MESSAGE February - March 2018

www.thescrollchurch.org

The Scroll Church: A Methodist and United Reformed Church Local Ecumenical Partnership CHURCH DIRECTORY - part 1

Minister Rev. Ruth Reynolds-Tyson...... 221872

Trustees: Chair Rev. Ruth Reynolds-Tyson...... 221872 Vice-Chair Dr Jean Stevenson...... 020 8428 5199 Secretary & Lead Trustee Ireen Goulding...... 263396 Treasurer Paul Spencer...... 237275 Vestry Steward Michael Hill...... 676052 Other Trustees Katie Scott...... 678683 Ray Evison...... 233638 Iren Jasko...... 240796 Jim Clark...... 234982 Thelka Williams...... 672983 Charles Vinan...... 721557 Margaret Ingram...... 227710 Catherine Baldwin...... 222799

URC Communion Servers Margaret Ingram...... 227710 Jim Clark...... 234982 Elisa Gusmão...... 225572 Jane Vinan...... 721557 Charles Vinan...... 721557 Ireen Goulding...... 263396 Iren Jasko...... 240796 Dr Jean Stevenson...... 020 8428 5199

Methodist Communion Stewards Katie Scott...... 678683 Holly Hill...... 676052 Bill Clayton...... 461448 Alice Blancson...... Property Committee Geoff Brown...... 662626 Holly Hill...... 676052 Paul Spencer...... 237275 Katie Scott...... 678683 Property Booking Holly Hill...... 676052

Cradle Roll Holly Hill...... 676052

2 Hi Folks I cannot believe that by the time you read this, I shall be almost half way through my first year in . How time flies when you are having fun. Spring is in the air, the bulbs I planted in October are poking their heads through the frost laden soil. The nights are drawing out, and there is a new expectation in the air. Spring is my favourite time of the year, as the life is restored into dried up trees and plants, the circle of life. We pass through many seasons in life. Some are new and exciting, yet others are dull and depressing, and yet others are heart breaking and soul destroying, and most of the time, all are out of our control. Yet, just as the weather comes in seasons, life still carries on and new seasons follow, and as a Christian, we can know without a doubt that Jesus is with us. He is the only one who can take us to the place of new growth, of healing, restoration and looking forward to the future with expectation, just as we wait for the flowers to bloom in Spring. As sure as those bulbs I planted in October will bloom in spring is the assurance that God is always with you. Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. The Leadership Team have been talking about many things to build on the future of The Scroll Church, and are coming up with ways to build ourselves up spiritually, and also socially as a Fellowship. So over the next year, there will be several events which we would like to encourage you to attend. Ruth

3 — SOCIAL EVENTS AT THE SCROLL CHURCH — by Rev. Ruth The first social event will be a Beetle Drive with fish and chip supper. Please add your name to sign-up list in church. BEETLES AND CHIPS? Beetle Drive with Fish ‘n’ Chip Supper Saturday 10th February at 5pm Add your name to the list in church for our first social event of the year - the last Beetle Drive we had was very popular with lots of fun for all ages. Do sign up and come along!

There will be a joint Lent course held at Trinity and shared with Father Geoff and the congregation from St Michaels and All Angels Church.

— LENT GROUP — Mondays, beginning 19th Feb at 2.30pm A Lent Group will be held at Trinity for five consecutive Mondays at 2.30pm starting on Monday 19th February. We shall be looking at one of The York courses called, ‘On The Third Day’. Please let Ruth know as soon as possible if you are attending so that the booklets may be purchased.

At Easter we shall be holding a Sedar Service on Maundy Thursday, where we mark the Passover. On 13th May a Frugal Lunch will be held at church after the morning service. Neil will be hosting a ‘Pop-up’ Church in the near future. This is a Fresh Expressions idea that is becoming popular around the country. It could mean meeting for: a meal; a cup of coffee at Costa or any of the local independent coffee shops; an Indian; or just a pub lunch as a group of Christians sharing in fellowship outside the church walls.

4 As you know we have been holding a Breakfast Church which has been predominantly for young people, but we wish to extend that to all age fellowship. So our first All-age Café-style Worship will be held on March 11th, Mothering Sunday and subsequently 10th June starting at 9.30am. There will not be an 11am service on those days. Please come along and enjoy sharing breakfast with your church friends.

— BREAKFAST CHURCH — Sunday 11th March, 9.30am - Mothering Sunday Come and enjoy breakfast at a café-style worship where everyone is welcome…and yes, that means EVERYONE! Mike will have his apron on, with spatula in hand for your egg and bacon orders as we ramp up the heat in the kitchen!

We are also planning a Sunday Afternoon Church Picnic and outing to Park, date to be announced (during the warmer months!) We shall need your help with this next one please. The Scroll Church is planning to run a Holiday Club for 5-11 year olds from 13th-17th August from 9.30am - 12.30pm. If you can spare a few hours in that week to help out we would be very grateful.

And finally, on Saturday 23rd June at 7.30pm, we will be hosting a Gospel Outreach evening led by Helen Shapiro…YES, you read that right, the same Helen Shapiro who sang, ‘Walking back to happiness.’ She is a converted Jewess, and sings well known songs as well as her own gospel songs. Please invite your friends along, it will be a great evening. Put the date in your diary - there will be more information and publicity about this soon.

And finally…finally, we are appealing for an Events/Social Co-ordinator. Is this you? Please speak to Ruth or one of the Trustees if you feel called to take on this important roll within the life of the church. Please keep checking the weekly notice sheet for more information on all the above.

5 — DO YOU WANT TO FAST THIS LENT? — in the words of Pope Francis Fast from hurting words and say kind words Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude Fast from anger and be filled with patience Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope Fast from worries and trust in God Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity Fast from pressures and be prayerful Fast from bitterness and fill your heart with joy Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others Fast from grudges and be reconciled.” Fast from words and be silent so you can listen. — PASSION OF JESUS — Good Friday at Abbots Langley Methodist Church This year there is a new experience that those of all faiths and none can come and share. The telling of the PASSION OF JESUS is being streamed to the Methodist Church Big Screens from Trafalgar Square where it is being played to around 10,000 people. The doors will open around 2.30pm so that people may gather, just as they will be doing in London.The screen will show the same preliminary pictures as in Trafalgar Square and we are told that a compere will greet us before the performance starts at 3.15pm. About 1 hr 30 mins later everyone will have had an experience which they will not be able to forget. This is an event to tell people about it is not just for ‘church goers’ but those of all faiths and none, the believers and those who search for truth. Literally everyone. There will be publicity on Three Counties Radio and in the local press but as always a personal invitation is most effective. The Wintershall streaming on Good Friday 30th March will go to many churches throughout Britain and possibly worldwide. www.wintershall-estate.com/passion-jesus-london

6 Call to Worship

Let us gather in this moment Let us gather wherever we find Just as we are ourselves Questioner, sinner, seeker Just as we are For we matter to God Each of us created in the poetry of More than doctrine, liturgy or love creed. And formed from the imagination of heaven. Let us gather in this space Just as we are Let us interrupt the world this Less than perfect morning And fully human Wherever we are in our needs and longings. And worship God.

Verse supplied by Katie

— CHRISTIANITY EXPLORED —

A group has been meeting at the Manse over the past few Monday evenings (interrupted by snow and the Christmas Break!) for a course called ‘Christianity Explored’, led by Ruth. Some of the material was very familiar, some less so but all led to discussion in the group. Thank you Ruth Katie

A Thanksgiving Service was held at Bushey & Methodist Church on 19th January for Leslie Beckett. One of our long-standing Circuit Local Preachers, Leslie died earlier in the month after some months of illness. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time.

7 — WHAT ABOUT PRAYING? — by Elisa Hoeschl de Gusmão

“In your prayers do not babble as I understand that, for some, it may seem the pagans do, for they think that strange to talk to a God we cannot see or by using many words they will make whose voice we cannot hear. themselves heard”. (Mt 6:7) For 31 years now, I have been away from Two small groups of people – one in the my mother, and all the family I love. Apart old St. Thomas’ URC, and the other in the from my short trips to Brazil, my mother is old Methodist Church – a voice on the other end of a phone line, met to pray year after year. Now they are whom I call and hear regularly. I don’t together, and still meeting every week. tell her everything I have been doing, all my happy moments, or difficulties. I Why do these people meet to pray? would make her tired and, suffering from What exactly do they do together? Alzheimer’s, she would forget everything Do they achieve anything? very soon. I call her to keep in contact I have a feeling they believe that with her, I call her to prove that, even so praying is in the centre of Christian life, far away for almost half my life, I still love the motor that drives it. The disciples her immensely. themselves (according to what we read Even not seeing her, these conversations in the gospels), realised the importance give me great comfort. Also, when she of prayer, and asked the Master to teach was younger and could do it, she would them how to do it! take some action after our conversations One of the things I like most about how – doing things on my behalf over there, He taught them was that the first thing of which I would only know later. He said was that prayers should be With God, it can be somehow similar: we simple and intimate! cannot see Him, but we feel the need We know some Jews prayed three times to be in touch. We don’t have to make a day, wherever they might be. So, it a huge “shopping list” of our highs and was common seeing them praying on lows – not because He will forget them, street corners, or in the centre of town. but because He knows all our past and Jesus, then, told his followers to go to present, and can guide our future. He their room, close the door, and pray. This may seem not to take immediate action, was surely making prayer an intimate sometimes even not to bother. experience with God, a very personal Different people ask God different and experience for the believer. Even when opposite things which, of course, will praying with a group, this intimacy with not always come true. For example, God should be kept – something we concerning the young Prince George, the at times lose trying to use elaborate Very Reverend Kelvin Holdsworth, provost language. And this is exactly how our of St Mary’s Cathedral in Glasgow, wrote group prays: a blog post urging people to pray him although we are addressing God, we “to be blessed one day with the love of do it in a simple, colloquial way, as a fine young gentleman”. His comments, children talking to a Father or Mother. described as “unkind” and “destructive”,

8 already created dissension among the Prayer is, in this sense, a show of public. gratitude and an acknowledgement of need on our part. What we must remember is that God is not a vending machine, who does what Christians have experienced these things we ask if we put the ‘good behaviour over & over throughout the centuries, coin’ in the slot. and so have our little prayer group in the Scroll Church. From time to time, He will answer. Someone will come and help us Before praying, we generally read a short understand what to do, or a door that biblical text, and discuss it. The effect was shut will open for us – who knows? this has is to bring several concerns and Our lives will take a different direction topics for prayer to our minds. Then, without us knowing why. we have what is called extemporaneous prayers, that is, spontaneous An illustration that helped me a lot conversations with God – and we do it to understand this was that of an very naturally, as each one of us feels like embroidery: on one side, it is full of doing. knots and entangled threads that make no sense at all; on the other, it shows a The benefits? beautiful design. We cannot have a clear A well-being feeling, and the belief that view of the embroidery of our own lives – those concerns we brought to our Father He can. And He acts accordingly. are being taken care of, as well as other But Jesus also included in the prayer matters we did not mention, or about He taught this phrase, “Give us this day which we don’t even know. our daily bread”- that is, to ask God to Feeling a bit stronger to face whatever respond to all our material needs – of will be ahead of us, and a little closer to which ‘bread’ is a symbol. Is there a those who prayed with us. contradiction here? If God knows what we need and gives us everything, why Would you like to join us? should we have to ask? We meet on Thursdays at 10.15am in the Again, what we experience with our vestibule at church. family and friends comes to help us here. Why, on dates like birthdays, Mother’s Day, Easter, we always exchange phone calls, little presents, “thank you” cards, or email messages? It is obvious this exchange of words aims to keep us in contact with each others, to acknowledge that there is love. We can do the same in relation to God. Prayer is, in this sense, a show of gratitude and an acknowledgement of need on our part, our recognition that He is the GIVER of everything. This way we also keep this wonderful relationship going on, we keep in touch!

9 10 — WALTER HARVEY HALLAM - an ordinary man — based upon a true story · scripted by Alison Raymond Saturday 24th February, 7.30pm at

Walter Harvey Hallam was an ordinary man, a draper by trade, who’s only claim to the extraordinary was that he, along with other ordinary men in their thousands, found himself in the Somme valley on Saturday July the 1st 1916. A day when it must have seemed that the Devil and all his minions ran amok as death and destruction lay all around. Hear Walter’s story, told in word and in song at the Watford Museum on Saturday, February 24th 7.30pm. The evening is presented by ‘The Pals’ Chris and Markham Lawley and musicians from Watford folk club. The script is by Alison Raymond. Tea and Coffee will be available. Admission is free and the evening will close with a retiring collection in aid of Save the Children and Dementia research. It would be lovely to see you there. (See the advert on the opposite page for more information).

FEBRUARY MARCH Charles Vinan Sheila Day Chloe Bilson Holly Hill Charlie Vinan James Firth Tameera Williams-Simpson Philip Brown Alyson Ferrier Margaret Cottrell Vera Joyce Betty Crowder Healther Lewinton Karen Pitcher

11 The Easter Story Wordsearch APOSTLES BETRAYAL CAVE CHURCH CROSS CROWN CRUCIFIXION DISCIPLES FAITH GOOD FRIDAY JESUS CHRIST JUDAS LAMB LAST SUPPER LENT MARY MIRACLE PASSOVER PENANCE PENTECOST PRAYER REDEMPTION REJOICE RESURRECTION RISEN SON THORNS TOMB

12 FEBRUARY Thu 1 12.30pm Thinking Lunch in St Albans - see p16 Fri 2 2pm Bible Study for Women’s World Day of Prayer - on the theme of ‘All God’s Creation is very Good’, led by Sue Pankhurst Sun 4 5.30pm Special Service - at High Street, Harpenden M.C. to mark the end of the Circuit Youth Worship Team - everyone is welcome, refreshments served Sat 10 5pm Beetle Drive with Fish ‘n’ Chip Supper - see p4 Mon 19 2.30pm Lent Group - at Trinity M.C. - see p4 Mon 19 7.30pm Intercessory Prayer & Health - Rev. Prof. Nick Goulding explores intercessory prayer as a treatment for illness Sat 24 7.30pm Walter Harvey Hallam - performance at Watford Museum, scripted by Alison Raymond - see p10-11 Mon 26 2.30pm Lent Group - at Trinity M.C. MARCH Fri 2 2pm Women’s World Day of Prayer - at Christ Church - see p14-15 Wed 14 7.30pm Leadership Team Meeting Mon 5 2.30pm Lent Group - at Trinity M.C. Sun 11 9.30am Mothering Sunday & Breakfast Church for ALL - see p5 Mon 12 2.30pm Lent Group - at Trinity M.C. Tue 13 8pm Thirty Pieces of Silver - Meditative Service - see p17 Mon 19 2.30pm Lent Group - at Trinity M.C. Thu 29 tbc Maundy Thursday Sedar Service - at The Scroll Church, marking the Passover - see p4 Fri 30 2.30pm Good Friday - Passion of Jesus - Big Screen live streaming from Trafalgar Square - see p6 APRIL Sun 14 9.30am Christian Mindfulness - a quiet day, led by Rev. Alan Stewart at Watton-at-Stone M.C. - ends at 4pm - see poster in the vestibule Sun 22 11.30am Congregational Meeting - after a shorter morning service MAY Wed 9 7.30pm Leadership Team Meeting Sun 13 12 noon Frugal Lunch - at church after the morning service JUNE Sat 23 7.30pm Gospel Outreach - Hebron: Helen Shapiro, Chrissy Rodgers & Simon Elman - see p5 JULY Wed 4 7.30pm Leadership Team Meeting Sun 8 11.30am Congregational AGM - after a shorter morning service AUGUST Mon 13 9.30am Holiday Club - for 1 week, 3hrs each day - see p5

Please see weekly notices for more up-to-date information. Saturday coffee mornings - 10.30am ‘til 12 noon - join us for tea, coffee & cake!

13 WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER (INTERDENOMINATIONAL)

2nd March 2018

ADMINISTRATOR’S LETTER

All God’s Creation is Very Good!

Prepared by the Christian women of Suriname SURINAME 14 — WOMENS WORLD DAY OF PRAYER — Friday 2nd March, 2.00pm at Christ Church

The Service this year comes from Suriname, in the North Eastern part of South America, and will be held at Christ Church (St Albans Road, Watford), at 2pm on Friday 2nd March, followed by afternoon tea. No set charge, but donations of £2 are suggested. All donations go to The Womens World Day of Prayer. All are invited to join in the world wide chain of prayer. On Friday 2nd February a Bible Study led by Sue Pankhurst will be held at 2pm also at Christ Church. All are very welcome - not just ladies, but men and children too!

WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER (INTERNATIONAL AND INTERDENOMINATIONAL)

Press Release

All God’s Creation is Very Good!

The interdenominational movement of the Women’s World Day of Prayer invites everyone to attend one of over 5,000 services being held on Friday 2nd March with the title ‘All God’s Creation is Very Good!’ We will join an estimated 3 million people around the world that day in a service which has been written this year by the women of Suriname in South America.

Starting in Samoa as the sun rises, and ending as the sun sets off the coast of American Samoa, the service will have been translated into more than 95 languages and 1000 dialects as we are reminded that we have responsibilities in caring for this wonderful world we live in. With its vast rainforest and wealth of resources, Suriname asks us to pray for conservation and the protection of wildlife, through an awareness of pollution, misuse and abuse, as well as for the situation in Suriname and concerns for the future.

This is not simply a day of prayer for women, but for everyone who cares about our world and those who live in it. For details of services in your area and for further information and resources, please visit the WWDP website: www.wwdp.org.uk

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Thursday 4th January 2018 The Dean of St Albans – the Very Reverend Dr Jeffery John

How True is the Christmas Story? Thinking

Thursday 1st February 2018 Tim and Mayonne Coldicott of the Lunches Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions Saving Israel – What next for the Palestinians? At Marlborough Road Methodist Church, Marlborough Road, St Albans AL1 3XG Thursday 1st March 2018 The Reverend Paul Hackwood (Paul initiated the St. Albans Sleep Out for the homeless) 2017 – 2018 Executive Director of the Church Urban Fund Thinking Lunches A Christian Response to Terrorism at Marlborough Road Methodist Church, th Thursday 5 April 2018 St Albans AL1 3XG www.mrmc.org.uk No meeting today as it is Easter Thursday

Drinks are provided by please bring your own sandwiches! Thursday 3rd May 2018 Half an hour talk and then discussion. Donations to cover Dr Richard Webster, Lawes Trust Senior Fellow at Rothamsted Research expenses and any profits will be given to the speaker for a

GM Crops: ‘Frankenstein’ food, or the future? charity of their choice.

Thursday 7th June 2018 Thursday 1st February 12.30pm - 1.30pm Elliot Steinberg of the Council for Christians and Jews (CCJ) (75 years since the inception of the CCJ) Tim and Mayonne Coldicott of the Israeli Committee www.mrmc.org.uk Title: to follow Against House Demolitions will be speaking on ‘Saving Israel – what next for the Palestinians?’

In the summer of 1962, as a post-graduate take in campaigning for justice and human student, Tim worked on a kibbutz close to rights for all demands support. Ultimately Nazareth. Afterwards he travelled around the prolonged military occupation the fledgling Israel, before taking up his damages Israelis as well as the families career in industry and later a posting to and society in occupied Palestine. Singapore. In 1968, just 8 months after Tim and Mayonne are now retired. the “6 Day War”, and on their return to Mayonne’s career kick-started with an Singapore, Tim and Mayonne visited OU degree in Psychology, progressing Israel. Jerusalem, now under military through Marriage Guidance and Personnel occupation, was empty of tourists and the Management in industry to end in destruction of Arab property had begun. outplacement consultancy. Her volunteer In 2013, shocked by the film “The work includes hospice home support, and Promise”, Tim and Mayonne took a the community village shop. Tim’s career political study tour to Israel/Palestine, developed into management consultancy. and have returned four times. Meeting He also worked as a Relate counsellor, Palestinians and Jews, in Israel and trained as a Family Therapist, and the occupied West Bank, they have finally switched to work in the NHS in an repeatedly been asked: “don’t forget us; adolescent in-patient unit. tell what you have seen”. People whose The charity they have chosen is the Israeli homes had been demolished have said Committee against House Demolitions, “we refuse to be victims; we simply want recognising its continuing role in both to live in peace on our land”. Bereaved supporting families affected by Israel’s people from both communities meet and policies, and enabling outsiders to see, share experiences, saying “we refuse to experience and learn about the needs and hate”. The personal risk these activists dreams of both Israelis and Palestinians. Next time… Thursday 1st March Rev. Paul Hackwood (Paul initiated the St Albans Sleep Out for the homeless), Executive Director of the Church Urban Fund, speak- ing on: ‘A Christian Response to Terrorism’ 16 Cathedral and Abbey Church of Saint Alban Everyone is invited You are invited to attend a Free Church Service in The Lady Chapel on the first Wednesday of the month at 11am All services are followed by a Fellowship Lunch in the Abbots Kitchen.

7th Feb Rev. Simon Carver, Senior Minister, Dagnall Street Baptist Church, Free Church Chaplain, St Albans Cathedral

7th Mar Rev. Ian Green, Minister, Amersham Free Church

EVERYONE IS WELCOME Rev. Peter Hudson, Free Church Ecumenical Chaplain Email: [email protected] Tel: 01727 812076 www.stalbanscathedral.org

THIRTY PIECES OF SILVER Can you afford to miss this evening?

TUESDAY 13TH MARCH 8pm at St Peter’s Church Bushey Mill Lane, Watford

A Service of meditative worship for the Easter season

17

Hemel Hempstead Methodist Church Northridge Way, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 2AU Lent Lectures 2018 (7.30pm -Coffee, 8.00pm start, 9.30pm end) “What is on your heart?”

19th February- iing ith eression- Mrs Jenny Harris

26th February- “Refugee Crisis”- Revd Ruth Reynolds-Tyson

5th March- he issing eneration- Mr Bob Blencowe

12th March- he Wor of Christian i in srae aestine- Revd Derek McLean

19th March- e sent e to roai freeo for the risoners Revd Caroline Weaver

26th March- to the raffi - Guest speaker & Revd Vindra Maraj-Ogden

There is no need to book, just turn up! There will be opportunities for questions, discussions, Biblical application and feedback.

18 — CHRISTMAS GIFT SERVICE — by Paul Spencer, Treasurer

Your generosity at the Gift Service, plus a couple of extra gifts has enabled me to pass £300.50 to the Watford & Three Rivers Refugee Partnership. The Charity will also be able to claim Gift Aid and enable them to increase their front-line activities, supporting clients with their applications. In addition to helping their clients with their pricey applications they can help with travel to official and solicitor appointments. Families are frequently moving home, from one cramped dwelling to another which invariably results in them incurring some unaffordable charges and with their current policy they again will be able to support those clients who have shown great enterprise in raising the balance. You are invited to their AGM at the Recital Hall, Junior School on Monday 19th March at 7 30 pm when the speaker is Dave Smith of the Boaz Trust, a similar organisation operating in Manchester. — CHURCH NATIVITY — by Mike Hill “The Scroll’s Got Talent”... this year’s church nativity, written by Riley and starring the Sunday Club, was actually billed as ‘Watford’s Got Talent’ and the title didn’t disappoint! A modern take on the Christmas Nativity, the congregation were treated to jokes, acrobatics, instrumental solos and a general fun time of worship. What a great way to kick off Advent! Many thanks to Riley (the writer), Jane (technical director), Elaine and Frances (costumes, make-up and set design) and all our extremely talented young people who made it a truly memorable THANK YOU Sunday morning service.

19 DAILY PRAYERS: February 1 Refugees and asylum seekers and those trying to help ease their suffering. 2 World leaders and world issues where understanding is lacking. 3 Leprosy mission - offering specialist care to leprosy patients. 4 A special service in Harpenden marking the end of the Circuit Youth Worship Team. 5 Those celebrating a birthday this month. 6 Pollution - time for us all to look after this beautiful planet. 7 Staff and families fighting to keep Nascot Lawn Respite Service open 8 Young people struggling with peer group pressure and bullying. 9 Public transport drivers - taking us from A to B on a daily basis. 10 A time of fun fellowship at our church with a Beetle Drive & a meal together. 11 Racial Justice Sunday. 12 Local councillors - help them to listen to the concerns of residents. 13 The Samaritans - providing a lifeline to those with no-where else to turn. 14 Ash Wednesday - marking the beginning of Lent. 15 Those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. 16 Schools and colleges and ever-changing guidelines on education. 17 Modern day slavery and those trying to bringing an end to it. 18 All those leading Sunday worship today. 19 The beginning of our joint Lent Group with friends in West Watford. 20 Healing divisions in our communities, both locally and nationally. 21 Médecins Sans Frontières - bringing international, non-government aid to conflict zones across the world. 22 Watford Town Centre Chaplaincy - providing a confidential, listening ear. 23 Organisations and volunteers helping people who are deaf or blind. 24 Macmillan nurses - providing essential care at difficult times. 25 Anyone who is lonely today. 26 Our minister and her family. 27 Families and friends - the joys and sorrows we share together. 28 Random Cafe - part of the Real Junk Food Project who aim to end food waste and feed bellies, not bins.

In your prayers each month, please remember these church friends in particular: Ray McKeer, Margaret Ferrier, Alyson Ferrier, David Lossau, Kath Bass, Kay Brown, Pam Clayton, Sheila Day and Ivy Hoskins. 20 DAILY PRAYERS: March 1 Children in care homes - wondering what it’s like to be in a ‘normal’ family. 2 Women’s World Day of Prayer. 3 Night-shift workers, working unsocial hours to provide for their families. 4 Sunday school teachers - bringing the message of Jesus to a new generation. 5 Daffodil Day - supporting Marie Curie nurses. 6 All those with a birthday this month. 7 Those looking for work, filling in applications and going for interviews. 8 Delivery drivers - working long days for little pay, to bring us our shopping. 9 Dogs in service: for the deaf, the blind, in the army and working for the police. 10 Those who travel long distances to work and arrive home exhausted every night. 11 Mothering Sunday with our special Breakfast Church service today. 12 Journalists - bringing us news and stories from around the world. 13 Those who are caring for a loved one - every small kindness counts. 14 Our Leadership Team - meeting today to discuss church business. 15 Compassion and humility - thinking of others before ourselves. 16 Our NHS and social care services - the struggles they face affect us all. 17 Those facing a operation or treatment today. 18 Disappointed patients whose operation has been delayed. 19 Those who are wondering where their next meal will come from. 20 The first signs of spring - daffodils and tulips to brighten our days. 21 People who work away from home for months at a time. 22 Thanks and praise for our green spaces - let us do all we can to preserve them. 23 Those who are struggling to cope with an addiction. 24 The joy of pets - from hamsters to horses. 25 People coping with a disability and those who are supporting them. 26 Foodbanks - bringing food to those most in need. 27 Homeless people - living day to day, despairing of hope and humanity. 28 Our minister and her family. 29 Maundy Thursday Sedar Service at our church, marking the Passover. 30 Those involved in the Live Streaming of the Passion of Jesus from Wintershall. 31 Ourselves - deepen our understanding of what it means to be a Christian. In your prayers each month, please remember these church friends in particular: Ray McKeer, Margaret Ferrier, Alyson Ferrier, David Lossau, Kath Bass, Kay Brown, Pam Clayton, Sheila Day and Ivy Hoskins.

21 SERVICES AT THIS CHURCH

February Sun 4th 11am Rev. Ruth Holy Communion Sun 11th 9.30am Mr Mike Lees Breakfast Church Sun 11th 11am Leadership Team Sun 18th 11am Rev. Ruth Sun 25th 11am Rev. Richard Lowson

March Sun 4th 11am Dr Jean Stevenson Holy Communion Sun 11th 9.30am Rev. Ruth Breakfast Church & Mothering Sunday Sun 18th 11am tbc Sun 25th 11am Rev Ruth

If after Church you wait a while someone may greet you with a smile. But if you quickly rise and flee we’ll all seem cold and stiff, maybe. The one beside you in the pew perhaps may be a stranger too, All here, like you, have tears and cares - all of us need each others prayers. In fellowship we bid you meet, with us around God’s mercy seat. Verse supplied by Katie

If you missed a Sunday Service and would like to listen to a recorded copy, please contact a church steward. If you know of anyone who is ill or lonely please call: Margaret Ferrier on 671588 or Shirley Cooper on 338460.

22 CHURCH DIRECTORY - part 2

Sunday School Co-ordinators Elaine Faires...... 244895 Jane Vinan...... 721557

Gift Aid / Church Envelope Scheme Kate Dobson...... 212327

Safeguarding Officer Dr Jean Stevenson...... 020 8428 5199

Organists Sheila Moore...... 467679 Mike Hussey...... 776765

Flower Rota Margaret Ferrier...... 671588 Alison Friend...... 225272

The Scroll Church Message Editor Catherine Baldwin...... 222799

Leadership Team Rotas Michael Hill...... 676052

Weekly Notices David Faires...... 244895

Details concerning Standing Orders will be advised when new banking arrangements have been concluded

Copy deadline for Apr/May church magazine issue: Friday 16th March 2018 Anyone can contribute an article, a reflection, an announcement, a report, an up-coming event. Share your news in your church magazine! Please pass all copy to Catherine Baldwin 66 Bushey Mill Lane, Watford, Herts. WD24 7QR. Tel: 01923 222799 Email: [email protected]

23 REGULAR EVENTS

SUN 9.30am 2nd Sun each month - Breakfast Church - meet in Unity Hall

SUN 11.00am Morning Worship with Sunday School

MON 7.30am-9.00am Little Rascals Breakfast Club contact Moira Hine on 07763 214360 9.30am-12.00pm Playgroup - contact Karen Wright on 07779 207278 3pm-6.30pm After-School Club

TUE 7.30am-9.00am Little Rascals Breakfast Club 9.30am-12.00pm Playgroup 3pm-6.30pm After-School Club

WED 7.30am-9.00am Little Rascals Breakfast Club 9.30am-12.00pm Playgroup 3pm-6.30pm After-School Club 2.15pm - 4.15pm The Wednesday Club - every 3rd Wed of the month - meet at the Friends Meeting House in Church Road contact Betty Crowder (225522) or Stella Lane (243955)

THU 7.30am-9.00am Little Rascals Breakfast Club 9.30am-12.00pm Playgroup 3pm-6.30pm After-School Club 10.15am Prayer Meeting - meet at church in the vestibule

FRI 7.30am-9.00am Little Rascals Breakfast Club 3pm-6.30pm After-School Club

SAT 10.30am - 12noon Church Coffee Morning - meet in Unity Hall for tea, coffee, cakes & chat