St Stephen's and St Julian's News, Autumn 2019

St Stephen’s and St Julian’s

NEWS Autumn 2019

Events for Children Clubs, Cafés and Fairs Service List

Events & What’s On

At Your Service Welcome to our fourth bulletin from St Stephen’s and St Julian’s churches. Since our last edition we’ve welcomed our new full time Assistant Curate Kirsty to the parish.

We do hope you enjoy reading about some of the services, events and activities associated with the church parish of St Stephen’s which are included in this little magazine. Our two churches organise these for everybody in this part of the city to get involved in, so we do warmly welcome you to join in with what’s going on.

Many people recognise that our society is becoming ever more fractured and divided. We want to enable people of all backgrounds, ages, and races to come together, to learn and grow together, to have fun together, and to serve and transform our community together.

All are welcome.

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Many local people find it confusing that there is both a civil parish called St Stephen’s (which covers Chiswell Green,

Park Street and Bricket Wood) and a church parish of the same name (which covers Chiswell Green, St Stephen’s, part of the Verulam estate, and all of Cottonmill and Sopwell). For those people who live in the church parish a reminder that our two churches (St Stephen’s and St Julian’s) belong to you! We are also happy to help you mark particular moments in your life’s journey with a simple service, or to come to visit you at home or in hospital if you would like that. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you or meeting you at one of our many events.

Parish office telephone: 01727 862598 email: office@ststephenandstjulian.org www.ststephenandstjulian.org facebook.com/ststephenandstjulian @StStephenJulian

The Heart of the Community

We have clubs and events to cater for young and old. Here are a few of the regular groups we run. Why not drop in and see us?

Children’s Activities St Stephen’s

SUNDAY TOTS & SUNDAY EXPLORERS Sunday 10am – 11.30am During our 10am service at St Stephen’s we hold two groups for children from 1 up to 4 years and 4 to 11 years.

Both groups begin in the church with the congregation for a welcome and hymn, then head off to the hall for some fun activities, songs or craft.

of DBS-checked adult leaders, and are purposeful, creative and appropriate to the various age groups.

The service on the last Sunday of each month is a Family Communion service so there is no Sunday Explorers, but the children take an active part in the service.

Sunday Tots is designed for our youngest church members. We sing songs, listen to a story, play with toys or enjoy a craft activity before joining the rest of the church congregation for a blessing or communion. Carers are encouraged to stay with this group until the children become used to the leaders and are confident to be left. Part of the service can be relayed on a speaker into the meeting room if adults wish to hear the sermon.

Sunday Explorers is for older school-age children. Carers are welcome to attend with their child if both parties would be more comfortable – or children can be left to enjoy the activities while carers attend the service in church. All the children return to church in time for Holy Communion. Activities are run by a group

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Children’s Activities St Julian’s TOY LIBRARY Tuesday 10am – midday (term-time) A fantastic resource for local families. A oneoff membership fee entitles you to borrow toys from as little as 25p per week. Free stay and play for under 5s with refreshments.

Donations can be given if you wish. See Facebook Sopwell and Cottonmill Toy Library for more information.

TOTS & TEDDIES Wednesday 10.30am – midday Pre-school fun with singing, stories, refreshments and lots of toys. A popular group, this gathering begins with a short and very informal service, songs and a story. The service is followed by creative activities. Tots & Teddies normally has a break during school holidays. During the summer holidays Tots & Teddies is replaced by Summer Tots, and older siblings can come along too. Summer and Christmas parties and parents’ nights out are also arranged. Donations are taken during the service but refreshments are free.

TOTS & TEAS Thursday 9.15am – 10.30am A small drop-in group for under 3s and their carers, offering tea/coffee and biscuits, a craft activity, toys and games for little ones. Donations can be given if you wish, all refreshments are free.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON FAMILY SERVICES 4pm – 5.30pm usually 2nd Sunday of the month, churches alternate Some young families cannot manage our Sunday morning services because of the demands of school and sport. For this reason, we run a Family Service at 4pm once a month.

It is usually on the second Sunday of the month. Services alternate between the two churches. This service is perfect for children of primary school age, but all are welcome.

Please check with our event calendar online for details. ststephenandstjulian. org/news-and-events-2/event-calendar/

ENJOY A HOT CHOCOLATE AND A SPACE TO CHILL WITH YOUR FRIENDS ON THE WAY HOME FROM SCHOOL

ST STEPHEN’S CHURCH, WATLING STREET 4

EVERY WEDNESDAY IN TERM-TIME 3.10PM - 4.15PM

DESIGN A ‘THANK YOU CARD’ COMPETITION Do you have a talented artist in the family? Would they like to design a card for us and have a chance of winning a £25 voucher?

St Stephen’s are looking for an eye-catching design for a set of Thank You cards to sell in aid of their ‘Let there be Lights!’ campaign.

We are requesting artworks to be sent into us from which we can choose a winning design. The winner will receive a £25 voucher.

The competition is open to all, and artwork should be supplied in A4 format, either landscape or portrait in any medium you choose.

Entries can either be delivered to St Stephen’s Church or Vicarage by hand, or posted to the address on page 9, FAO Rev’d Becky Leach or emailed as a high resolution jpeg/ pdf (300dpi) to competition@ststephenandstjulian.org with name, age, contact phone number and email address. The closing date of the competition is 25th October.

VIGIL FOR

EARTH Wednesday 2nd October 7.30pm - 9.00pm St Stephen’s Church, Watling Street, St Albans

This is open to anyone of any faith but there will be a short time of organised Christian prayer at the end of the vigil.

Everyone is welcome.

Please feel free to come and go as you wish

HELP CREATE A WILD FLOWER MEADOW AT CHISWELL GREEN UNITED REFORMED CHURCH - 14 SEPT

Join us from 10.30am to plant a wild flower meadow on the URC church field. Refreshments will be available all day, children’s craft activities will be available from10.30am until 12.30pm.

Email chiswellgreenurc@hotmail.co.uk for more information.

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Clubs & Cafés St Stephen’s

St Julian’s

TUESDAY LUNCH CLUB Tuesday (term-time)

TUESDAY CLUB Tuesday 2pm – 4pm

St Stephen’s Lunch Club caters for people living in the parish who are aged from their mid-70s upwards. We give priority to those living on their own. Each week, the Lunch Club volunteers cook and serve a twocourse meal. For a very small charge, this lovely social setting allows our members to catch up with friends and to make new ones. We do ask that those joining Lunch Club make a regular commitment to attending so we can cater for the right numbers and keep our waiting list for places as short as possible. If you would like to know more about the St Stephen’s Lunch Club (either to reserve a place or maybe to volunteer to help) please contact Harriet Sherlock on 07779 787469.

Set up for the over 50s, this club meets regularly in St Julian’s Hall. Make friends and enjoy organised outings to the seaside. For contact details go to the Sopwell Residents Association website and click through to Living in Sopwell, then Activities for Adults. www.sopwell.org.uk

why not volunteer?

We are always looking for extra helpers.

Could you spare a few hours a week?

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SALAAM WOMEN’S CAFÉ Wednesday 1pm – 3pm (term-time) A friendly café for women, with English teaching, craft and conversation. For more information look at the café’s Facebook page Salaam Womens Cafe.

COMMUNITY CAFÉ Thursday 10.30am – 2.30pm A popular drop-in café, offering delicious cakes, freshly brewed teas and coffees, soups, jacket potatoes and toasties, and the ever-popular bacon baps.

Lunch served from midday, but pop in earlier for your morning coffee and cake.

Courses and Evening Groups HOME GROUPS Monday afternoon or evening (term-time) We run several Home Groups within the parish. These allow for the opportunity to study the Bible together in a relaxed atmosphere, discussing our thoughts and reflecting on what impact scripture has on our world today. If you’d like to come along to a session please email office@ ststephenandstjulian.org more information.

THE WHO, WHY, HOW AND WHERE OF WORSHIP 1st, 15th, 22nd October and 6th November, at 7.30pm Explore afresh some of the essential aspects of Christian tradition: what we believe in, how that gets expressed in our worship, why we do things as we do…and who is it all about?

Bring your questions to these lively, interactive and occasionally provocative sessions, and be ready to leave with different ones. Each evening stands alone so come to as many as you can.

Revd Patrick Moriarty is a religious and theological educator with 30 years’ experience in schools and churches.

of Worship 1, 15, 22 OCTOBER AND

NOVEMBER AT 7.30PM Contact the office to book6 your place.

ST STEPHEN’S CHURCH, WATLING STREET, AL3 2PT To book a place for this series of talks contact office@ststephenandstjulian.org

ALPHA BITES

17 October, 31 October, 15 November 7.30pm – 9.30pm at the King Harry Pub Everyone has questions and everyone should have the chance to explore the Christian faith, ask questions and share their point of view; so here’s a chance for you!

Using the internationally renowned resources from Alpha, ALPHA BITES will run on three Thursdays this autumn.

First up there’s FOOD then a TALK followed by a DISCUSSION Each session looks at a different question around faith and is designed to create conversation. Everyone is welcome.

To book a place email: becky-leach@live.co.uk by Oct 2nd

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Here for Life’s Milestones As your local church it’s a privilege to help you mark the important events in life’s journey – the birth of a new child, getting married, and also saying goodbye when someone’s life comes to an end.

There is something special and significant on these occasions to meet together in a place of prayer and worship, to offer our prayers to God and to seek his guidance. Anyone is welcome to come whether or not you’ve ever set foot in a church before.

Birth of a baby – this can be marked by a Service of Blessing and Thanksgiving, or a Christening (Baptism). We run regular preparation sessions for parents interested in these and they are lovely occasions to meet other families at a similar stage.

Getting married or seeking a blessing for a relationship – whatever stage you’re at in your relationship, it’s always good to pause and reflect, to pray, to give thanks and to seek God’s blessing and guidance.

Anyone who lives in the parish or has a connection with the church is entitled to get married there, to renew their marriage vows, or mark a significant anniversary.

We’d be pleased to meet to chat and plan a service for you.

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can be played and any number of people can speak. We offer a comforting setting in which to celebrate your loved one’s life and to offer prayers as we say goodbye, taking as much or as little time as seems right. People are also able to be buried or to have their ashes buried in their local parish churchyard by their parish priest regardless of whether they attended church or not.

Funerals - everyone is entitled to have their funeral service in church whether or not they are churchgoers. A church funeral is very flexible and can be tailored to the family’s wishes. Any type of music

There may be other events you’d like to mark with some prayers or thanksgiving.

Do get in touch and we’d be pleased to meet you to discuss how to make your service just as you wish.

Contact details are below.

We understand that frailty, illness and bereavement can make it difficult to attend church, often when you most need support.

For many getting to church isn’t as easy as it used to be. Whether due to ill health or bereavement sometimes getting out the door is extremely difficult. We at St Stephen’s and St Julian’s understand this and would like to help.

Communion to you. If you are recently bereaved, we have a bereavement visiting team who would be happy to support you if you would like this. Contact us at the following address and we’ll make a date to come and see you.

Becky and Kirsty are happy to visit anybody in the parish who is in any sort of need to offer a listening ear, some comfort, and prayer if that would be helpful. They are happy to visit people in their homes, in hospital, hospice or residential care. Please contact them if you would like to be visited, or know somebody who would.

We are here for you, do get in touch...

Rev’d Becky Leach St. Stephen’s Vicarage, 14 Watling Street St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 2PX Parish office telephone: 01727 862598 email: vicar@ststephenandstjulian.org

Sometimes reduced mobility simply means you need some extra help getting to church. If this is you, contact us and we may be able to arrange transport for you if a regular parishioner lives nearby.

If ill health means taking part in a church service is impossible for you, we can bring

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Support our Campaign!

St Stephen’s Church is over a thousand years old, serving both pilgrims and local people.

Our Open Church policy means we continue to offer shelter to all who come during daylight hours but keeping the church lit during the extended opening hours means higher running costs for our beautiful church.

New lights – our old-fashioned existing interior lights are not keeping up with the demands of everyday use and are both energy inefficient and expensive. We are therefore launching a fundraising initiative to raise £40,000 for a new lighting system, that uses eco friendly LED lights which are not only better for the environment but will save us money once installed. The new system will also allow us to set ‘scenes’ within the church for different occasions, making the lighting within the church much more flexible.

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If you feel you’d like to support us you can help in various ways.

let there be Make a donation – please find more details on how to give online at www.ststephenandstjulian.org/LTBL Dedicate a light – each of the LED spotlights can be ‘dedicated’ to a loved one’s memory. There are over 40 individual lights allowing people to donate money and have a particular light dedicated to themselves, a friend or family member.

Details on the web page above.

Offer some help – if you’d like to help in some way, run a local business that could offer prizes for a raffle, or you have a ‘bright idea’ which might help us, please contact us: office@ststephenandstjulian.org

Eco Church

During the past year our parish has been working to become more environmentally sustainable.

We are working to preserve the heritage value of our ancient building and churchyard while at the same time respecting their current and future use, not just for the regular congregations but also for everyone living in the parish, of any faith or none. Our church building is now open and the churchyard is a valuable quiet space for the benefit of all.

While the primary purpose of the churchyard is for burials, much of the area has been undisturbed for hundreds of years and is now being managed to encourage a diversity of flora and fauna, from trees to lichens, insects and birds, wild flowers and fungi. The hope is that over time many species that once thrived in the local area will return.

Sadly time is not on our side. The scientific evidence suggests that urgent action is needed to prevent irreversible climate change. Becoming more environmentally sustainable has meant reviewing all areas of our church community life from everyday necessities such as waste management through to our charitable giving.

In May we held two special events as part of SustFest’19 including a Simple Lunch of locally sourced, organic ingredients raising funds for Christian Aid’s work to protect the poorest peoples of the world, who are already experiencing the worst effects of climate change, and an exhibition explaining how we aim to reduce our carbon footprint.

On June 26th we joined the major environmental charities and other faith groups for the mass lobby of parliament to call for urgent action on climate change; following this the UK government declared a national climate emergency.

On July 10th members of south St Albans churches joined campaigners at St Albans town hall before the presentation of a 1,700 signature petition calling for the Council to take action on climate change. The council voted unanimously to declare a climate emergency and to do everything in its power to become carbon neutral by 2030.

We are continuing to try to do more to tackle climate change and reduce any negative impact we have on the world around us. If you’d like to join us or have any ideas on how we can do this do get in touch.

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Events & Special Services

This autumn we’ve a host of special services, fairs and events.

Make a note of the following dates: ANNUAL GARDEN OF REMEMBRANCE AND BURIAL MEMORIAL SERVICE ST STEPHEN’S CHURCH Saturday 7th September, 4.00pm

For all those whose loved ones have been buried or ashes interred in the churchyard at St Stephen’s Church. Open air service followed by refreshments in the hall.

PET SERVICE ST STEPHEN’S CHURCH Sunday 8th September, 4.00pm

Everyone in the community is welcome to come along with their pets (any size) to this short service to give thanks for God’s creatures and especially our pets. Very large pets (horses etc) may need to be tied in the churchyard but medium and small animals will be welcomed into church. Refreshments served afterwards.

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VIGIL FOR THE EARTH ST STEPHEN’S CHURCH Wednesday 2nd October, 7.30pm – 9pm

An evening of quiet reflection and prayer for climate justice. See page 5 for more details.

St Julian’s

Toy & Cake Morning SATURDAY 21 SEPTEMBER, 10AM-1PM

Join us at St Julian’s Church for a cuppa and some delicious cake, and grab a toy bargain while you’re there. We’ll be selling good quality second hand toys and books, from 10am.

Everyone welcome, craft and colouring table for little ones.

All in aid of St Julian’s Church funds.

Celebrating Harvest

ALL AGE BREAD MAKING EVENT ST JULIAN’S CHURCH Friday 27th September, 4pm Suitable for all ages, please see advert on page14 of this magazine.

HARVEST FESTIVAL* ST STEPHEN’S CHURCH Sunday 29th September, 10am

Suitable for all ages. Please bring gifts of non-perishable food and groceries (for distribution via our local food bank), pot plants (for distribution to the elderly in the community) or financial gifts (for the Bishop of St Albans Harvest Appeal ‘Light up Tanzania’). See www.stalbans.anglican.org/ faith/bishop-s-annual-harvest-appeal/

HARVEST SUPPER ST STEPHEN’S CHURCH HALL Saturday 5th October, 6pm

Join us for a celebration supper (to book a place please contact the parish office).

ALL AGE HARVEST SERVICE ST JULIAN’S CHURCH Sunday 6th October, 4pm

Suitable for all ages, followed by Harvest Tea. There is also a Harvest Activities afternoon for children aged 4 –11 (craft, games, music) from 1.45pm – 3.30pm for all children in the local community. To book a place please contact the parish office.

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Friday afternoon

All Age Bread Making Event FRIDAY 27 SEPTEMBER, 4-5.30PM

ST JULIAN’S CHURCH 3 ABBOTS AVE AL1 2HY Help us to create a giant wheatsheaf loaf, learn bread making skills and celebrate harvest time

Festive Favourites WINTER FAIR ST JULIAN’S CHURCH Saturday 24th November 11am – 2:30pm Pop along and buy a selection of homemade cakes and preserves, fairtrade Christmas goodies, handmade cards and gifts. Stalls and games, hot drinks and light lunches. Keep a look out for more information nearer the time.

ADVENT CAROL SERVICE ST STEPHEN’S CHURCH Sunday 1st December, 6.30pm ANNUAL MEMORIAL THANKSGIVING AND REMEMBRANCE SERVICE ST STEPHEN’S CHURCH Saturday 2nd November, 10.30am This is a special service to remember those who have died. Everyone is welcome to come. The names of those who have died in the last three years will be read out, but others can be remembered by writing their names on a card. We will light candles in their memory. Refreshments afterwards.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY SERVICE ST STEPHEN’S CHURCH Sunday 10th November, 10am

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Towards the end of this service we will take part in a short Act of Remembrance, keeping two minutes silence by our war memorial board, ending with the Last Post.

Do join us if you can in this 80th anniversary year since the out-break of WW2.

Advent is the four-week period leading up to Christmas. It offers us a chance to wait and watch for the signs of Christ’s coming in the world, and to prepare ourselves to receive the greatest gift of all - God born as one of us, God incarnate. An Advent Carol Service is the traditional way to mark the start of Advent. Through music, readings and candlelight we will be given the opportunity to be still, to slow down, reflect and prepare for all that lies ahead.

CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL ST STEPHEN’S CHURCH 6th – 9th December See details on back page.

CAKES & CAROLS ST JULIAN’S CHURCH Saturday 14th December Come along and join in the fun – see details on p19.

CHILDREN’S AFTERNOON OF CHRISTMAS FUN ST JULIAN’S CHURCH Sunday 15th December, 1.45 – 3.45pm

CRIB SERVICES ST STEPHEN’S CHURCH AND ST JULIAN’S CHURCH Christmas Eve, 4.00pm

This is for children aged 4 –11 in the local community. There will be craft, games and music. To book please contact the Parish Office.

A Children’s Crib service will take place at both churches. Enjoy the excitement as we anticipate together the arrival of Jesus, the light of the world.

CHRISTINGLE AND CAROLS SERVICE ST JULIAN’S CHURCH Sunday 15th December 4.00pm

MIDNIGHT MASS ST STEPHEN’S CHURCH Christmas Eve, 11.30pm

A lovely child-friendly service using a decorated orange to understand the meaning of Christmas. A short 40 minute service followed by refreshments.

Everybody welcome.

NATIVITY PLAY SERVICE ST STEPHEN’S CHURCH Sunday 22nd December, 10.00am During the service children will take part in the nativity. All welcome.

CAROL SERVICE ST STEPHEN’S CHURCH Sunday 22nd December 6.30pm

Celebrate Christmas in this beautiful and traditional way by candlelight.

CHRISTMAS DAY ALL AGE SERVICES ST STEPHEN’S CHURCH AND ST JULIAN’S CHURCH Christmas Day, 10.00am We celebrate the birth of Jesus with services at both our churches. These services are family-friendly and include the opportunity to sing many of your favourite carols.

Come along to take part in this traditional service of lessons and carols, followed by mulled wine and mince pies.

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Meet our new Curates We’re very fortunate this year to have not one but two wonderful Curates in our parish. Revd Patrick Moriarty joined us last summer and Revd Kirsty Wainwright became part of the clergy team in June this year. Let’s find out a bit more about them...

Have you always been a Christian?

Kirsty: I’d always gone to church with my family but I made a decision for myself when I was in my mid-teens. I was baptised and confirmed when I was 18 (I’d been dedicated to God as a baby which is an alternative service to a Christening).

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Patrick: Yes - I’m what they call a ‘cradle Anglican’, was baptised at about 5 months old (after a bout of pneumonia…) and attended that same church until I left home 20 odd years later. I’ve stayed in touch with believing and regular worship for the whole of my life. There were periods when I would only say about 8 words of the creed because I couldn’t believe the rest, but I’ve never lost the habit and the sense of belonging and meaning that faith has provided.

Which Christian has inspired you most and why?

Kirsty: There are loads of fairly anonymous Christians whom I’ve known, none of whom will be recorded in any publication or come to any fame, but who have lived ordinary lives with the range of joy and some of them, awful loss. Their faith, especially when things have been tough, has been such an inspiration.

Patrick: The biggest single influence and inspiration is David Lindsay (who preached the first time I presided at the Eucharist). He was my school chaplain at Haberdashers’ Boys School in the 1980s and showed me how you could combine a full-blooded religious commitment with some serious thinking and doubting and

questioning. His influence led me to study Theology at university, and then into teaching it as a career, and ultimately into exploring ordination also. Interestingly, the priest at Kirsty’s former church was at the same school as me, so maybe we are getting an extra dose of the same influence with both of us here.

There is a real commitment to trying out ideas, but holding them lightly and reflecting on the outcome. As a newly placed assistant curate, it will take a while to get to know the ins and outs of the church and the parish but it is really inspiring and encouraging to see what is going on and how God is working among us.

Why did you feel God called you to be ordained a Priest?

Kirsty: Quite honestly, the whole idea of being ordained was ludicrous to me and I’d never given it a millisecond of thought, ever. That said, I did trot along to a vocation’s evening that my previous vicar had organised but I mainly went along just to be sociable. Even then, I didn’t dwell on it. Several months later I started to notice strange coincidences and start to sense that maybe I should at least talk to someone about it. Even then, I wasn’t convinced. I was pretty reluctant during the discernment process.

Patrick: How different it feels to be up at the front - crazy really, when that’s what I do all the time as my day job. The words of the service that I have known intimately for decades are suddenly impossible to remember, so I’m more tied to the book than I expected or wanted to be. But the flip side - only discovered since I was priested last year - is the extraordinary privilege and intimacy of presiding at the Eucharist. A wise priest asked me how I felt when I stood at the altar for the first time, and the honest answer was, ‘at home’.

Patrick: The first glimmerings came as a teenager - I would date it to the Maundy Thursday vigil service when I was about 15. My church did this with full drama and ritual, taking the sacrament into the Lady Chapel which was awash with candles and incense…I had a sense of the beauty of holiness that has never left me. I did some tentative exploration of vocation in my 20s and 30s but it was only after my first marriage broke down that I really started to listen and respond. I think that experience (plus moving to the Abbey and marrying Lucy) that got me in the right space to contemplate what God’s version of me might look like.

What surprised you most when you trained/ started working in the Parish?

Kirsty: What has surprised me about working in this parish is the amount of activities and hospitality that goes on.

What do you enjoy most about the job?

Kirsty: I love meeting people and chatting and hearing their stories. I think life is best shared in community and it is a real privilege to be here doing just that.

Patrick: The nature of my role as a ‘self supporting minister’ means that most of it is currently done by preaching and presiding on Sundays…both of which I love. Trying to be true to Christian tradition and true to human experience is a lifelong mission for me - I can’t abide sermons that are too holy or don’t face up to how hard life can be. But preaching only gets you so far - in the end we have to rely on being fed by the sustaining mystery of God, and that’s why the altar is even more important to me than the pulpit. The priest’s unique functions - to pronounce forgiveness, to say the words of the Eucharistic prayer, to give God’s blessing - are all moments when all you can be is a vehicle or a vessel through which God communicates.

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What is the greatest challenge you’ve faced so far?

Kirsty: Having come from a village, living in a city (although St Albans is hardly the Big Smoke) is a different experience altogether.

Remembering names!!

Getting lost (though I do that everywhere).

Time management. I find I am better when I rota my day otherwise I can spend 12 hours faffing and neither getting anything done nor properly resting. But this is not something unusual for anyone, whether ordained or not!

Patrick: In 2018 I had two hernia operations, both of which turned out complicated. My body decided it would take advantage of the situation and as a result I had to give up work (and church) for Lent. God then decided he would take advantage too, and the consequence was a long hard look at what really gives meaning and value in life; it can’t be work (whether for Church or for School) so it needs to be something more lasting than that. So that was my Good Friday sermon sorted out...but I hope I have heeded the spiritual lessons since. My wife isn’t quite so sure I have...

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Why should people come to church?

Kirsty: Every day is a school day in my experience. For me, coming to church isn’t just because I’m now duty-bound to do so but about allowing myself some time to be in a sacred space. Obviously the whole planet is sacred but I’m easily distracted so I find churches to be one of those thin places, where heaven and earth meet together. Then meeting with God in the Eucharist, that ordinary bread and wine can convey something eternal to each one of us. Likewise, sharing the journey of faith with other people, learning from each other, sharing new insight and seeing what God is up to in our world.

Being a Christian is about being Christian.

It is a constant learning experience. None of us know everything there is to know nor are we the finished article. Being Christian is always about being activist in some format. The two principles I try to apply to my life are ‘love God with all your heart, mind and soul and love your neighbour as yourself.’ Or in the manner of ‘Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure’ (for those of you who may remember this film) just be excellent to each other! This is being a Christian in a nutshell and it is a lifetime of trial and error.

I don’t always get it right, I’m certainly not perfect but I believe God always has my back, whether that is when I need support or to be prodded in the right direction.

Patrick: This is a great question. There are lots of reasons why people “do” come to church (and it doesn’t really matter what initially draws you) but in the end the reason it matters is because it’s true. What we are yearning towards, occasionally glimpsing, trying to get our heads, hearts and habits around in our worship, is the deepest reality there is. God is endlessly yearning for us to find our fullest selves by knowing and being known, loving and being loved.

Sunday mornings may not feel like that very often, but they are all part of the process.

We need our services to give as many opportunities as possible to get a sense of God, and to be formed into the divine image.

How hard can it be…?!

Tell us a little about your home life...

Kirsty: I’m married to Paul, two kids, 1 dog and 1 cat. Until ordination I worked in a small family bakery business in Old Welwyn and we also lived in Welwyn. My job was in confectionery and most of my work was making special celebration cakes and wedding cakes, but also, in a small business, you need to pitch in wherever you’re needed! In my early twenties I had trained

full-time at the National Bakery School in London and then part-time in patisserie at Thames Valley University.

I was still working full-time whilst training for ordination with ERMC (Eastern Region Ministry Course) which was a great course where I met loads of interesting people, and had some wonderful experiences (some well outside my comfort zone). I have lots of happy memories from my last three years of study.

Patrick: I was born in north London (with 2 older sisters), went to school at

Haberdashers’ Boys School, studied Theology and Philosophy at Oxford, then trained as an RS teacher. I worked in Enfield for 8 years, then at Haberdashers’ Girls School for 12 years, then moved to JCoSS (Jewish Community Secondary School) as Deputy Head in 2010 and became Head in 2012.

I have 7 children - 3 from first marriage, 2 from second marriage plus two step children, ranging in age from 5 to 25.

Currently 3 are working, 2 are at university and two are at primary school. My wife Lucy is a specialist music teacher, conductor and choral director and we live in Oxhey.

& CAROLS CAKES Come along and join the festive fun on

Saturday 14 December, 3-5pm

at St Julian’s Church, 3 Abbots Avenue, St Albans AL1 2HY Community Singing * Secular & Christian Carols * Cakes & Refreshments

FREE ADMISSION

Donations may be given in aid of The Open Door night shelter for the homeless

Rehearsals beforehand for instrumentalists and vocalists who want to practise.

Please contact magazine@ststephenandstjulian.org for details.

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Service Times St Stephen’s Church

St Julian’s Church

SERVICES: Sunday:

SERVICES: Sunday:

Watling Street, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 2PT

Holy Communion: 8am Parish Communion:10am (with Sunday School) Evening Prayer: 6.30pm (Last Sunday of the month is Holy Communion)

Tuesday:

Morning Prayer: 9.15am

Wednesday:

Sunday Eucharist: 9.30am

Tuesday:

Evening Prayer: 5.15pm

Thursday:

Morning Prayer: 9.15am Holy Communion: 12.15pm

Friday:

GREAT FOR CHILDREN: Second Sunday of month:

GREAT FOR CHILDREN: last Sunday of month:

Wednesday:

Holy Communion: 9.15am Morning Prayer: 8.00am Evening Prayer: 5.15pm

All Age Service: 10am

Second Sunday of month:

Family Service: 4pm Alternate months – see Facebook page for information: www.facebook.com/ststephenandstjulian

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3 Abbots Avenue, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 2HY

Family Service: 4pm Alternate months – see Facebook page for information: www.facebook.com/ststephenandstjulian

Tots & Teddies: 10.30am An informal toddler group with simple Bible story, craft and refreshments.

Children up to age 4.

St Pe ter ’s

Folly Lane

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Pe ter ’s St

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St Michael’s Church Verulamium Park

Abbey Theatre

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S Suggested Pilgrim Church Trail route Alternative trail to avoid very steep hill

ar ry

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Pro spe ct R oad St Albans Abbey Station

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DON’T FORGET TO

MP STATRAIL

YOUR St Albans South Signal Box

city’s a

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ncient c d hurches Odyssey Cinema

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Sopwell Nunnery Watercress Nature Reserve

St Stephen’s Church

Discover the Pilgrim Churches St Mic h Churchael’s

This summer saw the launch of the St Albans Pilgrim Church Trail, a three mile walking route which visits each of the city’s Pilgrim Churches, starting from our great Cathedral. The booklet features information on each Pilgrim Church; St Peter’s, St Michael’s and St Stephen’s.

All three churches were established over a thousand years ago to cater for the many pilgrims who came to the city to pay homage to Saint Alban’s shrine. Each church has it’s own character and history, and the trail encourages people to visit each church passing through some of St Alban’s most beautiful places; ancient

St Albans City Station

Rd

Wa ts o ns Wa lk

Former Ryder’s Seed Hall

Holy

well Roman Wall

W

Hill

Roman Mosaic and Ye Olde Fighting Cocks

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St Albans Cathedral

Ha Hypocaust rry La ne

ield R

tP l uer St

Hig

Clock Tower

Lane nmillll Cott o

Abbey Gateway

Marlborough Almshouses

Victo

M ar ke

George St

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Market Place Romeland

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Beac

Spen ce rS

St

St Albans Museum+Gallery

Verulamium Museum

Kin g

Hatf ield

Lem s

St Peter’s Church

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Bl

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Roman Theatre

ue ho us eH ill

Kingsbury Mill

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St Step h Churchen’s

St Peter Church ’s

Fishpool Street, Verulamium Park, Holywell Hill and St Peter’s Street.

You can pick up a booklet at the Cathedral, Library, Tourist Information Office or any of the three churches.

We encourage Pilgrims to stamp their booklet at each destination as a mark of their journey. You can choose to do the trail in sections, or all at once, making it a full morning or afternoon’s adventure.

We hope you’ll take up the challenge and get to know the city’s ancient Pilgrim Churches better, it’s well worth the walk.

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Hire our Halls We have two wonderfully spacious halls with adjoining kitchens for hire. Ample parking is provided and St Julian’s has a wonderful lawn space which can easily accommodate a bouncy castle in the summer months.

St Stephen’s Church Hall provides excellent facilities which include a main hall with a sprung floor (11 metres by 9 metres), sufficiently large to accommodate 80 people seated, and equipped with a fine quality grand piano which can be used by arrangement with the bookings secretary.

In addition to the main hall there is a smaller meeting room (6 metres by 4 metres) which can comfortably accommodate up to 20 people.

The hall complex includes a well-equipped kitchen with facilities for cooking. There is disabled access to the hall complex as well as lavatory facilities for disabled people.

There is usually ample parking available in the car park beside the churchyard.

Get in touch...

St Stephen’s CONTACT MRS P. ROOME hallbookingsststephen@gmail.com Tel: 01727 863425 (for hall hire only)

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For more information look at our website email or contact the number above. We will endeavour to reply to enquiries within 24 hours if possible.

RATES*

SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Large Hall: £25/hour Meeting Room: £10/hour Large Hall & Meeting Room: £30/hour

RUN A GROUP?

Both halls have daytime slots for regular groups meeting every week, please contact us for more info and special rates.

St Julian’s Church Hall, vestibule, kitchen and toilets comprise approximately 132 square metres and the hall will accommodate around 50–60 people seated.

The kitchen equipment includes dishwasher, microwave, fridge and freezer, as well as the usual kettles, crockery and cutlery etc.

There is disabled access to the hall complex as well as lavatory facilities for disabled people.

Car parking space is available within the church grounds, but roadside parking is also available as there are no parking restrictions in this area.

The hall and church grounds are suitable for children’s parties as the grounds include a pleasant grassed area beside the building.

RATES

SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Large Hall: £2/hour Regular Users: £15/hour

Get in touch...

St Julian’s CONTACT MRS K. BANISTER hallbookingsstjulian@gmail.com Tel: 01727 847082 (for hall hire only) For more information look at our website email or contact the number above. We will endeavour to reply to enquiries within 24 hours if possible.

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ST STEPHEN’S CHURCH WATLING STREET, ST ALBANS

Christmas Tree 6thFestival - 9th December A wonderful festival of Christmas trees imaginatively decorated by local people and organisations.

Keep a look out for more information nearer the time.

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