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all saints alive

the magazine of All Saints' Parish Church, Hertford

Vicar Diary Contacts All Saints Home Services Choir Concerts Church

Editorial

Here are the editorial pages from the current and some previous editions of our magazine "all saints alive". To advertise in or subscribe to the printed version please contact us.

The February edition will be published on Friday 23rd January

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January 2009

Christmas Joy? Jo's seasonal message. Plus a radio talk 'presents' given by Doug Loveridge and information on a new study course
Christmas Tree FestivalDoug Loveridge and Colin Bird report on a very successful weekend.
St John's HallRosemary Graves tells the story of our Hall and the very diverse uses it is now put to.
Notes and reportsCatch up with the latest news, register entries, forthcoming meetings, etc.
Christmas in BethlehemNorah Anderson reflects on the great story in verse.
Conservation in NepalJohn & Fiona Earle describe a success
Diary See whats on when.

December 2008

Christian Stewardship Jo looks at our response to God; God the Creator, God the Saviour and God the Holy Spirit
Ninety years onJohn & Fiona Earle reflect on and contrast the changes.
Notes and reportsCatch up with the latest news, plans, register entries, forthcoming meetings, junior church project etc.
Poetry PageTwo poems by Mollie Day and the new Hertford Hymn by Doug Loveridge
Charles & John WesleyNorah Anderson gives the background to two great hymnodists and the founders of Methodism.
Diary See what was on when.

November 2008

A day in the life Jo tells where her time goes. Also some interesting situations vacant to consider
A taste of CambridgeJohn & Fiona Earle report on an interesting 'taster day' at Queens' College.
Notes and reportsCatch up with the latest news, plans, register entries, forthcoming meetings, junior church project etc.
SoundbitesChristopher Benham previews this month's concerts
Christmas Alone 2008Janet Bird outlines the plans for this important annual activity by Herford & District Churches Together.
Diary See what was on when.

October 2008

Care for God's creation Jo encourages us to reflect on our responsibilities. Also more news on the new Team.
Street PastorsAs serious discussions get under way a useful article on Street Pastors by Rowena Godfrey from the Daily Telegraph of June 1st 2008. More information on Street Pastors can be found here.
Notes and reportsCatch up with the latest news, plans, register entries, forthcoming meetings, reports etc.
SoundbitesChristopher Benham previews this month's concerts
Queens and Queens ConsortThe second part of Norah Anderson's article (Part one is here)
Diary See what was on when.

September 2008

Harvest CandleOur cover features one of the arrangements made by members of our Flower Club during a recent Workshop with Jenny Stutley.
New Term, New Start Jo sets out our plans to grow the church in three related articles. One about exciting plans for a new All the family service; a second on our plans for "Back to Church" Sunday.; and a third about the realisation of the plan for a Team Ministry
Why Pay the Quota?Edwin Godfrey, Chair of the Finance Committee, looks at where the money goes (and how much comes back!)
Notes and reportsCatch up with the latest news, plans, forthcoming meetings, reports etc.
SolitaryJohn & Fiona Earle report on an evening with Alan Johnston and Norah Anderson considers God's generous gifts to us all as we prepare for Harvest.
Diary See what was on when.

July/August 2008

Devotion Jo encourages us to think about what it means to be devoted - to God.
HertFest 2008 is a year long initiative. read about it and about plans for a special week at the end of July.
Notes and reportsCatch up with the latest news, plans, forthcoming meetings, reports etc.
Queens and Queens ConsortNorah Anderson considers some powerful women in the first of a two-part article.
Diary See what was on when.

June 2008

Whats in a name Geoff Oates comes up with some surprising answers
Team MeetingOn 12th May Jo, Bill, Nick, Alan and Robert presented their ideas on the potential Team Ministry here in Hertford. Read all about it here!
Notes and reportsCatch up with the latest news, plans, forthcoming meetings, reports, committee membership, opinion survey and more.
Praying togetherDavid Cramphorn offers a daily Prayer Calendar for the whole town
Diary See what was on when.

May 2008

Easter CandleOur cover features one of the arrangements made by members of our Flower Club during the recent Workshop with Jenny Stutley
Freedom to be ourselves Jo Loveridge encourages us to 'just be'. Also information on plans for the Team Ministry, the talents competition and Ascension Day
APCMRead the key reports - including the budget and Jo's Vision for us.
Notes and reportsCatch up with the latest news, plans, forthcoming meetings, reports and more.
CourageJohn & Fiona Earle report on an individual's response to conflict.
Diary See what was on when.

April 2008

New CommissionsOur cover celebrates a new station of the cross and associated music specially produced for All Saints as part of the "Stations for Hertford" Lent project. You can read more about it in a Church Times article published on 21st March and accesible on-line here.
Meals and invitations Jo Loveridge finds significance in our everyday life Also information on our plans for some exciting Family Services.
Loss and GainJohn & Fiona Earle weigh up the pros and cons.
Notes and reportsCatch up with the latest news, plans, forthcoming meetings, reports and more.
A Churchwarden looks backAs his (extended) time as a Churchwarden comes to a close, Richard Toyn reflects on what is involved.
Soundbites Summer 2008 Chris Benham previews the coming season. Also a little bit about who St George really was (and no mention of a dragon!).
Diary See what was on when.

March 2008

Words from the Cross Jo Loveridge reflects on the meaning behind the familiar phrases. Also information on our plans for Mothering Sunday, Good Friday and Confirmation
A Royal progress?Details of our services for Holy Week and some special music.
Poetry Page Two poems by members of our congregation.
Notes and reportsCatch up with the registers, latest plans, forthcoming meetings, reports and more.
OddmentsJohn & Fiona Earle muse on the difficulties of making major decisions wisely
Diary See what was on when

February 2008

Do not hold on to me Jo Loveridge considers the need to 'let go'. Also information on the 2008 Lent Course
My first year as a bell-ringerLorraine Brown describes the 'ups' and 'downs' in learning to ring in a team
Finance Colin Bird reports on 2007 and looks forward to the challenges in 2008.
Stations in Hertford Alan Stewart describes an exciting and imaginative art project for Lent 2008
Notes and reportsCatch up with the latest plans, forthcoming meetings, reports and more.
All Nations College Derek Westwood brings us up to date on some couples who worked with us in the past.
Nativity playGillian Harman shares some photographs of Junior Church's instant Nativity Play at Bircherly Court on 16th December
Diary See what was on when.

January 2008

Whats your greeting? Jo Loveridge considers the options and meanings
A week in the lifeChorister Chris Oates shares his musical diary in the build up to the Christmas season
Only Connect Jo Loveridge's priorities for All Saints and a memory of Dorothy Clements by Janet Bird
Notes and reportsCatch up with the latest plans, forthcoming meetings, reports and more.
MindlessJohn & Fiona Earle explore the challenges to our priorities if we are to address Global Warming.
Diary See what was on when

December 2007

Get ready - quietly! Jo Loveridge reminds us of the real purpose of the Advent season
Aschiana Activity DayGillian Harman reports on the varied activities and learning that took place
Notes and reportsCatch up with the latest entries in the registers, plans, forthcoming meetings, reports and December Soundbites concerts
OpportunityJohn & Fiona Earle wonder if we've really tried had enough to address literacy issues and their huge implications.
Christmas Alone 2007 Janet Bird reports on this year's plans and tells us where we can help, either beforehand or on the day.
Diary See what was on when.

November 2007

All called to be Saints New Vicar Jo Loveridge challenges us all
For all the SaintsNorah Anderson considers what we can learn from Saints old and new
MBEJohn and Fiona Earle were invested on Thursday 18th October for their work in Afghanistan through Aschiana. They report on the rich variety of people being invested that day and the varied things they had done to earn their honour.
Notes and reportsCatch up with the latest entries in the registers, plans, forthcoming meetings, reports and November Soundbites concerts
Christmas Alone 2007 Janet Bird reports on this year's plans and tells us where we can help, either beforehand or on the day..
Diary See what was on when.

October 2007

Whats it worth? Reader Geoffrey Oates nails down the answer!
Festival of Flowers and MusicPictures from our recent Festival.
AntsJohn and Fiona Earle wonder what we can learn. Also a short article on wills and the parish policy on legacies.
Notes and reportsCatch up with the latest entries in the registers, plans, forthcoming meetings and reports. Also an update on Asciana and its plans.
Harvest Norah Anderson remembers harvest activities from her childhood.
Soundbites Christopher Benham previews this month's Soundbites concerts.
Diary See what was on when.

September 2007

All good gifts around us Reader Janet Bird muses on the implications of the theme of our forthcoming Festival of Flowers and Music.

Formal announcement of Rev Jo Loveridge's appointment and a short autobiography.

Festival Update Dorothy Toyn shares the latest plans and activities
My Voluntary ExperienceA young Iraqui Doctor, studying for a Master's degree, explains why he does voluntary work in London. John and Fiona Earle set the context
Notes and reportsCatch up with the latest entries in the registers, plans, forthcoming meetings and reports.
Quiet Northamptonshire Norah Anderson looks at what has and hasn't changed in the rural idyll.
Diary See what was on when

July/August 2007

Human Fraility - God's Love The sermon preached by Archbishop Rowan Williams on Easter Day at Canterbury Cathedral
ArranJohn and Fiona Earle share happy experiences from the island
Notes and reportsCatch up with the latest plans, forthcoming meetings and reports.
Oliver Cromwell Norah Anderson looks at his life and times.
Soundbites July 2007 Christopher Benham previews this month's Soundbites concerts - and the forthcoming Autumn Season
Diary See what was on when

June 2007

Pentecost Reader Geoffrey Oates breathes some life into questions of life, wind and power. Also a short article about our Diocesan Patron St Alban.
Peter StubbsJanet Bird (the other 'short churchwarden') has expanded her address from Peter's funeral with other people's memories in tribute to a quiet but dedicated servant of All Saints.
Notes and reportsCatch up with the latest plans, forthcoming meetings and reports.
HOSTJohn and Fiona Earle mark the 20th anniversary of this important, but little known charity.
Victorian Novels and Novelists Norah Anderson shares her views on Dickens, Trollope and others
Soundbites June 2007 Christopher Benham previews this month's Soundbites concerts - and the Music Marathon on June 9th
Diary See what was on when

May 2007

Spring is sprung Reader Janet Bird rejoices. Also a couple of reports and a book review
Treasurer's reportColin Bird gives the facts. Also infomation on the Harvest Festival of Flowers and Music
From the registersRead the latest entries and appreciations
FriendshipJohn and Fiona Earle wonder how friendly we are. Also information on Christian Aid Week
Rogation Norah Anderson remembers Rogation Sunday and your editor attempts to explain what Rogation is.
Soundbites Summer 2007 Christopher Benham reports on plans for the new season and gives some May highlights
Diary See what was on when

April 2007

Easter is who we are Reader Geoffrey Oates explains
Memorable momentsJohn & Fiona Earle look back and ask us to do the same. Also infomation on the new Electoral Roll and the Annual meetings
Eastertide at All SaintsFlowers, Bells and the latest on our search for a new priest.
Notes and reportsCatch up with the latest plans, forthcoming meetings, the new Soundbites season, and read about our idea for the Autumn fund raising event!
The two Charles Norah Anderson considers the lives and times of two of our monarchs. Our picture editor picks the wrong Charles II (Spain not Britain!)
Diary See what was on when

March 2007

What is the meaning of Lent? Reader Janet Bird explains
Carbon and usIn response to the recent scientific report on Global Warming, Richard Chartres, Bishop of London has decided not to fly for a year. John & Fiona Earle look at some of the issues around global warming and what we can do to reduce our own contributions.
Notes and reportsCatch up with the latest plans, forthcoming meetings, and read about Fairtrade Fortnight, Diocesan Retreats and much more!
Charles WesleyHerbert McGonigle talks about one of Wesley's greatest hymns in the year of his tercentenary.
Concerts Information on March's Soundbites concerts and two musical events to mark Holy Week
Diary See what was on when

February 2007

Do we need a Vicar? Reader Geoffrey Oates mulls it over
Stewardship 2007Treasurer Colin Bird reports on our finances in 2006 and looks ahead to 2007
Notes and reportsCatch up with the latest plans, forthcoming meetings, and read about the Flower Club and the work of our Maintenance Team
Registers Read the lastest entries
Village life betwen the wars Norah Anderson recalls her early life in a North Bucks village.
Concerts Information on February's Soundbites concerts and an evening concert on 24th February by award winning pianist Richard Uttley, promoted jointly with UHArts
Diary See what was on when

January 2007

New Year - new targets, new goals, same God Rev. Gerry Booker, our Hon Curate, reflects at the start of another year
Down by the Sea Pippa Jenkins reports on our October Activity Day
Look with your heart Cecil Elliston Ball considers the positive attitude of a remarkable young man
The Gospel - Christian Aid and the churches Read the views of Rt Rev John Gladwin, Bishop of Chelmsford and Chair of Christian Aid
NotesRead about our Christmas Fayre financial result, forthcoming events and 'from the registers'
Health and safetyJohn & Fiona Earle weigh up Health and Safety (and the Trades Descriptions Act!), managed risk and Common Sense
Soundbites Winter 2007 Christopher Benham reports on plans for the new season and gives some January highlights
DiarySee what was on when.

December 2006

Christmas - a time for us or a time for Christ? Reader Janet Bird wonders if we have our priorities right
Global Warmth: Life - Love Brian Bromley challenges us to care for our world more thoughtfully - right in All Saints
Christmas Alone 2006Janet Bird, with her Hertford and District Churches Together hat on, lays out the plan for the 2006 Christmas Day party at Sele School and shows where we can help.
Registers Life stages passed in October/November
Notes Read plans for the Christmas Fayre, and the activities of the Mothers Union and Women's Fellowship
In memoriam Norah Anderson offers some verses to ponder as we prepare for our annual Commemoration of Faithful Departed
Charities Great and Small John & Fiona Earle look at the different contributions charities can make and examines the work of one small charity in the Palas valley, Northern Pakistan
DiarySee what was on when - count the carol services (actually there were more - your editor missed at least three and the 9L&C).

November 2006

Fireworks in heaven?Reader Geoffrey Oates looks at our Autumn festivals sacred and secular and hopes we find time for the Saints amongst the fun
Harvest Supper Charles Murkin reports on a large gathering who came to enjoy themselves and to say farewell to Bill Kemm, our Vicar of fourteen years, and his wife Jean (to say nothing of Harry!).
Registers Hatches and Matches in October - and more on All Saints and All Souls
Letter from Bill & JeanBill and Jean write in reponse to their farewell week.
Notes Read plans for the Christmas Fayre, and the activities of the Mothers Union and Women's Fellowship
Future + Hope
Soundbites Soundbites was ten years old this month, Christopher Benham reports on the recitals planned to mark the occasion. Your editor feels obliged to mention that not all went to plan and our 'home team' gave a splendid (almost impromptu) concert on 8th to great acclaim.
DiarySee what was on when.

From earlier editions

Oct 2006
Fourteen Happy Years Bill Kemm reflects on his ministry here and elsewhere (over forty years) as he retires to Nutley
The VacancyBill explains what will happen.
Registers The entries for Aug/Sept
September 2006
RegistersThe entries for July

Vicar Diary Contacts All Saints Home Services Choir Concerts Church

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