8 minute read
Welcome!
To the third edition of this handy guide to services, groups and events at St Albans’ churches. This guide is not an exhaustive list but covers the churches which offer some sort of hospitality or groups for older people in St Albans.
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The guide is aimed at people who are 65+, offering details on mainly daytime weekday activities which are usually accessible by public transport. The events are generally low cost, and in some cases free. All the listings are hosted by churches from a range of denominations.
I hope this information will provide a handy reference, and encourage you to find out more about what the churches locally offer older people. I would urge you to check online for up-to-date information (this guide was published in June 2023) or call the number listed if you need further details about any groups or events. Some activities need prebooking and are marked with an orange dot but others, marked with a green dot, you can just drop in on
Hello, my name is Maggie Dodd and I’m St Albans’ Anna Chaplain
You may not have heard about Anna Chaplaincy. It’s a model of care which 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. It 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. St Albans Anna Chaplaincy is supported by Marlborough Road Methodist Church and Hatfield Road Methodist Church, working closely with our friends at St Peter’s Church. It seeks to support older people here in St Albans.
If you’d like to know more about this ministry or would like to be involved (see p15), please do contact me on email: mrsmaggiedodd@gmail.com or call: 07462 586773 or visit my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/AnnaChaplaincyStAlbans
ST ALBANS CATHEDRAL SUMPTER YARD, AL1 1BY
The largest ‘church’ in St Albans. It hosts regular concerts and lunchtime organ recitals, has a modern refectory (Abbot’s Kitchen), regular exhibitions and displays and a gift shop. Entry is free (donations welcome).
The Exhibition Area in the Cathedral is worth a visit and tells the story of Alban and the history of the Cathedral. If history and heritage is your kind of thing, there is a variety of Adult Learning courses and talks which explore faith, history and culture. Many are available online via Zoom, so you can join an event without leaving your own home – very useful in the winter months. To discover the latest events and courses, please visit the Cathedral’s website under ‘Learning’.
Weekday services
The Cathedral offers a range of worship services throughout the week, with a midday Eucharist held Monday-Thursday in the Shrine Chapel, and Evensong or Evening Prayer Monday-Saturday at 5pm in the Quire. There is also a Roman Catholic Mass on Fridays at midday and monthly weekday German Lutheran, Free Church and Orthodox services. Visit www.stalbanscathedral.org/ regular-services to find a full service and music list. You can also watch live-streamed services from the comfort of your own home.
The Cathedral has a thriving congregation and a group of Lay Pastoral Assistants who support older members of their community, with phone calls, visits and sometimes Home Communion.
Abbey Lunch Clubs
The Abbot’s Kitchen hosts weekly small lunch club groups usually every Monday and alternate Tuesdays. The numbers are limited due to space but if you’d like to join them please contact the Cathedral on the details below and they will put you in contact with the Lunch Club Coordinator.
Tel: 01727 890210
Email: mail@stalbanscathedral.org www.stalbanscathedral.org
ST MICHAEL’S CHURCH ST MICHAEL’S STREET, AL3 4SL
This beautiful church sits on the edge of Verulamium Park, and offers a warm welcome to all.
Weekday service
Wednesday Holy Communion: 10.30am
Tel: 01727 835037
Monthly Walking Group
The St Michael’s walking group is open to all, usually happening on a Wednesday from May to October. Meeting at St Michael’s Parish Centre at 11am, the walkers cover about two miles, arriving for lunch at a local pub at around 12.30pm. A number of people join the group at lunchtime. All are welcome. Please email suecvaughan@btinternet.com to register your interest, or call 01727 811443.
Email: admin.stmichaels@btconnect.com | www.stmichaels-parishchurch.org.uk
SALVATION ARMY
MARLBOROUGH ROAD (Methodist)
ST ALBAN & ST STEPHEN ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
14-16 BEACONSFIELD ROAD, AL1 3RB
This thriving Roman Catholic church sits a stone’s throw from the city rail station.
Weekday Masses
Mon to Fri*: 10am Mon, Wed, Fri: 7pm
*1st Friday of the month only. All masses are livestreamed: www.youtube.com/c/
SsAlbanandStephenCatholicChurch
Monday Coffee and Cake
Free tea, coffee and cakes are served after 10am mass every Monday. All welcome.
Parish Friends Group
The group organises Sunday tea parties, film shows and a Knit and Natter group, and arranges visitors and lifts to Sunday Mass for elderly, lonely or housebound parishioners. Contact the Church Office for further information.
Tel: 01727 853585 | Email: stalbans@rcdow.org.uk | www.albanstephen.org
ST STEPHEN’S CHURCH WATLING STREET, AL1 2PT
Forming a parish with St Julian’s (info below), St Stephen’s is a welcoming church situated on the south side of St Albans. Both churches offer one-off events and seasonal activities so do check the website regularly or contact the Parish Office if you’d like a weekly email sent to you detailing what’s on.
Weekday services
Tuesday Morning Prayer: 9.15am
Wednesday Holy Communion: 9.15am
Friday Zoom Morning Prayer: 9.15am –contact the Parish Office for details.
Lunch Club
Tuesdays from midday. Delicious food and friendly atmosphere. Limited places so you must book in advance, transport is available for people who live locally. Please contact the Parish Office for further information.
Wednesday Coffee Morning
From 10am til 11.30am in the church, friendly drop-in coffee morning. Free.
St Stephen’s Community Shed
Every Friday (term time) 10.30am to 12.30pm in the main church hall.
A great place to meet people whilst crafting or just having a cup of tea or coffee.
ST JULIAN’S CHURCH ABBOTS AVENUE, AL1 2HY
St Julian’s is situated in the Cottonmill estate and is a friendly informal church community.
Weekday services
Thursday Morning Prayer: 9.15am
First Thursday in the month 12.15pm Communion
Contact details for both churches:
Tel: 01727 862598
Cottonmill Crafters
Third Thursday of the month, 10.30ammidday in the Community Café to share friendship and crafting tips.
Community Café
Thursdays from 10.30am. Home-made cakes and freshly brewed tea and coffee, inexpensive prices and a warm welcome. Runs until midday.
Email: office@ststephenandstjulian.org | www.ststephenandstjulian.org
ST PETER’S (CofE)
DAGNALL ST (Baptist)
ST ALBANS CATHEDRAL (CofE)
SALVATION ARMY
MARLBOROUGH ROAD (Methodist)
ST PETER’S CHURCH ST PETER’S STREET, AL1 3HG
Situated at the top of St Peter’s Street, this church hosts free recitals and regular hospitality*. Keep an eye on their website for one-off events or subscribe to their weekly emails: mail@stpeterschurch.uk.com
(CofE)
ST ALBAN & ST STEPHEN (RC)
Lunchtime
HOMEWOOD ROAD (URC)
HATFIELD ROAD (Methodist)
ST PAUL’S (CofE)
Music
ASHLEY CHURCH (Free)
1pm on Wednesdays during term time. From September we will be holding social gatherings in the Octagon at 1pm on Wednesdays.
Tea on Tuesday
ST STEPHEN’S (CofE)
ST BART’S (RC)
*Please note that from 30 July 2023 the main church building will be closed to carry out some major renovation works. Whilst work continues, events detailed here will take place in the Octagon, adjacent to the church. See website for details and regular updates.
ST JULIAN’S (CofE)
Tel: 01727 855485
Email: mail@stpeterschurch.uk.com www.stpeterschurch.uk.com
DAGNALL ST (Baptist)
ST MICHAEL’S (CofE)
ST ALBANS CATHEDRAL (CofE)
1 CROSS STREET, AL3 5EE
Situated near the city’s shopping centre, this church offers an inviting place to stop.
The Cross Street Centre Café
Every 4-6 weeks, from 2pm until 3.30pm, held in the Octagon, tea, cakes and conversation, all welcome. Dates are: 12th September, 10th October, 7th November 5th December (Christmas Treats on Tuesday). Please contact the Parish Office if you’d like to attend.
ST LUKE’S (CofE)
Weekday services
Every weekday Join us from home Monday to Friday at 9am for Morning Prayer on Zoom (contact Parish Office/ see website for details). Midweek Communion every Tuesday from August at 11am in the Octagon.
ST PETER’S (CofE)
MARLBOROUGH
Dagnall Street Baptist Church
ST SAVIOURS (CofE)
ST ALBAN & ST STEPHEN (RC)
HATFIELD ROAD (Methodist)
ST PAUL’S (CofE)
This friendly space is open to everyone from Wednesday to Saturday from 10am to 2pm. All food is reasonably priced and made to order. Scones, biscuits and yummy cakes
ST STEPHEN’S (CofE) are baked daily on the premises. Jacket potatoes and toasties are a speciality and excellent soup (gluten free) is served during the colder months with different flavours each day. Fairtrade hot and cold drinks are available.
Tel: 01727 846891 | www.dsbc.org.uk
ST BART’S (RC)
ST JULIAN’S (CofE)
ST SAVIOURS (CofE)
ST SAVIOUR’S CHURCH 25 SANDPIT LANE, AL1 4DF
DAGNALL ST (Baptist)
ST PETER’S (CofE)
Not far from Bernards Heath, this thriving church hosts a wide range of activities, concerts and hospitality. Keep an eye on their website for their seasonal events.
SALVATION ARMY
ST ALBAN & ST STEPHEN (RC)
Women’s Group
HATFIELD ROAD (Methodist)
ST ALBANS CATHEDRAL (CofE)
MARLBOROUGH ROAD (Methodist)
Senior Citizens’ Tea Club
We meet in St Saviour’s Church Hall on the third Friday of each month at 2pm. We have light refreshments followed by either a speaker or entertainment. New members are always welcome. Contact Tina for more info on 01727 864490.
Men’s Group
ST STEPHEN’S (CofE)
An informal, easy-going group. Regular gatherings are usually centred on evening suppers in hostelries in St Albans. Mixed age range. If you are interested in joining them, contact the Parish Office.
ST BART’S (RC)
ST JULIAN’S (CofE)
This group meets monthly for a variety of events, including outings and social gettogethers, both during the daytime and evening. If you are interested in joining them, contact the Parish Office.
Weekday services
Tuesday Holy Communion at 10am, followed by refreshments. Thursday Holy Communion at 8pm, followed by half an hour of prayer and reflection (Exposition and Benediction). Finish by 9pm.
Tel: 01727 830323
Email: parish.stsaviours@gmail.com www.ssaviours.org
ST BARTHOLOMEW’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
47 VESTA AVENUE, AL1 2PE
A friendly Roman Catholic church community in south St Albans.
St Bart’s
Circle of Friends
A warm welcome awaits at this informal group, which meets on the last Wednesday of the month from 2-4pm in the Parish Hall. Contact Maureen Kelly through the Parish Office if you’d like to attend. Lifts may be available
Weekday Masses
Monday: 12pm
Tel: 01727 850066
Tues, Wed, Fri and Sat: 9am (except on certain Holy Days or in the event of funerals).
Email: stalbanssouth@rcdow.org.uk | Web: parish.rcdow.org.uk/stalbanssouth
ST ALBANS METHODIST CHURCHES
St Albans Methodist Churches are based in the city centre and in Fleetville. Both churches offer a range of services and groups, and host an annual summer ‘Holiday at Home’ event – a four-day gathering with music, activities, delicious food, fun and friendship. This summer’s Holiday at Home takes place at Marlborough Road on 14th /15th August and Hatfield Road on 17th /18th August. Contact Maggie Dodd on 07462 586773 for details.
Hatfield Road Methodist Church
133B HATFIELD ROAD, AL1 4JX
Serving the residents of Fleetville, this lively church hosts a regular café, monthly afternoon weekday worship, and a wellloved community Day Care.
Warm Welcome Café
Pop in and see us every Tuesday from 9.30am until 11.30am and escape the hustle and bustle of Hatfield Road. A friendly welcome, homemade cakes, and freshly brewed tea and coffee await you.
Wednesday Afternoon Service
Informal worship – first Wednesday of the month with favourite hymns, prayers and talk. From 2.30pm lasting about 30 minutes. Followed by an optional craft activity and refreshments until 4pm. All welcome.
Tel: 01727 851834 www.hatfieldroaddaycare.co.uk
Running for over 30 years this wonderful community group welcomes older people from around Fleetville. From 10.30am until 3pm guests enjoy conversation, activities and lunch together. There is a limit on numbers but do get in touch if you would like to find out more.
Creativity in Fellowship
Twice monthly on a Friday morning, this arts-based faith group gets together to share ideas and creativity. Free to attend, the group meets for a couple of hours over a cuppa.
Meetings run from 10.30am until midday.
Contact Maggie Dodd on 07462 586773 to find out more.
Email: admin@midhertsmethodists.org.uk | www.hatfieldroadmethodist.org
