EASTER 2023

This Holy Week and Easter, we are using the theme of The Garden to reflect on what the Easter Story means in our lives today. Walk with us through the Garden this week:

Mon-WEDS: The path

The 8pm Holy Week Reflections at Busbridge Church have been using the audio clips by Paula Gooder. Join us for the last one tonight, or listen here on the Church of England web site.

MAUNDY THURSDAY: The vine

“I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer” (Luke 22.15)

WHEN & WHERE: 8PM at Hambledon Church

On this night we share communion remembering The Last Supper, and imagine Jesus relishing the opportunity to laugh, talk and celebrate with his friends.

He wants to empower them to keep strong, to keep the faith through what is to come. “I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15.5). When we celebrate communion we are not just remembering the sacrifice but also the companionship, friendship and love shared between Jesus and his disciples. We have a part in that too.

GOOD FRIDAY: THE TREE

There were lots of trees in the Garden of Eden, including the tree of life, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, as well as trees in which to hide. On Good Friday, the tree is something dead and wooden, as it holds the one who is the bringer of life.  This is a very different kind of tree – a tree of pain, death and sacrifice. Today, we locate ourselves symbolically at the foot of this sad tree. Will you be there?

9.30AM Busbridge Church Good Friday Service for all the Family
11.30AM-12PM on the High Street, outside Wetherspoons for the Godalming Act of Witness followed by Hot Cross Buns at Godalming Baptist Church
12 NOON Hambledon Church An Hour at the Cross

The hour at the cross is following directly by the Good Friday Hot Cross Bun Adventure – a walk from Hambledon Church to Busbridge Church for tea and hot cross buns. Please see details and, ideally, let us know if you are coming! (You can use the MyChurchSuite app or the Easter web page to sign up).

“EGG”CELENT EVENTS in gardens
on Holy Saturday

10.30AM Messy Easter – meet at Hambledon Village Hall before a walk up to the sand pit on Hambledon Common for games and an egg hunt.
3PM Easter Garden Service at Busbridge Church, followed by a great Egg Hunt in the Old Rectory Garden. (Cakes and volunteers needed, see below).

Once again you are invited to the 8pm Holy Saturday Vigil at St Peter and St Paul’s.

EASTER DAY: THE GARDENER

In John’s account of the first Easter morning Mary Magdalene turns around from the now empty tomb and bumps into someone she takes to be the gardener. …. How wrong could she be? – and yet, how right! The Gardener of the new creation asks, who are you looking for?

SERVICES

6.45AM Sunrise Service at the Ladywell Shrine on Minsterfield

10AM Busbridge Easter Day Service
[We’ll also be bidding farewell to the Jaggers, so please stay for some celebratory refreshments afterwards]
Leader: Philippa Baker | Speaker: Simon Taylor

10AM Hambledon Easter Day Service

Cakes & volunteers are needed for the Easter Garden Service on Sat 8th April
105 people have signed up for the Easter Garden Service and we need cake and volunteers to serve tea and man the bouncy castles!

This is a great invitational event and chance to share the gospel and hospitality with families who are more on the fringe of the church family, as well as our Tiny Tigers, Ark and Explorers. The tea and cake is key to chatting with parents and carers as they watch the fun spectacle of the egg hunt in the Old Rectory Garden. If you can bake and bring something along please let Ben Barnes know now! (e: ben.barnes@bhcgodalming.org)

It helps if you sign up to the big events where there’s catering involved: The Good Friday Hot Cross Bun Adventure, and the Easter Garden Service on Saturday 8th. (You can use the MyChurchSuite app or the Easter web page to sign up).

A reminder that the BHC Easter Appeal for SALCET is now underway. For details about the charity’s latest work in El Salvador, Uganda and Kenya – and ways to give – please read the Outward Giving Easter update.

Nearly there! The Transformed Life Lent podcast for all 4 churches joining Godalming Minster has a new episode available every week day in Lent.

Coming Up:

See the events coming up next and look up dates further ahead in the full calendar.

Palm Sunday
Members of Busbridge Church remembered and gave thanks for the life of Rev David Mace as we gratefully dedicated the stunning new lecturn given in David’s memory by Jill and the Mace family.

Thanks to the Merry Harriers Pub for bringing Diesel and Champagne (father and son) to lead the Palm Sunday procession at Hambledon!

AFTER EASTER

The church office will be open, but a little quiet next week, and there will be a break from the weekly notices, but there’s some good things to come shortly after the holidays.

Services on Sunday 16th April

The Stone
Readings: Matthew 28:1-10

10AM Combined Service
Busbridge Church and online
Led by Margot Spencer

10AM Morning Worship
Hambledon Church and online
Led by David Jenkins

Children’s groups restart on 23rd April.

New Ministry Bereavement Café: For those who have lost someone recently or some time ago. Starting Tuesday 25th April, The Bereavement Café will take place in the Old Rectory on last Tuesdays of the month, from 2.30-4pm. The Bereavement Café is run by the Pastoral Team (Support & Care) and offers a safe space for anyone who has been bereaved, where:

– you can feel safe to talk about how the pain of bereavement is affecting you
– you will meet others who have experienced their own loss
– there is a team willing to offer support by listening
– you will find mutual support and encouragement
– there is a cup of tea or coffee and a slice of cake waiting for you
– you are welcome whether your loss is recent or some considerable time ago

The Bereavement Café does not provide counselling, but signposting can be offered if appropriate. If you would like to chat to someone about The Bereavement Café, please contact Shân Hallam e: pastoral@bhcgodalming.org / t: 01483 421267.

Simon and Catherine are grateful to the kind person or persons who through their Stewardship work are such a blessing to Simon and Catherine as Simon plans his sabbatical. We don’t know who you are, so this is our way to say a huge thank you to you.

Don’t forget about…

Simon’s sabbatical 11th April-15th July 2023
3rd time lucky! Simon Taylor will be taking a twice postponed sabbatical this year from Easter to July. (Stipendiary clergy are given a sabbatical every ten years, and Simon’s was postponed in 2020 due to Covid, then again in 2022 due to the Minster evaluation.) He leaves the leadership of the benefice in the capable hands of Simon Willetts, supported by Margot Spencer, the wardens, clergy and staff team. Minster plans will continue to develop.

While Simon is away, his plans involve some walking (The SW Coastal Path) and prayer, time with his leadership coach and spiritual director, reading, a visit to Simon’s spiritual retreat home (Storrington Priory, Chemin Neuf charismatic catholic Order) and some research on St Ignatius and the Jesuit Way of Life.

Please pray for Simon as he prepares for a restorative break from ministry, and for those he leaves in charge.

The MyChurchSuite app. It’s the easiest way to check dates, rotas, church emails, look up church members and sign up to events (without having to enter your details again and again!). Contact the Church Office if you’ve lost your login details or would like to request an account.

Join the Electoral Roll – As we approach the Annual Parochial Church Meeting in May, this is a reminder that we’d love you to join the church electoral roll if you are not on it already. Go to Membership.

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

Reflective Prayer Mons at 8.45am online.
Busbridge Morning Prayer Weds at 9am online.
Hambledon Morning Prayer takes place on Wednesdays at 9am. All welcome.
Busbridge Saturday Prayer Meeting + PrayerFest 0-30 8-9am 2nd Saturdays of the month [11th Feb]

***Send prayer requests to prayer@bhcgodalming.org***

Groups & Activities

The Men’s Group meets for breakfast at 8.15am on the first Saturdays of the month. See the calendar event for details.

Hambledon Coffee Morning and Hearing Aid Clinic takes place 3rd Wednesdays of the month at 10.30am.

The 2023 Prime Time programme for Jan-Jun is now available, and the next event is the Talk on God’s Trees on Friday 24th March. For all events and details, see Prime Time.

The 2023 Nexus programme is now available, and the next event is a talk on 4th May is about the Christian Aid Pigeon Pea Project in Malawi by Laura Mead. Laura is going to tell us about their fantastic Pigeon Pea Project in Malawi.  This project gives women in remote communities in Malawi the confidence and skills to start up small businesses.  This, in turn helps the women support their families and their local community. It’s an intriguing title, so do come along and find out more. You’re welcome to bring friends.

We’ll start the evening with drinks and nibbles to give us a chance to mingle and meet new people before handing over to Laura for her fascinating presentation.                   

For all events and details, see Nexus.

Elsewhere

Bishop’s Lent Appeal 2023 – The Turkey-Syria Earthquake and those suffering deprivation in Guildford Diocese AND Hearing Aid Clinics
Work of the Bishop’s Fund is wide-ranging, but one of the recipients is the Hear Hear project that enables the BHC Hearing Aid Clinics. Penny and Sophie Bessant were recently interviewed for the promotional video: https://youtu.be/iuxeNYG0lUI

Godalming Baptist Church Life Issues talks: See the full 2023 Life Issues programme.
To book a place contact Sally Pollard-pollard3@hotmail.co.uk or tel-01483-428646.

For news from all the other local churches, see:
Churches Together Link Up – MAR 2023

The Yew Tree Café at Busbridge Church is open 8.30am-4pm weekdays in term time, and 10am-2pm on Saturdays, and 10am-4pm during school holidays.

Thank you to Owen for his contribution as Assistant Manager in the Yew Tree Café in recent months. Owen will be finishing in this role on 8th April, so do pop in to thank him. Look out for the advert for a new assistant manager, coming shortly.

PASTORAL CARE & PRAYER MINISTRY TEAM AVAILABLE

If you, or someone you know at church, are in need of support and care, please contact Sandra Wilkin via the church office, or e: pastoral@bhcgodalming.org.

To contact the EMERGENCY prayer chain, email prayer@bhcgodalming.org or call 01483 421267.

Busbridge and Hambledon Churches are open daily for private prayer.

***Palm Sunday 2nd April***

back to the garden gate
REadings: Genesis 3: 23,24 & Matthew 21:1-11

We pick up the Easter Sermon series “The Garden” that was introduced on Ash Wednesday. Having been thrown out of the Garden of Eden and separated from God in Genesis, humankind is greeted by Jesus at the gates of Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. But this familiar story of homecoming can obscure the awesomeness of what we are watching. God has arrived. He is standing at the gate and intends to meet us on the inside. Do we let him in?

SERVICES

10AM Busbridge Palm Sunday Combined Service
[Muddy Church and children’s groups take a break in the school holidays]
Leader: Philippa Baker | Speaker: Simon Taylor

10AM Hambledon Palm Sunday All Age Service
& procession to the Oak tree with the Hambledon Llamas
[A great option for all families with children and younger people]
Leader: Simon Willetts

6PM Busbridge Evening + Youth
Leader: Ben Barnes | Speaker: Sarah Rowden

We are looking forward to uplifting worship on Palm Sunday, and The Merry Harriers Pub is kindly lending a pair of llamas to stand in for the donkey in Hambledon’s reenactment of Christ’s triumphant arrival in Jerusalem.

At Busbridge we will also dedicate the new lecturn which has been donated in memory of Rev David Mace by Jill and his family.

Take a look at the list of events and services for Palm Sunday to Easter Day on the web site and collect a handout from church this Sunday. Events fall into 3 all important categories: Reflect (journey to the cross), Connect (with the church family and our local community) and Celebrate (He is Risen!).

REFLECT: Come along to Busbridge Church at 8pm Mon-Weds for a 3 session series of Holy Week Reflections. Frances and Philippa will be exploring The Path from the perspective of the women in Holy Week. The 8pm Maundy Thursday Communion is at Hambledon Church this year. There are several ways to observe Good Friday as a benefice: the 9.30am Good Friday Service at Busbridge Church is for the whole church family. An hour at the cross 12-1pm at Hambledon is a meditation opportunity. Once again you are invited to the 8pm Holy Saturday Vigil at St Peter and St Paul’s.

CONNECT:
Come along with friends on the Good Friday Hot Cross Bun Walk, Hambledon Messy Easter and the Easter Garden Service on Saturday 8th April!

Cakes & volunteers are needed for the Easter Garden Service on Sat 8th April
This is a great invitational event and chance to share the gospel and hospitality with families who are more on the fringe of the church family, as well as our Tiny Tigers, Ark and Explorers. The tea and cake is key to chatting with parents and carers as they watch the fun spectacle of the egg hunt in the Old Rectory Garden. If you can bake and bring something along please let Ben Barnes know now! (e: ben.barnes@bhcgodalming.org)

It helps if you sign up to the big events where there’s catering involved: The Good Friday Hot Cross Bun Adventure, and the Easter Garden Service on Saturday 8th. (You can use the MyChurchSuite app or the Easter web page to sign up).

CELEBRATE ON EASTER DAY:
6.45AM at the Ladywell Shrine on Minsterfield
10AM Communion Services at Busbridge Church and Hambledon Church

A reminder that the BHC Easter Appeal for SALCET is now underway. For details about the charity’s latest work in El Salvador, Uganda and Kenya – and ways to give – please read the Outward Giving Easter update.

Keep it up! The Transformed Life Lent podcast for all 4 churches joining Godalming Minster has a new episode available every week day in Lent. Why listen? It uses the great devotionals by Dave Smith which run alongside the sermon series on Sundays, and the home group bible studies.

Coming Up:

See the events coming up next and look up dates further ahead in the full calendar.

Last Sunday was a truly exciting Sunday of worship. Thank you to everyone who enabled the service at STPP to go ahead, including the Saturday set up team, children’s group leaders, musicians, tech, welcomers, and set down volunteers. It was a fantastic team effort and there were so many of us there (c160 adults and children combined). Then we had the well supported Classic which was beautifully led by Keith. Later 45 of us gathered at Hambledon Church for a time of deep lent through BCP Passiontide worship. A few people went to Haslemere Parish to represent us at the licensing of the new Area Dean. Many were at the 6pm service followed by the Holy Spirit ministry teaching at Busbridge Church. All in all, a great Sunday full of hope, worship and glory to God. So, from Simon T – thank you if you helped in some way or worshipped together somehow in our diverse offerings of praise.

BHC Clergy Team News: Small Groups, Music and Worship.
We are delighted to announce that Rev Hilary Pettman has accepted the role of leading Small (House) Group ministry. Hilary has a passion and vision for Small Groups and will continue to lead the development of the 6Ws (just ask Hilary!). This enables Simon Willetts to respond to a calling into leading Music and Worship. Hilary and Simon believe this solution is of God, and it has met with resounding support and joy from your Small Group and Worship leaders alike! Simon takes on his new role along with the Rector’s responsibilities for the benefice while Simon Taylor is on sabbatical (11 April-15th July). For Simon T’s parting thoughts, see the latest Rector’s Reflection! Both Simon’s and Hilary request your prayers for the months ahead.

A prayer tree has appeared at the back of Busbridge Church.  We created this for the recent Prime Time Tea & Talk event: God’s Trees as we thought it was an obvious link not to be missed.  The Prime Timers were encouraged to write requests or topics for prayer on leaves which were then hung on the tree.  Our Anna Chaplain Jane also took some leaves to the Hydon Hill service on Friday morning and a few of the residents and carers participated in the same activity and these leaves have been added to the Prime Time ones. The tree will be in the church for the Easter period for all visitors to make prayer requests in this way. 

New Ministry Bereavement Café: For those who have lost someone recently or some time ago. Starting Tuesday 25th April, The Bereavement Café will take place in the Old Rectory on last Tuesdays of the month, from 2.30-4pm. The Bereavement Café is run by the Pastoral Team (Support & Care) and offers a safe space for anyone who has been bereaved, where:

– you can feel safe to talk about how the pain of bereavement is affecting you

– you will meet others who have experienced their own loss

– there is a team willing to offer support by listening

– you will find mutual support and encouragement

there is a cup of tea or coffee and a slice of cake waiting for you

– you are welcome whether your loss is recent or some considerable time ago

The Bereavement Café does not provide counselling, but signposting can be offered if appropriate. If you would like to chat to someone about The Bereavement Café, please contact:

Contact: Shân Hallam e: pastoral@bhcgodalming.org / t: 01483 421267

Thank you to Owen for his contribution as Assistant Manager in the Yew Tree Café in recent months. Owen will be finishing in this role on 8th April, so do pop in to thank him.

Nexus regrets that tonight’s speaker, James Giles, Manager of the Thursley National Nature Reserve has unfortunatley had to cancel at short notice. But do not fear! The Easter event will go ahead tonight, Thurs 30th March in the Old Rectory as planned, with Alan Betts stepping in to talk on a topic of his choice. All welcome.

Elsewhere

Bishop’s Lent Appeal 2023 – The Turkey-Syria Earthquake and those suffering deprivation in Guildford Diocese AND Hearing Aid Clinics
Work of the Bishop’s Fund is wide-ranging, but one of the recipients is the Hear Hear project that enables the BHC Hearing Aid Clinics. Penny and Sophie Bessant were recently interviewed for the promotional video: https://youtu.be/iuxeNYG0lUI

Godalming Baptist Church Life Issues talks: See the full 2023 Life Issues programme.
To book a place contact Sally Pollard-pollard3@hotmail.co.uk or tel-01483-428646.

For news from all the other local churches, see:
Churches Together Link Up – MAR 2023

Don’t forget about…

Simon’s sabbatical 11th April-15th July 2023
3rd time lucky! Simon Taylor will be taking a twice postponed sabbatical this year from Easter to July. (Stipendiary clergy are given a sabbatical every ten years, and Simon’s was postponed in 2020 due to Covid, then again in 2022 due to the Minster evaluation.) He leaves the leadership of the benefice in the capable hands of Simon Willetts, supported by Margot Spencer, the wardens, clergy and staff team. Minster plans will continue to develop.

While Simon is away, his plans involve some walking (The SW Coastal Path) and prayer, time with his leadership coach and spiritual director, reading, a visit to Simon’s spiritual retreat home (Storrington Priory, Chemin Neuf charismatic catholic Order) and some research on St Ignatius and the Jesuit Way of Life.

Please pray for Simon as he prepares for a restorative break from ministry, and for those he leaves in charge.

The MyChurchSuite app. It’s the easiest way to check dates, rotas, church emails, look up church members and sign up to events (without having to enter your details again and again!). Contact the Church Office if you’ve lost your login details or would like to request an account.

Join the Electoral Roll – As we approach the Annual Parochial Church Meeting in May, this is a reminder that we’d love you to join the church electoral roll if you are not on it already. Go to Membership.

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

Reflective Prayer Mons at 8.45am online.
Busbridge Morning Prayer Weds at 9am online.
Hambledon Morning Prayer takes place on Wednesdays at 9am. All welcome.
Busbridge Saturday Prayer Meeting + PrayerFest 0-30 8-9am 2nd Saturdays of the month [11th Feb]

***Send prayer requests to prayer@bhcgodalming.org***

Groups & Activities

The Men’s Group meets for breakfast at 8.15am on the first Saturdays of the month. See the calendar event for details.

Hambledon Coffee Morning and Hearing Aid Clinic takes place 3rd Wednesdays of the month at 10.30am.

The 2023 Prime Time programme for Jan-Jun is now available, and the next event is the Talk on God’s Trees on Friday 24th March. For all events and details, see Prime Time.

The 2023 Nexus programme is now available, and the next event is a talk on 30th Mar is about Life on Thursley Common. For all events and details, see Nexus.

Busbridge and Hambledon Churches are open daily for private prayer.

The Yew Tree Café at Busbridge Church is open 8.30am-4pm weekdays in term time, and 10am-2pm on Saturdays, and 10am-4pm during school holidays.

PASTORAL CARE & PRAYER MINISTRY TEAM AVAILABLE

If you, or someone you know at church, are in need of support and care, please contact Sandra Wilkin via the church office, or e: pastoral@bhcgodalming.org.

To contact the EMERGENCY prayer chain, email prayer@bhcgodalming.org or call 01483 421267.

Dear Friends,

The daffodils are up and we are looking forward to Mothering Sunday. This is a good time to show our love and appreciation for the mother figures in our lives and this Sunday we will have a small gift for all the ladies in our Church for the children to give out. Simon Taylor is leading services at Busbridge and has asked that you come prepared with the name of an important female in your life. Hambledon will be honouring mothers at 10am, and the Messy Team will be providing organised chaos at the Village Hall at 4pm which will be just the ticket for Mums who have been spoilt will flowers, lunch and good behaviour all day (we live in hope…). Easter approaches too, and there’s a few events to note, sign up for and offer to help at. Please read on!

Sunday 19 March: Mothering Sunday

Pray for power
Reading: Ephesians 3:14-19

Busbridge

9.30AM Contemporary Service [Holy Communion]
Busbridge Church & online
Led by: Simon Taylor | Speaker: Philippa Baker
Children’s groups meet from 9.20am
The Ark (years R-2) in Busbridge Village Hall, Crèche & Tiny Tigers in the Old Rectory and Explorers (years 3-6) in The Hut

11.15AM Classic Service
Busbridge Church & online
Led by: Simon Taylor | Speaker: Philippa Baker

Hambledon

10AM Morning Worship
Hambledon Church & online
Led by: Hilary Pettman | Speaker: Simon Willetts

4PM Messy Church
Hambledon Church & online
Led by: Simon Willetts & the Messy Team

Special things about Services on 26th March

9.30AM Contemporary at St Peter & St Paul’s – Take 2! The next trial of the Busbridge Contemporary Service at St Peter and St Paul’s will be on 26th March, with children’s groups using Moss Lane. We are grateful to the school for accommodating us, and look forward to making the most of the opportunity to grow children’s activities on Sundays and throughout the week across Godalming. Thanks to EVERYONE for their support, grace and patience as we try out the new venues. The Contemporary service will be followed by the Choral Eucharist, starting at the later time of 11.15AM than its usual 10am. Thanks to those who worship at St Peter and St Paul’s for their flexibility.

6PM Hambledon Choral Evensong for Passiontide. A choir is gathered and rehearsing for the Passiontide Choral Evensong. These services take place at Hambledon at key times in the church year. All welcome. The service will use the Book of Common Prayer.

Also, as usual, on 26th March:

10AM Hambledon Morning Worship
11.15AM Classic at Busbridge
6PM Busbridge Evening Service [Holy Communion]
followed by the 4th session on Gifts of the Holy Spirit*.

*Thanks to everyone attending the Holy Spirit ministry training evenings and to John Valentine for his excellent input. If you came along last Sunday expecting it to be about speaking in tongues then we’re sorry. We changed the order to release John to be elsewhere for another event and that’s why we covered how we do things here and healing ministry. Come along to the next session for the work of the spirit in the gift of tongues.

Coming Up:

See the events coming up next and look up dates further ahead in the full calendar.

Notices

Take a look at the list of events and services for Palm Sunday to Easter Day on the web site and collect a handout from church this Sunday.

It helps if you sign up to the big events where there’s catering involved: The Good Friday Hot Cross Bun Adventure, and the Easter Garden Service on Saturday 8th. (You can use the MyChurchSuite app or the Easter web page to sign up).

Hot Cross Bun hospitality team needed for the Good Friday Walk
This year the church family walk is from Hambledon Church to Busbridge Church where the multitude of thirsty hikers will arrive at the Old Rectory in need of tea and a hot cross bun. We need a team who are willing to forgo the walk, and organise and serve the refreshments in the Old Rectory. If you can, please let Vic know in the church office.

A reminder that the BHC Easter Appeal for SALCET is now underway. It was great to hear from Chris and Maggie Jagger at services last week, and for details about the charity’s latest work in El Salvador, Uganda and Kenya – and ways to give – please read the Outward Giving Easter update.

Keep it up! The Transformed Life Lent podcast for all 4 churches joining Godalming Minster has a new episode available every week day in Lent. Why listen? It uses the great devotionals by Dave Smith which run alongside the sermon series on Sundays, and the home group bible studies.

Godalming Minster March Headlines:

The Godalming Parish PCC and Busbridge and Hambledon PCCs met on 13 March 2023 and approved the following proposals:

• The service pattern for the 4 churches in the Godalming Minster. A final schedule of Minster wide services has been developed and is now agreed by all three PCCs. The schedule accommodates the needs of most congregations and provides for stability and growth. Inevitably compromise is required by the Sunday morning Choral and Contemporary congregations and this is genuinely appreciated. The pattern of services is as shown in the March Update. The focus so far has been on establishing the timing of specific services. Holy Communion services for the Contemporary service at 10.30am will be added shortly. The service pattern will begin in January 2024 for a trial period of 12 months, dependant on completion of the SPSP church re-ordering. It is anticipated there will be one off contemporary services held in SPSP during the 4Q 2023.

• The 2023 Minster Budget for communications and media, and new Contemporary music equipment at SPSP.

• The Parish Scheme to legally consolidate the parishes and charities, which will now go to Bishop Andrew for approval.

• Godalming Parish PCC also approved the proposal and budget for the temporary re-ordering of St Peter and St Paul’s.

For fuller details about the points above, and news from the Minster Leadership Team, please read the full update. For the background and more details about the transition process, see Godalming Minster.

God’s Trees: What might Noah’s Ark have been made of? Why did King Solomon import so much cedar to build his temple? Where to frankincense and myrrh come from? What was Christ’s cross made of? Prime Time is hosting a fascinating talk on at 2.30pm on Friday 24th March by Professor Julian Evans, author of God’s Trees. Tea and cake provided after. If you’d like to come, RSVP to Penny Naylor by 21st March, or sign up on ChurchSuite. Lifts to church can be arranged too.

Please note that the Yew Tree Café will be closed for annual maintenance next weekend 25-26 March. That’s right – our wonderful café has been open for a year on 23rd March! There’s a birthday article in the Mar-Apr Bridge magazine, but do pop into the Yew Tree Café this week to wish the team a happy 1st anniversary, and thank them for their excellent service!

Get Involved

Book donations for St Mark’s Church: St Mark’s would like to start a library and is looking for donations of good Christian books. So many different groups use the hall, so any books about Christian faith for seekers, books about suffering and the problem of pain, autobiographies of Christians would be much appreciated. Perhaps Christian children’s books? We want it to be modern readable material which will be accessible for those who want to find out more about christianity or to deepen what faith they have. There will be a box at the back of Busbridge church labelled “Books for St Marks” for the next few weeks. Any questions please feel free to contact me on eashingstubbs@aol.com.

Church newsletter delivery St Mark’s mission is to reach out to the local community to raise awareness of the Church and all it offers. St Marks Church is issuing a Spring Newsletter to the area around the church in March and if anyone could help deliver, that would be good. There will be teams going out if you want to go in pairs. To sign up or to know more information please contact Sheila on sheila.samuels@bhcgodalming.org.

Nominations are invited for representatives to Godalming Deanery Synod, for the next three year term which runs from 1st July 2023. We are allowed four representatives from Busbridge and three from Hambledon. Elections will take place at the APCMs on Sunday, 21st May. You need to be over 16 and on the electoral roll to stand but do not have to be a current PCC member (you would automatically become a member of PCC if elected to Deanery Synod). The Godalming Deanery is made up of fifteen parishes from the local area and provides an opportunity for lay and clergy representatives to discuss issues which are common to the local churches. The nomination form can be found here: https://www.parishresources.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/DS-Nom-2020.pdf and should be returned to the Church Office.

Elsewhere

Bishop’s Lent Appeal 2023 – The Turkey-Syria Earthquake and those suffering deprivation in Guildford Diocese AND Hearing Aid Clinics
Work of the Bishop’s Fund is wide-ranging, but one of the recipients is the Hear Hear project that enables the BHC Hearing Aid Clinics. Penny and Sophie Bessant were recently interviewed for the promotional video: https://youtu.be/iuxeNYG0lUI

Godalming Baptist Church Life Issues talks: See the full 2023 Life Issues programme.
To book a place contact Sally Pollard-pollard3@hotmail.co.uk or tel-01483-428646.

For news from all the other local churches, see:
Churches Together Link Up – MAR 2023

Don’t forget about…

Simon’s sabbatical 11th April-15th July 2023
3rd time lucky! Simon Taylor will be taking a twice postponed sabbatical this year from Easter to July. (Stipendiary clergy are given a sabbatical every ten years, and Simon’s was postponed in 2020 due to Covid, then again in 2022 due to the Minster evaluation.) He leaves the leadership of the benefice in the capable hands of Simon Willetts, supported by Margot Spencer, the wardens, clergy and staff team. Minster plans will continue to develop.

While Simon is away, his plans involve some walking (The SW Coastal Path) and prayer, time with his leadership coach and spiritual director, reading, a visit to Simon’s spiritual retreat home (Storrington Priory, Chemin Neuf charismatic catholic Order) and some research on St Ignatius and the Jesuit Way of Life.

Please pray for Simon as he prepares for a restorative break from ministry, and for those he leaves in charge. The MyChurchSuite app. It’s the easiest way to check dates, rotas, church emails, look up church members and sign up to events (without having to enter your details again and again!). Contact the Church Office if you’ve lost your login details or would like to request an account.

Join the Electoral Roll – As we approach the Annual Parochial Church Meeting in May, this is a reminder that we’d love you to join the church electoral roll if you are not on it already. Go to Membership.

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

Reflective Prayer Mons at 8.45am online.
Busbridge Morning Prayer Weds at 9am online.
Hambledon Morning Prayer takes place on Wednesdays at 9am. All welcome.
Busbridge Saturday Prayer Meeting + PrayerFest 0-30 8-9am 2nd Saturdays of the month [11th Feb]

***Send prayer requests to prayer@bhcgodalming.org***

Groups & Activities

The Men’s Group meets for breakfast at 8.15am on the first Saturdays of the month. See the calendar event for details.

Hambledon Coffee Morning and Hearing Aid Clinic takes place 3rd Wednesdays of the month at 10.30am.

The 2023 Prime Time programme for Jan-Jun is now available, and the next event is the Talk on God’s Trees on Friday 24th March. For all events and details, see Prime Time.

The 2023 Nexus programme is now available, and the next event is a talk on 30th Mar is about Life on Thursley Common. For all events and details, see Nexus.

Busbridge and Hambledon Churches are open daily for private prayer.

The Yew Tree Café at Busbridge Church is open 8.30am-4pm weekdays in term time, and 10am-2pm on Saturdays, and 10am-4pm during school holidays.

PASTORAL CARE & PRAYER MINISTRY TEAM AVAILABLE

If you, or someone you know at church, are in need of support and care, please contact Sandra Wilkin via the church office, or e: pastoral@bhcgodalming.org.

To contact the EMERGENCY prayer chain, email prayer@bhcgodalming.org or call 01483 421267.

Dear Friends,

It is Mission Sunday on 12th March, and we look forward to hearing about the recent work of SALCET in El Salvador, Kenya and Uganda – the chosen cause for this year’s Easter Appeal – from Chris and Maggie J.

Sunday 12 March: MISSION SUNDAY

Gifted for service
Reading: Ephesians 3:1-13

Busbridge

9.30AM Contemporary Service
Busbridge Church & online
Led by: Patrick Samuels | Speaker: Andy Spencer
Children’s groups meet from 9.20am
The Ark (years R-2) in Busbridge Village Hall, Crèche & Tiny Tigers in the Old Rectory and Explorers (years 3-6) in The Hut

11.15AM Classic Service
Busbridge Church & online
Led by: Sarah Black | Speaker: Andy Spencer

6PM Busbridge Evening Service + Holy Spirit Session 3
Busbridge Church
Led by: Simon Willetts | Speaker: David Brockman
Pathfinder & Ichthus Youth groups start in church.

Hambledon

10AM Morning Worship [Holy Communion]
with Children’s Club
Hambledon Church & online
Led by: Margot Spencer | Speaker: Simon Taylor

Coming Up:

See the events coming up next and look up dates further ahead in the full calendar.

Keep it up! The Transformed Life Lent podcast for all 4 churches joining Godalming Minster has a new episode available every week day in Lent. Why listen? It uses the great devotionals by Dave Smith which run alongside the sermon series on Sundays, and the home group bible studies.

Notices

Easter 2023
Take a look at the list of events and services for Palm Sunday to Easter Day on the web site. It helps if you sign up to the big events where there’s catering involved: The Good Friday Hot Cross Bun Adventure, and the Easter Garden Service on Saturday 8th. (You can use the MyChurchSuite app or the web page to sign up).

Simon’s sabbatical 11th April-15th July 2023
3rd time lucky! Simon Taylor will be taking a twice postponed sabbatical this year from Easter to July. (Stipendiary clergy are given a sabbatical every ten years, and Simon’s was postponed in 2020 due to Covid, then again in 2022 due to the Minster evaluation.) He leaves the leadership of the benefice in the capable hands of Simon Willetts, supported by Margot Spencer, the wardens, clergy and staff team. Minster plans will continue to develop.

While Simon is away, his plans involve some walking (The SW Coastal Path) and prayer, time with his leadership coach and spiritual director, reading, a visit to Simon’s spiritual retreat home (Storrington Priory, Chemin Neuf charismatic catholic Order) and some research on St Ignatius and the Jesuit Way of Life.

Please pray for Simon as he prepares for a restorative break from ministry, and for those he leaves in charge.

Ad for our new 4-11s Children’s Pastor – A reminder that the closing date for applications is 13th Mar. Please encourage candidates to apply, and the recruitment process.

Hambledon Coffee Morning next Weds 15th March at 10.30am All invited for a coffee and chat. Hearing Aid batteries and maintenance available too. 

Join the Electoral Roll – As we approach the Annual Parochial Church Meeting in May, this is a reminder that we’d love you to join the church electoral roll if you are not on it already. Go to Membership.

Mothering Sunday Services 19th March

We will be honouring Mums and maternal figures at our services next Sunday (and there will be a treat to give your Mums):
9.30AM Contemporary with children’s groups & 11.15AM Classic at Busbridge
10AM Hambledon Morning Worship
4PM Hambledon Messy Church at the Village Hall

Special things about Services on 26th March

9.30AM Contemporary at St Peter & St Paul’s – Take 2! The next trial of the Busbridge Contemporary Service at St Peter and St Paul’s will be on 26th March, with children’s groups using Moss Lane. We are grateful to the school for accommodating us, and look forward to making the most of the opportunity to grow children’s activities on Sundays and throughout the week across Godalming. Thanks to EVERYONE for their support, grace and patience as we try out the new venues. The Contemporary service will be followed by the Choral Eucharist at 11.15AM which has shifted back from 10am. Thanks to those who worship at St Peter and St Paul’s for their flexibility.

6PM Hambledon Choral Evensong for Passiontide. A choir is gathered and rehearsing for the Passiontide Choral Evensong. These services take place at Hambledon at key times in the church year. All welcome. The service will use the Book of Common Prayer.

10AM Hambledon Morning Worship, 11.15AM Classic at Busbridge and the 6PM Busbridge Evening Services will also take place as usual, with the 4th session on Gifts of the Holy Spirit following the 6PM service.

Instructions for ChurchSuite can now be found on the web site here, and will be added to next week. Vic Hicks will be in the Yew Tree Café between services if anyone has any questions, or needs help downloading the app.

Get Involved

Nominations are invited for representatives to Godalming Deanery Synod, for the next three year term which runs from 1st July 2023. We are allowed four representatives from Busbridge and three from Hambledon. Elections will take place at the APCMs on Sunday, 21st May. You need to be over 16 and on the electoral roll to stand but do not have to be a current PCC member (you would automatically become a member of PCC if elected to Deanery Synod). The Godalming Deanery is made up of fifteen parishes from the local area and provides an opportunity for lay and clergy representatives to discuss issues which are common to the local churches. The nomination form can be found here: https://www.parishresources.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/DS-Nom-2020.pdf and should be returned to the Church Office.

St Mark’s Church has plans to start a library and is looking for donations of good Christian books. So many different groups use the hall, so any books about Christian faith for seekers, books about suffering and the problem of pain, autobiographies of Christians would be much appreciated. Perhaps Christian children’s books? We want it to be modern readable material which will be accessible for those who want to find out more about christianity or to deepen what faith they have. There will be a box at the back of Busbridge church labelled “Books for St Marks” for the next few weeks. Any questions please feel free to contact me on eashingstubbs@aol.com.

Church newsletter delivery St Mark’s mission is to reach out to the local community to raise awareness of the Church and all it offers. St Marks Church is issuing a Spring Newsletter to the area around the church in March and if anyone could help deliver, that would be good. There will be teams going out if you want to go in pairs. To sign up or to know more information please contact Sheila on sheila.samuels@bhcgodalming.org.

Hot Cross Bun hospitality team needed for the Good Friday Walk
This year the church family walk is from Hambledon Church to Busbridge Church where the multitude of thirsty hikers will arrive at the Old Rectory in need of tea and a hot cross bun. We need a team who are willing to forgo the walk, and organise and serve the refreshments in the Old Rectory. If you can, please let Vic know in the church office.

Elsewhere

Bishop’s Lent Appeal 2023 – The Turkey-Syria Earthquake and those suffering deprivation in Guildford Diocese AND Hearing Aid Clinics
Work of the Bishop’s Fund is wide-ranging, but one of the recipients is the Hear Hear project that enables the BHC Hearing Aid Clinics. Penny and Sophie Bessant were recently interviewed for the promotional video: https://youtu.be/iuxeNYG0lUI

Godalming Baptist Church Life Issues talks: See the full 2023 Life Issues programme.
To book a place contact Sally Pollard-pollard3@hotmail.co.uk or tel-01483-428646.

For news from all the other local churches, see:
Churches Together Link Up – MAR 2023

Don’t forget about…

The MyChurchSuite app. It’s the easiest way to check dates, rotas, church emails, look up church members and sign up to events (without having to enter your details again and again!). Contact the Church Office if you’ve lost your login details or would like to request an account.

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

Reflective Prayer Mons at 8.45am online.
Busbridge Morning Prayer Weds at 9am online.
Hambledon Morning Prayer takes place on Wednesdays at 9am. All welcome.
Busbridge Saturday Prayer Meeting + PrayerFest 0-30 8-9am 2nd Saturdays of the month [11th Feb]

***Send prayer requests to prayer@bhcgodalming.org***

Groups & Activities

The Men’s Group meets for breakfast at 8.15am on the first Saturdays of the month. See the calendar event for details.

Hambledon Coffee Morning and Hearing Aid Clinic takes place 3rd Wednesdays of the month at 10.30am.

The 2023 Prime Time programme for Jan-Jun is now available, and the next event is the Talk on God’s Trees on Friday 24th March. For all events and details, see Prime Time.

The 2023 Nexus programme is now available, and the next event is a talk on 2nd Mar is about the past, present and future of Milford Hospital. For all events and details, see Nexus.

Busbridge and Hambledon Churches are open daily for private prayer.

The Yew Tree Café at Busbridge Church is open 8.30am-4pm weekdays in term time, and 10am-2pm on Saturdays, and 10am-4pm during school holidays.

PASTORAL CARE & PRAYER MINISTRY TEAM AVAILABLE

If you, or someone you know at church, are in need of support and care, please contact Sandra Wilkin via the church office, or e: pastoral@bhcgodalming.org.

To contact the EMERGENCY prayer chain, email prayer@bhcgodalming.org or call 01483 421267.

Dear Friends,

It’s been a busy week! The Prime Time Shrove Tuesday event was a great success, with tea and pancakes enjoyed by 40 guests! Thank you to the (quite large) team of helpers who are committed to serving older people through Prime Time’s ministry. Worshippers from all BHC congregations and St Mark’s came together for the Ash Wednesday service at Busbridge. Our admin colleague, Sarah from Godalming Parish spent a day in the church office, and we look forward to her making herself at home in the Old Rectory on Wednesdays. (This should hugely help with understanding how each of the minster churches function behind the scenes as we start to merge.)

Last but not least, the Transformed Life Lent podcast for all 4 churches began on Wednesday, with a new episode becoming available every week day in Lent. Why listen? It uses the great devotionals by Dave Smith which run alongside the sermon series on Sundays, and the home group bible studies.

And speaking of home groups, thanks those who have signed up, and the groups who are coming on to the Small Group 6Ws Info Evening on Monday 27th Feb at 8PM (not 2.30pm as mentioned in the mid-week email). Richard Lloyd will lead the session. If you are not in a small group, it will give you a good reason to join or start one, and existing members will be inspired, enthused and encouraged to get even more from their group! More details & Sign Up >>

Sunday 26 Feb:

alive for his purpose
SERMON series “Transformed Life”
Reading: Ephesians 2: 1-10

Busbridge

9.30AM Contemporary
Busbridge Church & online
Led by: Simon Taylor | Speaker: Patrick Samuels
Children’s groups meet from 9.20am and return to the service at approx 10.35am:
Ark (3-7s) in the Village Hall, Creche, Tiny Tigers and Explorers (7-11s) in the Old Rectory

Join us for coffee in the Yew Tree Café between services

11.15AM Classic Service
Busbridge Church & onine
Led by: Andy Spencer | Speaker: Patrick Samuels

6PM Busbridge Evening Service [Holy Communion]
Busbridge Church
Led by: Simon Taylor | Speaker: Lesley Mason
Pathfinder & Ichthus Youth groups start in church

6.50PM Holy Spirit session 2
The Holy Spirit and the Church
Busbridge Church
Led by: John Valentine | Faith story: Simon Willetts

Hambledon

10AM Morning Worship
with Children’s Club
Hambledon Church & online
Led by: David Jenkins | Speaker: Dudley Hilton

Coming Up:

See the events coming up next and look up dates further ahead in the full calendar.

Notices

This Sunday we continue the sessions on Gifts of the Holy Spirit following the 6PM service at Busbridge. Feedback on session 1 was very positive. Coming to all the sessions is encouraged, but if you would like to be part of this equipping the church for mission, please come along to the next one on 26 Feb. More details >>

Also/alternatively if you would like to know more about Spiritual Gifts, there’s a free 1 hour webinar on ‘leading in the power of the Holy Spirit’ provided by the Diocese, which anyone can join. If you’d like to know more about this area of God’s work and our church family, please attend on Thursday 2nd March at 2pm (book here). This follows a two day training event with Jackie Pullinger about the sensible, careful exercising of Spiritual Gifts with grace and love. About 20 people from BHC, St Mark’s and St Peter & St Paul’s attended and were blessed by the event.

Small Group Info Evening – 7.30PM Monday 27th Feb. All small group members, and those who would like to find out about them are invited to a session with Richard Lloyd, from the Mission Enabler Team at Guildford Diocese. Richard will share his thoughts and enthusiasm for Small Groups, and offer tips on how to make sure they support you in discipleship, and the mission of the whole church. Find event details here, or easier still, sign up using MyChurchSuite.

Ad for our new 4-11s Children’s Pastor – the closing date for applications is 13th Mar. Please pray and share, share, share!

Nexus on Thu 2nd March: ‘Past, Present and Future of Milford Hospital’ Nexus talk by Jenny Millar, Chair of League of Friends
Nexus are delighted to welcome Jenny, who will share with us points of interest about the past, present and future of Milford Hospital.  There are a lot of new plans for our local hospital, so come along and be among the first to hear about them!  As this is our charity for 2023 it would be good to give Jenny our full support. This month we’ll meet in the Old Rectory at 8.00pm. Event details.

The latest issue of The Bridge Magazine will be hitting the doormats in early March, but available online now! Go to The Bridge page to find the latest and past issues, and pdfs of the popular local walks which are featured in each issue. Thanks to The Bridge and Hambledon Magazine editorial teams, and all the road stewards who deliver the magazines.

Get Involved

Are you an online shopper? – The Busbridge Tech team needs you! 
The Tech team has not quite recovered to full strength since the pandemic, and now has little resilience to cover holidays or illness – or even a five-week month.  The investment that the church has made in both the equipment and its installation has paid off and the system is now straightforward and reliable to use.  If you can do an online food shop and use email you are technical enough to be able to join the team (full training and support are provided).  We are looking for new people for the laptop, livestreaming and sound desk – which do you fancy?  Please contact Patrick Elshen or Vic Hicks if you’re interested in finding out more.

Hot Cross Bun hospitality team needed for the Good Friday Walk
This year the church family walk is from Hambledon Church to Busbridge Church where the multitude of thirsty hikers will arrive at the Old Rectory in need of tea and a hot cross bun. We need a team who are willing to forgo the walk, and organise and serve the refreshments in the Old Rectory. If you can, please let Vic know in the church office.

Elsewhere

World Day of Prayer – Friday 3rd March – Godalming Prayer Gathering, 10.30am at Godalming United Church.

Godalming Baptist Church Life Issues talks: See the full 2023 Life Issues programme.
LAST CALL Sat 25 Feb ‘Self-Harm’ led by Suzette Jones at GBC. 10.00am-12.15 (coffee from 9.30am)  Please do consider coming to find out more about this huge issue in our society today.  Suzette will look at the signs of self-harm, how do we react, where help can be found, what we can do. To book a place contact Sally Pollard-pollard3@hotmail.co.uk or tel-01483-428646.

NEW ISSUE for March. For news from all the other local churches, see:
Churches Together Link Up – MAR 2023

Don’t forget about…

The MyChurchSuite app. It’s the easiest way to check dates, rotas, church emails, look up church members and sign up to events (without having to enter your details again and again!). Contact the Church Office if you’ve lost your login details or would like to request an account.

Minster Update. The Minster Transition Steering Group have published a January Update, which can be found here.

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

Reflective Prayer Mons at 8.45am online.
Busbridge Morning Prayer Weds at 9am online.
Hambledon Morning Prayer takes place on Wednesdays at 9am. All welcome.
Busbridge Saturday Prayer Meeting + PrayerFest 0-30 8-9am 2nd Saturdays of the month [11th Feb]

***Send prayer requests to prayer@bhcgodalming.org***

Groups & Activities

The Men’s Group meets for breakfast at 8.15am on the first Saturdays of the month. See the calendar event for details.

The 2023 Prime Time programme for Jan-Jun is now available, and the next event is the Talk on God’s Trees on Friday 24th March. For all events and details, see Prime Time.

The 2023 Nexus programme is now available, and the next event is a talk on 2nd Mar is about the past, present and future of Milford Hospital. For all events and details, see Nexus.

VACANCIES

We are truly blessed to have talented and faithful teams of volunteers from the church family coordinating worship and children’s groups for the time being, but we wait expectantly for the right people to take up the positions so that these crucial ministries can fully flourish and soar!

Busbridge and Hambledon Churches are open daily for private prayer.

The Yew Tree Café at Busbridge Church is open 8.30am-4pm weekdays in term time, and 10am-2pm on Saturdays, and 10am-4pm during school holidays.

PASTORAL CARE & PRAYER MINISTRY TEAM AVAILABLE

If you, or someone you know at church, are in need of support and care, please contact Sandra Wilkin via the church office, or e: pastoral@bhcgodalming.org.

To contact the EMERGENCY prayer chain, email prayer@bhcgodalming.org or call 01483 421267.