Hartford Hundred West is a group of five Hertfordshire churches in the Diocese of St Albans: Bayford, Brickendon, Essendon, Little Berkhamsted and Ponsbourne (Newgate Street).
Our ministry team is led by Rector Theresa Musiwacho, who is assisted by four lay leaders of worship: Phil Ryan, Solomon Musiwacho, Trish McKellar and Colin Rees.
Our style of worship is informal. The main Sunday services, which are in modern English, are Holy Communion and Family Service, which is a simple short service for all ages, for those with or without Faith. In the summer there is also a service of Evensong from the Book of Common Prayer with hymns and modern language intercessions on one Sunday a month at Essendon. And there is a weekly traditional Holy Communion on Wednesday mornings at Essendon, using the Book of Common Prayer. Everyone welcome!
The times and venues for our services and events vary; please click on Calendar to see what’s on.
Please click on About Us and then Who’s Who or Contact us to see the contact details for the Office, Rector, Lay Leaders, and other officers. Any of them would be pleased to hear from you if you have a question and cannot find the answer here.
Remembrance Sunday: Communities United in Honour and Faith
The Hartford Hundred Remembrance Sunday Service, attended by people from the five local communities and from further afield, was hosted by Bayford Church. It was led by Parish Chairpersons, Churchwardens, the Choir and the two Priests. It was a moving display of unity, reflection, and faith. The day served not only as a time to honour the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to the nation, but also as a beautiful reminder of the power of community and collective worship.
We started the day with a Holy Communion Service. Then many started gathering around 10:30am for the Group Remembrance Service. The Service began inside the Church, where the atmosphere was filled with reverence and gratitude.
Preparation for this special occasion had been underway for days. The area around the War Memorial was refurbished. Some Community and Church members knitted poppies which were displayed outside. There was coordination ensuring that the Service was well advertised across the communities through WhatsApp groups, weekly sheets, banners, and leaflets (in Bayford and Brickendon) and word of mouth. The turnout was a testament to that effort. It was heartening to see many people – united in respect and remembrance.
After the opening prayers and blessing of the wreaths, the congregation moved outside to the War Memorial. The crisp air carried a solemn silence as everyone gathered to lay wreaths and observe the silence.
Afterwards we went back into the Church. The Church Community choir led by Katie Nelson led the congregation in hymns that lifted most of those who attended. “It was good to see many people. I enjoyed the singing….” said Adrian. The Service concluded with a Sermon from Revd Iain, prayers, and reading of the Roll of Honour names from the five churches by Parish Chairpersons.
Afterwards people stayed for fellowship, tea and coffee.
This year’s Remembrance Sunday will be remembered as a powerful example of faith in action. It displayed communities coming together with shared purpose and love. The Service reminded us about God’s love, those who sacrificed for our peace today and moving forward in unity and hope.
I am so thankful for those who prayed, prepared, attended, participated, led and helped to make the Service a success. May God take the glory! Amen. Reverend Theresa Musiwacho
Bible Study at the Rectory – November 2025
In our recent Bible classes we have been studying the Creed, focusing especially on Psalm 33:1–5.
We asked ourselves an important question: Do we sometimes struggle to believe that God is in control of events?
As we reflected on the Psalm, we thought about:
• God as Creator — how He made the world and how He continues to sustain it.
• How the Creed affirms this truth by declaring: “God is the Father Almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth.”
We also discussed:
• The importance of singing joyfully to the Lord, and how worship helps us create an environment where we become more aware of God’s presence and His help in our challenges.
• The difficulties and disasters in the world that can cause people to doubt God’s control.
• How God remains involved in the world He created, and what His ongoing relationship with creation looks like.
• How we can keep our faith strong, even when the world seems overwhelmed by suffering.
• How we might communicate our beliefs to others — especially to people who wonder why God doesn’t intervene in the ways they expect.
Samantha Baker
Weddings, Baptisms and other matters
Saturday Registration is held on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month (except August), 10.00 am to 11.30 am at Little 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.
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.
The monthly Parish Magazine contains all the church and village news from our parishes. The magazine is free to view or download – click here. You can also receive a printed copy for 90p, or printed copies for a year for £9. Please contact Cas Blackman at editor@parishmagazine.org to purchase.
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.