This document contains a vicar's letter to parishioners, advertisements for local businesses, announcements about church services and events, and other notices relevant to the parish community. The vicar's letter discusses how fear is addressed over 365 times in the Bible and encourages parishioners to rely on the Holy Spirit to overcome fear. The document also provides the parish diary for upcoming month which lists church services and events.

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PETER D HANNABY
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contact Sally Bates, 01442 266912 or 07792 768236
or email: magazine@stjohnsboxmoor.org.uk

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Vicar’s Letter
Dear Friends,
What do you think is the most common instruction in the Bible?
‘Love God’? ‘Love your neighbour’? ‘Repent’? These would all be
good guesses but actually it is ‘Do not be afraid’. This instruction
has featured heavily in our Bible readings this Easter and by my count do not be
afraid (or something very similar) appears 365 times in the Bible – one for every
day of the year. And of these, 21 times is by Jesus. But why? Why is this so
important?
As many will know, when gripped by fear it is virtually impossible to do anything
other than panic or worry. Fear debilitates – preventing us, or even paralysing us,
from doing many normal things or thinking rationally. Fear prompts us to act
selfishly, often as a means of self-preservation. Fear often only breeds more fear.
Some biblical examples of this would be:
• Jonah – when faced with the scary task of telling the people of Nineveh to
repent or face the coming judgement he chose to run away through fear.
• King Herod – when he learned of the birth of Jesus, a rival King, was filled
with fear that his kingdom would be taken from him and so slaughter
thousands of children to try to eradicate the problem.
• Peter – at Jesus’ trial, whilst sitting in the courtyard, was asked 3 times if
he knew Jesus but denied him 3 times for fear he too would arrested and
face the same fate as Jesus.
• All the Disciples – after Jesus’ death they locked themselves away in the
upper room for fear they too could be arrested and killed.
Fear can be terribly destructive and life inhibiting. Terrorists seek to get their own
way by causing as much fear as possible, weakening resolve. Newspapers and
other news outlets prey on peoples’ fears as a means to increase sales and
circulation. Politicians are often accused of scaremongering when trying to push
controversial policies through Parliament. And over the last year we have, rightly,
been gripped with fear regarding the spread of Coronavirus and how we can
protect one another and ourselves. Although this fear has been well-founded it
has nonetheless been life inhibiting. And there are more intimate instances
when fear is holding us back from speaking the truth to someone or putting
ourselves forward for a job or situation.
Cont’d….

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This month we will celebrate afresh the Feast of Pentecost, when God
bequeathed on his Church the gift of his Holy Spirit. This Holy Spirit can and does
find ways to calm our fears and give us strength. When the disciples were
cowering in the upper room and the risen Christ came and stood before them he
not only calmed them with his words but strengthened and sustained them
through the gift of his Spirit. They only left the upper room and started talking
about the risen Christ through the Spirit’s strength. And it is because of the Spirit
that we have heard this Good News for ourselves and have come to believe.
As members of God’s Church, we are invited to trust and rely on God’s Spirit to
bring peace and calm when we are fearful. But let us also share that peace and
calm with those around us as we engage in matters of national/international/
personal importance.
May the Peace of the risen Christ be with you always.
Every Blessing,

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PARISH DIARY FOR MAY 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
Sun 2 Fifth Sunday of Easter
8.00am BCP Holy Communion St John’s
10.00am Parish Eucharist
10.00am Sung Mass St Francis’
11.30am Morning Worship St Stephen's
12noon Holy Baptism St John’s
6.30pm No Evening Service
Mon 3 Bank Holiday - No Services
Wed 5 10.00am BCP Holy Communion St John’s
11.00am Coffee Morning Zoom
5.00pm Evening Prayer St Francis’
Sun 9 St John’s Day (tr)
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 No Evening Service
Wed 12 10.00am Holy Communion St John’s
11.00am Coffee Morning Zoom
5.00pm Evening Prayer St Francis’

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Thu 13 THE ASCENION OF OUR LORD
8.00pm Deanery Ascension Day Holy Communion
Grovehill
Sun 16 Seventh Sunday of Easter - Sunday after The Ascension
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 No Evening Service
Mon 17 2:00pm Remembrance Service & Burial of Ashes St John’s
Phyllis Simons
Tues 18 8.00pm PCC Meeting - in person St John’s
Wed 19 10:00am Holy Communion St John’s
11.00am Coffee Morning Zoom
11.30am Burial of Ashes—Doris Owen St John’s
5:00pm Evening Prayer St Francis’
Thurs 20 tbc Wedding Rehearsal St John’s
Sat 22 2.00pm Wedding—Ben Beasley & Georgina Hardy
St John’s
Sun 23 PENTECOST
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 No Evening Service
Mon 24 8.00pm Church Meeting: Fundraising Committee
Zoom
Tues 25 8.00pm Church Meeting: Communications Committee
Zoom
Wed 26 10.00am Holy Communion St John’s
11.00am Coffee Morning Zoom
5.00pm Evening Prayer St Francis’
8.00pm Church Meeting: Finance Committee
Zoom

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Thurs 27 8.15pm Wedding Rehearsal St John’s
Sat 29 12.30pm Wedding —Chris Harley & Angelica Lecart
St John’s
Sun 30 THE HOLY AND UNDIVIDED TRINITY
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 No Evening Service
Mon 31 Bank Holiday - No Services

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Financial Sustainability 3 – Planned Giving
“How about a cup of coffee?”
Two months ago, in the first of three articles on making St John’s a financially
sustainable Parish, I explained why “Giving’s got to grow”. This month I’m address-
ing the most intractable problem in achieving sustainability: how to get regular
Planned Giving to exceed Parish Share.
Like all accountants I’m often accused of “knowing the price of everything and the
value of nothing”. I hope it’s not generally true, but in this instance it’s valid. I
know to the penny the cost of our Parish Share (£1,619.08 a week) and roundly
what is currently being contributed (£1,380 a week, including gift aid, but, sadly,
falling). However, what I must admit I don’t know is how we each value our
churches or how much more you might be willing to contribute in order to sustain
them.
Walking through Riverside on my way to St John’s recently I passed a well-known
coffee shop and was horrified to see that a large Latte is now priced at £3.45. I was
also surprised by how many people were queuing, despite Lockdown, to buy one.
They presumably consider the product is worth £3.45 but the price of a paper cup,
hot water, coffee, milk and sugar must be very considerably less. Maybe it’s the
way it’s mixed, the Brand or the ambiance that adds value. And, if so, I thought,
perhaps we should view Parish life the same way. I can calculate the price of keep-
ing our buildings open and providing services but what value do you put on faith
and fellowship?
Well, let’s say it’s one cup of coffee a week. Then perhaps those who don’t
currently give regularly should start with £3.45 a week and those who already
give might add £3.45 to their weekly giving. If everyone in the congregation did
so we’d raise over £400 a week and the PCC could stop worrying about how to
pay Parish Share and free up more time for meeting spiritual needs.
So what’s the value of faith and fellowship to you? One cup, two cups or more?
Of course if it’s worth six cups of coffee a week to us all we could start to think
about a new Car Park……..
And remember the seventh cup of coffee - the one after Sunday service - is free.
Or to be more accurate there’s no price. You just put what you think it’s worth in
the bowl; which for the Vicar and I is quite a lot given there’s a biscuit thrown in!!
Cont’d…...

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In reality not everyone will be in a position to start or increase their financial
giving but hopefully many of you will be, and rest assured, all contributions to
Parish life, whether financial or otherwise, will continue to be welcomed and
valued.
Chris Angell, Parish Treasurer.
Rae Warby and family would like to thank the Vicar, Mike Macey, and any of the
St John’s congregation who helped to make Ken’s funeral a truly lovely memorial
to him. It was nice to have the Canon James and Canon Ruth to take part in the
service too. And thank you Lorraine and Di for your help in making up the
‘afternoon tea’ boxes, which were greatly enjoyed by all.
Give Thanks appeal raises funds for vulnerable people
Christian Aid’s latest appeal, which enables people to give thanks for their Covid-
19 vaccine and help others in crisis across the world, has raised £130,000.
Many people in the UK are feeling a sense of relief as loved ones receive their
vaccines. Christian Aid’s Give Thanks appeal encourages people to pass the
blessing on, by helping others who have little protection from the pandemic.
Funds from the appeal are helping vulnerable communities around the world
access soap, water, food and vital health information as Covid-19 continues to
destroy lives and livelihoods. Christian Aid partners have so far directly helped
over half a million people in 27 countries.
A donation page (www.christianaid.org.uk/give/ways-donate/give-thanks-your-
coronavirus-vaccine) has been set up where people can give to Christian Aid’s
Coronavirus Appeal.

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Covid-19 Update
This month should see the next step in the easing of Covid safety restrictions
within society. Looking at the current data the number of people in hospital or
infected with Covid has dropped to levels last seen in September 2020. Indeed, no
deaths from Covid have been reported in this area for over a month although our
neighbours, Luton, once again has the highest case rate in the country. The
Government therefore hopes that from 17 May we will be able to move into Step
3 of their 4 step plan which enables the rule of 6 or two households to meet
indoors, indoor hospitality (like our halls) to re-open, the return of domestic over-
night stays and international travel to permitted countries, and weddings and
funerals to each have up to 30 guests. For many families this will make a huge
difference – being able to see loved ones more freely (especially if they have to
travel). The vaccination roll-out, our collective adherence to the rules, and our
care for one another has brought us this far and will hopefully see us back to
‘normal’.
As a Church, we have been told that we can have a small choir singing during a
service attended by congregation (if we so choose) but that congregational singing
is still not permitted indoors; that face-coverings and distancing will be in force for
a little bit longer but that in-person meetings can resume. We are therefore work-
ing hard to enable Tiny Tots to resume (hopefully making use of our outside
space); to have a mixed-mode approach to meetings where some meetings will
remain on Zoom whilst others will return to in-person meetings; preparing our
Halls for re-opening to clubs and organisations – both within and external to the
Church; and to find ways to enable hospitality and fellowship after services.
Attendance: Over the last month or so attendance at services has, on the whole,
been encouraging. We are consistently gathering 45-55 people at the Parish
Eucharist – which is well below the capacity of the building – and roughly a 50% of
our pre-pandemic congregation. St Francis and St Stephen’s are both welcoming
between 10 and 12 people each week – a near 100% return rate. Our Wednesday
morning service of Holy Communion is gathering 15-25 people, again this is
roughly a return to pre-pandemic levels. But the service most affected by the
pandemic is our Sunday 8.00am service of Holy Communion. At present we are
averaging only 4 people at this service. There is obviously a lot of capacity so I
would encourage any who have not yet returned to public worship and are
concerned about being with too many people to think about trying this short
service.
For the foreseeable future the Parish Eucharist will remain at 10.00am. Our
regular Evening Services will also remain suspended, although from time to time
special services may be introduced.

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I remain deeply grateful to our churchwardens and to all who help open, clean,
and welcome our brothers and sister in Christ to our churches for worship. Thank
you.
Churchwardens Appeal: Easter 2021
Wow! What a phenomenal response to our Easter Appeal asking for help to
improve our technical provision within the parish. To date over £4000 pounds
(including Gift Aid) has been donated or pledged. This will enable us to stream
services live for those unable to attend in person and increase the range of our
pastoral ministry particularly with respect to funerals and baptisms. Thank you all
for your generosity and support of this project. Now to fine-tuning the spec and
installing the system!
Holy Week and Easter
Sincere thanks to all who made our journey through Holy Week and Easter this
year so special. It was thrilling to see the Parish Easter Eucharist so well attended
– by all ages – especially after not being able to celebrate together last year. I
hope those who attended St John’s enjoyed the opportunity to sing about the
resurrection after we started the service outside.
I should also I like to express my sincere thanks to everyone who worked so hard
to clean and decorate our churches in preparation for Easter. You have all done
us proud. Thank you.
St John’s Day Celebrations: Sunday 9 May
As many will know the Feast of St John the Evangelist (our patron Saint) falls on
27 December. Experience shows that no one wants to be in church that close to
Christmas, let alone celebrate a Patronal Festival. In line with recent tradition we
shall therefore observe and celebrate St John on Sunday 9 May with our Patronal
Parish Eucharist at 10.00am.
Financial Stewardship: Giving to God what he is worth
Over the last few months our Parish Treasurer has been reminding us of the
perilous financial tightrope we walk in this Parish. Our expenditure (which is
constantly kept in check) is not met by our financial giving but relies on fundrais-
ing events and hall lettings. The pandemic has shown us how untenable a
position this is moving forward. For a Church of our size we should be able to
make ends meet without relying on fundraising and lets. It has been incredibly
heartening that throughout the pandemic our level of giving has been main-
tained but disappointing that that level is below what we need to stay afloat.
Cont’d...

14. - 12 -
On the Feast of Pentecost, Sunday 23 May, we will be inviting you to re-assess
your financial contribution towards the life of the Church. What is God worth to
you each week? Can you put a price on what it means to be forgiven? Does it
equate to the price of a costa coffee - £3? Or a cheapish bottle of wine - £5? Or
take-away Fish n chips - £7.50? What is God, and worshipping him in our beauti-
ful buildings, worth to you?
Thy Kingdom Come
During the 10 days between Ascension Day and Pentecost (13–23 May) the
Archbishops of Canterbury and York are once again encouraging congregations
within the Anglican Communion (and supported by other Churches around the
world) to pray for spiritual and numerical growth in the Church. Please set some
time aside to pray during this time. You might like to pray for 5 people at 5
o’clock each day that they might come to faith, or for an increase in vocations to
Holy Orders, or for those who have been/will be baptised in the Parish this year.
Perhaps you might like to join the clergy for either Morning or Evening Prayer
during these 10 days.
Deanery Ascension Day Eucharist
On Thursday 23 May at 8pm there will be a combined Deanery Eucharist to cele-
brate the Ascension of our Lord after his resurrection. This year the Church of the
Resurrection, Grovehill, will be hosting the Service which will be offered both as
in-person worship and online (more details will be published nearer the time in
our Newsletter). In years gone by this Feast day was a day of obligation and often
meant a day’s holiday from school. Sadly this doesn’t happen any longer but I
hope many will be able to celebrate Christ’s return to the Father’s side in whatev-
er way seems most appropriate to you.
Parish Fun Day, BBQ and Cricket Match
One of the things I think we are all craving as we come out of lockdown is social
interaction – fellowship, fun, conversation, laughter. We hope our Parish Fun Day
with BBQ will tick many of those boxes. This year it will be held on Sunday 27
June. In addition to worshipping together and sharing a food and fellowship, this
year there will also be a cricket match in the afternoon where we hope to be able
to offer Pimms and sunshine (we might be able to help with one more than the
other!). If you would like to be part of the team, please express your interest to
me. More details to follow in next month’s magazine and the Newsletter.

15. - 13 -
Afternoon Tea & Choral Evensong with Thanksgiving for the life of
Stella Chandler
In thanksgiving and remembrance for Stella’s long and well-lived life her family
would like to invite you to Afternoon Tea in the churchyard followed by Choral
Evensong in Thanksgiving on Sunday 11 July. Stella was a much loved and
respected member of our fellowship, as we saw by the number of people who
lined the road by St John’s as her coffin drove past on the way to the crematori-
um. More details to follow as they emerge.
Summer Fete
A reminder that our Summer Fete will be on Saturday 17 July in front of St
John’s. All help and items to be sold gratefully received. We hope this will have a
traditional village fete feel, where all the community are welcome. I hope you will
be able to support this.
Ordination to the Priesthood
It is with joy that I inform you of a forthcoming ordination to the priesthood.
Vanessa Hadley-Spencer, one of our former Head Choristers, who is currently a
Deacon will be ordained a Priest in the Church of God on Sunday 27 June. In
support of her ministry, and in recognition that her vocation was nurtured in this
Parish, there will be an opportunity to buy her a Stole for use in her future
ministry. Please see the Newsletter for more details. Please continue to pray for
Vanessa in the lead-up to her ordination and for all who are called to serve the
Church in Holy Orders.
SMILE-LINES
The puppies
A client brought a litter of Golden Retriever puppies to the local veterinary clinic
for inoculations and worming. As the look-alike pups tumbled over and under
one another in their box, the experienced vet realised it would be difficult to tell
which had been treated and which hadn’t. So, the vet turned on the water tap,
wet her fingers and gently moistened each dog’s head as she finished giving it the
necessary shots.
After the fourth puppy, the vet noticed her hitherto talkative client had grown
silent and was looking rather reverent. As the animal doctor sprinkled the last
pup’s head, the owner leaned forward and whispered, “Thank you so much. I
hadn’t realised you baptised them, too.”

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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
Pentecost this year is on 23rd
May
Prayer for Pentecost
Loving Father God,
Thank you for sending your Holy Spirit;
Your Spirit who knows no restrictions or barriers;
Your Spirit who can reach us and be with us and in us,
wherever we are, whatever our circumstances;
Your Spirit who comforts and heals and empowers us to live with
confidence that, ultimately, all shall be well;
Your Spirit who connects us, through the life, death,
resurrection and ascension of Jesus.
Because of Jesus’ victory over death we have hope and life forever.
Thank you, loving Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
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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May 2021 Alliterative Quiz
1 Landlord of the house in Rising Damp
2 Sir Alec Rose's boat in which he sailed round the world
3 SGB Speedway team, based in Cambridgeshire
4 Stage name of Charles Stratton, 19th century dwarf
5
Scottish hair dresser, boyfriend of Rory Brown in Mrs Brown's
Boys
6 Who wrote 'Gone with the wind'
7 British sitcom with Julia McKenzie & Anton Rodgers
8 Meerkat scientific name
9 Jazz pianist - had a hit with Watermelon Man
10 Former Scottish Leeds United striker
11 In Ice Hockey, when 1 team opponent serving a penalty
12 Costumed criminal scientist who uses 'opti-blasts'
13
Jerusalem place of prayer and pilgrimage sacred to the Jewish
people
14
Francesca Simon books about this self centred, naughty prank-
ster
15 Girlfriend of answer to previous question
16 Spin off sitcom from Only Fools and Horses ( 3 words)
17
Marjorie Proops, Claire Rayner & Dorothy Dix were famous ex-
amples
18 Suburban area in East London, sounds like a comedian
19 Famous for British Holiday Camps
20 Rene Artois owns a small café in this sitcom
21 European war 1701-14 due to childless king Charles II
22
Army Game script writer. As an actor he was Ernie in Eastenders
23
Character played by Annette Crosbie in One Foot in the Grave
24 Schindler's List film director
25 CaCO3

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What will happen to our offices in the future?
There will be less of them – a lot less.
In fact, one recent study warns that the pandemic will mean office space
in the UK shrinks by a fifth, which is 18 million square ft.
Certainly, the current flexibility of working from home, brought on by the
pandemic, seems set to bring in permanent changes, according to the risk
management and insurance broker Gallagher.
In the future, office will be mainly for collaborating or attending meetings,
or for storing vital equipment and IT. Working in an office five days a
week will become a thing of the past. And of course, that, in turn, will
have a profound impact on the look and shape of our cities.

22. - 20 -
Dear Editor
Some of the things I did in lockdown!
I am writing this in response to Carole's request in the April church maga-
zine inviting us to say what good thing we did in lockdown.
In lockdown one I "typed" a diary up more or less everyday on a manual
typewriter in red ink (because the black ribbon was too faint!). I took
photos to illustrate this - e.g. wearing a mask, standing two metres apart
outside the Co-Op, Chaulden and made some virtual hugs to send to my
daughter - ( i.e. you draw round your hands and put them on some
string). I personalised these with drawings of my rings and nail varnish!
I also rescued the two almost dead plants from the Quiet room windowsill;
took cuttings from them and have raised four new plants - two which I can
put back, one which I'd like to keep and one for anyone who would like
one. They were literally brought back from the brink of death!
Now for something quirky that I did!! I dried my tea bags, made some
loose leaf tea and made myself a pot of tea! It didn't quite have the
caffeine kick a normal cup of tea would have but it was passable. Ever
since I watched the tv programme "1940's House" I have been left with a
lasting impression about rationing and a thought "what would it be like if I
had to go without my tea or coffee? Hard to say the least! So I have kept
my dried tea bags in case of a shortage - created by the Covid pandemic -
and at worst they can be used as compost feed on my rose bushes! They
certainly won't go to waste!
And finally during the third lockdown I made myself a Home Communion
booklet - taking photos of Fr Mike Preparing the Table and Blessing the
Bread and Wine from the online church service illustrated with only a few
words from part of the service. I must say this has really brought to life
the Communion Service to me.
Dee Fisher

23. - 21 -

24. - 22 -
'Music Percentage Club Update’
Congratulations to the winners of the March Music
Percentage Club draw:
Nicholas King 1st £15
Sheila James 2nd £8
Peter Garner 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
*************
BOOK REVIEW
Comfortable Words – a Call to Restoration
Nine reflections on Isaiah to bring hope in challenging
times.
By Stephen Croft, BRF, £7.99
‘Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God…’.
Through nine reflections Steven Croft, Bishop of
Oxford, examines what these ‘comfortable words’ have to say to us.
The prophet sings of love and forgiveness, of new hope and strength in
God, to rekindle courage in the hearts of God’s people. The prophet sings
of a new kind of leadership, based on humility and gentleness. The prophet
sings to tell us not to be afraid even in the face of death. These are
comfortable words the whole world needs to hear afresh in this season.
Each reflection begins with a passage of scripture taken from Isaiah 40-55:
the song of an unnamed prophet who sings at the end of the exile to call
God’s people home.

25. - 23 -
JUNE 2021 EDITION - PRICE 60p
Please note the deadline for articles for the June edition of the magazine is
Sunday, 2nd May.
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
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26. - 24 -
The Revd Canon Paul Hardingham considers how the Holy Spirit can
change our lives.
Pentecost
The celebration of Pentecost this month could be described as a birthday
party for the Church, as we remember the gift of the Holy Spirit to the first
disciples (Acts 2:1-13). What are we celebrating?
God’s Promise: The disciples obeyed Jesus’ instructions as they gathered
in the Upper Room: ‘Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my
Father promised’ (1:4). They met expectantly in prayer for God’s promised
gift. Just as we look forward to birthday presents, how eager are we to
receive more of the Spirit in our lives?
God’s Power: ‘All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit’ (4). The disci-
ples needed the power of the Spirit to be different: not fearfully gathered
behind locked doors, but energised to make Christ known. The Spirit can
transform our lives into the likeness of Jesus and give gifts to equip our
witness. Although the disciples’ experience of this power was overwhelm-
ing, it was essentially an encounter with God’s love. For us, this can be
equally emotional or quiet, but all are included, and nobody is excluded
from this experience.
God’s Purpose: The disciples ‘began to speak in other tongues as the
Spirit enabled them.’ (4). The Spirit empowered their witness, so that
everyone heard them speaking in their own ‘native language’ (lit: dialect,
v8). We all have a story to tell of God’s activity in our lives and it’s the
Spirit who translates our words and actions into a language that those
around can understand! At Pentecost, 3,000 people were added to the
church in one day! What do we expect of the Spirit in our day?
‘Let the Church return to Pentecost, and Pentecost will return to her. The
Spirit of God cannot take possession of believers beyond their capacity of
receiving Him’ (Andrew Murray).

27. - 25 -
April 2021 Quiz Answers
1 Windscreen wiper
2 Top Trumps
3 Germaine Greer
4 Mr Motivator
5 Monster Mash
6 Blind Beggar
7 Britannia Bridge
8 Hop House
9 Bunny Boiler
10 Master Mariner
11 tuk tuk
12 Burlington Bertie
13 Breaking Bad
14 Likely Lads
15 Red Routes
16 Ted Turner
17 Debbie Dingle
18 Dead Drop
19 Run Rate
20 Ding Dong
21 Sue Sylvester
22 Mister Mister
23 Merry (Merrie) men
24 Half Hour
25 Ballard Berkeley

28. - 26 -
David Pickup, a solicitor, considers the challenge of dealing with emails.
Emails – a blessing or a problem?
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse
human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same
mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not
be. (James 3 v 9-10)
I wonder what St James would say about emails! He had plenty to say
about how what we say can cause lots of damage. He wrote that the
tongue is a like a spark which starts a forest fire. It is easy to say a
thoughtless thing or inadvertently spread gossip or speculation.
Emails are a great way of communicating. You can send a message to
someone in the same parish or across the world almost instantly. Lawyers
always ask, “have you got evidence in writing?” Telephone calls or face to
face conservations are still evidence but it is difficult to prove what was
said. Conversations are recorded so you can see the chain of who said
what and when. Emails are quick and free.
Emails can, however, easily be harmful. You can accidentally send a
personal or private message to the wrong person or even worse copy it to
lots of people. It is also difficult to judge the tone of an email, whether it is
light-hearted or serious, cross or joyful. When are on the telephone or
speaking face to face it is easier to tell whether the speaker is feeling
angry or light-hearted.
Sometimes we need a break. Emails are good but many people find you
can never get away from them and constantly check for business messag-
es while at home or on leave. Perhaps we should not send emails to the
vicar on a Sunday night while she is watching Strictly. Some discussions
are better face to face, and always double check who you are sending it to
or copying to.

29. - 27 -
The author of this poem is Richard Candlin and it’s taken from his
anthology ”Go to the ant”. Each poem is based on a Bible verse. “Go to
the ant” is from the book of proverbs.

30. - 28 -
100 years of the British Legion
One hundred years ago, on 15th
May 1921, the British Legion was founded
in the aftermath of the First World War, to provide support to veterans of
the British Armed Forces, their families and dependants.
It was created at a time when two million people were unemployed. More
than six million had served in the war: of those who came back, 1.75
million had suffered some kind of disability, and half of those were
disabled permanently.
Four organisations came together at the instigation of Lancastrian Lance
Bombardier Tom Lister, who was angered at the Government’s unwilling-
ness to help, and Field Marshal Earl Haig, who had been Commander in
Chief of the British Forces. The Legion campaigned for fair treatment of
those who given everything for their country, and it continues this work
today.
In 1922, the Legion’s poppy factory opened in the Old Kent Road, London,
with 40 disabled men manufacturing 1000 poppies a week. The first Poppy
Day was held that same year. The Festival of Remembrance began in 1927,
and the Legion became ‘Royal’ in 1971 – 50 years ago – on its golden anni-
versary.
At first membership of the Legion was confined to ex-Service personnel,
but it was expanded to include serving members of the Forces in 1981.
by Tim Lenton

31. - 29 -
SMILE-LINES
True love?
I was officiating at a wedding and during the preparations the bride and
groom wanted to have two turtledoves on the altar as a symbol of their
forever love. I politely said no birds or animals.
They hid the birds in a back room, anyway. Immediately after the service
they went outside, each of them with a bird in its cage. They opened the
cages in unison. One bird flew out and made a hard right turn. The other
flew out and made a hard left turn.
We all stood there watching the symbols of their forever love fly off in
opposite directions.
A true story from the Revd Mark Martin
Miscellaneous observations on daily life:
You know you’re into middle age when you realise that caution is the only
thing you care to exercise.
Some people you’re glad to see coming; some people you’re glad to see
going.
You do not need a parachute to skydive – you need a parachute to sky-
dive twice.
The only thing to fear is fear itself… and spiders.
How do you start a fairy tale in the modern age? “If elected, I promise…”
Gift?
I asked my mother if I was a gifted child. She said I must be, because they
certainly wouldn’t have paid for me.

32. - 30 -
at St John’s
in the month of March 2021
HOLY BAPTISM
No Baptisms were conducted in March
HOLY MATRIMONY
No Weddings were conducted in March
FUNERAL & MEMORIAL SERVICES
22 March Fiona Katrina Lear Rant Meadow
24 March Kenneth Warby Vaughan Mead
May these souls and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy
of God, rest in peace.
BURIAL OF ASHES
No Burials of Ashes were conducted in March

33. - 31 -

34. - 32 -

35. - 33 -
Ascension Day this year is on 13th
May
Ascension
(Luke 24:44-53)
Scriptures fulfilled,
Minds opened,
We followed Him to Bethany.
And there was joy in the blessing
Of our risen Lord,
Jesus, God on earth.
And in the blessing
Was the leaving,
And in the leaving
Was the blessing –
His Spirit of life and power
To witness to the world
Of our ascended Lord,
Jesus, man in heaven.
By Daphne Kitching

36. Produced and printed by the Parish of Boxmoor