St. John's Parish Church Magazine - Nov. 25

St. John's Parish Church Magazine - Nov. 25

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The Parish of Boxmoor

St John’s Boxmoor
St Stephen’s Chaulden & St Francis’ Hammerfield
MINISTRY TEAM:

Vicar: The Reverend Michael Macey 01442 243258
Boxmoor Vicarage, 10 Charles Street, HP1 1JH
Email: [email protected] Day off: Friday

Curate: The Reverend Emma Williams 07307 124081
1 Linden Glade, Boxmoor, HP1 1XB
Email: [email protected] Day off: Friday

Lay Reader: Mrs Carole Lewis 01442 231414
61 River Park, Boxmoor, HP1 1RB
Email: [email protected]

SUNDAY SERVICES:
8.00am BCP Holy Communion (Every Sunday) St John’s
10.00am Parish Eucharist St John’s
Junior Church (3-11 Sunday School)
A virtual Service is published on our Website
10.00am Mass St Francis’
11.30am Morning Service - Holy Communion Week 2 St Stephen’s
12noon Holy Baptism - normally Weeks 1 & 3 St John’s
No Evening Services at present

WEEKDAY SERVICES
Monday-Friday 9.00am - Morning Prayer St John’s
Evening Prayer said privately
Tuesday 9.30am - Tiny Tots for under fives and parents St John’s
Service finishes by 11.00am (term-time only)
Wednesday 10.00am - Holy Communion St John’s
(followed by coffee in church)
5.00pm - Evening Prayer (Wednesdays) St Francis’

Please contact the Parish Office or Vicar to make enquiries
re: Baptism, Weddings, or Funerals, or to a request a visit/Home Communion.

4. - 2 -
PETER D HANNABY
Painter & Decorator

Interior and Exterior work
Undertaken

For competitive quotations

Please call

Mobile: [phone]

Home: 01442 288956
MAGAZINE ADVERTISING COSTS
Why not use this parish magazine to advertise your business. There
are eleven issues per year with double issue in December/January.

Charges are: Full Page £115 per annum
Half Page £80 per annum
Quarter Page £60 per annum

For part year charges are pro rata of the annual rate rounded up to
the nearest whole pound (e.g. 1 month/issue full page 115/12 =
9.58 rounded up = £10 charge)

To discuss your requirements or for further information, please
contact Sally Bates, 01442 266912 or 07792 768236
or email: [email protected]

5. - 3 -
THE VICAR’S LETTER


Dear Friends,

Not long after arriving in the Parish I was given a bookmark with the
word “Coexistance” written on it. Despite the small spelling error, I have
found this bookmark to be increasingly relevant and powerful as various
letters have been replaced with the symbols of this world’s great faith
traditions. (picture on page 4). In recent months (and years) some differ-
ence – especially concerning gender identity and sexuality – has been
celebrated, whilst difference and diversity of religious expression have
been targeted and met with ever-increasing intolerance by a growing
section within society.

Most mornings, at Morning Prayer, Reverend Emma and I give thanks to
God that we are able to worship in safety and peace – not something we
take for granted but none-the-less a relative privilege we enjoy – whilst
simultaneously being mindful that people of all faiths, including Chris-
tians, are targeted for worshipping God in the way they do. Only last
month there have been attacks on Mosques, Synagogues, and Churches
– some of which were reported in our newspapers, some weren’t.

During this month of November and Remembrance, I must confess I am
baffled to think what the hundreds of thousands of peoples who laid
their lives for this Country, and for the preservation of liberty and truth,
would make of the divisions so clearly visible within our Nation and com-
munity. Did they really stand against oppression and persecution or was
that just government propaganda? A lie pedalled to make people think
they were the good guys! Did they die to ensure freedom of religious
expression for all people only for a minority of people to change the
rules so that only certain religions or none are acceptable, thus rendering
their sacrifice to be in vain? Of course, society has changed significantly
over the last 80 years since the Second World War but has our value
system changed that much in that time? I hope not whilst fearing it
might! Cont’d.

6. - 4 -
Much of our understanding of hospitality and generosity to people of
another faith and who worship God in a different way, harks back to a
Biblical understanding of welcoming the stranger and orphan in the land.
We are taught to respect the other as they too are children of God. We
are taught to love our neighbour because we first love God, and both we
and our neighbour are cherished in God’s eyes. Maybe this is where/how
the current problems have crept into society as – according to the
National Census – less than 50% of the population belief in God any-
more? So where is the love?

November is meant to be a month of Remembrance. Perhaps this year
we can make it a month to remember to pray: to pray for peace between
communities; to pray for an end to religious extremism and hatred; to
pray that all people may be able to worship in freedom and safety; and
that our country may awaken to action and stand up for religious free-
dom, truth, decency, and respect.

Every blessing





St Francis Patronal Festival & Beetle Drive
My sincere thanks to the folk at St Francis’ for organising a lovely evening at the
Beetle Drive and Patronal Festival. A fabulous £400 was raised for church funds
adding to the £350 raised at the previous drive - well done. The Patronal Festival
was well attended and truly celebrated the life of St Francis and the role this
Church community plays within the life of the parish. My sincere thanks to
Fr Ben who returned to lead us in worship at the High Mass and Benediction and
to all who came and who regularly pray for the ministry of the Church in that
part of the Parish.

7. - 5 -
PARISH DIARY FOR NOVEMBER 2025

Enquiries regarding baptisms, weddings, or marriage blessings are always
welcome.
Please contact the Vicar.

Morning Prayer is said Daily at St John’s at 9.00am.
You are most welcome to join the clergy in prayer.
Evening Prayer is said privately for the life of the Parish unless details are below.

St John’s is open daily 9.30am-5.00pm for private prayer

The Parish Eucharist and worship resources will continue to be recorded and
made available at www.stjohnsboxmoor.org.uk/live-streamed-services

Sat 1 ALL SAINTS’ DAY

Sun 2 All Saints Sunday
8.00am BCP Holy Communion St John’s
10.00am All Age Eucharist sung by the Junior Choir St John’s
10.00am Sung Mass St Francis'
11.30am Morning Worship St Stephen's
12noon Holy Baptism St John’s
4.00pm Annual Memorial Service St John’s

Mon 3 All Souls’ Day
1.00pm Burial of Ashes: Diane Reid St John’s
7.45pm Together on Monday Club St John’s Hall
“At the chalkface”
Speaker: Alexia Bramley (Ioannou)
8.00pm Requiem Mass for the Departed St Francis’
during which names of departed loved ones are
remembered
Tues 4 9.30am Tiny Tots: Stay & Play & Service St John’s Hall
2.00pm Knit, Sew, Natter St John’s Hall
6.00pm Junior Confirmation Prep St John’s Hall
Wed 5 10.00am Holy Communion followed by coffee St John’s
during which names of departed loved ones
are remembered
5.00pm Evening Prayer St Francis’
8.00pm Church Meeting: Safeguarding Steering Group
Vicarage

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Thur 6 11.00am Mountbatten Communion Mountbatten
Lodge
12.30pm Holy Baptism St John’s
2.00pm The Lodge Communion The Lodge Care
Home
7.00pm Adult Confirmation Prep St John’s
Fri 7 12.30pm MaSJ Lunchtime Concert & AGM St John’s
7.00pm Choir Rehearsal St John’s

Sun 9 Remembrance Sunday: Third Sunday before Advent
8.00am BCP Holy Communion St John’s
9.30am Parish Eucharist with Act of Remembrance
St John’s
10.00am Sung Mass with Act of Remembrance St Francis'
10.50am Civic & RBL Act of Remembrance War Memorial
11.30am Morning Worship with Act of Remembrance
St Stephen’s
Mon 10 8.00pm Church Meeting: Fundraising Committee Zoom
Tues 11 9.30am Tiny Tots: Stay & Play & Service St John’s Hall
10.55am Armistice Act of Remembrance The Rainbow,
Marlowes
6.00pm Junior Confirmation Prep St John’s Hall
8.00pm Church Meeting: Communications Committee
Zoom
Wed 12 10.00am Holy Communion followed by coffee St John’s
5.00pm Evening Prayer St Francis’
8.30pm Church Meeting: Finance Committee Vicarage
Thur 13 7.00pm Adult Confirmation Prep St John’s
Fri 14 5.30pm Junior Choir Practice St John’s Hall
7.00pm Choir Practice St John’s Hall
Sat 15 7.30pm Concert: Hemel Symphony Orchestra St John’s

Sun 16 Second Sunday before Advent: Safeguarding Sunday
8.00am BCP Holy Communion St John’s
10.00am Parish Eucharist St John’s
10.00am Sung Mass St Francis'
11.30am Morning Worship St Stephen's
12noon Holy Baptism St John’s

Mon 17 7.45pm Together on Monday Club St John’s Hall
“Botswana” - Speaker: Pam Litton

9. - 7 -
Tues 18 9.30am Tiny Tots: Stay & Play & Service St John’s Hall
11.15am Church Meeting: Hall Committee St John’s Hall
2.00pm Knit, Sew, Natter St John’s Hall
8.00pm Church Meeting: PCC St John’s Hall
Wed 19 8.25am Lockers Park Chapel Lockers Park
10.00am Holy Communion followed by coffee St John’s
2.00pm The Lodge Communion The Lodge Care
Home
3.00pm Friendship Teas St John’s Hall
5.00pm Evening Prayer St Francis’
Thur 20 11.00am Mountbatten Communion Mountbatten
Lodge
7.00pm Confirmation Rehearsal St John’s
Fri 21 7.00pm Choir Practice St John’s Hall
Sat 22 10.00am COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS FAYRE St John’s

Sun 23 CHRIST THE KING: Sunday Next before Advent
8.00am BCP Holy Communion St John’s
10.00am Parish Eucharist St John’s
10.00am Sung Mass St Francis'
11.30am Morning Worship St Stephen's
11.45am Burial of Ashes: Peter Mullard St John’s
3.00pm Messy Church St John’s Hall
6.30pm Deanery Confirmation Service St John’s

Tues 25 9.30am Tiny Tots: Stay & Play & Service St John’s Hall
Wed 26 10.00am Holy Communion followed by coffee St John’s
5.00pm Evening Prayer St Francis’
Fri 28 9.00am Outside Christmas Tree Installation St John’s
5.30pm Junior Choir Practice St John’s Hall
7.00pm Choir Practice St John’s Hall
Sat 29 5.00pm Concert: Lumos Live St John’s

Sun 30 ADVENT SUNDAY
8.00am Holy Communion St John’s
10.00am Parish Eucharist St John’s
10.00am Sung Mass St Francis’
11.30am Holy Communion St Stephen’s
12.30pm St John’s Lunch Club Christmas Lunch St John’s Hall
6.30pm Advent Procession from Darkness to Light St John’s

10. - 8 -

11. - 9 -
Countdown-to-Christmas Fayre at St John’s Church, Boxmoor – Saturday
22 November 2025, 10am–2pm

Get ready to kick off the festive season at the much-
loved Countdown-to-Christmas Fayre at St John’s!
Taking place on Saturday 22 November from 10am
to 2pm, this vibrant community event promises fun
for the whole family.

Held in both the church
and the adjoining hall, the
Fayre is a wonderful opportunity to browse and
buy beautiful gifts, handmade crafts, and
seasonal treats. From homemade cakes and
preserves to unique stocking fillers, from a host
of toys to good books to bathtime pamper
products, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy
a warming coffee or a light lunch while soaking
up the festive atmos-
phere, and have a whirl on our pretty sensation-
al bottle tombola, and teddy tombola for the
kids.

Children and adults alike will enjoy the games
and activities, and the spirit of community
shines through thanks to the many volunteers,
stallholders, and visitors who make the day so
special.

A highlight of the event is the draw of the winners in St John’s Grand
Draw - with tickets still available throughout the event, we’ll announce
the winning tickets at the end of the Fayre, and this year’s prizes are truly
exciting: £1000 cash for first prize, a 32" TV for second, and £250 cash for
third. Don’t miss your chance to win big while supporting your church!

Come along, bring your friends and family, and get your Christmas prep
rolling!

12. - 10 -





Annual Service of Remembrance
As in previous years, we shall be inviting friends and families of those who have
died during the last year to remember their loved ones before God and to give
thanks for their lives at our Annual Service of Remembrance - especially those for
whom the Ministry Team has taken, or assisted with, the Funeral, Memorial
Service, or Burial of Ashes for their loved one. This service will be held on Sunday
2 November at 4.00pm this year. If you have lost someone this year but we were-
n’t involved in their funeral, or would like to attend and remember loved ones
who have died in previous years, you will be more than welcome. Sadly this
Parish has bid farewell to a significant number of the church family in the last
year. This service is a lovely way to remember these people and be held in prayer.
All welcome to attend.

All Souls’ Services: Monday 3 & Wednesday 5 November
There are many in the Parish who have lost loved ones, both in recent years and
in years gone by. Although they have died, our prayer and certain hope is that
they live on with Christ in his eternal Kingdom. Names of departed loved ones will
be read out at both a Requiem Mass for the Departed at St Francis’ on Monday at
8.00pm and at the Wednesday 10.00am Service of Holy Communion at St John’s.
You are invited to light candles in memory of departed loved ones and, should
you wish for names to be read out, please provide these on the relevant form at
the back of our churches.

Remembrance Sunday
The Council and local branch of the Royal British Legion are once again organising
the Civic Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial on Remembrance Sunday,
Sunday 9 November 2025. A Parade involving veterans, local uniformed organisa-
tions, a detachment from RAF Halton, and Civic dignitaries will take place along
with the usual wreath laying. As in recent years there will not be a service in
Church following the observance but rather combining the two outside, bringing
our observance into line with what happens up and down the land and at the
National Cenotaph. It also enables many of the veterans – who did not come into
church after the observance – to have some time to speak with local dignitaries
and their local RBL chaplain. Please see the Parish Diary (earlier in this issue) for
timings and services within the Parish. The will also be an Observance on Armi-
stice Day at the Peace Rainbow in the Marlowes.

13. - 11 -
Countdown to Christmas Fayre
Our annual Christmas fundraiser will soon be upon us. Please do come along and
support our Fayre on Saturday 22 November, 10.00am-2.00pm. Donations of
things to sell will be greatly appreciated. For more details please see the Weekly
Newsletter. Our Grand Draw will also be drawn at the end of the Fayre – please
remember to buy and sell tickets beforehand… the more we sell to people out-
side the church the wider our reach and the less we need to give/donate/raise
internally to make ends meet.

Junior Church & Messy Church
Thank you to our Junior Church leaders for all they are doing to encourage our
growing and flourishing Junior Church each week and at Tiny Tots. We are look-
ing forward to your next Messy Church on Sunday 23 November, 3.00pm, where
we will be beginning to think about Advent and celebrating Christ: King of all
Creation. All are children and young people are welcome to our Junior Church
sessions and Messy Church.

Deanery Confirmation Service
On Sunday 23 November at 6.30pm we will be hosting a Deanery Confirmation
Service at St John’s during which Bishop Rob (friend of this Parish) will confer
upon 16 members of this Parish and others from other parishes the Sacrament of
Confirmation as these individuals affirm their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and
Saviour. During the Service we will also be welcoming half a dozen members into
the Church through the Sacrament of Baptism. These are milestone moments on
the journey of faith for these people and I ask that as many of our regular
congregation are present to support them in their public profession. Names of
those to be confirmed will appear in our Newsletter - please pray for them.

Sunday 30 November – Advent Sunday
Advent Sunday marks the beginning of a new Church Year and the beginning of
the Church’s countdown to Christmas. In Advent we are encouraged to think
about how we can best prepare ourselves to welcome the Son of God as he
comes among us as the babe of Bethlehem. To help us in this thinking we begin
the year with an Advent Procession – like a Carol Service but with music and
readings to help us reflect on the coming of Christ -– at 6.30pm at St John’s. This
year the Hemel Team of Parishes will also be joining us. Please put this date in
your diary for what will be an excellent way to start the new Church year and to
offer welcome and hospitality to those joining us in worship for the first time.

Cont’d.

14. - 12 -
Ministries in Church
We all know the adage “many hands make light work”. This applies to all aspects
of life including the ministries offered by the Church. Sadly, at present, our Parish
is relying on a smaller pool of leaders and helpers for a whole range of ministries
than is necessary or healthy. We do not want these ministries to be onerous or a
burden but rather that they should be fulfilling and occasional. Therefore, the
more people who assist the less burdensome these tasks become. Do you there-
fore think you could assist during our worship as a server, or as a reader, or as an
intercession leader? Might you be able to help with church cleaning and ensure a
welcoming space for everyone? Might you be someone who is good at welcom-
ing and befriending people – perhaps you could become a sidesperson or serve
refreshments? Do you enjoy seeing our Junior Church flourish – perhaps you
could assist with Junior Church once every 6 months as a chaperone? Do you like
gardening – perhaps you could help our team keep the church grounds in good
order? There is a whole diversity of ministries – I hope we can follow Jesus’
example and seek to serve rather than be served. If you would like to have a
conversation with me about how your gifts and skills would be best deployed I
would be most willing.

Harvest Thank You
Thank you to all who decorated our churches for Harvest and to those who
assisted – especially our Junior Choir at St John’s. Once again we have generously
shown our response to all that God gives us in creation through the sheer quanti-
ty and value of gifts given and pledged. Thank you.

Parish Christmas Card/Flyer
Once again, as a Church we will be wishing every household in the Parish a Happy
Christmas by giving them a Christmas card which includes all our Service times on
it. If you are able to help distribute these cards, please collect a ‘distribution
route’ from the back of St John’s which will be available very soon. Thank you in
advance for helping share the Good News of the birth of Jesus with all who live in
the Parish.

Christmas Plans 2025
As in recent years we shall be ticketing our most popular Christmas services – the
two Christingle Services on Christmas Eve to ensure that we keep everyone safe
and have enough Christingles to give out. Tickets for these services can be
obtained from our website from 9.00am on Monday 1 December. So please
share this information with friends and family as tickets go very quickly for these
services.

15. - 13 -

16. - 14 -

17. - 15 -

18. - 16 -
HALLS FOR HIRE
ST JOHN’S HALL - Well equipped hall suitable for use by special interest
groups, clubs and societies. Ideal for family parties and special occasions.
Please contact Hall Bookings Secretary on 07939 226977 or email:
[email protected] for further information and availability.
ST STEPHEN’S HALL, CHAULDEN - (opposite Tudor Rose) - Sunny Hall with tiled
floor suitable for dancing and exercise groups as well as being ideal for chil-
dren’s parties. Please contact Jean on 01442 257023 for further information
and availability.
ST FRANCIS HALL, HAMMERFIELD - Well equipped hall suitable for use by
special interest groups, clubs and societies. Ideal for family parties and special
occasions. Please contact Hall Bookings Secretary by email: stfrancishallbook-
[email protected] for further information and availability. More
urgent queries can be handled by leaving a message on Paul Davies mobile
phone: [phone]

Please Note: St. John's Church PCC cannot accept any responsibility for goods or services

19. - 17 -
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20. - 18 -
Lockers Park and the Local Community: Supporting Each Other, Growing
Together

Independent schools like Lockers Park have always been deeply connect-
ed to the communities they serve. Our school has stood proudly in Hemel
Hempstead for over 150 years, and in that time we have seen first-hand
how important it is for schools and their neighbours to work together to
create a thriving, supportive environment for young people.

At Lockers Park, we believe our role goes beyond education. Our boys are
encouraged to think about the world around them, to support local
charities, and to take part in community service that builds empathy and
character. In recent years, our pupils and families have raised thousands
of pounds for community-driven initiatives such as the Collett School and
DENS, causes that make a tangible difference to the lives of local people.
We are also proud to open our facilities and grounds for local use – from
sports to performances – helping to ensure our resources benefit more
than just our own pupils.

In turn, the warmth and support of the local community play a vital role
in what we do. From partnerships with local businesses, to families join-
ing us for events, to the encouragement we receive from neighbours and
friends, the success of our school is enriched by the community that
surrounds it.

Now more than ever, we recognise that schools and communities must
work hand in hand. By supporting one another, sharing expertise and
resources, and celebrating each other’s successes, we create the kind of
vibrant, healthy community that every child deserves to grow up in.

At Lockers Park, we are proud to play our part – and grateful for the
continued support of the local community. Together, we can ensure that
both our school and our town remain full of life, opportunity, and a spirit
of togetherness for generations to come.

Mr Gavin Taylor, Headmaster

21. - 19 -
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

The PCC met on 16 September. Eighteen (of twenty-two) members were
present for another busy meeting.

The Vicar reported with pleasure that newcomers (including families) were still
appearing, and staying. Around twelve names have been put forward for
Confirmation.

Jo Fisher spoke to recent progress with the task group which is reviewing our
provision for youth work under the revised Mission Action Plan, including a
break-out session to consider what should be done, when, and how often.
Previous assistance from the YMCA group had evaporated after Covid; the chief
thrust now is to provide a venue for youngsters where they will feel safe, with
low-tech content, not necessarily Bible-based, nor just once a week, with
refreshments provided. Once we have defined exactly what to do, leaders need
to be identified. The possible use of an off-site venue was discussed.

Rosie Shaw reported that the task group for eco-church had reviewed feedback
from the breakout exercise at the previous PCC meeting. Some responses had
questioned the relevance of this work to our faith; in the other direction, there
was a firm view that as trustees of our church we have a responsibility to care
for the world which we have been given. Work will continue towards the Silver
Award, drawing to a greater extent on input from individuals, and including a
sharper focus on matters relating to the church grounds.

Whilst there was nothing concrete to report from the Education task group, it
was noted that funding had been secured for Bibles to be provided in church for
use by visitors. It is planned to introduce study sessions on the Gospel of
Matthew in the new year; Revd Emma Williams will then take things further
after the Lent course she has designed, with meetings at least in the daytime,
and evening sessions if demand justifies it. The PCC had already agreed to invite
Bishop Rob to lead a special session at its January meeting; given the probable
congested agenda for that meeting, it may be preferable to arrange a special
single-subject meeting.

Under Safeguarding, it was reported that a standard risk assessment form is
being prepared for use by any organization or individual running any extra-
ordinary activity on the site, including such events as children’s parties. A few
individuals in positions of responsibility remain recalcitrant in complying with
statutory requirements. Cont’d.

22. - 20 -
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL CONT’D.

The general feeling of the meeting was, with reluctance, that there is no option
but to withdraw approval of those involved to lead or participate in relevant
church groups after a final period of notice.

In his unavoidable absence, it was noted that Chris Angell is comfortable with
the present financial situation. His proposal to set aside £20,000 from recent
legacy income towards re-floating the Centenary Fund was approved. Jo Fisher
reported no cause for concern over accounts at St Francis’.

On behalf of the Churchwardens, Job Rombout updated the meeting on numer-
ous current projects. Works related to the kitchen boiler had been completed,
and are in hand on the kitchenette at the West End of the church. The quotation
time period for the Solar Panels project has expired, but will be re-activated
when Listed Building consent and planning permission have been obtained (the
proposed work falls outside Faculty jurisdiction). Work to refine the sound
system in the church is currently on hold whilst new quotes are obtained. A
refund has been received from British Gas Lite to resolve the long-standing
contentions over past energy bills. The Energy Ombudsman has awarded
compensation of £200, which is being appealed as “totally insufficient”, and a
further invoice has now been received for the period previously in dispute; nego-
tiations continue. Repairs have been completed to the approach path on the
south side of the church. Three external benches have been cleaned and stained;
volunteers are awaited to deal with the others. Various external works including
weeding between the slabs of external paving and mowing of the Memorial
Garden grass are in hand. A handrail is to be installed by the entrance to the Hall
at St Francis’, together with a support grip/handle by the internal entrance door;
fire alarms are to be fitted in the Hall, and the ceiling of the Committee Room
has been repaired. Work on the porch roof at St Stephen’s has been completed,
and other groundworks are now in hand there. Thanks were expressed to the
Churchwardens and to all who have helped with these works. Further volun-
teers remain required. Costings (including contingency provision) for all these
works had been considered by Chris Angell, and his tabled recommendation to
approve ball-park figures was agreed.

Detailed reports were received from such committees and other groups as had
provided them.

The Vicar updated the meeting over the future of St Stephen’s. An approach is
being considered from an outside group to use the site for regular worship.

23. - 21 -
Hall lettings will continue, and occasional services will be possible. Maintenance
must continue, in order to satisfy insurance requirements.

As Area Dean, the Vicar reported that a new incumbent had now been appoint-
ed within the Langelei Team Ministry for Apsley End and Bennetts End. Cosmetic
adjustments to Parish Share proportions within the Deanery had been agreed,
generally amicably, and now await diocesan approval. However, any significant
benefit to our parish is likely to be cancelled out by Electoral Roll numbers at
other churches having dropped more sharply than ours.

The meeting approved the recommendation of Standing Committee that collec-
tions at the Christmas services this year be divided equally between the parish,
Dacorum Emergency Night Shelter, and the Church Urban Fund. The usual provi-
sion is being made to support the cost of Bibles for local schools.

The next meeting of the PCC will be on 18 November.

Nicholas King
Hon Secretary

***********

SMILE-LINES

Where there’s smoke…
At our church, it was common for the minister to invite the children to the front
of the church and have a small lesson before beginning the sermon. He would
often bring in a household item, and then relate it to a teaching from the Bible.

One morning, the visual aid for his lesson was a smoke detector. He asked the
children if anyone knew what it meant when an alarm sounded from the smoke
detector.

My young son immediately raised his hand. “It means Daddy's cooking dinner."

Careful!
There was a very gracious lady who was mailing the old family Bible to her broth-
er in another part of the country. "Is there anything breakable in here?" asked
the postal clerk.

The lady thought for a moment. "Only the Ten Commandments."

24. - 22 -
'Music Percentage Club Update’

Congratulations to the winners of the
September Music Percentage Club draws:

Catherine Holness 1st £15
Sheila James 2nd £8
Garth Bridgwood 3rd £4

If you know of someone who would be interested in joining the Music
Percentage Club and supporting Music at St John’s in this way there are
forms in church or please contact Mark Harbour on 01582 841019 or see
him in church.


*********


Prayer for November

Heavenly Father,
Here we are in November – the month of short, dark days. A dreary, diffi-
cult month, unless you have a birthday! Lord, it seems as if the world in
permanently in November at the moment. So much is so difficult for so
many people, through no fault of their own. And it seems to go on and on.

Lord, would You bring your healing light into the world’s darkness. Bring
transformation, compassion and a softening into the hearts of those with
responsibility for the conflict and the suffering, that they might work for
peace for all people. We know that nothing is impossible for you, Lord, so
we pray in faith – and in the name of Jesus.
Amen.

By Daphne Kitching

25. - 23 -
DECEMBER 25/JANUARY 26 - PRICE 60p

Please note the deadline for articles for the December 25/January 26 joint edition
of the magazine is Sunday, 2nd November.

You can e-mail direct to [email protected] or leave articles in
magazine pigeonhole or deliver direct to 27 Beechfield Road. Please note any
articles sent by email should be in A5/A4 format (MS Word or MS Publisher
preferred). Thank you. Sally Bates, Editor, Tel No. 266912 or Mobile 07792
768236.
PLEASE NOTE
Website for St John’s Boxmoor is:
www.stjohnsboxmoor.org.uk
E-mail: [email protected]
Website for Music at St John’s is http://masj.org.uk
Facebook Page: St Johns Church, Boxmoor

NEWSLETTER: If you would like to receive a copy of the weekly Newsletter by
e-mail, please contact Alan Munford - [email protected] with your
e-mail address and he will arrange to send it to you.
Please send any items for inclusion in the Newsletter to the Parish Office at the
email address: [email protected]

SUBSCRIPTION TO MAGAZINE

If you would like to receive a copy of St John’s Parish Magazine on a regular
monthly basis, please email [email protected] or telephone him
on 01442 242543 or complete your details below and return tear-off slip to:


Mr. Alan Munford, 16 St Nicholas Mount, Hemel Hempstead HP1 2BB

Name…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Address ………………………………………………………………………………………………………...

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Contact Telephone Number ………………………………………………………………………...

26. - 24 -
Christmas Tree Festival 2025
Friday 12 to Tuesday 16 December
“The Greatest Gift”

The 2025 Christmas Tree Festival approaches! The
wheels are in motion and the Committee are deep
into the preparations. Jean Hammond has been
sending out the sponsorship letters and received
an encouraging number of replies!

These days we can only have a maximum of 30
indoor trees due to the wonderful large congrega-
tions we now have for the Christmas services, in
particular the Christingle services. There will be 16
outdoor trees, which, for the first time, will all be
installed and lit along with the Advent Tree by the West Porch, from
Advent Sunday. If you would like to sponsor an outdoor tree to light
up the churchyard and for the community to enjoy, but have not yet
contacted Jean Hammond, then she would love to hear from you
([email protected]) before 21 November!

The overall theme we have chosen for this year’s Festival is “The Greatest
Gift”, which should offer the decorators plenty of scope for their creative
imagination.

We will be looking for volunteers to man the door/steward the Festival, or
to serve refreshments, and there will be sign-up sheets at the back of
church. Do, please, sign up if you can help. Another area where help will
be needed is for the set-up and in January take-down of the Festival,
organised by the Vicar and Rob Porter, i.e. the so-called “heavy brigade” of
the relatively fit. The trees are being delivered in 2 separate batches this
year, the outdoor trees on Thursday 27 November, and the indoor trees on
Monday 8 December, first thing in the morning. If you can help on either
of these dates, please contact the Vicar or Rob Porter, or talk to Alan
Munford if you can help with the cabling etc.
Cont’d.

27. - 25 -
The trees will be decorated on Wednesday 10 December. The majority of
the trees will remain in church over the Christmas period, until Epiphany
(Monday 5 January), when further help will be needed from the “heavy
brigade” to take the trees down, get them outside and clear up the
church.

That apart, we hope you have put the Festival dates (12-16 December) in
your diaries and that you have told all your families and friends about it,
so that everyone has the chance to come and view the trees and admire
the ingenuity of the decorators. Take the handbills and share them far and
wide! Admission will be £3 on the door, and accompanied children will
go free, the same price as last year.

The Festival opens as usual on the Friday and runs until the end of the
following Tuesday. The Carols Around the Outdoor Trees, led by the Vicar
and accompanied on keyboard by Director of Music Keith Beniston, will
start an hour later this year, at 3.00 pm on Saturday 13
th
. The tree lights
will be sparkling even more brightly and the atmosphere should be even
more festive as it will be darker. As usual, hot dogs and glühwein will be
available, but from 2 to 4 pm, in keeping with the timing of the carols.

This Carol Service has become part of the annual Boxmoor calendar and is
very well attended, so do come along if you can and sing your hearts out –
the more the merrier. By the way, Santa promises to drop in at the end of
the carol singing, with plenty of sweets for all the young singers and all the
young at heart!

*******
Leaf some green stuff in the garden

The clocks have gone back, and we are putting our gardens to sleep for the
winter. But this autumn, when you tidy up, do not tidy away too much. Many
insects and wild creatures will be relying on some ground cover or hideaway to
call ‘home’ for the winter. Several piles of twigs or pruning, left around your
garden in discreet places, will provide a great winter ‘snugs’ for toads, grass
snakes and other small garden inhabitants. ‘Spent’ seed heads provide cover and
food for birds over the winter. Above all, before you light any bonfires on
5
th
November, take care there are no hibernating hedgehogs inside!

28. - 26 -
On Sunday 28th September 2025 we held a Big Brew event after church to raise
awareness of Fairtrade and its benefits to farmer tea pickers. Thank you to those
who attended - I was able to donate £60 to the Fairtrade Foundation.

I listened to a farmer talking about the Fairtrade Foundation and she said they
had hailstones in June/July which totally destroyed the tea crops. She said
they’ve never had hailstones before it’s climate change. It takes weeks for tea
crops to grow back and they suffer through loss of work. However the farmers
have had to diversify their crops and they grow an avocado tree which they get a
1,000 fruits from! The family can’t eat a 1,000 fruits so they sell the rest. It helps
with the low season of selling tea and the children can still go to school!

It takes 3 years from the start of a seedling for a tree to grow to maturity. They
keep them at one metre high and only take the top two leaves for the best quali-
ty tea in the world. They pick 20 kilos in a day.

The best tea to buy is M&S, Co-op, Sainsbury’s, Clipper Tea and Morrisons, which
are all very good for Fairtrade. Look for the logo Fairtrade on the side of the box.

Yorkshire tea has 42% of all the black tea but it needs to be Fairtrade. Tetley,
Twinings, Tesco and Lipton’s tea; which is world wide, are not Fairtrade.

The farmer suggested when you buy Fairtrade thank the shop keepers for selling
Fairtrade, talk to your friends and colleagues about Fairtrade.

Her vision for the future is a sustainable, responsible supply chain.

Thanks to Rosie and Mark for helping with refreshments.

Dee Fisher

Dreaming of a Green Christmas
By Dee Fisher from a book by Olivia Warburton

Christmas can be joyful and sustainable. With a few mindful choices, we can cele-
brate the season while caring for the planet. Here are some practical eco-friendly
tips to make your Christmas greener.

Christmas Trees
If possible, rent a Christmas tree that can be returned and replanted after the
holidays. Cont’d.

29. - 27 -
Many rental trees come pre-decorated, though it can be tricky to find plain
ones. I found one local farm offering rentals: G I Rogers & Son, Goose Hill Farm,
Ringshall, Berkhamsted, HP4 1ND.

If renting isn’t an option, choose a potted spruce with roots so you can replant
it outdoors and reuse it year after year.

Alternatively, buy a British-grown or FSC-certified tree, ensuring it comes from
a responsibly managed forest. Remember to recycle it properly after use.

Avoid new plastic trees – their carbon footprint is far higher, and they eventually
end up in landfill. However, if you already own one, keep using it for as long as
possible; they can last for decades.
✨ Decorations
Traditional tinsel and baubles aren’t recyclable, so reuse what you already have
rather than buying more.
Get creative with homemade decorations made from natural or recyclable
materials — think dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, paper snowflakes, or
even loo-roll fairies. Turn scrap paper or old magazines into festive paper chains.
Advent Calendars
Instead of buying a disposable Advent calendar, light an Advent candle each day
as a more mindful ritual.
Or try a reverse Advent calendar: place one non-perishable food item into a box
each day and donate it to a local food bank before Christmas — your gift will
make a real difference to families in need.
If you love the traditional countdown, opt for a reusable fabric calendar filled
with Fairtrade chocolates or homemade treats.

Christmas Stockings
Skip the cheap fillers that often go unused. Instead, fill stockings with useful,
thoughtful, or ethical items — like socks, Fairtrade snacks, or small gifts you
know will be appreciated.
Christmas Cards
Only send cards when you plan to write a genuine message inside, or to people
who’ll truly value a paper card. Choose recycled or FSC/PEFC-certified cards, or
even plantable cards embedded with wildflower seeds. E-cards are another
option, though digital tools have a carbon footprint too.

Avoid cards with foil, glitter, or plastic film — these can’t be recycled and often
shed microplastics into waterways. Recycle any cards you receive or repurpose
them into gift tags for next year.

30. - 28 -
Gift Giving
Focus on buying less and buying better.
Consider simplifying gift exchanges — perhaps a single food or drink gift per
adult, or a Secret Santa among family and friends (agree on it early to avoid
double buying).

For children, try this thoughtful guide:
• Something they want
• Something they need
• Something to wear
• Something to read
• Something to eat
• Something to share or do
• And a special surprise — perhaps tickets to a pantomime or ballet.

Ask loved ones what they truly want. For older teens, cash or a bank transfer
might be more meaningful than another item they won’t use.
If you open a savings account or Junior ISA, choose an ethical or fossil fuel–free
bank.

Seek out sustainable brands and small local businesses. Use ethical search
engines like Ecosia to find Fairtrade, handmade, or eco-friendly gifts. Avoid
companies with poor labour practices — even if their delivery is fast.
Choose quality over quantity. A few well-made, long-lasting gifts are better than
piles of plastic trinkets.
Homemade gifts like cookies, jams, truffles, body scrubs, or crafts are personal
and sustainable.
Or give experiences instead of things — tickets, memberships, afternoon tea, or
even homemade vouchers for a meal or day out. These create memories, not
waste.
If you buy new, prefer products in recyclable or reusable packaging, such as
metal tins or glass jars instead of plastic. And consider plants rather than cut
flowers — they last longer and keep growing.
Finally, re-gift unwanted presents instead of letting them gather dust.

The Heart of a Green Christmas
A sustainable Christmas isn’t about giving up joy or tradition — it’s about
celebrating with intention. When we choose thoughtfully, we reduce waste,
support ethical producers, and share love in a way that truly lasts.

31. - 29 -
The Hemel Symphony Orchestra will be performing "Pictures at an Exhibition"
by Mussorgsky on Saturday 15th November. There will be a display of
paintings by the late Philip Worth, inspired by the music, and a slideshow to
accompany the music.

32. - 30 -






at St John’s
SEPTEMBER 2025

HOLY BAPTISM

7
th
Sept. Louis Zachary Peter Ranner Shrubhill Road
21
st
Sept. Ralph Hiscock-Nott Spring Lane
21
st
Sept. Jacob James Meade Dinmore

May the Lord of his great mercy bless these children and give them
understanding of his wisdom and grace.

HOLY MATRIMONY
19
th
Sept. Arron Jake Bradley & Lucy Bradbury-Gibbs
Beechfield Road
O God, our Father, whose greatest gift is love, bless those, we ask you,
who within your presence take each other in marriage.

FUNERAL & MEMORIAL SERVICES

12
th
Sept. James Rochester Rumbold Hospice of St Francis
19
th
Sept. Stuart Blake Crabtree Lane
25
th
Sept.

Henry Arthur French White Hart Drive


May these souls and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy
of God, rest in peace.

BURIAL OF ASHES

4
th
Sept.

Josephine Violet Gower Lime Tree Manor

22
nd
Sept. Dora Howse William Crook House
23
rd
Sept. Gerald Findlay Neptune Drive

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36. Produced and printed by the Parish of Boxmoor