Last Sunday, 11th May, was a very busy one for St Andrew's Church. After the 10am Parish Eucharist which was followed afterwards by a 'quick cuppa' in the Chapter House, it was back to the church for the Annual Church Parochial Meeting (APCM). A lot of preparation had gone into this beforehand in order to inform those attending (as well as those who didn't) what the agenda should be, allied with departmental write-ups and statistical accounts of the financial standing of the church in question. There ensued Q&A sessions to further inform those present with anything related to the ministry of the church as well as forecasts being put into focus. Inevitably, individuals stood down and this necessitated voting on new people to fill the gaps. Results will be found on our website or on the noticeboards in the foyer.
Later, there was the Sunday @ 6 act of corporate worship where the theme was Christian Aid. Indeed, last Sunday marked the start of Christian Aid Week, always given a high profile at St Andrew's. Around the pews, special envelopes were placed to attract attention. These were and still are for donations to be made specifically to provide the necessary training and tools to indigenous communities living in Guatemala who are facing the really negative effects of climate change. Their hard physical labours to provide sufficient food for their families and for market are being severely hampered by unusual weather patterns. If such a situation continues there will not be enough food to eat with all the accompanying sad things that happen as a result. Therefore, we have as usual Christian Aid week in sharp focus.
Also, last Sunday, the Fourth in Easter, marked Vocations Sunday, the significance of which provided Reverend Liz plenty of material for her upbeat and informative homily. The word 'vocation' comes from the Latin word meaning 'voice'. It is about following the calling of Christ for those who are willing to really listen. As a community of faith, we are entrusted with this. The messages surround such things as being a good neighbour with a sense of vocation. We follow a life of discernment where we face change and challenges. In this parish alone, there are many ministries, such as, giving pastoral support. We are called to celebrate Eucharist and we give thanks for the gift of life and the hope of eternal life. St Andrew's must play its part in blessing the ones who are overlooked. May we open up more fully to God's will and as Christ said, "My sheep hear my voice."
This Saturday, 17th May, at 9am, there will be the Christian Aid Big Breakfast in the Chapter House and at 9:30am, there will be a Bell Peal. Alongside much of this, between 10 and 12, there will be Coffee Shop. Why not bring along any craft project with which you might be currently occupied and just chat to a fellow traveller and compare notes. Then, this Sunday, 18th May, there will be 10am Parish Eucharist and in St Albans - the centre of this diocese - there will be Bishop Alan's Farewell Service in the Cathedral. At 5:30pm, at Cockayne Hatley Church, there will be Taize Worship.
Big Dates in the future: Thursday, 29th May: 9:30am, Ascension Day Holy Eucharist
Pentecost Sunday, 8th June: 8am: Said Communion, Order Two Traditional
10am: All Together Holy Communion
6pm: Sunday @ 6 for Pentecost.
Trinity Sunday, 15th June: 10am: Confirmation and Admission to Holy Communion, taking place during Parish Eucharist, with Jane, Bishop of Hertford.