It was the second day of my pilgrimage from St Columba’s birthplace in County Donegal to the island of Iona, where he ended his days. The walk from Letterkenny to Buncrana was twenty-seven miles and given that it was the last day of January it was quite likely that there would be slightly more hours of walking than there would be hours of daylight.

It might just be me, but when I’m on a long hike I find it slightly dispiriting still to be walking as the light fades and the darkness falls. In the winter, the temperature sinks even more swiftly than the sun. In daylight, a walk through the countryside is made more pleasurable by the scenery around you, but that happy distraction becomes lost as the dusk congeals. No longer able to enjoy the views, you become more aware of the fact that you’ve got a couple of blisters beginning to ripen, that the straps of your rucksack are digging uncomfortably into your shoulders, that your legs are getting a bit heavier. Journeys become a little more dangerous at night; in my case due to the stream of cars rushing to get home (or away) for a Bank Holiday weekend in celebration of St Bridget. The dark can be lonely too: where before you’d see people as you walked along, some of whom might smile and wave, now there were just speeding headlights to be avoided. I don’t much like still walking when the night falls.

Darkness and night play an important part in the story we’re sharing in this Holy Week. In St John’s Gospel we read that immediately after Judas leaves the Last Supper to go and betray his Rabbi and friend, ‘it was night.’ It is at night that Jesus prays alone in the Garden of Gethsemane, and it is at night that Jesus is betrayed and arrested. It is at night that Jesus faces a show trial, while His friend Peter denies ever knowing Him. The Synoptic Gospels record that as Jesus was dying on the Cross, ‘there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.’ The darkness of night can be a cold and lonely place, frightening, isolating, painful. So it was during that first Holy Week.

My pilgrimage ended with another walk in the darkness, as I walked thirty-six miles through the night from Craignure to the Iona ferry. That was a bit scary at times; startled deer suddenly crashing away can sound quite alarming when you can see nothing. It definitely felt lonely and there were several times when I contemplated turning back; what did I really think I was proving to anybody? It was cold (and wet) (and windy). However, walking through that night made me more aware than ever of the light that there was. I hadn’t realised before what a difference starlight can make. About halfway through the night, as I approached Loch Scridain, I began to see the distant twinkling of buoys bobbing on the surface of a loch I could not see. And finally, imperceptibly at first, a soft purple dawn began to break as I walked the last hour to my port. When it is dark, even the faintest lights seem so beautifully bright.

For a lot of people, for people we know, the stories we tell in this Holy Week are all too real. Stories of betrayal and isolation, stories of mental and physical suffering. Many people, many people around us, know very well what it is to walk in darkness today. If we can be points of light for them, with even starlight small acts or words of kindness, we might be surprised at how brightly such kindnesses can shine in someone’s night. And as we prepare to celebrate Easter, it’s worth remembering that we won’t always notice the first pale signs that the sun is rising, unless we’re really looking out for them.

‘My soul waits for the Lord
more than those who watch for the morning.’
Psalm 130:6

Friday 18 April at 12:00 pm
Good Friday Children’s Craft Workshop

If you have little ones who are too young to sit through the Good Friday Liturgy, bring them along to St Peter's at noon to take part in a Good Friday crafts session at St Peter's.

This family event will reflect on the the Easter story with time for prayer as well as lots of creative play. It doesn't matter if you don't usually come to church - all families and children are welcome.

Friday 18 April at 6:00 pm
Stainer’s Crucifixion

This evening, you are invited to a free Sacred Concert, when St Peter's Church Choir will sing Stainer's Crucifixion. 

The Crucifixion: A Meditation on the Sacred Passion of the Holy Redeemer was written by John Stainer and first performed on Ash Wednesday, 1887 in St Marylebone Parish Church, near London Euston. It is based on the format of the famous Passions of JS Bach, with the Biblical narrative of the crucifixion, interspersed with choruses, solos and congregational hymns, but written for an ordinary parish church choir. The Crucifixion is a Victorian period piece, with elements of Mendelssohn, SS Wesley, and the Evangelicalism of Moody and Sankey. It offers a huge range of emotion, from the triumphalist "Fling Wide the Gates" to the affecting, Wagnerian chorus of male voices crying out "My God, my God, why has thou forsaken me?" 

Stainer's Crucifixion is an emotional appeal to the individual to be personally drawn into the drama of Good Friday. All are welcome to share in this musical meditation, as we reach the finale of Holy Week and look forward to the joy of Easter.

Saturday 19 April at 10:00 am
Big Easter Clean

Will you join us on Holy Saturday to lend a hand in our Big Easter Clean? We want to get the church looking really sparkling clean for our Easter celebrations, so come and join the happy band of volunteers. Cleaning materials will be provided, but feel free to bring any cleaning items you want. The more people come, the lighter the work!

Sunday 20 April
Easter at St Peter’s

Our Holy Week commemorations conclude at the Cross, but the story does not end in sorrow. On Easter Day, we celebrate the Resurrection, and all are invited to join in our joyful services.

• 6am Easter Vigil & First Mass of Easter
  We welcome the risen Christ, lighting a brazier and candles at dawn in the churchyard, followed by the singing of the Exsultet, with readings and hymns in the church.
  "This is the night when Christ broke the prison-bars of death!"
• 9:30am Sung Eucharist for Easter Day
  Christ is risen! Alleluia! We celebrate with joy the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead with readings and glorious music. It is our tradition for our church choir to finish the 9:30 Easter Eucharist by singing the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah. We also invite everyone to join in singing - we usually have a few copies to lend, but if you have a Messiah score, bring it along.

Whether you are a regular worshipper, here for the first time or returning after time away, please know that you are truly welcome at St Peter's Berkhamsted.

"The strife is o'er, the battle done!
Now is the Victor's triumph won;
O let the song of praise be sung.
Alleluia!"

Sunday 20 April at 9:30 am
Easter Sunday School

On Easter Sunday, all children are invited to join the Sunday School during the 9:30am service for Easter crafts, exploring the Easter story. At the end of the service, join in the egg-citement with an Easter egg hunt!

Saturday 26 April at 4:00 pm
Family Film Night

Join St Peter's Sunday School in the Court House to watch a Minions film - with popcorn and hot dogs! Use the online signup form, or email:

Contact:

 Send an email to:

 tinyurl.com/5n7hz8z5

Thursday 1 May at 6:15 am
May Day Madrigals

A group of singers drawn from local choirs will greet the spring on May Day with the singing of traditional English madrigals from the top of the church tower and down on the churchyard lawn. Outrageous floral hats will be worn. We hope to share a breakfast afterwards in the church (the Court House will be in use as a polling station for the local elections that day). Everyone is welcome to come and listen.

Saturday 3 May
Arts & Crafts Fair

Please come to support our art fair in the Court House next month, raising money for the St Peter's Renovation Appeal. We are inviting the whole community to come and browse the exhibition, meet our wonderful local artists and makers, and purchase a unique artwork or two! There will also be refreshments and cakes on sale. A portion of all sales will go towards the urgent task of fixing the leaking roof of St Peter's Church! 

Contact:

 Send an email to: Carolynne Charman

 07503 156 751

Hail Thee, Festival Day!

At the 9:30 Eucharist on Easter Day, we will commence our worship with the hymn, Hail Thee, Festival Day, a wonderful hymn dating from the Early Church (written by Venantius Fortunatus) and set to music by none other than Ralph Vaughan Williams. It's perhaps not so well known at St Peter's Berkhamsted, so this is your advance notice to practise the hymn for Sunday! Here's a link to the hymn on YouTube:

It has a rousing refrain:

Hail thee, festival day!
Blest day that art hallowed for ever,
day wherein Christ arose,
breaking the kingdom of death.

Note that there is a slightly different tune for odd and even verses, but the choir will lead with confidence. For the hymn words (NEH 109, vv1-7), go to:

 media.acny.uk/media/venues

Concerts at St Peter’s

St Peter's is at the heart of the Berkhamsted community. Throughout the year we welcome wonderful local musicians to perform in this historic space - it's a real privilege for us to enjoy fantastic live music right here on our doorsteps. This summer we're looking forward to chamber recitals, orchestral music, choral performances and jazz - we hope you'll support Berkhamsted's thriving music scene. Pick up a leaflet in church today or visit our website:

 www.stpetersberkhamsted.org.uk/concerts

Job opportunity

The Diocese is currently advertising for a new PA for the Archdeacon of Hertford (on the retirement of her current PA). This senior secretarial/administrative role is offered on a part-time basis of 20 hours per week. The PA will support the Archdeacon in all aspects of their work, including diary and meeting organisation, supporting parish officers and the management of the appointments process for parish clergy. The Diocese are looking for someone with good interpersonal skills and experience of supporting others in busy senior/complex roles. The role is based in the Archdeacon's office in Hertingfordbury and the closing date for applications is Wednesday 7 May 2025. For full details and an application pack, visit the Diocesan website:

 www.stalbansdiocese.org/vacancies/pa-to-the-archdeacon

Saturday 19 April - Monday 21 April
Chiltern Open Air Museum Medieval Festival

The Chiltern Open Air Museum near Chorleywood is holding another Medieval Festival over the Easter weekend. There'll be lots of family fun with combat re-enactment, knights in shining armour, archery, medieval music and dancing. Book tickets online:

 www.coam.org.uk/events/medieval-festival-20

Saturday 19 April
Easter Discovery Trail

The Easter Discovery Trail is a lovely outdoor event in Rectory Lane Cemetery, perfect for family members of all ages - with trails for the children, knowledgeable guides for children and adults alike, and refreshments all round - plus a chocolate Easter egg for the little participants! Early Chick child tickets (age 3 and above) £3.50 (+ booking fee).

 www.rectorylanecemetery.org.uk/events

Saturday 26 April at 12:00 pm
St George’s Day Celebration

St Mary's Northchurch are holding a celebration for England's patron saint in the grounds of the Rectory, with sword and shield making activities, games, face painting, a BBQ and a licensed bar. Free entry.

 www.stmarysnorthchurch.org.uk

Sunday 27 April
National Garden Scheme Ashridge Open Day

There will be an open day at Ashridge House as part of the National Garden Scheme. Wander around the beautifully landscaped gardens of Humphry Repton and browse a selection of plant stalls to make your garden grow! Adults £7.50, children free. All proceeds go to nursing and health charities.

 bookings.ngs.org.uk/book/32587b3a-ca87-ef11-8

Sunday 4 May at 4:00 pm
Behind the Mirror: Fairytale

Behind the Mirror perform music for cello and piano inspired by fairy tales and folk music, by Janá?ek, Medtner, Dvo?ák and Prokofiev. In this enchanting afternoon recital at St Peter's, the magical programme will explore the influences of nature and Russian folklore on composers, with Viv McLean (piano) and Clare O'Connell (cello). Tickets £25.00, under-18s free.

 www.behindthemirror.org/whats-on-1/fairytale

Monday 5 May
Aldbury May Fair

The annual May Fair is taking place on Bank Holiday Monday 12-5pm in Aldbury, near Tring. Enjoy a traditional English May Day with maypole dancing, the Aldbury Morris Men, the crowning of the May Queen, plus children's activities, food and drink stalls, local ales, tombola, cakes, a bellringing demo and a teddies' zip wire off the church tower. Visit the website for a map, events  timetable and parking info:

 www.aldburymayfair.com

Friday 9 May - Tuesday 20 May
Chiltern Arts Festival

Tickets are now on sale for the 2025 Chiltern Arts Festival. Events this year will include a cocktails & dinner jazz night at the Gatsby in Berkhamsted; Renaissance & Baroque music at Berkhamsted Baptist Church; a concert & dinner cruise on the River Thames from Henley; Bach Sacred Cello Concerts in Great Kimble; Beethoven, Chopin & Debussy at Hughenden; Vivaldi & Correlli at Great Missenden; a "come and sing" Bach Cantatas day at All Saints' Church, Marlow; and The Lark Ascending (with added juggler-acrobats) at the Wycombe Swan Theatre.

 chilternarts.com

Saturday 10 May at 7:30 pm
Choirs Together

Come and listen to the delights of The Castle Choir and the Chess Valley Male Voice Choir singing together in the historic surroundings of Ashlyn's School Chapel. With a selection of popular, folk and sacred music from Locus Iste by Bruckner to Billy Joel's And So it Goes to Paddy McGinty's goat (!), the repertoire will be moving and fun! Each choir will perform separately, and together, during the evening and there will be instrumental musical interludes. This concert promises to be a relaxed and joyous musical treat! Tickets £15, under-18s free - available from Brown & Merry Estate Agents (by St Peter's church) or on the door. Refreshments will be available during the evening.

 www.thecastlechoir.com

Spring & summer events in the Cemetery

Rectory Lane Cemetery is St Peter's beautiful Victorian burial ground, a tranquil nature haven tucked away behind the Rex Cinema. It closed to burials in the 1970s, but has been lovingly restored as a community green space. There are some lovely outdoor family events coming up this summer in the cemetery:

• April-October: Books in the Woods - monthly reading & nature activity sessions for children 5 and under
• April & May: WildStrong - low-intensity exercise & mobility group 
• 8 May: VE Day 80th Anniversary - the cemetery will host part of Berkhamsted's VE Day Celebrations
• Saturday 15 June: Great Big Nature Hunt - discover bugs, butterflies & bees
• Saturday 28 June: live music in the cemetery, fundraising for St Peter's Renovation Appeal

For more details, see posters or visit

 www.rectorylanecemetery.org.uk/events

Cartoon Church