St Peter's Church, Great Berkhamsted

The Church of St Peter Great Berkhamsted

St Peter’s Parish News

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choir holding candles

St Peter's Parish News




Volume 15 No. 10Friday 31 January 2025

The Friday Thought

Fr Chris Rogers
Fr Chris Rogers

A Visionist Way 

As we look around us in the church and the world, it is striking how often those who seem to speak and act wisely are those who also spend time listening to those around them, and listening to God in or through prayer.

It has often been said out that God cannot be seen, but he can be listened to. Sometimes we stop listening carefully because we are not interested in what we are listening to, or because we do not wish to hear something, or are even fearful of what we might hear.

There is a very common problem with people stopping listening and then interrupting the person speaking to us before they have finished saying what they wish to say. That can easily be very discourteous to the other person.

Sometimes we refuse to listen at all, ending all possibility of dialogue and understanding.

Listening is a gift from God. We listen to words and music a good deal in worship, as we encounter God. To listen to a person is to encourage, to affirm. To listen with patience and to allow silence to be part of listening can be profoundly healing in a spiritual as well as a psychological sense.

Sometimes being listened to without interruption can be revolutionary to our lives. In previous parishes which I worked in, at times I asked individuals to stop interrupting others, especially in PCC meeting, as who knows what wisdom, truth and vision would be revealed?

Failure to listen to each other can cause the greatest barriers to the wellbeing of individual people, families, communities, nations, church and the world as a whole. Likewise in prayer life, we need to shut up, be quiet and empty our minds to allow God’s words and wishes to be heard.

At Candlemas we are reminded that listening sheds light.

Listening is a gift from God. We listen to words and music a good deal in worship, as we encounter God. As as we pray, we must speak and listen, even to the silence which seems to be there at times. So how about at Candlemas, we light a candle and listen, rather than filling our minds with our requests for God?


Church news & notices

Sunday 2 February at 9:30 am
Candlemas

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This Sunday is Candlemas, when we commemorate the presentation of Jesus at the Temple, "a light to lighten the Gentiles". In many Christian countries, Candlemas marks the official end of the Christmas season.

Part of our tradition on this day is to pray a blessing on the candles we use in church over the coming year. We are also inviting everyone to bring a candle from home to be blessed at the 9:30 Eucharist, reminding us that the light of Christ comes in to our homes as well. If you don't have any candles at home, don't worry, there will also be small candles for the congregation to light.

The Song of Simeon (Nunc dimittis)
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace according to thy word.
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
To be a light to lighten the Gentiles
and to be the glory of thy people Israel!

Luke 2:29-32

 

Sunday 2 February at 12:30 pm
Sundays Together Lunch February

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:

email: Send an email to: Carolynne Charman

link: www.stpetersberkhamsted.org.uk/groups/sundays-together

 

Saturday 8 February at 4:00 pm
Southwark Cathedral evensong

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The choir of St Peter's will be singing choral evensong at Southwark Cathedral, and everyone is invited to come along and join in worship there. It's easy to get to the cathedral - take the train to Euston, then change onto the Underground - follow signs for the Northern Line southbound via Bank. It's 5 stops to London Bridge. When you come out of the station, cross Borough High Street - the cathedral is near the Thames, and should be signposted.

link: maps.app.goo.gl/FkjobrUqB4g4XMuG9

 

Monday 10 February - Friday 14 February
Church of England Synod

The Church's General Synod will meet in London. Among the topics under discussion will be the Makin Report, and proposals for creating a new independent safeguarding body. Other Synod debates will include: blessings for same-sex couples; the closure of redundant church buildings; encouraging the ministry of people from working-class backgrounds; young people's voices advising Synod; racial justice; a sports and wellbeing ministry; and the global prayer initiative Thy Kingdom Come. For more detail and links to Synod papers, visit the Church of England website:

link: www.churchofengland.org/media/press-releases

 

Fr Stuart’s Sabbatical

Fr Stuart is on Sabbatical until Sunday 30 March. Please keep Stuart in your prayers. During this time, in the event of bereavement or a pastoral emergency, here are the clergy contacts:

Contact:

email: Send an email to: Fr John Russell

 

Walsingham Pilgrimage 2025

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This year's Pilgrimage will take place from Friday 6th June until Monday 9th June. The cost for full board will be £258.75 or £182.00, if you need to come home on the Sunday afternoon. In addition to a few group services, taken by Fr David, we also join in the Shrine services, processions etc. However, we have plenty of time to socialise together or with others and also to explore the charming medieval village with its ruined abbey and grounds. It is not obligatory to join in all the services. Download the file shown here for a brief history of the Shrine. For more details, please contact:

Contact:

email: Send an email to: Philippa Seldon

link: www.stpetersberkhamsted.org.uk/groups/walsingham

 

A Pilgrim’s Cairn

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On his sabbatical, Fr Stuart is posting his reflections as he prepares to go on pilgrimage, following in the footsteps of St Columba. This week, in his Pilgrim's Cairn blog, we learn that Stuart can't do a thing with his hair and has had it all shorn off; he has been surprised by heavy rain moments after setting foot on the Emerald Isle; and he reflects on the varying histories of the Celtic people, and St Columba's own story of failure, exile and new beginnings. Stuart's 487-mile trek begins this week, from Columba's birthplace by Lough Gartan in County Donegal, crossing the border and walking the north coast. He will then cross the sea to Scotland where he aims to finish at Iona Abbey, the monastery founded by Columba in 563 AD. He'll be blogging daily - the weather, the landscape, little aches and pains, and a daily thanksgiving. You can read it all at:

link: pilgrimscairn.blogspot.com

 


Schools news

thomas coramVictoria School 2025 tour dates

At Victoria School we have just put together our tour dates for families with children who are going to be starting Nursery in September 2025. We would love to have you visit and these are the dates below:

  • Wednesday 8 January at 9.15am-Nursery and Reception
  • Thursday 30 January at 9.15am
  • Tuesday 11 February at 9.15am
  • Wednesday 26 February at 9.15am
  • Tuesday 11 March at 11.00am

If you would like to book a tour please visit our website or call the office:

Contact:

email: Send an email to: Victoria School office

link: www.victoria.herts.sch.uk

 

thomas coramVictoria School news

Our parable this week was of the good Samaritan who is a great example of how to share kindness and love to others. The children were confused why the others walked past as they all agreed they would help. We discussed how they could model this in their lives and they talked about looking out for others on the playground to check they are OK.

We continued with the theme of kindness on Wednesday, where myself and a Year 2 had our first meeting to find out about Kindness Ambassadors from other schools. We are looking forward to sharing the plans with the rest of the school so we can continue to spread kindness in class, the school and the community.

 

Castle Federation

The Castle Federation is the governing body responsible for our two Church of England schools in Berkhamsted
link: www.castlefederation.org
More about our schools:
link: www.stpetersberkhamsted.org.uk/about/schools


Diocese of St AlbansDiocesan news

Friday 3 January - Saturday 15 February
The Moon at St Albans Cathedral

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The Museum of the Moon is a giant inflatable model of the Moon by installation artist Luke Jerram. The 7-metre (23-ft) sphere will be on display in St Albans Cathedral for 6 weeks, forming the centre of a range of activities and events, including yoga, educational talks, kids' science events, a planetarium, a jazz night, a silent disco and concerts. You can also visit the Cathedral during normal opening hours and marvel at the beauty of the Moon inside the ancient walls of St Albans Abbey and Cathedral.

link: www.stalbanscathedral.org/Pages/Events

 

diocesan map

The Parish of Great Berkhamsted is in the Church of England's Diocese of St Albans

link: www.stalbansdiocese.org

St Albans Cathedral:
link: www.stalbanscathedral.org

 


 

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Puttenham Quiet Day


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Bring and Sing: Mozart’s Requiem [c]


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Open for prayer


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Sunday School


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Sunday worship


 


 

Berkhamsted community news & events

Saturday 8 February
Puttenham Quiet Day

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You are invited to another Quiet Day at Puttenham. "Preparing for the Journey" will be led by Venerable Jo Kelly-Moore (Dean of St Albans), who will give two talks on the subject and lead a discussion. There will be space for reflection in the morning and afternoon. Holy Communion will be at 12noon followed by a soup lunch. Please book your space online:

Contact:

email: Send an email to: Tring Team Parish

link: www.tringteamparish.org.uk/news

 

Saturday 8 February at 7:30 pm
Chiltern Sinfonietta concert

Chiltern Sinfonietta are playing at the Victoria Hall on Akeman Street, Tring. the programme will include Josef Suk's Serenade for Strings, the Concerto No1 for two Clarinets by Franz Krommer and Mozart's Symphony No. 38 - The Prague. Admission is free with a retiring collection.

link: www.chilternsinfonietta.com

 

Sunday 9 February at 4:00 pm
Behind the Mirror concert

Behind the Mirror music ensemble will be playing an afternoon concert of ethereal lullaby-inspired music at Berkhamsted Town Hall, with Eleanor Turner (harp) Natalie Klouda (violin) and Clare O'Connell (cello). Tickets £25, under-18s free. 

link: www.behindthemirror.org/whats-on-1/lullabies

 

Sunday 23 February at 5:00 pm
Piano Magic at St Mary’s Northchurch

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Ukrainian pianist Yaroslav Oliinyk, who entertained us recently at St Peter's, is playing at St Mary's Church, Northchurch. Enjoy Yaroslav's unique neoclassical improvisation at this relaxed tea-time event in the historic surroundings of St Mary's. There will also be a display of Ukrainian children's artwork as part of the project "From Ukraine to a New Beginning: Art of Resilience", an inspiring collection showcasing the creativity and strength of young artists, sharing their stories of hope and resilience. Free entry ? don't miss this unique evening of music and art!

link: www.educartevent.co.uk/news

 

Roadworks news

Berkhamsted locals may have already noticed that Kings Road is closed for major roadworks replacing gas pipes. According to Herts Highways, the road will be closed for several weeks until 7 March. Further info and a handy map is available on the council website:

link: one.network

 

Concerts at St Peter’s

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The 2025 concert calendar at St Peter's is taking shape, and we have some dates on our website, including a singing workshop with Berkhamsted Choral Society, the Chiltern Chamber Choir's Palm Sunday concert, Behind the Mirror and the Bridgewater Sinfonia.

link: www.stpetersberkhamsted.org.uk/concerts

 

Contactless train tickets

If you take the train to Hemel, Watford or London, you may be interested to know that contactless tickets will be available from Berkhamsted as of this Sunday 2 February. This means you'll be able to touch in and touch out at Berkhamsted and Euston using your bank card, without the need to queue up for paper tickets. Note that Oyster cards are not part of this new system.

link: www.ianvisits.co.uk/articles/london-style-contact

 

All Saints scores a half-century

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all saints logoIt's 50 years since Anglicans and Methodists came together in All Saints' Church on Kitsbury Road. Berkhamsted Methodist Church on the High Street was closed and later demolished - the site is now occupied by Domino's Pizza (next to Plates Restaurant). The Methodists moved uphill, to All Saints, where work began to alter the building and re-order the worship area in 1974. Today, the two denominations are united in worship and witness as and Anglican/Methodist Local Ecumenical Partnership. You can read more about this history in this month's church magazine, the All Saints Newsletter, which you can pick up in All Saints Church or read online:

link: www.allsaintsberkhamsted.org.uk/wp-content/uploads

 

All Saints’ cross

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In further news from All Saints: after years of hard work and fundraising, the church just completed its roof repairs project. Just days after the scaffolding had been taken down, Storm Darragh struck and while the roof held out well, the high winds blew the metal cross on the roof over! The cross was hanging at an alarming angle, triggering health and safety concerns, and it had to be taken down. There are dramatic photos in this month's All Saints Newsletter of the rescue operation:

link: www.allsaintsberkhamsted.org.uk/wp-content/uploads

 

Book news

Local author and friend to many in Berkhamsted, Penelope Abbott has just published the third book in her Sophie trilogy, After Sophie. Set in Victorian and Edwardian Devon, these enthralling stories trace the fortunes of Sophie and her family at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. After Sophie is available to order via Penny's website:

link: penelopeabbott.com

 


Cartoon Church

This week's cartoon courtesy of CartoonChurch

Cartoon Church image

Copyright © 2025 Dave Walker


Sunday Eucharist at St Peter's
communion

Worship with us

This Sunday: 2 February 2025
Candlemas

9:30am Sung Eucharist
You are invited to join us at our main Sunday service


Next Sunday: 9 February 2025
4th Sunday before Lent

9:30am:Sung Eucharist

Music this week

Hymns:
56Songs of thankfulness and praise(omit * verse)
393Lead us, heavenly Father, lead us
408Love divine, all loves excelling
Anthem: When to the Temple Mary went – Johann Eccard
Voluntary: Mode de Sol (from 8 Pieces Modales)- Jean Langlais
list View the latest St Peter's music list online

Readings

Malachi 3.1-5

See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight—indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.Then I will draw near to you for judgement; I will be swift to bear witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired workers in their wages, the widow, and the orphan, against those who thrust aside the alien, and do not fear me, says the Lord of hosts.

 

Psalm 138 (vv 1-8)

1 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods will I sing praise to you.2 I will bow down towards your holy temple and praise your name, because of your love and faithfulness; for you have glorified your name and your word above all things.3 In the day that I called to you, you answered me; you put new strength in my soul.4 All the kings of the earth shall praise you, O Lord, for they have heard the words of your mouth.5 They shall sing of the ways of the Lord, that great is the glory of the Lord.6 Though the Lord be high, he watches over the lowly; as for the proud, he regards them from afar.7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you will preserve me; you will stretch forth your hand against the fury of my enemies; your right hand will save me.8 The Lord shall make good his purpose for me; your loving-kindness, O Lord, endures for ever; forsake not the work of your hands.

 

Gospel: Luke 2.22-40

When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, ‘Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord’), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons.’Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word;for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.’And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.’There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him.

 


incense

In our prayers this week

Anglican Cycle of Prayer:

The Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia

Intercessions

Diocese✚Alan, Bishop of St Albans, ✚ Jane, Bishop of Hertford, and Charles, Archdeacon of St Albans
In our
continuing prayers
Christina Billington, Judith Hill, Douglas Hill, John Malcolm, Denis Beard, Mary Beard, Patricia Cody, Ghullam Mutaheri, Nola Frost, Betty Beggs, Audrey Higginbotham, Teddy Higginbotham, Barbara Conway, Yvonne Hart, Clare Wallington, Barbara Fisher, John King
In our
immediate prayers
Frozan Mutaheri, Peter Kirk, Rosie Gagnon, Charlotte Szypryt, Charlotte de Raucour, Hilary McVitty, Lynne Niven
Weddings
(next four weeks)
Wedding banns
called this Sunday
Baptisms
(next four weeks)
RIPJimmy Horrobin
Memorial (year's mind)Philip Thomson


servers

Rotas

You can also check future rota dates on the parish website at www.stpetersberkhamsted.org.uk/rotas

This Sunday
26/01/2025Epiphany 3
8.00am Eucharist
ClergyPresidentFr Chris
PreacherFr Chris
ReaderMike Hart
9.30am Sung Eucharist
ClergyPresidentFr David
PreacherFr Chris
SidespeopleJudy CleggChris Clegg
MCPeter Matthews
AcolytesKiril SotnykovHayley Khazaneh
Thurifer0
CruficerWill Gore
ReaderHilary Elliott
IntercessionsDagna Horner
Eucharistic MinistersNicky EvansPru Murray
Sunday School0
SoundJeremy G
Next Sunday
02/02/2025Candlemas
8.00am Eucharist
ClergyPresidentFr David
PreacherFr David
ReaderLiz Prosser
9.30am Sung Eucharist
ClergyPresidentFr Anthony
PreacherMargaret
SidespeopleLiz WrightKate Hennessey
MCRichard Currie
AcolytesChris CleggEmma Gosling
ThuriferMark Grego
CruficerStephen Lally
ReaderGeoff Povey
IntercessionsJoseph Chatterton
Eucharistic MinistersHelen NichollsUli Grego
Sunday School0
SoundChristopher

St Peter's Great Berkhamsted Parish Office
The Court House
Church Lane

Berkhamsted

Hertfordshire

United Kingdom HP4 2AX

tel:  01442 878227


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Contacts

 
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Parish Office

 01442 878227