St. John's Magazine - August 2021

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PETER D HANNABY
Painter & Decorator
Interior and Exterior work
Undertaken
For competitive quotations
Please call
Mobile: 07765 250092
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
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For part year charges are pro rata of the annual rate rounded up to
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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,
During the final few weeks of the academic year it was a true
delight to be able to welcome school children to church once
again, showing them around and explaining our symbols, rituals,
and customs. One question I am asked by every class is what is meaning each of
the different colours has on our vestments. This made me wonder how many of
you, our regular congregation, would be able to answer this question? Have you
even noticed that on particular Sundays and during the various seasons the
colour changes? I’m sure you have. Or do you just think I go to the vestry and
think ‘I’ll wear this one today?’.
The principle colours are Green, White, Red, and Purple – although there are
others which I’ll come to in a moment – but what do they represent?
Green is the colour for Ordinary Time; the season we are in now, stretching from
the day after Trinity Sunday to the day before All Saints’ Day (31 Oct) – excluding
any specific Feast Days. It is the colour of new growth and reminds us that during
this period of Ordinary Time we are to be nurtured in the faith; we are to grow
and develop in our understanding and discipleship so that, when we get to one of
the Principal Feasts we may celebrate more fully. Usually during this time our
Bible readings during the Eucharist have been chosen to enable us to walk along-
side the disciples as they walk with and learn from Christ; we are presented with
countless miracles to show us the depth of God’s love and grace in Jesus Christ;
and to reaffirm our belief that Jesus is the Son of God.
Red is the colour of blood and fire. Our red vestments are therefore worn on days
when we remember and celebrate our Christian martyrs – the lives of those who
died for their faith. Among them are St Stephen – a deacon in the early Church
and the first person to be martyred, St George, and St Alban. But they are also
worn on days when we think of the Holy Spirit – often depicted as tongues of fire.
Red is therefore worn on the Feast of Pentecost and on days when we recall
Jesus’ first disciples – the Apostles – who were sent out to proclaim the Good
News of Christ upon receiving the gift of his Spirit at Pentecost.
Purple, which was once considered a ‘royal’ colour due to its expensive proper-
ties, is now more commonly associated with penitence and grieving and there-
fore worn during Advent and Lent. Cont’d…...

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During these seasons we prepare by prayer and fasting for momentous events in
the life of Christ: Advent to prepare for his birth in Bethlehem – when God
became incarnate, and Lent when we prepare for Jesus’ death on the cross and
glorious resurrection on Easter Day.
Purple is also often worn at funerals representing our sorrow for those whom we
know and love yet see no-longer.
And our final principal colour is White. This is our joyful colour – often either
trimmed with gold and sometimes exchanged for gold – and is therefore worn
during times of celebration. It is therefore worn at Christmas when we recall
Jesus’ birth – “God with us”, and during Easter – “Alleluia! Christ is risen!” It is
often referred to as our ‘best’ set and therefore also used on other great days of
celebration ranging from weddings and baptisms to other feasts of Jesus like
Corpus Christi, Ascension Day, and Trinity Sunday. White is also worn throughout
Kingdom Season in November when we recall the saints in glory, clothed in white
apparel.
As already alluded there are some other colours which may be worn. Rose vest-
ments for instance are worn on two particular Sundays called ‘refreshment days’
– Gaudate Sunday and Laudate Sunday (Advent 3 and Lent 4). These are days mid
-way through these penitential seasons when we are permitted to break our fasts
and relax a little. Blue vestments (or at least blue trimmed vestments) tend to be
worn on days celebrating the Blessed Virgin Mary primarily because Mary is most
commonly associated with wearing a blue dress. Black vestments (if a church has
them) may be worn at funerals and memorials and, as you would expect, is
associated with mourning. Gold, as already mentioned, may replace white as a
churches best set and therefore worn on momentous celebrations. Churches that
have gold vestments tend to wear these on the actual feast day – like Christmas,
Epiphany, Easter, and then their second best white set during the remainder of
the season.
So now you know why the different colours that are worn and displayed. Who
knows, perhaps this knowledge might help you during this season of growth and
understanding, as we are nurtured in our faith.
Every Blessing,

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PARISH DIARY FOR AUGUST 2021
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
(10.30am-5.00pm on Saturdays)
The Parish Eucharist and worship resources will continue to be recorded and made
available at www.stjohnsboxmoor.org.uk/suspended-services-resources. Where
this is not possible this month due to holidays please join the services from
St Albans Abbey.
Sun 1 Ninth Sunday after Trinity
8.00am BCP Holy Communion 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
2.00pm Wedding - Niall Woods & Jessica Elms St John’s
No Evening Service
Wed 4 10.00am BCP Holy Communion followed by coffee St John’s
5.00pm Evening Prayer St Francis’
Friday 6 The Transfiguration of our Lord
Sat 7 3.30pm Wedding - Stephen Avis & Tara Carn St John’s
Sun 8 Tenth Sunday after Trinity
8.00am BCP Holy Communion St John’s
10.00am Mass St Francis'
11.30am Holy Communion St Stephen's
2.00pm Deanery Pilgrimage to St Albans
No Evening Service
Tue 10 10.30am Tiny Tots Picnic St John’s churchyard
8.00pm PCC Standing Committee Zoom

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Wed 11 10.00am Holy Communion followed by coffee St John’s
Overnight Young Christian Climate Network Pilgrimage
St John’s
Hall
Sun 15 The Blessed Virgin Mary
8.00am No Service today
10.00am Mass St Francis'
11.30am Morning Worship St Stephen's
No Evening Service
Wed 18 10:00am Holy Communion followed by coffee St John’s
Sun 22 Twelfth Sunday after Trinity
11.30am Morning Worship St Stephen’s
No Evening Service
Tue 24 St Bartholomew the Apostle
Wed 25 10.00am Holy Communion followed by coffee St John’s
Sat 28 10.00am MASJ Bursary Awardees Concert St John’s
Sun 29 Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity
11.30am Morning Worship St Stephen’s
No Evening Service

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PRIESTING OF REVD VANESSA HADLEY-SPENCER
Currently serving her title as Assistant Curate within Cheshunt Team
Ministry at Christ Church Waltham Cross, Vanessa, formerly Head Choris-
ter at St. John’s, was priested together with two other candidates on
Sunday 27th June at St. Etheldreda, Hatfield, where she had been
attached during her time as a Pastoral Assistant from 2015 to 2017. The
service was conducted by the Bishop of Hertford, Rt Revd Dr Michael
Beasley, who introduced the service in jocular vein (“what on earth did
you think you were up to, getting ordained at such a time?”), assisted at
the laying on of hands by Ven Janet Mackenzie (Archdeacon of Hertford),
Revd Philip Waller (Diocesan Director of Ordinands), Revd Canon Teresa
Wynne (Team Rector at Christ Church, Waltham Cross) and Fr Darren
Collins (Team Rector at St. Etheldreda, Hatfield). The service was
followed by a hog roast and drinks in the churchyard at Hatfield.
Vanessa with Revd Canon Teresa
Wynne after the service. Picture
by Fiona Hadley.

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Vanessa celebrated her first Mass at Waltham Cross on Saturday 3rd
July. Supporters included Revd Canon James Reveley, formerly Vicar of
St. John’s.
Pictures by Angie Schooling. Text by Nicholas King.

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Covid-19 Update
As of 19 July the legal restrictions imposed upon us by the Government to help us
keep pandemic under ‘control’ have been lifted. The Government, I am told, are
keeping this under review and will act when they deem it necessary. But, for now,
the legal requirement to wear face coverings, socially distance, and provide track
and trace information is removed. This combines with singing being permitted
once again by congregations and choirs indoors – the first time since March 2020!
In line with this, the Church of England has issued new guidance, and our PCC
have endorsed the following to be in operation in all our churches for the foresee-
able future:
• Although face coverings are not mandatory we recommend that worship-
pers wear them moving about inside our Churches. When seated/in their
pews coverings may be removed which will aid singing.
• Social Distancing will remain in operation in all our churches with at least
one pew being kept empty between occupied pews. Likewise we will still
encourage people of different households/bubbles to sit at least 1metre
away from each other.
• Hand Sanitiser will continue to be available on entry and exit from all our
churches.
• The peace will continue to be shared by waving to one another.
• Holy Communion will be administered in the same way as before
restrictions were lifted: the ministers will continue to wear face coverings;
sanitise hands; and either come to you in your pews, or invite you to come
to the front – wearing your face coverings as recommended. Communion
will remain in one kind – the Body of Christ.
• Congregational and Choral Singing will once again be part of our worship.
As we return to ‘normal’ we will still have the occasional piece of CD music
to aid reflection and devotions at many of our services.
• Track and Trace is no longer mandatory but once again recommended.
Guidance issued on 19 July has given more clarity on this issue. We recom-
mend using our sign-in sheets and not the QR codes.
• Coffee has returned to most of our services and will be available at all
services in August. We recommend that no more than 6 people/2 house-
holds gather around each table. Where possible please think about enjoy-
ing refreshments and a natter outside after the service.

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Financial Stewardship: Giving to God what he is worth
As you will no doubt be aware we have been running a Stewardship campaign in
this parish for the past couple of months. The initial response was encouraging
(and thank you to all of you who have already increased your weekly/monthly
offering) although it appears we have not yet hit our targeted increase in Planned
Giving. Without this increase we are once again at the perils of making ends
meet via fundraising and hall lettings – neither of which are guaranteed to
happen as we endure the lasting effects of this pandemic. Please, please, please
can I invite you once again to review and up your financial stewardship towards
the ministry of God’s Church here in Boxmoor? There is no doubt that we are
doing some fabulous work in our community, making connections with schools
and other institutions, welcoming and nurturing new disciples of Christ, and help-
ing those in need. But we cannot do all this if we cannot pay our bills.
MAP: Mission Action Plan
I hope, by now, you will all be aware that part of our diocesan vision of growth
and engagement involves setting priorities for mission in every parish. Over the
past decade we have needed to review and renew our Mission Action Plan many
times as goals are achieved or need to be amended to be more relevant in our
changing world. As we emerge out of lockdown (and hopefully this pandemic)
our PCC are reviewing our priorities and goals for the future. These priorities will
be shared more fully soon but if you would like to know more please ask any
member of the PCC, a Churchwarden, or me. Likewise, if you would like to
suggest where you believe we should be investing our energy and resources I’d
be delighted to hear from you. Once the MAP is agreed this will set our agenda
for the next 3 years or so.
Deanery Pilgrimage to St Albans
On Sunday 8 August our Assistant Rural Dean will be leading a Pilgrimage to St
Albans Abbey. This will be a change to all the Anglican Churches in Hemel to
come together on a walk to the Abbey, sharing and talking as we go, and joining
in worship when we arrive. There we will be a tour of the Abbey followed by
Prayers at the Shrine, Choral Evensong, and then either drinks and food at a local
pub, or a return journey home. The plan is to meet at Holy Trinity Church, Lever-
stock Green at 2.00pm for a 2.30pm departure. Arrive at the Abbey by 4.30pm
for a Tour. Evensong at 6.00pm. You are strongly encouraged to think about how
you will make your homeward journey (some may even like to walk back!) All are
welcome.
Cont’d…….

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Tiny Tots Picnic
On Tuesday 10 August, 10.30am-12.30pm our annual Tots summer picnic will
return to the grounds of St John’s. All children and family members welcome.
Please bring your own picnic and rug. Once again a chance to socialise outside
and enjoy other peoples’ company. Please see our Facebook page if the weather
is looking dodgy!
Fun Day and Cricket Match
The weather looked like it might dampen our party but mercifully the rain dried-
up and the BBQ and Cricket went ahead. What a joy it was to be able to socialise
and spend time in other peoples’ company – all in a safe and Covid-secure way.
The BBQ was expertly handled by our fabulous catering team (they had planned
for 40 people but in the end fed 60!), the gazebos provided welcome shelter
(although the rain did stop) and our usual hospitable character enabled passers-
by (with some or little connection to the Church) to join us – the perfect way to
encourage them to become more engaged.
As for the Cricket – what a game! Although we lost with only 4 balls to go, our
team put on a valiant display and played the match with a perfect spirit of trying
one’s best whilst having lots of fun. Our opponents – The Occasionals (not The
Boxmoor Odd Sods as I had led you to believe!) played in the spirit. Everyone had
a go. Everyone had a laugh. And a faithful and enthusiastic audience provided a
wonderful atmosphere giving welcome encouragement. Hopefully this is some-
thing we will be able to repeat in the coming years. The only downside to the
match was one or two players picking up injuries including some lovely purple
bruises. Thank you one and all.

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Afternoon Tea & Choral Evensong with Thanksgiving for the life of Stella Chan-
dler
What a fabulous afternoon we had remembering and celebrating Stella. The Tea
was well attended and provided a lovely opportunity for folk to reminisce and
reconnect. And Evensong was sublime. Our choir sang music chosen by Stella’s
family – music Stella herself enjoyed – to an exceedingly high standard. The Eulo-
gies were warm and characteristic of Stella. And the congregation was one of the
largest we have enjoyed since Easter. Celebrating on what would have been
Stella’s birthday was a fitting tribute to a much loved lady… and it gave us some-
thing to celebrate on 11 July!!!
Golf Day: Sunday 5 September
In a potentially exciting new fundraising initiative the Parish is to run a Golf Day
on Sunday 5 September at Little Hay Golf Complex. The day will start at 12noon
and comprise a round of golf, lots of in-game challenges, BBQ, raffle, family fun,
and hopefully also a celebrity visit. Teams of 4 golfers are needed. If you play golf
this would be a fun way to raise money for the Parish. Please speak to me if you
are interested or email events@stjohnsboxmoor.org.uk
Summer Holidays
With any luck the British summer will return to enable day-trips to the seaside
and give us all some time to rest and relaxation. During August I intend to take 3
consecutive weeks off with the family to try and rebuild my energy levels ready
for the new academic year. On the corresponding Sundays there will not be an
8.00am Holy Communion and we will welcome visiting clergy. This is the first
year in many years when services have not been covered by a member of the ‘in-
house’ team. I know you will continue to extend to our visiting clergy a warm
and generous welcome.
Memorial Rose Garden
For those who have not seen the Rose Memorial Garden at St John’s is beginning
to bloom. Plaques in memory of loved ones (as requested) have been installed.
The Gardening Team at St John’s remain very busy in their tasks to keep the
grounds looking neat and tidy – my sincere thanks to them.
The Return of Junior Church and Junior Choir
One of the biggest areas of our common life to be affected by the pandemic has
been our work with children and young people. Although we have been able to
reintroduce Tots other areas of our Junior Church have suffered. But this is about
to change… Cont’d…..

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The Return of Junior Church and Junior Choir cont’d…..
Junior Church: With the lifting of Covid restrictions, and a new school term loom-
ing, we are looking to restart our Junior Church. On Sunday 5 September we will
have our first All Age Eucharist in over 18 months, and then each Sunday there-
after Junior Church will take place during our 10.00am Parish Eucharist. We are
also hoping to be able to run a Messy Church in the autumn – more details to
follow next month.
Junior Choir: Now that singing is once again permitted indoors – both for organ-
ised choirs and for congregations – we are planning to resume our Junior Choir
this autumn. Any Primary School aged child is welcome to join the choir. Rehears-
als will return on Fridays 10 & 24 September, 5.30-6.30pm, in St John’s Hall. The
hope is the Junior Choir will be able to sing for our Harvest Festival on Sunday 3
October.
Return to Coffee after services
One of the things we have longed for during the pandemic is spending time with
other people. Our usual meeting places were denied us. Although Zoom provided
some much needed contact to some it wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea. From the
beginning of August refreshments will once again be available after all our
services (apart from Sunday 8.00am). We have successfully navigated pilot
schemes at St Francis’ and St Stephen’s and by now have re-introduced coffee on
a Wednesday. All seems to be going well. Where possible we invite you to take
your drink outside and to remember your social distancing as you have a good
natter with friends – old and new.
I should also add that (after too many years to mention) Janet Packe has decided
to step-down as Coffee Organiser although she will continue to take her turn on
the rota. I am most grateful to Janet for all she has done over the years in helping
foster our spirit of hospitality. I am delighted to announce that Yolanda Porter
will succeed Janet as organiser.
YCCN Pilgrimage
Over the summer a national youth Christian pilgrimage will be walking the length
of our country to raise awareness of the effects Climate Change is having on our
environment. The route goes right through the parish. Consequently we will be
offering hospitality to these walkers on the night of 11 August as they camp-
down for the night in St John’s Hall. If you would like to come and say ‘Hello’ you
would be most welcome. For more details, see their website https://
www.yccn.uk

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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
Prayer for the new day
Dear Father,
In this strangest of summers, with its traffic-light travel restrictions and
on-going concerns about Covid 19, help us to remember that You never
change. Your light is constant. Your love continues. Your presence is
assured, whether we stay at home, or travel within the UK, or further
afield. There are no restrictions on Your Holy Spirit.
Thank You, Lord, for the gift of each new day, wherever we may be.
Thank You that by Your grace, we share all our days with You, secure in
all circumstances, when we put our trust in Your precious son, Jesus
Christ. In His name we pray. Amen.
By Daphne Kitching

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

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St John's and St Stephen's General Fund
£ £
Balance at 1/1/21 37,748
Income
Planned Giving 36,030
Collections/Donations 5,485
Fundraising/Magazine 420
Halls 1,924
Fees 4,224 48,083
Expenditure
Parish Share 42,097
Administration 3,927
Music 4,395
Maintenance 778
Heat and light 4,998
Clergy expenses (incl. 23
Beechfield Rd) 3,154
Insurance 4,696 64,045
Balance at
30/06/21 21,786
Fabric
Fund
Balance at 1/1/21 (Deficit) -11,494
Income
Legacies 10,000
Loans converted to gifts 9,375
Fundraising 4,929 24,304
Expenditure
Loan Repayments 4,000
Repairs 0 4,000
Balance at
30/06/21 8,810
Half-Time Results
The table below sets out the financial position as at 30th June 2021.

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As can be seen from the table the reserves we built up in General Fund at
the end of 2020 by withholding some of our requested Parish Share have
proved sufficient to keep us solvent and current projections suggest we'll
get through the year without having to resort to further non-payment of
Parish Share. These projections do, however, assume fundraising, Hall
takings and service collections return to 2019 levels throughout the
Autumn and Winter, none of which is certain.
What is certain is that without the increase in Planned Giving targeted by
our Stewardship campaign we won't be able to balance the books in
2022. As I've been explaining at length sustainability requires us to
increase Planned Giving to at least cover our Parish Share. The numbers
show the gap clearly - Parish Share £42,097 against Planned Giving of just
£36,030, a £6,000 gap in the first half of 2021 or £12,000 in a full year. So
far, the campaign has generated around £2,000 per annum (and very
many thanks to those who've started or increased their Planned
Giving) so there's a big gap still to be filled.
On the Fabric Fund front the deficit has been removed thanks to legacies
from the late Anne Higham and the late Stella Chandler, boiler loans
being converted to gifts and the Churchwardens' Easter Appeal. Whilst
this is all good news the cost of the project to provide St John's with a
broadcast capability, which was the object of the Churchwardens'
Appeal, has increased significantly and any major renewals, repairs or
replacements that arise (there's already a queue) are likely to face delay
as all planned fundraising remains committed to covering day to day
costs - another reason increasing Planned Giving remains a priority.
Chris Angell
Treasurer
SMILE-LINES
Who first
While flying home, my mother was sitting across the aisle from a woman
and her eight-year-old son. Mum couldn't help laughing as they neared
their destination and she heard the mother say to the boy, "Now remem-
ber - run to Dad first, then the dog."

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'Music Percentage Club Update’
Congratulations to the winners of the June Music
Percentage Club draw:
Job Rombout 1st £15
Garth Bridgwood 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
*************
Candles in the Dark – Faith, Hope and Love in a Time of Pandemic
By Rowan Williams, SPCK £9.99
Rowan Williams offers comfort, hope and
encouragement for the troubled times of
coronavirus. He considers how “the founda-
tions have been already laid for whatever
new opportunities God has for us on the far
side of this crisis.”
The book brings together the 26 weekly
Christian meditations originally posted
online from March to September 2020,
during lockdown in the first wave of the
Covid-19 pandemic, for the congregation of
his local parish church.

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SEPTEMBER 2021 EDITION - PRICE 60p
Please note the deadline for articles for the September edition of the magazine is
Sunday, 1st August.
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 ………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
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Contact Telephone Number ………………………………………………………………………...

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Summer Fete
What a fabulous day! The saying “The sun shines on the righteous” has
been mentioned to me many times over the last few days, but regardless
of whether it is true or not we certainly enjoyed the benefits. A genuine,
welcoming, and happy atmosphere was created and enjoyed by so many.
We had lots of things to sell and do, and some lovely entertainment and
attractions. Once again our Summer Fete was an overwhelming success
due to the hard work put in by the Fundraising Committee and the army
of volunteers who ran stalls, cooked, erected and dismantled gazebos,
and lugged boxes. In that heat this was no mean effort – I think I was the
coolest person of them all in the Stocks!
You will be pleased to know that on the day we raised £3,500 which, when
a few final expenses have been deducted should leave a profit of around
£3,300. Thank you all very much.

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HOW long? Thirty years? How can that be possible?
It’s a bit of a shock to realise that on 21/9/21 I will have been a licensed
lay reader for thirty years! How on earth did that happen?
Thirty four years ago, while still teaching German and English but now
living on my own, I began to feel “nudgings” to look into some kind of
authorised ministry. I spoke to Revd. Alan Freeman, then Vicar of
Boxmoor, who told me to go away and pray about it for three months and
he would do the same. I hadn’t heard of reader ministry before, but soon
it began to crop up in unexpected places. I once heard a work place chap-
lain, himself a reader, say, “Unless you feel strongly called to ordination as
a priest, STAY LAY”. I learned that lay readers are theologically trained lay
people whose ministries are very varied, but their role is to be where
church and the world intersect. For me at that time, that was at school.
When I’m wearing my official robes, my blue scarf gives away the fact that
I’m a reader. At my licensing service along with a dozen others nearly
thirty years ago I was given a Bible by the Bishop. As he put the scriptures
into my hands he said very firmly: “Take authority to minster in this
diocese”, That was a truly spine tingling moment. Alan then put the blue
scarf around my neck and accepted me to minister alongside him. He
taught me a great deal in those years, both during my training and after-
wards.
But why are we blue-scarfed wearers called readers? The dear old Church
of England has many weird and wonderful customs and expressions and if
you look hard enough you can usually find the reason and the meaning
behind them. Somewhere in the mists of time when vicars were not
always in their parishes they would appoint a man in the village, who
could actually read, to read the morning prayer service and the sermon,
either one the vicar had written himself or one out of a book. Eventually
this became an authorised ministry with training but it kept the name -
reader. Women were finally admitted to reader ministry during the First
World War when there was a shortage of men, and we stayed.
Officially a reader is a lay person who undertakes training and is then
given authority to preach, lead worship, take consecrated bread and wine

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from the communion service in church to people in their homes or hospi-
tals or care homes and take funerals, to be always ready, to speak, yes,
but above all to listen and to love, in the name of Jesus.
Readers come from all walks of life, all backgrounds. No initial qualifica-
tions are needed other than a desire to serve. We’re lay people, on the
edge between the church and the world, not always a comfortable place
but never a dull one. Becoming a reader is not a shot gun process! There’s
discernment, followed by training and always ongoing learning, help and
support, otherwise I certainly wouldn’t have stayed a reader for thirty
years!
Now I’d like to invite you to ask yourself two questions:
The first is this: Who do I know that God might possibly be nudging to
consider reader ministry?
Think about it, pray about it in the coming months and either mention it
to them or to Mike or to me. Go on praying and supporting. It might take
time!
The second question might sound a bit scarier:
Could- -one of them- -possibly- -be- -ME??
I was once talking with a friend who was asked to be best man at a
wedding. “That’s scary!” he said. “ Will I have to make a speech? What if I
lose the rings? Help! What do I have to DO about it?!”Well, there’s lots of
help around for anyone taking on this role, books of best man jokes and
speeches, help from friends who’ve been there, done that. As for the
internet, it’s a treasure trove! And what a privilege it is to be able to serve
a brother or friend in this way.
I guess you can see the parallel I’m drawing. If you feel yourself possibly
being nudged to consider readership you don’t have to leap into the
pulpit and start preaching straightaway as if you’ve been doing it all your
life. You don’t have to produce a learned thesis on some great theological
topic by next Tuesday. It’s a very gradual process with plenty of help and
support along the way. Just speak to someone about it. There will be
absolutely no pressure.
Cont’d…...

- 28 -
After that initial three months from when I first spoke to Alan I went back
and told him I’d been getting vibes about reader ministry and he looked
startled. "I've never recommended anyone for reader ministry before”, he
said, “But when I pray about you that is what keeps coming to me. Here’s
the phone number of the district warden of readers. I will ring him and
then you fix up to go and have a talk with him”. That really was the start of
a great adventure in faith that’s still going on thirty years later.
I started here at St John’s, then married in 1994 and moved to Berkham-
sted to the home of my new husband, John Lewis. We ministered together
at Sunnyside church and St John’s Bourne End which was all very exciting.
We had been licensed as readers at the same service in 1991. Very sadly
John died in 2006 and I moved back to Boxmoor four years later. Two years
after that I was called back to minister in this parish. It’s a great blessing
and privilege to be accepted here again where I feel I truly belong.
Mike has kindly agreed to a special choral evensong on Sunday 19th
September when I can invite you all afterwards to celebratory refresh-
ments as a thank you for all the love and support I’ve received over so
many years. I hope it will be able to happen and that you’ll be able to
come.
Carole Lewis
The Hospice of St Francis – Hospice News
August 2021
The Hospice held their first mass participation event, ‘Walk Your Ridgeway’ earlier
this summer, following months of lockdown. There were 250 fantastic supporters
on the day and a HUGE £54K raised for the Hospice – an outstanding amount!
We rely on community fundraising, to help fund the £5 million needed each year
to provide our free care. By supporting the Hospice, you are helping us to help
more people in the local community to feel safe and supported through a life-
limiting illness and to live their precious life well.

- 29 -
News and Events
Car Boot Sales – August & September Dates
The Hospice is currently hosting a series of Car Boot Sales on the second Satur-
day of every month, until September, at Dudswell field, Tring Road, Dudswell,
HP4 3TA. The next event is Saturday 14th
August. Sign up for a pitch to sell your
unwanted items or visit as a buyer between 8:30am-12pm. For more infor-
mation, please visit the Hospice webpage: stfrancis.org.uk/car-boot-sales
Shop for Good
The Hospice has launched a new exciting online shop – ‘Shop For Good’. This
innovative online offer has well-being, eco, sustainability and ‘doing good’ at
the heart of its offer. A must for present and gift giving! Keep up to date with
the shop launch by following the Instagram: @shopforgood_hosf and website:
shop-for-good.org.uk
Fitness & Wellbeing Festival
Join the Hospice for their first Fitness and Wellbeing Festival! Held on Sunday 5th
September, at Dudswell Field, Tring Road, Dudswell, HP4 3TA. There will be a
variety of fantastic taster workshops to take part in! Visit the Hospice website
for more information: stfrancis.org.uk/festival
Classic Car and Special Interest Car Show
Continuing with their summer 'covid-secure' events, the Hospice is hosting a Car
Show on Sunday 12th
September! Featuring a range of classic and impressive
cars each with a personal history and lovingly cared for! Return once more to
the private event space in Dudswell, this time for afternoon of automobile
history and family fun: stfrancis.org.uk/car-show
And finally…
Accessing our Care – Self Referral
The Hospice of St Francis is there to help in any way they can, with care provid-
ed Free. If you, or someone you know, is living with cancer or a life-limiting
illness such as a heart, lung, kidney or neurological condition we might be able
to support you. (We support from early diagnosis and through treatment and
remission). Please do fill in our short referral form online: www.stfrancis.org.uk/
selfrefer
Follow us on Facebook @TheHospiceofStFrancis, Instagram
@HospiceStFrancis, Twitter @hospicstfrancis or call us on 01442 869555.

- 30 -
at St John’s
in the month of June 2021
HOLY BAPTISM
20 June Nathan Henry Thomas Trotter Meadow Road
May the Lord of his great mercy bless this child and give him
understanding of his wisdom and grace.
HOLY MATRIMONY
No Weddings were conducted in June
FUNERAL & MEMORIAL SERVICES
23 June John Andrews Flaunden Park
May this soul and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy
of God, rest in peace.
BURIAL OF ASHES
25 June Alan Derek French River Park

- 32 -
For anyone who is learning about trust in God….
The Slide
As I watch
She climbs the steps steadily,
Holding the handrail,
Her two-year-old feet following each other
Rhymically, unhesitatingly
To the platform at the top
Where she sits down
And freezes.
Holding tight to the sides,
Knees up, feet flat
She judders down a little way
Then looks up.
Her eyes meet my smile, my outstretched arms –
And she takes her hands off the edge of the slide,
Shooting forward with a squeal of delight,
Trusting the love she knows.
Lord, I have climbed so steadily,
I have come so far, in my own strength,
Holding on, holding back,
Sometimes freezing.
But I am Your child,
Today I will lift my eyes
And meet Your smile, Your outstretched arms,
I will lift my juddering feet –
And take my hands off the edge of the slide
Released to ride, by Your Spirit,
Into the freedom of Your will,
Trusting the Love I know.
By Daphne Kitching

Produced and printed by the Parish of Boxmoor

St. John's Magazine - August 2021

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St. John's Magazine - August 2021