St. John The Baptist Church, Aldenham WD25 8BE - ALDENHAM CHURCH
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April - August 2021
GOOD NEWS
Services have resumed
See page 11 for details
St. John The Baptist Church, Aldenham WD25 8BE
Aldenham’s Annual Parish
Church Meeting will take LET’S
place on April 18th after the KEEP YOU
morning service. UP TO
Everyone is invited to
DATE
attend.
The reports and Agenda will
WITH THE
be sent out by email so LATEST NEWS
please ensure we have your Our weekly information sheet
is emailed - this tells you what
address if you would like to is happening at church each
get them. week; the recorded services
times of services and other
news as well.
It is the ideal way to keep up to
date.
If you are not already receiving
these please let us know your
email address by sending it to-
ken.haslar@ntlworld.com
(You can opt
out at any
time.)
EASTER
- Life through death
Spring is such a wonderful time of the year! It is the miracle
and wonder of ‘new life!’ Every year we see the buds, new
shoots, blossom and spring flowers appearing. And every year
it is sheer joy and wonder! All this ‘new life’ - where does it
come from and how does it happen? New life and growth can
only happen in spring because of what has gone before – decay and death. The leaves
falling off the trees in the autumn turn to bud, producing the new life. The seed growing
in the ground can only grow because it has first died.
This fundamental principle of ‘life through death’ runs through the whole of nature and
life.
It is not surprising therefore that it is at the heart and centre of the Christian faith. On
Good Friday (2nd April this year), as Christians we look back to remember the death of
Jesus Christ on the Cross. Then on Easter Day (4th April) we remember and celebrate his
Resurrection from the dead. Death was not the end but pointed to a new beginning.
Through this remembrance of Christ’s death and resurrection we can discern nothing less
than the very character of God – what God is actually like.
The crucified and Risen Jesus is one of the most accurate pictures of God there is.
It tells us of the God who entered our world of pain, suffering and death but then was
totally transformed on Easter Day. The power, the miracle, the mystery of ‘new life’.
Jesus Christ is alive again; the same man appearing in the same person, nature and
personality but not at all easily recognised!
This was the experience of the first disciples, as the Gospels tell us. It is also our experi-
ence if we can perceive it. New life through death which is the fundamental
nature and principle of life on our planet earth. The Easter egg is one of the
main signs and symbols of new life - the chick hatching out of the egg. “Easter
Day is God’s answer to Good Friday!”
Wishing you a very happy and joyful Easter.
Robert Fletcher
Enjoy Singing?
Music plays such an important role in our worship at
Aldenham, and you may feel that personal involvement in the
choir could be very rewarding, and your musical skills could
greatly enhance the services for our congregation.
Ideally, an ability to read music would be advantageous, but even if you
have a 'good ear', we would love to meet you and discuss how you might be
able to contribute to our services.
Choir practice is normally held every Friday evening at 7.30 to approximately
8.30, with sung services at 10.30 at the moment until Evensong is restarted later
in the year.
If you would like any further information, please contact the choir master and
organist, Gary Eyre and when things return to normal he would be delighted to
see you.
garymeyre@hotmail.co.uk. 07712 607704
In time of need,
we have Pastoral Care!
Pastoral care of members of the church and wider parish community is a
priority for us especially at this time.
We have a Church pastoral care group who have been trained to respond to any-
one in need - whether it be illness, bereavement, personal difficulty or a practical
need.
We are here to help and support in whatever way we can. If you would like to talk
to one of our group please contact:
Vicar 01923 854209 - Annie Wiggs 07810 264099 - Sue Barnard 01923 852754
I have attended a course in 'spiritual direction' and would be very happy to offer
such assistance to anyone who would like to explore or know more about this,
please contact me.
Robert Fletcher (Vicar) 01923 854209
The ‘Summer’ Hamper Scheme The Churches Together (CTRA) have organised the Hamper Scheme which aims to support local families with young children during school holidays. It has been running now for five years. With the help and support of the Platt Foundation, along with much support from our local communities, approximately 40 local families have received a food hamper during the lockdowns and school holidays. The families have needed support more and more as the lockdowns continue and hampers have been provided weekly during this time. The generosity of local businesses has meant that we have been able to deliver a good quantity of food to each family for around £20 per hamper. This is nearly all fresh food, including dairy, meat, fruit and veg and the families are telling us that it is really making a difference. The Scheme continues to go forward and we are always grateful for the support of our community which is keen to help those who are finding it tough during these strange times. If you wish to help please donate to: Churches Together in Radlett & Aldenham CTRA (Barclays) Acc no: 00816213 Sort code: 207409. If you would like to donate chocolate eggs for our Easter Hampers please leave them at your church or contact Cath Parkinson to collect on 07766 750453 Picture shows some of the many recently donated items.
My Year as High Sheriff Henry Holland-Hibbert takes us through his role in this unusual year. I have been privileged to be the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire this year. My formal duties may have been slightly curtailed by the pandemic, but I have achieved a great deal in the county, met many new people and engaged with some new challenges. There have been High Sheriffs in each county of England and Wales since before the Magna Carta of 1215 which makes it one of the oldest appointments in the land. You are selected by a county panel to be High Sheriff and the appointment to your position comes from The Queen. In former days High Sheriffs had extensive powers. They judged cases in the courts and acted as law enforcement officers. They could raise the alarm and could summon and command the full military force of the county. In medieval times the High Sheriff supervised the election to Parliament of the two members for each Shire, (or county). It was not always a popular position to hold as the High Sheriffs were also responsible for collecting many of the taxes. Over time the Exchequer was established to administer taxes, Constabularies were formed to manage our Police and the functions of the Judges and Courts were centralised, so the power of the High Sheriff began to wane. But the office of High Sheriff continues to maintain a close relationship with the Police and the Courts in the county today. The post is for one year and High Sheriffs are self funding receiving no remuneration. In the modern day the High Sheriff has a close relationship with the voluntary and charity sectors. They play an increasingly active role in promoting a wide
range of voluntary work within their
communities. As the High Sheriff
role is independent and non-political
they are often well placed to bring
together a wide range of people
within the community and assist
with collaboration between services
and county based organisations.
For me, the most satisfying and
engaging part of my High Sheriff
year has been my work with the
charity sector, and no better year to
see these volunteers working at full
stretch through challenging times. I
have witnessed some extraordinary
acts of community support and seen
how people can come together to
help each other. As soon as the
pandemic gripped the country, the
voluntary sector stepped into action
and this soon became their finest
hour. I have met and engaged with
many charities and groups, zoomed
online with a host more and seen
first-hand the wonderful and
To be
unrelenting work that they have re-
done. sumed
We should all be proud of
Hertfordshire and the volunteers
that step forward in our county to
give valuable support to so many.
Henry Holland-Hibbert
Christian festivals and their meaning
With thanks to Paul Sennett for putting this together for us.
Epiphany. Revelation that Jesus is the Son of God and come in to the world. Also
called Three Kings Day as this is the day when the Magi or Three Kings brought gifts of
gold, frankincense and myrrh to the Baby Jesus.
Mardi Gras or Shrove Tuesday. Day on which we absolve our sins before Lent.
We eat up luxury goods before the simple penitence and fasting of Lent.
Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent, a day of repentance. Ash was placed in a cross on
a Christian's head to signify penitence and devotion to God. As Jesus died for us, it also
marks us as mourning for our sins. Traditionally the ash comes from the burning of
palms from the previous year's Palm Sunday
Lent moves with the lunar calendar each year, 40 days before Easter Sunday.
Lent is a period of fasting and self examination. The early church also says the 40 days
represents Jesus 's suffering in the wilderness .
Mothering Sunday. Is celebrated mid Lent, when the fasting rules are relaxed.
Mothers are given Spring flowers by their children to thank them for their love and
kindness. Also on this day people traditionally went to their nearest big church or
mother church or a cathedral.
Palm Sunday is the Sunday before Easter, when Jesus rode in to Jerusalem on a
donkey, the people waved palms and sang hosanna, which means save us now.
Holy Week the last week of lent up to Easter Sunday, during which we remember the
last week of Jesus's life.
Easter. The holiest period in a Christian's year.
Maundy Thursday. The night of the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot in the Garden
of Gethsemane. It is preceded by the last supper with the disciples during the
day. Maundy means commandment; Jesus commanded that they love one another like
he has loved them. It also symbolises Christ's washing of the disciple’s feet.
Good Friday. Jesus was arrested, tried by Pontius Pilate and crucified. It used to be
known as long Friday due to the fast that day. Good Friday is a corruption of God's
Friday which symbolised the breaking of the barrier of sin. Fish and hot cross buns are
traditional food on this day,
Easter Saturday. Day of rest for Jesus in the tomb.
Easter Sunday. We celebrate the resurrection or
rebirth of Jesus. Marked by joyous services after peni-
tent lent. Lamb is eaten. Candles are burned with nails in them to symbolise the nails in Jesus on the cross; simnel cake is eaten for tea with 11 marzipan balls on top to represent the 11 true disciples, excluding judas the betrayer of Jesus. Ascension day is 40 days after Jesus's resurrection - always a Thursday and marks his return to the right hand of God. Jesus told his disciples that he would always be with them, even after he ascended to heaven. Pentecost or Whitsun is celebrated on the Sunday 50 days after Easter and celebrates the gift of the Holy Spirit. It comes from the Greek word meaning fiftieth. It also marks the birth of the Christian church, as Peter the apostle preached to a large crowd, and 3000 became believers. Whitsunday is a favourite day for baptism and may have once been called White Sunday because of the white Christian robes, Trinity Sunday is when Christians think of the nature of God. It celebrates the three persons of; God the father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. This began after Thomas a Becket became Archbishop of Canterbury and he said the next Sunday should be a holy day to celebrate the holy trinity. Corpus Christi celebrated 60 days after Easter. Celebrates the body and blood of Christ in the Eucharist. Harvest festival. The Sunday nearest the full moon which is nearest to the 23rd September. Celebrated at the same time as the Jewish festival of Tabernacles. Celebrates the gift of the harvest and of all natural things from God. Advent is the period of four weeks leading up to Christmas Eve and the birth of Jesus. It is also the start of the Christian year. Advent means coming or arrival and the advent wreath represents the eternity of Jesus.. The 5 candles on it represent: 1) The candle of hope symbolising the hope of God's people. 2) The candle of peace celebrates the Old Testament prophets, and the peace we find in Jesus 3) The candle of John the Baptist. The candle of love in which we celebrate our love for Jesus. 4) The candle of joy. And of Mary the mother of Jesus. Celebrates our love for Jesus. 5) The candle is lit on Christmas morning. Celebrates the arrival of Jesus. Christmas is a 12 day festival celebrating the birth of Jesus. Christmas Day. Christmas means the mass of Christ. In which we celebrate the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Paul Sennett
We now have a Church Instagram account to share information and photos of
our lovely Church. If you have anything you wish to be uploaded to share, in-
cluding any old ones, please send to Morwen Harris (morwenh@msn.com).
Please send as JPEG’s in as best quality as possible for her to post. Please pro-
vide a line about the event and date as well. Here is the link to the account:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CMKhCdwF-g_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Follow
us!
@Aldenhamstjohnbaptist
Aldenham-Church-
289385058572118Our window?
As you will have read in the last issue of this
newsletter the window in the children’s area of
the church has been leaking for years causing
damp in the wall and plaster to fall off.
It MUST be fixed to prevent long term damage
and possible closure of this area.
After a long wait we have finally heard that work
may start in April to replace the stained glass pan-
els with temporary windows while the window is
taken away to be refurbished.
On its return and after a period of waiting to let General donations
the wall dry out a good part of the wall will need If you would like to make a
replastering and painting.
donation you can do so on line
This is expensive but essential work and we will with the following Bank details:
have to raise around £15,000 to meet the final St John The Baptist Aldenham
bill. Parish Church.
Please help us if you can and help preserve Account no 90100668
Aldenham’s beautiful church! Thank You! Sort Code 20-74-09.
Coming Soon! Stewardship
A Just Giving page will be Better still make a regular
coming soon specifically
donation by joining our
with the window in mind!
Stewardship Scheme. Please
Collections at church contact Cath Baker for
We are unable to collect cash more details of this on:
at the moment so we will be cathbaker@gmx.co.uk.
installing a ‘Tap and Pay’
machine at the church shortly. Become a Friend
Friends of the church come
Text Giving from far and wide and will
Watch the weekly leaflets for receive regular information
announcements of this further
from the church. A minimum
new venture and all the news.
donation of £15 per year is
all it takes.
WE ALWAYS COLLECT GIFT AID
Contact Sue Barnard to join
WHERE WE CAN!
suekenbarbarnard@aol.comIn Memoriam
John Robert Slade (1937-2021)
John was born in Bushey and lived in this
area all his life, living at Delrow School
for 53 years. His started his working life
as an accountant and then became an
estate agent running his own business
with offices in Watford and Carpenders
Park. He met Rita at St Peter’s Bushey
Heath youth club and they were married
in 1961, so were just short of their
Diamond anniversary. Their eldest son,
Gordon was born in 1964 and he was
followed by twins, Carole and Paul born
in 1968.
John loved the local area and worked on
several committees, including monthly
planning meetings at Hertsmere Bor-
ough Council for many years.
He was very knowledgeable and would
give talks to local groups. John was a
kind benefactor of St John the Baptist
church. One of John’s great passions
w a s
Watford Football Club, to which he was
introduced by his father and uncle at the
age of three. Over the decades he
enjoyed supporting them at matches
with various members of his family.
John is sadly missed by his family and
friends.
FOR at the back of the
church.
1. Stained glass, brilliant booklet about our lovely windows - £4
2. List of burial plots booklet - £4 2 4 1
3. Framed Pictures of church from an original watercolour
by Arthur Gilpin - £10 each
4. Commemorative Mugs (2 sorts) - £8 each
5. Postcards - 5p each 3 8
6. Bookmarks - 50p each 6
7. Pens - £1 each 5
8. Guide Book to the church - £4 7
9. Dennis Day Goes Latin - Great CD of music - £5 each 9
10. Cards or notelets - £1 each.
11. Various CD’s - £3 each.Julia Rosemary Beynon (1941-2021) Julia’s Piano
Julia was born in Alresford, Hampshire, the eldest of five Julia had a fully
surviving children. The role of older sister she embraced refurbished
and fulfilled throughout her life. The love and support Bechstein
for her brothers and sister was later extended to her Piano which
nieces and nephews. the church has
been fortunate to acquire
She lived in Radlett and was very involved in the local
from the estate thanks to the
community. One of her great loves in life was opera
generosity of many of the
singing and she was very involved in the Harrow and
congregation.
Brent Opera Societies. She was an active member and
secretary of the local Rotary Club. Playing bridge was The piano is now in the
one of her favourite pastimes. She also loved her garden church, has been tuned and
and allotment. Gary has made great use of it
Julia joined the choir of St John the Baptist in 2007 and for practice, lessons and
from then on she became very actively involved in the playing during the Private
life of the church. She was church secretary, organised Prayer sessions.
social and fundraising events and then became church The other piano so kindly
warden which she carried out with enthusiasm and a donated to us by Frank
real sense of duty and service to the church. She Lambert a few years ago has
brought to this position really good delegation skills, been moved into the church
making sure that many of the congregation were given room.
responsibilities and roles. She had a real heart for the
Church and for the Christian faith which became so It will continue to be
much part of her life. She is sadly extremely valuable
missed by her family, friends and providing facilities for
members of the church. rehearsals, practice
and teaching facilities
‘ Th an ksgiv in g serv ic es’ wi l l when we can
hopefully take place for Julia and reopen again.
John Slade later in the year.
Robert Fletcher
St. John’s Aldenham is here!
Contact the vicar. (See inside back cover)Special Service Days
28th March
Palm Sunday, 10.30am - Parish
Communion with the Blessing of Palms
2nd April
Good Friday - 2.00pm
Stations of the Cross
4th April
It’s Back!
Easter Day - 10.30am Parish Communion
service
Probably the best Art Exhibition in 18th April
the area will take place again this Matins - 10.30am followed by the Annual
year (subject to the success of the Parish Church Meeting
current Government Road Map).
23rd May
This prestigious event previously boasted Pentecost Sunday - 10.30am
over 500 works of art by professional and Parish Communion
amateur artists for a 4 day celebration of
amazing talent in 2019. With all the work 30th May
artists have done over lockdown, this year Trinity Sunday Matins 10.30am
should be even better!
27th June
Kindly supported by Aldenham Golf Club St John the Baptist Patronal Festival
our legendary Preview Night with drinks Communion Service.
and canapes kicks the
show off on Thursday
September 9th at Autumn retreat
6.30pm and the show is 5th -7th November at Pleshey Retreat
then open until Sunday
House. The retreat conductor/speaker
12th. Our church is
filled with Art! will be Christina Rees CBE who has
ARTISTS - get in quick as
SCAN ME been influential in promoting women’s
places will go swiftly. See the website at ministry and has spoken at Team Quiet
www.aldenhamartfestival.org.uk and days in the past.
register your interest by emailing us at:
Please contact Sue Barnard for further
art@aldenhamartfestival.org.uk
details - 01923 852754
The church and church room will
both be available for your events.
Contact the vicar for more info.Services at the Church GET IN TOUCH…
TEAM VICAR:
OPEN AGAIN! Robert A Fletcher
01923 854209
The church will be open again for r.a.fletcher@outlook.com
normal services from Sunday CHURCHWARDEN:
March 28th 10.30am which is Palm Ken Haslar
ken.haslar@ntlworld.com
Sunday.
TREASURER - Jill Gillam
More information will appear in our weekly jillgillam@hotmail.co.uk
bulletins and forthcoming Special days are
CHURCH SECRETARY:
mentioned on the previous page.
Linda Lambert
Otherwise normal services will remain as: lindalambert30@btinternet.com
STEWARDSHIP
1st Sunday BCP Communion
Catherine Baker
2nd “ Family Service cathbaker@gmx.co.uk
3rd “ Matins
FRIENDS - Sue Barnard
4th “ Common Worship Communion
suekenbarnard@aol.com
5th “ Matins
TOWER MASTER -
All Covid safety measures will be in place and (Bellringers) Roy Adcock
there will of course be safe social distancing. royadcock98@gmail.com
Communion will be carefully administered, in ORGANIST/CHOIR MASTER
accordance with Church of England guidelines. Gary Eyre
Unfortunately we will not be able to sing hymns garymeyre@hotmail.co.uk
but Gary will be playing the organ for us or there WEBSITE - John Southey
will be some music incorporated into the service j.r.southey@btopenworld.com
through the sound system. NEWSLETTER - Ken Haslar
ken.haslar@ntlworld.com
Eventually we will get back to holding Evensong
services as well! VISIT US AT
We very much look forward to being in church www.aldenhamchurch.com
again, able to hold services. Pre-recorded ser- for information about events
vices will continue to be available for those that and services and interesting facts
cannot attend through the weekly news sheets. about the church and
its history.
If you are not on our mailing list for these please
Address for post:
email us at kenhaslar@gmail.com. The Vicarage, Church Lane,
Aldenham, Radlett, Herts
WD25 8BE or send us your email
From the Registers: to receive the latest information.
Funerals at the church
29th January Mark RothwellYou can also read
