We had our Quinquennial (Five Yearly) inspection of the church in November 2023. Our diocesan architect was pleased to report that there were no issues with the fabric of the building which is basically in good shape. However we have concerns over the damp which has appeared in the north wall of the Nave. We have obtained permission from the diocese for repairs to this and have accepted quotes for the work to be done. This will not be done now until June. The downpipe on the south side of the tower has now been repaired.
Messy Church is for all the family and all ages, and is an increasingly popular and different way of doing church. Sometimes it will be outside (also known as Muddy Church), sometimes inside and sometimes a mixture of both. So far we have looked at Creation and The Water of Life. There is some craft, but other activities too - all fun while reflective and God focused. There is a short time of worship at the end of each Messy Church and a sharing of food together. Come and give it a try!
Messy Church takes place on 18th May at 3.00pm. Please contact Clare Rawlins if you wish to know more details of this essential part of worhship at St Peter's clarelouiserawlins@gmail.com
Our new meeting room project.
The project team submitted very detailed documentation to the diocesan authorities in early July. These documents are now available in the church for people to see They are Statements of the Significance of the church and its Needs, together with an appraisal of the various locations in and around the church where we have considered a new meeting room might be built. The DIocesan authorities were impressed with our efforts and we have been working with them and Historic England to agree the size and location for the building, while retaining the beauty of our little rural church. We have considered alterations to the vestry to provide extra storage facilities and have applied for permission to place a shed on the old base in the churchyard where one existed some years ago that was burnt down. This has received the permission from the diocese to go out for public consultation for the next month or so, before a faculty may be granted.
Our Vision for St Peter’s in the 21st century is here.
The lighting in the church, and the floodlighting outside, has now been updated to LED lights. The Church clock has undergone essential repairs, and has now been fitted with an Autowinder which means that we shall not have to rely on the Captain of the Bell Tower climbing up a ladder each week to wind the clock. Thank you to Friends of Tewin for their donations towards these two projects. We have also received a donation from The Proby Trust, administered by Jesus College Cambridge towards repairs to the clock.
We have recently had the north chancel roof cleared of moss and a copper strip added to stop it developing quickly again. We are once again grateful to Friends of Tewin for their contribution to that work.
We welcomed The Knitted Bible Exhibition here on 1st and 2nd July 2023. Over 30 scenes from the bible knitted by the congregation of St Georges' URC in Hartlepool were on loan to us from them. It was great to see this marvellous exhibition and to welcome visitors to enjoy it with us.
The church is open daily, as well as for regular weekly Sunday services. Within the Welwyn Team, a Parish Eucharist Service continues to be streamed every Sunday from one of the local churches, at https://www.welwyn.org.uk/onlinechurch
Please see the St Peter's Church page for time of other services this month and more information about St. Peter's. Our bellringers ring at St Peter's every week and also at other times.
We are pleased to report that the Welwyn Team Church in Action group has sent many items to the general request for help for Ukrainian refugees as well as to asylum seekers including Afghan refugees being helped by the Herts welcomes Refugees charity.