Recent Events

 

Bangers and Mash

The Harvest Lunch on Sunday, 5th October was a great success. Collections during the morning service and during the lunch raise over £420 for WaterAid.

Watford Band Concert

'It was probably our best ever concert!' That was how members of the Band assessed their recital in Christ Church on Saturday, 4th October 2008.

On this occasion the Band was joined by the Junior Choir of Watford Girls Grammar School. Their singing, which included songs from 'Fame' and Eric Clapton's 'Tears in Heaven', had an enthusiasm that was kept perfectly under control by their conductor, Alison Carr. The Band, too, was in excellent form in a programme that included among many others 'The Wind beneath my Wings', 'Bobby Shaftoe', 'Camptown Races', 'Over the Rainbow' and 'Pirates of the Caribbean'. A cornet solo by the Band's Musical Director, Richard Graves, 'Carikfurgus', was one of the highlights of the evening.

Band and Choir joined forces and gave a very moving performance of 'The Hymn to the Fallen' from 'Saving Private Ryan'.

The evening ended in typical 'last night of the Proms' style. It was all there. The 'Fantasy on British Sea Songs', with much clapping and bobbing during the Hornpipe, and flag waving and general rowdiness during 'Jerusalem' and 'Land of Hope and Glory', to which the wonderful singing of Kate Powis gave added lustre

The Band's next concert in Christ Church will be on Saturday 9th May 2009 at 7.30pm.

Local History Group comes to Christ Church

On Saturday 13th September the North Watford History Group ended a walking tour of North Watford in Christ Church. Many of the group had never visited the building before. They seemed particularly interested in the 1914-18 Street Shrine kept at the West end of the church and the memorial to the people who died in the Harrow and Wealdstone Railway Accident in 1952.

Our church may not be a medieval building but for many people recent history is just as fascinating as it helps build up a picture of the people and social events that have shaped our little corner of the world.

Visit of Bishop Baji

When the Lambeth Conference ended, Bishop Philip Baji came to visit our parish. He is Bishop of Tanga, the diocese in Tanzania where the Kwa Mkono Polio Hostel is located.

Our Vicar was on holiday so on Sunday 10th August the Bishop was invited to celebrate the Eucharist in Christ Church at 11 o'clock.

Bishop Philip thanked everyone for the support we give to the staff and children at the Polio Hostel. Without it the work there would really suffer.

Fund-raising for local Hospice

On 17th June the Tuesday Circle at St Mark's Church served cream teas in the church grounds and raised £162 for Watford Peace Hospice. Thank you to everyone who came.

Fun and Games in No-so-Sunny Sidmouth, 25th-30th May

The great thing about a Parish Holiday is that everyone is free to do as they please. That means that at the end of each day people have so much to share. 'We went to.....' 'Oh, where's that? perhaps we'll go tomorrow...' and so on. As we arrived in Sidmouth the sun was shining and everything looked set fair for the Bank Holiday. We should have known better. As one local said, 'It always rains on Bank Holidays!' And rain it certainly did! But it failed to dampen our spirits.

Some decided to stay in the house. Sidholme is a lovely, welcoming place. The entertainments officer had arranged a treasure hunt round the house, an enjoyable way of helping people of all ages to find their way round. There is a large swimming pool, the games room is a child's delight with snooker table, table soccer and hundreds of board games to enjoy, and there is plenty of space indoors and out in which to get lost! So those who stayed inside had a good day while others ventured out. One party went to Darts Farm near Exeter, an elaborate farm shop with all kinds of extras. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has a centre there where you can watch the marsh birds. There are craft shops, outfitters, camping and climbing shops, a delicatessen, vegetable, meat, cheese and fish shops, all under one roof. And there is a super restaurant, two coffee bars and a 'fish shed'. So plenty to see and to do. Then to Budleigh Salterton and the museum, a most attractive and well presented collection of local material including most delicate lace. Then home via a quick blow on the beach and a cream tea. Not a bad start to the week.

Next day it was damp. Grey clouds obscured the tops of the hills and there was mist over the bay. A good day to visit Buckfastleigh, the otter sanctuary and butterfly farm and the South Devon Railway. This is one place where the weather makes little difference and everyone enjoyed themselves. An unexpected free ride on a vintage double-decker bus took us to Buckfast Abbey where some of us enjoyed an hour or so of peace and quiet.

Wednesday should have been the grand sandcastle competition. But driving rain and howling winds put paid to that. The many children were disappointed, but entertainments officer Catherine quickly organised alternative activities in 'The Cave', a big room under the dining room set aside for children's and youth work. Eighteen hardy souls went to Exmouth and a boat trip on the River Exe which was very wet but enormous fun.

Every evening there were 'social games' in the Music Room. These were enjoyed by everyone taking part and ensured that it was not just the children to went to bed 'tired but happy'! And all through the week the wonderful swimming pool was very well used by sedate swimmers and aspiring water polo players - but not at the same time!

Thursday was our last day. The sun was shining! People set off in all directions. One group went to the Donkey Sanctuary whilst another visited Exeter and explored the old city with its wonderful cathedral and dockside area. Others even went to the promenade and onto the beach. But the clouds soon drifted in and the rain caught them all. 'It was dryer in the water!' we were told by some of the youngsters who had braved the beach.

Was it the adverse weather that made this one of the best holidays we have enjoyed together? Was it the excellent meals? They were certainly a highlight of each day. Undoubtedly the warmth of welcome and the quality of care offered by our host family for the week, Nigel and Louise Deakin and their four children was a contributory factor. Probably a combination of all those things. But as we left on the Friday morning people were already speculating about where and when the next Parish Holiday would be.

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Organ Recital

Our first Sunday afternoon Organ Recital on 18th May was an unqualified success. Andrew West from Pinner delighted his audience with a well balanced programme ranging from Buxtehude and Bach to Vaughan Williams and Christopher Tambling.

The recital formed part of our celebration of the end of Christian Aid Week. Our morning services were followed by a frugal lunch and then the concert. A substantial sum was raised to swell Christian Aid funds.

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Band Concert

On Saturday 10th May 'Watford Band in the Spotlight' featured favourite tunes from films and shows. Musical Director Richard Graves brought the very best from the band, much to the delight of an enthusiastic audience.

The Band's next concert at Christ church will be on Saturday 4th October at 7.30pm.

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Family Fun Day

Spring Bank Holiday Monday was a glorious day. The sun beat down on hundreds of people who found much to enjoy at this year's Family Fun Day at St Mark's Church. There were all the usual attractions. Fairground stall, refreshments, a bewildering variety of stalls, tombola, raffles and some interesting demonstrations.

Outside, Jo Jingles was there, providing stories, songs and games for the under-5s. The Splash Club demonstrated how dogs can be trained to dance and to perform all kinds of tricks. There was the traditional Maypole Dancing, with the Brownies showing how it should be done before everyone else joined in and had a go.

Firm favourites were the birds of prey, a Harris Hawk and a Barn Owl, both of whom were very patient and well-behaved as the children petted them.

Inside it was very busy. Children tested out some new computer games and tried their hand at running a railway. The stall holders were kept very busy, and there was a constant demand for drinks and ploughman's lunches.

Everyone agreed that it had been a wonderful day. There was so much to do, and the weather was so nice some people spent their time sitting on the grass and soaking up the sun.

It was hard work for those who had to set everything up and put it all away, but having seen so many people enjoying themselves we all left with a smile on our faces - tired but happy, as the storybooks say!

 

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Older People's Party

Saturday 26th April, and another very successful and enjoyable party for the over-60s.

Following an incredibly large tea Balletomane danced excerpts from several ballets. For people who can no longer go to the theatre to see the ballet there this was a real treat.

The party was rounded off by Maurice Saunders and a mixture of reminiscences, songs and stories.

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Farewell to Andy & Claire Hartropp

The Rev Andy Hartropp has been appointed Associate Vicar of Shottesbrooke, White Waltham and Waltham St. Lawrence in Oxford Diocese. On Sunday 6th April members of our congregations gathered to wish him, and his wife Claire, every happiness in their new home, The Parsonage in Waltham St. Lawrence.

Churchwardens Paul and Judy Pratchett presented them with a farewell gift. Dick Lewis, our Vicar, expressed appreciation for all that they have done here, Andy in the past 6½ years and Claire for most of her life. Everyone prayed that God would be with them in their new sphere of ministry. They will be greatly missed.

On Sunday 4th May around 40 of us went to Waltham St Lawrence to witness Andy's first official service there. We were given a very warm welcome, visited their new home, enjoyed a tour of the parish and a splendid tea. Now we can imagine them in their new setting. We pray they will be very happy.

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Easter Monday Diocesan Pilgrimage

Every Easter Monday people from all over St Albans Diocese walk from their parish churches to the Cathedral. This year numbers were very down. Only 15 people went from Christ Church, a very small group compared with other years. But the weather forecast was dire and it was snowing!

However, within an hour of starting the snow stopped and the sun shone. The going was nowhere near as muddy as had been feared and everyone enjoyed the walk across fields and through woods.

Despite smaller numbers the traditional service in the afternoon was as noisy and joyful as ever. The Bishop of St Albans presided for the last time. Everyone wondered if his successor will be appointed in time for next Easter Monday's walk.

Our Sean Chambers decided to use the event to raise money for St Michael's School' Lent Project and the Children's Polio Hostel in Kwa Mkono. So he RAN the whole way, and made more than £300. Well done, Sean!

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'The Crucifixion'

On Sunday 9th March at 6.30 in the evening, our Parish Choir was joined by members of other local church choirs in giving a performance of John Stainer's popular oratorio, 'The Crucifixion'.

It tells the wonderful story of God, who loved the world so much that he gave his only Son so that whoever believes in him might have eternal life.

The audience joined enthusiastically in singing some wonderful hymns.

The story was told two soloists, Michael Selby (bass), by kind permission of the English National Opera, and Neil Gillespie (tenor), by kind permission of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.

It truly was a musical and spiritual feast. Our thanks to everyone who took part.

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Christmas Pantomime

On Sunday 16th December during the 11am service at Christ Church members of the parish staff and the leaders and helpers of our Sunday School presented a pantomime based on the Parable of the Good Samaritan. Some larger-than-life characters presented an account of the true meaning of Christmas in an unusually seasonal way. There was plenty of audience participation and the children loved it.

Yes, we know it's unusual to have a pantomime during a church service. But all through the ages the Church has used drama to present the Gospel in ways that people of all ages can grasp. We believe that our audience left with a clear understanding of Jesus's summary of the Law, of the seven deadly sins, and of Christ's willingness to come and dwell among us, and to sacrifice himself on our behalf.

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Carol Services

On Sunday 16th December at 6.30pm our parish choir and the Watford Band, with Clem Lewis at the church organ, led a large congregation that included the Mayor of Watford, the Chairman of the Borough Council and members of the Council in what was almost, but not quite, a traditional carol service.

After the service hot mince pies awaited everyone in the Church Hall.

Then, on Sunday 30th December, there was a chance to sing more of our favourite carols at St Mark's - and to enjoy more mince pies!

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Marilyn Baker Concert

An audience of almost 200 people enjoyed an excellent concert on Saturday 8th December in Christ Church. With her usual blend of stories, personal reminiscences and songs, Marilyn presented a compelling statement of the true meaning of Christmas.

She explained that she has often been asked to perform at this time of year, and this has prompted her to write new versions of well loved carols. During the evening she sang four of them, and a measure of their popularity was the speed with which people purchased her CD 'Christmas with Marilyn Baker' during the interval!

A highlight was when used her guide dog, Penny, to show how, if you will trust him, God will guide you through life. It can make you anxious until you realise that he is utterly reliable. Then it becomes a truly rewarding experience.

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Special Children's Party

On Sunday 2nd December, 22 children aged between 5 and 10 years enjoyed a wonderful party. It was hosted by our Sunday School leaders and helpers but organised by Juliette, a professional children's party giver. Everyone - including the adults - enjoyed the games and the tea. 'When's the next one?' the children wanted to know! Perhaps quite soon, who knows!

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PRAYER AND PAINTING

On Saturday 17th November people once again spent a relaxed afternoon in Christ Church doing some painting and sharing in quiet moments and prayer.

Under Chris Long's guidance complete novices felt confident enough to try water colours, acrylics or pastels. Experienced artists were encouraging and happy to help.

There is plenty in and around the church to inspire, and Chris had set up some still lifes for people to tackle as well. At times the building was completely silent. At others it was filled with laughter.

Chris drew the whole experience together through meditation and prayer and everyone left refreshed and determined to do it again.

That was the last 'Prayer and Painting' session for 2007.

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A Parish Visit to the Holy Land

Saturday 26th May to Sunday 3rd June 2007

What a mixed bag of impressions our pilgrims brought back after nine incident filled days in Israel and Palestine. Impressions of the Land, dry and dusty in the south, lush and green and bright with flowers in the North. Impressions of the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus called the disciples, healed the sick, challenged people with his teaching and his way of life, and where he lived and worked and worshipped. The journey by boat on the Lake, especially drifting with the wind when the engine was turned off, was a real highlight.

Impressions of the people, and especially the Palestinian Christians, sunny, hospitable, generous and full of good humour and laughter. Impressions of the Church at work, at Helen Keller School for Visually Impaired Children in Jerusalem, the Princess Basma Centre caring for physically disabled children and their parents, the Spafford Centre offering holistic care to children and their parents many of whom have been traumatised by the violence in the West Bank. A visit to the Bethlehem Arab Society for Rehabilitation, a project we in this parish have been supporting at Christmas for many years, revealed a fine hospital providing a beacon of hope for many adults and children suffering serious injury or disability as a result of accidents, violence or strokes and other illnesses.

Impressions of the Sacred Sites, very special places made holy by the devotion of Christians, Jews and Muslims through more than two millennia. Each in its own way provided refreshment and delight. Bethlehem, Nazareth, Capernaum, Jericho, Ein Karem, birthplace of John the Baptist, Jerusalem and the rest had much to offer. And what a bonus to arrive in Cana of Galilee and find a wedding taking place! The walk down the Via Dolorosa, following in Jesus' footsteps to the place of execution, visiting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre packed with clergy and with worshippers, and experiencing the peace of the Garden Tomb, were all unforgettable. A real surprise was Nazareth Village, a first century farm that has been lovingly reconstructed by archaeologists and gives a wonderful impression of the place where Jesus spent most of his life.

Our Guide was Ra'ed Karborani (right), a Syrian Orthodox Christian who is acknowledged by his fellow Guides as 'probably the best'. He made the whole journey thoroughly enjoyable as well as informative. Fausi (left) our driver, a Muslim, was delightful and made piloting our luxurious coach through crowded and twisting narrow streets look easy.

But a final highlight was meeting Ed (2nd from left) and Irene Beattie (2nd from right) from Peace Lutheran Church in Texas. It happened that they were on a pilgrimage staying in Jerusalem at the same time as us. It was wonderful to meet them and for them to meet one or two more people from Christ Church and St Mark's.

It was a trip of a lifetime and it will take us quite a long time to recover! If you missed out this time and would like to visit the Holy Land our Vicar is planning another visit next year, possibly in February because spring in Israel is lovely. Don't let the TV news reports put you off. As we were waiting to get onto the coach, Fr Kelly from Notre Dame asked us two questions. 'Did you feel in danger at any time during your stay in the Holy Land?' Everyone shook their heads. 'Before you came did any of your family or friends say they thought you were mad, and that you would be putting your life in danger?' Most people nodded. 'Well,' said Fr Kelly, 'Just go back home and tell everyone that the Holy Land is very safe, and encourage them to come and see it for themselves.' We certainly will.

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