an email to: Fr Stuart

 www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/topical

Raffle: win a Jim Moir artwork

Jim Moir - Bird Colour Wheel
Limited edition digital giclée print on museum-grade Hahnemühle fine art paper

Vic Reeves of the TV comedy duo Vic and Bob is a familiar face, but did you know that he is also a celebrated artist, working under his real name, Jim Moir?

Jim has produced this spectacular reimagining of the colour wheel through 140 beautifully hand-painted watercolour birds. The original work recently featured in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. We are grateful to Jim for donating this signed limited-edition print (1 of 250) for the prize in our 2025 raffle, with all proceeds going to the St Peter's Renovation Appeal, saving our historic building. This autumn, Carolyne will selling raffle tickets - your chance to win a vibrant work of celebrity art!

Return of the Choir

This Sunday, after a well-earned summer break, our church choir returns to the choir stalls conjubilant with song. In the coming months they will be working hard to support our worship at All Souls, Remembrance Sunday, Advent and Christmas, as well as at our Sunday morning Sung Eucharist every week. The first of our monthly choral evensong services is scheduled for next Sunday (14 September) - everyone is welcome to our worship as St Peter's. And as always, if you or any of your friends have musical children, singing in St Peter's offers wonderful opportunities and a free musical education for boys and girls aged 6 and above, so do encourage them to give the choir a go this term!

 www.stpetersberkhamsted.org.uk/choir

Diocesan Property Team vacancies

The Diocesan of St Albans Property Team is undergoing a period of transformation, including restructure and modernisation of their systems and ways of working, to improve their support for clergy and parishes in local ministry. As a result, they have two vacancies for newly created roles:

• Asset and Development Manager - closing date 22 September
• Building Surveyor and Facilities Manager - closing date 26 September

For full details and application forms, please visit the Diocesan website:

Contact:

 Send an email to: Charlotte Kirby, Property Director

 www.stalbansdiocese.org/vacancies-role/diocesan-ro

Friday 5 September at 7:00 pm
The Berkhamsted Society Wine Tasting

The Berkhamsted Society is holding its annual Wine Tasting Evening in Deans' Hall, Berkhamsted School, on Castle Street. Fr Michael Eggleton will introduce everyone to wines from different countries and will discuss wine regions, grape varieties and tasting techniques. A selection of cheeses and bread will also be served. Tickets are £26 per person (group & table tickets available). Proceeds from the tickets will go to TARIRO - Hope for Youth in Zimbabwe and the St Matthias Tafara Community. Over 18's only.

 berkhamsted.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows

Saturday 6 September
Berkhamsted Festival of Verse

Berkhamsted Poetry Society presents its first Festival of Verse, 2pm-10pm at the Old Mill Pub & Garden?. Enjoy recitals, poetry workshops, music and performance from award-winning, spoken-word artistes and poets, with a special appearance by award-winning performance poets John Hegley and Paul Cookson. All-day tickets £17, £9 students and children.

 www.berkhamsted-poetry-society.com/berkhamstedpoet

Saturday 6 September at 7:30 pm
Berkhamsted Choral Society concert

Berkhamsted Choral Society will return from their tour to Riga in Latvia for a performance at St Peter's Berkhamsted with Chorleywood Choral Society. Come and hear Vivaldi's Gloria and other wonderful choral classics. Advance tickets £20 - book online or buy from Brown & Merry Estate Agents (next to the church), or £22 on the door, under-18s free.

 www.berkhamstedchoral.com

Sunday 7 September
Berkhamsted Antiques & Vintage Market

The antiques fair and street market will be on Berkhamsted High Street and in the Civic Centre again. Come and browse antiques and vintage items from silver, jewellery and glass to furniture, vintage clothing and collectibles.

Sunday 7 September at 2:30 pm
All Saints September organ recital

The Sarah Garrett Recital Series at All Saints Church on Shrublands Road continues with a recital given by Tom Winpenny. Entry is free - no booking required. Refreshments will be available at interval. Retiring collection to support the recitals and church funds.

Contact:

 Send an email to: Ruth Treves-Brown

Wednesday 10 September at 8:00 pm
BHLMS 75th Anniversary talk

Berkhamsted Local History & Museum Society (BLHMS) celebrates its 75th Anniversary this year! Everyone is invited to a 75th Anniversary Celebration with cake and drinks in the Civic Centre, followed by talk by local writer and broadcaster Richard Mabey. BLHMS welcomes new members - you can join the society at the meeting.

 berkhamsted-history.org.uk

Saturday 13 September - Sunday 21 September
Heritage Open Days

Tickets are still available for a few tours on Heritage Open Days. This year, there are free tours of Berkhamsted Castle, Ashridge House, the Grand Union Canal and Dacorum Heritage Museum Store. All tours are very popular, so booking is essential. Please note that the tours of St Peter's Church and Rectory Lane Cemetery are now fully booked. Pick up a list of tours at the back of church to see what's on offer.

Heritage Open Days 2025

 www.stpetersberkhamsted.org.uk/hods

Sunday 14 September
Ashridge Garden Party

The ever-popular Ashridge Garden Party is back! This firm favourite in Berkhamsted's calendar will offer fun for all the family at the historic Ashridge House, with circus skills, puppet shows, craft activities, a dog show, face painting, the perennial Pimms Tent, a "Shop Local Village", food and drink stalls and cream teas! All proceeds go towards the wonderful work of the Hospice of St Francis.

 www.stfrancis.org.uk/events/fundraising

Wednesday 17 September at 11:30 am
Julian Meetings

Julian Meetings are a regular online meeting for quiet prayer and contemplation. They take place on Wednesdays starting at 11.30am and last about 25 minutes. To take part, you need to use Zoom video conferencing software and a camera or microphone on your computer. Participants join on Zoom and are silent until 12 noon. Afterwards, they enjoy an online chat if they wish to. Please tell Ruth if you would like to join, she will then send out the Zoom link each month by email a few days before the meeting.

Contact:

 Send an email to: Ruth Treves-Brown

 01442 863 268

Sunday 21 September at 4:00 pm
Behind the Mirror: Songs without Words

Enjoy an afternoon of romantic music for clarinet trio in St Peter's Lady Chapel, with Sarah Thurlow (clarinet), Clare O'Connell (cello) and Iain Farrington (piano). Programme to include music by Fanny Mendelssohn and Johannes Brahms, interspersed with six songs from Robert Schumann's Dichterliebe. Tickets £25, under-18s free.

 www.behindthemirror.org/whats-on-1/songs-without-w

Thursday 25 September - Sunday 28 September
Graham Greene International Festival

The Graham Greene International Festival returns in September, celebrating the life and writing of the Berkhamsted-born novelist. This year's special guest is the Scottish, satirist, writer and broadcaster Armando Iannucci (Alan Partridge, The Thick of It). the programme will include presentations and discussions about The Third Man and the Mexican background to The Power and the Glory; a tour of the WWI trenches; and screenings of two films based on Greene's novels, Ministry of Fear and Brighton Rock.  Events will take place at the Civic Centre, the Town Hall, and Berkhamsted School.

 grahamgreenebt.org/events

Friday 3 October - Sunday 12 October
Little Missenden Festival

Online booking is now open for this year's Little Missenden Festival. The programme includes the acclaimed Renaissance choir Stile Antico; Monteverdi madrigals; jazz with Zoe Rahman; British poetry and music for string quartet; music for piano by African composers; English and Arabic folk music; chamber music for piano trio and for wind ensemble; and an illustrated lecture on the recent National Gallery exhibition of Sienese painting. Concerts take place in the evocative surroundings of the 10th-century church of St John the Baptist, just 10 miles from Berkhamsted.

 www.little-missenden.org/2025-programme

Berkhamsted’s 2025-26 concert seasons

September's when Berkhamsted's the new concert seasons are unveiled, and there's so much to look forward to! Pick up leaflets at the back of church for full listings and ticket info.

Concerts at St Peter's are listed in the new Berkhamsted Concerts leaflets, with performances by Berkhamsted Choral Society, Behind the Mirror, Alexander Ardakov and some glittering Christmas concerts in December.

Berkhamsted Music will present varied programmes of chamber music, including works by Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Bach, Debussy, Finzi, Bartók and many more, performed by acclaimed ensembles including the Marmen Quartet, the Eblana String Trio and Lumas Winds. All concerts take place in Berkhamsted Civic Centre. Tickets are £25, under-18s free, season tickets £90.

Bridgewater Sinfonia's season opens on Saturday 4 October with the Brahms Piano Concerto N° 1 at Deans' Hall. This season's highlights include Sibelius's Finlandia, Bruch's Violin Concerto No 1 and Schubert's 9th Symphony at venues around Berkhamsted. In June 2026, they're back in St Peter's Church the Prokofiev Piano Concerto N° 3.

 www.stpetersberkhamsted.org.uk/concerts

Bridgewater Sinfonia 2025/26 concert season

Bridgewater Sinfonia 2025/26 concert season has been announced, starting on Saturday 4 October with the Brahms Piano Concerto N° 1 at Deans' Hall. This season's highlights include Sibelius's Finlandia, Bruch's Violin Concerto No 1 , Schubert's 9th Symphony at venues around Berkhamsted, culminating with Prokofiev Piano Concerto N° 3 in St Peter's Church in June 2026. Tickets will be on sale soon, and you can join the Friends of the Bridgewater Sinfonia to get a season ticket. Pick up a brochure at the back of church for a full list of concerts.

 www.bridgewater-sinfonia.org.uk

Castle Fields

In recent months, there has been a lively public discussion about the fields to the east of Berkhamsted Castle. For many years, this has been a popular walking spot, but last year, it was all fenced off. With property developers buying up land around Berkhamsted, there were concerns that this land would be lost to more housing. The fields are historically significant - in 1216 during the Barons' Wars, this was the site of a siege of Berkhamsted Castle by an invading French army!

This week, it has been announced that Berkhamsted Castle Trust (BCT) have purchased the land (around 30 acres/12 hectares in size) with the help of a generous philanthropic loan. BCT hope to open the Castle Fields as a natural green space for the public with enhanced historic interpretation of the Castle site. But first, the Castle Trust needs to raise £500,000 within two years to repay the loan. If you would like to donate, you can do so via the Trust's website at:

 www.berkhamstedcastle.org.uk/castlefields