St Johns Parish Magazine

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PETER D HANNABY
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are eleven issues per year with double issue in December/January.
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To discuss your requirements or for further information, please
contact Sally Bates, 01442 266912 or 07792 768236
or email: magazine@stjohnsboxmoor.org.uk

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THE VICAR’S LETTER
Dear Friends,
November is the month of remembrance – the month for remembering. It opens
with All Saints’ Day (1st
) on which we’re reminded that we are one with all those
faithful followers of Christ who have gone before us. As the Collect, the special
prayer, for All Saints’ Day puts it – we are “knit together.....in one communion
and fellowship in the mystical body of [God’s] Son Christ our Lord.....” Then on
the Sunday nearest to the 11th
, Remembrance Sunday, we come together as a
nation to remember with gratitude all those who have fallen in the course of
human conflict through the centuries, and sadly still in our own day, to bring
about and preserve our freedoms.
And on the 2nd
, All Souls’ Day – otherwise known as the ‘Commemoration of the
Faithful Departed’ – we remember before God with thankfulness all those whom
we love but see no longer. The remembering is not without its pain, but that pain
is perhaps in some way eased by a sense of thanksgiving.
None of us find it easy to say goodbye. And death is the ultimate goodbye – it’s
so very final. Yet it is a reality; it is a part of life with which we live and which we
will all face. The death of a loved one is probably one of the hardest things we
ever have to face. However much we might have been prepared for it, it is still an
immense loss.
Whether we are remembering loved ones who have recently died, or those who
died many years ago, those who died tragically or peacefully, we are faced with
all sorts of emotions: a sense of grief, of despair, of emptiness, of hopelessness, a
lack of peace, and maybe even regrets about what could have been. We find
similar emotions expressed in the Bible, for instance in the book of Lamentations.
There we find a situation in which Jerusalem, in the 6th
century BC, and the
Jewish people – God’s chosen people – have been taken into exile in Babylon.
Being taken away from their beloved homeland was a huge loss for them, and
the writer here expresses his anguish as he witnesses the desolation of the great
city of Jerusalem – “my soul is bereft of peace; I have forgotten what happiness
is; so I say, ‘Gone is my glory, and all that I had hoped for from the Lord.’” The
sense of despair is plain.
Cont’d…..

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Yet in the midst of all this, there is a real glimmer of hope as the writer recalls,
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Through all the ‘ups and
downs’ of life, God is loving, merciful, and faithful. In our grief, we might natural-
ly feel that the Lord is far from us, but the truth is that he is indeed very present
with us. Even though we might walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
God is with us – he cares for us and he comforts us.
And we’re reminded, too, that there is hope. There is indeed good news which is
based not on wishful thinking, but rather is founded upon historical reality. For
the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead gives us a sure and living hope that
death is not the end – that death does not have the final word. Christ has gone
through the door marked ‘death’ and has come forth from the grave, triumphing
over it. Although all that we see around us might be subject to decay and
ultimately perish, the resurrection of Jesus holds out for us the real promise of
eternal life for all who put their trust in him – the promise of a heavenly home
where all is imperishable. Without that hope, death continues to be our enemy,
to hold us hostage. But the power of hope is stronger than the fear of death.
So we are to face death with the eyes of faith – faith in God who is greater than
death, faith in Jesus who has conquered death and who gives eternal life to all
who put their trust in him. For we have this deep assurance that those who have
died in Christ will rise again. Death is not the end. It might be the end of this life
as we know it. But it is also the beginning – the beginning of the perfect life with
God beyond the grave.
Whoever you are remembering this month, may the God of comfort and consola-
tion be with you. May your memories be filled with love and happiness. And may
your trust be in God who brings life out of death and welcomes us to share in the
glory of his eternal Kingdom.
As ever, my prayers and blessings to you all.

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PARISH DIARY FOR NOVEMBER 2020
ALL CHURCHES OPEN FOR PUBLIC WORSHIP
SERVICES WILL BE SUBJECT TO RULES AND GUIDANCE
ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL CHURCH & GOVERNMENT
PLEASE FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS TO KEEP YOURSELF AND OTHERS SAFE
CHURCH CLUBS & GROUPS REMAIN SUSPENDED
Enquiries regarding baptisms, weddings, or marriage blessings are
always welcome. Please contact the Vicar
Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer are said Monday-Friday, 9.00am & 5.00pm
respectively, for the life of the parish, in St John’s unless otherwise stated below.
St John’s is open daily 9.30am-5.30pm for private prayer.
The Parish Eucharist and worship resources will continue to be recorded and
made available at www.stjohnsboxmoor.org.uk/suspended-services-resources
Sun 1 All Saints Day
8.00am Holy Communion (BCP) St John’s
10.00am Parish Eucharist with farewell to
Rev Ruth Goatly St John’s
10.00am Mass St Francis’
11.30am Morning Worship St Stephen’s
4.00pm Annual Memorial Service St John’s
6.30pm Holy Communion (BCP) St John’s
Mon 2 8.00pm All Souls’ Mass St Francis’
Weds 4 10.00am All Soul’s’ Holy Communion St John’s
11.00am Zoom Coffee Morning
5.00pm Evening Prayer St Francis’
Thurs 5 8.00pm Zoom Happy Hour
Sun 8 Remembrance Sunday
8.00am Holy Communion (BCP) St John’s
10.00am Parish Eucharist with Act of
Remembrance St John’s
10.00am Mass with Act of Remembrance St Francis’
11.30am Morning Worship with Act of
Remembrance St Stephen’s
6.30pm Evening Prayer St John’s
Tues 10 8.00pm PCC Meeting tbc Zoom

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Weds 11 10.00am Holy Communion St John’s
11.00am Zoom Coffee Morning
5.00pm Evening Prayer St Francis’
Sun 15 Second Sunday before Advent
8.00am Holy Communion (BCP) St John’s
10.00am Parish Eucharist St John’s
10.00am Mass St Francis’
11.30am Morning Worship St Stephen’s
12noon Holy Baptism St John’s
6.30pm Evening Prayer St John’s
Weds 18 10.00am Holy Communion St John’s
11.00am Zoom Coffee Morning
5.00pm Evening Prayer St Francis’
Sun 22 Christ the King
8.00am Holy Communion (BCP) St John’s
10.00am Parish Eucharist St John’s
10.00am Mass St Francis’
11.30am Holy Communion St Stephen’s
3.00pm Children’s Praise Service for Advent St John’s
6.30pm Solemn Evensong & Benediction St Francis’
Mon 23 8.00pm Communications Committee Zoom
Tues 24 8.00pm Fundraising Committee Zoom
Weds 25 10.00am Holy Communion St John’s
11.00am Coffee Morning Zoom
5.00pm Evening Prayer St Francis’
8.00pm Finance Committee Zoom
Sun 29 First Sunday of Advent
8.00am Holy Communion (BCP) St John’s
10.00am Parish Eucharist St John’s
10.00am Mass St Francis’
11.30am Morning Worship St Stephen’s
6.30pm Virtual Advent Reflection: Website
Readings, Prayers and Music for Advent

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Answers will be published in the December 20/January 21 Joint Edition
of the magazine.
Good luck!

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War and Peace
War is not a new thing
It’s been here from the start,
When Cain slew brother Abel
And their lives were torn apart.
Brother still fights brother
And nations go to war,
It seems these things will never end
Perhaps we need to ask ‘what for?’
Man has chosen his own path
Where might and power tell,
But God desires a better way
Where harmony and peace can dwell.
And so a time will come at last
When all man’s rule will cease,
Emmanuel will come to reign,
Our Lord and Saviour, Prince of Peace.
By Megan Carter
BOOK REVIEW
Come Let Us Adore Him – a Daily Advent Devotional
By Paul David Tripp, Crossway/10ofThose, £4.99
Every time the Christmas season comes around, we look
forward to putting up a tree, giving and receiving gifts, and
participating in other traditions that make this wonderful
time of year so special. But sometimes the most significant
aspect of the season—focusing on the coming of Jesus—
grows old and familiar.
Here Paul Tripp seeks to reawaken our awe during Christmastime. Each day
begins with a compelling, gospel-centred thought followed by an extended medi-
tation for the day. Each of the 31 devotions also includes a Scripture reading and
notes for parents and children, equipping us to do the one thing that matters
most each December—celebrate Jesus.

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Covid update
At various times during October the Prime Minister has addressed the nation
outlining new restrictions or explaining the Government’s response to what
appears to be a second wave of Covid-19. In the latest 3 tier system it has been
pleasing to see that places of worship will be able to continue to serve their
communities, even in areas where case numbers are very high. Of course local
restrictions may come into force but the mood music is positive.
Those who have been able to return to Public Worship will, I hope, have been
reassured that we are following all the guidelines to make our churches as Covid-
secure as possible. At the time of writing, and according to Parkwood Surgery,
there are fewer than 80 positive cases per 100,000 people in Dacorum which is
well below the national average. I say this not to be complacent but rather to share
the level of risk we face and to remind us all of the need to adhere to the guide-
lines and play our part in minimising the spread of this horrible infection.
During the coming cold, dark months I hope that our buddy system - and less
structured ways of being in touch - will find renewed vigour so that we remain
connected in the face of possible extreme isolation.
Fond Farewell
On Sunday 1 November – All Saints’ Day – we shall (reluctantly) say farewell to the
Reverend Canon Dr Ruth Goatly who has been our Associate Minister for the last 2
years. In her short time with us (this time round), Ruth has played a significant role
in our nurture and discipleship ministry leading us in excellent Lenten discussion
groups, confirmation preparation, and through solid and engaging preaching. Her
wisdom and compassion in pastoral ministry has enriched our common life and
helped countless folk in times of distress or illness. She has been a wise and
generous colleague within the Ministry Team and her gifts will be greatly missed.
Mercifully, although Ruth is retiring from Licenced Parochial Ministry, the Bishop
has granted her Permission to Officiate within the Diocese. This is not the final
goodbye as both Ruth and I hope that future visits, nurture classes, and preach-
ments will be possible, so it is more au revoir as the French say.
Due to various Covid restrictions we will not be able to hold a farewell reception
following the 10.00am Parish Eucharist for Ruth. Instead, we are planning to invite
Ruth to return when the pandemic has passed to a dedicated reception. More
details to follow as soon as able.
Cont’d…..

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Annual Service of Remembrance
Over the past year the Ministry Team has taken, or assisted with, many Funerals
of parishioners – often in strained circumstances due to the Covid-19 restrictions
where attendance has been limited. At our Annual Service of Remembrance, to
be held this year on Sunday 1 November at 4pm, we shall be inviting friends and
families of those who have died to remember their loved ones before God and to
give thanks for their lives. If you have lost someone this year but we weren’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. Covid precautions
will be in place and to ensure you feel safe we ask you to book your place at this
service by obtaining a free ticket at www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/t-zmgpog or
contacting me of the Parish Office. The choir will lead our worship during this
service.
All Souls’ Service: Monday 2 November and Wednesday 4 November
There are many in the Parish who have lost loved ones, both in recent times 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 2
November, 8.00pm and at the Service of Holy Communion at St John’s on
Wednesday 4 November, 10.00am. Candles will be lit 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.
Countdown to Christmas Fayre
Sadly due to the Coronavirus restrictions we do not feel able to run a Christmas
Fayre this year. However, I’m sure it will be back by popular request next year. If
you are in search of locally made jams and cakes these will be on sale on the
Saturday of our Christmas Tree Festival – more details below.
Confirmation
Sadly, there will not be a Confirmation Service at St John’s this year. We hope to
hold one next year. If you are interesting in confirming you faith in Jesus Christ
and receiving Communion please speak with me.
Harvest – Service, Appeal, and Quiz
Although Harvest was quite different this year, I should like to express my thanks
to those who decorated the church so beautifully. It was a joy to welcome Bishop
Michael as our president and preacher at the Parish Eucharist and I know he thor-
oughly enjoyed being with us. To date over 200kg of produce has been given to
DENS – our local food bank and night shelter, and a further financial donation
made to The Bishop’s Harvest Appeal: Making a Buzz in Nepal. Cont’d...

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Harvest – Service, Appeal, and Quiz cont’d…
Despite the restrictions making a physical social and quiz evening impossible, it
was a delight to welcome 8 teams to a virtual quiz evening. With a bit of practice
every team mastered the technology, over £130 raised, and a good time was had
by all. Congratulations to K & the 3 Js who emerged victorious. Watch this space
for our next virtual quiz evening.
St Francis Patronal Festival
During a moving and uplifting celebration of High Mass and Benediction it was
good to be able to give thanks for, and pray for the life of St Francis’ Church within
the life of the Parish. Over 30 people attended and Fr Ben returned to preach. We
are very fortunate to have 3 churches of different styles within the Parish and it
was great to be able to celebrate this diversity.
Sunday 29 November – Advent Sunday
Once again a new ecclesiastical year beckons. During the past year when much
has been different, no possible, or moved online – including services for those
unable to attend church physically, we have taken this opportunity to think out-
side the box and redesign our Advent Carol Service. This year Covid restrictions
make our annual service from darkness to light nigh-on impossible as it would be
impossible to properly socially distance, so instead we have devised an online
Advent Reflection comprising readings, prayers, and music. This will be premiered,
as if live, at 6.30pm on Sunday 29 November. During the service our choir will sing
some well-known advent hymns and anthems and readings will turn our attention
to the coming Saviour whose birth we will celebrate at Christmas. More details
will be published in the Newsletter nearer the time.
APCM round-up
Monday night services
Since re-opening all our churches for Public Worship in September I have been
offering an evening service of Holy Communion on alternate Monday evenings.
Sadly this offer has not been accepted with no-one coming to join me. I have
therefore decided to cancel all Monday night services with immediate effect.
Remembrance Sunday
As you may imagine Covid restrictions are making planning our annual remem-
brance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in laying down their lives in the
service of their country particularly difficult this year. Both the Council and the
Royal British Legion have taken the difficult decision, for health and safety
reasons, not to hold the Remembrance Sunday Parade and relating services.

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Remembrance Sunday cont’d..
There will therefore be no ceremony at the Civic War Memorial this year.
Instead, I plan to bring the ceremony into St John’s (and our other churches). We
are therefore working towards a 10.00am Parish Eucharist with Act of Remem-
brance at 11.00am. Wreaths will be laid at the High Altar and representatives of
the town will be invited to join us.
The Royal British Legion are recommending that people observe the 2 minutes
silence on their doorsteps this year and don’t go to War Memorials. Resources
for marking Remembrance can be found on their website:
www.britishlegion.org.uk
Christmas Plans
There has been a lot of talk recently in the media that Christmas is cancelled. It’s
not! It will be different, but not cancelled. We all need to find alternative ways to
celebrate the birth of Jesus – God incarnate – which may not involve the usual
whole-family gatherings, traditions, or works’ parties but this should not stop us
from celebrating Christmas, from sharing the message of love, light, life and hope
Christ brings to us, our community, and all people.
Plans are well under way to enable you to join us for various services and events.
Many of these will need to be ticketed so as to ensure we can accommodate as
many people as would wish to celebrate Christmas with us in a safe and respon-
sible way, following all the necessary guidelines. Free Tickets will be available for
booking from the beginning of December. Further details in next month’s edition
and in the Newsletter.
Christmas Tree Festival
In line with doing things differently, but still wanting to bring Christ’s light, life,
hope, and joy to our community we will be holding a Christmas Tree Festival with
a difference. Half our trees this year will be outside to bring some light and
festive cheer to all who pass by. We will not be charging admission to the festival
this year but asking for donations. If you would like to sponsor a tree (or part
thereof) please speak to me or Jean Garner.
On the Saturday (19 December) when we would usually host Carols round the
Trees inside church, we intend to do some Carol Singing outside. This will be
available to everyone as singing outside is still permitted provided different
bubbles distance themselves. We also intend to have a few stalls at the festival
including a Hot Dog stall, Mulled Wine stall, and a Cakes and Jam stall. As always
we will need some stewards on duty to oversee the festival and welcome folk
and some muscle to help erect the trees.

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Christmas Services
As noted before, our Christmas Services this year at St John’s will be ticketed to
try to ensure all who wish to join us in praise of the birth of Christ may do so safe-
ly. One of the challenges we face is that our Christmas services are very popular.
Ordinarily there is barely room to stand but this year we must enforce social
distancing and mask wearing. To ensure we have enough capacity we are propos-
ing the following services:
Sunday 20: 4.30pm Festival of 9 Lessons and Carols 1
6.30pm Festival of 9 Lessons and Carols 2
(Both of these will be sung by our choir
and supported by the St John’s Ensemble)
Wednesday 23: 2.30pm Christingle Service 1
4.30pm Christingle Service 2
6.30pm Carols at the Crib 1 – sung by the choir
Christmas Eve: 2.30pm Christingle Service 3
4.30pm Christingle Service 4
6.30pm Carols at the Crib 2 – sung by the choir
11.30pm Midnight Mass – sung by the choir
Christmas Day: 10.00am Parish Christmas Eucharist
The ticketing process is very simple and should mean that we have capacity for up
to 200 people at each service, but that assumes everyone will attend in a bubble
of 6 which is not realistic.
Another challenge we face is the prohibition on congregational singing. Christmas
music, and the singing of carols, is often synonymous with Christmas so our
Director of Music and I are working closely to find suitable alternatives to enable
everybody to get into the Christmas spirit.
We will also need to do Christingle quite differently this year – details of what to
expect and how we are managing the Covid risk will be given in next month’s
edition.
Parish Christmas Card/Flyer
This year, perhaps more than ever, we need to get the message out that Christ’s
birth brings light and life to all. I am delighted that a local artist (and church mem-
ber) has agreed to help design our Christmas publicity. We hope to put a card
through every door in the Parish so that, even if they are unable to attend, they
know they are being prayed for.
Cont’d….

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Online resources
Since September when Public Worship resumed in all our churches it has been
fantastic to see members of the congregation slowly return to physical worship.
Of course, this has not been possible for everyone. We long to see you return
but respect your decision and reasons for not returning yet. I hope you are
finding our online resources helpful. We aim to upload the Sunday Parish Eucha-
rist by 12noon the next day, and Evening Worship (in whatever guise when it is
recorded) by 6pm on the Monday. As has become our practice we will endeav-
our to have the Order of Service, Hymns, Readings, Collect, Sermon, Newsletter,
and my Letter on the website ahead of Sunday morning. Occasionally the
sermon may need a little longer to finish but it will be posted on the website as
soon as it has been delivered. Thank you to our Web Team and Facebook editors
for helping to maintain communication.
**********
Zoom Zoom Zoom!
The pandemic is leaving a “lasting digital legacy”, and changing the UK’s
internet habits and behaviour “indelibly”. So says a recent Ofcom study.
Since March we have broken the four-hour barrier, which means that, on
average, we spend more than a quarter of our waking hours each day
online. That is up from an average of three hours and 29 minutes this
time last year.
Zoom has soared in popularity. Last December it reached 498,00 people
in the UK; by April this had soared to 13million in the UK.
TikTok, which lets users share short videos set to pop music, had 5.4
million UK users in January; by April it had 12.9million users.
In February, 35 per cent of UK adults made a video call once a week. By
April that had soared to 71 per cent. The largest increase has been
among the over-65s, with now 61 per cent of them making weekly video
calls.
Older people favour Zoom, in order to ‘visit’ their relatives and friends;
while many teenagers have become addicted to TikTok and endless
videos.

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:
hallbookings@stjohnsboxmoor.org.uk for further information and availabil-
ity.
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
children’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: stfran-
cishallbookings@stjohnsboxmoor.org.uk for further information and
availability. More urgent queries can be handled by leaving a message on Paul
Davies mobile phone: 07802 442908
O England, Country of my Heart’s Desire
O England, country of my heart’s desire,
and of the hedgerow and the village spire;
Land of thatched cottage and murmuring bees,
and wayside inns where one may take one’s ease.
Of village green where cricket may be played
and fat old spaniels sleeping in the shade –
O homeland, far away across the main,
how would I love to see your face again!
From a poem by E V Lucas

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

20. - 18 -
A FAITH JOURNEY TO ORDINATION
My faith journey began when I first visited the parish of Boxmoor as a
Guide leader at a church parade service, where the then Vicar, James
Reveley, spotted my enthusiasm for the music and gently recruited me for
the choir at St John's. I went from hardly attending church to committed
membership of the church choir!
It was through the ministry of choral music that my faith was nurtured
and grew. I was baptised and confirmed at St John’s on the feast of Christ
the King in 2010, having joined in the summer and attended confirmation
classes. As I developed as a chorister and progressed to the top RSCM
national Gold Award level, this presented the opportunity to learn more
about the faith and liturgy, since they are key components of those
assessments. After a while I became more involved with the wider life of
the church, serving on the PCC and Worship Committee, and altar-serving
on some Wednesday mornings whilst I was a student.
Through growing involvement, sermon series and other influences, seeds
of a vocation began to come to light. This came together for me strangely
when James announced that he was leaving; a strong sense of 'you can do
that' came to the forefront and the sense of urgency and the need to act
on these stirrings arose. This led to the process of formally exploring a
vocation with the diocese. As I was only 19 at the time, I continued to
complete my law degree at the University of Hertfordshire and then
looked at Parish placements once I graduated in 2014.
The first placement experience I had was difficult, and for a season I
stopped the discernment process and continued as a paralegal in Bushey.
However, the stirrings of vocation did not fade, and for someone who was
trying desperately hard to avoid it I was spending every lunch hour in a
nearby open church and the sense of call did not shift! I remain grateful
for the support I received from this parish and from Mike during this
period of retreat, as it was make or break for my vocation, and in some
ways my faith journey itself, as I regrouped and learned to understand
what God's love for me looked like.
Cont’d….

21. - 19 -
The diocese created its own internship scheme, the Hatfield Root Group,
in 2015. I was the first participant, starting in September 2015, and
stayed for two academic years, working in the University of Hertfordshire
Chaplaincy and the Bishop's Hatfield Ministry Team as a Pastoral Assis-
tant. During the second year on the scheme I went through the formal
selection process, attending a Bishop’s Advisory Panel in March 2017,
where I was recommended for training.
I spent three years in residential training at Westcott House in Cambridge,
completing a Theology degree and Postgraduate Certificate as well as
gaining placement experience in a range of settings including six weeks in
Salford, a week with the army, two weeks at Ely Cathedral as well as regu-
lar attachments at King’s College Chapel, St Bene'ts and St James
Wulfstan Way.
I was offered and accepted my title post last year and after ordination in
St. Alban’s Cathedral on 26th September now find myself serving as an
Assistant Curate at Christ Church, Waltham Cross in the Cheshunt Team
ministry. It is varied, exciting and never dull! Whilst not without
challenge it is an immense privilege to serve God and others in this way.
Cont’d….

22. - 20 -
Throughout all the many ups
and downs of the vocation
journey God has been stead-
fast, and the biggest way my
faith has grown is in the trust
and confidence I place in God's
love. As per the charge in the
ordinal, 'You cannot bear the
weight of this calling in your
own strength, but only by the
grace and power of God.' I
walk this continued path of
discipleship and discernment,
knowing that I do so in God's
strength, not my own. God's
love is experienced through a
worshipping community and I
am ever grateful for the
people of the parish of Box-
moor for the way that you
have discipled, nurtured and
loved me over the years.
Revd Vanessa Hadley-Spencer
Pictures courtesy of Michael Beccato-Fischer. Article collated and edited
by Nicholas King.

23. - 21 -
SANTA SLEIGH IS COMING TO BOXMOOR - Wednesday 2nd December 2020
The Hemel Rotary Club feel it more important than ever, this year , to bring some
festive cheer to the local community - so look out for the Santa Sleigh on
Wednesday 2nd December 2020 - all in line with strict COVID-19 regulations and
at a social distance of course.
You will be able to TRACK the route like last year and full details of donations and
routes will be on a leaflet drop, face book/social media/the local press. THERE
WILL BE NO DOOR TO DOOR COLLECTIONS. Only 2/3 marshals will be needed
on the night and we share this with St Mary and St Joseph's Catholic Church Box-
moor.
We will need volun-
teers to help leaflet
drop this event be-
forehand which is to
be combined with
our usual St John's
Christmas card, which
will also give details
of the event.
In the meantime
please spread the
word that Father
Christmas is coming
to town to a road
near you!!
(from 22 November
to 23 December)
Dee Fisher
See page 29 for
further dates and
routes

24. - 22 -
'Music Percentage Club Update’
Congratulations to our September Draw Winners;
Catherine Holness 1st £15
Peter Garner 2nd £8
Gill Williams 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.
Mark Harbour - on behalf of MASJ
*************
“Z to A”
Lockdown Communications – and beyond
Zoom your Xmas wishes.
Virtually unleash Twitter.
Skype relatives, quickly posting on-line news.
Mail love, kisses, joy.
Instagram happy greetings.
Finally, ecstatically, direct contact begins again.
Chris Angell

25. - 23 -
JOINT EDITION DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 - PRICE 60p
Please note the deadline for articles for the joint edition of the magazine is
Sunday, 1st November.
You can e-mail direct to magazine@stjohnsboxmoor.org.uk or leave articles in
magazine pigeonhole or deliver direct to 27 Beechfield Road. Please note any
articles sent by email should be in A5 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: office@stjohnsboxmoor.org.uk
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 - alan.munford@btinternet.com 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: newsletter@stjohnsboxmoor.org.uk
SUBSCRIPTION TO MAGAZINE
If you would like to receive a copy of St John’s Parish Magazine on a regular
monthly basis, please email alan.munford@btinternet.com 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 ………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
...........................................................................................................................
Contact Telephone Number ………………………………………………………………………...

26. - 24 -
The Lockdown experience for the Goode Family!
Hi there everyone at Boxmoor, some of you will know that we the Goode family
were active members of St. Johns between 2000 and 2007 before leaving Hemel
with our disabled son Matthew to move to the Scotland 14 years ago so that he
could attend Edinburgh Blind School. Matthew is now 24 having left school 5
years ago!
We still receive your newsletter, and thought you might like to hear about our
Lockdown experience up here in the Scottish Borders.
It has been a challenging time for everyone and especially for us with our
precious Matthew. We are all keeping well.
On March 23rd
, when the country shut down, we just closed the doors put up
signs for the Postie and our carers began to wear full PPE. They still are! We get
through quite a lot of it, as you can imagine.
Matthew has been shielded, but we had already done that for him, taking him
out of society about a month before the government acted. So all at once, all his
precious weekly activities were stopped, and he was stuck at home. No respite,
no music or art therapy, no physio, no hospital appointments. Luckily we
completed construction here of a hydro pool just before Christmas, so we have
been able to use that, but our carers are not going in the water with him, as it’s
too risky. So it’s a lovely task for Mum and Dad. We did wonder should we stop
them working altogether and had many heartaches over that decision, but we
are pleased to say we kept them on, and we are so grateful. All 3 girls have been
highly responsible in how they live their lives to minimise their risk of Covid, and
so far we have all kept safe. Katriona’s sister Andrea is still living in Boxmoor and
was very seriously ill in March, and is still not fully over it.
Our “Crew” as we call them, have got busy with other activities, such as planting,
art and baking. Matthew has grown quite a few vegetables in his planthouse as
well as geraniums, and sunflowers, which have decorated the garden. He has
enjoyed sunny days outside relaxing on his swing. Happily now, 2 of the chari-
ties he’s involved with do a weekly zoom so he can link up with his pals and make
some music. He is also able to visit the beach at North Berwick and use the
Beach Wheelchairs on loan, which is just wonderful – another amazing charity. It
has given spiritual well being not just to him but to his team also.
Of course as part of Lockdown the church was closed. So far it still is.
Cont’d...

27. - 25 -
Immediately Katriona became locked down too with Matthew, and all our shop-
ping was done locally by Paul. The butcher, the vegetable shop and the Co-op.
Anything we couldn’t get from there, came from Amazon!! Katriona is the
Amazon queen, there is nothing you can’t get on there you know! Hand sanitizer
and toilet roll were the earliest purchases!
Mum and Dad have kept sane with riding, and have 2 horses with us till Novem-
ber, and we get out over the fields as often as we can on Ronan and Allie. This
has been a wonderful and amazing “normality” and privilege for us.
That is what we have tried to do throughout the pandemic, to keep routines
going. The Crew have been a huge part of that, trying to keep things as normal
as possible for Matthew.
Paul had the brainwave of us creating our own wee church service here at home
initially just for us. Church is a big part of our lives and makes us feel part of the
community. So Paul developed a half hour service format, with 2 hymns, a read-
ing based on the lectionary, a message he gives and prayers which are Katriona’s
job. Then we thought we should share it, and so we have been broadcasting live
on Facebook on Paul’s account for the entire time, over 30 services now. We
feel quite proud we have been able to keep it going. This week we gathered
apples with Matthew and we made a display of harvest produce. We have
around 35 regular “live” viewers” who join us each week at 10.15 on a Sunday
and the recording is usually watched by approximately 150 or more. In Pente-
cost week, it was shared quite a bit, and we received over 3,000 views!! We
have followers in India, New Zealand, Portugal and Ireland, as well as England
and Scotland. So our wee electric church is even reaching around the globe.
At times, we have felt extremely alone and isolated here and the service has
really kept us going. We know from comments that the “web congregation”
value it too. It is part of our new “normal”!
If you would like to join us, you are more than welcome, you can watch with a
cup of coffee or even in your PJs! Just send a Facebook friend request to Paul
Goode or Katriona Goode and you can then view it. If you are not on Facebook,
we can send you a link via WhatsApp/email. Paul’s email is
pgoode@btinternet.com
Cont’d….

28. - 26 -
The Lockdown experience for the Goode Family! Cont’d…
We plan to keep going, even if our church re-opens meantime, as we don’t feel it
is safe yet for Matthew to be in groups of people. Who knows when it will be?
Some say “the Lord moves in strange ways, his wonders to perform”. Well we do
think that’s true. For when Paul was refused training as an ordained Minister by
the Church of Scotland, it was a gigantic hurtful blow. I have always said “just
wait and see I am sure God has another plan for you.“ Before lockdown Paul
undertook training to lead worship within our presbytery. He took the service at
our local Earlston church many times, and now he is leading worship at home,
with a new “virtual” congregation.
We send our love and prayers to you all in these challenging days and send you
the Celtic blessing:
May the road rise up to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the soft rains fall on your fields
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Love
Paul Katriona and Matthew
Left:
Paul on Ronan, Katriona on Allie
Above:
Matthew in the garden in his new standing
frame.

29. - 27 -
Mattie on his special swing with all his plants.

30. - 28 -
October Quiz Answers
1 Hip Hop
2 Senior Service
3 Furry Friend
4 Long Leg
5 Greek Gods
6 Little Lion (Man)
7 Long Life
8 Seven Sided
9 Lucky Loser
10 Two Ton
11 Billy Bragg
12 Short sighted
13 Red Riding
14 Steeleye Span
15 Adam's Ale
16 Cannock Chase
17 Penelope Pitstop
18 Fabio Fognini
19 Money, Money, Money
20 Nick Nairn
21 Coco Chanel
22 Bevin Boy
23 Diana Dors
24 Ronald Reuel
25 Sussex Sharks
Hope you enjoyed the Quiz and good luck with November’s Quiz
Thanks to Alan Munford for providing the Quizzes

31. - 29 -
HEMEL ROTARY CLUB - SANTA SLEIGH - DATES AND PROPOSED ROUTES
SCHEDULE
SMILE-LINES
Fire in church
The town’s fire prevention officer was conducting a health and safety course at
the local church. The officer said to the minister: “Now imagine this: it is a
Sunday morning and you have a number of people, spread socially distanced,
throughout your church building. Some are in the choir stalls, some are in the
kitchen, and some are in the nave. Suddenly, a big fire breaks out. What are
the first steps you would take?”
The minister thought carefully for a moment. “Really big ones,” he said.

32. - 30 -
at St John’s
in the month September 2020
HOLY BAPTISM
5 September James Stanis Timothy Lynam The Poplars
6 September Zachary Michael James Lazard Hidalgo Court
20 September Ola Jagoda Kuba Pinewood Gardens
20 September Stanistaw Zbydek Duczmal Hanger Close
27 September Edward Henry Stray Burgundy Drive
May the Lord of his great mercy bless these children and give them
understanding of his wisdom and grace.
HOLY MATRIMONY
No Weddings were conducted in September
FUNERAL & MEMORIAL SERVICES
3 September Gilbert Burnham Gravel Path
3 September Linda Gair Wrensfield
May these souls and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy
of God, rest in peace.
BURIAL OF ASHES
5 September Joyce Baxter Cherry Tree Manor
16 September William Lee Grosvenor Terrace
20 September Dennis and Rose Woodward Chasden Road
29 September Eleanor Bevan Northridge Way

33. - 31 -

34. - 32 -

35. SMILE-LINES
Family tree
At a drinks party at a wealthy golf club, the conversation turned to the subject of
ancestry. “Of course, we trace our family back to coming over with William the
Conqueror,” observed one lady with satisfaction. She turned to a second woman,
who was new to the club, and asked, “What about you dear? Can you go back
very far?”
“Not very far,” came the reply. “You see, all the early family records were lost in
the Flood.”
Don’t worry
A little boy was told that he should try and be good, and that he could ask God for
help with this. So he prayed: “Lord, please make me good, if you can. But if you
can’t, don’t worry about it. I’m having a real good time like I am.”
The congregation
A minister was considering a move to a busy town-centre church, and wanted to
know what the congregation was like, and especially the church council. So, he
rang the minister who had just retired from that church. The retiring minister hes-
itated a moment and then replied: “Some of them are wise; some are otherwise.”
Prayer
A little girl attempted the Lord’s Prayer: “Our Father, who does art in heaven,
Harold is your name. Amen.”

36. Produced and printed by the Parish of Boxmoor