Dear FriendsWell, this is it, the countdown to Christmas…Last week we had a lovely time at the Advent Study – it was such a joy to be with you.This week… apart from video, music and conversation we are making Christmas cookies.There is room for anyone else who would like to come so just let me know and I will make sure there is a chair for you (you might have to bring your own rolling pin though). Wed evening (tonight) 7.30 pm at the Rectory.I would just like to draw your attention to our Advent Challenge for this year (see flyer).Which finishes early as the bags are being made up on 13th December 2025, so all donations before that time will be gratefully received.Our plan is to support the Winter Night Shelter in Bishop Stortford again this year by using a giant Christmas card to send seasons greetings to each other and donating the money we would have spent on Christmas cards. The card should be in church for you soon to start writing on, thanks to Sam, for organising this again.Just a heads up – we will need a group to come to the Rectory on 23rd December to make up the Christingle bags. We have had great fun working together doing this over the past couple of years, please let me know if this is something you would like to get involved in.We are aiming to make over 200 Christingle kits this year – the bags are bought, the candles and red ribbon ready, I’ve even got the sweets. As last year, nearer the 23rd we will need 200 oranges. If any of you could donate in that last week a bag of large oranges we should have enough to make the Christingles. This Sunday sees Judith Denton, our Reader, preaching at the 8.00 am BCP at St James and then we will have a Family friendly feel at our Family service at 9.30 am at St James. We start with breakfast and around 10.00 am we will begin our service, following the theme of our Advent Study and one of my favourite Christmas hymns – Joy to the World. There will be lots of activity and some familiar carols as we celebrate the Christmas story together.I hope to see you again soonEvery Christmas blessingAlison
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
