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We send our love and prayers to several members of our church family who have been bereaved over the Christmas and New Year period (or since the last issue of the notice sheet).

Catherine Roux’s father, Tony died on 10th December; Jonathan Jefferies’ mother, Stephanie, died on 13th December.  Both funerals have already taken place.  Ron Vickery’s mother, Joan died on 21st December; Frances Morris’ mother, Irene, died on New Year’s Day; Roger Matthews mother Mabel died on 3rd January, aged 104.  Please pray for Catherine, Jonathan, Ron, Frances, Roger and their families, as well as for friends affected by these bereavements. 

Many of you will also know John Dunning, a longstanding member of Godalming Baptist Church. We were saddened to hear of John’s death, after a short illness, on 17th December. As well as serving in several capacities at Queen Street, over the years he was a faithful presence in Churches Together and had many other local links. There will be a service of thanksgiving for John’s life at Godalming Baptist Church on Monday 9th January, at 1.00 pm, to which all are welcome. Please pray for his wife Pat and their sons, Nick, Phil and Stephen.

A new Bible Study Group…
…has started up in Hambledon Church for mums – with or without their children. Every Thursday morning from 10.00am – 11.30am during term time, and there’s even coffee! For more info contact Jenna on 421267 or emailjenna.vanjaarsveld@bhcgodalming.org.

Crafting and Cake – new regular event!
Join Alex Hodson every other week for a slice of tranquillity and calm in your busy lives…bring whatever craft project you are working on and enjoy a craft filled afternoon – what fun! The first session is on Tuesday 10th January, 1.00pm in Busbridge Church Centre. Coffee & cake provided.

Get on your bike!
Blokes’ biking – 11th January, 7.30pm
Ladies bike ride – 30th January 6.45pm

Helpful Habits for Early Birds: a 6-week course of prayer
There are a few spaces left on the next round of this prayer workshop. It will happen on Mondays from 7.00-8.00AM, at Busbridge Church Centre, starting Monday 9th January and then running weekly except for half term. If you would like to join us, please contact Gertrud Sollars.

Have you done the Christmas & Advent Survey yet?
There’s still time! It will be really helpful in evaluating all that went on over the Christmas period. The survey closes on 9th January. Go to www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/christmasbhc. Thanks!

Pray for FEBA. Come and pray for a media ministry which has partners in most of the world’s trouble spots. Monday 9th January, 10.30 – 11.30am, 42 Minster Rd. Further information from Shelagh Godwin, 417725 or jimdogshome@aol.com.

Churches together service – next Sunday (15 Jan) there are no morning services in Busbridge&Hambledon. You are warmly invited to Godalming United for the Churches Together service at 10.30am.

Busbridge Church is turning 150!
There’ll be a lot of events happening over 2017 and one of these has been confirmed – please put Friday 10th February in your diary – it is the first of the history talks and is on the history of Busbridge Hall. Watch this space for more details and other upcoming events.

Alpha – if you’re not coming on the course then can you help?
The ALPHA team are looking for more volunteers to help in various ways with the course starting in January. If you are able to help please speak to Bryan or Tori Silletti 07738 701249 or email bryan.silletti@bhcgodalming.org.

PLUS on 10th January join us at Busbridge Church, 8pm at a prayer event specifically for ALPHA and other BHC events. Please join the team and be part of interceding for our church and events.

Busbridge Ball
A reminder to you about the second Busbridge Ball on 25th February at Clock Barn Hall. Your £45 ticket will include a welcome glass of bubbly, a beautiful 3 course meal and a disco. Tables of 10 can be booked from the 9th January (9am), no reservations prior to that date, sorry. Please contact Carol Jones . Please note, no individual/couple places are being sold – you need to talk to others to make up a table of 10 in order to book – 1 payment per table please.

Stars in their Eyes – Saturday 25th March, 7.30pm, Wilfred Noyce
It’s time to register your act for this inaugural BHC fundraising event! Solo acts, groups, you name it – all can put themselves forward for this fun event (open to ages 13+ but we’re expecting mostly adults). Participation is free of charge and there will be a licensed bar. How does it work? Each act enters through the smoky doors, performs to a backing track and listens to the praise of our celebrity judges before the audience has a chance to vote. Voting slips are £1 each andthere is no limit to the number of votes that can be purchased (loving spouses please note!). To register or for more info email Tim Davies on stars@bhcgodalming.org.

please pray for…

· Families bereaved over the last month

· Our emergency services

· Local health centres and surgeries

· The upcoming Alpha course

· Alvernia Close and their road steward, Kate Brockman

· Heath Lane, Malthouse Lane and St Dominic’s School

 

We have been deeply saddened to learn of the death of Ishbel Veitch, one of the sisters at Ladywell Convent, who was also a much loved and respected member of WoW. She was deeply involved in Churches Together and was a regular helper at The Hub, in Godalming.  Ishbel originally hailed from New Zealand and had a wonderful, lively Christian faith and personality. There is no date set for her funeral yet, but the convent will let us know when the arrangements have been made. We give thanks for her life and witness.  Please pray for Ishbel’s family and many friends, as well as for the community at Ladywell.

Shedvent Monday 19th December
CALLING ALL CHILDREN! If you’d like to make friends with a REAL donkey come and meet him, 5.00 – 6.00pm at the Shed at Busbridge Church.

Busbridge Ball
We are pleased to announce that we will be holding a second Busbridge Ball on 25th February 2017 at Clock Barn Hall. Your £45 ticket will include a welcome glass of bubbly, a beautiful 3 course meal and a disco. Tables of 10 can be booked from the 9th January (9am), no reservations prior to that date, sorry. Please contact Carol Jones. Please note, no individual/couple places are being sold – you need to talk to others to make up a table of 10 in order to book – 1 payment per table please.

Can anyone help Clare Haddad?
Two gifts to Busbridge Church were made at Natwest Godalming with no name or reference which we suspect are year two pledges for Busbridge Central. One was on 12th October at a cash deposit machine for £1,000 and the other was over the counter on 25th October for £500. Please contact Clare on 01403 751677 or clare.haddad@bhcgodalming.org if you can help.

Help in Hambledon
After many years of sterling service on the part of Jenny Holford (for which we wholeheartedly thank you, Jenny), she has decided it is time to pass on the reins to someone else. If anyone would like to take on the role of organising our great teams of welcomers, readers and intercessors for the Hambledon services, please contact Liz Gorst in the church office on 01483 421267. Jenny has found it an enjoyable ministry, hence her long service award, and has only stepped down as she will be spending more time travelling now that Graham has retired.

ALPHA
If you’re not coming on the course then can you help? The ALPHA team are looking for more volunteers to help in various ways with the course starting in January. Please help us if you can. If you are able to help please speak to Bryan or Tori Silletti or email Bryan at bryan.silletti@bhcgodalming.org.

Fundraising Update from Souheil Haddad
Our church family has been very generous with pledges and donations to purchase the old rectory. We expect to be able to complete the purchase by the end of 2017 subject (a) to all the pledges being honoured within the promised dates, and (b) the remaining small shortage of about £40,000 being temporarily funded by an existing free loan. All the pledges are for the sole purpose of purchasing the old rectory and we pray that the shortage will be covered by new donations by December 2017.

Space for God
For your diaries… there is no Space for God event in January 2017; the next one will be on Tuesday 7th February, 8.00pm – 9.00pm in Busbridge Church.

 Cards for refugees
In May, Georgie Jefferies went to the Calais ‘Jungle’ camp to carry out art workshops with refugees, using materials kindly donated by members of Busbridge Church. Having turned their designs into greetings & Christmas cards, they are now available to buy at the back of Busbridge church or through www.fairimprint.com. 100% of the profit supports registered charities working with refugees.

 Hambledon Prayer Breakfast
The first Prayer Breakfast in the New Year will be on Saturday 21st January.

SALCET
Please look out for the gift envelopes in all services.

Please note: This is the last notice sheet for 2016 – they will resume in the new year. Happy Christmas from the Church Office Team!

please pray for…

· Local Pubs and Clubs
· All our upcoming Christmas events
· The unemployed / The homeless
· The upcoming Alpha course
· Admiral Way and their road steward, Derek Pearsall
· Hascombe Rd, Hambledon Rd & Hambledon Nursery School

 

And so it begins… the Carol Service season is upon us and what a joy it is, but it isn’t just about carols and candles. This is part of gathering as God’s family from across Busbridge, Hambledon, Godalming and nearby villages.

When we gather we enter into a spiritual place of drawing close to God in a unique and special way. So, when you sing Away in A Manger don’t dwell too much on the line about ‘a baby not crying?!’ but consider this: ‘you are praising Him alongside your great family of worshippers as we celebrate the approach of Almighty God’.

Here’s a crib list (sorry, pun intended) to help you remember:

Christmas Eve

Busbridge: Candlelight Celebration for all the family 4.00pm / 5.15pm / 6.30pm

Hambledon: Crib Service 3.00pm / 5.00pm

Both: Midnight Communion 11.00pm

Christmas Day

Busbridge: 9.00am Communion with Carols, 10.30am Family Celebration (followed by a short communion)

Hambledon: 9.00am Traditional Christmas Communion, 10.30am Family Celebration

A final call? That every member of this family of God invite someone to come along with you who has yet to know the salvation of being part of God’s family; that they might experience the great news of God who drew near then and still draws near today.

Date for the diary: what is the focus going to be for the coming year? Resolution Sunday is 8th January 2017.

 

God with us – are we ready?

“Coming, ready or not!”

The children’s game of hide and seek is a salutary reminder of our readiness – or otherwise – as we travel through Advent and reflect on where it is all leading.

Some of you, no doubt, will have done your Christmas shopping, wrapped the presents, sent the cards and put all the festive food in the freezer. Others will be taking a more laid-back approach and will do your final checks on Christmas Eve. Many (most?) of us are probably somewhere between the two extremes.

God began his preparations for the first Christmas many thousands of years in advance.  Throughout the Old Testament, there are prophecies referring to a special child who would be born: we are told his birthplace; his names and their meanings. Many of these prophecies have been fulfilled – though only with the benefit of hindsight do we see them for what they are. Only when the people of New Testament times looked back through their history did they put two and two together and realise what God had been doing all that time.

As we walk through Advent and prepare for Christmas, our main focus needs to be on God himself: on the wonder of his first coming, as a vulnerable baby, and the wonder of his second coming, in glory.

Advent reminds us that – like the children playing their game – he will come, whether we are ready or not.

 

SALCET
Thank you to our speakers from SALCET today – SALCET is the recipient of our Christmas collection in 2016 – please look out for the gift envelopes in all service over the next few weeks and help support this fantastic charity.

Last call for Besom Hampers!!
Would you like to help brighten someone’s Christmas? Last year, with Besom, we made up and delivered 25 hampers to local people in need. Be part of it this year by generously donating goodies to put in the hampers up until Sunday 11th December (boxes in Busbridge and Hambledon churches); and/or helping to pack and deliver the hampers. Packing will take place on Thursday 15th December at the Church Centre at 7pm with deliveries on 16th and 17th December. See The C4M update for more information or if you would like to help please contact Jo Cookes.

Helpful Habits FOR EARLY BIRDS – A 6-week course of prayer
Would you like to deepen your prayer life, but wonder how you will find the time or discipline to do so? Gertrud Sollars is planning to run another round of this prayer workshop during the next term. Experimentally, she is offering to do it on a weekday morning from 7.00am – 8.00am. If you are interested in joining, please contact her.

Squires Lunch
Our next Squires lunch is on Sunday 18th December at 12 noon. If you would like to join us to partake of their gastronomic delights please let Terry Swanton know by Wednesday 14th so that Squires can be informed as to how many there will be from Busbridge. Christmas lunch is being offered by Squires (from 1st to the 23rd December) at £15.95 pp but it is not necessary to partake and alternative dishes will be available for your pleasure. Look forward to seeing you there!

Trinity Trust Team Update
The team are currently visiting local schools with a new drama they have produced called ‘Silent Night’ a story that tells the plight of a young couple and their new-born son fleeing persecution from Syria in the middle of the night…We are delighted to announce that Arianna Pissetti has joined Andy Poulsom and Matt Blake in the team and that Hyekyeong safely delivered a son, Johan into the world. We send our very best wishes and blessings to you all at this most joyful time of year. Andy Poulsom and the TTT team

Shedvent
The Shedvent season is now here. Everyone, young or old, is invited to the living advent calendar in a garden shed. Please come to support the groups who have all put so much work into their displays, and to chat with the wider community. You might even get a hot chocolate for your efforts! 5.00pm – 6.00pm from 1st to 24th December in the Busbridge Churchyard.

Messy Church
Don’t forget about the Messy Christmas Family service on Sunday 18th December at Hambledon, 10.30am. Jenna has a request for you…if anyone has a few old t-shirts that they would be willing to donate to messy church, could you please bring them to the church office (you can leave them in the porch in a plastic bag so needn’t be during office hours) by Wednesday 14th December.

Busbridge evening carol service wine and mince pies
Thanks to Neil and Jan Pinto for offering to help with this again. We now need an organiser and a couple more helpers. Please speak to Simon in the next couple of days.

Christmas wreaths for sale (£15) in aid of The Cellar:
These popular wreaths will be available from The Cellar or by contacting Jacky Beale. Please order by December 16th. Offers of greenery also gratefully received. If you’d like to join in the fun of making the wreaths come to Godalming United Church on 12th December (12 noon – 7pm) or on the14th December (12 noon – 4pm).

Prime Time Carol Service
Did you know that we offer a special afternoon carol event so that those in our community who prefer not to venture out in the dark have the opportunity to attend a traditional carol service? The event is hosted by Prime Time but is open to all. Perhaps you have an older relative or know an elderly neighbour or friend who might like to come along to this service. Do feel free to invite them along. This is a free event for all to enjoy, but we do ask that you let us know if you’re coming please by contacting the church office or emailing penny.naylor@bhcgodalming.org as we want to ensure that we have enough mince pies and mulled wine for everyone!

please pray for…

· Ss Peter & Paul Church in Godalming, as they recruit their new vicar
· Please pray for Peter Shaw as he is installed as a lay canon of Guildford Cathedral at 6pm on Sunday 11th December.
· All our upcoming Christmas events
· Those helped by the Church Family Support Fund
· The upcoming Alpha course
· Windy Wood and their road steward, Mary Connolly
· Grosvenor Road and Hambledon Park

 

Christmas wreaths for sale (£15) in aid of The Cellar: These popular wreaths will be available from The Cellar and at the Godalming Christmas Fair, or by contacting Jacky Beale. Please order by December 16th. Offers of greenery also gratefully received. If you’d like to join in the fun of making the wreaths come to the River Room at Godalming United Church on the 7th or 12th of December (both 12 noon to 7pm) or on the14th December (12 noon to 4pm). See posters around church for more details.

Prime Time Carol Service
Did you know that we offer an a special afternoon carol event so that those in our community who prefer not to venture out in the dark have the opportunity to attend a traditional carol service? The event is hosted by Prime Time but is open to all. Perhaps you have an older relative or know an elderly neighbour or friend who might like to come along to this service. Do feel free to invite them along. This is a free event for all to enjoy, but we do ask that you let us know if you’re coming please by contacting the church office or emailing penny.naylor@bhcgodalming.org as we want to ensure that we have enough mince pies and mulled wine for everyone!

Speaking of mulled wine and mince pies…
We’re looking for 4-6 great people to organise the mulled wine and mince pies at the Busbridge Traditional carol service (6.30pm on 18th December). If you’re able to do this then please contact Simon Taylor in the next couple of days. We’re grateful to Heather Clarkson and Jan and Neil Pinto for leading on this last year.

News from our new curate, David Preece (starting 2017) “Hannah and I are delighted to let you know that Esther Libby Preece arrived safely on Saturday at 22:48 weighing in at 7lb2. Mother and daughter are doing well.” Hearty congratulations to the Preece family!

Peter Shaw
All welcome to the Installation of Peter Shaw as Lay Canon, 11th December, 6.00pm. Guildford Cathedral Evensong. Preacher; Bishop of Guildford, followed by a reception in the Education Centre

Movie Matinee
The Movie Matinee team are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to support our Saturday movie events. Our next event is on 10th December where we’re running stalls to create snacks and do crafts before watching a Christmas film. We’re looking for people to help at the event, say “Hi”, and generally be around to show people where to go. If you can spare one or two Saturday afternoons a year, please get in touch with Catherine Garner for more information. PLUS don’t forget to come along to this wonderful Christmassy movie event – 10th December, 2.00pm – 5.00pm, Busbridge Church

Space for God
In the midst of all the busyness of life, this is a time for refreshment and stillness with God. After a short introduction, the hour is given over to quiet personal prayer with some activities on offer to help you meet with God in the quiet.
Tuesday 6th December 8.00pm – 9.00pm, Busbridge Church.

Old Rectory Fundraising Team end of year update..
We would like to thank everyone who has organised, helped at, and attended the events our teams have delivered in 2016, putting the fun into fundraising. You have contributed the best part of £10,000 to the project. Well done! Do come forward if you have an idea of an event you would like to organise – fresh blood and all that!

2017 (Easter Term) – put the dates in your diary now!
· The second spectacular Busbridge Ball on 25th February
· The sparkling Stars in Their Eyes on 25th March   

Rosie James & Debbie Scott

 

“Morning, David**.  Great ‘Word’ last week, really enjoyed it.”

“Good morning, Dudley.  Most kind.  I see you are down for this coming week yourself.”

“Yup. Thought I’d major on ‘Hope’.  The sermon title is God with us – His banner is over us and if that doesn’t give us hope then what will?  After all, what with The Donald and Brexit and Putin we need a bit of hope, don’t we?  I mean, we all hope it’ll all work out OK, and the Isaiah passage for Sunday goes on about wolves milking goats and suchlike.’

“Er, yes, Dudley, but I’m not sure that Isaiah had quite that sort of hope in mind. I think you might be taking a slightly too … modern an interpretation of ‘hope’.  I suspect that Isaiah might have had a rather more… significant idea in mind, more eschatological, perhaps.”

“Eschata…  Oh, you mean about the end times, God’s Big Plan and all that?”

“Yes, Dudley.  Quite so.  And I commend the Romans passage to you also as it speaks about ‘the God of hope’.  I think it becomes clear that ‘hope’ is spiritual and future, substantial and something to hold on to in times of trouble, rather than just wishful thinking.”

“Ah… I think I need to get back to my keyboard, David. Bye for now…”

“Goodbye, Dudley.  [sotto voce And good luck … I think you’ll need it!]”

**David Mace – wrote last week’s Word (well worth reading if you haven’t already seen it).

 

Prayer Events…
Night night, God bless…
Please remember this lovely family prayer event, happening this Tuesday, 4.00pm at Busbridge Church. Also, do come to the Church prayer evening on at 8.00pm the same evening! It’ll last for one hour. It’s an important evening of prayer and there’s lots to pray about. Queries to David Mace.

 Choir
A final call for anyone interested in joining the choir for the carol service at Busbridge? Rehearsals are 27/11, 4/12 and 11/12, in the evening 8.00pm – 9.00pm in the church (after the evening service). Anyone is welcome but If you could make yourself known to Jenna Brown, she’d be grateful so she knows who to expect!

 New Wine 2017 – United
As in previous years, a group of all ages will be going to New Wine for Week 2 (30 July – 5 August) next year. This is a fantastic opportunity to take time out for fun, worship, teaching, refreshing and loads more. Fabulous age specific children’s groups and entertainment. For more details www.new-wine.org/summer including how to book. Full payment before 30th November gets you the cheapest price. Leaflets are available at the back of the church or ask Nicky for more details.

Ceilidh
Thanks to everyone who came along to the Ceilidh on Saturday night – £361 was raised for the old rectory. A big thanks to Darren Montgomery for organising it.

Movie Matinee
The Movie Matinee team are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to support our Saturday movie events. Our next event is on 10th December where we’re running stalls to create snacks and do crafts before watching a Christmas film. We’re looking for people to help at the event, say “Hi”, and generally be around to show people where to go. If you can spare one or two Saturday afternoons a year, please get in touch with Catherine Garner for more information.

Malcolm Gorick (Busbridge) has this week moved to a residential home in Taunton and he wanted to thank everyone who has helped him with lifts and other activities over recent years. You can get his address off Jill Johnston if people would still like to be able to contact him.

Space for God
In the midst of all the busyness of life, this is a time for refreshment and stillness with God. After a short introduction, the hour is given over to quiet personal prayer with some activities on offer to help you meet with God in the quiet.
Tuesday 6th December 8.00pm – 9.00pm, Busbridge Church.

Old Rectory Fundraising Team end of year update..
We would like to thank everyone who has organised, helped at, and attended the events our teams have delivered in 2016, putting the fun into fundraising. You have contributed the best part of £10,000 to the project. Well done! Do come forward if you have an idea of an event you would like to organise – fresh blood and all that! 2017 (Easter Term) – put the dates in your diary now!· The second spectacular Busbridge Ball on 25th February
· The sparkling Stars in Their Eyes on 25th March
Rosie James & Debbie Scott

Coffee
The Older People’s Ministry team are offering free coffees on the school run next Thursday 1st December from 8.30am at Busbridge Church to raise awareness of Timebanking in the Godalming Area. Please feel free to drop by and grab a cup.

Jingle&Mingle
Thanks to everyone who came along to Jingle&Mingle on Wednesday night – over 100 women filled Clockbarn Hall with the sound of craft glue and Christmassy foliage. We hope you had a good time and do look out for the new women’s activities brochure for 2017.

Thank you
A BIG thank you from Toby and Jack for everyone’s generosity last week at their cake sale at Unplugged – thank you to those who made cakes and bought cakes – over £200 was raised which is a huge help for them both towards their mission trip to Mexico.

Shedvent
The Shedvent season is almost upon us. Everyone, young or old, is invited to the living advent calendar in a garden shed. Please come to support the groups who have all put so much work into their displays, and to chat with the wider community. You might even get a hot chocolate for your efforts! Open between 5.00pm and 6.00pm from 1st to 24th December in Busbridge Church grounds.

please pray for…
· Malcolm Gorick as he settles into his new home
· Outreach groups within the church
· The upcoming Alpha course
· Upcoming events: prayer evenings, Nexus Christmas Quiz, Shedvent and the Prime Time Carol service
· Tuesley Lane and their Road Stewards; Jackie Beale, Carole Keating, Frances Shaw and Lesley Reeves
· Foxdene & Cricket Green

 

Happy New Year!

No, I have not taken leave of my senses, I am just making the point that this Sunday, Advent Sunday, marks the beginning of the Church’s year in terms of its calendar.

 My memories of the Advent season when I was young are that it was a rather dark time with readings and sermons that focussed on the second coming and on sin and judgment and God’s anger. There seemed to be very little looking forward to the coming of Jesus and all the joy and promise of that with the result that Christmas seemed to turn up rather suddenly and be gone as quickly.

 Things are very different now. The whole season is very much more upbeat, lookingforward to the events of Jesus first coming as well as looking forward to Jesus second coming to complete and redeem that promise. Our sermon series from now to the New Year is on the theme of ‘God with us’, exploring the implications of that fact and our individual and collective response to it.

This week our topic is ‘God with us – living in his light’ with passages from Isaiah and Romans, both rich in imagery, both with a sense of urgency for us to recognise the times in which we live. It is time for us to wake up; ‘the night is nearly over, the day is almost here’, ‘put on the armour of light, clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ’.  Messages to bring us light and purpose, joy and confidence in a world of darkness and confusion.

As Isaiah puts it ‘Come, let us walk in the light of the Lord’, this Advent season.

 

“For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”

(Psalm 103 11-12)

This is one gem of many in Psalm 103, a psalm which whatever our time of life or situation will have something to uplift our spirit.

It is full of beautiful imagery: He crowns you with love and compassion, your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

The psalm starts and ends with an outpouring of praise. Praise is not something which is a dry duty, it is something that comes naturally to human beings, we do it all the time: “How lovely to see you,” “This is delicious.” Praise is inner health made audible.

God made us to be people who praise him and everything good that he gives. When we praiseand worship himcollectively or alone hedelights in us.