Author: Rebecca Olsen

2025 Christmas Services

ST. MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS — Parish Church of Amersham on the Hill
NEWSLETTER Dec ‘25/Jan ‘26

Who’s Who at
St. Michael & All Angels
70 Sycamore Road
Amersham HP6 5DR
Church Office:01494 726680
Office@stmichaelsamersham.org.uk
www.stmichaelsamersham.org.uk
(10 am—1 pm Monday—Wednesday & Friday)
Ministry Team
Vicar
The Revd. Debbie Oades
revdebbieoades@gmail.com
Associate Priest
Fr. Peter Binns
peter.binns166@btinternet.com
Church Administrator
& Safeguarding Officer
Rachel Wilcox
office@stmichaelsamersham.org.uk
Churchwardens
Roger Leslie
rogerleslie25@gmail.com
Claire O’Beirne
obeirne@gmail.com
Communications Officer
Rebecca Olsen
communications@stmichaelsamersham.org.uk

St. Michael’s Vision Statement
As a Christian community, we seek to engage with the world around us and to be a place of welcome and
acceptance for all on a journey to God – believers, doubters and those who are seeking.

The opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the
Vicar, PCC or the official policy of St. Michael’s Church.

The Newsletter is published monthly
(with the exception of January and August).
Please email material for inclusion in the next issue to
communications@stmichaelsamersham.org.uk,
for the attention of Rebecca.

In this issue... Page
Who’s Who at St. Michael’s 2
An Interview with Revd. Ian Green/ a message from Revd. Debbie? ? 3
Holy Innocents 3
Choirs, Carols & Cake 4
A huge thank you 5
Poppies in Pictures 6
Bollywood comes to the Hall 6
Diary 7
Kids Page 8

An Interview with Revd. Ian Green—requested via AFC for use when we will renew covenant/a message from Revd. Debbie/Fr. Peter?

Holy Innocents
By Jo Harrington
Turkey, tired tinsel, wrapping paper in every overflowing bin….. The days after Christmas can seem an anticlimax. Yet, on December 28th, on a Sunday this year, the Church hits us hard with Matthew’s birth narrative about King Herod’s massacre of the Holy Innocents. As the Coventry Carol sings: Lully, lullay….. Herod the King, in his raging, Charged he hath this day His men of might, in his own sight, All young children to slay. Matthew brings us from a cosy Christmas to the cruel, vindictive revenge response of an autocrat who felt threatened by the reported birth of another King. Control had slipped through his hands with the departure away from him, of the Magi (possibly journeying back to the modern area of Iran) by “ a different way”. What might be our response be to this? Whether we treasure this as “ history”, in our modern understanding of that term, or as an occasion to reflect on the Incarnation, Matthew has much to offer us. To his Jewish readers familiar with biblical tradition Matthew says that this little Child is another Moses, destined to lead his people away from an oppressive , occupying force into an eventual political freedom. To those seeking these days to place the Divine birth into a modern time frame, it perhaps shows , to be sure no threatening little boys escaped, that as much as two years had elapsed between the Birth and Herod’s revenge. Matthew’s readers knew from the Book of Exodus that the child Moses and his parents had fled from Egyptian persecution into the desert. Likewise, Jesus the ultimate Law Giver, was destined to hide down in Egypt until the danger had passed. Even today, the Christian Coptic church in Cairo venerates the site there where they believe the Holy Family sheltered while Herod still lived ( Not the place here to embark on the fact that Herod died in the year we today call 4 BC!) Less controversial is the tragic fact that Massacres of Innocents continue today. Frequently in war zones, families trudge from one unsafe place to another, children, animals , hunger and possessions with them. Often they don’t know how long their refugee status will last. Only that there are powers beyond their control. That they might never get “home”, till their land, feel settled, instill their language and values into the children, never believe anyone cares. And how much does this world still need to turn in trust to the Prince of Peace? How are we called upon, as individuals and nations, to ensure that Herod does not have the last word? What do WE say to Herod?
The 8.30am and 10am services on 28 December 2025 will remember the Holy Innocents.

Choirs, Coffee & Cake
At St. Michael’s
Saturday 06 December
free entry
10.30—Heatherton Singers
11.15—Ukaholics Singalong
12.00—Amersham A Cappella 12.45—Knights of Harmony
Raising funds for Wycombe Homeless Connection

Last year Choirs, Coffee & Cake was a huge success, despite the downpours and chill in the air. Of course, coming out to listen to Choir’s in the warmth of the church is a step up from seeking a place to sleep overnight any night of the year, let alone when the weather is so ferocious.
This year, we are so lucky to have some of the top barber shop groups singing at Choirs, Coffee & Cake.
Please come along to what promises to be a highlight of 2025, and support the important work that the Wycombe Homeless Connection do throughout the year.

A huge thanks to all those who have decorated a tree for the Christmas Tree Festival in 2025!
Sustainable Amersham—Acting together for a better tomorrow—www.sustainableamersham.org
Amersham Cancer Support Group— Contact: Dinah Reed—dinahreed13@gmail.com
U3a Chiltern—Happy Christmas from All our Members! - Our 1500 offer each other a choice of 1— Interest Groups for fun & stimulation in the Amersham area. From Ancient Cultures, Frama, Dancing, Language, Music and Socials, to Technology, Walkoing Wine tasting and Yoga.—www.chiltern-u3aorg.uk—www.facebook.com/groups/cu3apub
Rotary in Amersham—www.amershamrotary.org
Amersham Methodist Church—Contact: Revd. James Petterson—01494 431819— james.patterson@methodist.org.uk— High Street, Amersham PH7 0DY.
Little Learners—little. learners.amersham@gmail.com
Amersham West Brownies—We are in need of adult volunteers in Girlguiding Amersham West. If you can help please contact: www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved If you would like to add your daughter t the Brownie waiting list please go to : www.girlguiding.org.uk/information-for-parents/register-your-daughter
1st Amersham on the Hill Rainbows
Guides and Leaders of Amersham West Guides—Wish you a Merry Christmas! - We have 9 units, from Rainbows to Rangers, with 200 girls supported by about 20 Adult Leaders and about 20 teenagers acting as Young Leaders or Guide Helpers. We urgently need more volunteers, especially for our Guides Units, (aged 10-14) who meet on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday evenings. Could you join us? No need for experience of Guiding, just a passion for working with young people. You can take on as much or as little as you like—ideally once a week, or every other week. Email: girlguidingamershamteam@gmail.com
The Griiffin Club—founded in 1791—The Griffin Club is a charity established by local businessmen to help those in need within our community. Members enjoy a monthly dinner meeting with a guest speaker and annual subscriptions fund our charity giving. Please join us! Contact out Chairman, Steve Moon, on 01494 721519.
Amersham Bowls Club— Contact Alan Jarvis on 01494 726078 for information..
Amersham Trefoil Guild—Join us for fun, laughter and friendship—Contact: Fiona on 10494 721927 or Marcella on 01494 763592 or amershamtrefoilguild@gmail.com
Amersham & District Residents Association— Open for membership to all who live in Amersham –on-the-Hill, Old Amersham, Amersham Common, Chesham Bois and Weedon Hill. https://www.amershamresidents.org.uk/
Milan Cup Pack—2nd Amersham-on-the-Hill Scout Group.
Chiltern Child Contact Centre— Providing a safe neutral space where children can meet the parent who no longer lives at home with them. Contact: info@chilternchildcontactcentre.org.uk or 07527 109363
Amersham Free A— A Community for the Community
Amersham Folk Dance Club—We meet at the Barn Hallm part if Amersham Community Centre, on Tuesday evenings. Just come along at 8pm and see what we do. Further information on 07799 017730.
The children from Amersham Museum Art Club—Amersham Museum
Pop in and Paint—St Michael’s
St Michael’s welcomers Team
Amersham Action Group
St Michael’s Choir—Join us to sing! Contact: Rachel on office@stmichaelsamersham.org.uk
The Jupiter Singers— http://www.thejupitersingers.com/
Heatherton—1912
St Michael’s Messy Church (DELETE if Woodside School take a tree—and add Woodside School!))
A member of the community, Praying for Peace
Chiltern Chamber of Commerce
Wycombe Homeless Connection
Street Kids Direct & Radion Christmas
All supporting Wycombe Homeless Connection

Remembrance Poppies at St. Michael’s
Photos by Chris Leslie
A huge thanks to all who made poppies!

Bollywood comes to St. Michael’s Church Hall
After the success of Bollywood dance at the recent St. Michael’s Celebration Day in September, Irshad has started a Bollywood Dance class in St. Michael’s Church Hall on Sunday evenings. It’s a great form of exercise and all are welcome to attend. If you are interested, why not pop along one Sunday at 8.15pm-9.15pm for 50 minutes of non-stop movement! For more details contact Irshad directly on +44 7477 047148.

Eucharists:
Sundays 8.30am and 10am
(Gathered Round on the second Sunday of
each month is especially designed for families)Tuesdays 10.30am
Morning Prayer:
Tuesdays 9am in the Lady Chapel.
Special Services:
Please see the cover page for Christmas services.
Messy Church: 20 December‘25 (The third Saturday each month 11.30am—1pm, except August)
St. Michael’s is usually open to ALL for private prayer from 10am—4pm— Mon– Fri, but will be closed from xx December—xx January. https://www.youtube.com/@stmichaelandallangels/streams, will access live-streamed services.

WORSHIP

7 Dec — Alan Bacon 14 Dec — Claire O’Beirne 17 Dec— 21 Dec — Andy Connor 23 Dec— 24 Dec— 28 Dec— 4 Jan— 11 Jan— 18 Jan— 25 Jan—

WARDENS

Please see:
stmichaelsamersham.org.uk
for more details

ACTIVITIES AT ST. MICHAEL’S & BEYOND
CANCER SUPPORT GROUP— 4 December — 10am-12 noon—St. Michael’s, Wheeler Room Tea, Coffee and Support
POP IN & PAINT— 9 January —10.30am-12.15pm, St. Michael’s, Main Church
Join Jenny Thompson and Liz Grammenos from Simpatico. No experience needed. Materials provided.
WISE CHOICES FILM CLUB—5 December and 9 January —2pm-4pm, St. Michael’s, Wheeler Room 5 December: ELVIS Starring Austin Butler and Tom Hanks. This epic drama explores the life and music of Elvis Presley. Running Time 2hrs 30mins. 9 January: MR BURTON Starring Harry Lawtey and Toby Jones. In the Welsh town of Port Talbot in 1942, Richard Jenkins lives as a wayward school boy. Until his teacher Philip Burton spots his natural talent for drama. Running Time 2hrs
A Crafty Cuppa—12 December and 9 & 23 January— 10.30am-12 noon—St. Michael’s, Wheeler Room A drop-in session for everyone who wants a cuppa and some company. Feel free to bring a craft with you.
LUNCHBREAK – Amersham Free Church Every Tuesday – 12noon-2pm
Tea, coffee and soup available 1.10pm-1.30pm Music, a talk, or a short service.
FRIDAY LUNCH FORUM – Friday, 19 December and 16 January – from 12.15p.m. – Amersham Free Church. Bring a packed lunch. A talk starts at 1p.m. Tea/coffee/water provided. Suggested donation £3-£5 to cover the cost of speakers.

Diary Dec ‘25 & Jan ‘26

Mondays Mature Movers 1.45pm-2.45pm
Stay Steady, Stay Strong 3pm-4pm (Tel: 07951 294178)
Amersham Dance Studio Children from 3+. 4pm-10pm
(email: emma@amershamdancestudio.co.uk)
Tuesdays Tuffney Performing Arts Academy 5pm-6pm
(Email: office@tuffney.com)
Yoga with Shiv 5pm—7pm (Glover Rm) (Science based approach, open to all. Tel: 07815132157)
Amersham A Capella 7pm-11pm (https://www.amershamacappella.com/)
Wednesdays Karate Club 6.30pm-8pm (Tel: 07951 024 397)
Badminton Club 8.15pm-10.15 pm (Tel: 01923 264791)
Thursdays Badminton 1.30pm-3.30pm
Amersham Dance Studio Children from 3+. 4pm-7pm
(email: emma@amershamdancestudio.co.uk)
Fridays Stay Steady, Stay Strong 1.30pm-3.45pm (Tel: 07951 294178)
Please see stmichaelsamersham.org.uk if you would like to book the hall.
For information about Little Learners Nursery please see https://littlelearnersamersham.co.uk
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COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES IN THE HALL

Saturday, 20 December, Messy Church will be on in St. Michael’s from 11.30am to 1pm. Fun Christmas activities followed by a short interactive session about the story behind the activities, and lunch, which is provided for all. No need to book, just turn up. All welcome. This activity is free but donations are welcome to cover costs.

Weddings, Baptisms and Deaths:
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Children & Families

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