This document contains information about various events and services happening at St. John's Church in Boxmoor over the month of December and into early January. It includes details about Advent and Christmas services, notices from the vicar, and advertisements for local businesses. The main events mentioned are the Christmas tree festival from December 15th-18th, various carol services and Christingle services throughout December, and regular Sunday services over the Christmas period including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day masses.

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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
Quarter Page £60 per annum
For part year charges are pro rata of the annual rate rounded up to
the nearest whole pound (e.g. 1 month/issue full page 115/12 =
9.58 rounded up = £10 charge)
To discuss your requirements or for further information, please
contact Sally Bates, 01442 266912 or 07792 768236
or email: magazine@stjohnsboxmoor.org.uk

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THE VICAR’S LETTER
Dear Friends,
The end of one year and the beginning of next often
provokes us to ask the big life questions and to assess where
we are on our journey through life. We tend to look back on
what we have achieved or accomplished or failed to do over the past year
and say “What if…? If only…? Did I make the right decision?” whilst simulta-
neously looking forward, often making “Resolutions” on actions or commit-
ments we hope to achieve in the coming year. This New Year will probably
be no different and I have already made some resolutions for myself
personally for 2024 – unsurprisingly eating fewer biscuits and taking more
exercise are resolutions 1 & 2!
As a Church it is also important, from time to time, to look at what we have
done and achieved, or failed to do, and to work out what we would like to
do better or differently in the future. Indeed, as we enter our 150th
Jubilee
year it is particularly pertinent to be thankful for all that has gone before:
for the parish clergy and all who led our witness these last 150 years and
helped so many of us come to faith; for our relatives whose prayers and
praises still echo silently in the very bricks and stones of St John’s; for our
benefactors who caused St John’s to be built to God’s glory and adorned in
such a way that it raises our hearts and minds to the Halls of Heaven; for
our sustained position within our community (despite the dwindling role
the Church now plays in the public sphere) where support, guidance,
prayer, and friendships are especially valued.
But there is more we can do. During this coming Jubilee year it would be
fabulous if we could restore our Pastoral Care network – both within and
without the Church. It would be fabulous to grow our links with young
people (especially schools) and work more concertedly towards offering a
Youth Club. It would be fabulous to grow our musical heritage and return
to having a choral lead at all our services – but where this growth has come
from our local community, old and young alike. There is more we can do in
supporting Bibles for Children. There is more we can do to supporting
refugees and asylum seekers. There is more we can do in caring for God’s
creation and reducing our carbon footprint.

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But ultimately the Church is here to bring and share the Good News of
God’s love, as revealed in Jesus Christ, to the people we meet. Perhaps this
Christmas and Epiphanytide we will once again be inspired and reinvigor-
ated by God’s most generous act of deigning to come among us as one of
us in the stable of Bethlehem, living as one of us in the streets and villages
of Judea, teaching us the values of his Kingdom, setting us the example of
love to follow, and giving us his gift of forgiveness through his death and
resurrection. My prayer for us all this Christmas is that the Christ-child may
find room in each of our hearts to dwell.
Happy Christmas and every blessing for the New Year,
Everyday Christmas
(Mal 4:2, Mt 1:23)
Light a candle,
Look into the light,
Pray.
Light and life to all he brings,
Risen with healing in his wings
As the flame rises,
Smooth, bright,
Know the comfort of Christ
In the carol speaking
Afresh.
Bringing Jesus
Into heart and prayer.
Emmanuel, God with us.
Light of the world,
Out of the stable
Into our situations.
Because of Jesus
Christmas is everyday.
The Lord is here.
Hallelujah. By Daphne Kitching

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PARISH DIARY FOR DECEMBER 2023
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
except 23 December 2023 –7 January 2024 when they will be said privately.
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
The Parish Office will be closed 21 December 2023 – 12 January 2024.
Please contact the Vicar at the Vicarage.
Fri 1 7.00pm Choir rehearsal St John’s
Sun 3 First Sunday of Advent
8.00am BCP Holy Communion St John’s
10.00am All-Age Eucharist sung by the Junior Choir St John’s
10.00am Sung Mass St Francis’
11.30am Morning Worship St Stephen's
12noon Holy Baptism St John’s
12noon St John’s Lunch St John’s Hall
6.30pm Deanery Advent Procession Service St John’s
Mon 4 7.00pm Carol Service: Hemel Hempstead School St John’s
7.45pm Together on Monday Club St John’s Hall
Christmas Festivities
Tue 5 9.30am Tiny Tots: Stay & Play & Service St John’s Hall
8.00pm Church Meeting: PCC Standing Committee Zoom
Wed 6 St Nicholas
10.00am BCP Holy Communion followed by coffee St John’s
5.00pm Evening Prayer St Francis’
6.30pm Carol Service: Boxmoor Primary School St John’s
Thurs 7 11.00am Mountbatten Lodge Communion Mountbatten
Lodge

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Fri 8 7.00pm Choir rehearsal St John’s
Sun 10 Second Sunday of Advent
8.00am BCP Holy Communion St John’s
10.00am Parish Eucharist St John’s
10.00am Sung Mass St Francis'
11.30am Morning Worship St Stephen's
3.00pm Messy Church St John’s
Mon 11 9.00am Christmas Trees arrive for set-up
2.00pm Poetry Group 53 Beechfield
Road
3.45pm Lockers Park Lower School Christingle Service
St John’s
Tue 12 9.30am Tiny Tots: Stay & Play & Service St John’s Hall
6.30pm Concert: Dacorum Community Choir St John’s
Wed 13 9.00am Christmas Tree Dressing day
10.00am Holy Communion followed by coffee St Stephen’s
2.00pm Carol Service: South Hill School St John’s
5.00pm Evening Prayer St Francis’
7.00pm Carol Service: Lockers Park School St John’s
Thurs 14 10.00am Carol Service: Pixies Hill School St John’s
Fri 15 10am-5pm CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL St John’s
7.00pm Choir rehearsal St John’s
Sat 16 10am-5pm CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL St John’s
2.00pm Outdoor Community Carols around the Trees
St John’s
Sun 17 Third Sunday of Advent
8.00am BCP Holy Communion St John’s
10.00am Parish Eucharist St John’s
10.00am Sung Mass St Francis'
11.30am Holy Communion St Stephen's
6.30pm Traditional Festival of 9 Lessons and Carols
with the St John’s Ensemble St John’s
Mon 18 10am-5pm CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL St John’s
Tues 19 9.30am Tiny Tots: Stay & Play & Service St John’s Hall
10am-5pm CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL St John’s Hall
6.00pm Carols by Candlelight supporting St Francis Hospice
St Francis’

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Wed 20 10.00am Holy Communion followed by coffee St John’s
3.00pm Friendship Teas St John’s Hall
5.00pm Evening Prayer St Francis’
Fri 22 5.45pm Junior Choir rehearsal St John’s
7.00pm Choir rehearsal St John’s
Sun 24 Fourth Sunday of Advent
8.00am BCP Holy Communion St John’s
10.00am Parish Eucharist St John’s
10.00am Sung Mass St Francis’
11.30am Morning Worship St Stephen’s
CHRISTMAS EVE
2.30pm Christingle Service 1 St John’s
4.30pm Christingle Service 2 St John’s
6.30pm Carols at the Crib St John’s
11.30pm Midnight Mass St John’s
Mon 25 CHRISTMAS DAY
10.00am Parish Christmas Eucharist St John’s
10.00am Mass of Christmas Day St Francis'
Tue 26 St Stephen’s Day (Boxing Day)
10.30am St Stephen’s Day Holy Communion with Carols
St Stephen's
Wed 27 St John the Evangelist & Apostle
10.00am Holy Communion followed by coffee St John’s
Thurs 28 Holy Innocents
Sun 31 First Sunday of Christmas
8.00am BCP Holy Communion St John’s
10.00am Combined Parish Eucharist St John’s
No services at St Francis’ or St Stephen’s today
12noon MASJ New Year Walk begins St John’s
12.30pm MASJ New Year Run begins
JANUARY 2024
Wed 3 The Naming of Jesus (tr)
10.00am BCP Holy Communion followed by coffee St John’s
Sat 6 9.00am Christmas Trees removed

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Sun 7 THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD
8.00am BCP Holy Communion St John’s
10.00am Parish Eucharist St John’s
10.00am Sung Mass St Francis'
11.30am Morning Worship St Stephen's
Mon 8 12.30 for 1 pm TOMS Lunch at Little Hay Golf Club
2.00pm Poetry Group 53 Beechfield Road
Tues 9 11.00am Tiny Tots Christmas Party St John’s Hall
8.00pm Church Meeting: PCC St John’s Hall
Wed 10 10.00am BCP Holy Communion followed by coffee St John’s
5.00pm Evening Prayer St Francis’
Thurs 11 11.00am Mountbatten Lodge Communion Mountbatten
Lodge
Fri 12 7.00pm Choir Rehearsal St John’s
Sun 14 The Baptism of Christ
8.00am BCP Holy Communion St John’s
10.00am Parish Eucharist St John’s
10.00am Sung Mass St Francis'
11.30am Holy Communion St Stephen's
Tue 16 9.30am Tiny Tots: Stay & Play & Service St John’s Hall
11.30am Church Meeting: Bereavement Group St John’s Hall
Wed 17 10.00am Holy Communion followed by coffee St John’s
5.00pm Evening Prayer St Francis’
Fri 19 7.00pm Choir Rehearsal St John’s
Sun 21 Third Sunday after Epiphany
8.00am BCP Holy Communion St John’s
10.00am Parish Eucharist St John’s
10.00am Sung Mass St Francis'
11.30am Morning Worship St Stephen's
12noon Holy Baptism St John’s
6.30pm Choral Evensong St John’s
Tues 23 9.30am Tiny Tots: Stay & Play & Service St John’s Hall
Wed 24 10.00am Holy Communion followed by coffee St John’s
4.00pm Baptism Preparation St John’s
5.00pm Evening Prayer St Francis’
8.00pm Church Meeting: Finance Committee Zoom

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Thurs 25 11.00am Mountbatten Lodge Holy Communion Mountbatten
Lodge
8.00pm Church Meeting: Fundraising Committee Zoom
Fri 26 7.00pm Choir Rehearsal St John’s
Sun 28 Fourth Sunday of Epiphany
8.00am BCP Holy Communion St John’s
10.00am Parish Eucharist St John’s
10.00am Sung Mass: Bishop Norman presiding & preaching
St Francis'
11.30am Morning Worship
St Stephen's
Tues 30 9.30am Tiny Tots: Stay & Play & Service
St John’s Hall
Wed 31 10.00am Holy Communion followed by coffee St John’s
5.00pm Evening Prayer St Francis’
***********
Fatty Bird Bread Recipe
If you want to get rid of all your waste kitchen fat and bread crusts, then here is
a simple recipe!
Ingredients: - waste fat from pork, beef or lamb are ideal as they set hard at
room temperature. Keep in the freezer in a tub and keep adding to it. Keep your
crusts in the freezer about a loaf's worth of crusts (about 3 - 400 gms of fat to a
loaf’s worth of crusts).
Reheat your fat in a large saucepan. Defrost and chop up the bread crusts and
mix them into the fat. Stir it around until all the fat is soaked up and the bread
has broken into a mulch.
Empty contents into a tub, cool and keep in the fridge. Put a small handful out
every day for the birds. The birds will love it, giving them a much needed high
calorific treat when they most need it.
From a friend

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Advent: a Season of Watching and Waiting…
Advent is traditionally a time of watching and waiting for the coming of Christ.
We know he is to be born on Christmas Day, so in the preceding weeks we take
time to look for the signs of his coming among us. This is often done in prayer.
During Advent, as has become our tradition, I encourage you to join me in
contemplative quiet for 5 minutes before our Services begin. This time will be
triggered by the organ playing before the Service. I hope you will find this time
helpful to your journey of faith.
You might also like to use the Church of England’s daily resource for Advent
#follow the star to add your personal preparation for Christmas.
Christmas
As we look forward to celebrating afresh the birth of Jesus please note the
Service times and perhaps even bring someone with you to one of the services.
The Carol Services, Christingles, and Crib Services tend to be very busy so come
early if you would like the chance of a seat! Or book a ticket for the Christingle
services via our Website – tickets go live on 1 December, 9.00am – and they will
go quickly!
If you are going away for Christmas, have you planned where you will give thanks
to God for the birth of his Son – our Saviour? You will be made most welcome
wherever you go. This link will help you find the nearest CofE church.
www.achurchnearyou.com
Parish Carol Service: A Festival of Lessons and Carols…
… The perfect service to begin our celebrations of Christmas. Many will remem-
ber that in recent years (even during the Pandemic) our worship at the Parish
Carol Service has been augmented by the presence of The St John’s Ensemble. It
is a pleasure to be able to welcome the ensemble back again this year – thanks to
the generosity of Music at St John’s who have sponsored this service and the
Jennifer Worth Trust for their ongoing support – for what promises to be another
fabulous service in honour of Lord’s birth among us. This is an ideal service to
bring friends or neighbours to. It will be followed by Mulled Wine and Mince Pies.
No tickets required this year!

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Christmas Morning Sermon
As you know I like to set myself little challenges. For the last couple of years
(pre-pandemic) I have told the Christmas Story on Christmas morning using only
the gifts you have been given and opened that day – some of which (garden wire
springs to mind!) are harder to incorporate that others. I’m up for this challenge
again, so… please bring along a gift you have already opened and help me tell the
Christmas Story. I hope to incorporate as many gifts as possible, but certainly
gifts brought by children.
Parish Christmas Card/Flyer
Once again, as a Church we will be wishing every household in the Parish a Happy
Christmas by giving them a Christmas card which includes all our Service times on
it. If you are able to help distribute these cards, please collect a ‘distribution
route’ from the back of St John’s. Thank you in advance for helping share the
Good News of the birth of Jesus with all who live in the Parish.
Christmas Greetings
The tradition of exchanging Christmas Cards lives on – sometimes the only
communication we might have with some each year. For our Church Family I
should like to invite you to sign our Big Christmas Card – specially created for this
year – rather than sending individual cards. It will be available from Advent
Sunday. We hope the money you would have spend on cards/postage will be
donated to our charity Bibles for Children where every school child in Hemel is
given a Bible in years 3 and 6. Thank you in advance.
Christmas Tree Festival
Once again our Christmas Tree Festival looms ahead of us (15-19 December) with
a theme of Peace on Earth – how incredibly appropriate this year! This is a great
community event which I urge you to support and to encourage friends and
neighbours to attend. We shall sing Carols round the Trees OUTSIDE on Saturday
16 December at 2.00pm where Mulled Wine and Hot Dogs will be available – I
believe Father Christmas will also be making an appearance. Thank you to every-
one for putting such a huge amount of effort into this valuable fundraising and
community building event.
St Stephen’s Day Celebrations
I’m aware that for many the prospect of coming to Church on Boxing Day is not
very appealing – you’re ‘churched out’ by that point. But in this Parish we are
blessed with a Church dedicated to God’s glory in the name of St Stephen,
deacon and first martyr for Jesus Christ, whose Feast Day is 26 December.
Cont’d….

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St Stephen’s Day Celebrations cont’d
Once again we shall give thanks to God for Stephen at a Service of Holy Commun-
ion with Carols at 10.30am in St Stephen’s, Hazeldell Road. All are most welcome
as we give thanks for the ministry and presence we have within the Chaulden
area.
First Sunday of Christmas – New Year’s Eve
Following recent custom within the Parish, we shall only be offering the following
services on Sunday 31 December: 8.00am Holy Communion (BCP); 10.00am
Combined Parish Eucharist. There will be no service at St Francis’ or St Stephen’s
that Sunday. Mass will be over in plenty of time for the athletic among us to take
part in the MASJ Fun Run and Walk (see advert within for timings).
The Epiphany of our Lord
This year the Epiphany of our Lord will be celebrated on Sunday 7 January. We
will celebrate the Magi’s offering of gifts to the infant Christ in our usual way by
processing their gifts through St John’s at our Parish Eucharist. Chalk will also be
on hand for those who wish to mark their homes symbolising the arrival of the
Magi in our own homes. Incense will be used in recognition of the gift offered to
the Christ-child.
Congratulations to our recent Confirmands
It was a true joy to see 5 members of our congregation come to Confirmation on
Sunday 26 November at a special Deanery Confirmation Service, conducted by
Bishop Jane (Bishop of Hertford), where 8 people were Confirmed and one other
person was formally received into the Church of England. Please continue to pray
for these people as they, like us, grow as disciples of the God made manifest in
the face of Jesus Christ. They are: Fatemeh, Jane, Jo, Rachel, and Rebecca.
Messy Church
A fabulous Messy Church: God’s wonderful creation - was held on 21 October.
Fun and laughter, worship and mess abounded. If you have a young family or
grandchildren this is definitely the place to be! Our next Messy Church will be on
Sunday 10 December at 3.00pm. All are welcome for this time of craft, stories,
prayer, singing, and refreshments – but it’s especially suited to under 11s.
Countdown to Christmas Fayre Thank you
Sincere thank you to all who: helped organise; baked; ran stalls; publicised;
attended and spent money at our Fayre. A splendid effort. You never cease to
surprise me with the skills and dedication you offer. As I write the total raised
stands at approx. £3,300. Cont’d…..

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A tremendous effort given the economic climate we find ourselves. Of course,
Fundraising is important… but so too is the welcome and outreach to our wider
community – a wonderful atmosphere where all were truly welcomed. Thank you
all very much.
Parish Administrator
At the time of writing we are in the process of interviewing candidates to replace
Hilary as our Parish Administrator. The hope is a suitable candidate will be
appointed to start in January. Your prayers are sought for this process. Please also
pray for Hilary and her family as they re-locate to Devon and especially for Hilary
as she begins a new chapter of priestly ministry. Hilary will be licensed on
Wednesday 17 January.
Quiz Night
This Parish has a tremendous history of organising Quiz nights – fun, social, and
stimulating evenings. Sadly, due to poor up-take the last 2 have had to be
cancelled. I therefore hope that you will want to join me on Saturday 3 February
at 7.30pm at St John’s for a Quiz Night. More details will be published in the
Newsletter.
Photos by kind
permission
of Sally-Anne
Bates

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
The PCC met on 14 November, sixteen members being present.
The Vicar reported that the sermon series on Mission and Evangelism seemed to
have gone down well. There had been positive feedback about the welcome
given to newcomers and visitors.
Finances remain generally healthy, partly because of bequests, though it is
preferred not to draw on those for routine running costs.
Many items of fabric maintenance are currently in hand, including the phased
installation of Perspex secondary glazing at St John’s and St Francis’. The new
CCTV and upgraded wifi system was about to be delivered, enabling us to inte-
grate existing equipment more effectively. Several other routine works, planned
or otherwise, were also in hand. Appreciation was offered to the team who have
kept the church grounds in good order during the year.
The annual review of safeguarding practice and compliance under our new Safe-
guarding Officer, Rosie Akeroyd, was approved. All event organisers are asked to
ensure that appropriate risk assessments are conducted when planning their
functions.
An extensive discussion took place on our position relating to environmental
issues and the eco-Church. This will be taken further in the new year.
Thanks were recorded to Peter Garner, who has stepped down as co-ordinator of
the Hall Committee after six years' "temporary" tenure; a replacement has yet to
be identified.
Plans remain under development to mark the 150th anniversary of St John’s in
2024. Amongst many other events, there will be a Jubilee Exhibition over the last
weekend of June. We shall need to work hard in using this opportunity to bring
new faces into parish life.
Detailed reports were received from other sub-committees and groups.
The next meeting of the PCC was set for 9 January.
Nicholas King
Hon. Secretary

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Christmas Tree Festival 15–19 December 2023:
“Peace on Earth”
The St John’s Christmas Tree Festival 2023 is nearly upon us and all
systems are definitely go! The team cannot wait to see what the decora-
tors make of our chosen theme of “Peace on Earth”.
Festival times:
Friday 15 December 10 am – 5 pm
Saturday 16 December 10 am – 5 pm
(On Sunday the church will be open for Worship Only)
Monday 18 December 10 am – 5 pm
Tuesday 19 December 10 am – 5 pm
Admission is £2.50 on the door with accompanied children allowed in
free of charge.
Saturday 16 December: Carols Around the Trees at 2 pm
The Vicar will lead the usual jolly carol singing session, with the help of
Director of Music, Keith Beniston, on the keyboard. Everyone can sing
their hearts out, fuelled, if they wish, by hot dogs and glühwein! Santa
will come along and distribute sweets to all, as soon as the carols finish.
The usual refreshments will still be available in the hall.
If you would like to get involved, you could sign up as a volunteer to man
the door/steward the Festival, or to serve refreshments. Sign-up sheets
are at the back of church. If you are able to help with the set-up on the
morning or evening of Monday 11 December, please contact the Vicar, or
talk to Alan Munford if you are offering to help with the cabling etc.
Assistance may be needed on Saturday 6 January to help take down the
Festival (the majority of the trees will remain in the church over the
Christmas period).
Tell all your friends and neighbours about the Festival and take the hand-
bills and share them far and wide and bring your families and friends
along to see the trees!
Anne Lyne

20. - 18 -

21. - 19 -

22. - 20 -
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
Please Note: St. John's Church PCC cannot accept any responsibility for goods or services

23. - 21 -
Toe-tal
FOOT CARE
Safe, hygienic, friendly service for all the family
For the treatment of corns, callus,
ingrown or thickened nails,
nail trimming, cracked heels
In the comfort of your own home
Call Graham Spendlove, MCFHP, MAFHP
Qualified Foot Health Professional
Book now 07799 033974

24. - 22 -
Herts Musical Memories deliver vibrant, therapeutic music
sessions designed to help connect people to their memories
through singing. The group is aimed at people worried about
their memory or their voice, those living with dementia, their
carers, or anyone who likes to sing and have fun - everyone
is welcome!
The Hemel group meets on Tuesday afternoons at
St George's URC Hall. For more information please call
07515 633486.
SMILE LINES
Church rules
Six-year-old Angie and her four-year-old brother Joel sat together for the
Christmas concert in church. Joel kept giggling and whispering until his
big sister had had enough. “Be quiet in church!”
“Why?” Joel demanded. “Who is going to make me?” Angie pointed to
the back of the church and said: “See those two big men standing at the
door? They’re hushers.”
Christmas gifts
Grandfather was talking to his granddaughter, “When I was a child all we
got for Christmas was an apple and an orange.”
The little girl clapped her hands in joy. “Brilliant! I’d love a new computer
and a mobile!”

25. - 23 -

26. - 24 -
Parish Finances
As the end of the year approaches I felt it timely to provide an update on
our financial situation.
Set out in the table below is a summary of our Income and Expenditure
over the 10 months ending 31st
October 2023.
Our plan has been to use a carried forward surplus to enable us to run a
deficit budget in 2023. At this point a deficit of £16,200 was anticipated
but our actual position, as shown above, is slightly worse at £18,700. The
prime cause is higher than anticipated energy costs.
St John's and St Stephen's General Fund
Year to 31st October
2023
£ £
Balance at 1/1/23 45,300
Income
Planned Giving 58,800
Collections/Donations 16,500
Fundraising/Magazine 6,500
Halls 15,200
Fees 11,700 108,700
Expenditure
Parish Share 70,900
Administration 12,900
Music 11,600
Maintenance 6,900
Heat and light 14,000
Clergy expenses (incl. 23
Beechfield Rd) 5,600
Insurance 5,500 127,400
Balance at
31/10/23 26,600

27. - 25 -
We changed suppliers during the year and some double charging appears
to have occurred which is under investigation, so I'm hopeful we will
return to budget by year end. Fundraising from the Countdown to Christ-
mas Fayre and Christmas Tree Festival may further improve the position
but it is clear we will have an uphill task if we are to balance the books
next year. Events are being planned to celebrate our 150th
Anniversary
year in 2024, some of which will add to our regular Fundraising and
which may fill the gap. Also this year we have received £15,000 in
legacies (not included above) which could be used - although the PCC
prefers to allocate legacies to project spends if it can. The Finance
Committee will have met to look at options by the time you read this and
I'll let you know what the PCC decide to do to see us through 2024 early
in the new year.
Chris Angell, Honorary Treasurer.

28. - 26 -
'Music Percentage Club Update’
Congratulations to the winners of the October
Music Percentage Club draw:
Job Rombout 1st £15
Lorraine Ioannou 2nd £8
Carole Lewis 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.
*********
Christmas Prayer 2023
Almighty Father,
Thank you for your indescribable gift of Jesus – the Light of the
world. Thank you that He brought light and life to all who received Him
during His life on earth and that He still brings light and life to all who
receive Him.
Lord, how this broken world needs your light today. As we rejoice and give
thanks for Christmas, we pray that the light of Jesus will pierce the dark-
ness of self-interest and hatred – and change the hearts of those who do
not love you or their neighbours.
We pray that by the power of your Holy Spirit you will deliver your people
from evil, and that Your kingdom will come on earth as in heaven. Thank
you, Father, that because of Jesus, light will always shine in the darkness
and the darkness will never be able to extinguish it.
Glory and thanks and praise to You Father God, this Christmas and always.
In Jesus’ saving and powerful name. Amen.
By Daphne Kitching

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FEBRUARY 2024 - PRICE 60p
Please note the deadline for articles for the February edition of the magazine is
Sunday, 7th January 2024.
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/A4 format (MS Word or MS Publisher
preferred). Thank you. Sally Bates, Editor, Tel No. 266912 or Mobile 07792
768236.
PLEASE NOTE
Website for St John’s Boxmoor is:
www.stjohnsboxmoor.org.uk
E-mail: 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 magazine@stjohnsboxmoor.org.uk 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 ………………………………………………………………………...

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WAR IN UKRAINE - A FAMILY STORY
Hello, Dear Parish Community
It's been the second year since we have been living in England. Artem is in
Year 3 and he enjoys school, especially the sports activities and mathe-
matics, as well as interacting with friends and teachers. The educational
process is designed to fully engage the child through play, communica-
tion, movement, and nature exploration, which is why Artem eagerly goes
to school.
He continues to practice taekwondo and has earned a yellow belt, and we
are preparing for him to receive the next level belt by the end of the year.
I (Olha) have been working in a small construction company in the
financial department for 9 months now. The work is interesting, and the
friendly team makes it enjoyable to go to work every day. Communication
at work and additional English lessons for both Artem and me helped us
improve our English language skills.
My husband, Alexander, continues to live and work in Ukraine. We are
very happy that this year we had the opportunity to meet for a few days
on neutral territory, where my husband went on a business trip.
The situation in Ukraine is not getting easier, especially for our region.
The first rocket attacks in our city were only at the beginning of the war,
but now Russia has started shelling not only border areas but also Sumy,
the regional centre.
Just in the last few months, they bombed a school that is located 0.5
miles from our home, and people who lived there in the dormitory died,
in the town of Romny, the director, his deputy, and the librarian all died,
they had come to prepare for the start of the school year.
This school is located 30 miles from my mum's house. This happened
right before the new school year when children were supposed to come
on September 1st. It is very scary that they are targeting educational
buildings where children could be. Ukraine has announced another
mobilization and is conscripting even partially fit men for the war.

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The impression is forming that a war of attrition is underway. Russia
seems to be attempting to annihilate Ukrainians. The shelling of
hospitals, schools, train stations, and commercial establishments where
people have gathered can only be described as genocide and terrorism.
Winter is approaching, and once again, there are 46 ballistic installations
concentrated on the border with Russia, along with grim forecasts of
renewed shelling of thermal power plants and reservoirs.
We are very grateful to you for providing a safe haven, for the opportuni-
ty to educate our children, and for the chance to unite with Ukrainians in
Hemel Hempstead. The Ukrainians in Hemel Hempstead have been
offered the opportunity to organise a branch and join the Association of
Ukrainians in Great Britain, which was founded in 1946. This will allow us
to organise events to support Ukrainians, and children (the Ukrainian
school already operates every Saturday), and come together to aid the
Ukrainian army.
Kind regards
Olha
********
Quiz Master Needed
St John’s Quiz Nights are held only 2 or 3 times a year. They are
always well attended and much enjoyed, and a good revenue earner
for Parish funds from the point of view of the Fundraising
Committee. However, we need another Quiz Master.
Are you a “Quizzer?” Do you like devising quizzes? Would you be able to
join the team who organise the quizzes at St John’s church?
If you see yourself as a potential Quiz Master, or are happy to help set up
the Hall for the quizzes, please contact the Vicar or Alan Munford who
will be happy to brief you on what is required. Don’t be shy! If you could
help, please put yourself forward.
The Fundraising Team

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Music at St John’s Annual New Year’s Eve
10k Run & 5k Walk
Sunday 31st
December 2023
MaSJ are holding their now customary 10k Run/5k Walk on New Year’s
Eve. The popular event is once again being ably organized by John
Garner, for the more athletic among us to participate in a relatively
gentle start to running after the Christmas break, and for those who
would prefer a leisurely stroll to take the easier option, perhaps
accompanied by our four-legged companions.
The event starts and finishes at St John’s Church on Sunday 31 Decem-
ber. As New Year’s Eve falls on a Sunday, the start will be later this year
because of church services. The church will be open for registration from
11.00 am. The entrance fee for the 10k Run is £10 and for the 5K Walk
£5. All proceeds raised on the day go to our charity, Music at St John’s.
Coats and bags may be left in the church for safe keeping during the
event.
Walkers set off at 12.00 noon. Please note that the walking route is
mainly off-road (along the canal towpath), but there are alternatives
available in case of bad weather conditions or for those with small
children/buggies. The 10k running event begins at 12.30 pm. This is a non
-competitive event, but a fairly sociable one, allowing a post-Christmas
get-together of athletes and walkers. The exercise provides a good way
of reducing those extra kilos we all seem to gain over the Christmas
period!
Do come along and join in and tell your friends and neighbours too!
Enjoy some outdoor exercise in the company of like-minded souls and
raise money for charity at the same time!

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Together on Monday Club
We have had a year of interesting and enjoyable meetings covering a wide
range of topics.
Several of our members have kept us entertained with a variety of
subjects. Travels in Australia, My Grandmother the Suffragette, the
History of St Stephen’s, Why I climb, Sinking beneath the waves, and from
Mike ‘The Ramblings of a Vicar ‘. As always Alan Munford devised and ran
a quiz for us that did not tax our brains too much. We also heard from
outside speakers, Susannah Worth and Carole Lewis spoke about Jenny
Worth, we learnt about the Donkey Sanctuary at Sidmouth, we had a
musical evening in church when Anna le Hair played our grand piano and
Denise Chenelle told us about The Boy with no Name.
As has become our custom we started the year with a lunch at Little Hay
Golf Cub and we returned in August for another excellent meal.
Our outing this year was to the Milton Keynes Open Air Museum which
we all agreed was a fascinating place.
Our meetings take place on the first and third Mondays in the month at
7.45 pm in the church hall. There is an annual subscription of £12 and at
each meeting members are invited to donate to a local charity and the tea
fund. Our charity for 2023 was the Liberty Tea Rooms in Bank Court.
New members are always welcome.
Di Tovey
HEMEL HEMPSTEAD ROTARY SANTA SLEIGH 2023
Visit our Santa Sleigh Website for the Calendar and Streetfinder -
www.hemelsantasleigh.co.uk or latest news and updates on our Face-
book Page: hemelhempsteadrotary.
Dates of routes for Boxmoor area:
Route 5 - Boxmoor/Green End Tuesday 19 December 5.30 - 7.30 pm
Route 6 -Gadebridge Rd/Hammerfield/Boxmoor Wednesday 20 December
5.30 - 7.30 pm

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Another new role for Ruth Goatly
Ruth was a Curate at St Johns from 2009-2013 and Associate Priest from
2018-2020.
On 22nd
October, Ruth
was commissioned as an
Anna Chaplain, along
Peter Curtis, from
St Peter’s Church,
St Albans, at Marlborough
Road Methodist Church,
St Albans. Maggie Dodd,
who has been Anna
Chaplain in St Albans since
early 2021, was re-commissioned as Anna Chaplaincy Lead.
Anna Chaplaincy is a ministry of the BRF (Bible Reading Fellowship). It seeks
to accompany older people at this age and stage of their lives. It is an
ecumenical, community-based, chaplaincy promoting the spiritual welfare of
older people, whether they are of strong, little or no faith at all.
The role of an Anna Chaplain involves visiting older people wherever they
may be living, whether in residential and nursing homes, sheltered housing,
retirement complexes or other private homes. The emphasis is on spiritual
support but, clearly, people’s practical struggles will also play a part in their
overall well-being.
All three will work as a team across St Albans, but
Ruth’s particular area will be the parishes of St Mary’s
Marshalswick and St Leonard’s, Sandridge. Ruth will
also continue as Associate Priest at St Mary’s.
Together they are the first Anna Chaplains in this
Diocese.
If you want to find out more, you can contact Ruth via
email at ruth@marshalswick.org.uk or phone 07961
980158 – or for more information about Anna Chaplain-
cy generally go to annachaplaincy.org.uk

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“How to make an eco gift” - Please cut out and keep.
(Please note you can now get brown paper sticky tape!)
Dee Fisher - 07748 307979
The Green Team

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at St John’s
in the month October
HOLY BAPTISM
1 October Joshua Thomas James Geggie Pixies Hill Crescent
May the Lord of his great mercy bless this child and give him
understanding of his wisdom and grace.
HOLY MATRIMONY
6 October Kennedy Morgan and Samuel Taylor
O God, our Father, whose greatest gift is love, bless those, we ask you,
who within your presence take each other in marriage.
FUNERAL & MEMORIAL SERVICES
2 October Jean Murphy Galley Hill
12 October Peter Brian Davis Crouchfield
19 October Christopher Robin Hunt Alexandra Road
30 October Philip Robert Preston The Lodge Nursing
Home
May these souls and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy
of God, rest in peace.
BURIAL OF ASHES
3 October Shirley Anne Freeman South Hill Road

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40. Produced and printed by the Parish of Boxmoor