Last Sunday, the heatwave was still in full swing, like Glastonbury, and people were awaiting the expected change in weather from the Atlantic to come midweek to provide some relief.
The 10am Parish Eucharist celebrated the Sunday in the church calendar when we give thanks for those two remarkable stalwarts of the early Church, namely, Peter and Paul. As appropriate,
Reverend Liz's homily acknowledged this special Feast Day, recalling as a child, listening to that old rhyme, 'Fly Away Peter, Fly Away Paul; Come Back Peter, Come Back Paul.' Peter the fisherman and Paul the tent maker and ardent Pharisee who was to become an Apostle with his friend to be. The latter was forever changed by his experience on the road to Damascus whereas the former was an eyewitness, seeing the mirror image of God in Jesus. Both made it to Rome. Both were martyred there. We too can open up to Jesus as they did. Their lives flow through us today. There was also, closer to home, the season for Ordinations in St Albans Cathedral. The Holy Spirit works on where ordinary folk can do extraordinary things. Barriers can be broken down. Thanks are offered to these two apostles. We can give thanks for our own lives when we hold fast to Christ. In the restful stillness of St Andrew's church, a blackbird chirruped and fluted away harmoniously, somehow adding that lovely Summer's moment that sticks in our memories in the chilling months of Winter. Later at noon, the Holy Baptism took place of Baby Benedict. We wish him and his family, godparents and friends, God's Blessing.
This Saturday, 5th July, the Royal British Legion will be putting on a 1940's style party in the Market Square. Next day, 6th July, there will be 8am Said Communion: Order Two Traditional, following the Book of Common Prayer, always observed in the oldest part of the church, facing the Memorial Altar. Always a pleasant contemplative start to a Summer's day, before the town beyond gets busier. At 10am, our All Together Eucharist takes place, followed by a Cuppa in the Chapter House. On Monday, 7th July, it is National Thank You Day. The following Sunday, 13th July, at 3pm, there will be the East Beds Chamber Choir Concert at the church.
As always, for more calendar detail, please go to our website or visit our church between 9am to 4pm, for private prayer and also read the things that are going on from the notice boards. All are welcome.