Dear Friends

Simon Taylor writes:
Great news! 42 children are already signed up for the holiday club. If you’re an adult, please sign up to join us and help, including for the end of holiday club party BBQ and farewell to Patrick and Sheila. If you have children, sign up now to avoid disappointment!

More great news. Across the Minster we’ve got new people joining us and exploring our breadth of worship. If you’re new then fill a ‘Hi’ card in and well get you a free coffee at the Yew Tree Café to chat to you and answer your questions.

Great date for your diary. Sunday 8th Sept. Minster Vision Sunday in all congregations. Surely, you’ll want to be here for it.

In the notices this week:

• Services this Sunday

• Alpha Courses this Autumn

• Marriage MOT course

• Staycation events in The Octagon

• Save the Date for the St Mark’s 90th Thanksgiving Service

• Holiday Club

• Sunday 1 September: Holiday Club Finale & Farewell to Patrick and Sheila (All Age service followed by a BBQ) – everyone’s invited!

• Other dates for the diary

The notices for this Sunday and the next two (21st and 28th July) have been pre-scheduled as Vic is on leave. Therefore there are no new items, apart from the updated list of services.

This Sunday

Be ready to be surprised!
Reading Acts 12: 1-18

We continue the sermon series: Build on a Rock – based on the life of the disciple Peter. The readings for each week, and a short topic descriptor can be picked up at Minster services this Sunday, and can be printed here.

Services

8am BCP Holy Communion
Church Street (St Peter & St Paul’s)
followed by breakfast in the Octagon

10am Classic Service
Brighton Road (Busbridge)

10am Morning Worship [HC]
Hambledon (St Peter’s)

10am Morning Worship
Franklyn Road (St Mark’s)

10.30am Contemporary Service
Church Street (St Peter & St Paul’s)
Children’s groups in the Octagon. Coffee from 10.15am

6pm Evening Worship
Brighton Road (Busbridge)

Look up services for next Sunday and find more information about congregations and service times on ChurchSuite, or the Sundays page on the web site. If you are on a rota, ChurchSuite will ping you a reminder by email, but you can also use the ChurchSuite app to check yourself.

Pastoral Team News
Our thanks and congratulations to Liz Sadler and Simon Callaghan having recently completed the Diocesan Pastoral Training Course. We welcome them onto the Minster Pastoral Support Team.

Liz will mainly be seen at services in Godalming Minster Church Street. Her role will focus on supporting members of those congregations and the families who attend the Octots and the baby group held mid-week at Church Street.

Simon will be seen mainly at the 6pm service at Brighton Road, and occasionally the Contemporary service at Church Street. Simon is exploring bereavement visiting and supporting those with mental health difficulties.

We are also blessed by the addition of Gavin Harper to the Pastoral Care Team. Gavin is an experienced pastoral visitor, having worked in this role previously at St Andrew’s Church, Oxshott. He will be mainly found at Godalming Minster Hambledon.

Their pictures have been requested and will be available soon, and each will be introduced in services in the coming weeks.

Following the recent PCC meeting, we are delighted to formally welcome Mitchell Farquharson as our new Principal Organist for the Minster’s choral worship. Mitchell is an outstanding organist and he has previously been at Chichester Cathedral. Everyone is welcome can experience Mitchell’s playing at the Choral Eucharist and Evensong services.

We’re running Alpha!
Weds evenings 25th Sept – 27th Nov & Thurs lunchtimes 26th Sept – 28th Nov

Rev Lesley Mason is leading the courses this Autumn, and we’d like everyone to consider whether they would like to join in as a participant, or as a member of the team who helps lead, host and cater for the 12 sessions. Look out for invitations, posters and social media posts and please share them and encourage people along.

To find out more or register for a place go to https://godalmingminster.org/alpha

The sign up button takes you to the Wednesday evening course, but gives the option to sign up for Thursday lunchtimes instead.

To volunteer to help host, cook or set up please use the form below.

Thanks to the two heroes that came forward after our appeal for new volunteers in the Yew Tree Café. There is room for more, particularly on Tuesday afternoons and Fridays. No experience required as full training will be given! Volunteers do everything and anything from serving tables, taking orders, making drinks and sandwiches, clearing up and cleaning, and of course talking to our lovely customers and giving a listening and caring ear as needed.

If your skills are in baking then we’d love you to join our very small band of bakers to produce the yummy cakes we serve – all done in the Old Rectory kitchen with full instructions, equipment and ingredients.

If you can’t commit to a full half day then other options are available – do ask us! Or fill in the volunteer form. We’d love to have you on board.
The Café Leadership team.

Please note the café will be closed on Saturday 3rd August.

Coming Up

July

Prime Time Summer Celebration – 19 July 2.30-4.30pm
Helpers and participants are invited to the second annual Summer Celebration at the Busbridge Old Rectory. It’s a lovely afternoon (with tea and cake) and a great chance to meet people involved with Older People’s Ministry. If you’d like to augment the Prime Time hospitality team which is rather depleted for this event, please contact penny.naylor@godalmingminster.org.

Saturday 20 July Marriage MOT evening – Make a good thing even better!  Join us for a fantastic opportunity for couples build and enrich their relationship, however long you’ve been married. More details >

The Lammas Handbell Ringers invite you to a concert and supper on Sat 27th July at 6.30pm. “Our Dancing Day overlooking the River Wey” will take place in The Octagon at Godalming Minster Church Street. Tickets £12 including a 2-course supper are available from Helen 07760 494 703 or Barbara 01483 415600. During Staycation The Lammas Handbell Ringers are holding an Introduction to Handbell Ringing on Thursday 8th August at 4-5pm or 6-7pm. It’s FREE, but numbers will be limited so please contact Barbara to reserve your space.

Also in the Octagon during Godalming Staycation, Janet Davies is holding a “Sew Simple” hand embroidery session on Weds 7 August from 9 until 12 noon. All equipment and materials provided. Tea/coffee, cake and crafting. Telephone Janet on 07967 683443 to book a place. Limited to 12 people (under 18 to be accompanied by adult). Free but donations welcome to help cover costs. Any profit will go to Godalming Minster.

August

Nexus Summer Outing – History Walk of Busbridge. 2-4.30pm
Join Nexus and Martyn Sandford on a history walk around Busbridge, ending at The Pavilion by Howling Owl at about 4pm for a cup of what you fancy. Meet at 1.45pm outside the Busbridge Old Rectory at Godalming Minster Brighton Road and enjoy the font of Martyn’s knowledge about the local history of the area.

90th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service at Franklyn Road – 8th August at 3pm
St Mark’s Church is 90 years old this year. The Foundation stone was laid on 8th August 1934. We are holding a Thanksgiving Service on Thursday 8th August at 3pm followed by a cream tea. We would love for people across Godalming Minster to be there to give thanks for the history of St Mark’s church and more recently its community centre, and to pray for its future serving the Franklyn Road area. There will be a celebratory cream tea after the service so an idea of numbers would help the congregation plan. You can sign up using the link above.

Holiday Club 28-30 August
Sign up now for the first ever Godalming Minster Summer Holiday Club! It’s for primary age children in school years R-6. Invitations are going to the our church schools next week, and spaces are limited this year.

You are never too old to look for the greatest treasure, and this Holiday Club will be as much fun for older members of the crew as our young buccaneers. If you’d like to join the adventure, please get in touch with Jenny Lansdowne e: jenny.lansdowne@godalmingminster.org.

Sunday 1 Sep – 2 happy endings: Holiday Club Finale & Farewell to the Samuels
Godalming Minster will host the Holiday Club finale, and say a fond farewell to the Revs Sheila and Patrick Samuels at a special 11am All Age service at Godalming Minster Brighton Road. This will be followed by a fun filled BBQ in the Busbridge Old Rectory Garden. The 11am service replaces Muddy/Church in the Park and the Classic service, and allows for the other congregations to join the 11am service and/or the BBQ.

The congregations will have the chance to say goodbye to Patrick during July (14th July at Classic, 21st at Choral Eucharist and Contemporary, 28th at Franklyn Road). Sheila’s last Sunday is 1st September (Patrick will be returning from his new parish) and we would like to present them with a gift of appreciation at the BBQ. To contribute to this, please see ways to donate.

What’s on Where

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

Church Family News

One of the young adults in our church family is looking for a room or house share where she can live affordably and independently. The location needs to be suitable for a non-driver, with walkable access to public transport and amenities. If you can think of any possible options, please contact the office.

Marcus and his family will be saying farewell at the Contemporary Service on Sunday 21st July. If you would like to contribute to a leaving gift, please drop it into the Minster Office at the Old Rectory, or use Donate to give something online. Please include ref: Marcus.

Job Vacancies

We have taken the decision to re-advertise the posts of Children and Families Pastor (4-11’s) and Yew Tree Café manager, and are invited applications by the end of July. Details can be found on the vacancies page here. Please be praying for the right people to fill these special roles, and help share the ads.

Mission Update

Foodbank Update

URGENT LIST

• Tuna 

• Pasta sauces

• UHT semi skimmed milk

• Tinned Peas / Carrots and Tomatoes

• Biscuits and crackers

• Orange/Blackcurrant squash

• Orange/Apple 1 litre juice cartons

• Tea bags/Coffee/Hot chocolate

The latest shopping list can be found here. Please take a look and add a few items to your next shop.

Karen, the community centre coordinator, updates the shopping list each month with items most needed. You can find the latest shopping list for March on the Foodbank page.

Volunteer Vacancy: HMP Send Multifaith Chaplaincy
[Godalming Minster has a small group of volunteers who serve with the HMP Send Multifaith Chaplaincy, where until recently Rev Lesley Mason was the Prison Chaplain.]

Have you thought about joining a friendly team of volunteers who are dedicated to working with vulnerable people? The Chaplaincy is seeking volunteers to assist with administrative tasks. If you enjoy collaborating with like-minded people and can spare half a day or more each week, this could be the perfect volunteering opportunity for you.

We are looking for individuals with strong communication skills who can use email, Microsoft Word, and Excel. While experience with these programs is beneficial, it is not required as we provide training.

To learn more or express your interest, please email chaplaincysend@justice.gov.uk addressed to our Managing Chaplain. We are here to help you discern if this opportunity is a good fit for you.

Elsewhere

The National Trust Munstead Wood are running Chance to Chat sessions at Godalming Museum from 10-12 noon on the third Saturdays of the month. More details >

Life Issues 2024 – a programme of talks and course run by Godalming Baptist Church.

Can we pray for you?

***Please send prayer requests to prayer@godalmingminster.org***

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

9am Morning Prayer
9am on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays with Rev Sheila Samuels at Godalming Minster Franklyn Road.

Monday Morning Reflections on Zoom
If you would like to start your week in quiet reflection over a passage of scripture do join us at 8.45am on Mondays using the link above – you will be very welcome. For any further information please contact: Gertrud Sollars or Shan Hallam.

Wednesdays at 9am:
Morning Prayer at Godalming Minster Hambledon
Morning Prayer on Zoom via link above.

Community & Fellowship

Nexus meets on the 1st Thursday of the month, with talks and activities for church members and the community. More about Nexus.

Ladies’ Drinks take place every 1st Friday of the month, 7.30PM at the The Pavilion by Howling Owl.

The Men’s Group meets for breakfast at 8.15am on the 1st Saturdays of the month. See the calendar for details.

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

The 2024 Prime Time programme is now available. For all events and details, see Prime Time.

Get Involved / Join a team

We’re passionate about people feeling like they’re a part of our church family and one of the best places to do that is as part of a team.

No matter your age or experience, there’s a team that you can join, serving alongside others and getting to know people better in the church. You can find out about all our opportunities to serve and offer your time and talents on the Join a Team page.

Don’t forget about…

MyChurchSuite is an app for members of Godalming Minster 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 Minster Office if you’ve lost your login details or would like to request an account. See more instructions.

The Yew Tree Café at Godalming Minster Brighton Road is open 8.30am-4pm weekdays in term time, and 10am-2pm on Saturdays, and 9.30am-4pm during school holidays. There’s wi-fi and power for those that want to work, and Prime Time hosts a drop in session for anyone who’d like a coffee and a chat every Monday from 10.30-11.30am.

PASTORAL CARE & PRAYER MINISTRY

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

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

Dear Friends

In the notices this week:

• Services this Sunday

• Alpha Courses this Autumn

• Nexus talk about the Farncombe Community Garden

• Marriage MOT course

• Staycation events in The Octagon

• Save the Date for the St Mark’s 90th Thanksgiving Service

• Holiday Club

• Other dates for the diary

This Sunday

Keep listening and engaging
Reading Acts 11: 1-18

We continue the sermon series: Build on a Rock – based on the life of the disciple Peter. The readings for each week, and a short topic descriptor can be picked up at Minster services this Sunday, and can be printed here.

Services

9am Choral Eucharist
Church Street (St Peter & St Paul’s)

10am Classic Service [HC]
Brighton Road (Busbridge)

10am Morning Worship
Hambledon (St Peter’s)

10am All Age Service
Franklyn Road (St Mark’s)

10.30am Muddy Church (All Age)
Jack Phillips Memorial Park, between the bandstand and the cloister
BYO cup for coffee and hot choc. Dogs and all welcome.

6pm Evening Worship
Brighton Road (Busbridge)

Look up services for next Sunday and find more information about congregations and service times on ChurchSuite, or the Sundays page on the web site. If you are on a rota, ChurchSuite will ping you a reminder by email, but you can also use the ChurchSuite app to check yourself.

We’re running Alpha!
Weds evenings 25th Sept – 27th Nov & Thurs lunchtimes 26th Sept – 28th Nov

Rev Lesley Mason is leading the courses this Autumn, and we’d like everyone to consider whether they would like to join in as a participant, or as a member of the team who helps lead, host and cater for the 12 sessions. Look out for invitations, posters and social media posts and please share them and encourage people along.

To find out more or register for a place go to https://godalmingminster.org/alpha

The sign up button takes you to the Wednesday evening course, but gives the option to sign up for Thursday lunchtimes instead.

To volunteer to help host, cook or set up please use the form above.

Thanks to the two heroes that came forward after our appeal for new volunteers in the Yew Tree Café. There is room for more, particularly on Tuesday afternoons and Fridays. No experience required as full training will be given! Volunteers do everything and anything from serving tables, taking orders, making drinks and sandwiches, clearing up and cleaning,  and of course talking to our lovely customers and giving a listening and caring ear as needed.

If your skills are in baking then we’d love you to join our very small band of bakers to produce the yummy cakes we serve – all done in the Old Rectory kitchen with full instructions, equipment and ingredients.

If you can’t commit to a full half day then other options are available – do ask us! Or fill in the volunteer form. We’d love to have you on board.
The Café Leadership team

Coming Up

July

Nexus, 8pm on Thursday 4th July
Nexus meets on first Thursdays of the month, and this month’s guest speaker is Dr Martin Brunet, Trustee of Farncombe Community Garden, on the topic of Growing Community Wellbeing. The General Election does clash, but we can vote earlier and get home in time to watch the exit polls on TV!  In the meantime, come and enjoy an hour or so socialising and hearing Martin speak about the development of Farncombe Community Garden, which is our Nexus charity for 2024.   Come along to find out more and discover how we might get involved! More about Nexus and this event >

Men’s Breakfast, 8.15am this coming Saturday, 6th July, in the Old Rectory.
Please join us for our monthly feast of food for the body and for the mind. After our usual fare of porridge, toast and coffee etc, we will move on our time of discussion.

A lot has happened since we last met, not just in the UK (where by Saturday we will know the outcome of the general election) but also in France, Europe more generally, and of course also in the USA. Personal and political meltdowns seem to be the order of the day, and we will reflect generally on what has been happening, noting that polarisation of thought seems to be a common theme.

All Minster Men are welcome, and if you know of anyone who you think might like to come, please bring them along…

Alan & Dudley, for Godalming Minster Men’s Group

Yew Tree Café – Closed Sat 6 July
While we are running without a café manager, there are a couple of shifts that are without a staff member to lead. The cafe will therefore be closed next Sat 6 Jul, and also on Sat 3 August.

Saturday 20 July Marriage MOT evening – Make a good thing even better!  Join us for a fantastic opportunity for couples build and enrich their relationship, however long you’ve been married. More details >

The Lammas Handbell Ringers invite you to a concert and supper on Sat 27th July at 6.30pm. “Our Dancing Day overlooking the River Wey” will take place in The Octagon at Godalming Minster Church Street. Tickets £12 including a 2-course supper are available from Helen 07760 494 703 or Barbara 01483 415600. During Staycation The Lammas Handbell Ringers are holding an Introduction to Handbell Ringing on Thursday 8th August at 4-5pm or 6-7pm. It’s FREE, but numbers will be limited so please contact Barbara to reserve your space.

Also in the Octagon during Godalming Staycation, Janet Davies is holding a “Sew Simple” hand embroidery session on Weds 7 August from 9 until 12 noon. All equipment and materials provided. Tea/coffee, cake and crafting. Telephone Janet on 07967 683443 to book a place. Limited to 12 people (under 18 to be accompanied by adult). Free but donations welcome to help cover costs. Any profit will go to Godalming Minster.

August

90th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service at Franklyn Road – 8th August at 3pm
St Mark’s Church is 90 years old this year. The Foundation stone was laid on 8th August 1934. We are holding a Thanksgiving Service on Thursday 8th August at 3pm followed by a cream tea. We would love for people across Godalming Minster to be there to give thanks for the history of St Mark’s church and more recently its community centre, and to pray for its future serving the Franklyn Road area.

Holiday Club 28-30 August
Sign up now for the first ever Godalming Minster Summer Holiday Club! It’s for primary age children in school years R-6. Invitations are going to the our church schools next week, and spaces are limited this year.

You are never too old to look for the greatest treasure, and this Holiday Club will be as much fun for older members of the crew as our young buccaneers. If you’d like to join the adventure, please get in touch with Jenny Lansdowne e: jenny.lansdowne@godalmingminster.org.

What’s on Where

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

Church Family News

One of the young adults in our church family is looking for a room or house share where she can live affordably and independently. The location needs to be suitable for a non-driver, with walkable access to public transport and amenities. If you can think of any possible options, please contact the office.

Marcus and his family will be saying farewell at the Contemporary Service on Sunday 21st July. If you would like to contribute to a leaving gift, please drop it into the Minster Office at the Old Rectory, or use Donate to give something online. Please include ref: Marcus.

Job Vacancies

We have taken the decision to re-advertise the posts of Children and Families Pastor (4-11’s) and Yew Tree Café manager, and are invited applications by the end of July. Details can be found on the vacancies page here. Please be praying for the right people to fill these special roles, and help share the ads.

Mission Update

Foodbank Update

URGENT LIST

• Tuna 

• Pasta sauces

• UHT semi skimmed milk

• Tinned Peas / Carrots and Tomatoes

• Biscuits and crackers

• Orange/Blackcurrant squash

• Orange/Apple 1 litre juice cartons

• Tea bags/Coffee/Hot chocolate

The latest shopping list can be found here. Please take a look and add a few items to your next shop.

Karen, the community centre coordinator, updates the shopping list each month with items most needed. You can find the latest shopping list for March on the Foodbank page.

Elsewhere

The National Trust Munstead Wood are running Chance to Chat sessions at Godalming Museum from 10-12 noon on the third Saturdays of the month. More details >

Life Issues 2024 – a programme of talks and course run by Godalming Baptist Church.

Can we pray for you?

***Please send prayer requests to prayer@godalmingminster.org***

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

9am Morning Prayer
9am on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays with Rev Sheila Samuels at Godalming Minster Franklyn Road.

Monday Morning Reflections on Zoom
If you would like to start your week in quiet reflection over a passage of scripture do join us at 8.45am on Mondays using the link above – you will be very welcome. For any further information please contact: Gertrud Sollars or Shan Hallam.

Wednesdays at 9am:
Morning Prayer at Godalming Minster Hambledon
Morning Prayer on Zoom via link above.

Community & Fellowship

Nexus meets on the 1st Thursday of the month, with talks and activities for church members and the community. More about Nexus.

Ladies’ Drinks take place every 1st Friday of the month, 7.30PM at the The Pavilion by Howling Owl.

The Men’s Group meets for breakfast at 8.15am on the 1st 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 2024 Prime Time programme is now available. For all events and details, see Prime Time.

Get Involved / Join a team

We’re passionate about people feeling like they’re a part of our church family and one of the best places to do that is as part of a team.

No matter your age or experience, there’s a team that you can join, serving alongside others and getting to know people better in the church. You can find out about all our opportunities to serve and offer your time and talents on the Join a Team page.

Don’t forget about…

MyChurchSuite is an app for members of Godalming Minster 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 Minster Office if you’ve lost your login details or would like to request an account. See more instructions.

The Yew Tree Café at Godalming Minster Brighton Road is open 8.30am-4pm weekdays in term time, and 10am-2pm on Saturdays, and 9.30am-4pm during school holidays. There’s wi-fi and power for those that want to work, and Prime Time hosts a drop in session for anyone who’d like a coffee and a chat every Monday from 10.30-11.30am.

PASTORAL CARE & PRAYER MINISTRY

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

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

Dear Friends

It’s a rare-ish fifth Sunday of the month which seems to be a cause for celebration by a couple of congregations. Franklyn Road offers bacon butties before the service at 10am, and the Brighton Road 6pm congregation will be celebrating the goodness of God with an extended time of praise and worship, followed by time to gather socially with drinks & snacks.  Everyone welcome!

The notices are being resent as the Classic service is definitely on, and now included in the service list for this Sunday. Classic will be marking St John the Baptist day (24 Jun).

Please keep reading for

• Services this Sunday

• Alpha Courses this Autumn

• Yew Tree Café news

• Nexus talk about the Farncombe Community Garden

• Marriage MOT course

• Save the Date for the St Mark’s 90th Thanksgiving Service

• Holiday Club

• Other dates for the diary

This Sunday

Keep listening and engaging
Reading: Acts 11: 1-18

We continue the sermon series: Build on a Rock – based on the life of the disciple Peter. The readings for each week, and a short topic descriptor can be picked up at Minster services this Sunday, and can be printed here.

Services

9am Choral Eucharist
Church Street (St Peter & St Paul’s)

10am Classic Service
Brighton Road (Busbridge)

10am Morning Worship
Hambledon (St Peter’s)

10am Sunday Service
Franklyn Road (St Mark’s)

10.30am Muddy Church
Jack Philipps Memorial Park, between the bandstand and the Cloister
BYO Cup for coffee and hot choc. Dogs and all welcome!

6pm Evening Worship
Brighton Road (Busbridge)

Look up services for next Sunday and find more information about congregations and service times on ChurchSuite, or the Sundays page on the web site. If you are on a rota, ChurchSuite will ping you a reminder by email, but you can also use the ChurchSuite app to check yourself.

We’re running Alpha!
Weds evenings 25th Sept – 27th Nov & Thurs lunchtimes 26th Sept – 28th Nov

Rev Lesley Mason is leading the courses this Autumn, and we’d like everyone to consider whether they would like to join in as a participant, or as a member of the team who helps lead, host and cater for the 12 sessions. Look out for invitations, posters and social media posts and please share them and encourage people along.

To find out more or register for a place go to https://godalmingminster.org/alpha

The sign up button takes you to the Wednesday evening course, but gives the option to sign up for Thursday lunchtimes instead.

To volunteer to help host, cook or set up please use the form above.

Our Yew Tree Café has a wonderful team of volunteers but a few have moved on and we really need 2 or 3 folk to fill gaps, particularly on Tuesday afternoons and Fridays. No experience required as full training will be given! Volunteers do everything and anything from serving tables, taking orders, making drinks and sandwiches, clearing up and cleaning,  and of course talking to our lovely customers and giving a listening and caring ear as needed.

If your skills are in baking then we’d love you to join our very small band of bakers to produce the yummy cakes we serve – all done in the Old Rectory kitchen with full instructions, equipment and ingredients.

If you can’t commit to a full half day then other options are available – do ask us!

It’s a joy and a privilege, and often a lot of fun to serve in the cafe, hard work but so worth it, do pop in and chat to the managers in the cafe or chat to Karen Hart, Carol Jones or any of our great team. Or fill in the volunteer form. We’d love to have you on board.
The Café Leadership team

Coming Up

July

Nexus, 8pm on Thursday 4th July
Nexus meets on first Thursdays of the month, and this month’s guest speaker is Dr Martin Brunet, Trustee of Farncombe Community Garden, on the topic of Growing Community Wellbeing. The General Election does clash, but we can vote earlier and get home in time to watch the exit polls on TV!  In the meantime, come and enjoy an hour or so socialising and hearing Martin speak about the development of Farncombe Community Garden, which is our Nexus charity for 2024.   Come along to find out more and discover how we might get involved! More about Nexus and this event >

Men’s Breakfast – Sat 6 July
Please join us at 8.15am this coming Saturday, 6th July, in the Old Rectory for our monthly feast of food for the body and for the mind. After our usual fare of porridge, toast and coffee etc, we will move on our time of discussion.

A lot has happened since we last met, not just in the UK (where by Saturday we will know the outcome of the general election) but also in France, Europe more generally, and of course also in the USA. Personal and political meltdowns seem to be the order of the day, and we will reflect generally on what has been happening, noting that polarisation of thought seems to be a common theme.

All Minster Men are welcome, and if you know of anyone who you think might like to come, please bring them along…

Alan & Dudley, for Godalming Minster Men’s Group

Yew Tree Café – Closed Sat 6 July
While we are running without a café manager, there are a couple of shifts that are without a staff member to lead. The cafe will therefore be closed next Sat 6 Jul, and also on Sat 3 August.

Saturday 20 July Marriage MOT evening – Make a good thing even better!  Join us for a fantastic opportunity for couples build and enrich their relationship, however long you’ve been married. More details >

August

90th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service at Franklyn Road – 8th August at 3pm
St Mark’s Church is 90 years old this year. The Foundation stone was laid on 8th August 1934. We are holding a Thanksgiving Service on Thursday 8th August at 3pm followed by a cream tea. We would love for people across Godalming Minster to be there to give thanks for the history of St Mark’s church and more recently its community centre, and to pray for its future serving the Franklyn Road area.

Holiday Club 28-30 August
Sign up now for the first ever Godalming Minster Summer Holiday Club! It’s for primary age children in school years R-6. Invitations are going to the our church schools next week, and spaces are limited this year.

You are never too old to look for the greatest treasure, and this Holiday Club will be as much fun for older members of the crew as our young buccaneers. If you’d like to join the adventure, please get in touch with Jenny Lansdowne e: jenny.lansdowne@godalmingminster.org.

What’s on Where

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

Church Family News

One of the young adults in our church family is looking for a room or house share where she can live affordably and independently. The location needs to be suitable for a non-driver, with walkable access to public transport and amenities. If you can think of any possible options, please contact the office.

Marcus and his family will be saying farewell at the Contemporary Service on Sunday 21st July. If you would like to contribute to a leaving gift, please drop it into the Minster Office at the Old Rectory, or use Donate to give something online. Please include ref: Marcus.

Job Vacancies

We have taken the decision to re-advertise the posts of Children and Families Pastor (4-11’s) and Yew Tree Café manager, and are invited applications by the end of July. Details can be found on the vacancies page here. Please be praying for the right people to fill these special roles, and help share the ads.

Mission Update

Foodbank Update

URGENT LIST

• Tuna 

• Pasta sauces

• UHT semi skimmed milk

• Tinned Peas / Carrots and Tomatoes

• Biscuits and crackers

• Orange/Blackcurrant squash

• Orange/Apple 1 litre juice cartons

• Tea bags/Coffee/Hot chocolate

The latest shopping list can be found here. Please take a look and add a few items to your next shop.

Karen, the community centre coordinator, updates the shopping list each month with items most needed. You can find the latest shopping list for March on the Foodbank page.

Elsewhere

The National Trust Munstead Wood are running Chance to Chat sessions at Godalming Museum from 10-12 noon on the third Saturdays of the month. More details >

Life Issues 2024 – a programme of talks and course run by Godalming Baptist Church.

Can we pray for you?

***Please send prayer requests to prayer@godalmingminster.org***

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

9am Morning Prayer
9am on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays with Rev Sheila Samuels at Godalming Minster Franklyn Road.

Monday Morning Reflections on Zoom
If you would like to start your week in quiet reflection over a passage of scripture do join us at 8.45am on Mondays using the link above – you will be very welcome. For any further information please contact: Gertrud Sollars or Shan Hallam.

Wednesdays at 9am:
Morning Prayer at Godalming Minster Hambledon
Morning Prayer on Zoom via link above.

Community & Fellowship

Nexus meets on the 1st Thursday of the month, with talks and activities for church members and the community. More about Nexus.

Ladies’ Drinks take place every 1st Friday of the month, 7.30PM at the The Pavilion by Howling Owl.

The Men’s Group meets for breakfast at 8.15am on the 1st 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 2024 Prime Time programme is now available. For all events and details, see Prime Time.

Get Involved / Join a team

We’re passionate about people feeling like they’re a part of our church family and one of the best places to do that is as part of a team.

No matter your age or experience, there’s a team that you can join, serving alongside others and getting to know people better in the church. You can find out about all our opportunities to serve and offer your time and talents on the Join a Team page.

Don’t forget about…

MyChurchSuite is an app for members of Godalming Minster 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 Minster Office if you’ve lost your login details or would like to request an account. See more instructions.

The Yew Tree Café at Godalming Minster Brighton Road is open 8.30am-4pm weekdays in term time, and 10am-2pm on Saturdays, and 9.30am-4pm during school holidays. There’s wi-fi and power for those that want to work, and Prime Time hosts a drop in session for anyone who’d like a coffee and a chat every Monday from 10.30-11.30am.

PASTORAL CARE & PRAYER MINISTRY

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

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

Dear Friends

Yesterday Ben Rogers completed a mad-ish and massive 37 miles, barefoot, from Brighton back to Busbridge along the Downs Link. The route took him more than 28 hours including a short night’s sleep enroute, and was a real test of stamina and willpower. Thank you Ben for gritting it out, and for the £4000+ you have raised in sponsorship. There’s a few posts from different stages of the walk on Instagram and Facebook for updates, and it’s not too late to sponsor Ben on gofundme.

Ben is raising money for the repairs to the Busbridge church tower, and you might like to read the lastest Rector’s Reflection on how it’s all going.

Classic and Hambledon congregations will be enjoying the weather at the Hambledon Festival Service on the Cricket Green this Sunday at 10am. Please do join them, particularly if you haven’t ever visited this corner of the Minster in a lovely little pocket of Surrey! (The Hambledon Festival involves a fete on Saturday too which is also worth a visit).

Please keep reading for

• Services this Sunday

• Alpha Courses this Autumn

• Nexus talk about the Farncombe Community Garden

• Marriage MOT course

• Dates for the diary

This Sunday

Reading: Acts 8: 9-25

We continue the sermon series: Build on a Rock – based on the life of the disciple Peter. The readings for each week, and a short topic descriptor can be picked up at Minster services this Sunday, and can be printed here.

Services

10am Hambledon Festival Service on the Green
Hambledon Village Cricket Green, Vann Lane, GU8 4HF
The Hambledon and Brighton Road Classic congregations will meet on the cricket green this Sunday!

10am Sunday Service
Franklyn Road (St Mark’s)

10.30am Contemporary Service
Church Street (St Peter & St Paul’s)
Coffee from 10.15am and children’s groups in the Octagon.

5pm Choral Evensong
Church Street (St Peter & St Paul’s)

6pm Evening Worship [HC]
Brighton Road (Busbridge)

Look up services for next Sunday and find more information about congregations and service times on ChurchSuite, or the Sundays page on the web site. If you are on a rota, ChurchSuite will ping you a reminder by email, but you can also use the ChurchSuite app to check yourself.

Fifth Sunday Special at 6pm: 30 June at Brighton Road

Celebrating the goodness of God!

An extended time of praise and worship, followed by time to gather socially with drinks & snacks.  Everyone welcome!

Please put this evening in your diary!  We will enjoy a special extended time of praise & worship led by Simon Willets, followed by time to gather socially with drinks and snacks provided.  Do come if you can!  Feel free to bring a snack to share (sweet or savoury) – but don’t feel obliged and come as you are.

We’re running Alpha!
Godalming Minster is going to run two courses this Autumn:
Weds evenings from 25th Sept – 27th Nov Thurs lunchtimes from 26th Sept – 28th Nov

Rev Lesley Mason is leading the courses, and we’d like everyone to consider whether they would like to join in as a participant, or as a member of the team who helps lead, host and cater for the 12 sessions. Look out for invitations, posters and social media posts and please share them and encourage people along.

To find out more or register for a place go to https://godalmingminster.org/alpha

This takes you to the Wednesday evening course, but gives the option to sign up for Thursday lunchtimes too.

Clergy news
Last Sunday we announced the news that Patrick Samuels has accepted the post of Vicar of the new Benefice of Horton, Wraybury and Colnbrook in the Buckingham Archdeaconry of Oxford Diocese.

Naturally Sheila will go to Buckingham with Patrick, and Bishop Andrew has accepted her resignation here, with her last Sunday being 1st September. The clergy team and Franklyn Road congregation are already making plans for life after Sheila, aiming to ensure services and mission activities continue.

We’re thrilled for Patrick, though he and Sheila will be greatly missed. We are planning to say farewell to the Samuels at the Holiday Club BBQ on Sunday 1st Sept.

John and Sue Harkin will be with us a little while longer whilst they continue to work with the Church of England to find a suitable retirement property. The Bishop has granted an extension to John’s existing contract (3 days per week) for up to one more year. John will continue ministry to the Church Street congregations in addition to supporting ministry in Hambledon whilst we advertise for a new Associate Minister to live in Hambledon. We are very grateful for them both, but pray for the right home to be available soon. The Hambledon post will be advertised shortly once the Archdeacon has signed off the role specification and related documentation.

Congratulations to David Brockman for being accepted by the Diocese to become a Licensed Lay Minster (LLM). David has been working with Andy Spencer, Simon Taylor and others on hearing a call to develop his God given gifts in preaching and services, discipleship support and small groups. Thanks to Andy Spencer for Andy’s work on discernment with David and several others in the Minster congregations.

Many people have been asking about the plans for John Harkin’s retirement on June 30th 2024.  This week the PCC unanimously agreed to ask the Bishop to extend John’s existing contract (3 days per week) for up to one more year, whilst John and Sue continue to work with the Church of England to find a suitable retirement property. The extension of John’s licence and living is supported by the Archdeacon and the Bishop of Guildford so John will be licensed before the end of June to enable him to continue to serve across the Minster.

Following the successful funding appeal in Hambledon, Godalming Minster is now in a position to advertise for a new Associate Minister to live in Hambledon. Whilst we advertise for this post, John will continue ministry to the Church Street congregations in addition to supporting ministry in Hambledon.  This way, we gain an immediate increase in clergy involvement for Hambledon.

The Hambledon post will be advertised shortly once the Archdeacon has signed off the role specification and related documentation.  The advert will invite ‘expressions of interest’, rather than have a definite interview date, to give us flexibility in how we proceed and will enable us to have conversations with prospective clergy candidates. There will be further announcements on Sunday which support having John with us for a while longer.

Congratulations to David Brockman for being accepted by the Diocese to become a Locally Licensed Minster (LLM). David has been working with Andy Spencer, Simon Taylor and others on hearing a call to develop his God given gifts in preaching and services, discipleship support and small groups. Thanks to Andy Spencer for Andy’s work on discernment with David and several others in the Minster congregations.

Coming Up

June

Hambledon Village Service on the Green – Sunday 23rd June at 10am.
This Sunday the Busbridge Classic and Hambledon morning congregations are joining in this special, bi-annual service in the marquee on Hambledon Cricket Green. Come along, meet people, grab a coffee at the village shop afterwards. It’s a chance to support our Hambledon congregation. On Sat 22nd June, pop along to the unique Hambledon Village Fete (afternoon), on the Green. A more quintessential village event you will find hard to beat!

The Bereavement Café next meets on Tuesday 25th June in the Busbridge Old Rectory from 2.30pm-4pm. Information about Bereavement Support can be found under What’s on.

July

Nexus, 8pm on Thursday 4th July
Nexus meets on first Thursdays of the month, and this month’s guest speaker is Dr Martin Brunet, Trustee of Farncombe Community Garden, on the topic of Growing Community Wellbeing. The General Election does clash, but we can vote earlier and get home in time to watch the exit polls on TV!  In the meantime, come and enjoy an hour or so socialising and hearing Martin speak about the development of Farncombe Community Garden, which is our Nexus charity for 2024.   Come along to find out more and discover how we might get involved! More about Nexus and this event >

Saturday 20 July Marriage MOT evening – Make a good thing even better!  Join us for a fantastic opportunity for couples build and enrich their relationship, however long you’ve been married. More details >

August

Holiday Club 28-30 August
Save the Date for the first ever Godalming Minster Summer Holiday Club! We need an army of leaders and helpers, as well as children so please watch this space, or chat to Ben Barnes for details.

What’s on Where

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

Job Vacancies

We have taken the decision to re-advertise the posts of Children and Families Pastor (4-11’s) and Yew Tree Café manager, and are invited applications by the end of July. Details can be found on the vacancies page here. Please be praying for the right people to fill these special roles, and help share the ads.

Mission Update

URGENT. The Cellar Camino Cafe was closed the last two Saturdays (when the town was busy) because of lack of staff. A mature and capable volunteer is urgently needed to help between 10 and and 2-30 pm on a Saturday. This is a big ask and could be done on a rota basis. Please contact Debbie or Emma at the Cellar if you can help. The Cellar Camino Café is part of the Warehouse Christian Trust – one of Godalming Minster’s local mission partners. Thanks to everyone who has served the community of Godalming through The Cellar and Skillway over the years, and who are involved today.

Foodbank Update

URGENT LIST

• Tuna 

• Pasta sauces

• UHT semi skimmed milk

• Tinned Peas / Carrots and Tomatoes

• Biscuits and crackers

• Orange/Blackcurrant squash

• Orange/Apple 1 litre juice cartons

• Tea bags/Coffee/Hot chocolate

The latest shopping list can be found here. Please take a look and add a few items to your next shop.

Karen, the community centre coordinator, updates the shopping list each month with items most needed. You can find the latest shopping list for March on the Foodbank page.

Elsewhere

The National Trust Munstead Wood are running Chance to Chat sessions at Godalming Museum from 10-12 noon on the third Saturdays of the month. More details >

Life Issues 2024 – a programme of talks and course run by Godalming Baptist Church.

Next Life Issues: Revd Peter Jackson will lead a Life Issue session on Saturday 22nd June on ‘Loneliness’ ,such an issue for folk of all ages in our society today. Please do come as Peter will lead the subject of loneliness with great empathy and sensitivity as indeed he did last year when he led a Life Issue on Bereavement. To book a place, please contact Sally Pollard (contact details as above.) There is no charge but donations appreciated towards the work of ‘Silverline’

Can we pray for you?

***Please send prayer requests to prayer@godalmingminster.org***

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

9am Morning Prayer
9am on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays with Rev Sheila Samuels at Godalming Minster Franklyn Road.

Monday Morning Reflections on Zoom
If you would like to start your week in quiet reflection over a passage of scripture do join us at 8.45am on Mondays using the link above – you will be very welcome. For any further information please contact: Gertrud Sollars or Shan Hallam.

Wednesdays at 9am:
Morning Prayer at Godalming Minster Hambledon
Morning Prayer on Zoom via link above.

Community & Fellowship

Nexus meets on the 1st Thursday of the month, with talks and activities for church members and the community. See the 2024 Nexus programme, and updates on Nexus.

Ladies’ Drinks take place every 1st Friday of the month, 7.30PM at the The Pavilion by Howling Owl.

The Men’s Group meets for breakfast at 8.15am on the 1st 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 2024 Prime Time programme is now available. For all events and details, see Prime Time.

Get Involved / Join a team

We’re passionate about people feeling like they’re a part of our church family and one of the best places to do that is as part of a team.

No matter your age or experience, there’s a team that you can join, serving alongside others and getting to know people better in the church. You can find out about all our opportunities to serve and offer your time and talents on the Join a Team page.

Don’t forget about…

MyChurchSuite is an app for members of Godalming Minster 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 Minster Office if you’ve lost your login details or would like to request an account. See more instructions.

The Yew Tree Café at Godalming Minster Brighton Road is open 8.30am-4pm weekdays in term time, and 10am-2pm on Saturdays, and 9.30am-4pm during school holidays. There’s wi-fi and power for those that want to work, and Prime Time hosts a drop in session for anyone who’d like a coffee and a chat every Monday from 10.30-11.30am.

PASTORAL CARE & PRAYER MINISTRY

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

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

Dear Friends

It’s Father’s Day this Sunday, and though it’s not a biblical – or Anglican – celebration, we will be showing our appreciation of all Dads and father figures with a little gesture in our services this Sunday!

Last Sunday we launched an appeal to help with the repairs to the Busbridge Church Tower at Godalming Minster Brighton Road. Thanks to everyone who has collected an delivered the Busbridge Tower handouts around Busbridge. We are now out of copies, so if you have any leftovers, or need more please email vic.hicks@godalmingminster.org.

Thanks too to all those who joined the Day of Prayer on Monday 10th June. We asked everyone to pray throughout the day for the tower, the Peace Bell it houses, and what it represents as a symbol in the community. You can still use the prayer programme while the repairs continue.

Sponsor Ben’s Walk! To help with the fundraising Ben Rogers is planning to walk a heroic 37 miles, barefoot, from Brighton back to Busbridge along the Downs Link next week on 19-20 June. We’ll be tracking Ben, and sending support along the way, so please follow godalmingminster on Instagram and Facebook for updates.

Please keep reading for

• Services this Sunday

• Clergy News

• Nexus talk about the Farncombe Community Garden

• Marriage MOT course

• Dates for the diary

This Sunday

Taking on responsibility
Reading: 2 Corinthians 5: 6-10, 14-17

We continue the sermon series: Build on a Rock – based on the life of the disciple Peter. The readings for each week, and a short topic descriptor can be picked up at Minster services this Sunday, and can be printed here.

Services

9am Choral Eucharist
Church Street (St Peter & St Paul’s)

10am Classic Service
Brighton Road (Busbridge)

10am Sunday Service
Franklyn Road (St Mark’s)

10am Morning Worship
Hambledon (St Peter’s)

10.30am Contemporary Service [HC]
Church Street (St Peter & St Paul’s)
Coffee from 10.15am and children’s groups in the Octagon.

6pm Evening Worship
Brighton Road (Busbridge)

Look up services for next Sunday and find more information about congregations and service times on ChurchSuite, or the Sundays page on the web site. If you are on a rota, ChurchSuite will ping you a reminder by email, but you can also use the ChurchSuite app to check yourself.

Clergy news
Many people have been asking about the plans for John Harkin’s retirement on June 30th 2024.  This week the PCC unanimously agreed to ask the Bishop to extend John’s existing contract (3 days per week) for up to one more year, whilst John and Sue continue to work with the Church of England to find a suitable retirement property. The extension of John’s licence and living is supported by the Archdeacon and the Bishop of Guildford so John will be licensed before the end of June to enable him to continue to serve across the Minster.

Following the successful funding appeal in Hambledon, Godalming Minster is now in a position to advertise for a new Associate Minister to live in Hambledon. Whilst we advertise for this post, John will continue ministry to the Church Street congregations in addition to supporting ministry in Hambledon.  This way, we gain an immediate increase in clergy involvement for Hambledon.

The Hambledon post will be advertised shortly once the Archdeacon has signed off the role specification and related documentation.  The advert will invite ‘expressions of interest’, rather than have a definite interview date, to give us flexibility in how we proceed and will enable us to have conversations with prospective clergy candidates. There will be further announcements on Sunday which support having John with us for a while longer.

Congratulations to David Brockman for being accepted by the Diocese to become a Locally Licensed Minster (LLM). David has been working with Andy Spencer, Simon Taylor and others on hearing a call to develop his God given gifts in preaching and services, discipleship support and small groups. Thanks to Andy Spencer for Andy’s work on discernment with David and several others in the Minster congregations.

Things to celebrate
The tower prayer day was well received by many people, and it seems like hundreds of Minster worshippers were praying throughout last Monday. Ben Rogers has already raised £1,600 for his barefoot tower-walk. Do sponsor him! Several donations have already been given for the tower repairs and the tower leaflet has been well received in the community.

Last Sunday, the monthly 8am BCP 1662 service at Church Street had a record 27 worshippers, followed by an excellent croissant breakfast. On Tuesday evening Ben Barnes hosted a thank you party for more than 30 people who serve in our children’s ministry.

The current Bereavement Journey course is now well underway, with more participants than planned. Please pray for the participants and the pastoral assistants who are leading the course. If you would like to find out about future courses, please register your interest, or consider trying the Bereavement Café which next meets on Tuesday 25th June in the Busbridge Old Rectory from 2.30pm-4pm. Information about Bereavement Support can be found under What’s on.

Coming Up

June

Hambledon Coffee Morning, Weds 19 June, 10.30am-12pm
Come along to St Peter’s Hambledon for coffee and a catch up. NHS Hearing Aid batteries and maintenance also available.

Priors Field Garden Party for Prime Time, Thurs 20 June 3.30-5pm
The Garden Party at Prior’s Field School has become one of the highlights of the Prime Time year.  Do come along to this delightful event which is once again being hosted for us by the girls and staff of the school. The girls are already busy planning this year’s event and calculating how many scones they will need! They will be your hostesses for the afternoon; which similarly to previous events, which also include musical entertainment. Non-Prime Time members welcome. Please sign up by 14th June. More details and sign up >

Hambledon Village Service on the Green – Sunday 23rd June at 10am.
Next Sunday the Busbridge Classic and Hambledon morning congregations are joining in this special, bi-annual service in the marquee on Hambledon Cricket Green. Come along, meet people, grab a coffee at the village shop afterwards. It’s a chance to support our Hambledon congregation. On Sat 22nd June, pop along to the unique Hambledon Village Fete (afternoon), on the Green. A more quintessential village event you will find hard to beat!

July

Nexus, 8pm on Thursday 4th July
Nexus meets on first Thursdays of the month, and this month’s guest speaker is Dr Martin Brunet, Trustee of Farncombe Community Garden, on the topic of Growing Community Wellbeing. The General Election does clash, but we can vote earlier and get home in time to watch the exit polls on TV!  In the meantime, come and enjoy an hour or so socialising and hearing Martin speak about the development of Farncombe Community Garden, which is our Nexus charity for 2024.   Come along to find out more and discover how we might get involved! More about Nexus and this event >

Saturday 20 July Marriage MOT evening – Make a good thing even better!  Join us for a fantastic opportunity for couples build and enrich their relationship, however long you’ve been married. More details >

August

Holiday Club 28-30 August
Save the Date for the first ever Godalming Minster Summer Holiday Club! We need an army of leaders and helpers, as well as children so please watch this space, or chat to Ben Barnes for details.

What’s on Where

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

Job Vacancies

The job adverts for the posts of Children and Families Pastor (4-11’s) and Yew Tree Café manager can be found on the vacancies page here. Please be praying for the right people to fill these special roles, and share the ads. The closing date for applications is Monday 10th June.

Church Family News

Several members of our church family have been bereaved recently, and we send our love to them all: to Ron and Ann Vickery, whose daughter Wendy died unexpectedly two weekends ago, and to Richard Morris whose mother has died.  Please pray for them all, asking God to surround them and their families with his love and comfort. 

Mission Update

URGENT. The Cellar Camino Cafe was closed the last two Saturdays (when the town was busy) because of lack of staff. A mature and capable volunteer is urgently needed to help between 10 and and 2-30 pm on a Saturday. This is a big ask and could be done on a rota basis. Please contact Debbie or Emma at the Cellar if you can help. The Cellar Camino Café is part of the Warehouse Christian Trust – one of Godalming Minster’s local mission partners. Thanks to everyone who has served the community of Godalming through The Cellar and Skillway over the years, and who are involved today.

Foodbank Update The latest shopping list can be found here. Please take a look and add a few items to your next shop.

Karen, the community centre coordinator, updates the shopping list each month with items most needed. You can find the latest shopping list for March on the Foodbank page.

Elsewhere

Life Issues 2024 – a programme of talks and course run by Godalming Baptist Church.

Next Life Issues: Revd Peter Jackson will lead a Life Issue session on Saturday 22nd June on ‘Loneliness’ ,such an issue for folk of all ages in our society today. Please do come as Peter will lead the subject of loneliness with great empathy and sensitivity as indeed he did last year when he led a Life Issue on Bereavement. To book a place, please contact Sally Pollard (contact details as above.) There is no charge but donations appreciated towards the work of ‘Silverline’

Can we pray for you?

***Please send prayer requests to prayer@godalmingminster.org***

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

9am Morning Prayer
9am on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays with Rev Sheila Samuels at Godalming Minster Franklyn Road.

Monday Morning Reflections on Zoom
If you would like to start your week in quiet reflection over a passage of scripture do join us at 8.45am on Mondays using the link above – you will be very welcome. For any further information please contact: Gertrud Sollars or Shan Hallam.

Wednesdays at 9am:
Morning Prayer at Godalming Minster Hambledon
Morning Prayer on Zoom via link above.

Community & Fellowship

Nexus meets on the 1st Thursday of the month, with talks and activities for church members and the community. See the 2024 Nexus programme, and updates on Nexus.

Ladies’ Drinks take place every 1st Friday of the month, 7.30PM at the The Pavilion by Howling Owl.

The Men’s Group meets for breakfast at 8.15am on the 1st 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 2024 Prime Time programme is now available. For all events and details, see Prime Time.

Get Involved / Join a team

We’re passionate about people feeling like they’re a part of our church family and one of the best places to do that is as part of a team.

No matter your age or experience, there’s a team that you can join, serving alongside others and getting to know people better in the church. You can find out about all our opportunities to serve and offer your time and talents on the Join a Team page.

Don’t forget about…

MyChurchSuite is an app for members of Godalming Minster 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 Minster Office if you’ve lost your login details or would like to request an account. See more instructions.

The Yew Tree Café at Godalming Minster Brighton Road is open 8.30am-4pm weekdays in term time, and 10am-2pm on Saturdays, and 9.30am-4pm during school holidays. There’s wi-fi and power for those that want to work, and Prime Time hosts a drop in session for anyone who’d like a coffee and a chat every Monday from 10.30-11.30am.

PASTORAL CARE & PRAYER MINISTRY

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

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

Dear Friends

At 11am today, there was an important act of remembrance and service at the Godalming Town War Memorial besides Godalming Minster Church Street. The public gathered alongside representatives of the military, emergency services, those in civic and council service, town representatives and the British Legion gathered to commemorate the terrible sacrifices on D-Day, 6th June 1944. Simon Taylor led the service and shares his thoughts on DDay80 in the latest Rector’s Reflection.

This Sunday we are launching an appeal to help with the repairs to the Busbridge Church Tower at Godalming Minster Brighton Road. You may have seen the scaffolding! Information about the project can be found in the handout which the Classic and 6pm congregations have been asked to deliver to their Busbridge neighbours. Copies will be available at Brighton Road from next week, and it would be great if those from other congregations who live in Busbridge could help with these deliveries.

Most important for everyone is the Day of Prayer on Monday 10th June. We are asking everyone to pray throughout the day for the tower, the Peace Bell it houses, and what it represents as a symbol in the community. Please follow the prayer programme throughout the day, and join us for the prayer gathering in the church at 12 noon.

To help with the fundraising Ben Rogers is planning to walk a heroic 37 miles, barefoot, from Busbridge to Brighton along the Down’s Link on 19-20 June. Surely that’s worth at least £1 per mile! Sponsor Ben’s Walk.

Please keep reading for

• More on the Day of Prayer

• Services this Sunday

• Marriage MOT course

• Holiday Club dates this summer.

This Sunday

Matthew 16: 13-20: Say what you believe to be true

We continue the sermon series: Build on a Rock – based on the life of the disciple Peter. The readings for each week, and a short topic descriptor can be picked up at Minster services this Sunday, and can be printed here.

Services

8am BCP Holy Communion
Church Street (St Peter & St Paul’s)

10am Classic Service
Brighton Road (Busbridge)

10am Sunday Service
Franklyn Road (St Mark’s)

10am Morning Worship
Hambledon (St Peter’s)

10.30am Contemporary Service
Church Street (St Peter & St Paul’s)
Coffee from 10.15am and children’s groups in the Octagon.
(Communion postponed)

6pm Evening Worship
Brighton Road (Busbridge)

Look up services for next Sunday and find more information about congregations and service times on ChurchSuite, or the Sundays page on the web site. If you are on a rota, ChurchSuite will ping you a reminder by email, but you can also use the ChurchSuite app to check yourself.

Prayer matters. 10th June. All day. We sometimes what to pray about or how to pray, but what we do know is that prayer matters. Prayer changes things humanly and spiritually because prayer is part of our discipleship as Christians.

We’re inviting everyone to engage in a day of prayer on Monday June 10th. You don’t have to go anywhere to do this. You could do so aloud, on a walk, in silence, or with a few sentences of thought in your soul.

What are we praying about?
Visibly, we’re praying about the church tower Brighton Road Busbridge. You’ll have heard last week that there are serious issues that we have just got to address now.

Spiritually, we’re praying about a tower that stands as a sign of faithfulness and faith to all who see it. We’re praying for renewal of faith.

Financially, we are praying that people will help us to raise the necessary funds.

To help you pray through June 10th you’ll get a day-prayer card when you gather at a service this Sunday (9th). Please use the card to pray throughout the day. If you can, please gather in the church, below the tower, at midday on Monday to join in praying together.

The invitation is for every one of us to be praying throughout the day.

No prayer is too small or insignificant.

Every prayer matters.

You’re also invited to take a bundle of leaflets about the tower and deliver them through local doors. There’s a map at the back of Brighton Road Busbridge where you can colour a road in and deliver, pray for that road and the people in it. It’s an invitation to pray walk later in the week too!

Coming Up

Ladies Drinks at the Howling Owl is not on this month – Friday 7th June.

June

Start the Week (an alternative) – Mondays from 3rd June
For the last 4 years, there has been a small group of people meeting on Zoom on a Monday morning to reflect on scripture together. We have worked our way through the gospel of Luke and have now started on Acts. We listen to some music, read a short passage and then quietly listen to what God is saying to us through his word. It has been a rich way of starting the week.

This is not a closed or specialist group, and if you would like to join us, you are very welcome. Come and try it out! The time is Mondays (not bank holidays, and not always during school holidays), 8.45 – 9.30am. If you would like to know more, contact Gertrud Sollars (gertrud.sollars@btinternet.com) or Shan Hallam (hallamshan7@gmail.com), or you can find out the Zoom meeting ID and password from the Minster office (office@godalmingminster.org).

Hambledon Village Service on the Green – Sunday 23rd June at 10am.
All are invited to join in this special, bi-annual service in the marquee on Hambledon Cricket Green. Come along, meet people, grab a coffee at the village shop afterwards. It’s a chance to support our Hambledon congregation. On Sat 22nd June, pop along to the unique Hambledon Village Fete (afternoon), on the Green. A more quintessential village event you will find hard to beat!

July

Saturday 20 July Marriage MOT evening – Make a good thing even better!  Join us for a fantastic opportunity for couples build and enrich their relationship, however long you’ve been married.

August

Holiday Club 28-30 August
Save the Date for the first ever Godalming Minster Summer Holiday Club! We need an army of leaders and helpers, as well as children so please watch this space, or chat to Ben Barnes for details.

What’s on Where

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

Job Vacancies

The job adverts for the posts of Children and Families Pastor (4-11’s) and Yew Tree Café manager can be found on the vacancies page here. Please be praying for the right people to fill these special roles, and share the ads. The closing date for applications is Monday 10th June.

Church Family News

Several members of our church family have been bereaved recently, and we send our love to them all: to Ron and Ann Vickery, whose daughter Wendy died unexpectedly two weekends ago, and to Richard Morris whose mother has died.  Please pray for them all, asking God to surround them and their families with his love and comfort. 

Mission Update

Foodbank Update The latest shopping list can be found here. Please take a look and add a few items to your next shop.

Karen, the community centre coordinator, updates the shopping list each month with items most needed. You can find the latest shopping list for March on the Foodbank page.

Elsewhere

Life Issues 2024 – a programme of talks and course run by Godalming Baptist Church.

Next Life Issues: Revd Peter Jackson will lead a Life Issue session on Saturday 22nd June on ‘Loneliness’ ,such an issue for folk of all ages in our society today. Please do come as Peter  will lead the subject of loneliness with great empathy and sensitivity as indeed he did  last year when he led a Life Issue on Bereavement. To book a place, please contact Sally Pollard (contact details as above.) There is no charge but donations appreciated towards the work of ‘Silverline’

Can we pray for you?

***Please send prayer requests to prayer@godalmingminster.org***

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

9am Morning Prayer
9am on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays with Rev Sheila Samuels at Godalming Minster Franklyn Road.

Monday Morning Reflections on Zoom
If you would like to start your week in quiet reflection over a passage of scripture do join us at 8.45am on Mondays using the link above – you will be very welcome. For any further information please contact: Gertrud Sollars or Shan Hallam.

Wednesdays at 9am:
Morning Prayer at Godalming Minster Hambledon
Morning Prayer on Zoom via link above.

Community & Fellowship

Nexus meets on the 1st Thursday of the month, with talks and activities for church members and the community. See the 2024 Nexus programme, and updates on Nexus.

Ladies’ Drinks take place every 1st Friday of the month, 7.30PM at the The Pavilion by Howling Owl.

The Men’s Group meets for breakfast at 8.15am on the 1st 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 2024 Prime Time programme is now available. For all events and details, see Prime Time.

Get Involved / Join a team

We’re passionate about people feeling like they’re a part of our church family and one of the best places to do that is as part of a team.

No matter your age or experience, there’s a team that you can join, serving alongside others and getting to know people better in the church. You can find out about all our opportunities to serve and offer your time and talents on the Join a Team page.

Don’t forget about…

MyChurchSuite is an app for members of Godalming Minster 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 Minster Office if you’ve lost your login details or would like to request an account. See more instructions.

The Yew Tree Café at Godalming Minster Brighton Road is open 8.30am-4pm weekdays in term time, and 10am-2pm on Saturdays, and 9.30am-4pm during school holidays. There’s wi-fi and power for those that want to work, and Prime Time hosts a drop in session for anyone who’d like a coffee and a chat every Monday from 10.30-11.30am.

PASTORAL CARE & PRAYER MINISTRY

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

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

Dear Friends

Please keep reading for

• Services this Sunday

• An invitation to the Nexus Garden Visit on 6th June

• The Bereavement Journey course on Wednesdays in June and July

• Job opportunities with Godalming Minster.

• What’s still on in half-term, and Sunday 2nd June.

• Request for prayer and help with the Brighton Road Tower Appeal

The Minster Office will be open Tuesday – Friday as usual, but there will be no notices next week.

This Sunday

Matthew 16: 13-20: Say what you believe to be true

We continue the sermon series: Build on a Rock – based on the life of the disciple Peter. The readings for each week, and a short topic descriptor can be picked up at Minster services this Sunday, and can be printed here.

Services

10am Classic Service
Brighton Road (Busbridge)

10am Sunday Service
Franklyn Road (St Mark’s)

10am Morning Worship
Hambledon (St Peter’s)

10.30am Contemporary Service
Church Street (St Peter & St Paul’s)
Coffee from 10.15am and children’s groups in the Octagon.
(Communion postponed)

5pm Choral Evensong
Church Street (St Peter & St Paul’s)

6pm Evening Worship
Brighton Road (Busbridge)

Look up services for next Sunday and find more information about congregations and service times on ChurchSuite, or the Sundays page on the web site. If you are on a rota, ChurchSuite will ping you a reminder by email, but you can also use the ChurchSuite app to check yourself.

Staff and PCC Strategy Day on 18th May
Thanks to the members of the PCC, Clergy, Lay Ministry and staff teams who gave their time last Saturday. We had a great day with Rev Mat Ineson who helped us consider the future. We’ll share more details soon. See pics on facebook.

Fridge wanted for the Busbridge Old Rectory kitchen
Following extensive PAT testing across all Minster sites this week, there have been quite a few electrical items that have not made the grade. The fridge freezer in the kitchen at the Busbridge Old Rectory is one of them. Before we invest, please let Liz Gorst know if you have a suitable replacement to donate – Full height, fridge above freezer, or American style (hopes the youth director) to store things like milk supplies for tea and coffee, food for youth groups and cakes for PrimeTime!

Church tower, Brighton Road Busbridge
If you’ve been to the church office or yew tree café you’ll have seen that scaffolding has gone up around the church tower. Initial work has been done to restore the tower. Further work will be needed in the next few weeks. We’re putting an information together for the church and the community. We’ll be asking for help to a) deliver information flyers to the community around the church in the week of June 9th b) prepare yourself for a day of prayer on June 10th for the works, finances and for peace (the church bell is called the Peace Bell) c) consider supporting Ben Rogers in a 48 hour sponsored walk later in June to raise funds for the tower restoration. More information will shared in the next couple of weeks. Thank you to Ian Tomes and the Minster buildings group for their care of all our Minster buildings as we make them suitable for the Minster’s mission and worship.

Coming Up

May

Half-term 27th-31st May: A few things take a break, but the following are STILL ON!

Monday, 27 May Bank Holiday for all activities.

Tuesday, 28 May

9:00am   Morning Prayer at St Marks   (Godalming Minster Franklyn Road)

12:00pm   The Hub   (Godalming Minster Franklyn Road)

2:30pm   Bereavement Café   (The Old Rectory)

Wednesday, 29 May

9:00am   Hambledon Morning Prayer   (Hambledon Church)

Saturday, 1 June

8:15am   Men’s Breakfast   (The Old Rectory)

Sunday, 2 June

9:00am   Choral Eucharist   (Godalming Minster Church Street)

10:00am   Classic Service   (Godalming Minster Brighton Road)

10:00am   Morning Worship   (Godalming Minster Hambledon)

10:00am   Morning Worship   (Godalming Minster Franklyn Road)

10:30am   Muddy Church [All Age]   (Holloway Hill Recreation Ground)

6:00pm   Evening Service   (Godalming Minster Brighton Road)

June

Start the Week (an alternative) – Mondays from 3rd June
For the last 4 years, there has been a small group of people meeting on Zoom on a Monday morning to reflect on scripture together. We have worked our way through the gospel of Luke and have now started on Acts. We listen to some music, read a short passage and then quietly listen to what God is saying to us through his word. It has been a rich way of starting the week.

This is not a closed or specialist group, and if you would like to join us, you are very welcome. Come and try it out! The time is Mondays (not bank holidays, and not always during school holidays), 8.45 – 9.30am. If you would like to know more, contact Gertrud Sollars (gertrud.sollars@btinternet.com) or Shan Hallam (hallamshan7@gmail.com), or you can find out the Zoom meeting ID and password from the Minster office (office@godalmingminster.org).

NEXUS Garden Visit to Bridge End Cottage
Nexus invites you to join them for a garden tour and pub meal in the evening of Thursday 6th June. This year Nexus have arranged a private tour of NGS Bridge End Cottage in Ockham. There’s lots to see and the head gardener will be on hand to share tips with you. You can find out more, and sign up via ChurchSuite, click here.

Bereavement Journey 5th June – 10th July – Spaces available

Spaces (4) available on the next course. As part of the bereavement support offered by the Godalming Minster Pastoral team, the next Bereavement Journey course starts on 5 June. This course is run nationally, for anyone who has been bereaved recently or sometime ago. Even those caring for a terminally ill loved one may benefit. Please find all the details here, and share with anyone you think of. The group is limited to 8-10 people, so please register with Sandra Wilkin: pastoral@godalmingminster.org.

July

Brighton Road & Franklyn Road Polling Stations
Both churches will be used as a polling stations for the general election on Thursday 4th July.

August

Holiday Club 28-30 August
Save the Date for the first ever Godalming Minster Summer Holiday Club! We need an army of leaders and helpers, as well as children so please watch this space, or chat to Ben Barnes for details.

What’s on Where

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

Staff News and Job Vacancies

Yew Tree Café Manager Lizzie Soar is off to pastures new in June! We are hugely grateful for Lizzie’s contribution to the launching and nurturing wonderful ministry of the Yew Tree Café over the past 2 and a half years.

Marcus and his family will be leaving us on the 15th August 2024. We want to take this opportunity to thank Marcus for all that he has contributed to our children and family’s ministry, and for the positive impact he has had in the short time he has been with us. Marcus’ enthusiasm for whole-church worship and engaging the children through worship will leave a lasting impact. We have also been blessed by Anoushka leading Contemporary Worship in recent months, and thank her too.

If you would like to contribute to a leaving gift for Lizzie and/or Marcus, please donate via BACS, to the Office or online.

The job adverts for the posts of Children and Families Pastor (4-11’s) and Yew Tree Café manager can be found on the vacancies page here. Please be praying for the right people to fill these special roles, and share the ads.

Church Family News

Farewell to Jan and Neil Pinto who have moved this week from their home of 30 years to be closer to family in Cambridgeshire. Jan has been been a longstanding member of Busbridge and St Mark’s congregations, and has served humbly and faithfully in the church and the community over the years. Latterly she has worshipped at Franklyn Road and helped at Smartots. Her neighbours on Quartermile Road will miss her as she has been a most diligent and caring road steward, delivering the Bridge magazine and setting up the street WhatsApp in lock down. We send Jan and Neil with our love, prayers and best wishes in their life ahead. Their new address can be found on ChurchSuite (Search for Others), or by contacting the Minster Office.

Mission Update

Foodbank Update for May. The latest shopping list can be found here. Please take a look and add a few items to your next shop.

Karen, the community centre coordinator, updates the shopping list each month with items most needed. You can find the latest shopping list for March on the Foodbank page.

Elsewhere

Life Issues 2024 – a programme of talks and course run by Godalming Baptist Church.

Next Life Issues: Revd Peter Jackson will lead a Life Issue session on Saturday 22nd June on ‘Loneliness’ ,such an issue for folk of all ages in our society today. Please do come as Peter  will lead the subject of loneliness with great empathy and sensitivity as indeed he did  last year when he led a Life Issue on Bereavement. To book a place, please contact Sally Pollard (contact details as above.) There is no charge but donations appreciated towards the work of ‘Silverline’

Can we pray for you?

***Please send prayer requests to prayer@godalmingminster.org***

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

9am Morning Prayer
9am on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays with Rev Sheila Samuels at Godalming Minster Franklyn Road.

Monday Morning Reflections on Zoom
If you would like to start your week in quiet reflection over a passage of scripture do join us at 8.45am on Mondays using the link above – you will be very welcome. For any further information please contact: Gertrud Sollars or Shan Hallam.

Wednesdays at 9am:
Morning Prayer at Godalming Minster Hambledon
Morning Prayer on Zoom via link above.

Community & Fellowship

Nexus meets on the 1st Thursday of the month, with talks and activities for church members and the community. See the 2024 Nexus programme, and updates on Nexus.

Ladies’ Drinks take place every 1st Friday of the month, 7.30PM at the The Pavilion by Howling Owl.

The Men’s Group meets for breakfast at 8.15am on the 1st 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 2024 Prime Time programme is now available. For all events and details, see Prime Time.

Get Involved / Join a team

We’re passionate about people feeling like they’re a part of our church family and one of the best places to do that is as part of a team.

No matter your age or experience, there’s a team that you can join, serving alongside others and getting to know people better in the church. You can find out about all our opportunities to serve and offer your time and talents on the Join a Team page.

Don’t forget about…

MyChurchSuite is an app for members of Godalming Minster 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 Minster Office if you’ve lost your login details or would like to request an account. See more instructions.

The Yew Tree Café at Godalming Minster Brighton Road is open 8.30am-4pm weekdays in term time, and 10am-2pm on Saturdays, and 9.30am-4pm during school holidays. There’s wi-fi and power for those that want to work, and Prime Time hosts a drop in session for anyone who’d like a coffee and a chat every Monday from 10.30-11.30am.

PASTORAL CARE & PRAYER MINISTRY

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

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