Author: vick.hicks

This will be a weekend to remember*.

 On Saturday, many people who have been bereaved, either recently or long ago, will gather in Busbridge church to sing well-known hymns, hear words of hope and remember their loved ones by name. The church will be ablaze (we hope not literally!) with candles, symbolising the light of Christ, which brings hope on dark days.

 On Sunday, we shall join with the rest of the nation in remembering those who gave their lives in two world wars and many conflicts since. The Royal British Legion is encouraging us to re-think Remembrance, in the light of the fact that many so-called war veterans these days are not old men, but young men and women in their twenties and thirties. People who have lost limbs, independence and sometimes peace of mind, in wars fought far from home. Remembering is important. Whenever the Jews celebrate Passover, they remember their ancestors’ escape from Egypt. They remember significant people, places and events, as we should.  They also remember God’s goodness and faithfulness, as we should. 

In times of remembrance, these words from Lamentations 3:21-23 offer them – and us – hope:

Yet this I call to mind
    and therefore I have hope:

 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,

for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.

*A weekend to remember.  As the children would say, “Do you get it?”

 

Dreams can be of the ‘somewhere over the rainbow’ kind; or maybe of the ‘I’m dreaming of a white Christmas’ kind; or perhaps of the ‘I can’t remember where I parked my car’ nightmare kind. Some dreams in the Bible seem to be more like what we might call a vision, a picture, where God communicates with people at what often turn out to be significant moments.

In Jacob’s dream he saw a ladder, with angels on it going up and down, symbolically suggesting a movement from heaven to earth, and earth to heaven. When Jacob woke up, he was afraid, and said, ‘How awesome is this place!’ (Gen 28.17). This sense of awe or fear is often mentioned in connection with a dream or a vision from God, and this is one of the ways in which we can know that the dream is from God and not our own wishful thinking.

Jesus (in John 1:51) sees himself as a ladder, again with angels ascending and descending. As Son of Man he himself forms a permanent ladder between heaven and earth.

In 1866 Busbridge Church may well have been covered in ladders, well on the way to the completion of the building, which was consecrated on 1 March 1867. We are blessed with two beautiful church buildings, built to the glory of God. And God has now sent the gift of his Spirit, who enables us to dream, not our dreams, but his.

 

Have your shopping habits changed?

Take bread.   There is a shift towards the artisan baker and his product which is made from natural ingredients, with more flavour – authentic – the real thing. Yet the raw ingredients look so basic – flour (various), water, yeast…yet in the hands of a Master Baker they are transformed.

What has this to do with today’s Bible Reading?

An inadequate offering of lunch from a boy was transformed into a feast for 5000 – in the hands of the Master.

However inadequate you consider yourself or your talents, in the hands of Jesus the Master, they can accomplish much.

Try it.   You will be surprised.

 

Please Pray…
Our prayers and love go out to Sue and Arthur Blackman (Hambledon) who have both lost close relatives in the last fortnight. Our thoughts are with the whole family.

Chris and Maggie Jagger have asked for prayer support whilst they are in Uganda with SALCET later in November. For more specific prayer requests, please take a SALCET flyer from the back of church.

A plea from Busbridge Infant School…
Busbridge Infant School is trying to raise funds to develop the year 2 outside learning area, and as such are trying to raise funds through the Aviva Community Fund. They are up against 2 other projects in this first stage which will be decided on the number of votes. They need your vote! Detailed information can be found on www.community-fund.aviva.co.uk/voting/project/view/16-3047.

Stars in Their Eyes…
…is coming to Godalming! So if you fancy bringing out your inner diva or showing off your rock star alter ego, then start rummaging through your wardrobe for your costume and put 25th March 2017 in your diaries. Individuals, duets and groups all welcome! Tim Davies is organising this extravaganza, so if you’d like to put your name down or find out a bit more, please email stars@bhcgodalming.org.

Homeless lady in Godalming
You may be aware that there is a middle aged lady who has been sleeping rough just off Godalming High Street next to South Street car park. Waverley Borough Council are aware of her situation but are unable to help. She has a friend who can provide a month’s deposit and a month’s rent in advance and thereafter she will get housing benefit. However, she cannot provide bank statements and is unemployed so she needs a sympathetic landlord who will take a tenant who is homeless and on benefits. She is looking for a one bedroom studio or flat for rent up to £740 which is the limit the council will pay. If anyone knows of such accommodation or can help in this situation she would really appreciate it as winter is now upon us. If you see or hear of anything please can you let Juliet Shadrick know and I will let her know or put you in touch.

Notice from the Diocese…
Appointment of Lay Canon of Guildford Cathedral
We are delighted to announce that Peter Shaw will be installed as a Lay Canon of Guildford Cathedral at the 6.00pm evensong on Sunday 11th December. Lay Canons are appointed by the Bishop of Guildford because of ‘distinguished service to the Church and the community’. All are welcome to this special service. Peter has also been appointed chair of the Guildford Cathedral Council. This is another example of the contribution Busbridge and Hambledon willingly makes to the wider Diocese.

Night, Night. God Bless: Tuesday 29th November – a date for the family diary.
Would you value being equipped and enabled to pray with your young family? Then, come along at 4.00pm – 5.00pm  with your children to the next family friendly prayer event in Busbridge Church which has  a specific focus on praying with children. To join in the fun  – come along in your onesie and bring your cuddly friend. You will end up with a “prayer bag” of ideas to take away with you to use at home. For the grownups – the prayer event starts later the same evening – 8.00pm – 9.00pm in church. Contact Shân Hallam for the children’s event and David Mace for the 8.00 – 9.00pm event if you’d like more information.

 Cake Sale
Toby Ford and Jack Hodson are holding a cake sale before and after Unplugged on 20th November to raise money for tools and building materials for a project called ReBuild Mexico 2017 where they will be building a house for a homeless Mexican family. Please come and support them and buy their cakes!

Ceilidh
Have you signed up for this fun, fun, fun event yet???!! Saturday 19th November, 7.30pm – 11.00pm at the Wilfrid Noyce Centre. There are still tickets available, just £15 per head. This is a fundraising event for the Old Rectory and it would be great if you could support it – no ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ dancers required – this is suitable for all levels of dancing ability. To book your ticket email ceilidh@bhcgodalming.org.

please pray for…
· The political situation in the United States
· The Blackman family
· Those working in hospices – particularly Phyllis Tuckwell and Shooting Star Chase
· The upcoming PCC
· Upcoming events: Jingle & Mingle and the Ceilidh
· The Fairway and their Road Steward, Lorna Sherwin
· Crownpits Lane and Wormley Lane

 

Churches Together Christmas Lunch
Churches Together in Godalming are again hosting lunch on Christmas Day in the Baptist Church for those who would otherwise be on their own. If you know of anyone who would like to attend, please contact Gwen Wheatman at the Baptist Church. If you would like to volunteer, the forms are at the back of the church. In previous years, we have been particularly short of drivers.

 Fairtrade Days
You are warmly invited to a sale of fairly-traded crafts, charity Christmas cards , gifts and food on Friday 11th November (11.00am – 4.00pm) and Saturday 12th November (11.00am – 4.00pm). Simple soup lunch each day – proceeds to Christian Aid. 

Remembrance Services – IMPORTANT
Please note that the Busbridge Remembrance Service will be taking place at 10.00am on Sunday 13th November. The Hambledon Service will be 10.30am as per usual service time.

Cake Sale
Toby and Jack are holding a cake sale before and after Unplugged on 20th November to raise money for tools and building materials for a project called ReBuild Mexico 2017 where they will be building a house for a homeless Mexican family.  Please come and support them and buy their cakes!

Ceilidh
Have you signed up for this fun, fun, fun event yet???!! Saturday 19th November, 7.30pm – 11.00pm at the Wilfrid Noyce Centre. There are still tickets available, just £15 per head. This is a fundraising event for the Old Rectory and it would be great if you could support it – no ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ dancers required – this is suitable for all levels of dancing ability. To book your ticket email ceilidh@bhcgodalming.org.

Operation Christmas Child
If anyone has a shoebox prepared for this collection, can you please leave it at the back of Busbridge Church by Sunday 20th November and Jill Johnston will take it to the central collection point. If people have any questions about the shoeboxes please contact Jill on jill.johnstons@bhcgodalming.org.

ALPHA – Yes, it is for YOU, those inside the Church – January 2017
We are kicking off a new ALPHA series in January 2017 and it is for BHC, OUR Church. We are open to anyone attending.  Never done ALPHA? Have questions and want a safe place to ask them? Know others with questions? We are focusing on those already linked with our church in some way, so if you have never been to ALPHA, consider it for January 2017. We will have an introductory dinner on Saturday 14th January. Then we will begin the 11 sessions from Tuesday 17th January 2017 and finishing with a final celebration on March 28th.  Each evening starts at 7.15pm and includes a free dinner, a short talk and then open discussions. If you have any questions or you would like to join, then please contact Bryan Silletti either via email at bryan.silletti@bhcgodalming.org or via the office at 01483 421267.

Hambledon Ladies Breakfast – Saturday 12th November, 8.30am, West Surrey Golf ClubMichael Baughen, retired Bishop of Chester and frequent visitor to Busbridge Church will be our guest speaker which is taking place at the West Surrey Golf Club. The breakfast is open to all ladies and we encourage you to bring along new friends and neighbours. Tickets are £8 each and are on sale in the Village Shop until Tuesday 8th November.  Please contact Vicki Hinde – vicki.hinde@btopenworld.com or Sue Blackman 01428 683871 for further information. We look forward to welcoming you.

please pray for…
· The Horstead family
· The bereaved
· Upcoming events: Hambledon Ladies Breakfast, Jingle & Mingle and the Ceilidh
· The Drive and their Road Stewards, Rosie James and Philippa Baker
· College Hill and Vann Lane

 

Looking for a Miracle…
“I have recently joined the church staff team and my wife and I are hoping to find a two bedroom house to rent in the broader Godalming area. We are currently commuting from Frensham and would like to live closer to our church community. We cannot afford the rental prices, so we are hoping and praying for a miracle to move here.” If you have any ideas, then please contact Bryan Silletti.

ALPHA – Yes, it is for YOU, those inside the Church – January 2017
We are kicking off a new ALPHA series in January 2017 and it is for BHC, OUR Church. We are open to anyone attending.  Never done ALPHA? Have questions and want a safe place to ask them? Know others with questions? We are focusing on those already linked with our church in some way, so if you have never been to ALPHA, consider it for January 2017. We will have an introductory dinner on Saturday 14th January. Then we will begin the 11 sessions from Tuesday 17th January 2017 and finishing with a final celebration on March 28th.  Each evening starts at 7.15pm and includes a free dinner, a short talk and then open discussions. If you have any questions or you would like to join, then please contact Bryan Silletti 

Hambledon Ladies Breakfast: Saturday 12th November – 8.30am, West Surrey Golf Club
Michael Baughen, retired Bishop of Chester and frequent visitor to Busbridge Church will be our guest speaker which is taking place at the West Surrey Golf Club. The breakfast is open to all ladies and we encourage you to bring along new friends and neighbours. Tickets are £8 each and are on sale in the Village Shop until Tuesday 8th November.  Please contact Vicki Hinde – vicki.hinde@btopenworld.com or Sue Blackman 01428 683871 for further information. We look forward to welcoming you.

Remembrance Services
Please note that the Busbridge Remembrance Service will be taking place at 10.00am on Sunday 13th November. The Hambledon Service will be 10.30am as per usual service time.

A thank you and a request…
The very lovely Vic Hicks will be stepping down from runningthe projector after Christmas after 8 years of faithful service – thank you so much Vic for your commitment to this ministry! We need someone to step forward to take her place and it would be ideal if they could start soon so they can shadow Vic before taking over in the New Year.  If you’d like to put your hand up for this vital role or find out more, please contact Ian White.

Join us for a Ceilidh!
This is going to be a great party event to go along to – even if you’ve never done this kind of thing before; you’ll have a blast! You’ll be guided through these fun dances and it’s a fabulous way of getting to know new people. It’s all happening on Saturday 19th November, 7.30pm – 11.00pm at the Wilfrid Noyce Centre. Tickets cost £15 per head (BYO refreshments) and MUST be booked by 10th November. Bookings to ceilidh@bhcgodalming.org or call 01483 421267. Cheques should be made payable to Busbridge PCC.

Nexus
On Thursday 3rd November, Mark Pateman and Penny Naylor will talk to us about their successful collaboration with Waverley Council on the Befriending Network. Their aim is to address loneliness and social isolation by providing friendship and support to people of all ages, but particularly the vulnerable elderly, who would benefit from receiving a regular visitor. Come and hear about this friendly group; perhaps you’d like to become a befriender! We meet in the Church Centre at 8.00pm and there’ll be drinks and nibbles before their talk starts.

Space for God – Don’t forget!
The second of our sessions offering time for being; for quiet reflection and stillness in the presence of God starts on  Tuesday 1st November 8.00pm – 9.00pm in Busbridge Church. If you desire to draw closer to God but find it very difficult to do because life is too full  and distractions are many, why not decide to put one hour aside and come along – you will be very welcome.

please pray for…
· Lesley Mason and family
· All those who have been on half term
· Those working in medicine
· Upcoming events: Nexus, Jingle & Mingle and the Ceilidh
· The Avenue their Road Steward, Rosie James
· Clockbarn Lane, Cheshire Home and Upper Vann Lane

 

 

 

 

Our love and prayers go to Lesley Mason, following the death of her mother last Sunday (16th October).  Please hold Lesley, Paul and their family in your prayers – also Lesley’s sister Alison and her family.

Hambledon Music Evening

Many thanks to all who came and contributed so generously. Over £500 was raised for the Old Rectory conversion.

Squires Lunch

The next gastronomic indulgence at Squires will be onSunday 23rd October at the usual time of 12noon. If you would like to attend please let Terry Swanton know (414628) ASAP. 

Join us for a Ceilidh!

This is going to be a great party event to go along to – even if you’ve never done this kind of thing before; you’ll have a blast! You’ll be guided through these fun dances and it’s a fabulous way of getting to know new people. It’s all happening on Saturday 19th November, 7.30pm – 11.00pm at the Wilfrid Noyce Centre.  Tickets cost £15 per head (BYO refreshments) and MUST be booked by 10th November. Bookings to ceilidh@bhcgodalming.org or call 01483 421267. Cheques should be made payable to Busbridge PCC.

Nexus

On Thursday 3rd November, Mark Pateman and Penny Naylor will talk to us about their successful collaboration with Waverley Council on the Befriending Network. Their aim is to address loneliness and social isolation by providing friendship and support to people of all ages, but particularly the vulnerable elderly, who would benefit from receiving a regular visitor. Come and hear about this friendly group; perhaps you’d like to become a befriender! We meet in the Church Centre at 8.00pm and there’ll be drinks and nibbles before their talk starts. We look forward to seeing you. All welcome!

News from The Bridge

The Bridge is delighted to announce that Lorna Sherwin has joined the editorial team and brought her gifts and talents to serve the ministry there. Lorna regularly attends the Contemporary service so please do feel free to use Lorna as a point of contact to discuss ideas and news. 

Space for God

The second of our sessions offering time for being; for quiet reflection and stillness in the presence of God starts on  Tuesday 1st November 8.00pm – 9.00pm in Busbridge Church.

If you desire to draw closer to God but find it very difficult to do because life is too full  and distractions are many, why not decide to put one hour aside and come along – you will be very welcome.

Feba

Prayer for Feba, a media organisation with partners in the Middle East, Africa and the Indian sub-continent, making a difference in places where there is trouble. Monday 31st October, 10.30am – 11.30am. Further details from Shelagh Godwin.

Light Party 2016

Excitement is building as the countdown is on for our upcoming family Light Party being held at Busbridge Church on Monday 31st October between 4-6pm. Children and adults should sign up before the party. If you are interested in coming along, please email amy.johnston@bhcgodalming.org ASAP. Hope to see many of you there to enjoy celebrating Jesus, the Light of the world in lots of fun and creative ways!

Shedvent

There are a few slots remaining for Shedvent – it would be great if we could open every evening during Advent again this year. To reserve a date or find out more, email shedvent@bhcgodalming.org.

Jingle & Mingle: Christmas Craft Spectacular

Wednesday 23rd November, Clock Barn Farm, 7.30pm – 10.00pm. A wonderful, social evening for the ladies and a great way to get into the Christmas spirit…Your £5 ticket includes a range of simple Christmas crafts plus there are limited spaces for speciality activities such as wreath making, which will be an extra £15 (a complete BARGAIN as I’ve heard of other wreath sessions costing £45+!) There are only a few tickets left, so please email karen.kinder@bhcgodalming.org. If you’ve already reserved a ticket, please drop off your payment to the Church Office ASAP. Thanks!

A few years ago I read Richard Rohr’s Falling Upwards; the subtitle is ‘A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life’. In it, Rohr argues that, in the first half of life, we learn to obey rules; in the second half, we learn which ones we can break (you may want to hide this from your kids).

If today’s reading is anything to go by, Jesus agreed with the view that rules are not absolute. The particular rule in question in John 5 is not working on the Sabbath – one of the 10 commandments, no less. When Jesus is criticised for healing on the Sabbath and telling the lame man to carry his mat, he does not defend himself by saying that this isn’t work, he says, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working.”

Which day of the week is it in God’s calendar? Genesis counts as far as day 7, the Sabbath, on which God rested. Is he still resting? Jesus tells us here that a new week has begun in heaven; God is back at work with a new creation (hence the start of the gospel ‘In the beginning …’), and Jesus is the power through whom this new creation is brought about.

Heavenly rules and earthly rules do not always coincide; our earthly calendar may be out of sync with the heavenly calendar. How can we make sure that we are in step with Jesus?