Join us to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III in our special Sunday services:

9:30AM Muddy Coronation on Holloway Hill Recreation Ground
Led by Mark Puddephatt and Suzie Lambert

10AM Classic Service *please note the earlier time
Led by Patrick Samuels | Speaker Keith Harper

10AM Hambledon Morning Worship
Led by Simon Willetts | Speaker Dudley Hilton

Then all congregations and friends are invited to
the Big Church Brunch in the Old Rectory Garden from 11AM

6PM Busbridge Evening Service + Youth
Led by Sarah Rowden | Speaker Ben Barnes

Dear Friends

The coronation is fast approaching, and if it wasn’t already on your RADAR, the sight of burgeoning bunting is probably getting you in the mood! We’d love to have some fun together after the services this Sunday and you will be most welcome to stay after the 10AM Classic Celebration, or mooch on over after Muddy on the rec, or the 10AM service at Hambledon Church. We will have the bouncy castles for younger ones, and lawn games and quiz activities for the more mature.

We will also be planting a tree in the Old Rectory Garden to mark the occasion of the coronation. Thanks to renowned quizmasters Alan B, Dudley H for arranging these royal entertainments, and Ed Payne and Alan for donating and preparing the ground for the ceremonial planting.

Do please let us know if you plan to come – it always helps. You can use this link to sign up.

Also reminder that the deadline to join the Busbridge or Hambledon Electoral Roll before the APCMs on 21st May is tomorrow, Friday 5 May. Please read on for details.

BYO Picnic, chairs and picnic rugs. Drinks and ice cream will be provided.

Notices

Also for the Coronation, Bishop Michael Baughen recommends The Coronation Prom at the Royal Albert Hall to honour our new King and celebrate the King of Kings. The free broadcast will be available at at 7pm on Saturday 6 May 2023 with a packed programme of behind-the-scenes interviews, expert insights, celebrity guests and more, leading up to the live concert from 7.30pm. Thereafter, it will remain on the All Souls YouTube channel.

Alpha Course starting Thursday 11th May at 7.30PM: Stay Curious / Who will you invite?
The next course is starting soon at St Mark’s Church, led by Sheila Samuels and Keith Harper. They would love to hear from you if you would like to find out about the course for yourself or someone else. Cooks to provide a meal would also be very welcome.

Reflective Prayer 8:45am Mondays on Zoom
As there are several Monday Bank Holidays in May, as well as holiday arrangements for those who host and lead Reflective Prayer, Reflective Prayer will take place on just one date in May – Monday 22 May. Do join us on Zoom! We shall resume “normal” service on Monday 5 June.

Prime Time Walk and Lunch led by Chris G at Farnham Nature Reserve and the Market Garden Café: Sat 13 May – All welcome. More details >>

Annual Parochial Church Meetings 21 May: 9:30AM Busbridge & 11:30AM Hambledon.

The Busbridge APCM will replace normal services on 21 May but still involve an act of worship, and children’s groups!

The Hambledon APCM will take place after the 10AM Service, starting at 11.30am after a break for coffee.

The meetings will provide a wonderful opportunity to celebrate everything that God has done through our churches in the past year and look ahead to the next 12 months. All church members are encouraged to attend, BUT to vote at APCMs, you must be on the Busbridge Electoral Roll to vote at the Busbridge APCM, and the Hambledon Electoral Roll to vote in Hambledon’s APCM. The deadline for new applications is Friday 5 May.

Join the Electoral Roll by Friday 5 May – We’d love you to join the church electoral roll if you are not on it already. To complete the application form, please go to Membership. Please return the completed form to the church office by 4pm on Friday 5th May.

Serve on the PCC (briefly)! Would you like to serve on the Busbridge PCC or Hambledon PCC for the next 8 months, before the PCC for Godalming Minster is formed? There are 8 vacancies on the Busbridge PCC and 5 vacancies on the Hambledon PCC. If you have been on the electoral roll for 6 months or more, please consider this important role. Nomination forms are at the back of each church for candidates, and should be submitted to the church office before the meetings.

Christian Aid Week
BHC are not planning a church-orientated project or a house-to-house collection for Christian Aid Week 14-20 May. However, please read the web site for how you can support this invaluable charity, and join us at Nexus on 4th May to hear about one of the many Christian Aid projects….

The Nexus Talk on 4th May is about the Christian Aid Pigeon Pea Project in Malawi. This project gives women in remote communities in Malawi the confidence and skills to start up small businesses.  This, in turn helps the women support their families and their local community. It’s an intriguing title, so do come along and find out more. You’re welcome to bring friends. We’ll start the evening with drinks and nibbles to give us a chance to mingle and meet new people before handing over to Laura for her fascinating presentation. 

Bereavement Café – next date Tuesday 30 May in the Old Rectory.

Furniture and household items for local Ukranians
Local Ukrainians, many of whom have now been with their hosts for a year, are trying to find flats to rent so that they can move out and let their hosts have their homes back. As these flats are unfurnished, they need all household items that one might need to furnish a flat from scratch from furniture to saucepans and cutlery. If you have an unwanted item that you think might be useful for them and would be happy to pass it on, would you please contact, in the first instance, Diane Alder e: diane.alder@btinternet.com or text 07920 828 191 or Peter Crane e: Peter.crane1973@virgin.net or text / phone 07712 485 712.

Coming Up / plan ahead

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

Don’t forget about…

The MyChurchSuite app. It’s the easiest way to check dates, rotas, church emails, look up church members and sign up to events (without having to enter your details again and again!). Contact the Church Office if you’ve lost your login details or would like to request an account. Thanks to Phil M who has tested and modified the instructions which are now on the web site here.

Simon’s sabbatical 11th April-15th July 2023
While Simon Taylor enjoys his sabbatical, the leadership of the benefice is in the capable hands of Simon Willetts, supported by Margot Spencer, the wardens, clergy and staff team. Minster plans will continue to develop.

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

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

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

Groups & Activities

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

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

The 2023 Prime Time programme for Jan-Jun is now available. For all events and details, see Prime Time.

Nexus meets on the 1st Thursday of the month, with talks and activities for church members and the community. The 2023 Nexus programme can be found on Nexus.

Elsewhere

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

The greatest story of all time is movingly recreated with authentic detail, outstanding quality sound and music. The Life of Christ is a passion play not to be missed. It is both educational and entertaining, amusing and serious.

Watch as hundreds of actors bring the story of Jesus to life in an open-air epic production set in stunning Surrey countryside.

 Young and old from all walks of life will be mesmerised as the story unfolds across three captivating acts from 10am to 3.30pm.

The retelling of this evocative story against the peaceful backdrop of the Wintershall grounds has a profound effect on visitors.

Perfect for schools, families, faith groups or theatre lovers, The Life of Christ is highly entertaining and unforgettable. Book your visit now.

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

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

PASTORAL CARE & PRAYER MINISTRY TEAM AVAILABLE

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

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

Busbridge and Hambledon Churches are open daily for private prayer.

“Water, water, everywhere. Come into the Garden”

GENESIS 2: 8-14 & EZEKIAL 47: 1-12

Dear Friends

This Sunday we conclude The Garden Easter Sermon series, and having considered the Easter story in terms of the gate, the path, the vine, the tree, the gardener, the stone, and the fish, we finally come to the water feature for this week’s topic, titled “The Stream”. The Garden is open … and waiting for you. Come.

In this week’s notices:

Please sign up to the Coronation Big Church Brunch!

• This Sunday

• The Coronation Weekend and the Big Church Brunch

• APCMs (Annual Parochial Church Meetings) on Sunday 21st May

• Outward Giving and Christian Aid Week

• Nexus talk to promote Christian Aid Week, the Pigeon Pea Challenge

…and more.

This Sunday

Busbridge

9:30AM Contemporary Service
Busbridge Church and online
Led by: Margot Spencer | Speaker: Patrick Samuels
Children’s groups meet this Sunday. Please drop off for Ark at the Village Hall and Crèche, Tiny Tigers and Explorers in the Old Rectory before the service, or ask a Welcomer for directions.

11:15AM Classic Service
Busbridge Church and online
ed by: Margot Spencer | Speaker: Patrick Samuels

Hambledon

10AM Morning Worship
Hambledon Church and online
Led by Simon Willetts | Speaker: Andy Spencer
With Children’s Club

 Evening Service Social 6p.m – 7:30pm

Come along to the evening service social at The Inn on the Lake this Sunday 30th April any time between 6p.m. and 7:30p.m. ( No evening service as it is a 5th Sunday) Look forward to seeing you there. All welcome.

Join us to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III in our specially themed Sunday services:

9:30AM Muddy Coronation on Holloway Hill Recreation Ground
Led by Mark Puddephatt and Suzie Lambert
10AM Classic Service *please note the earlier time
Led by Patrick Samuels | Speaker Keith Harper
10AM Hambledon Morning Worship
Led by Simon Willetts | Speaker Dudley Hilton

Then all congregations and friends are invited to
the Big Church Brunch in the Old Rectory Garden from 11AM

6PM Busbridge Evening Service

Coming Up:

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

Notices

Please Sign Up for the Big Church Brunch – Sunday 7th May! There will be many celebrations running locally over the Coronation weekend, and we too are planning to celebrate as a church benefice after the morning services on Sunday 7 May. To make it simple, it’s BYO picnic unless we get enough offers of food, with drinks and ice creams provided.

To mark the occasion of the coronation of King Charles III we will be planting a tree in the Old Rectory Garden, there will be games on the lawn, craft activities and the bouncy castles for children, and a quiz of sorts for those who prefer to be seated. Please bring your chairs and picnic rugs too.

Also for the Coronation, Bishop Michael Baughen recommends The Coronation Prom at the Royal Albert Hall to honour our new King and celebrate the King of Kings. The event is sold out, but the free broadcast will be available on our homepage at allsoulsmusic.org at 7pm on Saturday 6 May 2023 with a packed programme of behind-the-scenes interviews, expert insights, celebrity guests and more, leading up to the live concert from 7.30pm. Thereafter, it will remain on our YouTube channel.

Annual Parochial Church Meetings 21 May: 9:30AM Busbridge & 11:30AM Hambledon. The APCMS will replace normal services on 21 May but still involve an act of worship, and children’s groups! The meetings provide a wonderful opportunity to celebrate everything that God has done through our churches in the past year and look ahead to the next 12 months. (The Annual Report and Accounts will be available next Sunday.) To vote at the meetings, you must be a member of the Electoral Roll for the church’s meeting you are attending.

Join the Electoral Roll by Friday 5 May – As we approach the Annual Parochial Church Meetings on 21st May this is a reminder that we’d love you to join the church electoral roll if you are not on it already. To complete the application form, please go to Membership.

Serve on the PCC (briefly)! Would you like to serve on the Busbridge PCC or Hambledon PCC for the next 8 months, before the PCC for Godalming Minster is formed? There are 8 vacancies on the Busbridge PCC and 5 vacancies on the Hambledon PCC. If you have been on the electoral roll for 6 months or more, please consider this important role. Nomination forms are at the back of each church for candidates, and should be submitted to the church office before the meetings.

BJS MUGA and Governers
Thanks to Matt Rooke, one of our Busbridge Junior School Foundation Governors who took part in a Q&A at Busbridge Services last weekend, and will be visiting Hambledon next Sunday. Matt shared what the role entails and how you could make a difference to the school. There is also an update on the exciting project to build an artificial pitch on the school playing field for use by the school and local community groups. So far, an amazing 90% of the £166,000 has been raised and we’d be delighted if people would like to give towards the MUGA project, in the usual ways (BACS, online or cheque all gratefully received). Please go to GIVING. If you are registered for Gift Aid with Busbridge PCC, we can pass the gift aid on to the school.

The Outward Giving Group is looking for more members who are passionate about outward giving and mission. Shelagh will be standing down from her current role as Chair at the APCM and we need a replacement. The group is also looking for somebody to co-ordinate the ongoing appeal for the HMP Send Nazareth Way project in Busbridge, perhaps by organising a lunch or similar event as Hambledon are doing, and somebody to co-ordinate the organsation and distribution of Christmas Hampers when the time comes (mid-November to mid-December). Please in the first instance contact Shelagh Godwin at shelagh.godwin@bhcgodalming.org

And, looking forward to May:

BHC are not planning a church-orientated project or a house-to-house collection for Christian Aid Week 14-20 May. However, please read the web site for how you can support this invaluable charity, and join us at Nexus on 4th May to hear about one of the many Christian Aid projects….

The Nexus Talk on 4th May is about the Christian Aid Pigeon Pea Project in Malawi by Laura Mead. Laura is going to tell us about their fantastic Pigeon Pea Project in Malawi.  This project gives women in remote communities in Malawi the confidence and skills to start up small businesses.  This, in turn helps the women support their families and their local community. It’s an intriguing title, so do come along and find out more. You’re welcome to bring friends. We’ll start the evening with drinks and nibbles to give us a chance to mingle and meet new people before handing over to Laura for her fascinating presentation. 

Furniture and household items for local Ukranians
Local Ukrainians, many of whom have now been with their hosts for a year, are trying to find flats to rent so that they can move out and let their hosts have their homes back. As these flats are unfurnished, they need all household items that one might need to furnish a flat from scratch from furniture to saucepans and cutlery. If you have an unwanted item that you think might be useful for them and would be happy to pass it on, would you please contact, in the first instance, Diane Alder e: diane.alder@btinternet.com or text 07920 828 191 or Peter Crane e: Peter.crane1973@virgin.net or text / phone 07712 485 712.

Church Family News

Before Easter we shared the news of the death of Harvey Williams, a once Busbridge church member who had emigrated to Australia. The funeral took place on 19th April, and for those who would like to watch the video of the service, the link is here.

Don’t forget about…

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

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

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

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

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

Groups & Activities

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

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

The 2023 Prime Time programme for Jan-Jun is now available, and the next event is the Tour of Brookwood Cemetery led by Ian Tomes. For all events and details, see Prime Time.

Nexus meets on the 1st Thursday of the month, with talks and activities for church members and the community. The 2023 Nexus programme can be found on Nexus.

Elsewhere

The greatest story of all time is movingly recreated with authentic detail, outstanding quality sound and music. The Life of Christ is a passion play not to be missed. It is both educational and entertaining, amusing and serious.

Watch as hundreds of actors bring the story of Jesus to life in an open-air epic production set in stunning Surrey countryside.

 Young and old from all walks of life will be mesmerised as the story unfolds across three captivating acts from 10am to 3.30pm.

The retelling of this evocative story against the peaceful backdrop of the Wintershall grounds has a profound effect on visitors.

Perfect for schools, families, faith groups or theatre lovers, The Life of Christ is highly entertaining and unforgettable. Book your visit now.

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

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

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

PASTORAL CARE & PRAYER MINISTRY TEAM AVAILABLE

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

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

Busbridge and Hambledon Churches are open daily for private prayer.

“Your Fish or Mine?”

John 21.1-14

Jesus has his own cache of fish but calls for some of the disciples’ haul and when combined they have a feast. Jesus provides for the disciples, preparing the food they will share. He asks for and accepts their contribution but he continues to serve them.

Dear Friends

Services are “back to normal” this Sunday, but the Easter sermon series has two more to go. This Sunday’s reading involves fish for breakfast and we will be asking ourselves how do we keep the momentum of the Easter joy going, and convert that energy into practical action?

In this week’s notices:

• This Sunday

• Busbridge Junior School Multi-Use Game Area (MUGA) project

• Prime Time invitation to a tour of the Brookwood Cemetery

• The Bereavement Café starting on Tuesday 25th April

• Live at the Yew Tree Café: End of Winter Blues night on 28th April

• The Coronation Weekend and your church coronation planner!

• Outward Giving and Christian Aid Week

• Nexus

• Church Family News

And more.

This Sunday

Busbridge

As today’s reading is about Jesus sharing breakfast with his disciples, so will we! Coffee and pastries will be available on arrival from 9:15AM, as well as between services. Thanks to brilliant coffee person, Sharon W for making the earlier start for this. (If fellowship and refreshments (coffee/tea) are important to you on a Sunday, please consider joining the team that serves it. Contact Sandra Campbell via the church office).

9:30AM Contemporary Service
Busbridge Church and online
Led by: Suzie Lambert | Speaker: Philippa Baker
Children’s groups restart this Sunday. Please drop off for Ark at the Village Hall and Crèche, Tiny Tigers and Explorers in the Old Rectory before the service, or ask a Welcomer for directions.

11:15AM Classic Service
Busbridge Church and online
Led by Sarah Rowden | Speaker: Philippa Baker

6PM Evening Service [Holy Communion}
Busbridge Church
Led by Sheila Samuels | Speaker: Sarah Rowden
6:50PM Gifts of the Holy Spirit Session 5
Prophecy: comfort, edify, strengthen
Led by John Valentine

Hambledon

10AM Morning Worship
Hambledon Church and online
Led by Dudley Hilton | Speaker: Keith Harper
With Children’s Club

Services Next Sunday 30 April

The Stream

GenESIS 2: 8-14 & Ezekial 47: 1-12

9:30AM Busbridge Contemporary
10AM Hambledon Morning Worship
11:15AM Busbridge Classic
6PM Social at the Inn on the Lake

Coming Up:

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

Notices

At a Service near you in the coming weeks (Busbridge this Sunday, and Hambledon 14 May):

Matt Rooke, one of our Busbridge Junior School Foundation Governors will be taking part in a Q&A at both morning Busbridge Services this weekend, and at Hambledon in May. Hear more about what the role entails and how you could make a difference to the school. There will also be an update on the exciting project to build an artificial pitch on the school playing field for use by the school and local community groups. So far, an amazing 90% of the £166,000 has been raised and we’d be delighted if people would like to give towards the MUGA project, in the usual ways (BACS, online or cheque all gratefully received). Please go to GIVING. If you are registered for Gift Aid with Busbridge PCC, we can pass the gift aid on to the school.

New Ministry Bereavement Café: For those who have lost someone recently or some time ago. Starting Tuesday 25th April, The Bereavement Café will take place in the Old Rectory on last Tuesdays of the month, from 2.30-4pm. The Bereavement Café is run by the Pastoral Team (Support & Care) and offers a safe space for anyone who has been bereaved where you can feel safe to talk about how the pain of bereavement is affecting you. If you would like to chat to someone about The Bereavement Café, please contact Shân Hallam e: pastoral@bhcgodalming.org / t: 01483 421267.

Please Sign Up for the Big Church Brunch – Sunday 7th May! We know that there will be many celebrations running locally over the Coronation weekend, and some will be involved with their own street parties on Sunday 7 May. We are planning to celebrate as a church and minster after the morning services on Sunday 7 May. To gauge enthusiasm and numbers, please use the link above to let us know if you would like to be part of the celebration in the Old Rectory Garden!

Prime Time tour of Brookwood Cemetery – 28th April at 2.15PM
Non-regular friends of Prime Time (any age) might be interested in the next event which is a tour of the Brookwood Cemetery in Woking, AKA the London Necropolis. In his role with Woking Borough Council, church member Ian T oversaw the major restoration of Brookwood Cemetery, and will lead an hour’s stroll around the cemetery, looking at graves and buildings of interest across the site. Please click here for details and sign up on ChurchSuite.

The Outward Giving Group is looking for more members who are passionate about outward giving and mission. Shelagh will be standing down from her current role as Chair at the APCM and we need a replacement. The group is also looking for somebody to co-ordinate the ongoing appeal for the HMP Send Nazareth Way project in Busbridge, perhaps by organising a lunch or similar event as Hambledon are doing, and somebody to co-ordinate the organsation and distribution of Christmas Hampers when the time comes (mid-November to mid-December). Please in the first instance contact Shelagh Godwin at shelagh.godwin@bhcgodalming.org

And, looking forward to May:

BHC are not planning a church-orientated project or a house-to-house collection for Christian Aid Week 14-20 May. However, please read the web site for how you can support this invaluable charity, and join us at Nexus on 4th May to hear about one of the many Christian Aid projects….

The Nexus Talk on 4th May is about the Christian Aid Pigeon Pea Project in Malawi by Laura Mead. Laura is going to tell us about their fantastic Pigeon Pea Project in Malawi.  This project gives women in remote communities in Malawi the confidence and skills to start up small businesses.  This, in turn helps the women support their families and their local community. It’s an intriguing title, so do come along and find out more. You’re welcome to bring friends. We’ll start the evening with drinks and nibbles to give us a chance to mingle and meet new people before handing over to Laura for her fascinating presentation. 

Furniture and household items for local Ukranians
Local Ukrainians, many of whom have now been with their hosts for a year, are trying to find flats to rent so that they can move out and let their hosts have their homes back. As these flats are unfurnished, they need all household items that one might need to furnish a flat from scratch from furniture to saucepans and cutlery. If you have an unwanted item that you think might be useful for them and would be happy to pass it on, would you please contact, in the first instance, Diane Alder e: diane.alder@btinternet.com or text 07920 828 191 or Peter Crane e: Peter.crane1973@virgin.net or text / phone 07712 485 712.

Join the Electoral Roll by Friday 5 May – As we approach the Annual Parochial Church Meetings on 21st May: 9:30AM Busbridge, and 11:30AM Hambledon, this is a reminder that we’d love you to join the church electoral roll if you are not on it already. To complete the application form, please go to Membership.

Church Family News

Congratulations to Patrick and Esther on the arrival of baby Colette Alice (Lettie) on Easter Saturday, 8th April. We can’t wait to meet her at church!

The funeral service for Sue Owen (née Appleton) will take place in Guildford Cathedral on Friday 5th May at 1.30 p.m..  Anyone who knew Sue will be very welcome at the service.

Please pray for

The St Mark’s Family Fun Day on Saturday 22nd April. That families in the community will come and enjoy games and hospitality at the community centre, and that mission in that community will be advanced.

Don’t forget about…

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

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

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

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

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

Groups & Activities

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

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

The 2023 Prime Time programme for Jan-Jun is now available, and the next event is the Tour of Brookwood Cemetery led by Ian Tomes. For all events and details, see Prime Time.

Nexus meets on the 1st Thursday of the month, with talks and activities for church members and the community. The 2023 Nexus programme can be found on Nexus.

Elsewhere

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

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

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

PASTORAL CARE & PRAYER MINISTRY TEAM AVAILABLE

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

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

Busbridge and Hambledon Churches are open daily for private prayer.

Dear Friends

In the afterglow of The Resurrection, and being part of a brilliant Easter weekend, we can get the feeling that the Easter story is done and dusted, at least for another year.

But EASTER IS NOT OVER, and this Sunday The Garden sermon series continues as we take a look at The Stone, and what the empty tomb means to us.

Furthermore, this Sunday is Easter for our Ukrainian friends and Busbridge will be helping them celebrate with the blessing of Easter baskets – a tradition in the Orthodox Ukrainian Church.

But before we move on, huge thanks to the very many of you who took part in the planning and delivering of Holy Week and Easter events and services; in welcoming, leading worship, prayer ministry, hiding eggs, marshalling bouncy castles, pouring tea and buttering hot cross buns. In doing so you helped enable each other to experience the sorrow and joy of Easter, and to share the gospel with those who are less involved in the church family. If you have any comments on any of the events or services, please email Vic in the office. And you can find all the best pics of Easter on Facebook and Instagram! (Links at the bottom of the page.)

Please read on for news on:

• This Sunday

• Parting thoughts on Easter from Simon Taylor

• The Bereavement Café starting on Tuesday 25th April

• Live at the Yew Tree Café: End of Winter Blues night on 28th April

• Job ad for a new Assistant Café Manager

• The Coronation Weekend and your church coronation planner!

• Church Family News

Sunday Services on Sunday 16th April

The Stone
Readings: Matthew 28:1-10

10AM Combined Service
Busbridge Church and online
Led by Sarah Black | Speaker: Margot Spencer

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

*Children’s groups restart on 23rd April*

Coming Up:

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

Last call for the Easter Appeal

At Busbridge on Easter Day we said a formal farewell, rather informally, to Chris and Maggie Jagger who have been a huge part in life and mission of Busbridge Church for 50 years! One of the many charities they have pioneered is The Salvadorian Children’s Earthquake Trust. If you would like to give to SALCET as part of the Easter Appeal, please do so now!

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

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

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

We know that there will be many celebrations running locally over the Coronation weekend, and some will be involved with their own street parties on Sunday 7 May. Godalming Town Council is holding a Coronation Concert for the people of Godalming on Saturday 6 May, on the Bury’s from 3-11pm: https://coronationconcert.org/ and there will be entertainment at the Bandstand on Sunday too.

We are planning to celebrate as a church and minster after the morning services on Sunday 7 May. To gauge enthusiasm and numbers, please use the link above to let us know if you would like to be part of the celebration in the Old Rectory Garden!

We’re Hiring!

Please take a look at the vacancy for a new assistant manager for the Yew Tree Café and think about whether the role is right for you, or who you could share this great opportunity with!

Church Family News

We send our love to Mark Alcock, whose father died on the Wednesday of Holy Week.  The funeral will be in Cumbria.  Please pray for Mark, Linda, Jack and Alex, as well as Mark’s two brothers, that the service arrangements will fall into place and that they will know God’s peace and comfort in the coming days and weeks ahead.

There are many church members who will remember Harvey Williams, who emigrated to Australia some years ago.  We have been saddened to receive the news that he died in hospital on Thursday 30th March.  He has been very unwell for about eighteen months, but his passing was peaceful with his family present.  We remember him with great affection and give thanks for his faithful Christian life and witness.  Please pray for his family, especially his daughter Cassie and son Chris.  (His funeral is to be live-streamed and we hope to be able to let you know in advance when that will be.)

The funeral service for Sue Owen (née Appleton) will take place in Guildford Cathedral on Friday 5th May at 1.30 p.m..  Anyone who knew Sue will be very welcome at the service.

Don’t forget about…

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

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

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

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

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

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

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

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

Groups & Activities

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

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

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

The 2023 Nexus programme is now available, and the next event is a talk on 4th May is about the Christian Aid Pigeon Pea Project in Malawi by Laura Mead. Laura is going to tell us about their fantastic Pigeon Pea Project in Malawi.  This project gives women in remote communities in Malawi the confidence and skills to start up small businesses.  This, in turn helps the women support their families and their local community. It’s an intriguing title, so do come along and find out more. You’re welcome to bring friends. We’ll start the evening with drinks and nibbles to give us a chance to mingle and meet new people before handing over to Laura for her fascinating presentation.                   

For all events and details, see Nexus.

Elsewhere

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

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

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

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

PASTORAL CARE & PRAYER MINISTRY TEAM AVAILABLE

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

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

Busbridge and Hambledon Churches are open daily for private prayer.

EASTER 2023

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

Mon-WEDS: The path

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

MAUNDY THURSDAY: The vine

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

WHEN & WHERE: 8PM at Hambledon Church

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

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

GOOD FRIDAY: THE TREE

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

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

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

“EGG”CELENT EVENTS in gardens
on Holy Saturday

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

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

EASTER DAY: THE GARDENER

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

SERVICES

6.45AM Sunrise Service at the Ladywell Shrine on Minsterfield

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

10AM Hambledon Easter Day Service

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

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

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

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

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

Coming Up:

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

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

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

AFTER EASTER

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

Services on Sunday 16th April

The Stone
Readings: Matthew 28:1-10

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

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

Children’s groups restart on 23rd April.

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

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

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

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

Don’t forget about…

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

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

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

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

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

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

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

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

Groups & Activities

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

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

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

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

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

For all events and details, see Nexus.

Elsewhere

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

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

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

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

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

PASTORAL CARE & PRAYER MINISTRY TEAM AVAILABLE

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

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

Busbridge and Hambledon Churches are open daily for private prayer.

***Palm Sunday 2nd April***

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

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

SERVICES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coming Up:

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

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

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

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

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

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

– you will meet others who have experienced their own loss

– there is a team willing to offer support by listening

– you will find mutual support and encouragement

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

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

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

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

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

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

Elsewhere

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

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

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

Don’t forget about…

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

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

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

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

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

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

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

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

Groups & Activities

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

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

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

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

Busbridge and Hambledon Churches are open daily for private prayer.

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

PASTORAL CARE & PRAYER MINISTRY TEAM AVAILABLE

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

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

Dear Friends,

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

Sunday 19 March: Mothering Sunday

Pray for power
Reading: Ephesians 3:14-19

Busbridge

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

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

Hambledon

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

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

Special things about Services on 26th March

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

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

Also, as usual, on 26th March:

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

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

Coming Up:

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

Notices

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

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

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

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

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

Godalming Minster March Headlines:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get Involved

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

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

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

Elsewhere

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

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

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

Don’t forget about…

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

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

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

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

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

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

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

Groups & Activities

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

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

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

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

Busbridge and Hambledon Churches are open daily for private prayer.

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

PASTORAL CARE & PRAYER MINISTRY TEAM AVAILABLE

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

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

Dear Friends,

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

Sunday 12 March: MISSION SUNDAY

Gifted for service
Reading: Ephesians 3:1-13

Busbridge

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

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

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

Hambledon

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

Coming Up:

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

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

Notices

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mothering Sunday Services 19th March

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

Special things about Services on 26th March

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

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

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

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

Get Involved

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

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

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

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

Elsewhere

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

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

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

Don’t forget about…

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

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

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

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

Groups & Activities

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

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

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

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

Busbridge and Hambledon Churches are open daily for private prayer.

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

PASTORAL CARE & PRAYER MINISTRY TEAM AVAILABLE

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

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