Inside This Edition: P2 - Bishop’S Letter

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13 er 20 tob ’s Love Oc God ving Li Inside this edition: P2 - Bishop’s Letter

N P3 - Marmalade e w t s e P5 - A Meaningful (Choc) Advent f rn ro a m B P6/7 - Books and Communities t & he n C uto P9 - Events Listings hur s, L ch o Hert Back page - People f England in Beds, Sleepout for Homeless People’s 20th year St Albans Sleepout is twenty years old in up in the porches at the West end of the December and it continues to draw people Cathedral. There was huge media coverage from all over the diocese prepared to spend and one of the reporters from BBC Three an “evening out under the stars” raising Counties radio came and slept out with us. money for charities supporting homeless The Bishop of Hertford also came and spent people. Many of the people who take part the night out with us.” come in groups from schools or youth He concludes: “The event was a success groups and were not born when Sleepout because it raised the issue of homelessness started. across the churches, raised a large sum Each year, Sleepout adopts a number of of money which was shared among the charities working with homeless people to take homelessness projects across the diocese part. People who wish to sleep out select a and allowed us to raise the profile of what the charity and raise sponsorship for it. churches were doing with local politicians.” Last year, Sleepout supported a record nine Sleepout has grown, now welcoming up to 400 charities and raised £45,100, a very good people and in each year for the last four years, total compared to the £46,000 record. During increasing the number of charities catered for. its time, Sleepout has raised over £500,000. Brian Peyton, Chair for the last fifteen years, Twenty years ago, the Ven Paul Hackwood said: “It`s really hard to believe that the was St Albans Diocese’s Social Responsibility Abbey Sleepout is about to celebrate its 20th Officer. See Round contacted him in his current anniversary this December. Remarkably it`s role as Chair of the Church Urban Fund. He one of the happiest events I attend each year. said: “The Sleepout came about because we It happens out of doors on a typically cold were at what turned out to be the end of a very winter`s night in December! Many familiar deep recession and the numbers of homeless faces return year after year and of course new people on the streets was on the increase. As I ones appear. There is always a `buzz` about went around asking parishes what they wanted the Abbey that suggests people are happy to do, they were looking for something practical doing something important and worthwhile where they could show some solidarity with - raising the profile of homeless Charities, the poor and so we came up with the idea of raising money to support the marvellous sleeping out at the Abbey.” work they do and having just a taste of what It was a successs. The first Sleepout gathered it must be like to `sleep rough`. I do hope as 150 people, including 50 children and 30 many many people as possible will come teenagers. Paul continues: “It was a very cold and experience the event for themselves this night but fortunately there was no rain. We December and make the 20th Sleepout the Some of the participants in this year’s Sleepout on 6th December to celebrate 20 years of assembled our cardboard boxes and sleeping biggest and best yet.” sleeping out. In the picture are representatives of LAMP, DENS, Herts Young Homeless, bags, those without cardboard set themselves www.stalbans.anglican.org/faith/sleepout/ Watford New Hope Trust, Leighton Linslade Homeless Service and Emmaus Trust. Page 2 SeeRound October 2013 Bishop writes... let the figures open your eyes

a) Which is the most deprived parish “Whether it is the social make-up of our parish, or the attendance on in our Diocese? Sunday mornings, or the numbers of children we engage with in the week, the right data helps us to see more clearly what really is, rather b) Which is the least deprived? than what we would like to see. “ c) Which is most ethnically diverse? http://www.cuf.org.uk/povertyinengland d) Which has the smallest number of Hertingfordbury or the percentage of working celebrate growth or to seek to understand people with no qualifications? age poverty in Haynes? Turn to the Church why numbers are falling off. It prompts us to Urban Fund ‘Poverty Look Up Tool’ and look again and see the need that is on our look for your parish http://www.cuf.org.uk/ doorstep or elsewhere within our diocese, and e) Where would one find the lowest povertyinengland. And then ask yourself what to ask what God is calling us to do in response. level of pensioner poverty? is it saying? Appropriate use of data informs our prayer and Statistics are not universally loved! Disraeli’s widens our vision. Make a note of your answers, and then look at ‘There are three kinds of lie: lies, damned lies, By foot it is eight miles from St John’s Church, the correct answers at the end of this article. and statistics’ sums up well our suspicion. Harpenden to All Saints’ Church, Bury Park in You may be surprised! I certainly assumed that Whilst George Bernard Shaw reminds us to Luton. If you are a boy born in Harpenden your the most deprived parish was somewhere else; be cautious when he points out that ‘statistics life expectancy is 83 years. The same boy born except that when I saw the statistics, my eyes show that of those who contract the habit of in Bury Park would only live to 72. were opened to the low income, extensive eating, very few survive’! However, statistics Now tell me that statistics don’t open our social housing, low level of qualifications and are tools that we can use to good effect. eyes; don’t challenge us about the health of more that the parish contains (which is not Whether it is the social make-up of our parish, our nation and its communities; don’t demand the same as where people who come to the or the attendance on Sunday mornings, or that in prayer we seek God’s guidance on how The Right Revd Richard Atkinson church, in the main, reside). So it is with the the numbers of children we engage with in to act; don’t require us to live out God’s love Bishop of Bedford information on every parish in our diocese that the week, the right data helps us to see more in the world! [email protected]

the 2011 Census has made available, and clearly what really is, rather than what we

which, with regard to deprivation, has been would like to see. Our misplaced perceptions; Sunnyside. Angels, All

collated by the Church Urban Fund. our denials on the one hand and our pessimism and Michael St e. Albans St Paul’s, St d. Peter’s St with

Want to know the level of social housing in on the other; our lack of memory about trends Saints All c. Watford Luke’s, St b. Bedford Paul’s, St a. Hitchin, or the degree of ethnic diversity in – they are all challenged and we are asked Answers Hoddesdon? The life expectancy of girls in to look again. It becomes the opportunity to

Spotlight on CUF’s Poverty App CUF’s latest Statistics and Look-Up Tool research on food poverty

For all editorial matters and free event listings please contact: Editor: Arun Kataria or Assistant Editor: Claudia Ashley-Brown Communications Unit, Diocese of St Albans, Holywell Lodge, 41 Holywell Hill, St Albans, Herts AL1 1HE. T: 01727 818110 F: 01727 844469 [email protected] The data yielded by the Census hasn’t just www.stalbans.anglican.org informed the CUF figures about deprivation. For all paid advertising please contact: The Archbishops’ Council Statistics Unit Glenda Charitos, Cornerstone Vision, has made Parish Spotlights available for every parish and they can be found on the 28 Old Park Road, Peverell, Plymouth diocesan website at www.stalbans.anglican. PL3 4PY org/diocese/parish-spotlights/ 01752 225623 The invaluable information about marital [email protected] status, car usage, work patterns (full - or part time, unemployed, retired) appears alongside Copy deadline for November CUF has also researched food banks and food the deprivation information and parish data poverty generally. Edition: 1st October 2013 returned annually to the Archbishops’ Council. SeeRound has 10 editions per year and Parishes working out who they serve and The research suggests that four out of five is the official newspaper of The Diocese how best to engage with them in their Mission churches are currently supporting food of St Albans, the Church of England in Action Planning will find this invaluable. In addtion to the website given above, CUF banks in one way or another. The report also Bedfordshire, Luton, Hertfordshire and Among the reactions from clergy who have has launched a new app that allows you to explores ways in which churches can do more parts of the London Borough of Barnet. already seen the spotlights, the Revd Bill Britt, enter your postcode or your location via GPS to work alongside others to find long-term It is made up of 336 parishes grouped from Kempston, said: “The Parish Spotlights and see where your parish ranks, nationally solutions to the causes of food poverty, for example by tackling high levels of personal into 20 deaneries, in which there are over are an excellent resource. I have used similar or within the diocese, on ten different poverty indicators including child poverty, pensioner debt. 400 churches and 133 church schools. census data off the county council website but poverty and life expectancy. The 39,000 members of parish electoral that info doesn’t follow parish boundaries as Read the report at: http://www.cuf.org.uk/ This app and the accompanying web-based rolls are served by some 270 paid clergy, well. Also your spotlight presents data in an hungry-for-more easier to read format.” tool incorporates the latest Census data and around 80 self-supporting clergy and Any queries should go to statistics.unit@ other more recent data sets and reveals the around 300 Readers. churchofengland.org marked inequality that exists in England. SeeRound October 2013 Page 3 Jam Jars - E. Sargeant & Son Marmalade a hit with updated advice Funeral Directors

The Great Jam-Jar Controversy of 2012 Family orientated funeral directors of distinction. Bishop and Treasurer arose when the National Federation of Serving Maidenhead, Slough, Windsor Women’s Institutes and the Churches and the surrounding areas since 1712. Preserve now ‘by appointment’ Legislation Advisory Service (CLAS), among Professional advice and guidance others, concluded that the EU Framework from our caring staff. Regulation on food contact materials Monumental Masonry. appeared to prohibit the reuse of jam-jars Pre-Paid Funeral Plans. for items such as jams and pickles offered for sale or awarded as prizes. For personal assistance, CLAS says: “The position of the Food 24 hours, please contact: Standards Agency appeared to be equivocal; 12-13 Colonnade, High Street however, after considerable media comment, MAIDENHEAD - 01628 787 738 the conclusion was reached that, whatever 40 Church Street the EU law on the matter, no local authority SLOUGH - 01753 520 081 would enforce it in the case of a church 61 St. Leonards Road fête or charity summer fair – and there the WINDSOR - 01753 865 982 matter rests. The Food Standards Agency has now published ‘Community and charity visit our website: food provision - guidance on the application www.esargeant.co.uk of EU food hygiene law’. The guidance offers two examples which will be of particular interest to members where the FSA suggests that food provision is unlikely to require registration. A one-off event such as a church or school St Albans Woodland fete, or a street party is deemed not to Burial Trust have ‘continuity’. However, organisers of large community events are advised to Mary Edwards and her marmalade with Bishop Alan One of the only two contact the local authority for practical consecrated woodland Mary Edwards has been making marmalade Her jars now carry the Bishop’s crest and advice. Where several large events might burial grounds in England for more than thirty years, since she and her the Latin motto ‘Jentaculo Praestantissimum’ be organised within a year, especially with husband lived in Brookmans Park. which, although it is a mouthful to take in at complex food safety controls, then a ‘degree For the burial or interment They now live in Therfield, near Royston breakfast alongside the toast, simply means of organisation’ could be involved. and worship at St Mary the Virgin. ‘surpassingly good breakfast’. Daily small-scale provision of low-risk foods by of ashes, set in 60 acres in our Mary’s marmalade has always carried a label Mary’s King of Preserves is more than just community / charity volunteers is not deemed consecrated woodland saying Mary’s Marmalade, but now she has a humble breakfast accompaniment, which to have a ‘degree of organisation’ as it is in Keysoe, Bedford. a brand new label to go on her jars, after allows Bishop Alan to like it in double measure. low-risk and small-scale provision, however, Bishop Alan tasted her marmalade on a visit Mary has sold over 109 jars this year for the does have continuity and registration would The Administrator, St Mark’s Church Community Centre, to Therfield. parish church and has raised more than £300 be required if complex food safety controls Calder Rise, Bedford. MK41 7UY She is now Purveyor of Marmalade by for the parish’s mission. are required or high-risk foods were served www.woodlandburialtrust.com appointment to the Bishop of St Albans, after Here he is pictured with her, when he collected or if food is served to vulnerable persons.” Tel/fax 01234 342613 he sampled her delicious marmalade. a supply of marmalade when passing nearby. [email protected]

Christian Aid steps up a gear in Beds and Herts

Christian Aid is not only a national aid agency, but also an intensively local charity, increasing its resourcing for supporters in St Albans Diocese International - Syria Internationally, Christian Aid has welcomed the UK government’s decision against military intervention in Syria; saying that efforts must now focus on a political solution to the conflict. Christian Aid continues to provide emergency support to those affected by the conflict. The emergency appeal for Syria is enabling Christian Aid partners in Lebanon and Iraq to respond to the growing Syrian refugee crisis. Its ACT Alliance sister agency, International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), is also providing support to people in desperate need inside Syria itself. More than 155,000 people have fled Syria to northern Iraq. Christian Aid is supporting Iraqi organisation REACH to provide essential items to 1,500 families around Sulaimaniya and Erbil in the north of Iraq. Hygiene kits containing first aid equipment, soap, shampoo, water purifiers and sanitary products are essential for enabling (l-r) Adrian Whalley and Andy Godrey people to keep clean and healthy, and maintain a sense Local of personal dignity. Christian Aid has opened a new office based in Holywell Please help Christian Aid to reach the millions of Syrians Lodge headed up by Adrian Whalley, Christian Aid’s new affected by the conflict by donating to the Syria Crisis regional coordinator for Hertfordshire. Adrian would Appeal. http://www.christianaid.org.uk/emergencies/ welcome speaking opportunities – about Syria or otherwise current/syria-crisis-appeal/index.aspx – or just to hear from you and can be contacted on 01727 818145. International - Christmas Resources Bedforshire now has its own regional coordinator, the Rev’d Christian Aid has provided Christmas resources for Andy Godfrey, who would also welcome such opportunities churches wanting to hold a collection this Christmas. www. (tel: 01865 945785). christianaid.org.uk/christmas Page 4 SeeRound October 2013 Bedfordshire Organists’ Association Concert to feature organist who can do the impossible Don’t lose touch with the Abbey His name is Kevin Bowyer and he was born Do you have links with St Albans Abbey, or The annual subscription is only £20 for single WOBURN PARISH CHURCH in Southend-on-Sea in January 1961 and fond memories of it? Perhaps you were part of membership or £25 for joint. studied with Christopher Bowers-Broadbent, the congregation or were married or baptised We look forward to welcoming you - and if David Sanger, Virginia Black and Paul Steinitz. ORGAN CONCERT there - or you sang in the choir? Perhaps you join now you will receive an invitation to by In his early career he won first prizes in five you have researched or are interested in the our new members’ evening on 31st October international organ competitions and his 1987 KEVIN BOWYER history or architecture of this great building. with drinks followed by an exclusive tour of world premiere of Kaikhosru Sorabji’s two Organist to the University of Glasgow Have you thought of becoming a Friend of the Abbey. hour solo Symphony for Organ, considered St Albans Abbey? “impossible” ever since its publication in Saturday 12th October 2013 at 3.00 pm Being a Friend is a great way 1925, helped to cement his reputation as a to keep in touch with the Abbey player of contemporary music and music of Programme: and to help and support its extreme technical complexity. In June 2010 Prelude and Fugue in C, BWV 545 work. The Friends make a real he premiered Sorabji’s Second Symphony for J S Bach (1685-1750) difference to the life and the Organ (1929-32) in Glasgow and Amsterdam – running of the Abbey, funding at nearly 8 hours duration, the longest notated Toccata Medievale lots of important projects and organ work of all. Edouard Mignan (1884-1969) providing hospitality to its many At home Kevin has played solo and concerto visitors - something they have concerts in most of the major venues and Pastorale and Olympic Paean done since the Fraternity of festivals. Tours abroad have taken him Alan Gibbs (b. 1932) Friends was re-founded over throughout Europe, North America, Australia 60 years ago. and Japan. He has released a great number Trois Préludes Hambourgeois Joining the Friends means you A Concert organised by The Friends at Gorhambury of solo CDs, many of which have won Guy Bovet (b. 1942) will be part of a world-wide awards. These include many landmark group who support the Abbey recordings of contemporary music as well Power of Life financially and by prayer. You will receive a bi- as the complete organ music of J S Bach Mons Leidvin Takle (b. 1942) annual magazine, the Alban Link, to keep you (on 29 CDs) and music by Alkan, Brahms, in touch, and we have an exciting programme St Albans Cathedral Schumann, Reubke, Hindemith, Schoenberg, Sonata in C minor: The 94th Psalm of talks, visits and concerts throughout the Education Centre Messiaen, Alain, etc. Jonathan Wearn, writing Julius Reubke (1834-1858) year plus our popular annual meeting and Forthcoming Special Events in MusicWeb International, described him lunch. Friends can also apply for tickets for 14th November: as “one of the world’s hardiest and most Light refreshments will be served afterwards the Cathedral’s carol services. Sixth Form Conference formidable virtuosos…” and Gramophone in the Crypt. Admission Free – Donations Joining the Friends is easy. You can email magazine described him as “unique”. our new members’ secretary, Sue Tomson, 18th – 22nd November: Kevin is a popular teacher and has lectured Other future local and national concerts are at [email protected], write to Build a Church Outreach and given masterclasses in many countries. listed at www.organrecitals.com her at St Albans Cathedral, Sumpter Yard, St He is Organist to the University of Glasgow. Albans AL1 1BY, telephone 01727 860412, Please call 01727 890212 or visit Kevin’s article, Twentieth Century European or download an application form at www. http://www.stalbanscathedral.org/education Organ Music – A Toast, cast as a play set in a by one reviewer as “quite simply the best stalbanscathedral.org/community/friends-of- Cotswolds pub, in the Incorporated Association piece of writing on organ music that I have the-abbey. of Organists’ Millennium Book was described ever seen.”

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Find out more at www.pilgrimcourse.org Contact Tony: [email protected] Mobile : 07517.437.689 www.mypicturesrestored.com SeeRound October 2013 Page 5 A new way to share the Christmas Story The Real Advent Calendar is a new and fun way for parents, encourage everyone to go and buy a Real Advent calendar this year. grandparents and Godparents to share the Christmas story. Behind The proceeds will benefit The Children’s Society, which works directly each of the 25 windows there is a Fairtrade chocolate star and a few with some of the most disadvantaged children in the country, ensuring words from the Christmas story. Behind the final window there is a that they are loved, valued and listened to.” 24-page Christmas story booklet to read, keep and enjoy. The Real Advent Calendar is produced by the Meaningful Chocolate As well as celebrating the true meaning of Christmas, the calendar Company. Its founder, David Marshall, said: “We have worked hard to makes a charity donation to The Children’s Society from every sale, make the Real Advent Calendar a unique product. We hope anyone raising money for some of the country’s most disadvantaged children. who wants to pass on the true meaning of Christmas will buy one for The calendar also supports the Christmas Starts with a child, a friend or themselves. This year the Real Advent Calendar Christ campaign, which hopes to reverse the trend of will be the UK’s only calendar to donate to charity, support Fairtrade Christ being written out of Christmas and runs from and provide a copy of the Christmas story in the box. A donation of 10 Advent Sunday (1st Dec) to Christmas day. pence from every sale will be made to The Children’s Society and we On hearing that Tesco will be stocking it, Bishop Alan hope to raise over £25,000 to support their vital work.” said: “This is the first time that a major supermarket The calendar costs £3.99. Tesco is the only supermarket that will be has put the Christmas story so openly within their stocking it this year. From October they will have stocks in most stores Christmas range. This allows people to read and see, so individuals can pop in and pickup smaller quantities. For bulk orders for themselves, what Christmas is all about, a reminder churches should call or visit their local Tesco. Details at www.realadvent. that Christmas Starts with Christ.” co.uk/shop. Churches with a Traidcraft rep can order through them. The Rt Revd Tim Thornton, Bishop of Truro and Chair Select independent retailers and Christian bookshops also have limited of The Children’s Society’s Board of Trustees, said: “I supplies. Details can be seen at www.realadvent.co.uk/shop Bishop defends Pirton Brings Farmers’ Hemel’s honour Bishop Alan responded to a survey placing Market into Church Hemel Hemstead on a list of ugly towns and Hatfield on the shortlist of Birtain’s dullest As part of its Mission Action Plan, St Mary’s Chair of the Parish Council, Pam Waters writes: towns. Church, Pirton looked at how to involve the “Pirton Parish Council recently published He said: “Public discourse is veering ever church and community together more on a Parish Plan which, following village more towards the nasty and superficial. As various projects. There were already several consultation, set out parishioners’ views and a nation we are becoming obsessed with examples: the regular Men’s Breakfast and a requests. We were delighted when James outward appearances.” recent Going Bananas holiday club run by the Robertson, our vicar, offered the church as a “It’s clear to me that the people who voted church. venue for the farmers’ market once a month.” don’t really know the communities who live A Parish Council Survey showed that 78% of “Barbara, the vicar’s wife, offered to co- in Hemel or Hatfield, especially the many who the villagers would support a Farmers’ Market ordinate the market and has been busy finding work with the numerous churches, charities in the village. So, with the support of the PCC, and organising stalls.” and voluntary bodies there which make such a St Mary’s Vicar, the Revd James Robertson “The Parish Council would like to thank the difference.” offered the church for a Farmers’ Market for Robertsons for their support and we look “Not only that, but Hatfield is the home of the first time during August, with the intention forward to a very successful community an outstanding university and has the open of it becoming a regular feature. venture.” spaces around historic Hatfield House.” ______Shrinking the footprint Angels wing their New warnings about our warming globe - has a ‘green’ line been crossed? way to Worcester Earlier this year, the level of climate-warming member of St Paul’s Church, St Albans, has which is in constant use 7 days a week. Twin sisters of the Ramryge Angels - the greenhouse gases rose to 400 parts per made use of this tool and is keen to share her “What we can see” says Alison “is that our Perspex sculptures which grace the stone million (ppm), a level not reached for more experience. gas use is correlated very closely with the niches in the Ramryge Chapel in St Albans than 3 million years, a time when the Arctic The tool allows churches to keep a record of weather, which tells us that our heating Cathedral - are preparing for a journey. was ice free. This level was reported from two their energy use and have it analysed to show controls are set appropriately. But we need Already exhibited in St George’s Chapel, monitoring stations in Hawaii. where energy savings may be possible. to look more closely at our electricity use.” Windsor, the second set of the sculptures That news makes the Church of England’s Alison says: “A particularly useful feature of the Alison is now looking for more churches in St which depict stages of bereavement - Denial, Shrinking the Footprint Campaign which program is that your energy use is compared Albans Diocese to join her in the Smeasure Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance promotes carbon reduction in churches, with local weather conditions so that you can project: & Peace, by artist Claudia Brown will now be schools and other church buildings, ever more see immediately whether increased energy “When twenty buildings are signed up to the exhibited in Worcester Cathedral from 6th - relevant to the life of the church. The campaign use is due to a spell of cold weather or poor software in the Diocese, a Peer Group will be 21st November. urges all church communities to protect the heating controls.” created to track our footprint results together. The Dean of St Albans commented, “The world for future generations by caring for God’s She adds that all that is needed are a couple of It will be useful not only to link up churches Ramryge Angels have been a welcome creation now. people in every church who are willing to take with similar sized buildings and patterns of addition to the Cathedral and the Chapel in Shrinking the footprint has produced free gas and electricity meter readings regularly use (whether small and infrequently used which they have been displayed since 2007. energy monitoring tools under its Smeasure and enter them on the website. Ideally this and expensive to heat up one day a week Many visitors over the last 4 years have been project (http://shrinkingthefootprint.smeasure. would be weekly but even monthly readings or like St Paul’s, in constant use) but also inspired and moved by their beauty and the com) and Alison Davidson (pictured), a will quickly give you a picture of where your provide a forum for sharing ideas, reducing way they illuminate the different stages of church’s energy is going. energy bills and modelling our commitment the bereavement process so effectively. I Crucially, this needn’t to reducing our carbon footprint to our wider would encourage any cathedral to take up the be an additional task for local community.” opportunity to host already busy clergy, staff them.” Three Million Years ago..... or PCC members. It can Susie Arnold, The sea level was up to 40 metres be done by any member responsible for higher than today and average global of the congregation who exhibitions at temperatures were 3 or 4c higher than we is interested and can be Worcester Cathedral experience now. We know this from data trusted with access to responded, ‘I would including analysis of fossil air trapped in the meters as is the case love to see them ancient ice. with Alison who has been here, as our family The speed at which CO2 is rising – some entering data for St Paul’s had strong links 75 times faster than in pre-industrial Church for two years. with the Abbey – my times according to experts – unless it is Energy bills are high at St grandfather being a checked could lead to the unimaginable Paul’s but this reflects a key lay person there!’ displacement of millions of people fleeing building (recently renovated The current set of extreme weather conditions including to high conservation and Angels will still be heat-waves and flooding and migrating ecological standards) on display here in St across the globe in search of land. Albans Cathedral. Page 6 SeeRound October 2013 Hertfordshire’s Thankful Village recognised The tiny hamlet of Puttenham, Hertfordshire had probably never seen so many motorbikes at one time as when 35 arrived in convoy on The Thankful Villages Run motorcycle marathon. Visiting 51 villages in the UK, Puttenham was their only stop in St Albans Diocese and they rode right up to the doors of St Mary’s Church. Tring Rector, the Revd Huw Bellis was there to greet them with several parishioners. Puttenham is one of the Thankful Villages, having no war memorial. The clue to why they don’t is in the word ‘thankful’. These are the villages whose soldiers in the 1914-1918 war all returned safely and included in them are fourteen doubly thankful villages whose soldiers all returned safely from the Second World War as well. Fifteen Puttenham men went to fight between 1914 and 1918 and returned alive. Grateful as the villages are, many soldiers who did return had been scarred physically, mentally, or both by their horrific ordeal. Huw said: “We are thinking about the best place to put the plaque. At the crossroads where the whole village can appreciate it would be one possibility as we already have a Thankful Memorial in Church.” “It has made us think about putting up a World The run raised over £50,000 for the Royal marking the run and a slate plaque. Puttenham War Two Memorial, because there isn’t one.” British Legion to help with its work of providing also records the names of the returning Puttenham might have been a double - practical care, advice and support to serving soldiers inside the church. Puttenham and the thankful village, losing no one in two world members of the Armed Forces, veterans of all other fifty Thankful Villages will now be able wars, had it not been for losing one son in ages and their families. to comemorate the centenary of the start of 39-45. Each Thankful Village received a certificate the First World War in just under a year’s time. The Gospel Story from a New Angle ‘Missing’ by Sonia Falaschi-Ray is a refreshing and accessible account of the life of Jesus Christ

A husband and wife arrive at an inn on their way home to Nazareth. They search in vain for their son, whom they assumed to have been travelling with the group. The city of Holidays at Home Jerusalem is no place for a youth wandering about on his own. His name is Yeshua, and he is eventually found engaged in debate with rabbis in the temple. His knowledge of scripture is formidable, and some find his questioning precocious and interesting. However, Rabbi Caiaphas finds the boy’s views outrageous. Eventually reunited with his parents, Yeshua leaves Jerusalem to travel home. But he will return, for he is the lynchpin in the greatest spiritual revolution the world has ever known. ASHBOURNE Sonia is a priest in Barley, North Herts. DERBYSHIRE (It can be ordered direct from the publishers at:

www.troubador.co.uk/book_info.asp?bookid=2236) Ideal for Peak District Chatsworth, Alton Towers Comfortable Cottage Sleeps 4 Short breaks. All year www.conifercott age.biz Wheathampstead paints the town red (and blue, green, yellow...) 01727 751070 On yet another glorious day at the end of the The community was devastated when The which surround the site. The brainchild of the school holidays, more than a hundred people, Swan, a Grade II listed pub in the centre Rector, the Rev. Richard Banham, a dozen aged from 8 to 80, from Wheathampstead, of the village, was burnt to its rafters in late panels feature famous ‘Locals painted by insurance Herts, turned out in festive spirit to change a sad July. In response, St Helen’s Parish Church Locals, for the Local’. They include ancient building site into a wonderful heritage statement has led a community-based project to paint British warrior chief Cassivellaunus, Abbott facing those arriving in the village. a mural to cover the security hoardings John of Wheathampstead, John Bunyan,

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0116 272 0500 Authorised & regulated by the FCA SeeRound October 2013 Page 7 366 stories tell us who we are A new book will help all the people of The Diocese of St Albans understand better where we have come from, and therefore, where PURPOSE BUILLTT DDRY STORAGE WAREHOUSE Living God’s love can take us. CONTTAINERISED STORAGE The book is ‘Saints and Pilgrims,’ written by DOCUMENT/ARCHIVE STORAGE & DATTA Bishop Alan with a foreword by Archbishop SHREDDING TO CATERTER FORFOR ALLALL YOUR NEEDS Justin, the Archbishop of Canterbury. Calling those featured ‘ordinary and extraordinary,’ the foreword says: “The centenary of the incorporation of the County of Bedfordshire into the Diocese of St Albans L IMITED presents a good opportunity to pause and thank God for his faithfulness. The stories of ‘Saints and Pilgrims’ assembled here, invite THE PROFESSIONAL REMOVERS us to think about how we can witness to God’s SILVERDALE HOUSE NORTHBRIDGE ROAD BERKHAMSTED HP4 1EG love and truth in our day, and how best we T: (01442) 863959 F: (01442) 862163 can pass on the baton of the faith to the next E: [email protected] W: www.sdellandsons.com generation.” Bishop Alan adds “It is good to honour the witness of outstanding Christians, but we need to remember that in the Bible the word ‘saint’ refers not to a spiritual elite, but to ordinary women and men like you and me. As the entries in this book reveal, none of us is perfect. We are all a strange mixture of goodness and godliness, muddled up with self- centredness and sinfulness. Holiness comes from the Holy Spirit working in and through us. We call certain people saints because we glimpse something of God in what they say or do.” Starting with Alban himself, with his martyrdom in around the year 209, Saints & Pilgrims contains 366 short chapters (one for each day of the year) recounting the story of some of the Christian men and women who have shaped ~ in harmony with tradition ~ the Diocese. fine furniture Among the ranks of the famous stand out Ronald Emett Nicholas Breakspear, the only Englishborn 01308 868025 [email protected] Pope; Matthew Paris, the medieval chronicler; www.ronaldemettfurniture.com John Bunyan, author of A Pilgrim’s Progress; Robert Runcie, Bishop of St Albans who became Archbishop of Canterbury; and Jennifer Worth, author of Call the Midwife. But there are less-known people worthy of commemoration such as Juliana Berners, too bear eloquent testimony to their Christian and whose lives have inspired others to possibly the earliest woman author in the faith. Each entry contains a short biography, become Christians: Christina of Markyate, English language; Alfred Smith, the former followed by a poem or extract written by the Alice de Claremont (Founder of the choirboy awarded the Victoria Cross for his person or which relates to his or her life, and Preceptory of Melchbourne), Juliana bravery in the First World War; Charles Fraser- concludes with a prayer. Berners (Prioress of Sopwell), Sister Jane Smith, the missionary on whom ‘Q’ was based (The Community of the Sisters of the Love in the James Bond novels; and Dr James Bishop Alan will be signing copies of the of God), Rohese De Vere (Founder of the Cantlie who invented First Aid. book following the blessing of eight new Preceptory at Chicksands), Anna Thynne In addition to monarchs, merchants, scientists Canons’ Stalls in St Albans Cathedral which (a scientist from Haynes), Sister Agnes and aristocrats, are commemorated ordinary takes place at 4pm on 19th October. of Harold and Judith of Lens (Founder of people whose names and memory are Elstow Abbey). cherished by the communities in which they The eight new stalls are named after women Each of the women features in ‘Saints and lived and the people they served. Their lives who lived in Bedfordshire or Hertfordshire Pilgrims’.

Wheathampstead paints the town red (and blue, green, yellow...) The ‘Wicked Lady’ and George Bernard Shaw Oxford Reading Tree books featuring Biff, Chip Once The Swan is restored, and the hoardings among others. and Kipper which are used by children all over are ready to come down, the murals will be Local artist Nick Schon, produced the original the country as they learn to read. removed and used as a resource around artwork, and was on hand to brief and to Richard says: “We wanted something good the village which has recently developed an oversee the start of ‘Painting Day’. Nick is to come out of this for our wonderful local excellent Heritage Trail. best known as one of the two illustrators of the community. And it has!” EWTN CATHOLIC TV IS NOW ON SKY – EPG 589 Radio is on EPG 0147 Live TV at www.ewtn.co.uk £175 total cost for equipment and installation With no monthly costs For information & free monthly programme call 0208 350 2542

GLOBALCATHOLIC NETWORK Page 8 SeeRound October 2013

Healing in this Holy Land Could your church help bring the gift of healing to communities across the world this Christmas? Please order your resources to hold a Christian Aid collection as part of your celebrations.

‘He heals the broken-hearted, and binds up their wounds.’ Psalm 147:3

Order your Christmas resources online, by phoning 0870 078 7788 or by returning the form below. christianaid.org.uk/christmas06

Your name Please return this form to Christian Aid, PO Box 390, Grays, RM17 9DG. Church/group name

Project name Christmas appeal 2012 Job number 13-068-J541-Christmas A3_poster-A5_lft English version Item name A3 Poster/A5 Lft (English) Proof stage AW Client Anna Couper Proof date 26/07/12 Client team Church Appeals Feedback due

Project name Christmas 2012- 13-068-A Job number J551 Item name star diecut a5 4pp card Proof stage AW Address Client Anna Couper Proof date Client team Inspiring Participation-Church Feedback due

Today, in the area that was the setting for the original Christmas story, peace is scarce. Twelve-year-old Waleed Badir has Healing experienced both personal and political in this Holy Land unrest, as he’s struggled with his severe christianaid.org.uk/christmas deafness in the occupied Palestinian territory.

Waleed grew up knowing the reality of conflict, and restricted access to healthcare ‘I told Waleed that not all Israelis under Israeli occupation meant that he did Since Waleed Badir are soldiers’ Rufaida, Waleed’s mother not receive the medical care he needed. As a Christmas received a hearing result, he fell behind academically and spent aid from partner Waleed Badir has experienced both personal and political his early years trapped in virtual silence. unrest, as he’s struggled with his severe deafness in the West organisation PHRI, Bank – part of the occupied Palestinian territory. Volunteer his confidence has Israeli doctors working for Christian Aid partner Physicians But, last year, Christian Aid partner increased for Human Rights Israel are striving to bring healing to patients like Waleed – and between communities – as Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI) Project name Christmas 2012 Job number 13-068-A they work for the right to healthcare for all. eNgLiSH veRSioN provided Waleed with a hearing aid – and Item name GIVING ENVELOPE • ENG Proof stage AW2 Share the peace of Christmas by his world opened up. The Israeli volunteer Client Anna Couper Proof date 21/08/12 Town doctors working for PHRI are changing Client team Inspiring Participation-Church Feedback due bringing urgent care to children poster-leaﬂ et Prayer cards Gift envelopes living in conflict. perceptions. When Waleed first went to the clinic, he said the doctors couldn’t be Peace is a rare thing for children Christian Aid works in partnership with local christianaid.org.uk/christmas Israelis. Waleed’s mother says, ‘I told living in the occuPied Palestinian organisations on the Your Christmas gift Waleed that not all Israelis are soldiers.’ territory ground to bring about will help people urgent and lasting The childhood of Waleed Badir Rufaida says, ‘Before, if he wanted to living in poverty (pictured) was coloured by isolation go out, I had to talk to him to help him change. and frustration. You might be forgiven feel confident. He used to leave and build better lives Christian Aid is a Christian organisation for thinking this quiet boy of 12 is keep looking back. But now he just says £5 could buy one course (F1969E) (F2101E) simply shy, but he is 90 per cent deaf. goodbye and goes out with his friends.’ of antibiotics for a patient (F1968E) that insists everyone should be able to He is an intelligent child, but his PHRI was able to offer Waleed a new attending a PHRI mobile clinic. speech is limited. sense of peace. How to give: lead a full life, free from poverty. We work Waleed grew up knowing the reality At the same time, the Israeli volunteer £8.65 could pay for a PHRI globally, striving to achieve equality, dignity of conflict, and restricted access to doctors working for PHRI are changing appeal to the Israeli army healthcare under Israeli occupation • Please give this gift to your church, school perceptions. When Waleed first went to or civil administration for a Healing and freedom for people of all faiths and meant that he did not receive the the clinic, he said the doctors couldn’t or collection organiser, or write a cheque County medical care he needed. As a result, he be Israelis. Waleed’s mother says, ‘I told patient to travel to receive (payable to Christian Aid) and send it with the backgrounds. We provide urgent, practical fell behind academically and spent his Waleed, “These Israelis are doctors and medical care. Gift Aid declaration overleaf to in this Holy Land early years trapped in virtual silence. they consider it their duty to help people.”’ assistance where need is great, tackling the ‘Waleed was locked in a world where he £15 could pay for PHRI Freepost RSUR-YSTS-KJUL, Christmas Appeal 2012, There are many more children like healing effects of poverty as well as its root causes. found it very difficult to communicate,’ to make referrals for two Christian Aid, 35-41 Lower Marsh, London SE1 7RL. says Waleed’s mother, Rufaida. Waleed, trapped in the midst of conflict in this region and unable to access the patients to receive medical at christmas time Peace on earth level of medical care they urgently need. care in Israel. • Alternatively call 0845 7000 300 or Photo: Christian Aid/Tabitha Ross Last year Waleed received a hearing ‘Our children have only ever met visit christianaid.org.uk/christmas aid from a mobile clinic run by Christian UK registered charity no. 1105851 Company no. 5171525 Israelis at gunpoint. I told Waleed that Christian Aid is a Christian organisation to give by debit or credit card. Scotland charity no. SC039150 Northern Ireland charity no. XR94639 Company no. NI059154 Aid partner organisation Physicians for not all Israelis are soldiers.’ that insists everyone should be able to Human Rights Israel (PHRI) – and his lead a full life, free from poverty. We work Republic of Ireland charity no. CHY 6998 Company no. 426928 Rufaida, mother of Waleed Badir, who was Photos: Christian Aid/Tabitha Ross world opened up. He is now able to globally, striving to achieve equality, The Christian Aid name and logo are trademarks of Christian Aid; treated by volunteer Israeli doctors in the dignity and freedom for people of all faiths UK registered charity no. 1105851 Company no. 5171525 hear far better and his vocabulary and Poverty Over is a trademark of Christian Aid. © Christian Aid August 2012 13-068-J551 West Bank. and backgrounds. We provide urgent, christianaid.org.uk/christmas Scot charity no. SC039150 NI charity no. XR94639 Company no. NI059154 Donations to Christian Aid’s Christmas 2012 appeal will be used to support Christian Aid’s work around the world, including work with partners like PHRI. confidence are increasing. practical assistance where need is great, ROI charity no. CHY 6998 Company no. 426928 The Christian Aid name and Printed on 100 per cent recycled paper F2101E UK registered charity no. 1105851 Company no. 5171525 Scot charity no. SC039150 NI charity no. XR94639 Company no. NI059154 ROI charity no. CHY 6998 Company no. 426928 tackling the effects of poverty as well as logo are trademarks of Christian Aid; Poverty Over is a trademark of Christian Aid. The Christian Aid name and logo are trademarks of Christian Aid; Poverty Over is a trademark of Christian Aid. © Christian Aid August 2012 Photos: Christian Aid/Tabitha Ross 13-068-J541 Please give generously to help bring healing its root causes. Add 25 per cent to your gift © Christian Aid August 2012 13-068-J550 Printed on 100 per cent recycled paper F1969E Printed on 100 per cent recycled paper Postcode Qty Qty this christmas: christianaid.org.uk/christmas Qty F1968E

Christian Aid will not pass your details on to any other organisation. If you already receive information from Christian Aid we will continue to send it unless you tell us otherwise by writing to us at PO Box 100, London, SE1 7RT. If you are new to Christian Aid, please tick here if you do not want to receive information from us. ❏

A017699

UK registered charity no. 1105851 Company no. 5171525 Scot charity no. SC039150 NI charity no. XR94639 Company no. NI059154 ROI charity no. CHY 6998 Company no. 426928 The Christian Aid name and logo are trademarks of Christian Aid. Photo: Christian Aid. © Christian Aid August 2013 14-068-J1784 SeeRound October 2013 Page 9 FOR ALL CHURCH MAINTENANCE Event Listings DECORATION & ROOFING www.churchrestorationukltd.com [email protected] Concerts & Drama Retreats & Courses Phone Free: 0800 052 1030

St Mary the Virgin & All Saints Potters 7.30pm, to include the music of Gabriel FREE SPECIALIST CATALOGUE AVAILABLE Bar Lunchtime recitals starting 12.30pm and Faure. Belief Autumn Series 2013 lasting 40 minutes. Light lunches available St Owen’s Church Bromham, MK43 8HH. Exploring our understanding of spirituality NATIONAL FRUIT before and after recital. 1st October - Sarah Concert by Fusion Choir - ‘Songs from in human experience, with a focus on some SPECIALISTS Oliver, Cello. 5th November - Stephen around the world’, featuring gospel & pop of the arts. Over 300 apple varieties on M26 (8ft) and many on M27 Binnington - Organ. (4ft)Patio Trees, Upright Cordons, Family Trees of Cherry, classics, is on Saturday 9th November October 2nd Exploring Spirituality - Plum, Apple, Pear, Peach and so much more! All Saints Hertford. Soundbites, a selection at 3pm. Tickets £5 adults, under 12s £1. What is it? David Winwood Prices held from 2010 & generous discounts of soups, rolls, sandwiches, cakes and hot Refreshments available. For information & October 9th - Spirituality in Art - Cass drinks available from midday with a short (30- tickets call 01234 825454 (am) or 01234 Howes DEACONS NURSERY 10% 45 mins), admission free, concert at 1pm. discount until 2nd 826551 (eves). - Spirituality in Music - Godshill, Isle of Wight PO38 3HW October 16th 31/10/13 October Courtyard Quartet, 9th October St Andrews Church, Biggleswade. Paul Leddington Wright 01983 840750 (24hrs) Tel: 01983 522243 Fax: 01983 523575 - Emma Abbate, piano & Julian Perkins, Email: [email protected] or visit our website Announcing an Advent Concert on Saturday October 23rd - Spirituality in Poetry & www.deaconsnurseryfruits.co.uk piano; 16th October - Sally Quantrill, Flute 7th December at 7.30pm to be presented by Literature - Anne Atkins & Lydia Bosworth, piano. Details www. St Augustine’s Chamber Choir Cambridge, October 30th - Spirituality in Drama - allsaintshertford.org/concerts. Conductor Philip Mead & Organist Alexander Phil Summers St Michael & All Angels, Shefford, Beds Knight. In support of the Biggleswade Bells All sessions start at 7.45pm at Priory Seastory - a new musical by Jenny Dann will Appeal. Methodist Church, Newnham Avenue, be performed Saturday & Sunday October Bedford MK41 9QJ 5th & 6th at 4pm. Entry free, but space Open Days & Festivals Please make a donation of £3 per session limited so please contact 01462 817337 or towards expenses. www.sm3a.org.uk for tickets. The young . A Harvest (and young at heart) are invited to dress as St Leonard’s Church Sandridge of Miracles Flower Festival on sea creatures! Saturday 5th October 10am-6pm Flower Festival St Paul’s Church Chipperfield A concert of Diocesan World Mission Festival (entry free). Refreshments and craft stall. light orchestral music with choir to celebrate St Mary’s Luton, Church Street 8pm Musical Evening with BSV Jazz Group the 175th Anniversary of St Paul’s Church on Luton LU1 3JF (Tickets £5 on the door). Sunday 6th Sunday 6th October, 7.30pm. Also Choral Saturday 5th October October, Services 10am and 6pm, with Evensong for Harvest Festival Sunday 13th Flower Festival open 11.15 - 5.30pm. 9.30 –14.30 October 6.30pm. Opening Worship and Sermon The 14th St Mary the Virgin, Ware. Monday Lunchtime St.Mary’s Church, Ashwell. by Bishop Paul Bayes Ashwell Book Weekend will be held on Concerts, which last about 40 minutes, Three churches sharing their experience starting at 12.30, (lunches available), are as Saturday, 5th October from 10am – 5pm and Sunday, 6th October from 2pm – 5pm. of engaging with world mission: follows. Monday 7th October - Pupils from St Luke’s Watford, Haileybury College.Details ring Mark or Kath Entrance £1. Children under 16 free. Come and browse among the many hundreds of St Paul’s Letchworth, on 01920 465976. Christchurch St Albans St Peter’s Church, Berkhamsted. Concerts books, videos and DVDs at bargain prices. by Bridgewater Sinfonia, Conductor: Adrian Refreshments available. Details 01462 743408 Where in the world is mission today? Davis at 7.30pm Saturday 12th October. St Andrew’s Church, Much Hadham. Revd. Ray Porter Chair Programme includes Beethoven, Ravel ‘Transforming The Transfiguration.’ 7.30pm of International Mission Council (with Florian Mitrea on piano) and Brahms. Thursday October 10th. Illustrated talk Three seminar choices. Saturday 23rd November concert includes by Iain Lane, mainly on Raphael’s painting. Displays by twenty Mission Agencies works by Humperdinck, Schubert & Britten. £10.00 at door or ring 01279 841196. Drink Bring your own lunch, Drinks provided Tickets £15. Under 18s FREE available afterwards included. Parking in Town Car Parks Online: www.bridgewater-sinfonia.org.uk, St Andrew’s Church, Kimbolton Road, Organised by the International Mission Council of St Albans Diocese By phone: 01442 873205, In person at Bedford Wonderful range of Fairtrade Personal Tax Return Service Aitchisons (Berkhamsted High Street). products on sale at our Christmas Spectacular Further information from: Revd. Ray Porter 01480 211839 for Ministers of Religion, the Self St Andrew’s Church, Kimbolton Road, - 18th October (2 to 9pm), 19th October (10 [email protected] Employed, Individuals with Letting Bedford, MK40 2PF Tel 01234 216881 to 4pm) and 20th October (11 to 1pm). Gift Income and Individuals with Multiple Revd. Noel McGeeney 01525 237633 Bring and Sing on Saturday 12th October and hamper wrapping service. Admission Incomes 7.30pm. Four Handel Coronation Anthems £1. Call 01234 273644 for more information. [email protected] and Two Purcell Anthems. Ian Smith – St Andrew’s Church, Hertford. A Pictorial Angela Kendall FCCA ATT Conductor, Paul Edwards - Accompanist. Guide to Hertford by Peter Ruffles on 01380 730982 Register at 1.45pm, rehearsal at 2.30pm Saturday 19th October 7pm-9pm. Tickets WHICH JESUS? [email protected] before performing in the evening. Tea at £4 £10 (available from St Andrew’s Church, A free three-part series entitled Which Jesus? is available after the rehearsal. Scores are tourist information or 01992 584004) to will take place at the Hitchin Christian Centre, Payroll and Bookkeeping also available available in advance. Audience ticket prices include a glass of wine, musical interlude and Bedford Road, Hitchin, SG5 1HF. On Sun are Adults £8, Concs £7, Students 16-21 £3, refreshments. 13th October Rabbi Natan Levy will discuss children free accompanied by an adult. Great St Mary’s Church,Sawbridgeworth. the role of Jesus in Judaism with Dr Brendan CHURCH PEWS Stopsley Parish Church, Hitchin Road, Luton Grand Christmas Fair on Saturday 16th Devitt (Theology & Training Director, Hitchin UNCOMFORTABLE? LU2 7UL. Bedfordshire Police Choir Concert November, 10.30am – 4.00pm. Over 30 High Christian Centre). On Sun 24th November WHY NOT TRY SAFEFOAM’S TOP QUALITY at on Saturday 12th October, at 7pm. Tickets Quality Stalls, Food Hall, Raffle: Magnificent the Rev Steve Chalke will discuss whether UPHOLSTERED FOAM PEW CUSHIONS? Safefoam, Green Lane, Riley Green, £6. Contact details 01582 729194. Prizes to be Won, Face Painting, Lucky Dip, Jesus was a Christian. For further details Tel: Hoghton, Preston PR5 0SN St Mary’s Stapleford Hertford SG14 3NB. Sweet Stall, Food served all day: Bacon Rolls, 01462 442238 or visit www.hcc.org.uk www.safefoam.co.uk Freephone 0800 015 44 33 Concerts by DUO ARMANDE with Claire Hot Dogs, and Cakes. Tea, Coffee and Soft Free Sample Pack of foam & fabrics sent by first class mail When phoning please quote SR1013 Hawkes - Clarinet and Shula Oliver- Violin Drinks, all held in Church, Church House and and Viola who perform music by Beethoven, the Parish Hall. Entrance 50p free for children. Mozart, Jacob, Mendelsson and Lewin. St Mary’s Church Carlton will be holding WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER Saturday 12th October 7.30pm. Tickets a Victorian Bazaar on Saturday 30th Preparation Day at £10 and £9 available from 01992 500422 November 11-3pm at the Village Hall, The Friday 8th November 2013 Poole - Dorset or by email georgesandell@georgesandell. Moor MK43 7LP. Fun and shopping for all St Thomas’ URC, Langley Road Watford Green Pastures is an ecumenical Centre. We are plus.com. 10am-2pm. a Christian team, providing excellent hospitality the family. Lunches from 12noon, Grand in a prayerful place. Throughout the year there St Mary’s Church Meppershall.SG17 5NA Draw 2.30pm £100 first prize. Entrance £1 Contact Iren Jasko 01923 240796 are led Quiet Days and Conferences. It is also a Concert by Keith Ball & his Jazzmen on per adult, children free. [email protected] place for rest and quiet reflection. Saturday 19th October at 7.30pm. Tickets St Mary’s Church Walkern. Christmas Tree Full Board from £50.00 ppn £20 & £15, contact Trevor Thorley 01462 Festival on Friday 6th December (7-9pm) 813357, or [email protected]. 17 Burton Road, Poole, Dorset, BH13 6DT with Pate & Plonk, Saturday 7th December Prisons Week Tel:01202 76477 Email: [email protected] St. James’s Church, Bushey. Solemn 12noon-4pm. Light refreshments available. 17th-23rd November 2013: Eucharist of Requiem to be held on Friday Enjoy this lovely village church at its best ‘Stand in the Light’ 1st November (Eve of All Souls’ Day). and help us choose the best decorated trees. http://www.prisonsweek.org/ www.green-pastures.org Page 10 SeeRound October 2013

Quiet Waters Poole - Dorset Abbey House Christian Retreat House Green Pastures is an ecumenical Centre. We are a Christian team, providing excellent hospitality Is a peaceful 9 bedroom Georgian house, on in a prayerful place. Throughout the year there Suffolk-Norfolk border, set in 2 acres beside the are led Quiet Days and Conferences. It is also a river Waveney. place for rest and quiet reflection. Available for groups of 17 or individuals. Bed only to full board. Full Board from £50.00 ppn House available for Self catering groups. Enquiries: 17 Burton Road, Poole, Dorset, BH13 6DT Glastonbury [email protected] Tel:01202 76477 Email: [email protected] Diocesan RetReat House www.quietwaters.org.uk situated in the grounds of Glastonbury abbey Flixton Road, Bungay NR35 1PD www.green-pastures.org www.abbeyHouse.oRG 01986 893201 Time away to think Spiritually

Just a cursory glance on the World an information resource for individuals Wide Web will open up a whole world inquirers, parishes and other groups of ideas on the subject of retreats. You seeking something suitable and can may be more than a little surprised to be contacted on 0845 456 1429. Most find you can have detox retreats; rural Diocesan Offices will also have contact retreats, chic boutique hotel retreats and with a variety of retreat providers if you even surf goddess retreats. are thinking of getting a group together. It’s worth taking time, if you are looking There is much to be gained spiritually as for time out for a life affirming or life changing event that you check the well as emotionally by taking time out to provider before making a booking. contemplate, returning home refreshed Retreats come many and varied from and renewed. the simplest of silent retreats to those on This small focus contains an example of a specific theme. some of the retreats and events lined up The Retreat Association office provides in the near future.

The Fellowship of Meditation Ivy House Retreat Centre We practise and teach Christian contemplative meditation at Autumn/Winter Retreats: residential and day courses 14-22 October: 7 day IGR. Anna at our centre in Dorchester and at Desch £480 other retreat centres in the UK. a Christian-based organisation Struggling with We use meditative sentences to still the mind, to focus our attention 28 Oct—1 Nov: on God, and to serve as channels through which the power Forgiveness. Rev David Self £235 of the Spirit can enter our hearts. 22-24 Nov: Exploring Children’s Our members also gather in local groups. For further details please Spirituality. Diane Craven £110 contact: 2-6 Dec: Advent Retreat. The Secretary, The Fellowship of Meditation Canon Peter Ball £235 8 Prince of Wales Road, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1PW. Tel: (01305) 251396 13-17 Jan 2014: John Bell Retreat E: [email protected] W: www.fellowshipofmeditation.org Warminster BA12 8PG • T: 01985 214824 UK Reg Charity No: 213323 E: [email protected] • www.ivyhouse.org

ST. MARY’S CONVENT WANTAGE St Mary’s Convent offers a variety of facilities and ﬂ exible accommodation for Group Quiet Days and Group Retreats. Also, Conference facilities and private stays. Theological Library may be available on request.

For further details please contact: St Mary’s Convent, Wantage, Oxfordshire, OX12 9DJ Tel: 01235 763141 Email: [email protected] www.csmv.co.uk ad diocesan full page.ai 1 29/08/2013 21:02:55 SeeRound October 2013 Page 11 A NEW WAY TO SHARE THE CHRISTMAS STORY

THE ONLY CHARITY ADVENT CALENDAR WITH A FREE CHRISTMAS STORYBOOK

The Real Advent Calendar is a great way to share the real meaning of Christmas. There’s a line of the Christmas story and a chocolate star behind each window. Behind the final window is a 24-page Christmas storybook. A charitable donation is made to The Children’s Society and it’s Fairtrade.

CMY

Charity donation HOW TO

Tesco is the only supermarket that will be BUY... stocking The Real Advent Calendar this year as it has ordered enough to offer a national church in-store collect and home delivery Christmas Starts with Christ campaign service. It has supplies in most stores. See below on how to get yours. It might be difficult to believe but recent The Christmas Starts with Christ campaign surveys show that knowledge of the hopes to reverse the trend by telling the Tesco - individuals Christmas story is fading. Christmas story in new ways. From 7th October, individuals can pop in to From 2nd September, churches with a virtually all Tesco stores and pick up smaller Among 5-7 year olds, 36% don’t know To support the campaign we have produced Traidcraft rep can order through them or quantities, but supplies are limited. You can whose birthday we celebrate at The Real Advent Calendar. The Real Advent individuals can arrange for home delivery also order online for home delivery. See Christmas and 72% don’t know Jesus was Calendar is a new and fun way to share the by calling 0845 330 8900 or online at www.realadvent.co.uk/shop Christmas story. Tesco have put the Christmas born in Bethlehem. Among adults less www.realadvent.co.uk/shop Tesco - church, school bulk order than 12% know the full nativity story and story at the centre of their range this year by stocking it. We hope you will buy one. When you are ready to make a bulk order 51% say that the birth of Jesus is Independent shops give your local Tesco a call to reserve your irrelevant to their Christmas. This is a Select independent retailers, Christian You can read more at www.realadvent.co.uk supply and pick up your calendars from the tipping point. bookshops and some Cathedral resource store or use itshome delivery service. To find *survey findings from ComRes 2007, 2010, 2012, Children’s centres also have limited supplies. Details your local Tesco phone number calling 0800 Society 2010 can be seen on our Google map hunter at 505 555 and give your postcode or visit www.realadvent.co.uk/shop www.realadvent.co.uk/shop www.realadvent.co.uk/shop Order by 7th November Page 12 SeeRound October 2013 Knitivity on a Mission 2013 Bishop’s rubbish day

Many people within Canon Charlie the diocese will have Royden’s invitation seen and know the to Bishop Richard to Knitivity figures from spend a day exploring St Albans Cathedral. waste treatment in This unique nativity Bedfordshire was too scene with metre- good to miss! Not only high, hand-knitted was it an opportunity characters travels to catch up with around local contemporary recycling businesses and and waste disposal landmarks, helping to that is so important make the Christmas for our stewardship story accessible and of God’s creation; it is fun. Every Christmas, an important issue for churches up and Bedfordshire where down the land send previously landfill has travelling cribs from been so prevalent. home to home and often include knitted The Cathedral will provide a “user pack” to Guided by Charlie figures – but these are rarely more than a few go with the collection. This will provide their as portfolio holder centimetres high. history, a model Press Release and guidance for the Environment All of the figures have been knitted by Ann on how to use them as a tool for mission. on Bedford Borough Hudson, a Rainbow and Brownie leader for We do ask that each “borrower” signs an Council and Paul the Cathedrals’ packs. Ann has clocked up agreement to take all reasonable care of Pace the Head over 520 hours of knitting time and used over the figures during transportation and display of Environmental 6 kilos of wool! and makes a donation of £10 towards the Services Bishop This year the Knitivity collection is offered out maintenance of the collection. Richard tracked to churches within the diocese to use as a tool the rubbish from for mission. The obligation will be that the The hosting slots are as follows:- Bin Collection and the Household Waste the waste is either recycled or re-used church involved uses the collection in schools Recycling Centre, to the Elstow Transfer for other positive benefits such as the or with other community group within their 30th October to 8th November (am) Station, to the Material Recycling Facility in generation of power. parish during the Advent season to interpret Milton Keynes. The missing piece was the Bishop Richard said following the visits, 8th November (pm) to 18th November (am) the Christmas story for children. Mechanical Biological Treatment facility at ‘It is very encouraging to see how seriously The first 4 churches to bid for the collection 18th October (pm) to 28th November (am) Frog Island on the Thames where the black a Local Authority such as Bedford Borough will become the “hosts”. Each will have the 28th November (pm) to 9th December (am) bin refuse is taken. A photograph of this vast is taking care of the environment especially collection for a 10 day period. The church plant had to suffice. through the treatment of waste. This is a involved will need to arrange to collect and Those wishing to bid for the Knitivity collection Things have moved on a long way from the spur to each one of us to do more to support return the figures to the Cathedral at agreed please email:- [email protected] by 16th stream of lorries emptying their loads into the recycling as part of our concern for God’s dates and times. October 2013. derelict brick pits of the county. Increasingly planet.”

Even More On the move Concise 10 Second Sandie Beck, part time Chaplain at Lister Sermons Hospital is to leave, retaining PTO in St Milton Jones Albans Diocese. A witty, thought- provoking collection Elizabeth Hughes, previously Chaplain at of one-liners about The Hospice of St Frances, Berkhamsted is God, the Church and to become Senior Chaplain at London Luton being a Christian, from Airport. popular comedian David Kesterton presently holding PTO Milton Jones... in St Albans Diocese is to become Priest ‘One of the mysteries (Community Missioner) of All Saints with St of Christianity is why Christians rarely admit Peter, Luton. that so much of it is a mystery.’ ‘God’s creation is like him – inexplicably clever, , presently Vicar of Cople, Lynda Klimas outrageously excessive and a bit weird. Too Moggerhanger & Willington (Ivel Group many of us Christians just manage the ‘a bit Ministry) is to become Rector of St Mary, weird’ part.’ Maulden and Rural Dean of Ampthill & Multi-award-winning comedian Milton Jones Shefford Deanery. is well known for his television and radio Michael Macey, Minor Canon and Precentor appearances. He performs regularly on Mock at Westminster Abbey, is to become Vicar of the Week (BBC2) and Radio 4’s Another St John’s Church Boxmoor. Case of Milton Jones won the silver Sony Radio Academy Award in 2012. Milton is also Margaret Marshall, presently Priest-in- a Christian and author of the bestselling 10 Charge of Riversmeet Benefice is to become Second Sermons (DLT). Rector of the same. In the new book, Milton offers up more witty Diocesan Appointment musings and pithy observations on Christianity, touching on a wide range of subjects and Christopher Neilson has been appointed is illustrated throughout with Milton’s own as Church and Community Officer, the new cartoons. Written in his inimitable surreal style, title and role for what was previously Andrew Milton’s dissections of the often bemusing Coleby’s post as Social Responsibility Officer. world of faith encourage us to think about Chris will join us on 1st October and there’ll be what we believe from a completely different more about him in next month’s SeeRound. perspective. Visit www.miltonjones.com.

SeeRound © St Albans Diocese. All rights reserved. Advertising policy: The inclusion of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute any endorsement of a product or service either by the editor or The Diocese of St Albans. SeeRound is available on tape. Details from Barbara Ebeling 01279 842086 or email [email protected]