Last Sunday's 10am Parish Eucharist marked the Fifth Sunday of Easter, during which Reverend Liz's homily interwove the contents of that morning's three Readings with their relevance for the cut and thrust of life today. We don't necessarily take to all the implications of Christian discipleship, especially when it means changing deep rooted conventions and attitudes. The early disciples were the same. Peter at first only accepted the dietary requirements of his religious background until he grasped the concept of God's inclusiveness for all humanity. We too can feel unease when mixing with people whom we think of as different. This was a huge issue in the past and the lesson still needs to be learned. We are all made in God's image. The symbolism of Christ washing his disciples feet should be understood. Being offered love is not always easy to accept but having our limits is diminishing. The gravely ill sometimes pray for us and we should therefore accept 'receiving' as well as 'giving'. This balanced interchange is acceptable and barriers can be broken down. The Farewell Service for the present Bishop of St Albans who has given 16 years of service to our diocese was mentioned as part and parcel of the same issues. His forthcoming retirement brings forth new opportunities. As things are given up, new pursuits can be taken on. We can pray for one another at any stage in our own discipleship.
Again, as so often mentioned, our regularly updated church website gives diary dates for events at St Andrew's and for those who may wish to know more about the recent APCM, relevant data can be accessed on this as well as the publicised Christian Aid Week. Reverent Liz has thanked all those, for instance, who had helped with the Christian Aid Big Breakfast and for the very generous response from those attending with monetary aid. Alternatively, as the church is generally open during the working week between 9 and 4, all are welcome to read the Notices in the foyer or on the outside Notice Boards. The church grounds are looking particularly green and beautiful during this Springtime. Why not come.
This Saturday, 24th May, the Coffee Shop will be open from 10 to 12 noon. Next day, 25th May, it will be Rogation Sunday which will be celebrated at 10am with Parish Eucharist. Do you know the meaning of the term, 'Rogation'? On Wednesday, 4th June, from 2pm onwards, there will be a Mothers' Union get-together at the Sandy RSPB Lodge. For those wishing to attend, meet at St Andrew's carpark from where participants can leave for Sandy at 1:30pm.
Confirmation Sunday will be on 15th June when we are looking forward to welcoming Jane, the Bishop of Hertford, who will be officiating. Furthermore, this service will also include Admission to Communion for some of our Sunday School children. For anyone wishing to know more, please contact the vicar or the churchwardens.
As part of our Mission Partnership with Hands at Work, we are sending Team Africa 2025. Those going on this life-changing experience are, Alice, Oliver, Noah, Nick, Pippa, Rachel and Adam. They will be organising a Games and Quiz Night on Saturday, 7th June. The evening will include a Bangers and Mash Supper! Later, with Summer well established, Holiday Club will be starting the week beginning 11th August and will be conclude with a special Service of Worship followed by a barbeque on Sunday, 17th August. The drama for this year will centre around Jungle Adventure. Reaching forward to mid Autumn, Saturday, 20th September, there will be Country Fayre, enjoying its 40th anniversary. This will hold the usual selection of stalls and entertainments which differ nonetheless each year. The two chosen charities which we will be supporting on that day will be the Willow Foundation and the MS Trust. Nearer to the time in question, the aims of these two charities will be explained but of course, readers can find out meanwhile for themselves by going on-line as well as by other means.
One more date to note: On Sunday, 8th June, it will be Pentecost, otherwise still known as Whitsun, and there will be our monthly three services on the same day, namely, 8am Tradition Communion, 10am All Together Eucharist and the evening Sunday at Six for Pentecost which follows the usual format of being more informal and lay-led.