Dear FriendsWell, Christmas is definitely coming…….And I hope there are some lovely events that you are looking forward to.This week we have, in our family, celebrated birthdays. And now the birthdays are over the Christmas tree is going up…The Star is once again outside the Rectory as we wait with joyful expectation for the coming of Jesus. So, over the next two weeks there will be a proliferation of tea towels being used for shepherds and Inn keepers and Joseph’s….. not to mention tinsel as we head towards ‘Light Up High Wych’ once again with tinsel and fairy lights and joyful singing.Our advent study this year is ‘Joy to the World’ and I realise that you may have to make a conscious effort to find joy and not let other people or the news or difficult circumstances steal your joy. Jesus is coming – and we have hope – hope for a world that at times seems hopeless. We must not forget those who in our world are dealing with the outcomes of natural disasters, war and famine – please use the Welcome sheet to help you with your prayers, and you can always join us on Tuesday mornings where we bring our world, and our community into the presence of God, in prayer.As we move towards Christmas I hope you will find joy in all our Christmas services.This Sunday we have our 9.30 am communion service at St James.Followed by our communion service and Christmas preparations at St Mary’s, Gilston at 11.15 am (decorating the Christmas tree).And then in the afternoon we can gather at 3.45 pm at St James for the ‘Light up High Wych’ ceremony and then our wonderful outdoor carol service which starts at 4.00 pm.This joyful time of being together and singing together, hearing the Christmas story once again will be followed by a lovely community time of mulled wine, mince pies and, if you are a child, I believe that Father Christmas will be making an appearance.Also, as a first we are gathering the men of our Community together for a Men’s Christmas meal at the Plume of Feathers, Gilston on Tuesday 16th December 7.00 for 7.30 pm. Please let Paul (my husband) know if this is something you would like to be included in at thegoodjack@gmail.com .I look forward to seeing you at one of our lovely services and I attach the full list of all our Christmas services across the Benefice today for you to stick on your family notice board. Come along, have some fun, meet with old friends, make some new ones and journey together as we Welcome Jesus into our midst once again.Every blessingAlison
Dear FriendsWell, this is it, the countdown to Christmas…Last week we had a lovely time at the Advent Study – it was such a joy to be with you.This week… apart from video, music and conversation we are making Christmas cookies.There is room for anyone else who would like to come so just let me know and I will make sure there is a chair for you (you might have to bring your own rolling pin though). Wed evening (tonight) 7.30 pm at the Rectory.I would just like to draw your attention to our Advent Challenge for this year (see flyer).Which finishes early as the bags are being made up on 13th December 2025, so all donations before that time will be gratefully received.Our plan is to support the Winter Night Shelter in Bishop Stortford again this year by using a giant Christmas card to send seasons greetings to each other and donating the money we would have spent on Christmas cards. The card should be in church for you soon to start writing on, thanks to Sam, for organising this again.Just a heads up – we will need a group to come to the Rectory on 23rd December to make up the Christingle bags. We have had great fun working together doing this over the past couple of years, please let me know if this is something you would like to get involved in.We are aiming to make over 200 Christingle kits this year – the bags are bought, the candles and red ribbon ready, I’ve even got the sweets. As last year, nearer the 23rd we will need 200 oranges. If any of you could donate in that last week a bag of large oranges we should have enough to make the Christingles. This Sunday sees Judith Denton, our Reader, preaching at the 8.00 am BCP at St James and then we will have a Family friendly feel at our Family service at 9.30 am at St James. We start with breakfast and around 10.00 am we will begin our service, following the theme of our Advent Study and one of my favourite Christmas hymns – Joy to the World. There will be lots of activity and some familiar carols as we celebrate the Christmas story together.I hope to see you again soonEvery Christmas blessingAlison
What’s Changing?- Installation of a new step-free entrance, improving pathways for wheelchair and pram access.- Adjustments to internal areas to enhance accessibility.Why Are We Doing This? Accessibility is at the heart of our mission to create an inclusive space for worship, community, and events. These changes will make it easier for everyone to participate fully in church life.Questions or Feedback? If you have any questions or would like to object to any of the works or proposals, you should send a letter or email stating the grounds of your objection no later than Wednesday 31 December 2025 to -The Diocesan Registrar at St Albans Diocesan Registry,Winckworth Sherwood LLP,Arbor,255 Blackfriars Road,LONDON,SE1 9AXstalbansregistry@wslaw.co.uk.A letter of objection must include your name and address and state whether you live in the parish and/or your name is entered on the church electoral roll of the parish or any other basis on which you have an interest in the matter.
What’s Changing?- Installation of a new step-free entrance, improving pathways for wheelchair and pram access.- Adjustments to internal areas to enhance accessibility.Why Are We Doing This? Accessibility is at the heart of our mission to create an inclusive space for worship, community, and events. These changes will make it easier for everyone to participate fully in church life.Questions or Feedback? If you have any questions or would like to object to any of the works or proposals, you should send a letter or email stating the grounds of your objection no later than Wednesday 31 December 2025 to -The Diocesan Registrar at St Albans Diocesan Registry,Winckworth Sherwood LLP,Arbor,255 Blackfriars Road,LONDON,SE1 9AXstalbansregistry@wslaw.co.uk.A letter of objection must include your name and address and state whether you live in theparish and/or your name is entered on the church electoral roll of the parish or any otherbasis on which you have an interest in the matter.
