Category Archives: The 3 Churches Benefice

Baby Loss Awareness Week: 9th to 15th October

Posted on by Leave a comment

Baby Loss Awareness Week, which runs from 9 to 15th October every year, is a time for everyone in the baby loss community and beyond to come together, to remember much-loved and missed babies, and raise awareness of pregnancy and baby loss.

Sands – the UK’s leading pregnancy and baby loss charity – leads this special week. It is represented by a blue and pink ribbon logo, which has been the inspiration to create Ribbon Displays up and down the UK, in every community, inviting those who have experienced loss to come together and remember their babies. 

The 3 Churches Ribbon Display
The 3 Churches Benefice is hosting a Ribbon Display outside St Andrew’s Church, Stanstead Abbotts. You are encouraged to add your own ribbon of remembrance during the week. The church will also be open from 3–5pm on Sunday 12th October for quiet reflection.

The 3 Churches Ribbon Run
From 3pm on Sunday 12th October, a team will run/walk the 5km circuit from St Andrew’s to raise funds for Sands. Walkers and Runners welcome!

To donate, visit https://fundraising.sands.org.uk/fundraisers/sarahforrest

The loss of a baby or pregnancy is heart-breaking, and this is happening to families across the UK everyday.

If you are in need of any support locally, please do reach out to The 3 Churches Benefice: vicar@3churches.net / 07488 914972 / 01920 870009.

For anyone who needs the support of Sands, you can find more information on their website www.sands.org.uk. 

Saying Goodbye Service at St Albans Cathedral
On 14th October at 7pm, in St Albans Cathedral, Saying Goodbye (part of the Mariposa Trust) will be hosting one of their special services. This is for anyone who has either personally lost a baby at any stage of pregnancy, at birth, or in early years, or who has been affected by family members’ or friends’ loss.

To read more on the charity, please see the Saying Goodbye website, which you can find at: www.sayinggoodbye.org.

New this September – Make Church!

Posted on by Leave a comment

We’re excited to share something new starting on 21st September – and we’d love for you to be part of it!

Make Church is a brand new monthly gathering especially for children and families, designed to be inclusive, sensory and joyful – a place where children of all abilities can explore faith in their own way.

There’ll be:

🎶 Songs and actions
🖐 Hands-on sensory experiences
🤸 Movement and play
❤ A warm, safe space where all children are welcome

And it’s not just for the kids – parents and carers are part of the journey too. Whether your child is full of energy, prefers to observe, or has additional needs, there’s a place for them at Make Church.

🕓 When?
Every 3rd Sunday of the month at 4:00 PM
First session: 21st September
Also on: 19th October, 16th November, 21st December

📍 Where?
St Andrew’s Church, Stanstead Abbots

❤ Come as you are. Let’s Make Church together. ❤

If you have any questions, please do get in touch.

With blessings,
The Three Churches Benefice

Bike ‘n’ Hike – this Saturday 13th September!

Posted on by Leave a comment

Get ready for a fun-filled, active day out for a great cause – Bike ‘n’ Hike is happening this Saturday 13th September, and there’s still time to get involved!

Whether you’re a keen cyclist, a casual walker, or looking for a family day out, Bike ‘n’ Hike is a fantastic way to explore beautiful historic churches across the region while raising vital funds. The money you raise is split between a local church of your choice and the Beds and Herts Historic Churches Trust, helping to preserve these wonderful buildings for generations to come.

Find out more and get your forms here: bedshertshct.org.uk/bike-n-hike

The 3 Churches Benefice are also joining in the fun with a special Family Map, designed to guide you around our three lovely churches in a safe and enjoyable route suitable for all ages.

To get your Family Map, just email: admin@3churches.net

So dust off your bike, lace up your walking shoes and get ready for a rewarding adventure this weekend!

VJ Day Celebration Tea

Posted on by One comment

The 3 Churches Benefice are holding a special VJ Day Celebration Tea at St John the Baptist Church, Great Amwell, on 17th August from 2.30 to 4.30pm.

The Fourteenth Army included troops from all corners of the Commonwealth, including Britain, India, Africa and Burma. It is often referred to as the ‘Forgotten Army’ in part owing to the focus on ‘Germany first’ and the European campaign being closer to home, but they fought in challenging terrain and ultimately contributed to the defeat of the Japanese. 

Many families, including those of Churchwardens Sue and Margaret, waited until August for the homecoming of their loved ones. Their service and sacrifice is important to remember on this 80th Anniversary of VJ Day.

Please do come along and join us.

Explore the Big Story of the Bible – Join The Bible Course

Posted on by Leave a comment

Have you ever wanted to understand the Bible better?

Whether you’re a lifelong churchgoer, someone who drifted away from church, or just curious about what the Bible is all about, The Bible Course is for you.

What is The Bible Course?
Produced by the Bible Society, The Bible Course is a brilliant introduction (or re-introduction!) to the world’s bestselling book. Each session combines video teaching, discussion time and personal reflection. It’s accessible, engaging and genuinely eye-opening – whether you’ve read the Bible for years or are just starting to explore.

You’ll learn:

  • How the Bible fits together as a whole
  • Who the key people are, and why they matter
  • What themes run through Scripture from beginning to end
  • How this ancient book still speaks to us today

Who is it for?
Honestly? Everyone. If you:

  • Feel curious about the Bible but don’t know where to start
  • Want to grow in your understanding and confidence
  • Have big questions about faith, life, and God
  • Are part of church – or not at all!

When and Where?
**The course starts on Monday 23rd June**
Alternate Mondays (dates: 23/6, 7/7, 21/7, 4/8, 1/9, 15/9, 29/9, 13/10)
🕕  7.30 to 9.30pm
📍  St Mary’s Church, St Margarets

Interested?
Let us know you’re coming by getting in touch. Contact Rev’d Sarah (Email: vicar@3churches.net or Text/Call: 07488 914972)

The Bible Course has helped thousands of people discover the Bible as a living story – one that speaks hope, meaning and purpose into everyday life. Why not come along and see where the journey takes you?

The 3 Churches Benefice

Join us for Rogation Sunday

Posted on by Leave a comment

You are invited to the annual Rogation Day Service at St James’ Church, Roydon Road, Stanstead Abbotts on Sunday 25th May 2025 at 11am.  All are welcome to this special thanksgiving service in the beautiful old Parish Church of St James.

Traditionally Rogation Day included ‘beating the bounds’, which was an opportunity to re-establish the area considered to be the Parish of Stanstead Abbotts and to ensure the boundaries were clear. This year, we will meet outside St James’ Church at approximately 12pm and head out on a short, led walk that is suitable for families. Do wear sturdy shoes, bring a bottle of water and, if the weather in nice, why not bring a picnic!

We look forward to welcoming you.

The 3 Churches Benefice

VE Day 80th Anniversary

Posted on by Leave a comment

8th May 1945 was a day of immense relief and celebration across Britain and the Commonwealth after nearly six years of conflict.

During the war years, the villages of Great Amwell, St Margarets and Stanstead Abbotts played their part in the national effort. Residents served in the armed forces and civil defence roles, while the countryside and local facilities were used for various wartime purposes. Local residents would have experienced rationing, blackouts and the arrival of evacuees. The local railway line was a key part of the transportation network, linking local communities with the broader wartime logistics system.

This year’s 80th anniversary commemorations not only honoured the past, but also brought the community together in a shared act of remembrance and unity.


Stanstead Abbotts & St Margarets Village Club
The Village Club was a hub of celebration on Sunday 4th May.Organised by The Village Club in partnership with Stanstead Abbotts and St Margarets Parish Councils, the event that ran from 12 to 4pm welcomed visitors to 4–6 High Street for an afternoon filled with music, fun and community spirit.

Mick was a Paratrooper in the Falklands

St John the Baptist Church, Great Amwell
In Great Amwell, delicious cream teas were served from 2.30pm on Sunday 4th May in the beautiful setting of St John the Baptist Church to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of VE Day.

It was a lovely afternoon. Sitting in the quiet of the historic church, provided an opportunity for members of the community to come together, reflect and remember the significance of the day.

Displays
Information of wartime life in the villages, where Spitfires shot up our High Street, Flying Bombs took roofs off, and where our brave soldiers and airmen fought and fell are to be found on two notice boards in the villages:

One on the Local History Board at the High Street car park entrance and the other (with extra photos of VE Day street parties) outside the entrance to The Village Club (Home Guard HQ 1939–45).

These will be on show for the next few days for all to see.

As the nation reflects on eight decades since the end of the war in Europe, local commemorations such as these serve to remind us of the importance of remembering history, honouring sacrifice and preserving peace. 

Coffee and Coping’s new group

Posted on by Leave a comment

Coffee and Coping Hertfordshire have a brand new group concentrating on addiction in all forms, for concerned family members as well as addicts. This community pastoral care is done in conjunction with the The 3 Churches Benefice.

Addiction is a real and present in our community, and those facing this need help and support. Coffee and Coping strongly believe that creating a strong sense of community, providing a safe space to talk with empathetic listeners, as well as offering practical support, is the way to help.

If you are interested in knowing more, or would like to come along to this new group, please drop in. You don’t need to book – just turn up.

HOPE IN ACTION
Addition, heavy use and concern group

When: Every Wednesday, 17:00–18:30
Where: St Mary’s Church, St Margarets on Hoddesdon Road

STARTS 29th JANUARY

Please help Coffee and Coping raise money to support their outreach work if you can – anything helps so much. You can donate via the Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/hopeinaction#sharePage.

The 3 Churches Benefice: Warm Welcome Spaces

Posted on by Leave a comment

Did you know that The 3 Churches Benefice is providing two Warm Welcome Spaces again this winter?

Coffee Morning
The Wilshere Hall, St Andrew’s Church, Stanstead Abbots, Cappell Lane
 9–11am, every Monday

Come and share a cuppa and join in with a fun activity in our warm, welcoming and free space.

Community Hub Drop-in
St Mary’s Church, St Margarets, Hoddesdon Road
10.30–11.30am, every Wednesday

A warm, welcome awaits anyone who needs a cuppa and a chat, practical help or just a safe space for a few hours.

Everyone is welcome! So, please do come along and join us.

The 3 Churches Benefice
www.3churches.net

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/ .

The Christmas Journey: The Nativity Story Reimagined

Posted on by Leave a comment

Have you heard about the very special family event that happens on Christmas Eve in the villages? The 3 Churches Benefice hold ‘The Christmas Journey: The Nativity Story Reimagined’: a service for everyone, young and old, to become part of the nativity story!

Meeting at St Margarets Train Station at 3pm, we journey together like Mary and Joseph, stopping at inns along the way to see if there is any room. Finally, we travel to the stable (at St Andrew’s Church) to find baby Jesus has been born! With singing and readings at each stop, we follow the nativity story, and the kids get to be part of all the action.

Martha (age 6), who has attended every year since it started in 2021, said: ‘It is really fun and exciting. We knock on the doors and see if there is room, but there isn’t, so we have to keep going until we find the stable. Baby Jesus is there and there are lights. It looks really pretty. I love the singing and being with Rev’d Sarah.’

Every year we see the numbers who attend The Christmas Journey increase and there is quite a buzz in the local community in the lead up! This year, we had a fantastic 180 children and adults (not to mention dogs) gathering together at St Margarets Train Station to make the journey to meet baby Jesus in the manger.

As our numbers swell, we are even more conscious of the need for road safety.  As such, we had a greater number of helpers in hi-vis jackets marshalling everyone safely on our journey. Thank you so much to everyone who helped.

We visited inns along the way and, as always, love to see the engagement with the general public as we sing and share the nativity story. Special thanks to The Jolly Fisherman, The Oak and The Red Lion for taking part again this year. We were amazed to see our Innkeeper at The Red Lion dressed for the part – that was an extra treat!

We are really pleased that this special service continues to go from strength to strength and has become a Christmas tradition for local families. It will be on again this year, so make sure to wrap up warmly and join us!

The 3 Churches Benefice

« Older Entries Recent Entries »