Concert: Music of the Early Renaissance, Friday 1st May, 7pm, St Michael’s Church

Ad Parnassum presents: ‘Flos Florum’ - The Art of Musical Construction of the Early Renaissance.

St Michael’s Church, Friday 1st May 2026 at 7pm. (Entry is free, donations welcome).

This is a free concert ahead of their London programme and we are delighted to be able to welcome them here for a first UK visit. Please do share this widely. They are exceptional.

With the music of G Dufay, J Constable, G Binchois, L Power and anonymous composers from the XV century. Ensemble Ars Cantus Mensurabilis (Maria-Lisa Geyer - voice, Riccardo Parravicini - portative organ, and Christiano Brunella - vielle).

Bacon 400: Evening Talk & Garden Visit, 25th June at Serge Hill, with Paula Henderson

Bacon 400: Sir Francis Bacon’s ‘greater perfection’ and his passion for plants with Paula Henderson

The Apple House, Sergehill Lane, Bedmond, Hertfordshire WD5 0RZ

Thursday 25 June 2026, 6pm–8pm

2026 marks the 400th anniversary of the death of Sir Francis Bacon, one of history’s greatest philosophers, scientists, and statesmen. As his home and final resting place, St Albans will be the focal point for Bacon400 global commemorations, featuring a wide programme of lectures, exhibitions, and community activities that celebrate his enduring legacy.

Join us for an unmissable evening in The Apple House, with architectural and garden historian and award-winning author Paula Henderson as she celebrates Sir Francis Bacon’s passion for and expertise on plants. An evening which will appeal to gardeners, garden designers, history lovers and anyone with a passion for plants and gardens.

This event is run in association with Hertfordshire Gardens Trust and as part of the Bacon400 celebrations.

St Michael’s Tudor Fair, 11th July 2026

St Michael’s Tudor Fayre on the 11th of July. There is going to be a Tudor extravaganza for Bacon400 in the churchyard and paddock, including living history re enactors, flowers in church, and games outside. Please put it in your diaries, and if you are able to help with the set-up, stalls, or general merriment on the day please let Steph, Kathryn or the Vicar know.

Visit to Trinity College Cambridge, May 31st

31st May visit to Trinity College, Cambridge.

The Parish has been invited to Trinity to see their collection of ‘Baconia’ in the Wren Library, a tour of the college, and to join them in the chapel (where there is a copy of St Michael’s statue of Bacon) for evensong on Sunday 31st May. We would aim to arrive in time for the early afternoon. Anybody interested in joining the outing please email Jonny on vicar@...

Lloyds Bank Chaos

Lloyds Bank Chaos: Our giftaid charity account was unexpectedly closed last week (we’re trying to get to the bottom of why) which means if you give to the Parish by standing order this month’s payment will not have gone out and you should cancel your SO. We will be writing to all our generous doners with details of the new account when we’re able to set it up, but if you would like more information please speak to the Vicar.

An Evening with Mark Rylance & Peter Dawkins for Bacon400, 9th April at 6pm

On the anniversary of Bacon’s death, join Mark and Peter at St Michael’s on the evening of April the 9th at 6pm for a discussion and examination of the man and his legacy. With readings from Bacon and Shakespeare, and a lively examination of the ‘Shakespeare question’ this is an evening not to be missed. Tickets available here: https://tinyurl.comjkrccekz

Joint Evensong with singers from St Michael’s Church, Trinity College Cambridge & St Albans School.

Sir Francis Bacon was closely associated with each of the three organisations represented in the choirs at this service of Evensong; St Albans School was re-founded by his father, Bacon was a graduate of Trinity College Cambridge, and he was patron of and buried in St Michael’s church.  

With music and liturgy that Bacon would have known, all are welcome to this service of Choral Evensong. 

‘Bacon 400’ Fireside Talk at Gorhambury, January 22nd, 7pm

As part of the events this year to commemorate the life and legacy of Sir Francis Bacon (1561-1626), Gorhambury is hosting a ‘Bacon 400’ Fireside Talk with Suzannah Lipscombe and Jesse Norman, January 22nd at 7pm. Tickets can be purchased through the website: Gorhamburyestate.co.uk

Medieval Carols at St Michael’s 11th December 7.30pm

Leading UK choir ‘Opus Anglicanum’ are coming to St Michael’s for a candlelit concert of words and music into the spiritual heart of Medieval Christmas. Described last year by the Guardian as ‘one of the top-10 carol concerts’ in the UK, to get tickets visit: https://www.opusanglicanum.org/event/2025/medieval-carols-st-albans

Christmas Fair! 6th December 12 - 3pm

Christmas Fair! On 6th December, 12-3pm, we will be holding a join Christmas Fair in the School, Church and Parish Centre. If you’re able to help please let Jonny know, or indeed to make a couple of Jazzy jars, (big or small jars with a few sweets and small toys in to be hoopla-ed). Also if you’re able to have a rummage in your cupboards for bottles for the bottle tombola that would be kind. And spread the word, as there will be lots of great things for people to enjoy!

Carols & Christmas Songs at St Michael’s, Saturday 6th December 7.30pm

Join with Fleetville Harmony a capella community choir singing old and new festive songs in St Michael’s Church on Saturday 6th December at 7.30 pm. Free entry (donation to charity / church welcomed). Refreshments available during interval.

Advent Evensong St Michael’s, Sunday 30th November 4pm (followed by mulled wine in the church)

Advent is upon us, so do please come to make spiritual preparation for the coming Christmas celebrations at our special service of Evensong at with music led by the choir appropriate for Advent.

Please Join Us for Our Festive Christmas Lunch

Christmas Lunch Please join us for a Festive Parish Lunch on Thursday 4th December at 12.30pm in the restaurant at Burston Garden Centre, North Orbital Road, St Albans AL2 2DS.  They are offering a three-course traditional turkey dinner with fish, vegetarian and vegan options.  Please email Sue Vaughan for the menu - suecvaughan@btinternet.com. We are asked to confirm numbers by 4th November so please respond in good time. All welcome!

Enjoy Bonfire Night at St Michael’s, Saturday 8th November 4 - 6 pm

Bonfire Night is to be held on the Saturday 8th November, 4-6pm. Helpers are needed to build the bonfire at 9.30am, and to stoke and manage it when lit from 3.30pm. Please let Jane Larman know if you can help please. To book your tickets visit: https://shorturl.at/Ked25

Cranmer Awards, St Albans Diocesan Heat, Saturday 29th November

Cranmer Awards, St Albans Diocesan Heat Saturday 29th November 11am-1pm, St Michael’s Parish Centre AL3 4SL. The Cranmer Awards is a national public-speaking competition organized by the Prayer Book Society, open to young people aged 11-18 from all backgrounds. Participants recite passages from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, which is foundational to Anglican worship and English literary heritage. The competition includes categories for Juniors (11-14) and Seniors (15-18), with prizes awarded for top performers at the regional level and a prestigious National Final at the Chapel Royal, Hampton Court Palace, London, on February 28, 2026.

Competitors will read a passage of their choice from the Book of Common Prayer, lasting 3–5 minutes, to a panel of judges and an audience of supporters. There are 3 prizes of £50, £30, and £20 in each age group at the regional level. Every participant will receive a certificate. 

Please email vicar@parishofstmichaels.org.uk for an application form.

To learn more please go to the Cranmer Awards - The Prayer Book Society.

Parish Giving Scheme Update

Parish Giving Scheme The PGS, via which many in our parish make donations to support the ongoing life of our churches, is changing their direct debit processor to ‘Go Cardless’. The way Parish Giving Scheme direct debits are named on your bank statements will change, but in the reference it will still mention PGS. Nothing else will change, and they continue to be backed by the Church of England nationally which ensures there remain no transaction fees and that gift aid is claimed automatically without any extra administration for the parish. You will have received an email about this already, and can log-on to the Parish Giving website for a fuller Q&A about the change.

I also want to say an enormous thank you to everyone who gives to the parish, using whatever means. The pressures on churches like us, with significant heritage assets and an active ministry to maintain, are high, but your generosity means we are well placed to thrive as a place of Christian worship and witness for many years to come. I thank God for you all.

Jonny.

New Parish Administrator Appointed

Parish Administrator We are delighted to announce that a new appointment has been made to this position. Jane is now in post, and is going to be in the office 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Tuesday to Friday. Until next week though please continue to send notices to Jonny for the pew sheet while responsibilities are handed over.

All Souls Service November 2nd at 4pm

All Souls Service: Our annual service of remembrance and thanksgiving for the departed is on Sunday 2nd November at 4pm. Do please let others know, and to add names to the roll of remembrance, read in the prayers, please email admin@parishofstmichaels.org.uk by the 30th of October. Thank you.  

Holy Pumpkin Trail 31st October 4.30 - 6.30 pm

Holy Pumpkin Trail 31st Oct 4.30 – 6.00pm It’s pumpkin time! Our popular pumpkin trail is back, with a chance to trick or treat safely from the cathedral to St Michael’s and celebrate the light of Christ in a service in church at the end. Anyone who is willing to volunteer as a sweetie coordinator or similar for the afternoon please let Jonny know.

Animal Service 4pm Sunday 14th September in the Garden of St Mary’s

Animal Service Sunday 14th September in the garden of St Mary’s Childwick Green, AL3 6JJ. All animals (and humans) welcome for this short service of thanksgiving and blessing, followed by refreshments.