In July this year Father Des attains his fortieth year in the priesthood.
Plans are in hand to celebrate this important event in his life and in the life of the parish. More details in the July issue.

ST PAUL’S & HOLY CROSS
Thinking ahead ——
-it caught me a bit by surprise; deadline for June edition of Chipperfield News – Friday 29th April! (Thank you, editor for the e-mail reminder!). So here I am – Friday morning (29th) sitting in my car in lovely grounds in Egham, enjoying the sunshine while Judy (my wife, in case you didn’t know) is exploring the possibilities of employment through the Dyslexia Institute. On the journey down, we had talked about holidays – when to fit them in amongst all the events in two Parishes where I will need to be. There is just a couple of ‘windows’ in late June and early July; but where to go — Thinking ahead required! And needed if a holiday is to be enjoyed.
One of the great privileges of my ministry is to be alongside people in bereavement – listening, supporting, helping to recollect, even laughing. I conducted a funeral just this morning. Do we think ahead – yes even that far? Of course each day is given to us, for now – with its often seeming ordinariness (really important) and with its sorrows and joys, foreseen and which take us by surprise. I am making the most of the sunshine right now. So yes, we need to live each day to the full, but we need to think ahead too – not just in terms of the ordinary things of life, – shopping, daily work, children’s education, holidays, surprises we might plan for family or friends – but also longer term.
Having lived in a clergy house, wherever we’ve been for twenty five years, as a family we have had to think ahead long term about housing for that day when I come to retire (not for a bit yet!) – and with the recent extraordinary rise in the price of property, we are very glad we have. It won’t catch us unprepared, I think!
The joy of real Christian faith is of living alongside the Living One, Jesus Christ, risen, whose unseen but real presence is promised to all who seek to make Him central to every issue of daily life. He sees and knows both the present and the future, and is able to help us get the balance of living now, and being prepared for the future, short and long term, right.
His peace be with you for today, tomorrow and for eternity,
With my greetings,
Jim Stevens

YOUTH WORK AT ST. PAUL’S & HOLY CROSS
At the start of this year we had to deal with the very serious car accident that our youth worker, Jenny Newman, was involved in, and all of her activities had to be put “on hold”. Happily, since the start of Spring Term, she has been able to take up the reins again, although still having regular treatment that is likely to continue until the end of the year.
Jenny’s Monday night club for years 5 to 8 has been up and running again for two weeks. Every Monday evening they meet from 7-8.30pm in the Parish Room where they have games, “chill out” time and a short talk. Jenny also attends both the primary schools in Chipperfield and Sarratt where she runs a lunchtime club for years 5 and 6.
Jenny is planning to start two small groups for young people that wish to develop or inquire more into the Christian faith. One will be held in Chipperfield and one in Sarratt.
Already we are thinking about Holiday Club, which will be a joint venture between the two parishes and is planned for the half-term break in October, 26th-28th with a celebration on Sunday 30th October. Our plan is to situate the Holiday Club in Sarratt.
Should you have any enquiries regarding the Christian youth work in the two villages please telephone Jenny on 01923 265667.