What’s Changing?- Installation of a new step-free entrance, improving pathways for wheelchair and pram access.- Adjustments to internal areas to enhance accessibility.Why Are We Doing This? Accessibility is at the heart of our mission to create an inclusive space for worship, community, and events. These changes will make it easier for everyone to participate fully in church life.Questions or Feedback? If you have any questions or would like to object to any of the works or proposals, you should send a letter or email stating the grounds of your objection no later than Wednesday 31 December 2025 to -The Diocesan Registrar at St Albans Diocesan Registry,Winckworth Sherwood LLP,Arbor,255 Blackfriars Road,LONDON,SE1 9AXstalbansregistry@wslaw.co.uk.A letter of objection must include your name and address and state whether you live in the parish and/or your name is entered on the church electoral roll of the parish or any other basis on which you have an interest in the matter.
What’s Changing?- Installation of a new step-free entrance, improving pathways for wheelchair and pram access.- Adjustments to internal areas to enhance accessibility.Why Are We Doing This? Accessibility is at the heart of our mission to create an inclusive space for worship, community, and events. These changes will make it easier for everyone to participate fully in church life.Questions or Feedback? If you have any questions or would like to object to any of the works or proposals, you should send a letter or email stating the grounds of your objection no later than Wednesday 31 December 2025 to -The Diocesan Registrar at St Albans Diocesan Registry,Winckworth Sherwood LLP,Arbor,255 Blackfriars Road,LONDON,SE1 9AXstalbansregistry@wslaw.co.uk.A letter of objection must include your name and address and state whether you live in theparish and/or your name is entered on the church electoral roll of the parish or any otherbasis on which you have an interest in the matter.
Joy to the World! Dear friends, Every Christmas, when we lift our voices to sing “Joy to the World,” something stirs in my heart and I hope in yours too. Those familiar words — “The Lord is come!” — remind us that joy isn’t just a feeling for a season; it’s the presence of Jesus Himself. He is our joy — God with us, right here in the middle of our ordinary lives. Still, I know that for many, this season can be bittersweet. The world feels heavy at times — full of noise, worry, and uncertainty. Some of us are missing loved ones or carrying quiet burdens. And yet, this is exactly where the message of Christmas breaks through. The angels didn’t bring their good news to a perfect world. They came to shepherds in the dark, saying, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy for all people.”That same message is for us today. Real joy isn’t about pretending everything is fine. It’s about knowing that even in the struggle, God is near. Jesus came so that we would never have to face life’s challenges alone. He entered the world not as a distant king, but as a child in a manger — humble, close, and full of love. If we take a moment to look around, despite the challenges we may face, in our every day lives we can see signs of His joy everywhere. In the sparkle of children’s laughter. In the quiet peace that comes when we pray. In a simple walk in nature. In the kindness of a neighbour or the warmth of a shared meal, or the fun of being together. Joy shows up when we choose gratitude, forgiveness, and hope — when we let God’s love shape the way we see and treat others. My prayer this Christmas is that you’ll experience that deep, steady joy — not just for a day, but as a way of living. Let’s share it freely, especially with those who need it most. A simple smile, a visit, a prayer — these small acts can carry the light of Christ into someone’s darkness. So, dear friends, may your hearts be filled with the true joy that Jesus brings — a joy that strengthens, comforts, and renews. Let’s welcome Him again with open hearts and voices that sing, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come!” “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” — Philippians 4:4 With love and every blessing, Your Priest Rev Alison Jackson
Dear AllI hope you are managing to keep warm through this cold snap, now’s the time to dig out hats, scarves and gloves – if you can find them!This weekend sees another busy time for us all.You can come to High Wych Memorial Hall to pick up a hoop at the ‘Let there be light’ workshop from 10.00 am to 11.30 am on Saturday 22nd November, some materials can be provided. Janet will give us a demonstration of what we can do. These hoops will be used to decorate the village for our ‘Light up High Wych’ event which takes place at 3.45 pm on 14th December 2025 just ahead of our outdoor Carol service again this year at St James. Come and have some fun and eat cake and drink hot drinks and spend time together with your friends.Or you may want to join us on Saturday 22nd November in the afternoon from 2.00 pm at St Botolph’s, Eastwick for the last ‘tidy up the churchyard’ session for the end of the year. Refreshments are provided, we may also be planting bulbs around Eastwick if we have enough volunteers.On Sunday 23rd November we have our usual Holy Communion service at St James at 9.30 am and we will have a Family service at St Botolph’s, Eastwick at 11.15 am.There will also be a wedding in St James church on Sunday afternoon, so the church itself will be closed from Saturday morning as the flowers go in for the wedding.As we are moving rapidly towards Christmas, I attach the 2025 Advent Challenge to help the Pop-Up Shop in Sawbridgeworth in case you want to get involved.We have lots of opportunities to meet up this weekend, I hope I see you soon.Every blessingAlison
