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ST MICHAEL & ALL ANGELSCHURCH (Anglican)

Mildred Ave. / Durban Rd.Watford

WEST WATFORD FREE CHURCH(Baptist)

‘Church opposite the shops’Tolpits Lane, Watford

SWORDL E P

PARISHMAGAZINE

Price60p

July 2010

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A Pastoral Letter.......Dear Friends,

Is it just my imagination or do I detect a less stroppy attitude in the nation’s political life?May be the novelty of a coalition government has made our leaders less adversarial or maybe it’s the calm before the storm of George Osborne’s budget? Whatever –I have certainlyappreciated a more cooperative and less personally antagonistic style to the debates.

It’s not only in political and national life that we need to work more by consensus though- learning to live with difference and distinguishing between another’s deeply heldconviction and their value as a fellow human being created in the image of God. We aremore than our opinions! Which is something we also need to learn in the Church, locallyas well as more widely.

I’m just back from USPG’s annual Conference in Swanwick at which our guestspeakers were Dr Katharine Jefferts Schori (Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church)and Archbishop Thabo Makgoba (of Cape Town). Each spoke with conviction, charity andintellectual rigour about polarising attitudes to sexuality and their fragmenting effect on theAnglican Communion. They spoke of the need to balance personal conviction with fidelityto the Gospel, of the need to stay in dialogue by actively listening to the other, and of theimperative to remain in Communion.

It seems to me that this is good advice for us as well in our personal networks of family,friends, neighbours –and church! The risk of causing hurt or of being hurt is seldom faraway and it’s all part of being human. But repairing the damage and being reconciled arebasic to our life in the image of Christ. It means learning to see the other person first andforemost as a fellow human, rather than as someone holding a particular point of view orset of opinions (which we may or may not share). So the message of the Conference for mewas ‘peace-making in the world begins with you!’

But our guests spoke of listening ‘actively’– not just hearing but listening also to what liesbehind the words. So too should our peace-making be active, something we doconsciously, always trying to imagine what it might be like to be the other person.

‘Seek peace’ says God ‘and pursue it.’ (Psalm 34.14)

With love and prayers - and may the Peace of the Lord be always with you.

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INTOUCH - AGE UK HERTFORDSHIRE’SEXCITING NEW TELEPHONE SUPPORT SERVICE

InTouch is a free countywide telephone service, provided by Age UKHertfordshire, which supports people aged 50 plus who are not currentlyreceiving any other form of statutory help because their needs may not requirethat level of support. However, they may be experiencing life changing andemotionally challenging situations like:

a bereavementfacing retirementbeing a victim of a crimefollowing a fall or a stay in hospitalor even considering moving to private, sheltered or residentialaccommodation.

The aim of InTouch is to enable older people to live independently in their ownhomes for longer with improved health and wellbeing from a social, physical andmental health perspective.

Elsie, living alone, has a nasty fall at home. She is really shaken, worried aboutcontinuing to live alone and scared of falling again. She has no broken bones buther confidence is shattered.

Bill, loses his wife to Alzheimer’s and watches her slip away from him over 16long years, until her eventual death of pneumonia. He is one of the old school sodoes not admit how frightened and lost he feels.

It is for people like Elsie and Bill that Age UK Hertfordshire has launchedInTouch, a new service offering in depth and on going telephone support whichcan involve signposting to other organisations, where relevant. It works with eachindividual on a one to one basis at a time convenient to them, by listening, givingempathy and support to enable the person to move forward from the situationthat is causing them anxiety.

Do you or do you know someone who can benefit from thisservice but might not know about it? Perhaps a neighbour,friend or a member of your family?

For more information or to be referred to the scheme pleasecontact Age Concern UK Hertfordshire’s InTouch TeamT 01992 629358/634964E intouch@acherts.org.uk

Trudie Harrington, InTouch Team Leader.

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CHOIR NEWS

In music, what is a quaver? What does a crotchet rest look like? Which sign indicates thatthe music has to slow down? What does mftone steps are there in the major scale? How many flats are there in the key of F major?

If you do not know the answers to these questions, ask Rachel, Manjula or Tina in thechoir! These three girls received their light blue ribbons on Music Sunday, 13 June, afterputting in many hours of training with me, among others learning the answers to thequestions above. They have now joined ranks with Anousha who received her light blueribbon on Advent Sunday last year. Next up is the dark blue ribbon; all part of thetraining devised by The Royal School of Church Music in a scheme called “Voice forLife”. Incidentally, all our 5 girls were given a Voice for Life badge to wear.

Also on Music Sunday, we received Harriet into the choir. She has been coming for awhile and wanted to join as a full member, so she received her white surplice along witha certificate of her full membership. She replied loud and clear that she was willing toserve in the choir. Harriet is very musically talented so it won’t be too long before she hasearned her light blue ribbon, as well.

And this is exactly it; the girls have to earn these ribbons. Many of them are quiteproficient in using musical language and symbols, they all have lovely voices and haveno problem following the liturgy. However, they have to show commitment by regularattendance at services and choir practice, proving themselves reliable members of our“team” who can contribute fully to the overall sound. So when we award them theseribbons, we are recognising the effort they have put in and their contribution to the group,more than anything else.

To round off this little ceremony, the choir all said the Chorister’s Prayer: Bless us, OLord, who lead your praise. What we sing with our lips help us to believe in ourhearts, and what we believe in our hearts help us to practise in our lives; for JesusChrist’s sake. Amen.

We are very fortunate to have these girls with us, so I hope they will stay with us for along time yet, using their voices for life to the glory of God!

Kristine Jenkins

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ST MICHAEL’S MOTHERS’ UNION DIARY

Pat Gandy

Wednesday 7th July We take part in the world-wide Wave of Prayer. Our branch's slot begins at 3.15 p.m.

Thursday 15th July Corporate Communion at 10 o'clock in the Lady Chapel followed by meeting in the Lady Chapel.

‘Thank you’ all who took part in the Bible Quiz. When all the entries have been returnedwe will know who is the winner! Our Treasurer has said that over £75 was raised. This isto go towards the £2,500 needed to buy 50 bicycles for MU leaders in Mozambique whoneed to visit their branches and the sick. They have to travel over long distances and onvery poor roads.

FRESH GARDEN PRODUCE FOR SALE

New Hope Trust has some bedding plants including Lobelias and French Marigoldsready for sale, also tomato and black currants. Some fruit and vegetables are nearlyready including gooseberries and runner beans.

You can buy them fresh on Wednesday mornings from the Community GardenProject, 64 Rickmansworth Road, Tel. 01923 334083, ask for Carly.

Your support will help New Hope Trust and give encouragement to the clientele andvolunteers who work there.

Also, one of the residents plans to make a greenhouse out of 2 litre round plasticdrinks bottles on a frame (Eden Project Design), and needs masses of them, pleasegive to Gill Heath.

Gill Heath

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Hi All,

Just thought I would email you all with what I have done so far since I arrived inSingapore.

THE JOURNEYS OF MARIANNE REES

Many of our readers will remember Marianne, the daughter of Lesley Rees. Mariannewas in our Sunday School and then graduated to the choir when still a young child,eventually leaving us as college and work took over.

Marianne has been given a 6-month leave of absence from her job to go on a “back-packing” tour and set off in April to Singapore, her first destination. She is keeping intouch with her family and friends by e-mail and here is the first instalment of her story –from Singapore, Cambodia and Vietnam! More next month.

My journey so far

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Singapore

I was staying in a hostel which was very nice and I made friends with a girl from Hollandwith whom I ended up heading out last Wednesday evening for a Singapore Sling at theRaffles Hotel which is where it was first created. I spent all day Thursday sight seeing thecity, I went on a boat cruise down the river saw the Merlion which is a symbol ofSingapore its a water feature in the bay. I walked around china town and little Indiawhich wasfascinating. That evening I went to the Swiss hotel that had an amazing view of the cityon the 70th floor. I took a few photos but the connection here is very slowbut will try another time to send a few or upload on Facebook.

On Friday the hotel manager took me out for a few hours we went on the Singapore flyer(London eye) and I saw the city by day. I was shown the F1 race track (some of it) andthe flyer is the Pit stop which was nice to see. In the evening I stayed in as I wastravelling to Bangkok on Saturday.

I arrived at the hotel in Bangkok on Saturday and met the people on my tour who are allvery nice. One girl I am sharing with is from Melbourne and the same age as me, I havepromised I will visit her when I get to Melbourne in August time. The others are a littleolder but very funny, a couple also from Melbourne who are travelling the oppositedirection to me for a year but will be in South America at the same time. There is alsoanother couple from Canada and a friend of theirs as well as an English girl fromCroydon.

So far on the tour we went out for dinner in Bangkok and then left on Sunday to travel toCambodia which was a very long bus ride, we are waiting for an English girl to arrive butnot sure she will as there are no flights leaving the UK. So today I had a day by a pooland relaxed which was well needed after carrying the very heavy backpack for 2 days.Tomorrow I will be going to Angkor wat - largest temples in the world and then we headto Phnom Penh where we will see the killing fields from the war.

Cambodia

Siem Reap:Went to see the Angkor Wat which are the famous largest temples in the world, we wentat sunrise which made it an even better experience. It was very hot walking around butsaw some amazing views and historic temples. A visit to the pool in the hotel oppositewas well deserved after the morning in the heat.

After a 6 hour bus ride we arrived at Phnon Penh.

Phnon Penh:The city of Cambodia which was a lot busier than Siem Reap we went to some bars along

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the river and had the pleasure of watching an elephant walk down the street - veryrandom. This is where the killing fields and prison were that were controversial.

Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City:I went to the war museum and learned about the war in 70's and saw lots of pictures thatshowed affects of the war, this was very interesting. After the museum I went to themarket to buy some souvenirs, I got the traditional Vietnamese hats and some paintings,I've had to post these home as I can't carry them in my very heavy backpack.

I then went to the Zoo and Botanical gardens which were not all that great, they were alittle bit dirty but I suppose in a city as manic as HCMC it's not surprising. It was anightmare trying to cross the roads as there were motorbikes everywhere.

Mekong Delta:This has been one of the best parts of the tour so far, we took part in a homestay for one

night and got to see therural life of the Vietnamese.We had a great tour guidecalled Nam who was veryfunny his favorite sayingwas "same same butdifferent" this is now ourjoke on the tour.

We had a boat trip aroundthe river to different placesthat showed us how to makeRice cakes, bricks andwhisky. We also tried someof the local fruit from a fruitfarm which was lovely. Thefloating market was on,where they trade fruits etcand a man rides around onhis boat with a bar, so noone goes thirsty. We hadlunch at a local's house inthe time we were there theriver had risen and we allhad to move to the front ofthe boat to get it under oneof the bridges, that was veryamusing.

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SPONSORED BIKE ‘N HIKE 2010BEDS & HERTS HISTORIC CHURCHES TRUST

This year it is Saturday 11th September so put that in your diary, and get ready tojoin in this enjoyable event. Do consider a walk, or cycle and I have a book ofroutes local and further afield in Herts and Beds. The new Chilterns Cyclewayis now officially launched and there are many miles of quiet lanes near to uswhich are specially waymarked and easy to reach. I can supply moreinformation on this (my phone number is 466956).

Last year the ride raised £103,479, of which the Watford Deanery areacontributed £1679 and to this St Michael’s raised £278 from variouswalkers and cyclists. We got back £139 for our Major Works fund.

Please continue to sponsor this worthwhile event.

Phil Gough

We had tea at a few people's houses and enjoyed a canoe ride down a quiet river, one ofthe ladies on my tour held a huge snake - I only touched it which was enough for me.

We slept at a nice place outside near the river we all had some beds that are on woodenlegs looked a little scary but were ok in the end, we had mosquito nets and so far I havegot away with lots of bites. Chu chi tunnels were the last thing to see from Ho Chi Minh,these were fantastic. I heard about how the Vietnamese had to use them during the war,I got to try one of the small holes they had to creep into the tunnel from (and yes I justabout fitted) then we got to take a tunnel for 20 meters that have been made bigger fortourists. A few of my group had a go at firing riffles that were used in the war, as I'm alittle weak I passed on that.

In the evening we experienced an overnight train, this was much better than I hadexpected it to be. We arrived in Nha Trang which is a coastal city on the south centralcoast.

Since I have been in Nha Trang I have caught a reasonably good tan (possibly a littlemuch) and I am completing my diver's license which I finish tomorrow. I have seen somegreat fish under water, I will purchase the DVD of me scuba diving I did look like apenguin I'm sure it will amuse you all.

Marianne Rees

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CHRISTIAN AID WEEK

It is noted that the PCC elected to withdraw St Michael's from house to house collections.I can understand why given that collectors have experienced hassle and that manyhouseholders in the St Michael's area are Moslems and other non-Christian religions, butI assume that the judgement was made overall on the basis that the yield was not worththe effort expended.

I was a collector in West Watford for a number of years. It would be dishonest to say thatI shed tears at the PCC decision. However, certain points need to be made based onexperience. Never did I meet outright hostility; apathy and polite refusals, yes. Also,doors were not opened in spite of certainty that people were in. Never did I adopt theattitude of being there to demand, but to provide an opportunity for a donation.Something that may have put people off are flyers from businesses seeking eg "clothingfor third world countries". By so doing, I believe they are queering the pitch for thosecarrying out genuine house to house charitable collections.

One point deserves special mention. I found that Moslem or Asian households generallywere forthcoming in generosity, presumably because they perceive that Christian Aid isat least a worthwhile humanitarian organisation. They deserve our gratitude.

It appears from Vicki Matthews' lucid summary (thank you, Vicki) in the June Sword ofthe Annual Vestry Meeting and PCC AGM that discontinuing Christian Aid house tohouse collections is permanent. As Father Geoff says, we need to be doing something soSt Michael's does, and is seen to be doing, its bit. As 1 write, the amount raised so far forChristian Aid is £324 (plus) within St Michael's, and that something should be put on toattract further funds within the next few weeks. May I suggest that what is done, is doneat a fixed time of year but well away from Christian Aid Week when too many venturesare going on simultaneously. We need to toss our thinking caps into the ring to see whatwe can come up with - quizzes, talent evenings, sales of work, works of art for sale,illustrated lectures ? We already do a Christian Aid Quiz at youth level. Long may thatcontinue. Presumably, what was raised then is included in the £324 figure quoted above.

No doubt some of us as individuals in St Michael's have supported Christian Aid outsideSt Michael's. As it happened, Iola and I attended the Trinity Methodist Christian Aid quizon 8 May. They were glad to learn we were from St Michael's. It transpired that we werethe only two. They could have done with more people generally. We sponsoredretrospectively Ann and Chris Shepherd, a mother and son from Trinity's congregation,who walked from Bognor Regis pier to Brighton pier via Worthing pier. Congratulationsto them. I am sure they would be grateful if anyone else were to support their venture.Also, we were caught by the collector for our road sent by the Salvation Army Citadel inSt Albans Road. We have made since a further contribution via St Michael's. This is notwritten as a search for Brownie points, but as an illustration of what opportunities areavailable.

It is now time to look for a thinking cap.

Robert Bilson

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DIARY OF EVENTS FOR END OF JUNE AND JULY

END OF JUNE

28th Mon Pause (23 Whippendell Road to confirm ring 229408)) 7.30 pm29th Tue (Deanery Synod for people who attended the Away Day)30th Wed Mothers’ Union Garden Party at the Vicarage 2-4 pm

Bible Study (Choir Vestry) starting at John Ch 14 8.00 pm

JULY

1st Thu Fairhaven during morningChoir Practice 7.00 – 8.30 pm

3rd Sat Parish Walk leaving Church at 10 amGladys Finlayson to be ordained priest at St Albans Abbey 4.00 pm

4th SUN TRINITY 5Holy Communion 8.00 amSUNG EUCHARIST (Pres & Preacher: Fr Geoff) (Crècheand Sunday School)

9.30 am

Baptism of Emily Jane Nicole Lovesy 3.00 pmEvening Prayer 6.30 pm

5th Mon Service at River CourtWorship Committee (Choir Vestry)

3.00 pm8.00 pm

7th Wed Parish Bring-and-Share Lunch11.15 Planning Meeting (86 Mildred Avenue)

12.30 pm

8th Thu St Anthony’s during morningChoir Practice 7.00 – 8.30 pm

10th Sat Visit to St Mary’s, North Leigh (afternoon) see M Matthews

11th SUN TRINITY 6Holy CommunionSUNG EUCHARIST (Pres: Fr Geoff; Preacher: MartinHeath) (Crèche and Sunday School)

8.00 am9.30 am

11.15 Simple EucharistChurch Barbeque for all

11.15 am12.30 pm

Evening Prayer (Off: Martin Heath) 6.30 pm13th Tue Intercessory Prayer Group (Choir Vestry) 2.30 pm14th Wed Service at Home Manor (Violet) 3.00 pm15th Thu Mothers’ Union attend the Service of Holy Communion

followed by a meeting in the Choir Vestry10.00 am

Choir Practice 7.00 - 8.30 pm

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DIARY OF EVENTS FOR JULY (continued)

FINAL COPY DATE FOR AUGUST SWORD:-Midday on Sunday 25th July 2010

Please submit copy before this date if possible -hard copy, floppy disc or e-mail to

dhbeach@sky.com

18th SUN TRINITY 7Holy Communion 8.00 amSUNG EUCHARIST (Pres & Preacher: Fr Geoff) (Crècheand Sunday School)

9.30 am

Baptism of Archer Timothy James Seabrook 2.30 pmTHE SIX O’CLOCK SERIES: A HEALING SERVICEFollowed by refreshments

6.00 pm

19th Mon Term will end during this week20th Tue Service at The Chase Care Home 3.00 pm21st Wed PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL 7.45 for 7.55 pm22nd Thu Choir Practice 7 – 8.30 pm24th Sat Kids’ Saturday 2 – 4 pm

25th SUN ST JAMES THE APOSTLEHoly Communion 8.00 amSUNG EUCHARIST (Pres & Preacher: Fr Geoff) (Crècheand Sunday School) followed by Bring-and-Buy Sale

9.30 am

Evening Prayer 6.30 pm29th Thu Choir Practice 7 – 8.30 pm

Morning Prayer is said daily in the Lady Chapel (Monday to Friday) at 9.00am.

A service of Holy Communion is held every Thursday at 10.00 am. Both thisand the 8 am on Sunday morning are Order One in Traditional Language.

The Toddlers’ Group meets in Church (or Choir Vestry) every Monday from10.00 – 11.30 am except on Bank Holidays.

Tea, Coffee & Squash are served in Church every Wednesday from 10.30until noon. On the first Wednesday of the month this is followed by a bring-and-share lunch.

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SUNG EUCHARIST DUTY LIST (July)

Sunday 4th July Deacons A Eccleshall, M Simon Intercessor M Matthews Chalice M Simon, S Moring Lesson Readers S Moring, P Beach Sidespeople A Coley, P Coley, I Bilson Crèche A Makin, L Kinch

Sunday 11th July Deacons J Wareham, A Eccleshall Intercessor S Dunning Chalice A Eccleshall, B Hutchinson Lesson Readers M Benoy, P Gandy Sidespeople D Beach, H Moring, V Blacklock Crèche A Makin, N Roche

Sunday 18th July Deacons V Alvarez, V Allen-Smith Intercessor G Mordue Chalice V Allen-Smith, M Simon Lesson Readers J Talbot, F Storey Sidespeople P Gandy, P Allen-Smith, J Ochola Crèche N Roche, L Kinch

Sunday 25th July Deacons J Wareham, M Simon Intercessor P Beach Chalice M Simon, P Gough Lesson Readers P Hart, J Hart Sidespeople P Ricketts, A Makin, C Dixon Crèche A McDonald, L Kinch

Sunday 1st August Deacons V Allen-Smith, V Alvarez Intercessor V Mathews Chalice V Alvarez, S Moring Lesson Readers tba Sidespeople P Hart, N Hart, J Alexander

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CHARITABLE GIVING

Here are the last two ‘thank you’ letters received in response to St Michael’s charitablegiving in 2009.

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ST MICHAEL & ALL ANGELSMILDRED AVENUE WATFORD

SUNDAY 11th JULYFollowing the 11-15 service

At the West End of the church and also on thetriangle

YOU BRING your own drinks,and if possible something to sit on.

WE PROVIDE the barbecues and charcoal, plastic cups,sausages, beefburgers, bread and butter, salads,

ketchup and dressings, puddings and maybe one or two other items.

Tickets £4 (under 5s free)For further information and to order tickets please contact:

Sylvia Moring 231917Norma Twitchin 249327

orIola Bilson 227276

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PASTOR: GARTH WOODHEAD

Regular services:

Every Sunday: 10.30am Family service. The children leave the mainservice at around 11am for Sunday School.

Holy Communion is celebrated the 4th Sunday of each month.

Refreshments are served in the back hall after the meeting.

In addition:

Every Sunday at 3.00pm the French speaking church meet for bibleteaching and worship.

Every Friday at 7pm the Indian speaking church meet for bible teachingand worship.

Joint services for July TBA.

July Birthdays:

4th Julie Skinner12th Joyce Middleton17th Pat Hayler26th David Morgan29th Sonia Matthew30th Joshua Cottenham

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The following are unedited answers in a Catholic Elementary School test.Try to imagine the nun who had to read and grade these papers. Enjoy!!

1. In the first book of the bible, Guinessis, God got tired of creating theworld so He took the Sabbath off.

2. Adam and Eve were created from an apple tree. Noah’s wife was Joan ofark. Noah built an ark and the animals came on in pears.

3. Lot’s wife was a pillar of salt during the day, but a ball of fire during thenight.

4. Samson slayed the Philistines with the axe of the apostles.

5. The first commandment was when Eve told Adam to eat the apple.

6. The seventh commandment is thou shalt not admit adultery.

7. The greatest miracle in the bible is when Joshua told his son to standstill and he obeyed him.

8. Solomon, one of David’s sons, had 300 wives and 700 porcupines.

(That’s wisdom??)

What else is happening?

Wednesday 7.30pm: Housegroup / prayer meeting. The 1st Wednesday ofeach month is a joint prayer meeting for all 3 churches who meet here.

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The last Wednesday of each month there is a service at Rivercourt from2.30pm - 3.30pm which the residents look forward to and enjoy. The nextservice is July 28th.

Every Tuesday from 9.15am - 12.15pm. Cafe West.

Lesley Patterson

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Vicar * Revd Geoffrey Calvert St Michael’s Vicarage, 5 Mildred Avenue

Hon. Asst. Curate * Revd George Ochola BTh 57 Whippendell Road 239567

Readers * Mrs V Allen-Smith 40 Park Avenue 249921

* Dr M Heath 72 Harwoods Road 249168

Churchwardens Mr P Chandler 115 Kensington Avenue 252926

Mrs S Moring 6 Cassiobury Park Avenue 231917

Joint PCC Secretary Mrs P BeachMrs V Matthews

18 The Gardens134 Mildred Avenue

247982229408

PCC Treasurer Mrs C J Deeley 5 Greenbury Close, Chorleywood 282001

Hall Secretary Mr P Jenkins 86 Mildred Avenue 463263

Sacristan Mr J Wareham 26 Belgrave Avenue 221216

Organist & Choirmaster Mr A Benoy Flat 1, Prince Michael of Kents Lodge, 239524

Stratford Road

SWORD Magazine Mr D Beach 18 The Gardens 247982

Gift Aid Secretary Mr R Ward 67 The Chase 242494

Electoral Roll Secretary Mr H Moring 6 Cassiobury Park Avenue 231917

The Children’s Soc. Secretary Mrs N Twitchin 78 Princes Avenue 249327

Brownie Guides Mrs S Mulligan 351840

Creche Mrs A Makin 37 St James Road 236067

Sunday School Mrs K Jenkins 86 Mildred Avenue 463263

Kids Club & Youth Group Mrs J Talbot 35 Kings Avenue 226276

Young Children & Grown-Ups Lesley Kinch Flat 21, Ashridge House, Chenies Way 234788

Mothers’ Union Mrs P Gandy 15 Lynbury Court 224215

Wednesday Coffee Morning Mrs J Dickinson 23 Whippendell Road 228441

Social Committee Mrs N Brighton 87 Kings Avenue 350113

St Michael & All Angels ChurchTel:- (01923)247090

Web site:- www.stmichaels-watford.org.ukE-mail:- stmichaels@talktalk.net

The names of members of the Parochial Church Council and their membership of the various committees will be found on theChurch Notice Board.* Members of the Pastoral Team.

For the Month’s Diary of events and details of all Church Services please turn to the centre pages of this magazine.

West Watford Free Church (Baptist)Pastor Mr Garth Woodhead 184 Hagden Lane 466509Church Secretary Mr A Cockram 139 Briar Road, Kingswood 677372

St Michael’s Reg. Charity No. 1132010