Author: vick.hicks

“A friend in need is a friend indeed!”

My life’s become a little more complicated recently. Our car is still off the road following an accident in the snow and unavailability of parts. Generous neighbours in the congregation have kept me mobile. Despite conflicting priorities they have not passed by on the other side as the religious men in today’s parable of the Good Samaritan.

Wherever you live, there are people in need nearby. However, Jesus encourages us also to look beyond our immediate neighbours and to see that our neighbour can be anyone, anywhere, of any creed or social background.

We celebrate the baptism of Sebastian this morning and this can prompt us to consider how we model the teaching of the Good Samaritan. In their playgrounds and classrooms children will encounter those who are different to themselves or, worse, shunned or bullied by their peers. Do we model to children we know or care for, acceptance of the differences in others as well as reaching out in friendship to those in need?

Loving our ‘neighbours’ in our families, at school, at church, at work, in the local or the global community can be costly in terms of time, money or emotional commitment. It challenges our priorities, but Jesus calls us to do it. It can be transformative.

Going deeper, let us remind ourselves that our trust in God is one that is forged not through simple living, but through lives forged in the complexities of life and faith.

Old Rectory update
Internal works have begun on the youth base, with the floor due to be screeded and the walls and ceiling due to be plastered next week. The foundation has also been excavated for the feature cross at the front of the building. Mark Pateman

We send our love to David Smith, whose mother, Ruth, died peacefully on Monday 9th April, in a nursing home in Hindhead. Please pray for David and Linda, Matt and Emily, and for David’s sister, Clare and the wider family.

The next Hambledon Ladies’ breakfast is on Saturday 12th May, 8.30am at the West Surrey Golf Club. The guest speaker will be Jenny Walker from Cornerstone Therapies. Tickets are £9.00 and will be available to purchase from Hambledon Village Shop from Monday 23rd April – Tuesday 8th May.

Congratulations!
Our very own Becky Bradley is engaged! Hearty congratulations and blessings to Becky and Charlie.

Hambledon Prayer breakfast
The next prayer breakfast is this Saturday, 8.30am (21st April) in Hambledon Church room. All welcome to come along.

Ladies event: An Evening of yumminess!
All ladies from Busbridge&Hambledon are invited to come along to this yummy event – it’s wine and dessert or coffee and cake (or wine, dessert, coffee AND cake – no judgements made!) No cost to come along – all you need to do is bring a bottle OR a dessert OR a cake plus bring a friend as well if you like. 20th April, 8.00pm, 7 Park Chase, GU7 1TL. If you’d like to come please email ladies@bhcgodalming.org – not a ticketed event but helpful to know if you’re coming. See you there…!

Newcomers’ Tea
This is for all those who are new (or feel new!) to Busbridge&Hambledon Church. We’re holding a lovely Newcomers’ Tea next Sunday 22nd April, 3.00pm – 4.00pm. There’ll be the chance to meet others in the church and there’s activities for children on offer. We need to know numbers, so if you’d like to come along please email newcomers@bhcgodalming.org or speak to Katrina Williams ASAP.

Ladies’ Walk
The first official walk in the exciting new programme for ladies is coming up on Thursday 26th April, 7.00pm. We’ll be meeting in the carpark opposite the White Horse in Hascombe to do a 2-3 mile walk – likely to be muddy so please wear appropriate footwear. Drinks and/or food in the pub afterwards. No need to book, just turn up. All BHC ladies and friends (and dogs) welcome. For further information or if you’re not already on the email list for ladies’ events and would like to be, please contact ladies@bhcgodalming.org.

BHC ALPHA Course in September 2018
We are exploring the options of running an ALPHA course in September of this year. If you would be interested in attending, helping out, or getting involved in the BHC ALPHA course, please email alpha@bhcgodalming.org. Please be praying about who you can invite!

GDPR
There are upcoming changes to the law which means there are new rules for how we store and use data. Over the coming weeks you may receive emails asking for permissions – if you could respond to those as quickly as possible that would be really helpful. Thanks (and apologies for more emails than usual – it won’t be for long).

Helpful Habits – A 6-week course of prayer
Would you like to deepen your prayer life, but wonder where you will find the time or discipline to do so? Gertrud Sollars is offering to run another round of this prayer workshop during the next term. It will take place on 6 consecutive Tuesdays, 17th April to 22nd May, from 11.15am-12.15pm at the Lady Chapel of St John’s Church in Farncombe. If you are interested in joining, please contact Gertrud.

please pray for…
· David Smith and family
· Sarah Blagden and family
· Hambledon Nursery and others in the area
· The upcoming APCM
· Work on the Old Rectory
· Andy Spencer recovering from surgery
· Di Drudge
· Busbridge Lane and their road stewards, Nikki White, Maggie Jagger, Annie Marshall, Sue Keene & Sarah Blagden
· Heath Lane and The Hydons

‘Loving our Neighbours? Not a problem really; perhaps we don’t seem to see a great deal of them; but we would always be there for them if there was a problem; they probably would be for us too, hopefully.

We begin this Sunday, a mini series of sermons and thinking about ‘Loving our neighbours’, looking at Jesus’ answer to the questions ‘Which is the greatest commandment?’ and next week, ‘Who is my neighbour?’ 

The fact that Jesus included loving one’s neighbour as oneself certainly takes the issue way beyond what the relationship we have with our physical neighbours. Indeed in one of the gospel accounts, the question of loving one’s neighbours as oneself arose from an earlier question to Jesus of ‘What must I do to inherit eternal life?’

Jesus’ response to the greatest commandment question was not to select one of the Ten Commandments but to draw together two other commandments from the Old Testament so that we are charged with loving God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength and our neighbours as ourselves. Clearly therefore, our responsibilities towards our neighbours (however we define them) are on a par with our responsibilities towards God.

In a book I was reading as I prepared for my talk at the 8.00am service this Sunday (the first Sunday after Easter) it said ‘It means that to God we must give a total love, a love which directs our thoughts and a love which is the dynamic of our actions.’

Loving God is clearly not just keeping an eye open for him and hoping he will do the same for us; nor, I suspect, is loving our neighbours as ourselves.

Old Rectory update
Roof coverings and the first fix electrical works are being carried out on the youth base. Groundworks continue and the security and fire alarm systems are being commissioned. Mark Pateman

Andy and Margot would like to thank you all so much for your love and prayers over the last two weeks. The patient is now home and, in time, he will be glad to receive visitors. However, a number of GP and hospital appointments have been arranged, at random times, so if you are thinking of visiting (and there is no obligation!) please ring or email Margot first, to check whether we shall be around. Thank you!

Many of you will remember the Macvean family, who lived and worshipped here for nineteen years, until they moved away in 2006. We have been saddened to learn that Valerie died on 27th March. Her funeral will be at Eastbourne Crematorium on a date yet to be arranged. If anyone would like to attend, please contact Andrew via the Church Office. Please pray for Andrew, Stuart, Sarah and the wider family, that they may know God’s comfort and peace.

Prayer Event
The next Whole Church Prayer event is on Tuesday 24th April 8.00pm – 9.15pm and will be a celebration of all the work that has gone into the Old Rectory so far, and a time to pray and seek God’s vision for each room, team and activity that will happen across the site. Let’s gather to thank God for the story so far and discern God’s will for what happens next in the Old Rectory. 

New Course for 1 term only
‘Discipleship Explored’. If this is something you might be interested in taking part in, please contact John & Jeannie Postill on  j.epostill@gmail.com.

Newcomers’ Tea
This is for all those who are new (or feel new!) to Busbridge&Hambledon Church. We’re holding a lovely Newcomers’ Tea on Sunday 22nd April, 3.00pm – 4.00pm. There’ll be the chance to meet others in the church and there’s activities for children on offer. We need to know numbers, so if you’d like to come along email newcomers@bhcgodalming.org  or speak to Katrina Williams ASAP.

BHC Women
Are you on the mailing list for women yet? If you’d like to go on it please email Nicky on ladies@bhcgodalming.org and you’ll be first to hear about all the wonderful things planned for the women of Busbridge&Hambledon over 2018. The new term card is available in all services today – please do take one and start filling up your diaries!

BHC ALPHA Course in September 2018
We are exploring the options of running an ALPHA course in September of this year. If you would be interested in attending, helping out, or getting involved in the BHC ALPHA course, please email alpha@bhcgodalming.org. Please be praying about who you can invite! 

Key dates to be added to your diary…

• APCM – 29th April, 10.30am Hambledon or 7.00pm Busbridge Church
• The BIG Spring Clean – 12th May – a really fun day with a yummy lunch – the more the merrier! We need to know you’re coming though, so email karen.kinder@bhcgodalming.org

GDPR
There are upcoming changes to the law which means there are new rules for how we store and use data. Over the coming weeks you may receive emails asking for permissions – if you could respond to those as quickly as possible that would be really helpful. Thanks (and apologies for more emails than usual – it won’t be for long).

Helpful Habits – A 6-week course of prayer
Would you like to deepen your prayer life, but wonder where you will find the time or discipline to do so? Gertrud Sollars is offering to run another round of this prayer workshop during the next term. It will take place on 6 consecutive Tuesdays, 17th April to 22nd May, from 11.15am-12.15pm at the Lady Chapel of St John’s Church in Farncombe. If you are interested in joining, please ring her on 01483 415182 or email gertrud.sollars@btinternet.com.

please pray for…
· Those who attended the Easter Holiday Club held at Milford Baptist
· Commuters in the congregation
· The upcoming APCM
· Work on the Old Rectory
· Andy Spencer recovering from surgery
· Di Drudge
· Brighton Road and their road stewards, Jenna & Stephen Brown and Linda Smith
· Hascombe Road and Salt Lane

I’d like to give space to a UK rap artist and a German golfer this Easter Sunday. 

Their words bring sharp focus to a common cause that centres on the risen Jesus of Easter. This shared cause invites us into a deeper way of being in every part of who we are.

“To a Christian, Easter Sunday means everything, when we celebrate the resurrection
of Jesus Christ.” Langer, Golf champion

“This is God’s plan, they can never stop this, like wait right there… you saved this kid and I’m not your first. It’s not by blood and it’s not by birth, but oh my God what a God I serve!… Lord, I’ve been broken although I’m not worthy. You fixed me, I’m blinded by your grace” Stormzy, Rap Artist

We serve the God who gave us Easter and we’re asked to see life through this: who we are, what we do and how we live. A step in this deepening faith is to gather on Easter Sunday.

Old Rectory update
Works continue on the Youth Base, the rear verandah is complete and the access path nearly finished. Weather permitting we will be working on the youth base canopy next week. Mark Pateman

Longstanding church members may remember Margaret and John (JJ) Brown, who were faithful worshippers here for many years.  John died some years ago and Margaret has been living in a nursing home for the last thirteen years.  We have been sad to hear that Margaret died on 24th March.  Her funeral service will be at Guildford Crematorium on Monday 23rd April at 12.45pm. All who remember Margaret are welcome to the service. Please pray for her daughters, Sheelagh Brown and Dheidre Mitchell, that they may know God’s comfort and peace.

Andy and Margot would like to thank you all so much for your love and prayers over the last week or so. The patient is expected home soon and, in time, he will be glad to receive visitors. However, we have been warned that there will be various hospital appointments, at random times, over the next couple of weeks, so if you are thinking of visiting (and there is no obligation!) please ring or email Margot first, to check whether we shall be around.  Thank you!

New Course for 1 term only
‘Discipleship Explored’. If this is something you might be interested in taking part in, please contact John & Jeannie Postill.

Newcomers’ Tea
This is for all those who are new (or feel new!) to Busbridge&Hambledon Church. We’re holding a lovely Newcomers’ Tea on Sunday 22nd April, 3.00pm – 4.00pm. There’ll be the chance to meet others in the church and there’s activities for children on offer. We need to know numbers, so if you’d like to come along email newcomers@bhcgodalming.org  or speak to Katrina Williams ASAP.

BHC Women
Are you on the mailing list for women yet? If you’d like to go on it please email Nicky on ladies@bhcgodalming.org and you’ll be first to hear about all the wonderful things planned for the women of Busbridge&Hambledon over 2018. The new term card is just about finished, so do look out for that next week.

BHC ALPHA Course in September 2018
We are exploring the options of running an ALPHA course in September of this year. If you would be interested in attending, helping out, or getting involved in the BHC ALPHA course, please email alpha@bhcgodalming.org or call Bryan at the office at 01483 421267.  Please be praying about who you can invite! 

Key dates to be added to your diary…
APCM – 29th April, 10.30am Hambledon or 7.00pm Busbridge Church
The BIG Spring Clean – 12th May – a really fun day with a yummy lunch – the more the merrier! We need to know you’re coming though, so email karen.kinder@bhcgodalming.org

GDPR
There are upcoming changes to the law which means there are new rules for how we store and use data. Over the coming weeks you may receive emails asking for permissions – if you could respond to those as quickly as possible that would be really helpful. Thanks (and apologies for more emails than usual – it won’t be for long).

Nexus
On Thursday 5th April, we’re delighted that Jenny Walker, an advanced Clinical and Restorative Massage Therapist with Cornerstone Therapies, will come and tell us how she uses different therapies to restore wellbeing.  Jenny is recognised as one of the UK’s foremost restorative therapy practitioners.  So, if you need to unwind from any stresses or aches and pains or would simply like to experience some peace and tranquillity, take this opportunity to hear about hot stones, aromatherapy and other therapies provided at the Cornerstone Therapies studio in Godalming!  We meet in Busbridge Church Centre at 8.00pm and there’ll be drinks and nibbles before Jenny starts her talk.  We very much look forward to seeing you!

Helpful Habits – A 6-week course of prayer
Would you like to deepen your prayer life, but wonder where you will find the time or discipline to do so? Gertrud Sollars is offering to run another round of this prayer workshop during the next term. It will take place on 6 consecutive Tuesdays, 17th April to 22nd May, from 11.00am-12.00pm, venue tba. If you are interested in joining, please contact Gertrud Sollars.

please pray for…
· The Easter Holiday Club being held at Milford Baptist
· The upcoming APCM
· Those who are ill or recovering from recent medical treatment
· Braemar Close and their road stewards, David & Lizzie Burndred
· Grosvenor Road and Roundals Lane

What does it mean to go deeper as a disciple of Christ?  It can mean different things depending on where we are in our life and faith journey. It might mean understanding the context in which scripture was written more closely.  It might mean being increasingly open to listen to how Gospel truth impacts on our attitudes and the way we engage with colleagues at work or fellow members of our local community. 

Going deeper is not about digging a hole to bury our treasure in.  Going deeper is about constructing sure foundations so that the approach we take to life is founded on clarity about what Christian discipleship means and a thought through perspective on how best to live out the presence of God in the spheres in which we are privileged to move. 

Going deeper can mean facing into tough choices and addressing difficult issues.  On Palm Sunday Jesus rode into Jerusalem knowing that he would meet opposition and potential death.  He did what he felt called to do, recognising that the authorities of the day did not welcome his presence or his message. 

We are called to follow Christ as Master and Lord.  This might mean entering situations where we are not always welcome and bringing insight and perspective informed by our understanding of the Gospel messages of forgiveness, reconciliation, hope and resurrection.  Sometimes we might feel in danger of being ignored or rejected.  Being betrayed three times did not stop Jesus from holding his head up high and showing remarkable courage in the face of physical pain and human rejection.

What might going deeper mean for you over Holy Week as reflect on the courage of Jesus as he faced into rejection and pain?

Old Rectory update
Second fix in all areas of Old Rectory including windows fitted, carpets laid and groundworks continue. Mark Pateman

We are delighted that the Diocesan buildings committee has accepted our proposal for reordering Busbridge Church by opening much of the church up for flexible use (keeping the Lutyens walls in place). The matter is now being considered by the Chancellor in London.

Update on Contemporary in the School
Our thanks go to Busbridge Junior School for our use of the site for the Contemporary each Sunday. Fruitful conversations are being had regarding on-site storage, display boards, and banners. Watch this space…

Associate Minister
We are delighted that the Associate Minister advert has gone out. Interviews will be at the end of April. If you want to see what the advert says then go to www.bhcgodalming.org/job-vacancies.

Helpful Habits – A 6-week course of prayer
Would you like to deepen your prayer life, but wonder where you will find the time or discipline to do so? Gertrud Sollars is offering to run another round of this prayer workshop during the next term. It will take place on 6 consecutive Tuesdays, 17th April to 22nd May., from 11.00am-12.00pm, venue tba. If you are interested in joining, please contact Gertrud.

Thanks
Thanks to Keith Harper, Ben Rogers and Matt Toombs for their amazing acts of service at Busbridge last week. Ben set off at 6.00am to walk to church to help Keith clear the paths of snow. Matt walked from Elstead to ensure he arrived in time to lead the children’s ministry! What dedication.

Women’s ministry
Thanks to the hard work of Nicky Hemery and others, there’s an absolutely fabulous programme of events happening for women – look out for the new programme coming next week. The first event is happening on Tuesday 27th March and is a film evening, seeing ‘Hidden Figures’. As it’s hosted at a private address there are limited numbers – please show your support for this fabulous ministry. Invite a friend and book your space NOW by emailing Pri Burford.

Easter Garden Service – 31st March, 3.00pm
The egg hunt tea is in Simon & Catherine’s garden this year following the service in the church. Catherine needs helpers and cake donations – do speak to Catherine Taylor if you can help (and thanks to the Taylors for kindly hosting!)

Nexus
On Thursday 5th April, we’re delighted that Jenny Walker, an advanced Clinical and Restorative Massage Therapist with Cornerstone Therapies, will come and tell us how she uses different therapies to restore wellbeing.  Jenny is recognised as one of the UK’s foremost restorative therapy practitioners.  So, if you need to unwind from any stresses or aches and pains or would simply like to experience some peace and tranquillity, take this opportunity to hear about hot stones, aromatherapy and other therapies provided at the Cornerstone Therapies studio in Godalming!  We meet in Busbridge Church Centre at 8.00pm and there’ll be drinks and nibbles before Jenny starts her talk.  We very much look forward to seeing you!

Easter Holiday Club | 4th – 6th April | 10.00am – 12.15pm
BHC are tagging along with Milford Baptist Church to join in with their ‘Space Academy’ holiday club fun. This is aimed at children Year R – Year 6 and we have been allocated 20 spaces. It’s a first come, first served scenario, so if you’d like to register your child/ren please contact Becky at the Church Office on 421267 or email becky.bradley@bhcgodalming.org ASAP.

please pray for…
· BJS & BIS Easter Services this week
· The upcoming BHC Easter events and services
· Blewfield and their road steward, Shelagh Godwin
· Greenhill Close & Rock Hill

Old Rectory update
Work on the garage continues and plumbing and electrical works are nearing completion. A pathway down the side of Old Rectory has also been laid. Mark Pateman

Palm Sunday – 25th March – 10.00am
Palm Sunday is the day when we remember Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. This year, there is a choice of ways to celebrate this important date in the church’s year:

Busbridge Contemporary: At Busbridge Junior School, the Fuse team is running an all-age Palm Sunday with rumours of bacon butties and other goings on…

Busbridge Classic: In church and suitable for the whole family, including a re-enactment of some of the key events of the first Palm Sunday, with music, drama, play reading and crowd scenes for us to be a part of.

Afterwards: All meet outside the church for coffee time together.

Hambledon: Also starting at 10.00am. After the service we’ll walk down to the village shop and end the service with a couple of rousing songs. Do try to come along to one of our Palm Sunday services.

The Bridge
A gentle reminder that the March/April edition of The Bridge is now available for road stewards to collect at the back of the church if they have not yet done so. Very kind thanks. 

Helpful Habits – A 6-week course of prayer
Would you like to deepen your prayer life, but wonder where you will find the time or discipline to do so? Gertrud Sollars is offering to run another round of this prayer workshop during the next term. Depending on demand, it could be either daytime or evenings. If you are interested in joining, please contact Gertrud.

Employment opportunity available in Busbridge
An elderly couple with long-standing connections to Busbridge Church are looking to employ a companion for 2 hours a day, 4 days a week on a 3 week-on, 3 week-off basis to cover the times when their live-in carer has time off.  No care duties are expected, it is just a case of being in the house and chatting to them.  Please contact Penny Naylor in the Church Office for further details or email penny.naylor@bhcgodalming.org.

Easter Garden Service – 31st March, 3.00pm
The egg hunt tea is in Simon & Catherine’s garden this year following the service in the church. Catherine needs helpers and cake donations – do speak to Catherine Taylor if you can help (and thanks to the Taylors for kindly hosting!)

Easter Holiday Club | 4th – 6th April | 10.00am – 12.15pm
BHC are tagging along with Milford Baptist Church to join in with their ‘Space Academy’ holiday club fun. This is aimed at children Year R – Year 6 and we have been allocated 20 spaces. It’s a first come, first served scenario, so if you’d like to register your child/ren please contact Becky at the Church Office on 421267 or email becky.bradley@bhcgodalming.org ASAP.

Sermon recordings on the BHC website – update
It’s been a month since we went ‘public’ with the sermon recordings and during that time there have been 251 complete plays of talks (i.e. end to end listening rather than just dipping in and out), of which 186 were in the local area, 20 in London and 15 in the rest of the UK. The remaining 30 are international!  If you haven’t signed up to the podcast or caught up with the sermon you missed last week then go to www.bhcgodalming.org/sermons-talks. Thanks to all those who are faithfully recording and uploading these for everyone to enjoy.

The next Squires Lunch will be on Sunday 25th March at 12.15pm. Let Brian & Pat know by Wednesday 21st if you want to go along.

Prime Time
The Lammas Handbell Ringers are coming to Busbridge Church on the afternoon of Thursday March 22nd. Join us for a hands-on experience of handbell ringing. Enjoy listening to a performance by the team and be inspired to pick up the bells and have a go yourself at this fun and engaging activity during the interactive session afterwards. The afternoon will be rounded off with tea and cake. Cost per person: £3 (payable on the day). This event is part of the Prime Time programme but all are welcome. Come along and join us;  the fun starts at 2.00pm. Further details available from the Prime Time Team based at the Church Office 421267 or email:  primetime@bhcgodalming.org.

**Reminder: please return Electoral Roll forms asap**

please pray for…
· Those being baptised today
· The BHC Staff team – leadership, admin and others
· Beechway and their road steward, Susie Chandler
. Foxdene & New Road

Right at the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry he declared Isaiah 61:1-2 about himself:

‘The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’

We are fast approaching Easter. I was reminded recently of Jesus’ prayer in John 17. It comes after the Last Supper, on Maundy Thursday, the night before the crucifixion.

Jesus is preparing to leave the disciples. He prays for them ‘As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.’ Jesus invites the disciples to join in God’s mission.

In our year of ‘Going Deeper’ we are called to know God’s Truth, know God’s Timing and to learn to Trust in God all of which are underpinned by God’s saving mission. It’s not something we should keep to ourselves though; this is a message that must be shared!

This week across Busbridge&Hambledon it is Mission Sunday and we have people in each of our services from The Cellar to encourage and challenge us about their part in God’s mission.

Each of us has something we can do to join in God’s mission. What is God calling you to do?