Reflections Blog

ST. IPPOLYTS CHURCH FLOODLIGHTING In the coming year we are very keen to keep floodlighting the church, so it shines out in the village. The LED floodlights that are installed give an exceptionally good light with a greater consistency of colour. So, we would like to continue the lighting sponsorship that so many people have done over the past years. The cost is still £15 per week and we have 52 weeks to fill. You may sponsor as many weeks as you like. You may wish this to be in memory of a loved one, to celebrate a birthday, a wedding or anniversary, etc. With the church only being open for services the usual process will be difficult to do. I therefore plan to keep the list at home, but if there is a service and we are present, we will take the board to church. Cheques please, if possible, made payable to ‘St. Ippolyts Church’, as it makes it easier to track who has paid. If you wish, you can book weeks as Anonymous. I can be contacted on 01462-432445, at 6 Ransom Close, Hitchin (please call us if you plan to visit) or at ‘This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.’. Below is a 2021 calendar with the week-numbers on the left-hand side. Here’s hoping that we can fill the list up quickly. Thank you very much for your support.

Roger Cox

LINK TO HOPE SHOEBOX APPEAL

Thank you to all of you who have been involved with this year’s appeal.  At the time of writing we have already received some completed shoeboxes which will be forwarded to Link to Hope. 

Thank you to those who have already completed boxes, to those who are currently working on one and to those of you who may have donated items or money directly to the charity.

Just a reminder that this year, if you are doing a shoebox that you would like us to return for you, we will need it to be back with Christine and Arthur Sibun (tel. 01462-459145) by Monday 2^nd November at the very latest in order to get it to the centre in time.  (If getting it to us is a problem, just give us a ring in good time and we will try and collect it from you, if that would help).

Despite these very strange times in which we find ourselves, it is so good that we are still able to help others in such a practical way.  Thank you all.

Hymn 1

All my hope on God is founded;
he doth still my trust renew.
Me through change and chance he guideth,
only good and only true.
God unknown,
he alone
calls my heart to be his own.

Pride of man and earthly glory,
sword and crown betray his trust;
what with care and toil he buildeth,
tower and temple, fall to dust.
But God's power,
hour by hour,
is my temple and my tower.

God's great goodness aye endureth,
deep his wisdom, passing thought:
splendour, light, and life attend him,
beauty springeth out of naught.
Evermore
from his store
new-born worlds rise and adore.

Daily doth th' Almighty giver
bounteous gifts on us bestow;
his desire our soul delighteth,
pleasure leads us where we go.
Love doth stand
at his hand;
joy doth wait on his command.

Still from man to God eternal
sacrifice of praise be done,
high above all praises praising
for the gift of Christ his Son.
Christ doth call
one and all:
ye who follow shall not fall.

Hymn 2

What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in prayer!
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer!

Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Saviour, still our refuge--
take it to the Lord in prayer!
Do your friends despise, forsake you?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he'll take and shield you;
you will find a solace there.

Hymn 3

I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin
my hand will save.
I, who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear my light to them?
Whom shall I send?
           

 Here I am, Lord.  Is it I, Lord?

            I have heard you calling in the night.
            I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
            I will hold your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of snow and rain,
I have borne my people’s pain.
I have wept for love of them.
They turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone,
give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak my words to them.
Whom shall I send?

            Here I am, Lord. ......

I, the Lord of wind and flame,
I will send the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them.
My hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide
till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give my life to them.
Whom shall I send?

            Here I am, Lord. .....

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Is there a ‘creative writer’ out there in St. Ippolyts who would be interested in sending in a regular piece for 

Pax about anything happening in the village which might be of general interest?  None of our regular groups are meeting at the moment so there is a space which could be filled.  Please email me - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

                                                                                                                                                    Clare Larsen

Our delayed Annual Parishioners Meeting and the Annual Parochial Church Meeting of the Parish of St. Ippolyts were held on Zoom on Wednesday 16^th September.

Our PCC for the coming year will be made

up of the following people:

The Reverend Ginni Dear - Vicar

Jane Veasey - Churchwarden

Michael Hooper - Churchwarden and Treasurer

Roger Cox - Secretary

Shelagh Cox

Howell Davies - Reader

Clare Reid

Jenny Sheach - Safeguarding Officer

Anne Steel

Frances Williams

Hitchin Priory Rotary Club will be planting 3000 purple crocus corms in the grounds of St. Ippolyts Church

on Saturday 24^th October at 10:00am.  Money raised from the purchase of these crocuses will be used to protect children and help rid the world of polio.  Please help us to support this important project by donating through Hitchin Priory Rotary Club website at hitchinprioryrotaryclub.org.

          Michael Hooper

We will be celebrating our Harvest Festival on Sunday 11^th October.  If anyone would like to donate some dry goods please leave your donation in a box in the church porch on Friday 9^th October.  The porch will be open from 9.30am. - 4.30pm.  Alternatively bring your box to the service on Sunday 11^th October.  All donations will be taken to the Homeless Shelter in Hitchin.  Thank you very much.

Jane Veasey and Frances Williams

 As you will have seen in last month’s PAX, we are once again supporting the Link to Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal. In these times, this is a project that has become even more vital than it was before. To quote from a recent communication I received from Link to Hope: ‘These are very challenging times we are all going through at the moment. No-one could have predicted what was going to happen. In order to keep ourselves sane, as a charity we have chosen to focus on those families who, after a terrible year, will be even more pleased and grateful to receive a shoebox. Presently in Eastern Europe they are going through some very tough times. Imagine how we would feel in this same situation without heat, wood, food or medicine to ease the burden.’ This year Link to Hope have come up with four different ways that we can help: 1. Fill a shoebox in the usual way. 2. They will fill a shoebox on your behalf. 3. Donate money directly to their appeal. 4. Donate items for shoeboxes in bulk. If you can possibly help in any of the above ways, that would be fantastic. For full details of how to do this see last month’s PAX (or ring Christine and Arthur Sibun on 01462-459145 for more information). And remember, if you would like us to return your completed shoebox along with ours, can you please ensure that it will be with Christine and Arthur well before Monday 2nd November? (Or just give us a ring before that date and we will pick it up from you).

Thank you in anticipation. Arthur Sibun

Pax                        OCTOBER  2020

Price:  40p.

The Parish Magazine for the Benefice of St. Ippolyts with Great and Little Wymondley

VICAR

The Reverend Ginni Dear, The Vicarage, Stevenage Road, St. Ippolyts SG4 7PE                   01462-237032

Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CHURCHWARDENS

St. Ippolyts

Michael Hooper, Hillrise, Stevenage Road, St. Ippolyts SG4 7PE                                           01462-457350

Jane Veasey, Gosmore Cross, Newlands Lane, Gosmore SG4 9BD                                        01462-434254

Great Wymondley

Cherry Carter, 2 Church Green, Great Wymondley SG4 7HA                                               01438-724919

Paul Harding, The Old Rectory, Church Green, Great Wymondley SG4 7ES                                    01438-729219

Little Wymondley

Mike Allardyce, 81 Whitney Drive, Stevenage SG1 4BL                                                        07967-831968

David Palmer, 198 Cleveland Way, Great Ashby, SG1 6BY                                                   01438-367912

Visit our website - www.stippolytschurch.org.uk

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AUTUMN COMES

For some reason autumn seems to evoke some of the most evocative words and music in all culture.  As an ardent record collector I can never tire of Richard Strauss' ‘Four Last Songs’, written near the end of his life 

and one of the few modern works that I can wallow in for pure pleasure over and over again.  Likewise there 

is one particular poem that I love;  it was written by Lawrence Binyon, the poet who wrote 'They shall not 

grow old as we that are left grow old'.  It begins with the line 'Now is the time for the burning of the leaves' 

and it captures the atmosphere of a season where the nights draw in, the temperature drops, and all the colour 

of the summer becomes a distant memory.  All we are left with is trees like skeletons and the unhappy thought that things will get worse before they get better.  So we prepare ourselves by having festivals of fire and for families before the really hard months that are January and February.

It's been a strange old summer, with the spectre of Covid-19 hanging over everything.  When I last wrote this column in July everything was very uncertain; nothing has changed since then.  The situation as I write this 

in mid-September may be completely different from how it will be when you read it, so making predictions about anything is a waste of space and possibly a display of ignorance.  But perhaps Binyon's nostalgic poem expresses something of the sadness and uncertainty that we feel now that autumn is setting in.  I can't help seeing a bitter unintentional irony in one of the lines;  as he looks back he remarks 'The world that was ours 

is a world that is ours no more'. 

But having looked back with such nostalgia he looks forward with hope.  'They will come again, the leaf and

the flower, to arise from squalor of rottenness into the old splendour, And magical scents to a wandering memory bring.....Nothing is certain, only the certain spring'.  The message of the cycle of the seasons is that before resurrection there must be death, and death leads to resurrection.  The two go together and are inseparable.  Winter leads to spring, and the earth revives.

That is the message of Christianity.  Death leads to rebirth, re-creation.  The cycle of the seasons reflects the 

way that God works, recreating, giving new life even after death.  But there is something much deeper than 

this.  Just as the cycle of the seasons never changes, so God never changes.  We live in times when it can be almost alarming to read the newspapers or watch the news.  As we enter the darkest months we are uncertain about the future in a way that we have not experienced since the Cuban Missile Crisis or the Second World War.  But we can be certain of one thing.  It is that God never changes.  He will never stop loving, never stop caring, never leave us.  And we can use those very familiar words from a very familiar hymn as a prayer, no matter what level of faith we have.  'Change and decay in all around I see, O Thou who changest not, abide 

with me'.

         With very best wishes, Paul Lanham

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SERVICES FOR OCTOBER

SUNDAY 4^th OCTOBER

8.00am.          Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer)                                    St. Ippolyts

9.15am.          Parish Praise                                                                            Great Wymondley

No online service today

SUNDAY 11^th OCTOBER - HARVEST FESTIVAL

9.15am.          Holy Communion                                                                   St. Ippolyts

SUNDAY 18^th OCTOBER

9.15am.          Holy Communion (Common Worship)                                   Little Wymondley

SUNDAY 25^th OCTOBER

9.15am.          Holy Communion (Common Worship)                                   St. Ippolyts

All 9.15am. services are also live-streamed to Facebook with the exception of Sunday 4^th October.

Monday - Thursday - live on Facebook

Morning Prayer at 9.00am.

Evening Prayer at 6.00pm.

TUESDAY 13^th OCTOBER

6.30pm.          Great Wymondley APCM via Zoom                       email Ginni for an access code

MONDAY 2^nd NOVEMBER

7.00pm.                      All Souls Service                                                        St. Ippolyts

Booking Essential - email Ginni for a ticket. 

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HERE AND THERE

LINK TO HOPE - 2020 SHOEBOX APPEAL

As you will have seen in last month’s PAX, we are once again supporting the Link to Hope Christmas

Shoebox Appeal.  In these times, this is a project that has become even more vital than it was before. 

To quote from a recent communication I received from Link to Hope:

‘These are very challenging times we are all going through at the moment.  No-one could

 have predicted what was going to happen.  In order to keep ourselves sane, as a charity we

 have chosen to focus on those families who, after a terrible year, will be even more pleased

 and grateful to receive a shoebox.  Presently in Eastern Europe they are going through some

 very tough times.  Imagine how we would feel in this same situation without heat, wood, food

 or medicine to ease the burden.’

This year Link to Hope have come up with four different ways that we can help:

1. Fill a shoebox in the usual way.
2. They will fill a shoebox on your behalf.
3. Donate money directly to their appeal.
4. Donate items for shoeboxes in bulk.

If you can possibly help in any of the above ways, that would be fantastic.  For full details of how to do this see last month’s PAX (or ring Christine and Arthur Sibun on 01462-459145 for more information).  And remember, if you would like us to return your completed shoebox along with ours, can you please ensure that it will be with Christine and Arthur well beforeMonday 2^nd November?  (Or just give us a ring before that date and we will pick it up from you).

Thank you in anticipation                       Arthur Sibun

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NEWS FROM THE WYMONDLEYS

ST. MARY’S LITTLE WYMONDLEY

Reverend Ginni led the Harvest Thanksgiving celebration last month while we hummed along to ‘We Plough the Fields and Scatter’.  Harvest around us seemed a little late this year;  the field of barley next to us wasn’t cut until well into September.  I was anxiously waiting for it to be cut so that I could finally have a bonfire to get rid of hedge clippings and tree pruning.  It is quite therapeutic sitting round a fire and clearing the garden ready for the next season.

Autumn came right on cue.  Monday 21^st  September was hot and sunny and the next day, some much needed rain and cooler weather.  It has been a good summer, the garden did very well, full of colour and scent.  Our garden starts off in spring, mainly blue, Forget-Me-Nots and Bluebells.  It gradually turns pink with Cosmos, Lilies, Roses, and Fuchsia’s and as soon as I see the yellow of Sunflowers and Calendula, I know that autumn is not far away.

With all the extra time available because of Covid restrictions, we have painted fences, sheds, garden ornaments and anything else that doesn’t move, so it is all looking very spic and span.  The lawns are looking really lush and green, our mole is still in residence, doing lots of test digs around the edges, but has thankfully not ventured any further, our new rescue dog is on his case, she has a very good nose, perhaps he can sense her and is having second thoughts.

Our pair of Pigeons decided that the nest location I chose for them wasn’t suitable and kept going back into our alcove, we felt it was unfair to keep evicting them, so we conceded and they have now built the nest and she is sitting.  He looks at me every morning as if to say, ‘we won, don’t disturb the missus, this is our space’.

Having lost all my lovely tulip bulbs which I potted up last year to a mouse (or mice), I have bought some more, planted them up and they are under lock and key in my summer house.  The mice are not going to have a feast at my expense this year!

I mentioned our new dog; she is lovely but has been quite poorly since we brought her home.  We have spent a lot of our waking hours at the vets, but she is on the mend now and proving to be a great character.  She loves her walks and I am pleased to take her out each day.

                                                                                                                                         Rosemary Stratton5.

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ST. MARY’S GREAT WYMONDLEY

SERVICE IN THE COMMUNITY GARDEN

This took place on Sunday 6^th September with lovely sunny weather.  The congregation brought folding chairs and sat on the grass in the morning sunshine.  Becky Ullah told everyone about the plans for the Community Garden as we looked out on to the progress that has already been made in clearing the overgrown site.  Apples shone red on the tree and tomatoes glinted in the sunlight.  Afterwards people chatted while socially distancing and enjoyed delicious apple cakes kindly made by Josie Gilbert.

JAM AND MARMALADE

Sales of preserves continue with further production only stalled by lack of jam jars!  Returned jars and lids are always very welcome.  At the latest count there will be 35 varieties of jam and marmalade by the time the quinces are ripe and have been made into jam and jelly.  The jams and marmalade for sale are displayed on shelves in the church porch which is open every day.

BIKE ‘N HIKE

Nicky and Josie Gilbert gallantly cycled for Great Wymondley Church in the Beds. and Herts. Historic Churches Trust Bike’n Hike event.  They visited 25 churches to raise money which will be shared between the church in Great Wymondley and the Trust.  It was a rather different event this year as the churches were not open because of Covid-19 with no one there to time and initial the sponsor sheets.  Thank you to everyone who sponsored them.

COMMUNITY ORCHARD

The long grass and wild flowers around the trees has now been cut and raked off by a team of volunteers.  This important annual task will make sure that the fertility of the soil is not increased thus encouraging more wild flowers amongst the trees. 

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING - Tuesday 13^th October

The annual meeting will take place on Tuesday 13^th October at 6.00pm. using Zoom.  If you would like to take part email me and I will send you the Zoom links - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

                                                                                                                                                Cherry Carter

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WYMONDLEY BAPTIST CHURCH

The sunny days of golden September have cheered many hearts in times when there are increased Covid problems.  Now we can hardly believe October is here.  Recently we have had various household items which have gone wrong and so we've needed to make some phone calls.  Perhaps you too have experienced some of the difficulties in trying to speak to an actual person!  We hear an automated voice giving a long detailed account of how we needn't phone but could try another way.  Then there is another long wait and the invitation to press 1, 2, 3, 4 and more and wait again, and you still haven't talked to a person yet.  You then are told that you are 17th or 38th in the queue and you wait.....  These things also happen with medical phone calls of which we have had many.

But what a blessing it is not at all like that when we speak to God.  We know He is ready and waiting for our call and we have His full attention from the moment we call out to Him.  We read in Isaiah 'Before they ask, I will answer:  while they are still speaking, I will hear.' and in Psalm 55 'I call to my God and the Lord saved me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out and He has heard my voice'.  Even when we can't actually put our prayer into words God hears our heart and He know us so intimately because even 'the very hairs of our head are numbered.'  In these days we miss the personal touch, and although modern technology has been good in so many ways, we miss the contact of human connection.

This all makes prayer even more vital and it was once called 'The Christian's vital breath'.  God knows all about us and what is going on in our lives.  We read in Psalm 135, 'You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.  Before a word is on my tongue, you know it completely, O Lord'.

Thankfully the Covid Pandemic can't stop churches working and we have been blessed to have services and other meetings on line as well as Bible studies and children's activities.

We haven't actually met for ‘It's Monday’ since March but we look forward to the day when we can.  Even though we can't meet in the hall to do crafts, plant bulbs, do music and movement, quizzes, share holiday memories and meals etc., we can keep in touch, have a chat, a phone call or a socially distanced 

cup of tea.  For those who take Daily Bread we have all got our September/November books.

Christianity Explored - This is open to all who would like to tune in on a Wednesday evening from 7.30pm.  An informal look at the scriptures and discover more about Jesus and the Christian life.  You can tune in to the same

link as the Sunday services.

First Tuesday also happens on zoom on 6^th October - coffee and discussion from 10.30am. on line.  To connect with this phone 01438-228232.  Make your own coffee!

On Sundays we have started a new series on The Holy Spirit to which we look forward.  We welcome all who wish to join us.  Tune in at 10.30am. for a 10.45am. start on 0131-460-1196 or 0203-051-2874.  Use the link https/zoom.us/j8675752648 or download the zoom app and join using meeting ID 8675752648.  Any problems phone 07531-08162.  This link can also be used for Christianity Explored on Wednesday and the Friday morning Bible Study which is held every fortnight.  On Tuesday evenings we pray together without zoom, so join us as we pray for our community, our families, our country, the NHS with the increased Covid cases, for our Government, the Queen and for all suffering from illness or bereavement here and abroad.

Sundays in October:

4^th        Tim Wells (Harvest)                            11^th      Bryan Field

18^th      Tim Wells                                            25^th      Kieran Murphy.

Sending love from all at the Chapel.

'The Lord gives strength to His people;  the Lord blesses His people with peace'          Psalm 29:11

                                                                                                                         Marjorie McCarley 01438-27050

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*****************************************************************************************************NEWS FROM ST. IPPOLYTS

HARVEST FESTIVAL

We will be celebrating our Harvest Festival on Sunday 11^th October.  If anyone would like to donate some dry goods please leave your donation in a box in the church porch on Friday 9^th October.  The porch will be open from 9.30am. - 4.30pm.  Alternatively bring your box to the service on Sunday 11^th October.  All donations will be taken to the Homeless Shelter in Hitchin.  Thank you very much.

                                                                                                                  Jane Veasey and Frances Williams

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PURPLE FOR POLIO ERADICATION

Hitchin Priory Rotary Club will be planting 3000 purple crocus corms in the grounds of St. Ippolyts Church

on Saturday 24^th October at 10:00am.  Money raised from the purchase of these crocuses will be used to protect children and help rid the world of polio.  Please help us to support this important project by donating through Hitchin Priory Rotary Club website at hitchinprioryrotaryclub.org.

          Michael Hooper

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ST. IPPOLYTS PARISH COUNCIL

The next meeting which takes place on Monday 12^th October at 7.30pm. will be on Zoom.  Copies of the Agenda and Approved Minutes are displayed in the council notice boards and on website http://www.stippolyts-parishcouncil.org.uk.  There is always an Agenda item for Public Participation 

where residents can ask questions and raise issues.

Please contact clerk on 01462-421409 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your questions

if you would like to join this meeting.

Please look out for our Annual magazine that will be delivered and also available on our website. 

                                                                                                                                                     Pam Skeggs

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ST. IPPOLYTS PARISH HALL

The Trustees were very pleased to be able to reopen the main hall during the week commencing Monday

7^th September as planned.  We welcomed two user groups back with other groups planning to return.  Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus we have cancelled the Christmas Fair. 

Enquiries to Booking Secretary Sam Kelly on 01462-423291 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit

website www.stippolyts-hall.co.uk.

                                                                                                                                                     Pam Skeggs

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ANNUAL CHURCH MEETINGS

Our delayed Annual Parishioners Meeting and the Annual Parochial Church Meeting of the Parish of

St. Ippolyts were held on Zoom on Wednesday 16^th September.  Our PCC for the coming year will be made

up of the following people:

The Reverend Ginni Dear - Vicar

Jane Veasey - Churchwarden

Michael Hooper - Churchwarden and Treasurer

Roger Cox - Secretary

Shelagh Cox

Howell Davies - Reader

Clare Reid

Jenny Sheach - Safeguarding Officer

Anne Steel

Frances Williams

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ST. IPPOLYTS

Funerals and Burials                        18^th August:                 Cyril Charles Andrews

                                                27^th August:                 Thomas William James Piggott

Funerals at the Crematorium                      20^th August:                 Daphne Patricia Lewis

                                                            1^st September:              Joyce Edgar

                                                            17^th September:                        Joyce Margaret Smith

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100 CLUB

The winners for SEPTEMBER were:

No. 170           Molly Weiss                £20

No. 24             Frank Harding             £15

No. 143           Sarah Holloway           £10

                                                                                                                                                    Shelagh Cox

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COULD THIS BE YOU?

Is there a ‘creative writer’ out there in St. Ippolyts who would be interested in sending in a regular piece for 

Pax about anything happening in the village, which might be of general interest?  None of our regular groups are meeting at the moment so there is a space which could be filled.  Please email me - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

                                                                                                                                                    Clare Larsen

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DEADLINE

Material for the NOVEMBER issue of Pax should reach Clare Larsen, 24 Ninesprings Way, Hitchin SG4 9NN (tel. 01462-453541 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) by Thursday 15^th October, please.  Or given to Rosemary Stratton by Monday 12^thOctober.

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LINK TO HOPE 2020 SHOEBOX APPEAL

As many of you know, in previous years we have supported Link to Hope by filling shoeboxes with items for families or elderly folk in Eastern Europe.  Despite the extreme necessity for such a scheme, I had been wondering if it would happen at all this year in view of these strange times in which we find ourselves.  However, I have now been contacted by both the charity themselves and the area organiser to assure me that

the appeal will be happening once again this year.

To make life a little easier in the current circumstances, the charity have made some changes and are now offering four different ways to support them:

1. Fill a shoebox in the usual way and return it to them.
2. For a donation of around £20 they can fill a shoebox for you, put in a card (if you would like one),

wrap the box and send you a photograph of the finished box.

1. Donate money directly to the appeal.
2. Donate items in bulk (i.e. more than one or two) from the list on their leaflet for them to use in shoeboxes.

Obviously, with the situation as it is, we are not able to leave boxes, leaflets and goodies out in church for you to collect and use as we have done in previous years.  So, if you would like to support the appeal, could you please download and print a leaflet from the Link to Hope website (if you are able) and then choose one of the options above.  Should you not be able to download a leaflet we will have a few hard copies available (or we could email one to you if you prefer).  We also have our usual supply of empty shoeboxes available so, if you are really stuck, let us know and we will get one to you.

All filled boxes have to be returned before Friday 6^th November.  Christine and I will be filling a number of boxes ourselves as usual and will be aiming to take them to the area organiser at the beginning of that week.  (i.e. around Monday 2^ndNovember).  If you decide to fill a box and would like us to take it for you, please could you get it to us or let us know well before that date.  Thank you.  (Our telephone number is 01462-459145.  Please contact us if you need any further help or information).

Your response in previous years has always been amazing.  Please support us once again in these difficult times if you possibly can.  It really does make a huge difference.

Arthur Sibun

Pax         SEPTEMBER  2020

Price:  40p.

The Parish Magazine for the Benefice of St. Ippolyts with Great and Little Wymondley

VICAR

The Reverend Ginni Dear, The Vicarage, Stevenage Road, St. Ippolyts SG4 7PE                   01462-237032

Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CHURCHWARDENS

St. Ippolyts

Michael Hooper, Hillrise, Stevenage Road, St. Ippolyts SG4 7PE                                           01462-457350

Jane Veasey, Gosmore Cross, Newlands Lane, Gosmore SG4 9BD                                        01462-434254

Great Wymondley

Cherry Carter, 2 Church Green, Great Wymondley SG4 7HA                                               01438-724919

Paul Harding, The Old Rectory, Church Green, Great Wymondley SG4 7ES                                    01438-729219

Little Wymondley

Mike Allardyce, 81 Whitney Drive, Stevenage SG1 4BL                                                        07967-831968

David Palmer, 198 Cleveland Way, Great Ashby, SG1 6BY                                                   01438-367912

Visit our website - www.stippolytschurch.org.uk

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SERVICES FOR SEPTEMBER

Our services for September are as follows:

SUNDAY 6^th SEPTEMBER

8.00am.          Holy Communion (BCP)                                St. Ippolyts

9.15am.          Harvest Service                                                Great Wymondley

(See Facebook for venue as it could be in the Community Gardens)

SUNDAY 13^th SEPTEMBER

9.15am.          Holy Communion (Common Worship)           St. Ippolyts

SUNDAY 20^th SEPTEMBER

9.15am.          Holy Communion (Common Worship)           Little Wymondley

SUNDAY 27^th SEPTEMBER

9.15am.          Holy Communion (Common Worship)           St. Ippolyts

All 9.15am. services are also live-streamed to Facebook.

Monday - Thursday - live on Facebook

9.00am.          Morning Prayer

6.00pm.          Evening Prayer

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HERE AND THERE

HORSE BLESSING SERVICE

On Sunday 16^th August at 3.00pm. the Horse Blessing Service was held at St. Ippolyts Church.  Despite the weather forecast which predicted rain and storms during the afternoon and the inevitable downpour and subsequent claps of thunder, Reverend Ginni gallantly stood in front of 20 horses and their riders to hold one

of the best services we have seen.  There were numerous spectators holding their umbrellas, suitably distanced

to watch a completely drenched Ginni welcome everyone and then proceed to hold the service.  After the Lord's Prayer had been said, Ginni who was not wearing a coat but as usual was wearing her cheerful smile and as always her buoyant nature, proceeded to bless each horse in turn not forgetting to offer a carrot.

We are very grateful to everyone who attended the service and who were not deterred by weather.  The horses and riders were a welcome sight and the spectators raised a wonderful £280 with their kind and generous donations.  This will be shared between the two local Riding for the Disabled Groups which support children from local special needs schools as well as youngsters who have been excluded from senior school.

Thank you to Ginni and to everyone who attended.

             Joan Pinkstone

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LINK TO HOPE 2020 SHOEBOX APPEAL

As many of you know, in previous years we have supported Link to Hope by filling shoeboxes with items for families or elderly folk in Eastern Europe.  Despite the extreme necessity for such a scheme, I had been wondering if it would happen at all this year in view of these strange times in which we find ourselves.  However, I have now been contacted by both the charity themselves and the area organiser to assure me that

the appeal will be happening once again this year.

To make life a little easier in the current circumstances, the charity have made some changes and are now offering four different ways to support them:

1. Fill a shoebox in the usual way and return it to them.
2. For a donation of around £20 they can fill a shoebox for you, put in a card (if you would like one),

wrap the box and send you a photograph of the finished box.

1. Donate money directly to the appeal.
2. Donate items in bulk (i.e. more than one or two) from the list on their leaflet for them to use in shoeboxes.

Obviously, with the situation as it is, we are not able to leave boxes, leaflets and goodies out in church for you to collect and use as we have done in previous years.  So, if you would like to support the appeal, could you please download and print a leaflet from the Link to Hope website (if you are able) and then choose one of the options above.  Should you not be able to download a leaflet we will have a few hard copies available (or we could email one to you if you prefer).  We also have our usual supply of empty shoeboxes available so, if you are really stuck, let us know and we will get one to you.

All filled boxes have to be returned before Friday 6^th November.  Christine and I will be filling a number of boxes ourselves as usual and will be aiming to take them to the area organiser at the beginning of that week.  (i.e. around Monday 2^ndNovember).  If you decide to fill a box and would like us to take it for you, please could you get it to us or let us know well before that date.  Thank you.  (Our telephone number is 01462-459145.  Please contact us if you need any further help or information).

Your response in previous years has always been amazing.  Please support us once again in these difficult times if you possibly can.  It really does make a huge difference.

Arthur Sibun

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NEWS FROM THE WYMONDLEYS

ST. MARY’S LITTLE WYMONDLEY

WE’RE BACK !

It’s a delight to have the church open for worship again, after all these months;  we have been able to enjoy two services.  Socially distanced, sanitised, masked, no singing, but just good to see everyone.  Reverend Ginni is doing a wonderful job live streaming the services to Facebook, where she has a growing congregation.  She is quite a star in front of the camera, and I understand she has many followers in Little Wymondley, so welcome to all our new congregation.  When these restrictions can be lifted, it would be lovely to meet you all in church.

BACK TO THE GARDEN

We have a mole! at least one, if not with wife and kids and extended family.  We noticed some finely turned soil along the outside of the fence, quite a building project, on a par with the M1, with little air holes every so often.  He has come under the main gate, worked his way round the edge of the lawn, where he has paused, probably to consult his plans.  Every morning I expect to see numerous mole hills dotted across the lawn, but maybe he is having second thoughts, wrong soil, dog, cats, or perhaps he thinks our neighbour’s garden offers more, I won’t be offended.  Our lawn is not a bowling green but I am quite fond of it as it is.

We have a little alcove in the garden which is sheltered and gets the afternoon sun;  we grow hops and a passionflower over the pergola, which gives us some shade.  A few weeks ago a pair of pigeons decided they would build a nest directly over where I sit, every morning there would be a pile of twigs on my chair where they had failed to secure them on a precarious narrow beam.  We usually have a few nests in the garden which we are quite happy about, but we didn’t fancy sharing our evenings with a family a few feet above our heads.  Every morning I would pick all the twigs and push them into a neighbouring shrub, then I noticed they were recycling the same material, so I pushed it back further and virtually built them a nest myself.  This went on for some days, but they finally gave up and have used my construction so we are all happy.

                                                                                                                                          Rosemary Stratton

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ST. MARY’S GREAT WYMONDLEY

Another two months have passed with strange weather indeed.  Scorching hot for several days, torrential rain and really strong winds.  We have been so lucky though with fine weather on the whole during the Lockdown, making the confinement and daily exercise much easier and more pleasant.  I am not sure how it will be in the winter when it is cold and will get dark so much earlier.  Already the days are shortening and it is still August! The swifts have gone back to Africa and we miss them so much.  There seemed to be eleven here this year and they were such a joy to watch.  We used to sit up in the Churchyard in the evening watching them and could see them going up under the apse roof to feed their young.  We look forward to them returning next year.  Apples are ripening on the trees and the wasps are in their 'sweet' phase of diet feeding on fallen fruit and trying to get into the beehives.

The Churchyard wild life areas have been strimmed and raked off with hopefully flower seeds fallen and set for next year.  There has been an amazing number of butterflies, moths and insects of all sorts within it not to mention the field voles who nest in holes there.  A good source of food for the tawny owls that fly daily over the churchyard and the occasional barn owl who has been seen. Scabious, ladies bedstraw and harebells were growing amongst the graves for the first time for very many years, a result of having the cut grass area slightly longer.

At the beginning of August we had the first service since the Lockdown began.  As it was fine weather we had it in the Churchyard and welcomed our friends from the village and other churches in the Benefice.  It was live streamed too on Facebook.  We hope the first Sunday in October will be fine too so that we can have the service outside again.

                                                                                                                                              Cherry Carter

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WYMONDLEY BAPTIST CHURCH

This has been one of the strangest years we have ever known, hasn't it.  As we have all been faced with this worldwide Pandemic, we have had advice from many sources about how to keep well and safe, how to avoid infection, what to do, where to go and the Government has given us regular bulletins to keep us informed and have generously given out financial help to businesses and the like as well as allowing us cheaper meals out in August.  We have been constantly reminded how important is physical health and indeed mental health too.  We take great care to ensure that we eat properly, take vitamins and where possible make sure we exercise, because we want to keep our bodies healthy.  The Bible also encourages us in these things but it goes even deeper as it reminds us that every human being is body, mind and spirit and there are clear instructions as to how to keep spiritually healthy, God's Word is concerned with the whole person and the book of Proverbs has plenty of advice.  In Chapter 4 we read "pay attention to what I say - turn your ear to my words.  Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your hearts for they are life to those who find them and health to one's whole body."  We love to feel healthy and if we have been ill what a blessing it is to feel better.  But spiritual health is even more special and has to be 'tops' for us.  We can have a new zest in life which will come to us as we 'feed on God's word, the Bible’ and we can feel His life giving touch bringing us spiritual health.  This is emphasised in the Book of Isaiah as we read:  "Do you not know, have you not heard?  The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He will not grow tired or weary and his understanding no one can fathom; He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall.  But those who hope (or wait upon) the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary.  They will walk and not faint."

During these unforgettable weeks we, like many other churches have found that the modern technology, especially Zoom, has been most helpful as we have used it in Sunday services, Bible studies, Church meetings and children's work and even a Quiz too!  Of course we have missed enormously actually meeting together in the usual way but we have enjoyed seeing each other 'on screen' and being able to talk to each other too.  The weekly 'It's Monday' Group has had its first and only break since it began 18 and a half years ago.  But we keep in touch with folk and look forward to a celebration and a new programme when the time is right. Congratulations to Una on her 90th birthday in August.

We pray for all who are poorly at this time and all who are mourning and missing loved ones.  We pray regularly every Tuesday in our homes for all in need in our land and overseas.  We don't have our coffee and discussion at the Orange Tree on the first Tuesday but we have been having these on Zoom with Will and Lynne Andrews.  This year has reminded us of the joy of friends and families and neighbours.

We are thankful that all our booked speakers have joined us on Zoom and the speakers in September are as follows: 

6^th         Rev. Phil Jackson                               13^th        Hannah Dengate

20^th       Clive Bacon                                        27^th        Adrian Brixey

We will give advance warning when we are back in the Chapel again.

Meanwhile dial in at 10.30am for a 10.45am start on 0131-4601196 or 020-0512874.  Use the link https//zoom.us/j8675752648 or download the zoom app. and join using meeting ID 8675752648.

Any problems phone 07531-08162 Craig Bacon, our Host will be glad to help.

"Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love."

   Marjorie McCarley  (01438-727050)

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NEWS FROM ST. IPPOLYTS

ST. IPPOLYTS PARISH COUNCIL

The next meeting which takes place on Monday 14^th September at 7.30pm. will be on Zoom.  Copies of the Agenda and Approved Minutes are displayed in the council notice boards and on website www.stippolyts-parishcouncil.org.uk.  There is always an Agenda item for Public Participation where residents can ask questions and raise issues.  Please contact clerk on 01462-421409 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your questions if you would like to join this meeting.

                                                                                                                                                      Pam Skeggs

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ST. IPPOLYTS PARISH HALL

The Trustees have been looking at ways to re-open the hall safely.  We emailed a questionnaire to User Groups to complete and return and a good response was received.  We have carried out a risk assessment, prepared various necessary documents and notices etc.  We have a management meeting on Thursday 3^rd September on Zoom and also invited user group representatives to join.  Brilliant news - the hall will re-open w/c Monday

7^th September but recognise that required limitations may mean not all users will be able to return immediately. http://www.stippolyts-hall.co.uk.

                                                                                                                                                      Pam Skeggs

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ANNUAL CHURCH MEETINGS - ST. IPPOLYTS

The delayed “Annual Parishioners Meeting” (to elect churchwardens) and “The Annual Parochial Church Meeting of the Parish of St. Ippolyts” will be held in St. Ippolyts Church at 6.00pm. on Wednesday 16^th September 2020.  The meeting will commence with Reverend Ginni’s Live Streamed 10 minute Evening Prayer. Everyone is welcome to attend but only those on the St. Ippolyts Church Electoral Roll may vote at the second meeting.  We are hoping that we can hold the meeting outside the Church but should this not be appropriate

due to inclement weather we will retire to the Church.

The meeting is the Church’s AGM and there will be a review of 2019 with reports from the Reverend Ginni, Our Safeguarding Officer, Churchwardens, Treasurer, and St. Ippolyts School, as well as the appointment of officers, sidesmen and independent financial examiners.  To make the evening ‘go with a flow’ we hope that there will be wine, soft drinks and nibbles available but this will depend upon any coronavirus restrictions.

The Church Electoral Roll is closed 15 days before the Annual Parochial Church Meeting and this means Wednesday 1^stSeptember 2020.  If you would like to be included on the Church Electoral Roll then forms can be obtained from the Church Electoral Roll Officer, Alan Hinks H.452429, or a Churchwarden, Michael Hooper H.457350 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or Jane Veasey H.434254.

We are looking for new members of our Parochial Church Council.  If you are interested in playing a key role

in the future of our church please consider putting yourself forward for election, it is not a particularly onerous task!  Those wishing to be elected can put their names on the election list at the back of the church or contact one of the Churchwardens on the contact details above.  In addition we are still seeking a treasurer to take over from Michael.  If you feel you could spare the time to play an important role in the life of our church please consider taking on this task.

      Michael Hooper - Churchwarden

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100 CLUB

The winners for JULY were:

No. 24             Frank Harding             £20

No. 127           Jenny Morrell              £15

No. 93             Poppy Cowlishaw        £10

And the winners for AUGUST were:

No. 162           Jennifer Veasey            £20

No. 57             Carolyn Marsh                        £15

No. 64             Carolyn Marsh                        £10

                                                                                                                                                     Shelagh Cox

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DEADLINE

Material for the OCTOBER issue of Pax should reach Clare Larsen, 24 Ninesprings Way, Hitchin SG4 9NN (tel. 01462-453541 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) by Tuesday 15^th September, please.  Or given to Rosemary Stratton by Saturday 12^thSeptember.

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In spite of the dreadful weather our annual horse blessing service took place on Sunday afternoon on 16th August. Eighteen trusty steeds and their riders plus numerous onlookers gathered to see Revd Ginni bless the horses who were all given a carrot treat afterwards. The service is held to raise money for our local Riding for the Disabled Charity and a splendid £296 was collected. Thank you to everyone that turned out in the pouring rain. Revd Ginni said that it was the wettest she had ever been (apart from having a bath or shower!!)

Photographs of the event courtesy of Robert Halliday are in our gallery. Thanks to Robert, he always supports our event even though he lives in Suffolk, thanks to everyone that helped and thanks to all that supported us. See you next year!

.

ANNUAL CHURCH MEETINGS - ST. IPPOLYTS

The delayed “Annual Parishioners Meeting” (to elect churchwardens) and “The Annual Parochial Church Meeting of the Parish of St. Ippolyts” will be held in St. Ippolyts Church at 6.00p.m. on Wednesday16th September 2020 .  The meeting will commence with Revd Ginni’s Live streamed 10 minute Evening Prayer. Everyone is welcome to attend but only those on the St. Ippolyts Church Electoral Roll may vote at the second meeting.  We are hoping that we can hold the meeting outside the Church but should this not be appropriate due to inclement weather we will retire to the Church. 

The meeting is the Church’s AGM and there will be a review of 2019 with reports from the Revd Ginni, Our Safeguarding Officer, Churchwardens, Treasurer, and St. Ippolyts School, as well as the appointment of officers, sidesmen and independent financial examiners.  To make the evening ‘go with a flow’ we hope that there will be wine, soft drinks and nibbles available but this will depend upon any coronavirus restrictions.

The Church Electoral Roll is closed 15 days before the Annual Parochial Church Meeting and this means Wednesday 1^st September 2020.If you would like to be included on the Church Electoral Roll then forms can be obtained from the Church Electoral Roll officer, Alan Hinks, H 452429, or a Churchwarden, Michael Hooper, H 457350 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or Jane Veasey, H 434254.

We are looking for new members of our Parochial Church Council.  If you are interested in playing a key role in the future of our church please consider putting yourself forward for election, it is not a particularly onerous task! Those wishing to be elected can put their names on the election list at the back of the church or contact one of the Churchwardens on the contact details above. In additional we are still seeking a treasurer to take over from Michael. If you feel you could spare the time to play an important roll in the life of our church please consider taking on this task.

            Michael Hooper

Churchwarden

13^th August 2020

Good News we will be holding our annual horse blessing service on Sunday 16th August at 15:00. The service hwich is held in St Ippolyts Churchyard offers plenty of opportunity for everyone to be socially distanced, even the horses!

Everyone is welcome to this annual celebration to raise money for the "Riding for the Disabled" Charity.

Face Coverings in church compulsory from 8th August 

Further guidance has been issued on the wearing of face coverings, more details will follow. However, it is clear that ministers who can remain suitably distanced from their congregation not need to wear face coverings all the time during services. The advice also confirms that the minister, bride and groom are exempt from wearing face coverings during the wedding service. 

Welcome Back to Church!!

Please do see this as a guide to help you understand what will happen and why when we reopen our churches for the first time after lockdown, rather than yet another list of do’s and don’ts designed to drive you mad!!

We want to welcome you so we can worship God together but we also want to keep you safe, follow the government guidelines and minimise misunderstandings.

We can safely seat and socially distance 22 people in St Ippolyts Church and St Mary’s, Little Wymondley and 12 in St Mary’s Great Wymondley.

Whilst we cannot sing hymns (as singing increases the transmission by aerosol and droplet), we can listen to music.  We can also receive Holy Communion (bread only), although please do not feel that you have to.  We can share the peace but without physical contact.

What will happen when I arrive at church?

It is very important that you arrive at church by 9am.

You will be greeted by a Steward who will ask you for your name and contact details (so we can Track and Trace any cases of Covid, details will be kept for 21 day and then destroyed).  

You will then be asked to use the hand sanitiser and shown to your pew – your service book will be on your seat and we ask that you leave it there when you leave so that we can clean it properly before it is used again.

Please remain in your pew for the entire service and wait for the steward to tell you when it is appropriate for you to leave afterwards.  This is so that we can manage social distancing effectively.

Although it’s really tempting to join in with the hymns when the music plays, please resist the urge!  Entertain yourself by watching your neighbour’s eyebrows wiggle and lips twitch as they too try not to burst out into song!!

The Vicar will bring Holy Communion to you in your pew should you wish to receive it.  She will have sanitised her hands immediately prior to doing this and will wear a glove but please do not feel you have to receive Holy Communion if you feel vulnerable.  It is YOUR decision and your right to decide what is best for you.

The entire service will be live-streamed directly to Facebook.  This is so that those who cannot come back to church at this time are able to worship with us.  The camera will be positioned by the organ and will only focus on the Sanctuary.  At no point will any of the congregation be filmed, however, please do be aware that it is also recording sound so there is a possibility that anything you say may be broadcast and we ask that you keep any conversations inside the church to a minimum.

Unfortunately, we are unable to gather inside the church to chat after the service but you are more than welcome to socially distance yourselves in the churchyard to catch up with friends. (You can bring your own coffee too if you like!)

Finally....PLEASE, PLEASE don’t be offended if we are full when you arrive.  It will break our hearts to turn you away but we absolutely have to follow the guidelines issued by the government.  We’ve worked really hard to make our churches as accessible and safe as we can and if we work together on this then hopefully we’ll see a further easing of restrictions soon.

Thank you for your support.

With much love

Revd Ginni and the PCC’S from St Ippolyts, Great Wymondley and Little Wymondley.

.