PARISH OF CHIPPING BARNET TEAM MAGAZINE - December 2020 & January 2021 - St John The Baptist, Chipping Barnet
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PARISH OF
CHIPPING BARNET
TEAM MAGAZINE
December 2020 & January 2021
St John The Baptist, Chipping Barnet
St Mark, Barnet Vale
St Peter, Arkley
St Stephen, Bells Hill
CHIPPING BARNET TEAM MINISTRY
Acting Rector
Fr. Tristan Chapman (Day off Friday)
St Mark’s Vicarage,
56 Potters Road,
Barnet, EN5 5HY
8440 7490
fr.tristan@googlemail.com
Team Vicar (St Peter) Team Vicar (St Mark & St Stephen)
Revd. Nick Wheeler Fr. Tristan Chapman (Day off Friday)
(Days on duty Sun/Tues/Wed)
St. Peter’s House, St Mark’s Vicarage,
Barnet Road, 56 Potters Road,
Arkley, EN5 3FJ Barnet, EN5 5HY
8441 9316 8440 7490
fr.tristan@googlemail.com
St. John the Baptist Church Vergers
Juliet Hedges-Robinson, Adele Markovic & Maureen Hedges 8440 9907
Team Administrator Tony Long, Parish Office, Church House, 2 Wood Street,
Barnet, EN5 4BW 8447 0350 e-mail:parishoffice@barnetparishchurch.org.uk
Reader Linda Sanders 01707 653963
Lay Leader of Worship Laurie Little 8441 1193
St. John the St. Mark St. Peter St. Stephen
Baptist
Church Jacob Kurien John Hay Sharon Butler Sue Scott
Warden 8441 1507 07721 030 933 8441 1186
Sue Yates Caroline Hay Maureen Stevens Roger Kemp
8449 4824 8449 7779 8449 5874 8441 5349
Judy Burstow Maureen Stevens Wendy Dowding
8440 3773 01707 655366 8449 5874 8449 5047
DCC Helen Barber Tony Hosier Nick Dean Phil Murphy
Secretary 8440 6031 8440 7677 01707 262422 8440 6454
DCC Peter Lorraine
Lynn Baker
Treasurer Illingworth Vacant Madden
8449 4689
01707 655366 01582 832972
Organist Terence Atkins
Gillian
8440 8593
Del Bravo
Alan Parish
8440 8650
8969 3907
Chairman Minute Secretary
Vacant Tony Long 8447 0350
Vice-Chairman PCC Treasurer
Jacob Kurien 8441 1507 2 Lynn Baker 8449 4689
Reflections
Another Christmas approaches
and whether or not we go to
church it is a big deal in our
society. Many even if from a
Christian background
do not go to church during the Christmas Eve and £1 for the
year but will go to the crib sermon to be preached at the
service if they have children or same service, imagine
grandchildren; though we don't how much that would be worth
know what if any services there today. The tradition continues
will be this year! everyone receives a bread roll.
“Emmanuel is at the Why do more people come to
church at Christmas than to an
heart of the gospel
ordinary Sunday service? Some
message. “ Jewish friends; not orthodox,
make a point of coming to the
The bread service; designed for carol service they say it's
families at South Mimms, on because they enjoy listening
Christmas Eve, had a packed to the choir and singing
congregation last year, the carols. Generally British people
church warden told me have stopped going to church;
that this is the only time in the statistics state that it's less than
year this happens. John seven people out of every
Bradshaw who died in 1698 and hundred. It's interesting to note
is buried outside the church that in the Victorian period an
bequeathed £2 in his 1851 census showed that
will to purchase bread for all actually only about forty
who would attend evensong on out of every hundred people
3
went to church; perhaps as it it is staged in the form of the 'X
was their only day off in the factor' as it was last Christmas
week they were so exhausted in Northaw parish church.
they needed a lie in.
In our secular society when “Why do more people come
people rarely go to church other to church at Christmas
than christenings, weddings and than to an ordinary Sunday
funerals,, there is a clear mission service?”
opportunity if we can
understand why Christmas
draws people. For a The Christmas story leaves
start it's not possible to forget plenty of scope for
Christmas completely in the run interpretation; it challenges us,
up from as early as October it's it incapsulates the Gospel
everywhere, in the shops and on message. God entered our
the television. This year the world and walked the walk
Christmas light decorations with us; he knows human life
were fixed to the street lights and suffering. He calls us to live
earlier than usual; in mid our lives conscious of His
October and although the presence; it is this story that
lights were not switched on I people come to hear at
wonder whether this is in an Christmas and in the Christmas
attempt to cheer people up! service, they hear it in the
traditional service of lessons
and carols or in the children's
There is generally a good turn school Nativity play but again
out for the school carol service. maybe not this year! The story;
Parents of young children will the message of the angel to a
happily wait outside in the cold young woman, a birth in the
until the church doors open and stable.
the children are ready to act out
the drama of Christmas even if This is the story people want to
4
hear. This is a story that lifts the spirit, and goodness knows, how
much we all need the Christmas message of hope and joy; if not in
church this year perhaps on zoom, on the radio in the nine lessons
and carols from Kings, or on the television.
As we hear of Christ's coming again at Christmas, may our world
and our lives be transformed by it.
Linda Saunders
COPY DATE FOR
FEBRUARY /
MARCH 2021
MAGAZINE
Please send ALL material for
the FEBRUARY / MARCH
magazine to the Editor at
barnetteammag@gmail.com
by Monday
4th JANUARY 2020
5
EDITOR’S LETTER
Dear Friends,
BLINK, That was 2020! This will
Open your eyes this is 2021. keep your
2021 will hopefully be house
better and brighter and a smelling of Christmas for
little more social. This ages.
edition will have to keep As I write this Lockdown
you going until then. will be lifted on December
Luckily it’s bursting with 2nd but even if it is changed
articles, so grab a cup of tea again we know that our
and a slice of Christmas friends and family are still
cake or Panettone and enjoy there even if it is at the end
the festive edition. of a phone line.
Talking of Christmas—One I wish you all a very Merry
idea of making your home Christmas wherever you
more festive is to tie are and whoever you’re
cinnamon sticks together with.
and hang them on to your
tree with slices of cooked
oranges and apples. Charlotte
6
7
St. John the Baptist
Churchwardens’ Chat
As I begin to write This lockdown will
this, the 2nd automatically expire at midnight
Coronavirus on the 2nd of December and we
lockdown for England has just are hopeful that normal Sunday
been imposed and Sunday worship will resume from 6th
worship is suspended though we December. We are pleased to
are permitted to remain open as have clergy cover arranged for
before for individual private December through to and
prayer. There are many more including Easter. We are ready
exemptions this time around as to go as soon as we get the green
schools, colleges and universities light! In the meantime, online
remain open. It’s been referred coverage of Sunday worship and
to as a ‘pseudo’ lockdown, as Morning Prayer continues as it is
though it’s not really now and this time we hope to
happening. broadcast from St. John the
Baptist in rotation with St.
“ ‘To be a power house Mark’s and St Peter’s. We thank
Tony our Parish Administrator
of spiritual energy for for battling with the technology
the town of Barnet.’ “ to make this possible.
One of the most noticeable So how have we been doing in
effects of the first lockdown was the last 2 months? Previously,
the impact on traffic. It was a Jacob reported that our average
pleasure to walk up Barnet Hill congregation was in the high 20s
without the thundering noise of and this has steadily increased to
vehicles rushing past. Sadly, not just short of 40. The increase is
so this time around. due in part to the return the
choir.
8
We can accommodate a choir , including 4 boys, who in
maximum of 6 singers to adhere spite of limited rehearsal time
to social distancing. These are came together beautifully to give
mainly gentlemen but a moving and uplifting
occasionally David Hay is able to performance.
join the ranks. It’s good to have
them back with us and share our Remembrance Sunday fell on the
worship. The booking system is 8th November. No church
still in operation and continues services as such but we observed
to work well. the 2 minute silence at the war
memorial and wreaths were laid
“Chipping Barnet Team on behalf of the Mayor and the
Lord Lieutenant of
Ministry to welcome a Barnet. Prayers were led by
new Team Vicar” Revd Canon Tim Bull from the
abbey and further wreaths were
We celebrated harvest on the 27 laid by Theresa Villiers, the
th
September supporting the Territorial Army and St John
Bishop’s Harvest Appeal for the the Baptist. There was no
Bees in Nepal and donating gifts marching parade, musicians or
of groceries to the Barnet formal wreath laying. Instead
Foodbank. On 25th October we organisations who would
took Bible Sunday as our theme normally attend were invited to
and on November 1st we lay their wreaths over the
celebrated All Saint’s Day at the following days leading up to
9.30 Eucharist and later in the Remembrance Day itself. Again
day, (after a volunteer cleaning a 2 minute silence was observed
brigade had done their bit ) we at the war memorial with prayers
held at our first and last led by Fr Tristan.
Evensong for the time being, to
celebrate the feast of All Soul’s. A good number of the town’s
Thank you to Laurie for leading folk joined us at both these
this service and to the larger events.
9
Looking ahead to Christmas, we The last service of the year will
plan to offer our usual services be on Sunday 27th when St John
whilst maintaining all our Covid the Baptist will host St Stephens
security arrangements. The only Patronal Festival. Traditionally
‘casualty’ has been our this is a team service but as
Christmas Eve Midnight Service capacity at St Stephen’s is much
which we have sadly decided to reduced at the moment, Fr
cancel. The Crib Service and Tristan and his congregation
Nine Lessons and Carols will will relocate to St John the
still go ahead but with Baptist where more seats will be
modifications. available …… and booking will
be required.
“The increase is due in
And finally we look forward to
part to the return the 2021!! To getting back our
choir.” freedom, to socialising with
friends, to getting together with
‘Nine Lessons’ will be pre- our families, to celebrate all
recorded and made available those important milestones in
online on Christmas Eve to our lives that have been put on
enable everyone who can access hold, the birth of a grandchild,
to join in with the carols from significant wedding
the comfort of their anniversaries, significant
armchairs. We are hoping to birthdays, graduations,
hold two Crib Services on 22 nd engagements, weddings and so
and 24 . The exact format is still much more. And not least as the
th
to be decided but it will be St John the Baptist community
necessary to book a and Chipping Barnet Team
place. Finally our Christmas Ministry prepare to welcome a
Day Family Eucharist will be at new Team Vicar, to make a fresh
10am and again booking will be start, to rekindle unity and
required. renew commitment and energy
10to reach out to our local community, and to quote from a recent
parishioner survey ‘to be a power house of spiritual energy for the
town of Barnet.’
“Came together beautifully to give a moving and
uplifting performance”
Before signing off for the last time in this most unusual of years,
unprecedented for everyone except perhaps for those who lived
through and remember the war years of 75 years ago, we should
not forget all those whom COVID -19 has taken from us.
‘May they rest in peace and rise in glory’.
With all good wishes for a merry Christmas and a happy New
Year.
ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE
There’s so much doom & gloom around at the moment I
remembered the old “Johnny Mercer” song: “You’ve got the
accentuate the positive // Eliminate the negative // And latch on to
the affirmative // Don’t mess with Mister In-Between // You’ve got
to spread joy up to the maximum // Bring gloom down to the
minimum // Have faith or pandemoniums // Liable to walk upon
the scene.”
If you eliminate the word “DON’T” you get: Don’t Panic = Keep
Calm / Don’t Forget = Remember / Don’t’ Run = Walk / Don’t
Hurry = Slow Down
Ruth Lewis
11St. John the Baptist
Regular Events
Every Monday 11.00am
Friendship Group.
- 12.30 noon.
Sewing & Knitting Club Learn a new skill in the Monday every two weeks
company of others. 5.00 - 7.00 pm
First Monday of every
Songsters A friendly informal singing group.
month 7.30 - 9.00 pm
Toddlers Group Play time for pre-school Every Tuesday
children and an opportunity for mums and dads to 10.00 - 11.00 am
have a cuppa and a chat.
Church Choir practice For those who like to Every Tuesday
sing and can! 6.15 - 7.30 pm
Healing Service A time to pray together for Every Wednesday
healing loved ones. 11.30 - 12.00 midday
Bereavement Group Somebody to talk to when First Wednesday of every
you may need a listening and sympathetic ear. month 4.30pm
Afternoon Tea Make new friends and catch-up
Every Friday 2.30 - 4.00pm
with old friends over tea and home made cakes.
Services
Sundays
9.30am Parish Eucharist
or Service of Morning Praise
12St. Stephen, Bells Hill
Churchwardens’ Chat
back to
Well here we are again, worship in our
once again we are in lock churches and try
down as I write this. to consider
Christmas which
Our last visit to church was will be fast
our remembrance service, I approaching.
always like this service as it
enables us to think about But I will take this
family and friends no opportunity to wish
longer with us but most everybody a Happy
loved. In other countries Christmas and New Year.
this day in November is 2020 has been a strange one,
taken much further with let us pray that as we move
candles known as grave into 2021, our churches can
lights put on graves as a get back to normality.
sign of remembrance and
love.
With the church now closed God bless to you all
and our hall also closed, I Roger and Sue
am pleased that the
permanent light in our
church is visible, to all.
I do hope that by the time
this is published we are all
13Services at St
Stephen’s
Sundays
11.15am Parish Eucharist
PIANO High Barnet Good
Neighbour Scheme
AVAILABLE Local charity that offers transport,
help, support and lots more.
Upright St Stephen’s
Volunteer Drivers Needed
piano is no longer Befrienders Needed
(mileage paid 45p)
needed.
Contact Diane at the GNS office
Charge for Delivery ONLY. in Church House.
Please contact Diana Rae. 020 8441 5678
hbgns@greenbee.net
Call: 0208 440 3741
www.goodneighbourscheme.org.uk
Text: 07814249215
Registered charity 288318
1415
THE PUDDENECKS
Charity no 1039897 Help for the Elderly
HELPING ELDERLY RESIDENTS IN BARNET
The Puddenecks was formed in 1958 with just six members who
met regularly at ‘The Swan with Two Necks’ in Whetstone to discuss
ways of helping local elderly people . They always had a
dinner of steak and kidney pudding; hence the name The
Puddenecks was created.
Today the Club has over 50 members (both sexes) and
became a registered Charity in 1978. We are actively
involved in raising money and organising a range of welfare activities
and social events for senior citizens of Barnet. We still meet for our
traditional monthly supper currently at Old Fold Manor Golf Club and
always welcome new active members to come and join us to help raise
funds and organise events.
In the past year in addition to organising our traditional welfare
activities we have supported Friends In Need, New Barnet Community
Centre, Christchurch kitchen project and we are currently supporting
High Barnet Good Neighbours to reach lonely and incapacitated Barnet
residents.
If you know someone who is elderly and who would enjoy attending
one of the free social events we organise (e.g. bingo, fish and chips
supper, a music to movement class, cinema and coach outings) or who
may need practical help, then please let us know.
For further information and details about joining and helping THE
PUDDENECKS to raise money and organise events to help ‘The Senior
Citizens of Barnet’ please contact:-
Hon Secretary, Roger Moore MBE, on 01707 650 969
or at ri.moore@virgin.net
Also follow us on and at www.puddenecksclub.org.uk
16JJ’s
Ladies and Gents
Hair Salon
Models required for
Shampoo & Sets £7.50
Blow Dries from £12.00
EVERY DAY
£2.00 off for Senior Citizens
Monday and Tuesday
6 Alston Road Barnet, EN5 4ET
Tel: 020 8441 1977
17St. Peter, Arkley
Churchwardens’ Chat
Although we
We had our Harvest Festival weren’t able to
Thanksgiving service on October sing, Gill played
4th and delivered all the the organ which added a lovely
donations to the homeless musical dimension to the
charity in Barnet. They were evening.
truly grateful as they are
providing food packages to Last week there was a visit from
around 100 people in the area Elizabeth from the diocese and
who are temporarily housed we donned our muddy boots
during the pandemic. and accompanied her on a
socially distanced walk to view
As we shifted from Tier 1 to Tier the Glebe land. It was a
2 of lockdown rules, we were beautiful sunny morning!
still able to meet for our usual
Sunday services and we With St Peter’s church now
livestreamed our morning closed for public worship, we
worship on Sunday 1st of nonetheless marked
November, our last opportunity Remembrance Sunday with
to do so before the second 4 outdoor prayers and the laying
week national lockdown began. of wreaths at the Arkley
memorial by Revd Nick and
We also had our All Souls Arthur Moss who served in
Evening service to remember WW2.
loved ones that have passed, Thank you to Nick Dean for the
which was an atmospheric and lovely photos on the website and
prayerful event. Instagram.
18We hope and pray that we will come out of lockdown in early
December ahead of our Christmas services and celebrations.
Best wishes,
Maureen and Sharon
ST PETER'S CHURCH HALL
is available for hire—ideal for sit-down luncheons
or dinners, for buffets and for smaller parties,
and for meetings, exercise and training groups.
There is a kitchen and parking at the rear for over 20 cars
To book the Hall, please contact Iris Auburn 020 8449 0980
Pattern of services at St Peter’s
Sunday 8.00am Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer)
10.30am 1st Sunday Family Service
2nd & 4th Sundays Parish Eucharist
3rd Sunday Family Eucharist 5th Sunday Matins
Wednesday 11.00am Morning Prayer
Services, including seasonal variations,
are listed in full in our magazine,
Arkley Church & Community News (available free at St Peter’s), and on
our
website: www.stpetersarkley.com/services
19St. Mark, Barnet Vale
Churchwardens’ Chat
Sunday morning and mid-week Our Harvest
services have continued under Festival was
Covid restrictions. Attendance on 4th
has been good and we have got October when
used to the new form of Richard Lees
worship, the one-way system, from the Goa
sanitiser and face Anglican Centre was the
coverings. Junior Church preacher. Harvest gifts were
started again in October but collected for Homeless Action in
sadly only lasted one Sunday Barnet and donations were split
before Tier 2 restrictions made it between the Goa
impractical. Anglican Centre and the
Bishop’s Harvest Appeal.
“Whatever the
circumstances, Unfortunately the usual lunch
and entertainment was another
we hope you will have a
casualty of Covid restrictions.
Happy Christmas and a
more enjoyable 2021.” We celebrated All Saint’s Day on
1st November and marked Fr
Tristan’s 10th anniversary with
A socially distanced Teenage us (yes, it really is that long!) by
Fellowship meeting was held in presenting him with a bottle of
church on 26th October, the 10-year-old single malt whisky.
Fellowship Group have met both Our All Soul’s Day Requiem
on Zoom and in Church and the Mass took place on 2nd
DCC met on 14th October in the November in the Lady Chapel.
Church.
20Attendance was
good and it was a
lovely service
where we
remembered our
loved ones and
former clergy and
parishioners who
have died. The
day before our
family attended
Evensong at St
John the Baptist.
The choir sounded wonderful Sadly, we are back in lockdown,
and it was so nice to have singing churches are closed again for
in church, even though the public worship and most of the
congregation couldn’t join in. regular activities in the Hall have
stopped again.
However, a small group of us
were able to participate in the
Remembrance Day service last
Sunday which was live streamed
on Facebook. Thanks to David
for playing the Last Post so
masterfully on his trumpet, to
Ruth who played the organ, to
Linda who preached and to
Becky who did the beautiful
poppy arrangement.
21Our quinquennial inspection they will be replacing the
took place on 9th September and magnetic door holder in the Hall
identified some maintenance kitchen.
activities which need to be
evaluated and prioritised, “ We marked Fr
especially some repairs to the
roof where buddleia have
Tristan’s 10th
sprouted. Unfortunately, during anniversary with us
lockdown some mortar has (yes, it really is that
fallen from the eaves at the
Chancel end of the roof,
long!)”
exposing the wooden boards
and leaving gaps where rain and Usually at this time we would
damp could get in. We have be providing details of the
now selected a contractor to do Christmas services and looking
the repairs needed and have forward to the Christmas
obtained an Archdeacon’s letter Bazaar, the Band Concert and
of Authority. The lower dry the Barnet Street Fayre.
verge also needs refitting which This year will be a very different
will be done at the same Christmas than usual. We hope
time. We are awaiting a date that lockdown will end as
when the scaffolding can be planned on 2nd December and
erected and work can start. that we will be able to celebrate
the birth of Christ together.
T. J. Fire and Security Ltd have
replaced seven fire extinguishers Whatever the circumstances, we
which had expired and provided hope you will have a Happy
a stand for the extinguisher in Christmas and a more enjoyable
the chancel. They have also 2021.
tested the emergency lighting
which will need some God Bless,
maintenance and repair and Caroline and John
22Services at St Mark’s
1st of the month—9.15am Parish Eucharist in Traditional Language
no Sunday School
Rest of the month— 9.15am Parish Eucharist with Sunday School
Mid-week Eucharist—11.00am Wednesdays
Our magazine the “Vale Review” is available every two months from
St Mark’s. This is jam packed full of really interesting articles and
what we’ve been up to recently -
if you’d like a copy please speak to Charlotte.
Torch-Support & social group for the blind and partially sighted
is looking for people to help on the third Saturday in the month.
Help is also needed with the group— refreshments, general help,
transporting members from North London to Underhill Baptist.
A rota can be arranged.
Please call Elsie on 020 8449 7086.
Land & Property - Family Law - Wills, Probate & Trusts
Landlord & Tenant Disputes - Business Advice
20 Wood Street, Barnet, Herts EN5 4BJ
Telephone 020 8449 9155
Fax 020 8441 3584
www.bsplaw.co.uk
2324
PAM CHATTERTON’S 90TH BIRTHDAY
I received the following message
from Pam’s family
“Thank you so much for
organising the photos and cards
for Mum's birthday, she was very
pleased and said to thank
everyone very much. Visits have
to be prebooked and we can't get
too close to Mum, but Burnham
Lodge made her a lovely cake
and made a big fuss of her. I went
to see her with Jonny and Rosie
for an hour and then Mike and
Sonia went in the afternoon, as we were not all allowed in
together.
As I write this, we have just entered lockdown again, so I'm very
pleased she was able to enjoy her day and see us.
As you know Mum suffered a severe stroke during the first
lockdown and after being in hospital 6 weeks had to move to a
home that could give her more care. She has settled well and
fortunately isn't really able to grasp the extent of her disability,
and so is content just to be looked after and to be comfortable,
without getting upset about it.
She remembers some things very clearly and others not so, but she
was happy to remember the church and her friends there.”
Laurie Little
25THE CLIMATE EMERGENCY
Last month, November, the 26th latest. To this end, on 10th
Conference of the Parties, October 2020, the Church of
COP26 , a major United Nations England in partnership with A
climate change summit, was to Rocha UK organized an online
have been hosted in Glasgow, conference hosted by the St.
but a silent, unseen, spiky Albans Diocese.
phenomenon we now call
COVID-19 burst onto the world Eco Church Working Together
stage and changed mankind for Net Zero was for churches of
beyond comprehension all denominations to help them
and amongst many, many cut their carbon and care for
other things COP26 had to be creation. It was the first ever
cancelled. (Rescheduled for online conference held in the
2021). Diocese, it was oversubscribed
and sold out. The conference
“Simple things like webinar sessions were all
recorded and are available on
collecting rainwater, demand on the St Albans
switching to a 100% Diocese website under the
renewable energy Environment, Eco Church
tab. One of the most useful
supplier” sessions for me personally was
‘A practical path to net zero for
On 12 February 2020 the your church building’.
General Synod passed a motion
recognising the climate To explain a little more, Eco
emergency and calling on all Church is a new web based
parts of the Church (including award scheme for churches and
the team churches in Chipping in our diocese, St Pauls Church,
Barnet, and you and me) to St Albans was the first church to
reduce carbon emissions be awarded the Eco Church
year-on-year aiming for a target bronze award. Interestingly the
of net zero by 2030 at the
26first church to have a really good claim to be the first ever zero
carbon church building is the grade 1 listed Norman church of St.
Michael and All Angels, Withington, Gloucestershire. (There is
hope for us yet).
If you are remotely interested in this important initiative, I would
urge you do some research.
It’s amazing and inspiring to see what churches have achieved
with their buildings and in their churchyards to move to a more
sustainable existence. Just simple things like collecting rainwater,
switching to a 100% renewable energy supplier, changing to LED
lamps and fittings, optimising heating controls and settings, and
draught proofing play a part and this doesn’t just apply to our
churches but to church halls and clergy housing too.
“General Synod passed a motion recognising the
climate emergency”
I would like to encourage the churches in the Chipping Barnet
Team to start thinking about what we can do to begin our journey
to ‘net zero’ and embark on the Eco Church Award Scheme.
Sue Yates
27Cottage
Cottage Garden Services
GARDEN WORK & CONS LTATIONS
– –
28LETTER FROM TRISTAN
Dear Friends, never again
would
Greetings to you all, as this churches in
strangest and most uncertain this land be
of years continues. I write in shut… Times
November, and once again change… even
churches are closed due to a if it takes 800
national lockdown. I know years!)
that this has been depressing
and isolating for many,
“That truth remains, an
especially those of you who
live alone. It is a frustration for eternal truth that truly
us all, not least as churches offers hope and joy,
had proved so committed to
Covid Security.
even in a year as bleak
as this.”
“I will be ‘upgraded’ to Hopefully, by the time you read
this, we will have reopened.
Team Rector “ It has been difficult for us to
plan Christmas services,
But for better or worse, we are especially as there is so much
here again. (Incidentally, the uncertainty, but it is our hope
last time churches were forced that in some form we will be
to close in England was in able to celebrate Christmas,
1208, oddly also on 23rd even if it is not with the old
March! The tensions that familiar carols.
occasioned that closure where Ultimately, though, although
part of that period of turmoil there is so much that we enjoy
that ended with the Magna about our Christmas
Carta, and its guarantee that celebrations, both at church and
29beyond, the heart of The Feast of Team Vicar to focus on St John
the Nativity, is that simple truth, the Baptist. The profile for the
that God is with us…. post is well underway, and we
hope to advertise the post in
Knowing, celebrating and being December and January and
thankful for that, and sharing interview in the first few
that truth with others is all that months of next year, so please
matters - carols and Christmas keep this in your prayers,
trees, baubles and mince pies, along with myself and our
presents and sherry, are all shared ministry and life as a
wonderful, but they are team!
ornaments that celebrate the
truth that is Christ Jesus our
Lord… and even without a “Incidentally, the last
single one of those decorations,
that truth remains, an eternal
time churches were
truth that truly offers hope and forced to close in
joy, even in a year as bleak as England was in 1208,
this.
oddly also on 23rd
Since our last magazine, the March! “
Informal Vacancy Meeting with
Bishop and Archdeacon has
been able to take place at St A very merry and blest
John the Baptist. As a result of Christmas to you all, and a
this, as you are probably now happy, and healthy New Year!
aware it is expected that I will
be ‘upgraded’ to Team Rector Yours in Christ,
and take on a few of the extra
responsibilities for the Team. Tristan
We hope then to appoint a
30CHRISTMAS SERVICES IN YOUR CHURCH
Christmas at St Mark’s Christmas at St Stephen’s
(we hope!)
Christmas Eve
(Unfortunately, this year it will be 4pm
necessary to book a place in advance Crib Service
at most services… please do so on
the website) Christmas Day
10.30am
Sunday 20th December Festal Eucharist
5pm
Crib Service (Please book) St Stephen’s Patronal Festival
Sunday 27th December
Christmas Eve
10.30am
5.30pm ‘Team’ Festal Eucharist
Crib Service (Please book) To held by St Stephen’s at St John
the Baptist… everyone welcome
11.15pm as we worship together
Midnight Mass (Please book)
Christmas Day
9.45am Christmas at
Festal Eucharist St John the Baptist
( Please book)
Christmas at St Peter’s Crib Service
Tuesday 22nd December
Dates to be added Thursday 24th December
4.30pm
Nine Lessons & Carols
Thursday 24th December
Online streamed
www.barnetparishchurch.org.uk
31PRAYER DIARY DECEMBER 2020
1st In this Advent season let us say sorry 18th St John the Baptist Church, for the
for the times that we have fallen churchwardens, Laurie (LLW) and
short. the people there.
2nd The work of the Good Neighbour 19th Pray for those marginalized
Scheme and its volunteers. members of our society.
3rd Pray for all who work with children 20th Mary Immaculate and St. Gregory,
and vulnerable adults. Father McKenna, and the people
there.
4th. St Mary the Virgin, Monken Hadley
for Revd Dr Thomas Renz, and the 21st Pray for all on School holidays.
people there.
22nd Barnet Brookside Methodist
5th Pray for the work of missionary church, for Shaun Sanders and for
societies . and the people there.
6th Pray for the Barnet Food Bank and 23rd Fr Tristan, and the people at St
its volunteers. Mark’s .
7th Pray for the St Albans Cursillo. 24th Pray for all the Christmas services
in our churches today.
8th Pray for all living in the many Alms
Houses in Barnet. 25th Give thanks for the birth of Our
Lord and Saviour.
9th The North London Hospice.
26th St. Stephen: Pray for all churches
10th Pray for the work of Churches
dedicated in his name; for St
Together for Chipping Barnet and
Stephen’s Bells Hill, Fr Tristan,
for Hope Corner.
Linda Sanders (Reader) and the
11th Pray for all who work with children people there.
and vulnerable adults. 27th John, Apostle and Evangelist: Pray
12th Pray for the Noah’s Ark, children’s for all churches dedicated to St.
hospice John the Apostle.
13th Chesterfield Road and Wood Street 28th Holy Innocents: Pray for all
nited Reformed Churches and innocent child victims of war and
their people. oppression.
14th Pray for the sick, the frail, elderly 29th Pray for the peace of the world
and housebound in the parish and bringing to God all countries at war
all who visit them. or in conflict.
15th Pray for the members of our church 30th Christ Church, Andy Rimmer, and
councils and the PCC. the people there.
16th Rev Nick Wheeler and the people at 31st The emergency
St Peter’s Arkley. services in
Barnet.
17th nderhill Baptist Church Revd.
Vania John–Baptiste, and the
congregation there. 32PRAYER DIARY JANUARY 2021
HAPPY NEW YEAR 17th Pray for our Bishops, Alan,
Michael and Richard.
1st The naming and circumcision of
Jesus. Pray for this New Year and all 18th Week of Prayer for Christian
it will bring. nity. Pray for the work of
Churches Together for Chipping
2nd St Mark’s Barnet Vale Fr. Tristan,
Barnet.
and the people there.
19th Pray for the peace of the world.
3rd The work of the Good Neighbour
Scheme and its volunteers. 20th nderhill Baptist Church Revd.
Vania John–Baptiste, and the
4th Pray for all school children at the
congregation there.
beginning of the spring term.
21st The emergency services in Barnet.
5th Chesterfield Road and Wood Street
nited Reformed Churches and their 22nd Barnet Brookside Methodist
people. church, for Shaun Sanders and the
people there.
6thThe Epiphany: As the wise men
came to worship Jesus let us too 23rd Pray for the work of missionary
offer our praise and worship. societies.
7th Pray for all currently in hospital or 24th Give thanks for the music in our
in care and nursing homes in Barnet. churches.
8th Pray for the St Albans Cursillo. 25th The Conversion of Paul: Pray for
all seeking to know our Lord.
9th St Stephen’s Bells Hill Fr Tristan
and Linda Sanders and the people 26th Pray for all aid agencies and their
there. work among the poorer nations of
the world.
10th The Baptism of Christ: Pray for all
being prepared for baptism. 27th St John the Baptist Church, for the
churchwardens, Laurie (LLW) and
11th Pray for all who work with
the people there.
children and vulnerable adults.
28th Pray for the sick, the frail, elderly
12th St Mary the Virgin, Monken
and housebound in the parish and
Hadley and for Rev Dr Thomas
all who visit them.
Renz, and the people there.
29th Christ Church, Revd Andy
13th Give thanks for all who work in the
Rimmer, and the people there.
National Health Service.
30th Give thanks for all who volunteer
14th Mary Immaculate and St. Gregory,
their time in anyway in our four
Father McKenna, and the people
churches .
there.
31st Pray for the
15th The North London Hospice.
Fair-Trade
16th Pray for our Mayor and organisation.
Councillors.
3334
WHERE ARE WE WITH THE VACANCY?
An informal meeting with Bishop Michael and Archdeacon Janet
was held in church on September 22nd attended by 45 people from
St John the Baptist and the PCC. It was decided to seek a new
Team Vicar for St John the Baptist and Fr Tristan would be our
new Team Rector.
It is hoped the vacancy will be advertised before Christmas with
interviewing planned for mid-February. In addition Bishop
Michael asked us to consider 4 pertinent questions which
generated much useful discussion the results of which have been
used to develop the Parish Profile.
The DCC elected Tracy Ghori and Laurie Little to represent St John
the Baptist during the appointment process and agreed the
ministry of women would be welcome.
Please keep this process in your prayers.
(* This statement fulfils terms laid down in the Diocesan,
PATRONAGE (BENEFICES) MEASURE 1986 - Filling of Vacant
Benefices)
35FESTIVE FLORAL FANCIES
Usually, at this time of year, the dye for clothes and cosmetics
flower group begins to think about whilst the milky sap found in the
decorating the church for stem had medicinal properties and
Christmas. Instead, we find was used to treat fevers.
ourselves in Lockdown 2 and
unclear as to whether our churches Why is it so called? Joel Poinsett
will be open again for public was the first American Ambassador
worship over the Christmas period. in Mexico in 1825. He also had
It still seems appropriate to look greenhouses on his plantation back
forward and think about Christmas in South Carolina. In the course of
and the last few weeks have given his service in Mexico, Poinsett
me an opportunity to look at the became interested in this unusual
history and meaning of some of the red flowering plant and sent some
foliage we traditionally use in our back home to South Carolina. He
Christmas decorations. found they grew well in his
greenhouses and began to give
Poinsettia them to his friends and to the local
Looking back at my diaries I botanical gardens. In the 1830s the
noticed that this time five years ago plant was named after the man
some of us from St. John the Baptist who first brought it to America.
were spending time in the Holy
Land. It was in Bethany that I first A plantsman from Philadelphia,
saw poinsettias growing outdoors. Robert Buist, first saw the plant at a
The shrub was almost as tall as I flower show and immediately
am and had the most wonderful thought he could sell stems of the
red bracts; the memory of seeing red bracts, calling them “Euphorbia
this for this first time is still as pulcherrima”-the most beautiful
strong today as it was on that day. Euphorbia- as cut flowers, though
it was not until the early 1900s that
The poinsettia is a native plant in the poinsettia was widely sold as a
Mexico, grown in Taxco del pot plant.
Alarcon. It has been known since
the times of the Aztecs who found
many uses for the plant. The red
bracts made a wonderful purple
36Holly and Ivy symbolise everlasting life with
The prickly leaves of the holly are God.
said to represent the crown of Christmas Trees
thorns worn by Christ on the cross The first Christmas trees were seen
and the red berries are drops of perhaps a thousand years ago in
blood. In Scandinavian countries Northern Europe. A German
holly is called Christ Thorn. painting from 1521 shows a fir tree
There are many tales about both being paraded in the streets with a
these plants. It is said that the holly man on horseback riding behind.
is the male plant and the ivy is the The man is dressed as a bishop and
female. is thought to be St. Nicholas.
There is a tradition in the Midlands Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s
husband, is credited
with bringing the
Christmas tree to
England in the1840s,
though it is thought that
Queen Charlotte, the
German wife of George
III, was the first to
decorate a tree at
Queen’s Lodge, Windsor
in 1800 for a party.
which says whichever is brought This year Christmas will be
first into the home at this time of different but, however you spend
year, holly or ivy, then it shows
it, whatever we are able to do, may
who would “rule” in the home the
I wish you a Happy Christmas and
next year-husband or wife!
Ivy clings for support as it grows. a safe, healthy New Year.
This reminds us that we need to
cling to God for support in our
lives. Averill Lovatt
Photo: Charlotte Botham
Fir and Yew
These are both evergreen, and so
37SHIPS OF HEAVEN: THE
PRIVATE LIFE OF
BRITAIN’S CATHEDRALS
CHRISTOPHER SOMERVILLE
First published by Doubleday 2019
ISBN 978-0-8575-2365-5
Sadly not including our own St
Albans Cathedral!
I was recently loaned this book Richard Morrison of “The Times”
by a friend who thought as comments.
a churchy person I might like it. “It is not the breadth of his
Well if you like visiting travels that impresses. You can
Cathedrals, you like history and buy many a glossy gazetteer
you like to find out the odd facts that give you the tourist spiel on
away from the general tourist/ dozens more British cathedrals
pilgrim tours then this book is than the 21 he (Somerville)
for you. covers.
“Talking to those who Rather, it’s the depth of the
‘cathedral experience’ that he
know the inside story” uncovers by the old fashioned
journalistic method of getting
Somerville visits 21 cathedrals knowledgeable people to talk
throughout Great Britain, freely about what they know
including the very well known, best, then using his sharp eyes
both Anglican and Roman and wits to fill in the rest of the
Catholic and also those not so story”.
well known, certainly to me,
Kirkwall, Inverness and Armagh.
38It is this method of talking to those who know the inside story that
makes this such an engaging read, that makes you feel that you are
there with him, in the moment.
He spends time not only talking to Deans and other clergy but
spends time with volunteer guides, stonemasons, broderers,
glaziers and, in one case, the lady dusting the cathedral
monuments.
“If you like visiting Cathedrals, you like history
and you like to find out the odd facts then this
book is for you.”
It is from them that you get to hear about the bones of the
cathedral and the myths and stories over the ages which
Somerville translates into this truly engaging read.
Laurie Little
If you have read a
book recently that
you have found
really interesting or
enjoyed thoroughly
—please do send
your article to Charlotte at barnetteammag@gmail.com
We would love to read it.
39LETTER FROM NICK
Dear Friends, for individual
private prayer.
What a year 2020 has been! The
Covid 19 pandemic has been We look forward
dominant in most parts of the to seeing what we
world for most of the year. We will be allowed to do for
now know more about Covid 19 Christmas services. We should
and we must act responsibly be assured that God is at work
and work together, if not to in all that has happened and is
overcome the virus, then happening. We should never
certainly to live with it. As a lose sight of His eternal
result of Covid 19, the world has promises which extend beyond
become a different place and our human time frame.
will be in the future. What it I want to share with you some
will be like no one knows, but it verses from scripture, the Bible,
will be different and we need to to reflect on for both comfort
adapt to new circumstances and and encouragement. For it is
new ways. through the Bible and the power
In the four churches of the of the Holy Spirit, working in
Chipping Barnet Team we have our hearts and minds, that God
worked together, as allowed by speaks to us.
the government, to have Just before his death, Jesus
individual private prayer in July shared with his disciples,
and Sunday services since quoting John 14:27
August. Now, as of 5 November,
we are in a national lockdown “Peace I leave with you; my
until 2 December. We are peace I give you. I do not give to
restricted to live streaming you as the world gives. Do not
services, but without let your hearts be troubled and
congregations, and we are open do not be afraid.”
40This verse reminds us that Jesus our hearts should not be troubled
wants His followers to have the or afraid. Again, scripture tells us
kind of unshakeable peace that we are not made to carry life’s
only comes from God, not the burdens alone.
world. Whatever we are facing let Quoting 1 Peter 5:7
this truth bring us great comfort.
“Cast all your anxiety on him
In Philippians 4:7, the apostle because he cares for you”.
Paul says
Finally, as we approach
“And the peace of God, which Christmas, a quote referring to
transcends all understanding, Jesus from the prophet Isaiah
will guard your hearts and your chapter 9 verse 6 in the Old
minds in Christ Jesus.” Testament,
In this verse about peace, Paul “For to us a child is born, to us a
echoes Jesus’ teaching on the son is given, and the government
sermon on the mount, that we will be on his shoulders. And he
don’t need to be anxious, because will be called Wonderful
we can trust that the peace we Counsellor, Mighty God,
have in Christ will guard us. Everlasting Father, Prince of
It’s wonderful to remember that Peace.”
when Jesus appeared to His As we approach Christmas, I
disciples after the resurrection, pray for a blessed and peaceful
He also repeatedly assures them Christmas and, as we leave 2020
that He is giving them His peace. and move into 2021, I wish you a
When the disciples are in the Happy New Year.
midst of great fear and
uncertainty, Jesus brings them
peace. Stay safe and well.
Twice he in verses 19-22says, Every blessing,
“Peace be with you!”.
Nick
Because of the peace Jesus offers,
4142
THE BARNET AND DISTRICT
ACTION GROUP
own channels.
There has been a Bible Society
support group in Barnet since Over the years, £28,000 has been
1936, although in those days it sent to the Bible Society through
was known as the Barnet, talks, concerts, quizzes,
Hadley and Arkley Auxiliary of donations, coffee mornings,
the British and Foreign Bible summer tea parties and garden
Society. Many of the great and parties.
good of Barnet have served on
But times have moved
its committee, including John
on. Perhaps Christians in
Gardiner’s father who was
Britain are no longer so aware of
Secretary for 20 years in the
the need for bibles in other
1960s and 70s.
lands. Perhaps it is in the UK
Most of the local clergy have that the need is now greatest,
served as chairman or president particularly amongst children.
in their turn, most recently Perhaps each of our churches in
Derek Stockwell, John Barnet wishes to give support to
Whitehorn, Eric Baldwin, Martin the Bible Society in its own
Caldwell, Roland White, David way. Whatever the reasons, the
Nash, Colin Smith, Tristan Bible Society’s Barnet and
Chapman and Thomas Renz. In District Action Group can no
1995 Pam Chatterton became longer find enough people to
Secretary and continued to serve keep going and has sadly and
until 2010. Nearly all the reluctantly disbanded.
churches of the main
As secretary of the group for the
denominations in the district
last ten years this has been for
have been represented on its
me a disappointment, but I
committee, except the Roman
thank all the people in those
Catholic Church, which
years who have given their time,
distributes bibles through its
money and prayers to support
43our efforts. The Bible Society and build bridges. In the UK,
was founded in 1804, driven by the Bible Society works in
the need to make a new prisons and in schools. Open
translation of the bible into the Book helps to bring bible
Welsh, then recognising the stories to life in primary schools
need for translations in the and there is a whole range of
countries of the British Empire resources to help GCSE and A
and beyond. The Society is still level students in Religious
very active, as a visit to their Studies. The Bible Society also
website will show. sponsors the National
Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast
As well as distributing bibles to
- an annual recognition of the
many countries of the world in
contribution that Christianity
their own languages, they are
makes to the national life of the
working with the translators of
United Kingdom.
the Wycliffe Society to reach
minority tribes in their local Please visit the website.
tongues. They are also Consider signing up for the
supporting Christian weekly newsletter and
communities in countries such facebook, and look at their
as Iraq and Egypt where wonderful range of bibles, from
Christians used to be numerous the King James to the
but are now suffering Contemporary English
persecution from militant Version. And there are books
Islamists, and in countries such and other resources, suitable for
as China where the growing all ages and seasons, that help to
congregations of Christians are bring the bible to life. https://
seen as a threat to authoritarian www.biblesociety.org.uk
rule.
In all those places, people are Jenny Remfry,
discovering the power of the November 2020
bible to give hope, bring peace
44MUSIC NOTES
has been much
The special Choral appreciated.
Evensong for All The loyalty
Souls was a memorable occasion, and
beautifully prepared and led by commitment of all
Laurie Little. For the choir it was the choir along with the support
their first evening service since of the boys’ parents cannot be
mid-March, but it was good to overstated in these testing times
see a return of several of the of uncertainty.
‘regulars’ in the congregation.
The hopes and intentions of all of
The music included God be in my us concerning Christmas are
head (Walford Davies, who also included elsewhere in this
composed the chant for Ps 23), magazine. With regard to our
Stanford in B flat, The Lord bless traditional service of the Nine
you and keep you (Rutter) and In Lessons and Carols, the plan is to
Paradisum from Fauré’s pre-record it (all being well!) and
Requiem, followed by silence, a then make it available on the
befitting end to a most moving website at the usual time of 7.30
service. pm on Christmas Eve. I am
grateful to Ben for his willingness
It was good to have four boys to play the organ for this.
singing at the All Souls
evensong, including Aadi Finally, congratulations to our
Deepak who joined earlier in the former organ scholar Ashley for
year. At recent practices it has gaining the coveted diploma of
also been good to welcome Oscar Fellow of the Royal College of
Hall, and thus we now have two Organists.
Oscars! The choir gentlemen
have also sung on Sunday Terence Atkins
mornings, when the innovation
of a plainsong psalm each week
45Key Contacts
Team Magazine
Editor Charlotte Botham 07788 293 318
barnetteammag@gmail.com
Advertising Tony Long 020 8447 0350
General
Bible Reading Fellowship Traudi Tooby 8440 4088
Bells Hill Burial Ground Lynn Baker 8449 4689
Wives’ Coffee Break Janet Austin 8441 0138
Youth Group (Monday 6.30pm) Fr. Tristan Chapman 8447 0350
2nd Barnet Scouts (Friday 7.30 pm) Peter De Naeyer 8440 2437
Good Neighbour Scheme Church House, 8441 5678
Wood Street
Hope Corner 8364 8756
185 Mays Lane, Barnet, Herts hopecorner@outlook.com
Hall hire
Church House, Wood Street Elaine Nicholson 8449 4704
St Peter’s, Arkley Iris Auburn 8449 0980
St Stephen’s Bells Hill Elaine Nicholson 8449 4704
St Mark’s, Potters Lane Sally Rowe 8440 6791
Websites
St Peter’s, Arkley www.stpeterarkley.com
St Mark’s, Barnet Vale www.stmarkbarnet.weebly.com
St Stephen’s, Bells Hill www.ststephenbarnet.org.uk
St John The Baptist www.barnetparishchurch.org.uk
St. John the Baptist
Altar Guild Laurie Little 8441 1193
Altar Servers Laurie Little 8441 1193
Church Flowers Averill Lovatt 8449 0696
Electoral Roll Parish Office 8447 0350
Church Rota Elaine Nicholson 8449 7379
Guild of Ringers, Tower Captain Nancy Surman 8440 9498
Mother’s Union Representative
Librarian & Archivist Vacant
Parents & Toddlers
Parish Office 8447 0350
(Tuesdays 10.00– 11.00am in Church)
Stewardship Recorder and Gift Aid Sue Yates 8449 4824
Our four churches are part of Churches Together for Chipping Barnet along with Christ Church,
St Albans Road, St Mary the Virgin, Monken Hadley, Roman Catholic Church St Mary
Immaculate and St Gregory the Great in nion Street, The nited Reformed Churches in Wood
Street and Chesterfield Road, nderhill Baptist Church, Elton Avenue and the Methodist
Church, Barnet Brookside in East Barnet46and the Wesley Hall in Stapylton Road.The Revd. Jane Kraft
sends you all good
wishes for a peaceful
Christmas
and
God’s richest blessing
for the New Year
47CHRISTMAS SCENES IN THE PARISH
Photos and scenes by Ruth Page
48You can also read
