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DAGNALL STREET BAPTIST CHURCH AND CROSS STREET CENTRE ST ALBANS

MAGAZINE November 2020















Dagnall Street Baptist Church and Cross Street Centre Magazine

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Minister: Rev Simon J Carver, MA, BSc, - [email protected]

Church Secretary: Chris Penn

Finance Deacon: Trevor Oakley

Property: Ray Saunders

Site Manager and Caretaker: David Hobbs

Cross Street: 01727 846891 Bookings: [email protected]/01727 844348

Charity Registration Number: 1127791

10.00am Podcast

November 1st

The greatest among you must be a servant.

Matthew 23.1-12 Communion

The greatest among you must

be a servant. Matthew 23.1-12

November 8th

Remembrance Sunday Remembering

My heart is breaking

as I remember how it used to be

Psalm 42:4

November 15th

Family Service Jesus meets Zacchae-

us

Jesus addresses the plight of ver-

tically chal-lenged civil serv-

ants Luke 19:1-10

November 22nd

Revd Stephen Copson Regional Minister,

the Central Baptist Association

I was hungry, and you fed me.

Matthew 25:31-46

November 29th

Advent is here! The Coming of the Son of Man Mark 13.24-37

NOVEMBER SERVICES


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10.00am Podcast

November 1st





November 8th




Psalm 42:4

November 15th


us



ants Luke 19:1-10

November 22nd




Matthew 25:31-46

November 29th


NOVEMBER SERVICES


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10.00am Podcast

November 1st





November 8th




Psalm 42:4

November 15th


us



ants Luke 19:1-10

November 22nd




Matthew 25:31-46

November 29th


NOVEMBER SERVICES


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10.00am Podcast

November 1st





November 8th




Psalm 42:4

November 15th


us



ants Luke 19:1-10

November 22nd




Matthew 25:31-46

November 29th


NOVEMBER SERVICES

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November 2020

Dear Friends, I was idly looking through the pages of the inter-net movie database the other day – in the inter-ests of research, you understand – when I came across the startling information that the character of Robin Hood has been portrayed 18 times in cinema films. And then there are the further occa-sions in which versions of the Robin Hood legend have been told on television. My earliest remembrance of Robin Hood is from the television series that starred Richard Greene. I was delighted to find a clip of the 1950s show in YouTube and the wonderful twang of the arrow in the opening credits was just as I remem-bered it as was the song at the end … Robin Hood, Robin Hood, riding through the glen. Robin Hood, Robin Hood, with his band of men, feared by the bad, loved by the good, Robin Hood, Robin Hood, Robin Hood! I guess for sentimental reasons, this should be my favourite, but I’m afraid that Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves ticks more boxes. There’s the theme song by Bryan Adams that stayed top of the charts for weeks. There is Kevin Costner’s accent that suggests that he had never been anywhere Nottingham, but the star turn is Alan Rickman’s Sherriff of Nottingham. His best line end with the pronouncement, “Call off Christmas!” I don’t think that Christmas did actually get called off in the film, but there is real fear that what didn’t happen in the 13th century might happen in the 21st. It was as recently as September that the Prime Minister promised that he would do whatever it takes to ‘save Christmas’. With the number of local lockdowns spreading, we shall have to see whether Christmas will be ‘saved’. There are various elements to Christmas in the modern world and some of these are in greater peril than others this year. The ability that we have to order goods online means that present giving and receiving will probably not be affected. For most people, the big-gest casualty will be the possibility that they will not be able to

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November 2020

Dear Friends, I was idly looking through the pages of the inter-net movie database the other day – in the inter-ests of research, you understand – when I came across the startling information that the character of Robin Hood has been portrayed 18 times in cinema films. And then there are the further occa-sions in which versions of the Robin Hood legend have been told on television. My earliest remembrance of Robin Hood is from the television series that starred Richard Greene. I was delighted to find a clip of the 1950s show in YouTube and the wonderful twang of the arrow in the opening credits was just as I remem-bered it as was the song at the end … Robin Hood, Robin Hood, riding through the glen. Robin Hood, Robin Hood, with his band of men, feared by the bad, loved by the good, Robin Hood, Robin Hood, Robin Hood! I guess for sentimental reasons, this should be my favourite, but I’m afraid that Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves ticks more boxes. There’s the theme song by Bryan Adams that stayed top of the charts for weeks. There is Kevin Costner’s accent that suggests that he had never been anywhere Nottingham, but the star turn is Alan Rickman’s Sherriff of Nottingham. His best line end with the pronouncement, “Call off Christmas!” I don’t think that Christmas did actually get called off in the film, but there is real fear that what didn’t happen in the 13th century might happen in the 21st. It was as recently as September that the Prime Minister promised that he would do whatever it takes to ‘save Christmas’. With the number of local lockdowns spreading, we shall have to see whether Christmas will be ‘saved’. There are various elements to Christmas in the modern world and some of these are in greater peril than others this year. The ability that we have to order goods online means that present giving and receiving will probably not be affected. For most people, the big-gest casualty will be the possibility that they will not be able to


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meet in groups larger than six. For those of us for whom church-going is important, the continuation of the ‘no singing’ in church could put the kibosh on carol services. Ever since I can remember, people have spoken about recover-ing the ‘real meaning of Christmas’. When Christians speak in that way they usually mean that there needs to be a reemphasis on Jesus having been born in a stable in Bethlehem. Perhaps the prospect of no singing of carols or meeting in large family groups will focus our attention on other aspects of what Christmas means. I have rather perversely resisted the temptation to be-moan the commercialisation of Christmas, but maybe this year is the year to look outside what we usually consider to be the es-sentials of Christmas. There will be many families this year for whom it really will feel as if Christmas has been cancelled. Many people will be losing their jobs as furlough ends at the beginning of November. The stress-es of lockdown have increased family breakdowns and, sadly, instances of domestic violence. We will be continuing to support the FEED foodbank on a regular basis and we are also planning our support for the children who live with their mothers at the St Albans and Hertsmere Women’s Refuge. Christmas is not cancelled but it will be different. But perhaps the sad absence of those much loved carols and family gatherings will give us space to consider how we can help people who will be suffering this year


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meet in groups larger than six. For those of us for whom church-going is important, the continuation of the ‘no singing’ in church could put the kibosh on carol services. Ever since I can remember, people have spoken about recover-ing the ‘real meaning of Christmas’. When Christians speak in that way they usually mean that there needs to be a reemphasis on Jesus having been born in a stable in Bethlehem. Perhaps the prospect of no singing of carols or meeting in large family groups will focus our attention on other aspects of what Christmas means. I have rather perversely resisted the temptation to be-moan the commercialisation of Christmas, but maybe this year is the year to look outside what we usually consider to be the es-sentials of Christmas. There will be many families this year for whom it really will feel as if Christmas has been cancelled. Many people will be losing their jobs as furlough ends at the beginning of November. The stress-es of lockdown have increased family breakdowns and, sadly, instances of domestic violence. We will be continuing to support the FEED foodbank on a regular basis and we are also planning our support for the children who live with their mothers at the St Albans and Hertsmere Women’s Refuge. Christmas is not cancelled but it will be different. But perhaps the sad absence of those much loved carols and family gatherings will give us space to consider how we can help people who will be suffering this year

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November 2020

CChhrriissttmmaass PPoosstt BBooxx Unfortunately, there will be NO Christmas Post Box at Dagnall Street this year. It is felt that the combination of hygiene issues and a sizeable number of people not attending church at the mo-ment would make it unworkable. This also means that we will not be offering the possibility of people sending one card to the whole church. We hope that normal service will be restored for Christmas 2021! In normal years, the post box raises money for charity as we put in an offering to Christian Aid in lieu of stamps. Christian Aid’s income, like that of most charities, has been badly hit by the global pandemic. Perhaps you could think about making a dona-tion to Christian Aid as part of your Christmas practice this year.

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November 2020

CChhrriissttmmaass PPoosstt BBooxx Unfortunately, there will be NO Christmas Post Box at Dagnall Street this year. It is felt that the combination of hygiene issues and a sizeable number of people not attending church at the mo-ment would make it unworkable. This also means that we will not be offering the possibility of people sending one card to the whole church. We hope that normal service will be restored for Christmas 2021! In normal years, the post box raises money for charity as we put in an offering to Christian Aid in lieu of stamps. Christian Aid’s income, like that of most charities, has been badly hit by the global pandemic. Perhaps you could think about making a dona-tion to Christian Aid as part of your Christmas practice this year.


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Remembrance Sunday 8th November 2020 10.00am

We will not be having two minutes silence and the Last Post at 11.00am on Remembrance Sunday. This is because our services are at 10.00am and last 45 minutes. However, our service on that morning will be focussed on remembering and we will be naming those we have lost in recent days as well as those lost in national conflicts. The service will end in silence before we leave in silence. There will be a two minute silence in the Cross Street Coffee Shop on Wednesday 11th November at 11.00am.


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November 2020

Deacons Meeting Report

A few updates from our October meeting: Getting Back to Church: We reviewed the first 2 ‘in-person’ ser-vices and found that generally, everything was working well. So-cially distanced seating has now been arranged in the gallery, should it be needed, although so far, all attendees have been safely accommodated downstairs. We discussed whether we could accommodate people unable to wear face coverings, but found that it would not be possible whilst maintaining an accepta-ble level of safety for all. The current instructions, therefore, re-main extant. We discussed the feasibility of live streaming in-person services, but found the effort in time and equipment cost could not at the present time be justified. Pastoral: We remembered a number of folk in hospital, undergo-ing treatment, convalescing at home, or otherwise in need, and submitted them all to God in prayer. We acknowledged a transfer request from Queen’s Road Baptist Church in Broadstairs where Ewen and Noreen have recently moved. Use of Premises: Enquiries continue to be received regarding bookings, but as yet most of our regular users have been unable to return, with the inevitable impact on our income. The Cross Street Café, however, continues to thrive within the current re-strictions, and we’re very grateful to Catriona, and the staff and volunteers who continue this valuable community work. Many positive reports are received, and the menu continues to grow. Future Events: In view of the current 10am start time for ser-vices, we agreed that it would not be possible to address the tra-ditional 2 minutes silence at 11am on Remembrance Sunday. There will, however, be an observance of the Armistice in the Cross Street Café at 11am on Wednesday 11th November.

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November 2020

Deacons Meeting Report

A few updates from our October meeting: Getting Back to Church: We reviewed the first 2 ‘in-person’ ser-vices and found that generally, everything was working well. So-cially distanced seating has now been arranged in the gallery, should it be needed, although so far, all attendees have been safely accommodated downstairs. We discussed whether we could accommodate people unable to wear face coverings, but found that it would not be possible whilst maintaining an accepta-ble level of safety for all. The current instructions, therefore, re-main extant. We discussed the feasibility of live streaming in-person services, but found the effort in time and equipment cost could not at the present time be justified. Pastoral: We remembered a number of folk in hospital, undergo-ing treatment, convalescing at home, or otherwise in need, and submitted them all to God in prayer. We acknowledged a transfer request from Queen’s Road Baptist Church in Broadstairs where Ewen and Noreen have recently moved. Use of Premises: Enquiries continue to be received regarding bookings, but as yet most of our regular users have been unable to return, with the inevitable impact on our income. The Cross Street Café, however, continues to thrive within the current re-strictions, and we’re very grateful to Catriona, and the staff and volunteers who continue this valuable community work. Many positive reports are received, and the menu continues to grow. Future Events: In view of the current 10am start time for ser-vices, we agreed that it would not be possible to address the tra-ditional 2 minutes silence at 11am on Remembrance Sunday. There will, however, be an observance of the Armistice in the Cross Street Café at 11am on Wednesday 11th November.


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Plans are going ahead to welcome back “Ark Farm” again this year, on Saturday 8th November. We also plan to meet for an ‘in-person’ Nativity and Children’s Gift service on Sunday 13th December at 10am. Details can be found elsewhere in this magazine about how you can contribute children’s gifts ahead of the service. If you have any views or comments about church matters, please contact Simon, or one of the deacons. CChhrriiss PPeennnn

Change of Email Address

Please note that Marjorie Jones’ email address is now: [email protected]


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November 2020

Family Nativity & Gift Service Sunday 13th Dec. 10.00am

A reminder that we will once again be collecting chil-dren’s gifts during the morning service on Sunday 13th December for the St Albans and Hertsmere Women’s Refuge, (SAHWR). Last year you very generously donated over 100 ‘wonderful’ presents

which were gratefully received by their representatives Claire and Kim. This year they have asked if we would be doing it again, and of course we have agreed. This is, after all, a very valuable and tangible way of supporting a real need in our local community.

This year’s arrangements will be a little different:- Firstly, the Refuge would prefer presents not to be gift wrapped, as although a number of them are given on behalf of Santa, others are passed directly to the respective parent, who can arrange the gift wrapping and make the gift more per-sonal. Secondly, although we are planning for an in-person service on December 13th at 10am, things could change and, at any rate, a number of us will not be in attend-ance. So, we are arranging for a Gift Donation Box to be left in the lower link for contributions to be made in advance, from Monday 30th November. For those of you who would like your contribution to be collected, Trevor Oakley has kindly agreed to arrange this. You can contact him either by phone, text or email, and his details can be found in the Church List. However you plan to shop this Christmas, please consider including an extra item, or two, on your festive toy shopping list, for the children of SAHWR. We look forward to welcoming representatives from the refuge at our Gift Service on 13th December where all your gifts will be on display. It would be wonderful if we were to make their visit as meaningful and worthwhile as it has been in recent years. Happy toy-shopping! The Mission Team

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November 2020

Family Nativity & Gift Service Sunday 13th Dec. 10.00am

A reminder that we will once again be collecting chil-dren’s gifts during the morning service on Sunday 13th December for the St Albans and Hertsmere Women’s Refuge, (SAHWR). Last year you very generously donated over 100 ‘wonderful’ presents

which were gratefully received by their representatives Claire and Kim. This year they have asked if we would be doing it again, and of course we have agreed. This is, after all, a very valuable and tangible way of supporting a real need in our local community.

This year’s arrangements will be a little different:- Firstly, the Refuge would prefer presents not to be gift wrapped, as although a number of them are given on behalf of Santa, others are passed directly to the respective parent, who can arrange the gift wrapping and make the gift more per-sonal. Secondly, although we are planning for an in-person service on December 13th at 10am, things could change and, at any rate, a number of us will not be in attend-ance. So, we are arranging for a Gift Donation Box to be left in the lower link for contributions to be made in advance, from Monday 30th November. For those of you who would like your contribution to be collected, Trevor Oakley has kindly agreed to arrange this. You can contact him either by phone, text or email, and his details can be found in the Church List. However you plan to shop this Christmas, please consider including an extra item, or two, on your festive toy shopping list, for the children of SAHWR. We look forward to welcoming representatives from the refuge at our Gift Service on 13th December where all your gifts will be on display. It would be wonderful if we were to make their visit as meaningful and worthwhile as it has been in recent years. Happy toy-shopping! The Mission Team


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November 2020

email from Noreen

Hi from Broadstairs! We have settled quickly. Our furniture fitted

into the house and we soon felt at home. We are getting to know people at the church because I have been helping in the café a few days a week. It is a job that suites me welcoming people into the church and serving them. I have got to know a few regulars and some of the help-ers. There are a number of people more extraverted than me! Some of the Homegroups are on Zoom so we hope to join one soon. We have met our neighbours and a family across the road. We have Morning Bible Study on Youtube and more in depth Bible study on Tuesday night. The pastor actually asks for comments and questions. So obviously it seems right to an-swer the request! I told the pastor about my brother who is a bit like Richard Dawkins and he wanted to be in a dialogue with him. I warmed him that my brother is not an easy person and teach-es the Philosophy of Religion and has been an atheist since his 20’s, but he continued to ask so they are in contact. Laurie will be 80 at Christmas so it will be hard for him to ever admit being wrong—yet miracles can happen. The online service is so good not many people attend the church service. They do it live on Youtube with pre-recorded bits. The children have Zoom classes. Ewen has come twice and I think he will continue but does not like having to wear a mask, not singing and sitting on hard chairs. Having sat through very long African services sitting on tree trunks it is not a problem for me. I just concentrated on what was hap-pening. I can forget my Liverpool facemask.

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November 2020

email from Noreen

Hi from Broadstairs! We have settled quickly. Our furniture fitted

into the house and we soon felt at home. We are getting to know people at the church because I have been helping in the café a few days a week. It is a job that suites me welcoming people into the church and serving them. I have got to know a few regulars and some of the help-ers. There are a number of people more extraverted than me! Some of the Homegroups are on Zoom so we hope to join one soon. We have met our neighbours and a family across the road. We have Morning Bible Study on Youtube and more in depth Bible study on Tuesday night. The pastor actually asks for comments and questions. So obviously it seems right to an-swer the request! I told the pastor about my brother who is a bit like Richard Dawkins and he wanted to be in a dialogue with him. I warmed him that my brother is not an easy person and teach-es the Philosophy of Religion and has been an atheist since his 20’s, but he continued to ask so they are in contact. Laurie will be 80 at Christmas so it will be hard for him to ever admit being wrong—yet miracles can happen. The online service is so good not many people attend the church service. They do it live on Youtube with pre-recorded bits. The children have Zoom classes. Ewen has come twice and I think he will continue but does not like having to wear a mask, not singing and sitting on hard chairs. Having sat through very long African services sitting on tree trunks it is not a problem for me. I just concentrated on what was hap-pening. I can forget my Liverpool facemask.


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It is very beautiful jogging along the seafront in the morning. There are people taking their dogs out. John’s Duke would love it here. We are both well and our daughters have visited. They are hoping to come over the half term holiday and have divided the week up because they are in London it may not be possi-ble if the Mayor has his way and they are in lockdown. We are very fortunate here the covid levels are low. You are all welcome to visit us. If it is a nice day and you want a break just give me a ring. At the moment half term is booked! I have sent postcards to all the Daycare people and have spo-ken to Barbara, Pat and Phyllis. I am sending Vera M and Mary M another card because they wrote back. Also sent Tessa another one because she preferred that as she is not very good on the phone because of her hearing loss. Lots of love and our prayers NNoorreeeenn


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It is very beautiful jogging along the seafront in the morning. There are people taking their dogs out. John’s Duke would love it here. We are both well and our daughters have visited. They are hoping to come over the half term holiday and have divided the week up because they are in London it may not be possi-ble if the Mayor has his way and they are in lockdown. We are very fortunate here the covid levels are low. You are all welcome to visit us. If it is a nice day and you want a break just give me a ring. At the moment half term is booked! I have sent postcards to all the Daycare people and have spo-ken to Barbara, Pat and Phyllis. I am sending Vera M and Mary M another card because they wrote back. Also sent Tessa another one because she preferred that as she is not very good on the phone because of her hearing loss. Lots of love and our prayers NNoorreeeenn

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November 2020

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS

7th— Krisztina Shreiner 16th— Trevor Oakley 19th— John Macey

Though we can’t meet everyone in Church, we still re-member all our friends and especially this month, all those who are having their birthdays in this difficult times.

“Today I just want to thank God for the gift of life. No complaints. No requests.

Just thankful to be alive.”

Every day is a gift James1:17

Happy Birthday!

LLiinnddaa WWiilllliiaammss

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November 2020

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS

7th— Krisztina Shreiner 16th— Trevor Oakley 19th— John Macey

Though we can’t meet everyone in Church, we still re-member all our friends and especially this month, all those who are having their birthdays in this difficult times.

“Today I just want to thank God for the gift of life. No complaints. No requests.

Just thankful to be alive.”

Every day is a gift James1:17

Happy Birthday!

LLiinnddaa WWiilllliiaammss


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News of Chris Hawkins

I have recently hard from a past member, Chris Hawkins. He sends greeting to all who remember him. Having passed the age of 90 he has moved into a Care Home and his address is now:

Ridgeway Rise 40 Richardson Road

Swindon SN25 4DS

SSaannddrraa CCaarrppeenntteerr

ELIZABETH AND BILL ALLEN 60th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Elizabeth and Bill Allen celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniver-sary on 15th October. The Church would like to send congratulations and greetings on reaching this happy milestone. SSaannddrraa CCaarrppeenntteerr


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News of Chris Hawkins

I have recently hard from a past member, Chris Hawkins. He sends greeting to all who remember him. Having passed the age of 90 he has moved into a Care Home and his address is now:

Ridgeway Rise 40 Richardson Road

Swindon SN25 4DS

SSaannddrraa CCaarrppeenntteerr

ELIZABETH AND BILL ALLEN 60th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Elizabeth and Bill Allen celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniver-sary on 15th October. The Church would like to send congratulations and greetings on reaching this happy milestone. SSaannddrraa CCaarrppeenntteerr

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November 2020

CHURCH FLOWERS

As we’ve been meeting together again in person it has been won-derful to see some beautiful flow-ers in church. Thank you to all our donors and arrangers for adding a lovely splash of colour to our worship. 4th October donated by Sandra Carpenter in memory of her mother.

11th October donated by Chris Hawkins in memory of Audrey.. 18th October donated by the Women’s Bible Study Group in memory of Mary Watts. 25th October donated and arranged by Gemma Winpenny. If you would like to donate flowers to celebrate an oc-casion or in memory of someone please get in touch with:

Susie Wyeth [email protected]

07966 145092

SSuussiiee

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November 2020

CHURCH FLOWERS

As we’ve been meeting together again in person it has been won-derful to see some beautiful flow-ers in church. Thank you to all our donors and arrangers for adding a lovely splash of colour to our worship. 4th October donated by Sandra Carpenter in memory of her mother.

11th October donated by Chris Hawkins in memory of Audrey.. 18th October donated by the Women’s Bible Study Group in memory of Mary Watts. 25th October donated and arranged by Gemma Winpenny. If you would like to donate flowers to celebrate an oc-casion or in memory of someone please get in touch with:

Susie Wyeth [email protected]

07966 145092

SSuussiiee


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NOVEMBER

No sun—no moon ! No morn—no noon-

No dawn—no dusk– no proper time of day.

No warmth, no cheerfulness, no healthful ease,

No comfortable feel in any member- No shade, no shine, no butterflies, no

bees, No fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds!-

November!

Thomas Hood


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NOVEMBER

No sun—no moon ! No morn—no noon-

No dawn—no dusk– no proper time of day.

No warmth, no cheerfulness, no healthful ease,

No comfortable feel in any member- No shade, no shine, no butterflies, no

bees, No fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds!-

November!

Thomas Hood

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November 2020

SWITCH OFF FOR CLEAN AIR

The coronavirus crisis has shone a light on many big issues in the world today, and one of the key ones is air pollution, as I touched upon a few months ago. Air pollution makes us more vulnerable to lung and respiratory disease, from minor to major, as well as harming lung development, speeding cognitive de-cline, and contributing to many other health issues. It’s linked to around 36,000 premature deaths in the UK each year – more than obesity or alcohol – and millions globally, with children and the elderly most at risk. It also harms wildlife and contributes to climate change. And though St Albans might appear a green and leafy city, relatively free of big industry and lucky as we are to have a wealth of trees and be surrounded by countryside, you might be surprised to know that parts of our city suffer air pollu-tion up to two-and-a-half times the legal limit and the World Health Organisation’s safety recommendation. In fact, Hertford-shire as a whole has the second worst air quality in the country, just after London. With most of this pollution caused by traffic, it’s no surprise that our air pollution ‘hotspots’ are the junc-tions that keep cars waiting: Holy-well Hill below the Peahen Junc-tion, Hatfield Road on the ap-proach to St Peters Street, the King William junction, the London Colney roundabout, and more. Taxi ranks and cars waiting out-side schools make a big difference too! This is because stationary ve-hicles running their engines re-lease up to 20 times more emis-sions than when they’re travelling at 30mph, and where lots of cars are idling together the pollution level rises very fast. 23

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November 2020


The coronavirus crisis has shone a light on many big issues in the world today, and one of the key ones is air pollution, as I touched upon a few months ago. Air pollution makes us more vulnerable to lung and respiratory disease, from minor to major, as well as harming lung development, speeding cognitive de-cline, and contributing to many other health issues. It’s linked to around 36,000 premature deaths in the UK each year – more than obesity or alcohol – and millions globally, with children and the elderly most at risk. It also harms wildlife and contributes to climate change. And though St Albans might appear a green and leafy city, relatively free of big industry and lucky as we are to have a wealth of trees and be surrounded by countryside, you might be surprised to know that parts of our city suffer air pollu-tion up to two-and-a-half times the legal limit and the World Health Organisation’s safety recommendation. In fact, Hertford-shire as a whole has the second worst air quality in the country, just after London. With most of this pollution caused by traffic, it’s no surprise that our air pollution ‘hotspots’ are the junc-tions that keep cars waiting: Holy-well Hill below the Peahen Junc-tion, Hatfield Road on the ap-proach to St Peters Street, the King William junction, the London Colney roundabout, and more. Taxi ranks and cars waiting out-side schools make a big difference too! This is because stationary ve-hicles running their engines re-lease up to 20 times more emis-sions than when they’re travelling at 30mph, and where lots of cars are idling together the pollution level rises very fast.


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So one easy way drivers can do our bit to reduce pollution is to switch off our engines at red lights, if waiting for someone, and any other time we’ll be stopped for around a minute or more. It’s been calculated that if all drivers in central London switched off their engines rather than idling unnecessarily, for just one minute each day, it could reduce fine particulate pollution by 90kg per year! Switching off for short periods does no harm in modern cars and uses less fuel (an hour of idling would use half a litre or more). Letting the engine idle, however, dirties your engine with incomplete combustion, increasing wear and tear. Excessive idling lets water condense in the vehicle’s exhaust system, which can lead to corrosion. It also causes spark plugs to become dirtier more quickly, and can cause a 4-5% increase in fuel consump-tion. Of course, we can also all help to reduce air pollution by reducing the amount we drive – choosing public transport, walking or cy-cling instead – and by switching to cleaner cars. Improving the energy efficiency of our homes reduces the need for heating and thus helps too, and as always supporting green political policies and campaigns will be crucial to wider change. For lots more info on air pollution issues, see friend-softheearth.uk/clean-air NNaaoommii DDiissttiillll


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So one easy way drivers can do our bit to reduce pollution is to switch off our engines at red lights, if waiting for someone, and any other time we’ll be stopped for around a minute or more. It’s been calculated that if all drivers in central London switched off their engines rather than idling unnecessarily, for just one minute each day, it could reduce fine particulate pollution by 90kg per year! Switching off for short periods does no harm in modern cars and uses less fuel (an hour of idling would use half a litre or more). Letting the engine idle, however, dirties your engine with incomplete combustion, increasing wear and tear. Excessive idling lets water condense in the vehicle’s exhaust system, which can lead to corrosion. It also causes spark plugs to become dirtier more quickly, and can cause a 4-5% increase in fuel consump-tion. Of course, we can also all help to reduce air pollution by reducing the amount we drive – choosing public transport, walking or cy-cling instead – and by switching to cleaner cars. Improving the energy efficiency of our homes reduces the need for heating and thus helps too, and as always supporting green political policies and campaigns will be crucial to wider change. For lots more info on air pollution issues, see friend-softheearth.uk/clean-air NNaaoommii DDiissttiillll

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November 2020

DISPOSE OF DISPOSABLES!

It looks like facemasks are here to stay awhile – who could ever have imagined they’d be the must-have accessory of 2020? So if you haven’t yet, do think about investing in a few reusable, washa-ble ones instead of plastic-based disposables. Apart from becoming a new familiar litter item on our streets, disposable surgical masks will take hundreds of years to degrade, and some campaigners warn that there will soon be more masks in the ocean than jellyfish. Reusable masks are easily available: in St Albans, visit the Refill Pantry (London Road), Dress Up and Dance (High Oaks), Phase Out Plastic or Jefferson Crafts (both St Albans Market) or Nude Tin Can gallery (Fleetville). Online, try Etsy or Ebay – you’ll be spoiled for choice! Or search online for instructions to make your own from an old shirt or t-shirt – patterns range from the extremely simple to the elaborate!

NNaaoommii DDiissttiillll

Photo by Ben Loyd Holmes, via Facebook

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Situation Vacant Anna Chaplain (chaplain to the elderly) in St. Albans under the auspices of Hatfield Road and Marlborough Road Methodist Churches. Full time for 5 years. Work ecumenically in partnership with ministers and lay vol-unteers to help meet the spiritual needs of older people in the city of St. Albans using the model of the Gift of Years / Anna Chaplain initiative of the Bible Reading Fellowship. Lay or ordained can apply. Please visit www.mrmc.org.uk/index.php/future-projects/ for advert and job description. Closing date 8th November. Interviews 13th November.


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November 2020

Greetings to DSBC on the 300th Anniversary of Baptist worship on the Dagnall Street site in St

Albans.

Greetings from Michael and Jane Bochenski, now “retired” and living in Nottingham. Our sons David and Jonathan and their families join us in sending greetings too, warmed by many good memories, to you all on this significant day. As your historian Derek Turner – of good memory - makes clear in With Cheerful Zeal, Baptist presence and witness in Hertfordshire has roots deeper than a mere 300 years. It was, however, in 1720 that Messrs Harding, Smith, Lady Harrington and many others oversaw the first building and the first services for Baptist worship on Dagnall Lane as it was then. One of the highest honours of my life was to serve as one of the church’s Ministers over those three subsequent centuries – from 1992-2005. I remain grateful to God and to you for that privilege. As in all ministries it was a time of questions. How do we match the achievement of the Cross Street cen-tre by creating a C21st worship centre? How best can we experiment with team ministry and all that, when it works well, it can make possible? How do we serve the town’s homeless people and create an Open Door for them in the midst of so much affluence? How do we come to terms with the home calls of good people who die much too young? How do we best serve as a seven day a week church set in a city centre? And so on. Today’s questions are often the same ...but they are also different. How do we minister and worship in the time of COVID? What will the new normal be for a city centre under acute pressure? What new ways of being Church will emerge in 2021 and beyond? The great contemplative thinker Thomas Merton raised many such questions in the course of his lifetime. His prayer ‘My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going’ is a powerful one at all

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November 2020

Greetings to DSBC on the 300th Anniversary of Baptist worship on the Dagnall Street site in St

Albans.

Greetings from Michael and Jane Bochenski, now “retired” and living in Nottingham. Our sons David and Jonathan and their families join us in sending greetings too, warmed by many good memories, to you all on this significant day. As your historian Derek Turner – of good memory - makes clear in With Cheerful Zeal, Baptist presence and witness in Hertfordshire has roots deeper than a mere 300 years. It was, however, in 1720 that Messrs Harding, Smith, Lady Harrington and many others oversaw the first building and the first services for Baptist worship on Dagnall Lane as it was then. One of the highest honours of my life was to serve as one of the church’s Ministers over those three subsequent centuries – from 1992-2005. I remain grateful to God and to you for that privilege. As in all ministries it was a time of questions. How do we match the achievement of the Cross Street cen-tre by creating a C21st worship centre? How best can we experiment with team ministry and all that, when it works well, it can make possible? How do we serve the town’s homeless people and create an Open Door for them in the midst of so much affluence? How do we come to terms with the home calls of good people who die much too young? How do we best serve as a seven day a week church set in a city centre? And so on. Today’s questions are often the same ...but they are also different. How do we minister and worship in the time of COVID? What will the new normal be for a city centre under acute pressure? What new ways of being Church will emerge in 2021 and beyond? The great contemplative thinker Thomas Merton raised many such questions in the course of his lifetime. His prayer ‘My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going’ is a powerful one at all


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times and perhaps especially in these bewildering times. I have adapted it now for our Prayer of Approach. Let us pray: O Lord our God, we have no idea where we are going in these strange times. We do not see the road ahead. We cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do we really know ourselves and even the fact that we think that we are following your will does not mean that we are actually doing so. But we believe this - that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And our hope is to have that desire in all that we are doing as a fourth century of Baptist presence and worship in this place begins. For we also know that if we do this, you will lead us by the right roads alt-hough we may know nothing about it. Therefore we will trust you always, as your people have done down through the centuries. And even though we may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death, we will not be afraid, for you are always with us, and will never leave us to face our perils or the future alone. Thanks be to You O Lord of the years...through the Lord Jesus Christ...and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.


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times and perhaps especially in these bewildering times. I have adapted it now for our Prayer of Approach. Let us pray: O Lord our God, we have no idea where we are going in these strange times. We do not see the road ahead. We cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do we really know ourselves and even the fact that we think that we are following your will does not mean that we are actually doing so. But we believe this - that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And our hope is to have that desire in all that we are doing as a fourth century of Baptist presence and worship in this place begins. For we also know that if we do this, you will lead us by the right roads alt-hough we may know nothing about it. Therefore we will trust you always, as your people have done down through the centuries. And even though we may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death, we will not be afraid, for you are always with us, and will never leave us to face our perils or the future alone. Thanks be to You O Lord of the years...through the Lord Jesus Christ...and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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PASTORAL NEWS

With the clocks recently changing, the darker evenings re-mind us that Christmas and the winter months are not far off. Morning services in the Church building are going well with reasonable attendance and the weekly Sunday service pod-casts are continuing. It is good to listen to Birgitta playing live music, with recorded hymns, some sung by Rory Carver and others from previous services of ours and elsewhere. Anoth-er plus is to be able to sit and listen to Simon’s sermons. On these cold Autumn days, don’t forget the warm welcome and fellowship waiting in the Cross Street Café Wednesday to Saturday. The following in our fellowship are in need of our prayers: We think of Marjorie Jones and their respective families since the death of Les whose funeral is on 20th October. Ray Saunders who is undergoing tests. Malinda Harris is now home from hospital. Marie Rowson is still in hospital and we also remember Den-nis. We continue to pray for Linda Williams, Sue Owen, Paula Id-diols and families, Brian and Olly Branch and Janet Movery-Peers. John Mills is making steady progress at home. We hear that Tomi Odasola is managing well at university de-spite the pressures of covid restrictions.


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November 2020

Nikhil Vargese’s mother in India has been diagnosed with the covid virus. Eileen Wills is preparing to move to Guernsey with her family and she will be greatly missed by our fellowship.

“but this I know. He heals the broken-hearted And stays our sin and calms our fear,

And lifts the burden for the heavy-laden, For yet the Saviour, Saviour of the world is here.”

JJiillll PPootttteerr

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November 2020

Nikhil Vargese’s mother in India has been diagnosed with the covid virus. Eileen Wills is preparing to move to Guernsey with her family and she will be greatly missed by our fellowship.

“but this I know. He heals the broken-hearted And stays our sin and calms our fear,

And lifts the burden for the heavy-laden, For yet the Saviour, Saviour of the world is here.”

JJiillll PPootttteerr


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PASTORAL TEAM

The Minister, Simon, and members of the Pastoral Team are always happy to make appointments to visit, talk or pray with you. This can take place in your home, at Cross Street or at our homes at your convenience and at mutu-ally convenient times. Marjorie Jones (01727 841845)), Jill Potter (07779 797928), Liz Blight (07884 431051), and Alison Ashmore (01727 867335), are also active members of the Pastoral Team. Simon and the team hope you will notify them of anybody who you think may be ill, lonely or who needs help.


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FEED currently needs—rice, pasta, fruit juices, squashes, baby food, tinned meat, hot dogs, casseroles, etc. UHT milk, skimmed and whole, cooking sauces, eg pasta, curry, Chinese sauces, tinned spaghetti, ravioli, macaroni cheese, tinned vegetables, gra-vy, washing up liquid, multi-surface cleaners


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FEED currently needs—rice, pasta, fruit juices, squashes, baby food, tinned meat, hot dogs, casseroles, etc. UHT milk, skimmed and whole, cooking sauces, eg pasta, curry, Chinese sauces, tinned spaghetti, ravioli, macaroni cheese, tinned vegetables, gra-vy, washing up liquid, multi-surface cleaners

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November 2020

DEADLINE FOR DECEMBER/JANUARY MAGAZINE

THURSDAY, 19th NOVEMBER

Where has this year gone? So much has happened yet on the other hand so little! Who knew that wearing a mask would be-come such a normal part of the day and staying away from everyone is normal. And cleaning out cupboards and drawers has become exciting! At least at the Cross Street Café we can greet each other with a little normality, comfortably if a bit chilly!. And you’ll be pleased to know that soup and jacket potatoes are back on the menu and so far have been very popular. Christmas is just around the corner and Christmas is all over the shops. Not really sure what it is going to be like this year! I have planted some primroses this week and they are still look-ing quite healthy! Which is always a plus. Looking forward to seeing the colour in the spring. GGllyynniiss [email protected] 01462 733665 07709 618571

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November 2020

DEADLINE FOR DECEMBER/JANUARY MAGAZINE

THURSDAY, 19th NOVEMBER

Where has this year gone? So much has happened yet on the other hand so little! Who knew that wearing a mask would be-come such a normal part of the day and staying away from everyone is normal. And cleaning out cupboards and drawers has become exciting! At least at the Cross Street Café we can greet each other with a little normality, comfortably if a bit chilly!. And you’ll be pleased to know that soup and jacket potatoes are back on the menu and so far have been very popular. Christmas is just around the corner and Christmas is all over the shops. Not really sure what it is going to be like this year! I have planted some primroses this week and they are still look-ing quite healthy! Which is always a plus. Looking forward to seeing the colour in the spring. GGllyynniiss [email protected] 01462 733665 07709 618571


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What, When and Where November 2020 More stringent rules have been brought in this week and the wearing of masks is now compulsory in many areas. Church services have resumed each Sunday at 10am. The podcasts are continuing and the daily prayer service is streamed live Monday to Friday on Youtube. Some of these services will include communion, and we continue to be crea-tive in the way we ‘share’ the bread and wine. Zoom coffee time on Sundays at 11.30am are continuing. Still sadly, for the foreseeable future, our regular activities, like Daycare, Toddlers, Messy Church, Who Let the Dad’s Out, Scrabble, Knitting, Games, Church in the Café, Muffins with Mums etc. will not be going ahead. For now, our phones, internet and social media are our means of keeping in fellowship with one another. Stay safe and keep in touch. CROSS STREET CAFÉ IS OPEN!


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What, When and Where November 2020 More stringent rules have been brought in this week and the wearing of masks is now compulsory in many areas. Church services have resumed each Sunday at 10am. The podcasts are continuing and the daily prayer service is streamed live Monday to Friday on Youtube. Some of these services will include communion, and we continue to be crea-tive in the way we ‘share’ the bread and wine. Zoom coffee time on Sundays at 11.30am are continuing. Still sadly, for the foreseeable future, our regular activities, like Daycare, Toddlers, Messy Church, Who Let the Dad’s Out, Scrabble, Knitting, Games, Church in the Café, Muffins with Mums etc. will not be going ahead. For now, our phones, internet and social media are our means of keeping in fellowship with one another. Stay safe and keep in touch. CROSS STREET CAFÉ IS OPEN!

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