St Michael and All Angels Waterford
Things to Celebrate
November 2015
The MISSING YOU (Yew) TREE to remember those we love who are with God is
already covered with named lilac ribbons. We have also tied red, white and blue
tricolour ribbons also remember the victims and families of the Paris terrorist attacks.
Our annual ‘ALL SOULS’ SERVICE on 1st November remembered those who now rest in
peace with God
in a simple evening service with candles, hymns, readings, reflection and prayers.
The annual benefice REMEMBRANCE Service was held this year at Waterford on Sunday 8th
November to honour the fallen and pray for peace. Wreaths and poppies were laid at the
village war memorial.
October 2015
We are delighted that Louise and Denise from Watton, with Simon and Edgar from Aston,
were confirmed by our new Bishop Michael of Hertford on Sunday 4th October 7pm at
Christchurch Ware.
The new garden of remembrance is taking shape – thanks to all the hard work of the
Waterford PCC and maintenance group who have also cleared the area by the top gate.
September 2015
Waterford villagers enjoyed a wonderful Harvest Supper on Friday 25th
September in Waterford Village Hall and a Church Harvest Festival
Songs of Praise at 6pm on Sunday 25 September with gifts generously
donated for the Food Bank.
We were delighted to celebrate Harvest in a service at Broad Oak Manor on Wednesday 7th
October.
September 2015
A moving service was held on Saturday 5th September to mark the 100 year anniversary of
the death of Wilfred Abel Smith at the battle of Ypres attended by his grandchildren, great
grandchildren and wider family.
Sunny, warm weather meant a fantastic turn-out on Sunday 6th September to the annual
Waterford Village fete. Revd Jenny blessed the new Waterford Village hall sign and thanked
everyone for their contribution to village community life.
On Saturday 12th September people took the opportunity to visit our beautiful village church
as part of the Historic Churches Bike Ride.
August 2015
A wonderful art exhibition was held in Waterford Village Hall in aid of the church on
August 30th-31st. Thank you to Jill, Mal, Donna, Jenny and Jane who raised £228
towards the upkeep of Waterford Church - in spite of the disappointing Bank Holiday
weather
July 2015
We were delighted to welcome the people of St Peter’s Bethnal Green for their 38 th
annual visit to our villages, rounded off with a lively service in our church. Our
thanks to everyone in Waterford who helped with the raffle and prepared delicious
sandwiches and cakes for our visitors.
Thank you to Martin and to the Tuesday Working parties for their ongoing work to
improve the churchyard and prepare for the new garden of remembrance.
June 2015
The two day Flower Festival drew many visitors from near and far to wonder at our
beautiful Pre-Raphaelite windows and mosaics, enhanced by skillful floral
arrangements. The Art and Photographic Exhibitions proved an additional attraction
along with excellent refreshments and stalls in the Village Hall. The ‘Hymns with
Pimms’ Songs of Praise was a joyous end to the weekend’s celebration. Thank you
to everyone who worked so hard to make this biennial event so memorable.
May 2015
Adrian Whalley from Christian Aid gave an inspiring talk on the charity’s work with
local partners in areas of disaster and need as part of our 5th Sunday benefice service
at Stapleford on 31st May. We then enjoyed an excellent fund-raising ‘bring and
share’ lunch in support of their work.
May 16th the new Bishop of Hertford Revd Dr Michael Beasley was welcomed in a
service in St Albans Abbey. We look forward to meeting him in our parishes.
Thank you to the Eden Singers ensemble who sang so beautifully at our Pentecost
Festival Evensong on 24th May. We look forward to their next visit to our church.
April 2015
Thank you to everyone who decorated the church so beautifully for Easter and who
worked so hard to host the wonderful village Easter Bazaar on 4th April. There was a
great ‘buzz’ all morning from visitors enjoying refreshments and bargains and
children engaging in all the egg activities.
Thank you also to Tony and Primrose for hosting a most enjoyable and successful
fund raising coffee morning in aid of the church Flower Festival in the beautiful Old
Vicarage.
March 2015
The benefice Palm Sunday service 29th March to welcome the ministry team and
Aston followed by ‘bring and share lunch’ in Watton was enjoyed by members of all
the village churches. We were also able to wish Revd Ann Voss a very happy 80 th
birthday.
February 2015
Revd Jenny and the benefice ministry team were licensed to St Mary's Aston on
Sunday 1st Februaury at a packed service by the Archdeacon of Hertford. It was good
to celebrate with so many people from our village churches, family and friends.
January 2015
Thanks to our regular church maintenance team for all their work inside the church.
Do join us for coffee and a avroety of tasks on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 10
am and make a difference.
December 2014
Carol Singing around the village rounded off with mulled wine and mince pies in the
village hall provided a generous donation to the Childrens’ Society to help runaway
children on the streets
All our Christmas services were well attended – a huge thank you to everyone for the
wonderful Christmas decorations in church (plus star outside), for all involved in our
regular cleaning, flowers and churchyard maintenance, organists and those who
cleared up after busy services – the church looked amazing!
November 2014
All Saints
Our All Saints celebration was a wonderful way to give thanks for the work that Rev
Ann Voss has done for us all. Please see the tribute in the December edition of the
Parish News
October 2014
Dementia Talk
40 people attended Rev Sue Stilwell’s highly practical and inspiring session at
Stapleford. We hope that she will return next year to help us develop our response
as we care for those around us.
September 2014
A rousing harvest supper in the Village Hall on Saturday evening was followed by a
joyful Harvest "Songs of Praise" in our church on Sunday evening. Thank you to
everyone who made such special food and decorations and gave so generously to
Hertford food bank.
July 2014
We gave a great welcome to our friends from St Peter's Bethnal Green. Thank you
to everyone who contributed food, raffle prizes and entertainment.
June 2014 saw the launch of monthly working parties get to grips with ongoing
churchyard maintenance. This important work is vital to preserve the special
environment of our beautiful Church.