S W O R DL E P. Christmas 2012 New Year 2013 PARISH MAGAZINE. ST MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS CHURCH (Anglican) Mildred Ave. / Durban Rd.

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1 Christmas 2012 New Year 2013 S W O ST MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS CHURCH (Anglican) Mildred Ave. / Durban Rd. Watford R DL E P PARISH MAGAZINE Price 60p WEST WATFORD FREE CHURCH (Baptist) Church opposite the shops Tolpits Lane, Watford 1

2 WATFORD LAUNDERERS IS NOW IN ITS 106th YEAR AND STILL SPECIALISES IN COMMERCIAL, HOTEL & RESTAURANT LINENS Would you like to Advertise in SWORD? Then contact Dennis Beach Tel: We have moved to:- 138 THE GOSSAMERS WATFORD WD25 9AD New Phone Number: JB MAINTENANCE No job too small. Free Estimates. Fencing, general repairs, carpentry, plumbing, bricklaying, plastering, Network cabling, power flushing, PAT Testing Tel: Mobile:

3 A Pastoral Letter..., At this festivity time of the year we send to you our thoughts and our prayers, as we wish you all a very joyful Christmas and a Happy New Year. Also, in reflection on our lives as a Parish Community, we wish to say a few word of thanks to you all. As we are coming to the end of another year, one that has been particularly difficult for our community in many ways, we wish to thank you very much, you family members of St Michael & All Angels, and our local ecumenical partners. Through your commitment and the great examples you set, you stand as witnesses to the message of Jesus Christ to all with whom you come into contact. Thanks to all those who ministered, and who provided services and support within our Parish Community. Many of the tasks undertaken are hidden and not in the public eye, yet all are vital in the building and strengthening of our Parish Christian life. While we are all called to help in the spreading of the word of Jesus, we thank all those who have become involved in some of our more recent works and ministries, which reach out beyond our Parish boundaries. We thank all our Parish Committee members for their Ministry, the Emmaus Course Programme in our Parish, and the website Team. All these require a significant level of dedication and commitment. In the case of the latter two, we are blessed to have within our Parish membership volunteers who willingly offered their professional knowledge and expertise. As we say thank you once more, let our prayers for the New Year be that all of us may continue to exercise our Christian ministry in our own situations, to the best of our abilities, in the service of all. Fr. Geoff, Martin, Violet, and I, the Pastoral care Team, wish you all a peaceful and restful Christmas holiday and all of our best wishes for the New Year. Warmest regards, Fr. George 3

4 THE TALE OF ST MICHAEL S PHOTOCOPIER Ten years ago next February St Michael s took delivery of its first photocopier. Over the years this faithful servant has produced over 463,000 copies for us but in recent months the machine has found life becoming more difficult and because ours was the only machine of its type still leading an active life in this area it was becoming increasingly difficult for the maintenance people to repair it without delays. We think it may have got to the point where spare parts just cannot be found. Life at St Michael s without a photocopier would be very difficult in the 21 st century. The standard expected of copies of any kind is very high these days and well above that of ink duplicators and spirit masters remember them? We produce many different service books, publicity material, leaflets and so on. To get such things done at a reprographics shop would make each copy quite costly and very time consuming. The situation was presented to the PCC last Wednesday (12 th ) and it was agreed that a new photocopier should be bought. The new model (Utex CDC1930) is one that will photocopy in colour as well as black. The service contract is for 40,000 copies a year of which 5,000 must use some colour to keep the machine working efficiently. Obviously, the number of colour copies can be higher but that will increase the running costs (colour copies are 10 times dearer than mono). We shall need some instruction in using the new copier and guidelines are being drawn up and help will be given. The first thing to remember is that the machine should not normally be turned off nor should the source of electricity be turned off or unplugged at any time. This is because the machine has a hard disc and needs to be shut down in the correct sequence just like a computer. Secondly, it is also advisable to press the Reset button before and after any print job. The machine also has the facility to scan documents to a USB stick. So how are we paying for this machine? Its cost is 2950 plus VAT (only 200 more than a mono machine). The money will be found from our reserves which will mean less for the essential building work that we shall need to face up to in the near future. Would you like to give St Michael s a Christmas present? A donation, preferably gift-aided, towards the cost of the photocopier would be very acceptable indeed. Please help if you can. Sylvia Moring 4

5 FROM THE EDITOR S DESK Dear Friends Thank you to all who have contributed articles throughout the year. I am always in need of material for SWORD and would really appreciate contributions from a wider number of people. Details of how to send items to me are usually found on the centre pages of the magazine. Grateful thanks to our advertisers for their continued support and I hope you will be able to support them with your custom during the coming year. Thanks also to Sylvia Moring for preparing the Diary of Events each month and sending snippets and quite often longer pieces of information about items coming up in our church s life. A HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A PEACEFUL NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE. Dennis Beach (Editor) MORNING PRAYER We say Morning Prayer in the Lady Chapel Monday Friday missing occasionally when away or we have to be out early elsewhere. This is a very special quiet time and we feel we offer our prayers on behalf of the parish. We use prayer diaries for the Diocese (each parish has a day); US (erstwhile USPG); Christian Aid, Mothers Union and Church Army. There is a prayer for each of them each day and we are struck by the enormous breadth of work undertaken in Christ s name for so many aspects of the world s needs and also of course there is much for which we offer thanks. During the week we read aloud the names from the Ill and Housebound list at least twice. If you have anything or anyone that you would like us to pray for on a special day or for a period, please do put a note on the little notice board on the right as you enter the Lady Chapel. If you would like to join us please let us know in advance if possible, just in case it is a day we can t make. We start at 9am and are finished by about 9.30am. Vicki and Martin Matthews 5

6 2011 CENSUS Dear All I thought that Sword readers might be interested in the statistics on religion that have just come out from the 2011 Census. These figures are from the St Albans Diocese Christian Buddhist Hindu Jewish Muslim Sikh Other No not religion religionstated Broxbourne 93, Dacorum 144, East Hertfordshire 137, Hertsmere 100, North Hertfordshire 127, St Albans 140, Stevenage 83, Three Rivers 87, Watford 90, Welwyn Hatfield 110, Hertfordshire 1,116, Bedford UA 157, Central Beds UA 254, Luton UA 203, Barnet Some other interesting statistics: The parishes of St Albans Diocese gave away 2.08 million last year Nationally, the C of E gave away over 51 million - that s 2x Children in Need Nationally, Church of England volunteering totalled23.2 million hours a month voluntary service in the community outside the church (around20% of all volunteering). At the start of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, HM The Queen said: "We should remind ourselves of the significant position of the Church of England in our nation's life. The concept of our established church is occasionally misunderstood and, I believe, commonly under-appreciated. Its role is not to defend Anglicanism to the exclusion of other religions. Instead, the church has a duty to protect the free practice of all faiths in this country." Church of England primary schools in areas such as Bradford and Birmingham operate with rolls of almost 100% Muslim children. There are an estimated 28,000 members of British Humanist Association There are an estimated 7,000 members of the National Secularist Society (but they don t disclose a figure) about the same as the British Sausage Appreciation Society The latest research from the think-tank Theos shows that only9% of the population are consistently non-religious During the past decade alone the CofE has: 6

7 Baptised an average of 2,500 people a week every week - with a 40% increase in adult baptisms over the past decade Conducted over 100 weddings a week, every week for the past decade. Celebrated the ordination of over 5,000 new priests Maintained over 16,000 parish church buildings. Closed 253 churches over the past decade but with 1,000 new congregations via Fresh Expressions. This compares to 9,000 pub closures over the same period. Fr Geoff 17TH WATFORD BROWNIES The older girls finished their First Aid course, and eleven of them have gained their badges. We have spent some time doing Christmas craft, and the Brownies have made Smartie tube snowmen, pop-up cards and reindeer boxes, which they filled with a decorated cake. (How many sweets can YOU get on a cake?) Aleeza and Nadia are going on to Guides next term, and we wish them well. What is more, their mum is going to be a helper at Guides, which is great news. As from next term we are having a change of leadership. I am reaching the age when, according to Girlguiding UK rules, I can no longer be in charge of a unit. I can, however, still be an assistant leader. Fortunately Bristi (who was with us as a Brownie, then as Pack Leader and Young Leader before becoming an assistant leader) is willing and very able to take over as Leader. In fact we have been working towards this for some time. Therefore she will now be Brown Owl, and I am going to become Grey Owl (apologies to Violet, it was decided by the other leaders on pack Holiday!) We still have Tawny Owl, and we are lucky enough to have a new Young Leader, Jade, who is also a Ranger. Katie leaves us this term to concentrate on her A-levels, but has promised to come back when they are over. The term has finished well with a party at Trinity with the 9 th Brownies and our last event is a visit to the pantomime at Watersmeet to see Peter Pan. Marilyn Tozer 7

8 THE LEPROSY MISSION Sunday 27 th January is World Leprosy Day Many people would hazard a guess that leprosy is a disease that died out soon after Jesus s time on earth. But three million people across the globe today are disabled or blind because of leprosy. It is undeniably a 21 st century problem. Leprosy affected people face a triple blow of disease, disability and discrimination. It is a disease intrinsically linked with poverty. Thanks to the generosity of its supporters The Leprosy Mission England and Wales is able to provide a springboard for a new beginning to thousands each year in the 12 countries in Asia and Africa where it focuses its work. As well as providing opportunities for early diagnosis and treatment, The Leprosy Mission offers gifts of healthcare, rehabilitation, education, vocational training, housing and fresh water supplies. South Sudan - the UN s newest member state having been granted independence in is where The Leprosy Mission England and Wales s latest challenge lies. A new country in need of renewed hope. A leprosy-affected community is living in tents having recently been displaced from land on the outskirts of the capital Juba. These people had very little to begin with but now they are destitute with their only goal being survival. Their healthcare is woefully inadequate and access to education non-existent. The Leprosy Mission England and Wales is working with the government of South Sudan to set up a programme to diagnose and treat leprosy before it causes irreversible disabilities or robs a person of their eyesight. It plans to improve this community s living conditions and send the children to school. On Sunday 27 th January please pray for those affected by the devastating consequences of leprosy in South Sudan, (where The Leprosy Mission faces its latest challenge), and around the world. See further information on the notice board in the South Aisle and don t forget the postage stamps! There is a special box for these on the table at the back of the church. We have just sent off our first parcel ( the stamps weighed 1lb!), so thank you to all who are contributing in this way. Coins (all countries), postcards, and stamp collections are also collected please speak to me for further information. I can supply a small collecting box for coins at home if you would like to give in this way. Pat Beach (on behalf of the Mission Committee) 8

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10 BOOK REVIEWS Saints, Sacrilege, Sedition, Eamon Duffy, Bloomsbury, 2012 The Late Medieval English Church, G.W. Bernard, Yale, 2012 There is much controversy in the study of Church history just now over the Reformation, or probably more precisely, what the Late Mediaeval Church was actually like just prior to the Reformation. In the traditional view, the Late Mediaeval English Church is seen as backward, oppressive, money grabbing, worldly, superstitious, clerically dominated, and teaching its own traditions whilst desperately withholding the Gospel in a form people could read for themselves. In this view, a great stride for progress was thus to give English people their own Bible to read, so they could recognise Popish superstition for what it was, and cleanse their Churches of images, relics, chantries, mass-priests etc. etc. In 1992 Professor Eamon Duffy brought out his classic work The Stripping of the Altars, in which he popularised the Revisionist view of the Mediaeval Church and what happened to it in the Reformation. He pointed out that in fact, if you discount the polemic from the Post Reformation Protestant (and, for complicated reasons Counter- Reformation Roman Catholic) Churches, the physical and documentary remains from the period produce a rather different picture. The Revisionist picture is of a pre- Reformation English Church that was vibrant, energetic and popular, and which had to be dismantled by government force, against the wishes of most of the people. We should, of course have had some suspicion of this ourselves, as very many of the glories of our parish churches and cathedrals, and physical evidences of lay involvement in Church life, come precisely from this period! Professor Duffy's latest book Saints, Sacrilege, Sedition is a rollicking read, and well worth it, although somewhat disjointed, as it is really a collection of essays on different subjects. However, I think he has gone too far, and started portraying the Mediaeval (and Marian) Church as too much of a paragon of perfection. Another Church historian, Diarmaid MacCulloch, has challenged his objectivity, and created much fluttering in the belfries of academe. Another book of 2012 is The Late Medieval English Church by G.W. Bernard, which presents a less polemical and more nuanced picture of a Medieval Church which was popular and full of life, but which had a number of weakness which opened it to the Reformation critique. Bernard also, however, sees the English Reformation as essentially imposed by government diktat rather than popular pressure. Quite apart from the controversies, both books are well worth a read for anyone who likes visiting Mediaeval Churches, and wants to know more about what went on in them. These, of course are books by historians rather than theologians. From a theological perspective, we might also want to ask how far Mediaeval religion, popular though it may have been, enabled people to genuinely follow the Man from Galilee. 10

11 Other books this year which I haven't managed to read yet are The Reformation Experience by Eric Ives, Lion 2012, and The Roots of the Reformation by G.R. Evans, IVP Fr Geoff ST MICHAEL S MOTHERS UNION DIARY Thursday 17th January am. Communion followed by a meeting in the choir vestry "Looking to the future". I hope to see everyone there. Wishing you a Happy New Year. Pat Gandy The following were discussed: Budget PCC MEETING Lack of progress with Quinnquenial repairs 3. Closer relationship with Trinity Methodist Church 4. New photocopier 5. Success of Amahl and the Night Visitors 6. Successful inspection of fire appliances Jean Alexander (PCC Secretarty) 11

12 DIARY OF EVENTS FOR JANUARY DECEMBER 30th SUN CHRISTMAS 1 Holy Communion (Pres: Fr Geoff) SUNG EUCHARIST (Pres & Preacher: Fr Geoff) NB No Evening Prayer 8.00 am 9.30 am JANUARY 1st Tue Bank holiday 3rd Thu Fairhaven during morning Choir Practice pm 6th SUN EPIPHANY Holy Communion (Pres: Fr George) 8.00 am SUNG EUCHARIST (Pres & Preacher: Fr Geoff) Sunday 9.30 am School) Evening Prayer (Off: Fay Storey) 6.00 pm 7th Mon Schools return during this week 3.00 pm Service at River Court 9th Wed Service at Home Manor (Violet) 3.00 pm 10th Thu St Anthony s (during morning) Choir Practice pm 13th SUN BAPTISM OF CHRIST Holy Communion 8.00 am SUNG EUCHARIST (Sunday School) Service of Thanksgiving and Praise Evening prayer 9.30 am am 6.00 pm 14th Mon Emmaus (Vicarage) 1.00 pm 15th Tue Service at The Chase Care Home Emmaus (Vicarage) 2.30 pm 7.00 pm 17th Thu Mothers Union attend the Service of Holy Communion am followed by a meeting in the Choir Vestry with Janet McKinney. MU Deanery representative Choir Practice pm 19th Sat CENTENARY of ST MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS EUCHARIST conducted by the BISHOP OF ST ALBANS, The Right Rev Dr Alan Smith, followed by refreshments 7.30 pm 12

13 DIARY OF EVENTS FOR JANUARY cont.) 20th SUN EPIPHANY 3 Holy Communion 8.00 am SUNG EUCHARIST (Sunday School) 9.30 am THE SIX O CLOCK SERIES 6.00 pm 21st Mon Emmaus (Vicarage) 1.00 pm 22nd Tue Prayer Group (Choir Vestry) Emmaus (Vicarage) 2.30 pm 7.00 pm 24th Thu Choir Practice pm 26th Sat Baptism 2.00 pm 27th SUN EPIPHANY 4 Holy Communion 8.00 am SUNG EUCHARIST (Sunday School) followed by Bringand-Buy 9.30 am Sale 28th Mon Emmaus (Vicarage) 1.00 pm 29th Tue Emmaus (Vicarage 7.00 pm Morning Prayer is said daily in the Lady Chapel (Monday to Friday) at 9.00 am. A service of Holy Communion is held every Thursday at am. Both this and the 8 am on Sunday morning are Order One in Traditional Language. The Toddlers Group meets in Church (or Choir Vestry) every Monday from am (except on Bank Holidays) Tea, Coffee & Squash are served in Church every Wednesday from until noon. FINAL COPY DATE FOR FEBRUARY SWORD:- MIDDAY on Sunday 20 th January 2013 Please submit copy before this date if possible - hard copy or to:- dhbeach@sky.com 13

14 SUNG EUCHARIST DUTY LIST (December/January) Sunday 30th December (9.30 am) Deacons M Simon, J Wareham Intercessor P Beach Chalice J Wareham, S Moring Lesson Readers J Corkin, S Dunning Sidespeople P Hart, J Hart, J Alexander Tea/Coffee Duty P Gandy, E Vidler, G Heath Sunday 6 th January (9.30 am) Deacons V Alvarez, V Allen-Smith Intercessor V Alvarez Chalice V Allen-Smith, B Hutchinson, S Moring Lesson Readers H Moring, S Moring Sidespeople P Ricketts, A Makin, C Dixon Tea/Coffee Duty J Alexander, P Hart, E Jones Sunday 13 th January (9.30 am) Deacons tba Intercessor P Jenkins Chalice tba Lesson Readers A Makin, P Chandler Sidespeople J Ochola, H Moring, V Blacklock Tea/Coffee Duty V Matthews, M Matthews, B Bilson Sunday 20th January (9.30 am) Deacons tba Intercessor G Mordue Chalice tba Lesson Readers M Watkin, E Watkin Sidespeople J Talbot, J Chandler, P Allen-Smith Tea/Coffee Duty A Makin, M Watkin, E Watkin Sunday 27 th January (9.30 am) Deacons tba Intercessor J Adams Chalice tba Lesson Readers J Corkin, P Jenkins Sidespeople J Hart, J Alexander, P Hart Tea/Coffee Duty P Gandy, E Vidler, G Heath 14

15 THE SPONSORED BIKE N HIKE (for Herts & Beds Historic Churches Preservation Trust) Last month I sent off a cheque for 405 to the treasurer of the Bike n Hike event, this being the amount raised by St Michael s on Saturday 8 th September This was largely achieved through the efforts of Bob Bilson who cycled, and Sarah Griffiths who did a local walk around the participating churches, and some sponsorship of those who staffed the church to welcome not only riders and walkers but visitors to the art exhibition and to see the church building as part of the Heritage Open day. This was the best effort and outcome for a long time and thanks and appreciation of the efforts to all especially those who parted with their money for sponsoring and to those who did the work on that fine sunny September day. As everyone by now will be aware, half of the amount raised will come back to us to support our major works expenditure. There is some evidence that the number of churches that were open to welcome visitors is slightly down, as are the number of participant riders and walkers. We only had around a dozen calling this year in contrast to 25+ in most years. The event is a successful fundraiser realising well over in the two counties so it will be interesting to see whether this good achievement will be maintained. Generally the more rural areas have raised more than urban churches so we shall see if the pattern in maintained when the results are published in the new year. Phil Gough WATFORD NEW HOPE TRUST Growing a hopeful future for Watford together Watford New Hope Trust (WNHT) has an exciting new creative project planned for its market garden in Watford and is looking for volunteers of all ages to take part no gardening experience required; a love for your community is all you need! Over two days in January, Friday 25 th and Saturday 26 th, we would love to invite people to come and take part in the planting of 25 fruit trees to create a mini orchard for the charity. Participants will plant the trees and be invited back to pick the fruit! and will also be asked to respond to the question My hope for Watford is with a short statement, poem, picture, or photo. We hope that this project will bring together people of all ages, from all walks of life, to begin the work of growing a hopeful future for Watford and to show those the charity helps that people do care about them. If you re interested in this exciting community venture, do please contact Ian Bond at ibond@wnht.org or phone him on with your details as soon as you can, preferably by the end of December 2012/ first week of January 2012! Thanks so much! 15

16 WATFORD INTERFAITH PILGRIMAGE Sunday 18 November 2012 What a wonderful experience! Watford Interfaith Group has been organising these pilgrimages for four years now and if you have not been on one, we highly recommend them. This year there were probably 35 people who wended their way from the Synagogue to the Gurdwara, via St Mary s, the Mosque and Holy Rood. The police map out the route and we are accompanied by a security team. At one thirty we gathered in the foyer of the synagogue where we were treated to delicious kosher cakes, tea, coffee and cold drinks. A good opportunity to chat and those from the synagogue were extremely good hosts and hostesses speaking to everyone and making sure that they were enjoying the food. At 2pm we went into the main room where a lay minister welcomed us and then the rabbi gave an interesting talk about their premises. As a result of refurbishment in the 90s they used the premises of St Thomas s until the synagogue was ready again. This was a very heart-warming piece of information to learn at an Inter Faith occasion! We saw the various torah scrolls covered by a velvet curtain depicting the tree of life. The rabbi s son, aged about 10, gave us encouragement regarding Mitzvah Day which they were celebrating and we were encouraged to join in. (This is the annual day on which the Jewish community do Mirzvahs or good deeds in the community.) It was his first ever public address but we doubt if it will be his last! He ended by saying he hoped we had enjoyed his speech. We had! Lining up behind Francoise Murphy of the Unification church we followed the Inter Faith Pilgrimage banner held high, to St Mary s. A one-time church warden had nipped out of the synagogue early in order to open up St Mary s for our arrival. Again, we were given an explanation amongst other things of the reredos, the crucifix and the importance of holy communion to Christians. We also listened to a little history of the church building. As there was not much time to explore we were warmly invited to return at our leisure. Onwards to the Mosque where we were very warmly received by the Imman and others. We removed our shoes and the women covered their heads. For about 20 minutes we listened to an excellent talk and watched a little demonstration of how they pray. We were offered sweets and biscuits as we came away and before finding our shoes again. Next stop was Holy Rood where Rev Neville Dyckhoff, a Deacon in the church s clergy team, tested the memories of those who had been on the tour before to see if they had remembered what Holy Rood meant. Most thought it just meant screen but he reminded us that when RC churches had a screen in front of the altar, a cross was usually painted on it and in fact rood means cross. Rev Dyckhoff gave an interesting talk about the church and how they have over 2,000 in Holy Rood each week. Gasps of amazement! Rev Dyckhoff felt he should own up to a slight cheat and admitted that if you attended the church 4 times in a week you would count as 4 people! Nonetheless, a pretty impressive number. Lots of literature to pick up and a warm welcome to return to the church. Last stop was the Gudwara where the Sikhs were ready to welcome with the most beautiful smiles and much laughter. We removed shoes again and this time both men and ladies 16

17 covered their heads. We went first into the room where their holy book was being read with a Sikh waving a wand over it at regular intervals. There was a small music group singing and playing instruments. An explanation of their faith was given by a young Slough Boy as he described himself. He pointed out that anyone can perform the things that are done during their acts of worship, such as reading from the Holy Book there was no hierarchy. The last guru decreed that in future the guru would not be a person but the holy book itself. The book is read continuously. After the talk we were shown the bedroom where the book was placed each night in a very normal looking double bed. Downstairs again we were offered lovely food and drinks and we left around 6pm. Unlike two years ago, we did not then watch a marshal arts display. At all stops questions were invited and great care was taken to give a full reply wherever we were. Much was learned. We were a group from many faiths and the age range was probably from about 9 months (a Chinese baby who was beautifully behaved throughout) to over 80. Rather embarrassingly, we realised that the Christian churches were the only ones not to offer any food or drink. Perhaps we ought to do so next time? Also we realised that the only woman to speak to us was the lady who welcomed us at the Synagogue. What shall we remember most about the day? The kindness of all those receiving us from the 4 faiths. The fact that all the leaders emphasized so sincerely the desire for faiths to concentrate on the ways in which we agree. The beautifully expressed fact that people of all the faiths can make such a positive difference to the world. Vicki and Martin Matthews The Centenary Eucharist Conducted by The Right Rev. Dr. Alan Smith Bishop of St Albans 7.30 pm Saturday 19th January 2013 Follwed by refreshments 17

18 This year we have added Mercy Ships to the list of mission agencies whom we support through our annual giving. You could say this is a local charity as their head office is in Stevenage. Imagine a ship crewed by doctors, nurses, water engineers and agriculturalists visiting some of the world s poorest countries. Now imagine their life-changing services offered free of charge Right now dedicated volunteers from around the world are bringing hope and healing to thousands of people who could never have believed it possible. Welcome to Mercy Ships, a compassionate response to a world where many have lost hope. Mercy Ships provides free surgery and medical care, and partners with local communities to improve health care, offering training and advice, materials and hands-on assistance. Around the world, billions of people live in fear and desperation, with impure water, inadequate food, and little or no access to health care. Behind every statistic is a story, a life - a person waiting for hope and healing. For those whose lives come in contact with Mercy Ships, they never forget the day everything changed. Mercy Ships uses hospital ships and land-based programmes with multi-national crew and staff to bring world-class medical assistance and long-term sustainable development to some of the world's poorest regions. There is some information on the notice board in the south Aisle and I hope to add more shortly. There is a very good website at www. mercyships.org.uk Please remember these people in your prayers Pat Beach (On behalf of the Mission Committee)

19 WEST WATFORD FREE CHURCH (BAPTIST) TOLPITS LANE, WATFORD PASTOR: GARTH WOODHEAD NEWSLETTER Regular services: Every Sunday: 10.30am Family Service am The children leave the main meeting to go into the Sunday School. Holy communion is celebrated on the 4th Sunday of each month. Tea, coffee and biscuits are served in the church at the end of the service, please stay and get to know new people or chat to long-standing friends. Either way enjoy a time of fellowship. 3pm L EGLISE FRATERNITE meet for worship and bible teaching. This is of course the official name of the French speaking church who meet here. Everyone is welcome and they do have an interpreter for those who are not fluent in French. 7pm Glory Of God Illuminated Church (Tamil) meet for worship and bible teaching. Children are welcome and have a separate time in the back hall. What else is happening? Monday 10am - 12noon: Prayer meeting 6.30pm: Slimming World 8.00pm: Zumba Dancing Tuesday 9.15am pm: Cafe West. Wednesday 7pm: Bible study / Prayer meeting

20 None of the prayer diaries are available yet but don t let that deter you!! Just a few thoughts: The lonely: For those who are alone at Christmas it can be a very lonely time, especially if they ve been bereaved. Those who provide food and shelter for the homeless: Pray for them for strength at this busy time and wisdom as they deal with difficult situations. Those who are persecuted for their faith: As we openly attend our services, pray and talk about the Lord remember those in countries where it is not possible. As we celebrate Jesus birth loudly many have to hide away and whisper their thanks to God. Pray for their safety and protection. All in authority: Whether in churches or government; international, national or local they need our prayers for strength and wisdom in their decisions as they serve us. All who work abroad: Whether in the armed forces in areas of conflict or missionaries taking the gospel, pray for them and their families. Phil 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. January Birthdays. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO... 2nd 17th 19th 20th Paul Hayler Renie Morgan Napiya (She ll be 8yrs) Joshua Aluma (He ll be 11yrs) Before I go... Enjoy your Christmas celebrations and may God bless you in And finally... A rather old fashioned lady, always delicate and elegant, especially in her language, was planning a weeks holiday in Sydney with her husband, so 20

21 She wrote to a particular camping ground and asked for a reservation. She wanted to make sure that the camping ground was fully equipped, but didn t know quite how to ask about the toilet facilities. She just couldn t bring herself to write the word toilet in her letter. After much thought she finally came up with the old fashioned term Bathroom Closet but when she wrote it down she still thought she was being too forward so she started all over again, rewrote the letter, and referred to the bathroom closet as the B.C. Does the camping ground have its own B.C.? is what she wrote. Well, the camping ground owner wasn t at all old fashioned and he just couldn t imagine what the lady was talking about. He showed the letter to a few of the campers and the only thing they could come up with was that B.C. must stand for Baptist Church, relieved and satisfied he wrote the following reply. Dear Madam, I regret very much the delay in answering your letter but I now have great pleasure in informing you that a B.C. is located nine miles north of our camping ground and is capable of seating 250 people at one time. I admit that it is quite a distance away if you are in the habit of going regularly but no doubt you will be pleased to know that a great many of the campers go there and many take their lunches along and make a day of it. They usually arrive nice and early and stay quite late. The last time my wife and I went was six years ago and it was so crowded we had to stand the whole time we were there. It may interest you to know that there is a special supper planned there to raise money to buy more seats so that everyone will be able to sit in comfort. I would like to say that it pains me very much not to be able to go more regularly but it is surely no lack of desire on my part, just that I am so busy most of the time. As we grow older it seems more of an effort to go, especially in the colder weather. If you do decide to come down to our camping ground perhaps I could go with you the first time you go, sit with you and introduce you to all the other people. You will find us to be a very friendly community. 21

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