Hartford Hundred West Group of Parishes
St Mary Bayford
Chapel of Holy Cross &
St Alban, Brickendon
St Mary the Virgin
Essendon
St Andrew’s
Little Berkhamsted
St Mary
Ponsbourne
The Benefice of Hartford Hundred (West) was established on November 1st, 1976 as a “united benefice” combining the four parishes of Bayford & Brickendon, Essendon & Woodhill, Little Berkhamsted and Ponsbourne (Newgate Street), with its centrally located Rectory in the village of Little Berkhamsted. In the years since then, the group has developed a coherence and a distinct identity whilst retaining the individuality of the separate churches.
We are part of the St. Albans Diocese within the Church of England and are united with the desire to welcome every person, young and older, into our wonderful community minded church families. We have 5 beautiful church buildings with various styles of worship, partnerships with three excellent Church of England Schools and a clear Bible based ministry.
We are committed to the safeguarding, care and nurture of everyone within our community. Find out more here
Weddings, Baptisms and other matters
Saturday Registration is held on the
1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month.
10.00 am to 11.30 am at Lt. Berkhamsted Church.
If you, or someone you know is interested in a wedding or baptism, or just have a question for our Rector we will be happy to see you.
All are welcome, you do not need an appointment, just turn up.
The monthly Parish Magazine contains all the church and village news from our parishes. It costs just 60p per copy or £6 for an annual subscription. Please contact Mike Wainwright at parishmag@begesford.co.uk to subscribe.
Hartford Hundred Group Confirmation
The 13th of March 2022 was a great day in the Hartford Hundred Group of Parishes. Six people were confirmed at Bayford Church by The Right Reverend Michael Beasley, the Bishop of Hertford. This was the first time a confirmation service had happened in our group for many years. Not only did people from the Hartford Hundred Group come together but also relatives and friends of the candidates from near and far afield came to witness this special occasion. Everything was managed with a lovely sense of welcome, order, unity and involvement. God’s presence was there.
One of the confirmed candidates Paula wrote ”It’s a journey that will never end and it’s completely unique to me, I learn something new every day and I look forward to seeing where God will lead me next”.
We continue to offer faithful prayers for those confirmed and all His Church.
Hartford Hundred West Group of Churches is working with the St Albans Diocese to house Ukrainian families locally. Click here for more information about hosting and helping those who host or contact hartfordhundredukraine@gmail.com.
It would be wonderful if you would consider making a difference by donating to us to help with our day to day running costs and ministry. Thank you.
On Sunday 24th April, at Bayford Family service, we had a special visitor. David Elder, the coordinator of the Hertford and Ware Street Pastor team. He told us about their role of walking the streets late at night in both Ware and Hertford, in all weathers. As the clubs get later opening hours to 3.00am, the Street Pastors walk the streets until the last person goes home and the town quietens down.
Some people were surprised to learn, the Street Pastors are all are volunteers and some of mature years (80 years!), that kindly give up their time to help people with a listening ear, a shoulder to cry, a set of flip flops, waiting with young girls on their own, giving water to sober people up and getting into interesting conversation of why they do what they do. It’s because they care – imagine it was your son or daughter, worse for wear through drinking and are left alone. They come alongside and keep them safe until a parent arrives.
Matthew 25: 40: ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ (NIV)
So next time you are out, and you see their navy-blue jackets with “Street Pastor” printed on the back, give them a cheery hello for their good work.
Heather Ross