Category Archives: The 3 Churches Benefice

Ringing at St John the Baptist, Great Amwell

The sound of bells ringing is part of British culture. Almost everyone in England lives within hearing range of bells. The first bell was installed in St John the Baptist Church, Great Amwell, in the sixteenth century (called ‘Come all ye faithful’) and two more in the seventeenth century (‘Praise the Lord 1612’ and ‘Crown him lord of all’). These bells were tolled with the bell down. Three more bells were installed in the 1950s (‘George’ and ‘Elizabeth’ in 1953 and ‘Charles’ in 1954) and, along with the original three now all hung with wheels, they can be rung full circle.

The photograph shows typical bells hung with wheels: the one on the left is down and the one on the right is up and ready to ring full circle.

We have six bells, so we need at least six ringers to be able to make the sound everybody knows.

Anyone can ring and you don’t need to be a church member:

  • Ringers come from all walks of life and range in age from ten to over eighty.
  • Many ring for the pleasure and company it brings, while others think of it as their contribution to church life.
  • You don’t need to be strong, but it does provide physical and mental stimulation.
  • It is a skill for life. Once they have learnt, youngsters continue at University. Lapsed ringers can return after fifty years away and they haven’t forgotten how to ring.
  • One ringer commented, ‘When I’m ringing I forget all the tensions of the day. Even more, I couldn’t wish for a better group of friends.’

So do come and see what is involved. You don’t need to live in Great Amwell. We meet every Thursday at 7.30pm, but if this isn’t convenient please still contact us.

Frances Adams
(07876 496654 or fmadams50@yahoo.co.uk)

LENT 2023: WHAT’S ON

The 3 Churches Benefice has two regular sessions happening over Lent. These are open to anyone and everyone, so please do join us!

Lent Sessions: Living in Love & Faith
Sundays: 5th March, 12th March, 26th March [no meeting on 19th March]
5–6.30pm at St Mary’s Church, St Margarets

How do questions about identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage fit within the bigger picture of the good news of Jesus Christ? What does it mean to live in love and faith together as a Church?

We will explore these matters by studying what the Bible, theology, history and the social and biological sciences have to say, and by telling the real-life stories of followers of Christ with diverse experiences and convictions.

The sessions are open to everyone – we look forward to welcoming you.

Lent Meditations
Every Wednesday: 1st March to 5th April
7.30pm on Zoom

These Meditations offer a chance to take time for quiet reflection during Lent. We will be looking at St John’s Gospel’s approach to Holy Week.

Join us by clicking on the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2701785021
You can also join in on an ordinary landline phone by ringing any of these numbers
+44 131 460 1196, +44 203 051 2874, +44 203 481 5237 with the meeting ID: 270 178 5021

If you have any questions, please do get in touch!
vicar@3churches.net / admin@3churches.net

The 3 Churches Foodbank Hub

The latest request for donations from The 3 Churches Foodbank Hub is as follows:

  • Deodorant
  • Custard
  • Biscuits
  • Small coffee

Donations can be made to Sue at 8 Millers Lane or contact The 3 Churches Foodbank Hub (07487 350918). Any help would be greatly appreciated.

The 3 Churches Foodbank Hub
A local Hub of the Hertford & Ware Foodbank based at St Margarets’ Parish Church

Men’s Breakfast at The Wilshere Hall

In November, among a generous helping of bacon, beans, bangers and eggs, we were served a fascinating discussion on biblical building. Inspired by John’s excellent testimony on life in the building industry (October) we explored teachings in 1 Peter, Ephesians and Genesis. Surprisingly, the Bible became a very enlightening instruction tool on how to build; especially interesting and challenging when we learned we are the building materials being used to create the building. It certainly induces feelings of wonder, security and responsibility (to name but a few). The God that created the universe chooses to dwell in us rather than build himself some other, far more perfect, dwelling place.

Ever felt alone, unsure of your purpose or want to be more aware of the amazing role you have to play in our world? Then do join us for a full English breakfast served with a conference of cornflakes (sorry – what is the collective noun for cornflakes?) where, next, we will be examining what the Bible has to say about building roads.

We meet next on Saturday 31 December, from 8:30 in The Wilshere Hall, St Andrew’s Church. Email the benefice administrator (admin@3churches.net) to book your bangers.

Steve Wright

Remembrance Sunday Services

This year within The 3 Churches Benefice we will be having two outdoor Remembrance Sunday Services. Please do come along and join us on Sunday 13th November as we remember all those armed forces members who have died in the line of duty.

SERVICES
10.30am at Great Amwell War Memorial, Amwell Lane, Great Amwell
10.30am at The War Memorial, St Andrew’s Church, Stanstead Abbots

Services will be approximately 45mins and will replace normal Sunday Services this week. Please make sure you wrap up warmly for these outdoor services.

Warm Welcome Spaces

The 3 Churches Benefice is offering two Warm Welcome Spaces to anyone who is in need of a warm place to shelter over the coming cold months.

Coffee Morning & Lunch
Every Monday
9.30am to 1.30pm
The Wilshere Hall, St Andrew’s Church

Community Hub Drop-in
Every Wednesday
10:30am to 12.30pm
St Mary’s Church, St Margarets

Please see the poster for more information…

The mission of Warm Welcome Spaces is to support organisations to open their doors and provide a warm welcome for those struggling to heat their homes this winter. If you’d like to know more, please visit https://www.warmwelcome.uk/.

Quiz Night for St John’s Church Tower Repair Fund

The fundraising Quiz Night for St John’s Church Tower Repair Fund will take place on Friday 14th October in the Great Amwell Parish Hall, 7pm for a 7.30pm prompt start. Tickets cost £15 and include a supper, which will be either fish/chicken and chips or a vegetarian option. Bring own drinks and glasses.

Book (indicating food option) with Bryan Brace (01992 447845 / bjbrace122@gmail.com) or Richard Mellor (01920 460474 / richardmellor@btinternet.com).

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