We look forward to seeing you this Sunday!

Dear Friends,

It’s half-term, so the notices are “light” this week, but there is still some important stuff (and slight amendments) since last week’s edition, so please read through to check you are working with the latest information!

SUNDAY 29 OCTOBER

“Lie in” Sunday – watch out for the clocks going back!

John 2. 13-25
God with us – The Challenge

9.30AM Busbridge Contemporary Service
Busbridge Church & online
Crèche and children’s groups for ages 3-14 take place in the Old Rectory.

11.15AM Busbridge Classic Service
Busbridge Church & online

10AM Hambledon Morning Worship
Hambledon Church & online

6PM Busbridge Evening Service Social!
Inn on the Lake
On Sunday 29th October there will be a 6pm congregation social at the Inn on the Lake. There is  no evening service as it is a 5th Sunday. The service team will be there to greet you so do come and join us for a drink and a chat. All welcome. 

Notices

A call to prayer for Godalming Minster, Monday 30 Oct, 7.30pm – as we countdown to the legal establishment of Godalming Minster on 1 Jan 2024, a prayer gathering will take place on Monday 30th October, from 7.30-8PM at Busbridge Church. All from the parishes of Godalming, Busbridge and Hambledon are encouraged to attend.

The last Bible Course session took place last Thursday at St Mark’s.  Sheila and Keith were overwhelmed with joy and thanks at having 23 attendees (representing all the Minster churches and others).  Please pray for “next steps” – for attendees and future courses.

Sunday 5th November, 6.30pm – Confirmation Service at St John’s, Farncombe
The 6PM congregation will not be meeting at Busbridge on 5 Nov, but are encouraged, with others, to attend the Confirmation Service to support our candidates for confirmation, including Ben Barnes and members of Ichthus. Please pray for these young people who are giving their lives to Jesus, and that our work as Godalming Minster to “grow younger” yields many more! If you would like to find out about confirmation please contact Simon Taylor e: simon.taylor@bhcgodalming.org.

Busbridge is blessed to have a great team of Road Stewards who deliver The Bridge magazine six times per year.  We are currently looking for a volunteer to deliver in the Monteagle, Westdene and Birchanger area near Summerhouse Road.  This will take less than 30 minutes, so it is a commitment of less than 3 hours per year!  We would also like a Road Steward who could cover for other Road Stewards who are on holiday as required.  Please email David Brockman if you think you can help or want more information at editor.atthebridge@gmail.com.

We have nearly 100 children signed up to the Light Party, and need more helpers who are not already accompanying children. It will be very good fun indeed! Please complete the online form below.

NEXUS
Thursday 2nd November 8.00pm in Busbridge Old Rectory: Norwegian Expedition in Photos, shown by Helen Sturney
Helen has kindly offered to share with us her experiences of a cruise to see the Northern Lights in Norway.  This included expeditions in rigid inflatable boats and visiting the most northerly point in Norway’s Artic Circle.  For us, this will be a photographic adventure, including pictures of the Ice Cathedral and other Norwegian wonders.  Come and enjoy this and more in the warmth and comfort of our familiar Minster Room venue!

We’ll meet in the Busbridge Old Rectory at 8.00pm.  The evening will start with refreshments and a chance to mingle and meet new people. We’ll then hand over to Helen for her photo presentation.

NEW Hymns we Love – Fridays, 2.30pm, for 5 weeks
With the help of our Anna Chaplain and Prime Time Team member Jane Tomes, Prime Time is starting Hymns We Love – a 5 week series of sessions which uses well-loved hymns to explore the Christian faith.  Each session features a beautifully shot video set in a historic English church, and tells the story of the hymn and the gospel message behind it.  It is a series that has been developed specifically for use in groups of older adults and so is perfect for Prime Time, but may have wider appeal too. All are welcome.

Annual Memorial Service
Each year we hold a Memorial Service to remember friends and family members who have died, either recently or at any time, however long ago.  This year’s service is on Saturday 18 November at 3.00 p.m.  Invitations will be going out within the next few weeks, and there will be spare invitation letters at the back of all our churches.  During the service we read out the names of those we remember and light candles in their memory.  Refreshments are served afterwards and all are welcome to stay.  The service is open to everyone, so please put the date in your diary.It’s not too late to join the Bereavement Journey course, continuing Wednesday 1 November. Please use the link below for details, and share with anyone you know who might benefit.

For those looking ahead further, the dates for Christmas services and events are now available on the calendar, and on A church near you. Some details might get a tweak, but you can at least save the dates. You will be able to pick up a programme in church after half term. Before that there is plenty in the following notices which we kindly ask for your attention!

church family news

Last Saturday’s Thanksgiving service for the life of Rev John Postill is now available, with sound, here: https://youtu.be/mv1cfRzt7js.  

“A humongous thank you to everyone who so kindly helped to ensure John’s Thanksgiving Service and afterwards went smoothly.  Everyone was so helpful whatever the task.” Jeannie.

get involved / serving

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

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

Coming Up / plan ahead

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

Can we pray for you?

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

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

Busbridge and Hambledon Churches are open daily for private prayer and reflection.

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

Wednesdays at 9AM:
Morning Prayer at Hambledon Church
Morning Prayer on Zoom

Groups & Activities

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.

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

The Men’s Group meets for breakfast at 8.15am on the 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 Jul-Dec is now available. For all events and details, see Prime Time.

Bereavement Café – The Bereavement Café is for anyone who has been bereaved recently or some time ago and provides a safe and supportive space to come and chat with members of the pastoral care team, and others who have experienced loss. Every last Tuesday of the month in the Old Rectory. More details >>>

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. The instructions which are now on the web site HERE.

Elsewhere

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

WANTED: ACCOMMODATION FOR YOUTH WORKER RELOCATING TO GODALMING
Wanted: self-contained flat or annexe for Christian youth worker (Ola from TTT) from early October. Quiet, respectful and tidy tenant prepared to pay rent in return for own private space. If you have, or know of such accommodation in the Godalming area, please contact andy@trinitytrustteam.co.uk.

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.

We look forward to seeing you this Sunday!

Dear Friends,

Take Courage

‘Take Courage’ is the title of the Autumn sermon series starting this Sunday.  We start with John chapter 1 which reminds us that ‘God is with us’ in times of change and uncertainty.  We will continue to explore the themes of Challenge, Service, Sacrifice and finally Hope and Reconciliation with further readings from John’s gospel.  Home Groups are exploring the same themes after half-term too. 

This Sunday is the start of school half-term (hoorah!) and while the notices, and some activities will be taking a break, not everything stops at BHC. Please check the calendar.

For those looking ahead further, the dates for Christmas services and events are now available on the calendar, and on A church near you. Some details might get a tweak, but you can at least save the dates. You will be able to pick up a programme in church after half term. Before that there is plenty in the following notices which we kindly ask for your attention!

SUNDAY 22 OCTOBER

John 1. 1-18
Take Courage. God is with us.

9.30AM Busbridge Contemporary Service
Busbridge Church & online
Led by Simon Taylor / Speaker Peter Shaw
Crèche and children’s groups for ages 3-14 take a break for half-term. Activity bags available for those in church. (Groups are back on for Sunday 29th Oct!)

11.15AM Busbridge Classic Service
Busbridge Church & online
Led by Patrick Samuels / Speaker Peter Shaw

10AM Hambledon Morning Worship
Hambledon Church
Led by Simon Willetts

6PM Busbridge Evening Service [Holy Communion]
Busbridge Church
Led by Patrick Samuels / Speaker Simon Willetts

SUNDAY 29 OCTOBER

“Lie in” Sunday – watch out for the clocks going back!

John 2. 13-25
God with us – The Challenge

9.30AM Busbridge Contemporary Service
Busbridge Church & online
Crèche and children’s groups for ages 3-14 take place in the Old Rectory.

11.15AM Busbridge Classic Service
Busbridge Church & online

10AM Hambledon Morning Worship
Hambledon Church

6PM Busbridge Evening Service
Busbridge Church

Notices

A call to prayer for Godalming Minster – as we countdown to the legal establishment of Godalming Minster on 1 Jan 2024, a prayer gathering will take place on Monday 30th October, from 7.30-8PM at Busbridge Church. All from the parishes of Godalming, Busbridge and Hambledon are encouraged to attend.

Prayer for the Gaza-Israel conflict, continuing prayers for other situations will be included in our intercessions this Sunday, and regular prayer gatherings (see below).

We have nearly 100 children signed up to the Light Party, and need more helpers who are not already accompanying children. It will be very good fun indeed! Please complete the online form below.

Sunday 5th November, 6.30pm – Confirmation Service at St John’s, Farncombe
The 6PM congregation will not be meeting at Busbridge on 5 Nov, but are encouraged, with others, to attend the Confirmation Service to support our candidates for confirmation, including Ben Barnes and members of Ichthus. If you would like to find out about confirmation please contact Simon Taylor e: simon.taylor@bhcgodalming.org.

Please pray for these young people who are giving their lives to Jesus, and that our work as Godalming Minster to “grow younger” yields many more!

Annual Memorial Service
Each year we hold a Memorial Service to remember friends and family members who have died, either recently or at any time, however long ago.  This year’s service is on Saturday 18 November at 3.00 p.m.  Invitations will be going out within the next few weeks, and there will be spare invitation letters at the back of all our churches.  During the service we read out the names of those we remember and light candles in their memory.  Refreshments are served afterwards and all are welcome to stay.  The service is open to everyone, so please put the date in your diary.It’s not too late to join the Bereavement Journey course, continuing Wednesday 1 November. Please use the link below for details, and share with anyone you know who might benefit.

NEW Hymns we Love – Fridays, 2.30pm, for 5 weeks
With the help of our Anna Chaplain and Prime Time Team member Jane Tomes, Prime Time is starting Hymns We Love – a 5 week series of sessions which uses well-loved hymns to explore the Christian faith.  Each session features a beautifully shot video set in a historic English church, and tells the story of the hymn and the gospel message behind it.  It is a series that has been developed specifically for use in groups of older adults and so is perfect for Prime Time, but may have wider appeal too. All are welcome.

NEXUS
Thursday 2nd November 8.00pm in Busbridge Old Rectory: Norwegian Expedition in Photos, shown by Helen Sturney
Helen has kindly offered to share with us her experiences of a cruise to see the Northern Lights in Norway.  This included expeditions in rigid inflatable boats and visiting the most northerly point in Norway’s Artic Circle.  For us, this will be a photographic adventure, including pictures of the Ice Cathedral and other Norwegian wonders.  Come and enjoy this and more in the warmth and comfort of our familiar Minster Room venue!

We’ll meet in the Busbridge Old Rectory at 8.00pm.  The evening will start with refreshments and a chance to mingle and meet new people. We’ll then hand over to Helen for her photo presentation.

church family news

A service of Thanksgiving for the life of John Postill will take place at Busbridge Church on Saturday 21st October, at 2pm, followed by refreshments in the Yew Tree Café. All are welcome to celebrate the life of John, and for those who would like to join online, the service will be livestreamed is here: https://youtube.com/live/yWwQpe_1V4c?feature=share

get involved / serving

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

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

Coming Up / plan ahead

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

Can we pray for you?

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

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

Busbridge and Hambledon Churches are open daily for private prayer and reflection.

Monday Morning Reflections on Zoom
We shall resume our sessions on Monday 4th September at 8.45am on Zoom. If you  would like to start your week in quiet reflection over a passage of scripture do join us in September – you will be very welcome. For any further information please contact: Gertrud Sollars or Shan Hallam.

Wednesdays at 9AM: Morning Prayer at Hambledon Church

Groups & Activities

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.

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

The Men’s Group meets for breakfast at 8.15am on the 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 Jul-Dec is now available. For all events and details, see Prime Time.

Bereavement Café – The Bereavement Café is for anyone who has been bereaved recently or some time ago and provides a safe and supportive space to come and chat with members of the pastoral care team, and others who have experienced loss. Every last Tuesday of the month in the Old Rectory. More details >>>

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. The instructions which are now on the web site HERE.

Elsewhere

The new Bishop of Dorking (Paul Davies) is being welcomed at Evensong on Sunday 8th October, at Guildford Cathedral. Book your (free) ticket via the Cathedral box office.

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

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.
Next talk: Anxiety, Fear and Panic

WANTED: ACCOMMODATION FOR YOUTH WORKER RELOCATING TO GODALMING
Wanted: self-contained flat or annexe for Christian youth worker (Ola from TTT) from early October. Quiet, respectful and tidy tenant prepared to pay rent in return for own private space. If you have, or know of such accommodation in the Godalming area, please contact andy@trinitytrustteam.co.uk.

Week of Accompanied Prayer The Guildford network of spiritual directors is offering a week of accompanied prayer from 8.-13th October this year. A week of accompanied prayer is a bit like a retreat from home – you meet once a day (in person or on zoom) with a retreat guide who will suggest Bible passages to pray with and meditate on and talk about what you find. Participants in the past have found a week like this to deepen their prayer life and their walk with God; it also gives you a taste of what spiritual direction is about. Gertrud Sollars (gertrud.sollars@btinternet.com) has more information. See the flyer and application form.

MODERN SLAVERY,  RIGHT HERE , RIGHT NOW
An awareness event, Saturday 21st October, St Mary’s Church, Quarry Street, Guildford, GU1 3TY. 9:30-3pm Talks will be given by DCI Kerry Loveless, Surrey Police and South-east regional lead for Modern Slavery and Allison Sutcliffe Diocese Modern Slavery Advisor.

Guildford Mothers Union is pleased to have been invited by the Diocese to have a stand and would love members to join us in ‘manning it’ for whatever time you can spare, or just support the event, and spread the word.   Please let one of us know: Dorothea (dorothea.nattrass@gmail.com, 01428 653216) / or Diana (diana@parenting@gmail.com,  07782186229).

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.

We look forward to seeing you this Sunday!

SUNDAY 15 OCTOBER

2 Cor 1:18-23
It’s a “yes” (to Jesus) from me!  

9.30AM Busbridge Contemporary Service [Holy Communion]
Busbridge Church & online
with crèche and children’s groups for ages 3-14 – all in the Old Rectory

11.15AM Busbridge Classic Service
Busbridge Church & online

10AM Hambledon Morning Worship
Hambledon Church

4PM Messy Church
Hambledon Village Hall

Notices

Sunday 5th November, 6.30pm – Confirmation Service at St John’s, Farncombe
The 6PM congregation will not be meeting at Busbridge on 5 Nov, but are encouraged, with others, to attend the Confirmation Service to support our candidates for confirmation, including Ben Barnes and members of Ichthus.

Annual Memorial Service
Each year we hold a Memorial Service to remember friends and family members who have died, either recently or at any time, however long ago.  This year’s service is on Saturday 18 November at 3.00 p.m.  Invitations will be going out within the next few weeks, and there will be spare invitation letters at the back of all our churches.  During the service we read out the names of those we remember and light candles in their memory.  Refreshments are served afterwards and all are welcome to stay.  The service is open to everyone, so please put the date in your diary.

There are still places on the next Bereavement Journey course, 7 sessions starting Wednesday 18 October. Please use the link below for details, and share with anyone you know who might benefit.

NEW Hymns in the Afternoon – Friday 13th October, 2.30pm, for 5 weeks
With the help of our Anna Chaplain and Prime Time Team member Jane Tomes, Prime Time is starting Hymns We Love – a 5 week series of sessions which uses well-loved hymns to explore the Christian faith.  Each session features a beautifully shot video set in a historic English church, and tells the story of the hymn and the gospel message behind it.  It is a series that has been developed specifically for use in groups of older adults and so is perfect for Prime Time, but may have wider appeal too. All are welcome.

Invitation to join a Small Group
It’s a great time to try a mid-week small group, and there is a new group starting on Thursday evenings, hosted by Debs and Tom Jones and led by Hilary Pettman. Please let Hilary know if you would like to find out more.

The group which meets fortnightly on Tuesday mornings (9.20am – 11am) seeks new members interested in joining them for the September term.  All ages welcome. Please contact Cathy Brook via My ChurchSuite or the church office for more details.

A Wednesday evening group would also welcome new members. Please let Margot Spencer e: margot.spencer@bhcgodalming.org know if this is a good time for you!

Confirmation
Several young people will be confirmed during the Deanery confirmation service at St John’s, Farncombe on 5th November. If you would like to find out about confirmation please contact Simon Taylor e: simon.taylor@bhcgodalming.org.

Please pray for these young people who are giving their lives to Jesus, and that our work as Godalming Minster to “grow younger” yields many more!

church family news

The funeral of Malcolm Brunning will be held in Godalming Parish Church on 13th October 2023 at 3:00 pm.

A service of Thanksgiving for the life of John Postill will take place at Busbridge Church on Saturday 21st October, at 2pm, followed by refreshments in the Yew Tree Café.

get involved / serving

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

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

Coming Up / plan ahead

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

Can we pray for you?

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

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

Busbridge and Hambledon Churches are open daily for private prayer and reflection.

Monday Morning Reflections on Zoom
We shall resume our sessions on Monday 4th September at 8.45am on Zoom. If you  would like to start your week in quiet reflection over a passage of scripture do join us in September – you will be very welcome. For any further information please contact: Gertrud Sollars or Shan Hallam.

Wednesdays at 9AM: Morning Prayer at Hambledon Church

Groups & Activities

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.

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

The Men’s Group meets for breakfast at 8.15am on the 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 Jul-Dec is now available. For all events and details, see Prime Time.

Bereavement Café – The Bereavement Café is for anyone who has been bereaved recently or some time ago and provides a safe and supportive space to come and chat with members of the pastoral care team, and others who have experienced loss. Every last Tuesday of the month in the Old Rectory. More details >>>

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. The instructions which are now on the web site HERE.

Elsewhere

The new Bishop of Dorking (Paul Davies) is being welcomed at Evensong on Sunday 8th October, at Guildford Cathedral. Book your (free) ticket via the Cathedral box office.

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

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.
Next talk: Anxiety, Fear and Panic

WANTED: ACCOMMODATION FOR YOUTH WORKER RELOCATING TO GODALMING
Wanted: self-contained flat or annexe for Christian youth worker (Ola from TTT) from early October. Quiet, respectful and tidy tenant prepared to pay rent in return for own private space. If you have, or know of such accommodation in the Godalming area, please contact andy@trinitytrustteam.co.uk.

Week of Accompanied Prayer The Guildford network of spiritual directors is offering a week of accompanied prayer from 8.-13th October this year. A week of accompanied prayer is a bit like a retreat from home – you meet once a day (in person or on zoom) with a retreat guide who will suggest Bible passages to pray with and meditate on and talk about what you find. Participants in the past have found a week like this to deepen their prayer life and their walk with God; it also gives you a taste of what spiritual direction is about. Gertrud Sollars (gertrud.sollars@btinternet.com) has more information. See the flyer and application form.

MODERN SLAVERY,  RIGHT HERE , RIGHT NOW
An awareness event, Saturday 21st October, St Mary’s Church, Quarry Street, Guildford, GU1 3TY. 9:30-3pm Talks will be given by DCI Kerry Loveless, Surrey Police and South-east regional lead for Modern Slavery and Allison Sutcliffe Diocese Modern Slavery Advisor.

Guildford Mothers Union is pleased to have been invited by the Diocese to have a stand and would love members to join us in ‘manning it’ for whatever time you can spare, or just support the event, and spread the word.   Please let one of us know: Dorothea (dorothea.nattrass@gmail.com, 01428 653216) / or Diana (diana@parenting@gmail.com,  07782186229).

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,

Join us for Harvest this Sunday when we’ll be hearing from the trustees of Mechanics for Africa – a very local Christian charity working in Zambia, and gathering non-perishable harvest gifts for the Food Bank. See the shopping list on parishofgodalming.org.uk/st-marks-food-bank/

Harvest also seems a natural time to reflect on some of the early signs of reward from some of the pioneering Minster activities. Just in the last week there have been some lovely stories from the first Minster Pet Service at Hambledon last Sunday, and the Pre-Marriage Course last Saturday. Revs Sheila and Patrick Samuels led prayers at Godalming Council for the start of Black History month, a great privilege and opportunity, which we give thanks for. Surely the baptism of one of our Pathfinders at the 6pm service is cause for celebration too? Let’s be encouraged by those who are stepping in, and stepping up, and join them!

As well as Mission Sunday, there is no shortage of ways you can exercise your gifts or connect with a church group, whatever your interest:

Tonight at 8pm (Thursday 5th Oct) at Nexus, another of our local mission partners will be profiled when two of our church volunteer mentors at HMP Send will be sharing their experience and passion for supporting female prisoners. (Come along at 8pm to the Old Rectory).

Ladies are invited for a drink at the Pavilion at the Howling Owl tomorrow, Friday, from 7.30pm.

The Men’s Breakfast is tackling the topic of recent “church” involvement in policy and politics over tea, toast and porridge – 8.15am in the Old Rectory. (And while they are at it, a small team will be doing a little early morning reordering at St Peter & St Paul’s – more heavy lifters welcome).

You can then learn or brush up on your Sunday role as Welcomer, prayer leader, preacher or service leader at the workshop running from 9.30-11.30am.

More details for all of the above can be found in the notices to follow.

SERVICES this Sunday

Psalm 145
Sharing God’s Abundant Goodness

9.30AM Busbridge Contemporary Service
Leader: Simon Taylor | Speaker: Suzie Lambert
& joined by Richard Rowe, Mechanics for Africa
Busbridge Church & online
with crèche and children’s groups for ages 3-14 – all in the Old Rectory

11.15AM Busbridge Classic Service
Leader: Simon Taylor | Speaker: Chris Payne
Busbridge Church & online

10AM Hambledon Morning Worship [Holy Communion]
Leader: Margot Spencer joined by Susie Mooney, Mechanics for Africa
Hambledon Church

6PM Busbridge Evening Service
Leader: Simon Taylor
Busbridge Church

NEXT SUNDAY 15 OCTOBER

2 Cor 1:18-23
It’s a “yes” (to Jesus) from me!  

9.30AM Busbridge Contemporary Service [Holy Communion]
Busbridge Church & online
with crèche and children’s groups for ages 3-14 – all in the Old Rectory

11.15AM Busbridge Classic Service
Busbridge Church & online

10AM Hambledon Morning Worship
Hambledon Church

4PM Messy Church
Hambledon Village Hall

Notices

Harvest – 8th October
Harvest will be celebrated in all services on 8th October, with the traditional gathering of non-perishable gifts for the Godalming Food Bank at St Mark’s. (The Foodbank and Godalming & Villages Community Store share any surplus with each other to keep both locations stocked). Please check the web page for the “most wanted” items and bring them along to services next Sunday. Volunteers to transport the the gifts from Busbridge or Hambledon to the Foodbank on Franklyn Road the following week would be great. Please let the office know if you can help.

BHC also runs an outward giving appeal at key times of the year (Easter, Harvest and Christmas), and this year the Harvest Appeal is in aid of Mechanics for Africa. The web site gives a great impression of the charity and it’s work, and there’s a special update for BHC congregations. Give to Mechanics for Africa online now >>> Ref. Harvest.

Nexus Talk on Thurs 5th October 8.00pm Busbridge Old Rectory: Making Connections Project – Send Prison
Volunteer mentors Caroline L and Penny H (contemporary congregation members) will talk about some aspects of life in the prison, and the Making Connections Project – funded by the Nazareth Way chaplaincy charity, which is one of BHC’s key mission partners.  This project provides discretionary grants to prisoners being discharged to help them survive in their first few days after release until benefits become available. It will be enlightening to get some insight into life at the Prison where the focus is on personal development and preparing women for getting back into the outside world after they have served their term. The evening will start with drinks and nibbles to give us a chance to mingle and meet new people. £5 entry fee, or £20 for annual membership.

Annual Memorial Service
Each year we hold a Memorial Service to remember friends and family members who have died, either recently or at any time, however long ago.  This year’s service is on Saturday 18 November at 3.00 p.m.  Invitations will be going out within the next few weeks, and there will be spare invitation letters at the back of all our churches.  During the service we read out the names of those we remember and light candles in their memory.  Refreshments are served afterwards and all are welcome to stay.  The service is open to everyone, so please put the date in your diary.

All Roles Sunday Service Workshop – Sat 7 Oct
For those who serve as welcomers, service leaders, readers, and leaders of intercessions, AND those who would like to join the team in one of these roles.

Margot and Simon W will lead the workshop from 09.30 to 11.30 consisting of several distinct sessions:

All timings ‘ish’ –

0930 – 0945     welcome and refreshments
0945 – 1015      welcoming
1015 – 1030      reading
1030 – 1100      intercessions
1100 – 1130/45 service leading

Depending on how you wish to serve, you don’t need to attend the full 2 hours, (though it might help to understand the other roles), but it would be great if you could make the bit that is relevant to what you do.  Here’s the link to the event.  It would be super if you could sign up HERE.  

Coffee and croissants will be provided by one of the team!

MINSTER NEWS!
In readiness for Godalming Minster and the welcoming in of the now and new, St Peter and St Paul’s will shortly begin phase 1 of its reordering plans! Think space for the band, a coffee station at the back….so contemporary worshippers can feel at home and start to dream. The first step is to remove some pews, reposition others, extend the chancel area and create a level, open space at the rear of the nave. This project will be led by Will (SSPP warden) and Ken who looks after maintenance of the church, and they are requesting additional support:

Able bodied help wanted for moving pews at St Peter and St Paul’s – Sat 7th Oct, 8AM
The Christian Science church has offered to store some of the pews that can’t be discarded, so if you can help load them on and off the lorry on the morning of Sat 7 October, please let the church office know. John Harkin writes:

“If we can achieve phase 1 within the timeframe, the AV company will be able to move in during November (subject to all the AV parts being available) and install the new system so that everything is ready for … January 2024. This is an exciting time in the life and future witness of SPSP and the whole Minster parish. Thank you for your (practical) support and prayers.”

There are still places on the next Bereavement Journey course, 7 sessions starting Wednesday 18 October. Please use the link below for details, and share with anyone you know who might benefit.

NEW Hymns in the Afternoon – Friday 13th October, 2.30pm, for 5 weeks
With the help of our Anna Chaplain and Prime Time Team member Jane Tomes, Prime Time is starting Hymns We Love – a 5 week series of sessions which uses well-loved hymns to explore the Christian faith.  Each session features a beautifully shot video set in a historic English church, and tells the story of the hymn and the gospel message behind it.  It is a series that has been developed specifically for use in groups of older adults and so is perfect for Prime Time, but may have wider appeal too. All are welcome.

Invitation to join a Small Group
It’s a great time to try a mid-week small group, and there is a new group starting on Thursday evenings, hosted by Debs and Tom Jones and led by Hilary Pettman. Please let Hilary know if you would like to find out more.

The group which meets fortnightly on Tuesday mornings (9.20am – 11am) seeks new members interested in joining them for the September term.  All ages welcome. Please contact Cathy Brook via My ChurchSuite or the church office for more details.

A Wednesday evening group would also welcome new members. Please let Margot Spencer e: margot.spencer@bhcgodalming.org know if this is a good time for you!

Confirmation
Several young people will be confirmed during the Deanery confirmation service at St John’s, Farncombe on 5th November. If you would like to find out about confirmation please contact Simon Taylor e: simon.taylor@bhcgodalming.org.

Please pray for these young people who are giving their lives to Jesus, and that our work as Godalming Minster to “grow younger” yields many more!

church family news

The funeral of Paul Unwin will take place at Hambledon Church on Thursday 12th October at 1pm.

The funeral of Malcolm Brunning will be held in Godalming Parish Church on 13th October 2023 at 3:00 pm.

A service of Thanksgiving for the life of John Postill will take place at Busbridge Church on Saturday 21st October, at 2pm, followed by refreshments in the Yew Tree Café.

get involved / serving

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

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

Coming Up / plan ahead

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

Can we pray for you?

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

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

Busbridge and Hambledon Churches are open daily for private prayer and reflection.

Monday Morning Reflections on Zoom
We shall resume our sessions on Monday 4th September at 8.45am on Zoom. If you  would like to start your week in quiet reflection over a passage of scripture do join us in September – you will be very welcome. For any further information please contact: Gertrud Sollars or Shan Hallam.

Wednesdays at 9AM: Morning Prayer at Hambledon Church

Groups & Activities

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.

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

The Men’s Group meets for breakfast at 8.15am on the 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 Jul-Dec is now available. For all events and details, see Prime Time.

Bereavement Café – The Bereavement Café is for anyone who has been bereaved recently or some time ago and provides a safe and supportive space to come and chat with members of the pastoral care team, and others who have experienced loss. Every last Tuesday of the month in the Old Rectory. More details >>>

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. The instructions which are now on the web site HERE.

Elsewhere

The new Bishop of Dorking (Paul Davies) is being welcomed at Evensong on Sunday 8th October, at Guildford Cathedral. Book your (free) ticket via the Cathedral box office.

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

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.
Next talk: Anxiety, Fear and Panic

WANTED: ACCOMMODATION FOR YOUTH WORKER RELOCATING TO GODALMING
Wanted: self-contained flat or annexe for Christian youth worker (Ola from TTT) from early October. Quiet, respectful and tidy tenant prepared to pay rent in return for own private space. If you have, or know of such accommodation in the Godalming area, please contact andy@trinitytrustteam.co.uk.

Week of Accompanied Prayer The Guildford network of spiritual directors is offering a week of accompanied prayer from 8.-13th October this year. A week of accompanied prayer is a bit like a retreat from home – you meet once a day (in person or on zoom) with a retreat guide who will suggest Bible passages to pray with and meditate on and talk about what you find. Participants in the past have found a week like this to deepen their prayer life and their walk with God; it also gives you a taste of what spiritual direction is about. Gertrud Sollars (gertrud.sollars@btinternet.com) has more information. See the flyer and application form.

MODERN SLAVERY,  RIGHT HERE , RIGHT NOW
An awareness event, Saturday 21st October, St Mary’s Church, Quarry Street, Guildford, GU1 3TY. 9:30-3pm Talks will be given by DCI Kerry Loveless, Surrey Police and South-east regional lead for Modern Slavery and Allison Sutcliffe Diocese Modern Slavery Advisor.

Guildford Mothers Union is pleased to have been invited by the Diocese to have a stand and would love members to join us in ‘manning it’ for whatever time you can spare, or just support the event, and spread the word.   Please let one of us know: Dorothea (dorothea.nattrass@gmail.com, 01428 653216) / or Diana (diana@parenting@gmail.com,  07782186229).

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,

Muddy, Messy and Hambledon are all looking forward to the first Pet Service this Sunday – now outdoors to avoid congestion in the aisles! We do hope to see you there with your beloved furry (or scaly) friend.

The following is probably common sense and might raise an eyebrow or a smile, but thank you for your cooperation!

• Owners are responsible and liable for their own pets.

• Keep dogs on short leads and bring small and exotic animals in cages or other suitable containers.

• If your pet is particularly timid or unruly, please leave them at home and bring a photo instead.

• We will try to set aside an area for people with allergies or phobias, but you attend at your own risk.

• We plan to be outside so come prepared for the weather conditions.

• Overflow parking is available in Hambledon Nursery School.

It will be a shortish service, and the coffee and croissant will be shared before you know it, but if that all sounds a little on the wild side:

Also this Sunday 1st October

Topic: Stepping out in Faith
| Deuteronomy 1: 3-18

11.15AM Busbridge Classic Service [Holy Communion]
Busbridge Church & online

6PM Busbridge Evening Service with baptism
Busbridge Church

We give thanks that one of our young people has chosen to be baptised, and this will take place at Busbridge Church during the 6pm service this Sunday.

Notices

All Roles Sunday Service Workshop – Sat 7 Oct
For those who serve as welcomers, service leaders, readers, and leaders of intercessions, AND those who would like to join the team in one of these roles.

Margot and Simon W will lead the workshop from 09.30 to 11.30 consisting of several distinct sessions:

All timings ‘ish’ –

0930 – 0945     welcome and refreshments
0945 – 1015      welcoming
1015 – 1030      reading
1030 – 1100      intercessions
1100 – 1130/45 service leading

Depending on how you wish to serve, you don’t need to attend the full 2 hours, (though it might help to understand the other roles), but it would be great if you could make the bit that is relevant to what you do.  Here’s the link to the event.  It would be super if you could sign up HERE.  

Coffee and croissants will be provided by one of the team!

MINSTER NEWS!
In readiness for Godalming Minster and the welcoming in of the now and new, St Peter and St Paul’s will shortly begin phase 1 of its reordering plans! Think space for the band, a coffee station at the back….so contemporary worshippers can feel at home and start to dream. The first step is to remove some pews, reposition some of them, extend the chancel area and create a level, open space at the rear of the nave. This project will be led by Will (SSPP warden) and Ken who looks after maintenance of the church, and they are requesting additional support:

Able bodied help wanted for moving pews at St Peter and St Paul’s – Sat 7th Oct, AM
The Christian Science church has offered to store some of the pews that can’t be discarded, so if you can help load them on and off the trailer on the morning of Sat 7 October, please let the church office know. John Harkin writes:

“If we can achieve phase 1 within the timeframe, the AV company will be able to move in during November (subject to all the AV parts being available) and install the new system so that everything is ready for … January 2024. This is an exciting time in the life and future witness of SPSP and the whole Minster parish. Thank you for your (practical) support and prayers.”

Confirmation
Several young people will be confirmed during the Deanery confirmation service at St John’s, Farncombe on 5th November. If you would like to find out about confirmation please contact Simon Taylor e: simon.taylor@bhcgodalming.org.

Please pray for these young people who are giving their lives to Jesus, and that our work as Godalming Minster to “grow younger” yields many more!

Harvest – 8th October
Harvest will be celebrated in all services on 8th October, with the traditional gathering of non-perishable gifts for the Godalming Food Bank at St Mark’s. (The Foodbank and Godalming & Villages Community Store share any surplus with each other to keep both locations stocked). Please check the web page for the “most wanted” items and bring them along to services next Sunday. Volunteers to transport the the gifts from Busbridge or Hambledon to the Foodbank on Franklyn Road the following week would be great. Please let the office know if you can help.

BHC also runs an outward giving appeal at key times of the year (Easter, Harvest and Christmas), and this year the Harvest Appeal is in aid of Mechanics for Africa. The web site gives a great impression of the charity and it’s work, and there will be more information available next week. Representatives from MfA will be interviewed on 8th October too. Give to Mechanics for Africa online now >>> Ref. Harvest.

Nexus Talk on Thurs 5th October 8.00pm Busbridge Old Rectory

Making Connections Project – Send Prison

Volunteer mentors Caroline L and Penny H (contemporary congregation members) will share some aspects of life in the prison. They both have a passion for the work that they do there with Lesley Mason MBE, Send Prison Chaplain.  

This includes the important Making Connections Project – funded by the Nazareth Way chaplaincy charity, which is one of BHC’s key mission partners.  This project provides discretionary grants to prisoners being discharged to help them survive in their first few days after release until benefits become available. It will be enlightening to get some insight into life at this Prison where the focus is on personal development and preparing women for getting back into the outside world after they have served their term.

We’ll meet in the Busbridge Old Rectory at 8.00pm.  The evening will start with drinks and nibbles to give us a chance to mingle and meet new people. Refreshments to start, 2023 Annual subscription £20, Guests £5 contribution towards speaker costs.

There are still places on the next Bereavement Journey course, which is now 7 sessions and finishes on 6 December. Please use the link below for details, and share with anyone you know who might benefit.

Invitation to join a Small Group
It’s a great time to try a mid-week small group, and there is a new group starting on Thursday evenings, hosted by Debs and Tom Jones and led by Hilary Pettman. Please let Hilary know if you would like to find out more.

The group which meets fortnightly on Tuesday mornings (9.20am – 11am) seeks new members interested in joining them for the September term.  All ages welcome. Please contact Cathy Brook via My ChurchSuite or the church office for more details.

A Wednesday evening group would also welcome new members. Please let Margot Spencer e: margot.spencer@bhcgodalming.org know if this is a good time for you!

church family news

We have been deeply saddened to learn of the sudden death of Malcolm Brunning, a much-loved former member of Busbridge church.  He and Denise kept up their longstanding connection with us through remaining faithful Prime Timers.  We send our love to Denise, Andrew, Edward and the whole family.  Please pray for them all, as they adjust to such a sudden loss.  Malcolm’s funeral service will be held in Godalming Parish Church on 13th October 2023 at 3:00 pm.

The funeral of Paul Unwin will take place at Hambledon Church on Thursday 12th October at 1pm.

A service of Thanksgiving for the life of John Postill will take place at Busbridge Church on Saturday 21st October, at 2pm, followed by refreshments in the Yew Tree Café.

get involved / serving

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

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

Coming Up / plan ahead

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

Can we pray for you?

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

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

Busbridge and Hambledon Churches are open daily for private prayer and reflection.

Monday Morning Reflections on Zoom
We shall resume our sessions on Monday 4th September at 8.45am on Zoom. If you  would like to start your week in quiet reflection over a passage of scripture do join us in September – you will be very welcome. For any further information please contact: Gertrud Sollars or Shan Hallam.

Wednesdays at 9AM: Morning Prayer at Hambledon Church

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 Jul-Dec 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.

Bereavement Café – The Bereavement Café is for anyone who has been bereaved recently or some time ago and provides a safe and supportive space to come and chat with members of the pastoral care team, and others who have experienced loss. Every last Tuesday of the month in the Old Rectory. More details >>>

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. The instructions which are now on the web site HERE.

Elsewhere

The new Bishop of Dorking (Paul Davies) is being welcomed at Evensong on Sunday 8th October, at Guildford Cathedral. Book your (free) ticket via the Cathedral box office.

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

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.
Next talk: Anxiety, Fear and Panic

WANTED: ACCOMMODATION FOR YOUTH WORKER RELOCATING TO GODALMING
The Trinity Trust Team has recently appointed a new Team Youth Worker (single male, aged 30). This is more great news for Christian youth work across Godalming.

Ola is looking for a one bed, flat studio or annexe at reasonable rent. If you can help please contact our Chair (Michael Stubbs) on: michael@trinitytrustteam.co.uk.

Week of Accompanied Prayer The Guildford network of spiritual directors is offering a week of accompanied prayer from 8.-13th October this year. A week of accompanied prayer is a bit like a retreat from home – you meet once a day (in person or on zoom) with a retreat guide who will suggest Bible passages to pray with and meditate on and talk about what you find. Participants in the past have found a week like this to deepen their prayer life and their walk with God; it also gives you a taste of what spiritual direction is about. Gertrud Sollars (gertrud.sollars@btinternet.com) has more information. See the flyer and application form.

MODERN SLAVERY,  RIGHT HERE , RIGHT NOW
An awareness event, Saturday 21st October, St Mary’s Church, Quarry Street, Guildford, GU1 3TY. 9:30-3pm Talks will be given by DCI Kerry Loveless, Surrey Police and South-east regional lead for Modern Slavery and Allison Sutcliffe Diocese Modern Slavery Advisor.

Guildford Mothers Union is pleased to have been invited by the Diocese to have a stand and would love members to join us in ‘manning it’ for whatever time you can spare, or just support the event, and spread the word.   Please let one of us know: Dorothea (dorothea.nattrass@gmail.com, 01428 653216) / or Diana (diana@parenting@gmail.com,  07782186229).

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,

This Sunday we will be hearing testimony and praying for our wonderful Pastoral Assistants. Technically it’s the annual commissioning in which Pastoral Assistants recommit to their calling to care for people on behalf of the church. BHC has a team of 8, who between them represent all congregations, so each service will have one or two PAs to endorse and celebrate.

Pastoral Care takes on many forms, and is a key element of the mission plan for Loving People under the banner of Godalming Minster. Bereavement support is one area of the ministry that the Pastoral Care team has established in the last year with the Bereavement Journey course, and the monthly Bereavement Café. The next Bereavement Journey course starting on 18th October is open to all, and still has places. See below in the notices for details.

As we countdown to the formal establishment of Godalming Minster (1st Jan 2024!), more and more mission activities are going “Minster-wide”. The next Pre-Marriage course is looking forward to sharing the day with 9 couples who are getting married at each of the 4 Godalming Minister churches (in addition to several who are tying the knot elsewhere) which is exciting!

Also in the notices, there is more encouragement to try out a house group, instructions for Harvest on 8th October and a reminder about the first Minster Pet Service at Hambledon on Sunday 1st Oct. Thank you for reading on…

This Sunday

Sermon series: People, Place & Purpose
Topic: Equipping for evangelism in post-christian culture
| Ephesians 6: 10-18

9.30AM Busbridge Contemporary Service
led by Simon Taylor | Speaker Suzie Lambert
Busbridge Church & online
with crèche and children’s groups for ages 3-14 – all in the Old Rectory

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

10AM Hambledon Morning Worship
led by Simon Willetts | Speaker Peter Shaw
Hambledon Church

6PM Busbridge Evening Service [Holy Communion]
led by Simon Willetts | Speaker Simon Taylor
Busbridge Church

Next Sunday 1st October

Topic: Stepping out in Faith
| Deuteronomy 1: 3-18

10AM Minster Pet Service
Hambledon Church
(Muddy Church will join the Pet Service)

11.15AM Busbridge Classic Service [Holy Communion]
Busbridge Church & online

6PM Busbridge Evening Service with baptism
Busbridge Church

Notices

Save the Date!

NEW PET SERVICE
1st Oct, 10AM at Hambledon Church

Muddy Church will be joining Hambledon for the inaugural pet service on Sunday 1st October. Essentially, bring your pet along – as long as it’s safe for them and others! We will either by asking “why haven’t we done this before?” or saying “never again!” Either way, please come and share the experience.

All Roles Sunday Service Workshop – Sat 7 Oct
For those who serve as welcomers, service leaders, readers, and leaders of intercessions, AND those who would like to join the team in one of these roles.

Margot and Simon W will lead the workshop from 09.30 to 11.30 consisting of several distinct sessions:

All timings ‘ish’ –

0930 – 0945     welcome and refreshments
0945 – 1015      welcoming
1015 – 1030      reading
1030 – 1100      intercessions
1100 – 1130/45 service leading

Depending on how you wish to serve, you don’t need to attend the full 2 hours, (though it might help to understand the other roles), but it would be great if you could make the bit that is relevant to what you do.  Here’s the link to the event.  It would be super if you could sign up HERE.  

Coffee and croissants will be provided by one of the team!

Baptism and Confirmation
We give thanks that one of our young people has chosen to be baptised, and this will take place at Busbridge Church during the 6pm service on 1st October. Please pray for them, and if you would like to find out about being baptised (whatever your age), please contact Sheila Samuels e: sheila.samuels@bhcgodalming.org, or Ben Barnes e: ben.barnes@bhcgodalming.org.

Several young people will be confirmed during the Deanery confirmation service at St John’s, Farncombe on 5th November. If you would like to find out about confirmation please contact Simon Taylor e: simon.taylor@bhcgodalming.org.

Please pray for these young people who are giving their lives to Jesus, and that our work as Godalming Minster to “grow younger” yields many more!

Harvest – 8th October
Harvest will be celebrated in all services on 8th October, with the traditional gathering of non-perishable gifts for the Godalming Food Bank. BHC also runs an outward giving appeal at key times of the year (Easter, Harvest and Christmas), and this year the Harvest Appeal is in aid of Mechanics for Africa. The web site gives a great impression of the charity and it’s work, and there will be more information available next week. Representatives from MfA will be with us on 8th October too.

Chris Garner of Prime Time Walks fame and also an indispensable member of the live streaming team for services in Busbridge, has begun ordination training. Having undergone quite an intensive selection process, Chris has begun training with the Local Ministry Programme at Guildford. This is a three year course leading to ordination.

Please pray for Chris as he juggles with a full-time job, study and family commitments. Look out for updates of how it is going in the notices now and then.

Invitation to join a Small Group
It’s a great time to try a mid-week small group, and there is a new group starting on Thursday evenings, hosted by Debs and Tom Jones and led by Hilary Pettman. Please let Hilary know if you would like to find out more.

The group which meets fortnightly on Tuesday mornings (9.20am – 11am) seeks new members interested in joining them for the September term.  All ages welcome. Please contact Cathy Brook via My ChurchSuite or the church office for more details.

A Wednesday evening group would also welcome new members. Please let Margot Spencer e: margot.spencer@bhcgodalming.org know if this is a good time for you!

Nexus Talk on Thurs 5th October 8.00pm Busbridge Old Rectory

Making Connections Project – Send Prison
Caroline Luard, Volunteer Mentor

Caroline will come and share with us some aspects of life in the prison.  She and Lesley Mason MBE, Send Prison Chaplain, have a passion for the work that they do there.  

This includes the important Making Connections Project – funded by the Nazareth Way chaplaincy charity, which is one of BHC’s key mission partners.  This project provides discretionary grants to prisoners being discharged to help them survive in their first few days after release until benefits become available. It will be enlightening to get some insight into life at this Prison where the focus is on personal development and preparing women for getting back into the outside world after they have served their term.

We’ll meet in the Busbridge Old Rectory at 8.00pm.  The evening will start with drinks and nibbles to give us a chance to mingle and meet new people. Refreshments to start, 2023 Annual subscription £20, Guests £5 contribution towards speaker costs.

New Wine 2024 – Book Now!
Having returned from a wonderful week at New Wine, the BHC contingent is keen to encourage a bigger Godalming Minster group to go together next year. It will be at Shepton Mallet, from 25th to 30th July.

Tickets are already available and selling quickly, so if people want to book, it would be good to get onto it sooner rather than later, especially if you want places on the fabulous children’s programme. Speak to Suzie Lambert for an enthusiastic testimony and more information!

Update to the BHC Privacy Notice (GDPR)
In accordance with GDPR, the church must inform people of any changes to its Privacy Notice.  Therefore, please note that under the part of the Privacy Notice which lists the purposes that Busbridge&Hambledon Church uses personal data for, the following has been added:  “To work towards establishing the Godalming Minster”.  (see the penultimate bullet point.)  If you have any questions, please contact jenny.lansdowne@bhcgodalming.org. 

church family news

The funeral of Paul Unwin will take place at Hambledon Church on Thursday 12th October at 1pm.

A service of Thanksgiving for the life of John Postill will take place at Busbridge Church on Saturday 21st October, at 2pm, followed by refreshments in the Yew Tree Café.

get involved / serving

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

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

Coming Up / plan ahead

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

Can we pray for you?

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

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

Busbridge and Hambledon Churches are open daily for private prayer and reflection.

Monday Morning Reflections on Zoom
We shall resume our sessions on Monday 4th September at 8.45am on Zoom. If you  would like to start your week in quiet reflection over a passage of scripture do join us in September – you will be very welcome. For any further information please contact: Gertrud Sollars or Shan Hallam.

Wednesdays at 9AM: Morning Prayer at Hambledon Church

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 Jul-Dec 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.

Bereavement Café – The Bereavement Café is for anyone who has been bereaved recently or some time ago and provides a safe and supportive space to come and chat with members of the pastoral care team, and others who have experienced loss. Every last Tuesday of the month in the Old Rectory. More details >>>

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. The instructions which are now on the web site HERE.

Elsewhere

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

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.
Next talk: Anxiety, Fear and Panic

WANTED: ACCOMMODATION FOR YOUTH WORKER RELOCATING TO GODALMING
The Trinity Trust Team has recently appointed a new Team Youth Worker (single male, aged 30). This is more great news for Christian youth work across Godalming.

Ola is looking for a one bed, flat studio or annexe at reasonable rent. If you can help please contact our Chair (Michael Stubbs) on: michael@trinitytrustteam.co.uk.

Week of Accompanied Prayer The Guildford network of spiritual directors is offering a week of accompanied prayer from 8.-13th October this year. A week of accompanied prayer is a bit like a retreat from home – you meet once a day (in person or on zoom) with a retreat guide who will suggest Bible passages to pray with and meditate on and talk about what you find. Participants in the past have found a week like this to deepen their prayer life and their walk with God; it also gives you a taste of what spiritual direction is about. Gertrud Sollars (gertrud.sollars@btinternet.com) has more information. See the flyer and application form.

MODERN SLAVERY,  RIGHT HERE , RIGHT NOW
An awareness event, Saturday 21st October, St Mary’s Church, Quarry Street, Guildford, GU1 3TY. 9:30-3pm Talks will be given by DCI Kerry Loveless, Surrey Police and South-east regional lead for Modern Slavery and Allison Sutcliffe Diocese Modern Slavery Advisor.

Guildford Mothers Union is pleased to have been invited by the Diocese to have a stand and would love members to join us in ‘manning it’ for whatever time you can spare, or just support the event, and spread the word.   Please let one of us know: Dorothea (dorothea.nattrass@gmail.com, 01428 653216) / or Diana (diana@parenting@gmail.com,  07782186229).

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,

Busbridge, Hambledon and St Peter and St Paul’s are all part of the Heritage Open Days programme for Godalming & Environs this weekend, with a tour of the SS Peter & Paul bell tower available to book at 2pm on Saturday. There is lots of info on display at Busbridge Church, and the Yew Tree Café would make a great stop for refreshments on Saturday from 10-2.30pm. Details of opening times, and the 24 historical venues which are open to visitors this weekend can be found in the brochure, or you can look individual buildings up at www.heritageopendays.org.uk.

To mark Heritage weekend, St Peter & St Paul’s is holding a special Minster-wide Choral Evensong, at 5pm on Saturday 16th September, led by Philippa Baker.  All are warmly welcome! 

Godalming Minster will be a team of forward looking and thinking churches, but the church buildings bear witness to the 1000+ years of mission and worship that we build upon. This weekend offers a wonderful chance to find out about and celebrate our combined heritage.

Then on Sunday afternoon we get back to the future as Messy Church (4PM at Hambledon Village Hall) restarts this term for families with younger children.

We look forward to seeing you at church or online this Sunday. Please read on for other news.

This Sunday

Sermon series: People, Place & Purpose
Topic: Youth work today: What can we learn from david?
| 1 samuel 17: 20-46 

9.30AM Busbridge Contemporary Service [Holy Communion]
Busbridge Church & online
Led by: Margot Spencer | Speaker: Patrick Samuels
with crèche and children’s groups for ages 3-14 – all in the Old Rectory

11.15AM Busbridge Classic Service
Led by: Frances Shaw | Speaker: Patrick Samuels
Busbridge Church & online

10AM Hambledon Morning Worship
Led by: Hilary Pettman | Speaker: Dudley Hilton
Hambledon Church

4PM Messy Church
Hambledon Village Hall

Next Sunday 24 SEPTEMBER

Topic: Equipping for evangelism in post-christian culture
| Ephesians 6: 10-18

9.30AM Busbridge Contemporary Service [Holy Communion]
Busbridge Church & online
with crèche and children’s groups for ages 3-14 – all in the Old Rectory

11.15AM Busbridge Classic Service
Busbridge Church & online

10AM Hambledon Morning Worship
Hambledon Church

4PM Messy Church
Hambledon Village Hall

Notices

Save the Date!

NEW PET SERVICE
1st Oct, 10AM at Hambledon Church

Muddy Church will be joining Hambledon for its inaugural pet service on Sunday 1st October. Guidance to follow, but essentially, bring your pet along – as long as it’s safe for them and others! We will either by asking “why haven’t we done this before?” or saying “never again!” Either way, please come and share the experience.

Baptism and Confirmation
We give thanks that one of our young people has chosen to be baptised, and this will take place at Busbridge Church during the 6pm service on 1st October. Please pray for them, and if you would like to find out about being baptised (whatever your age), please contact Sheila Samuels e: sheila.samuels@bhcgodalming.org, or Ben Barnes e: ben.barnes@bhcgodalming.org.

Several young people will be confirmed during the Deanery confirmation service at St John’s, Farncombe on 5th November. If you would like to find out about confirmation please contact Simon Taylor e: simon.taylor@bhcgodalming.org.

Please pray for these young people who are giving their lives to Jesus, and that our work as Godalming Minster to “grow younger” yields many more!

The Bible Course – Thursdays at St Mark’s Church.
This is a chance for everyone Minster-wide to join the highly recommended Bible Course. The course is 2 sessions in and has a great group of people, but you can still just about catch up!

The Bible Course is a brilliant way to bring the Bible to life and understand the whole storyline— from Genesis to Revelation. Along the way you will pick up tools and skills to help you read it yourself and apply it to your life. Though it was written for beginners in an extremely accessible in style, it will still challenge the experienced bible reader and help anyone rediscover the Bible afresh.

If you are not part of a mid-week small group, this is a chance to get a feel for the format, experience bible study in a group, and get to know members of the church family better. If you’d like to know more, contact Keith Harper who is leading the eight sessions at St Mark’s on Thursday evenings in September (7.30pm-8.30/9pm).

Invitation to join a Small Group
September is a great time to try a mid-week small group, as most groups enjoyed a summer break and will be starting to meet again this week and next.

The group which meets fortnightly on Tuesday mornings (9.20am – 11am) seeks new members interested in joining them for the September term.  All ages welcome. Please contact Cathy Brook via My ChurchSuite or the church office for more details.

A Wednesday evening group would also welcome new members. Please let Margot Spencer e: margot.spencer@bhcgodalming.org know if this is a good time for you!

New Wine 2024 – Book Now!
Having returned from a wonderful week at New Wine, the BHC contingent is keen to encourage a bigger Godalming Minster group to go together next year. It will be at Shepton Mallet, from 25th to 30th July.

Tickets are already available and selling quickly, so if people want to book, it would be good to get onto it sooner rather than later, especially if you want places on the fabulous children’s programme. Speak to Suzie Lambert for an enthusiastic testimony and more information!

Nexus Talk on Thurs 5th October 8.00pm Busbridge Old Rectory

Making Connections Project – Send Prison
Caroline Luard, Volunteer Mentor

Caroline will come and share with us some aspects of life in the prison.  She and Lesley Mason MBE, Send Prison Chaplain, have a passion for the work that they do there.  

This includes the important Making Connections Project – funded by the Nazareth Way chaplaincy charity, which is one of BHC’s key mission partners.  This project provides discretionary grants to prisoners being discharged to help them survive in their first few days after release until benefits become available. It will be enlightening to get some insight into life at this Prison where the focus is on personal development and preparing women for getting back into the outside world after they have served their term.

We’ll meet in the Busbridge Old Rectory at 8.00pm.  The evening will start with drinks and nibbles to give us a chance to mingle and meet new people. Refreshments to start, 2023 Annual subscription £20, Guests £5 contribution towards speaker costs.

Training for leading Intercessions, Welcoming, Reading and leading services – Sat 7 Oct
This is advanced notice of a training session which will be held on Saturday 7 October.  This will run from 0930 to 1130 and will consist of several distinct sessions covering leading intercessions, welcoming, reading, service leading.  If you are not involved in any of these ministries, but would be interested to know what is involved, please come along.  If you are someone who is already involved, please can we encourage you to make a note of the date and come for a refresher. 

People are welcome to come to any or all of the sessions and further details about timing will be available nearer the time.  If you would like to know more, please have a word with (or drop an e-mail to)  Margot Spencer margot.spencer@bhcgodalming.org  or Simon Willetts simon.willetts@bhcgodalming.org

church family news

Many of you will have heard by now that John Postill died peacefully on Monday morning.  He has been a much-loved and important part of our church family since he and Jeannie came to Hambledon in 1997, and we are all deeply saddened by this news.  We send our love to Jeannie, Lizzie, Richard and the whole family.  Please hold them in your prayers, as they mourn the loss of a very dear husband, father and grandfather. There will be a private funeral for family and close friends, to be followed by a thanksgiving service at a later date.

We send our love and prayers to Pauline Underwood, following the death of Philip on Tuesday, who was also a lifelong member and servant of Hambledon Church.  Please remember Pauline and the family in your prayers, particularly as Pauline is recovering from surgery herself.  Ask for God’s comfort and reassurance for them all at such a difficult time.  Funeral details will be shared as soon as they are available.

get involved / serving

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

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

Coming Up / plan ahead

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

Can we pray for you?

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

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

Busbridge and Hambledon Churches are open daily for private prayer and reflection.

Monday Morning Reflections on Zoom
We shall resume our sessions on Monday 4th September at 8.45am on Zoom. If you  would like to start your week in quiet reflection over a passage of scripture do join us in September – you will be very welcome. For any further information please contact: Gertrud Sollars or Shan Hallam.

Wednesdays at 9AM: Morning Prayer at Hambledon Church

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 Jul-Dec 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.

Bereavement Café – The Bereavement Café is for anyone who has been bereaved recently or some time ago and provides a safe and supportive space to come and chat with members of the pastoral care team, and others who have experienced loss. Every last Tuesday of the month in the Old Rectory. More details >>>

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. The instructions which are now on the web site HERE.

Elsewhere

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

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.
Next talk: Anxiety, Fear and Panic

WANTED: ACCOMMODATION FOR YOUTH WORKER RELOCATING TO GODALMING
The Trinity Trust Team has recently appointed a new Team Youth Worker (single male, aged 30). This is more great news for Christian youth work across Godalming.

Ola is looking for a one bed, flat studio or annexe at reasonable rent. If you can help please contact our Chair (Michael Stubbs) on: michael@trinitytrustteam.co.uk.

Week of Accompanied Prayer The Guildford network of spiritual directors is offering a week of accompanied prayer from 8.-13th October this year. A week of accompanied prayer is a bit like a retreat from home – you meet once a day (in person or on zoom) with a retreat guide who will suggest Bible passages to pray with and meditate on and talk about what you find. Participants in the past have found a week like this to deepen their prayer life and their walk with God; it also gives you a taste of what spiritual direction is about. Gertrud Sollars (gertrud.sollars@btinternet.com) has more information. See the flyer and application form.

MODERN SLAVERY,  RIGHT HERE , RIGHT NOW
An awareness event, Saturday 21st October, St Mary’s Church, Quarry Street, Guildford, GU1 3TY. 9:30-3pm Talks will be given by DCI Kerry Loveless, Surrey Police and South-east regional lead for Modern Slavery and Allison Sutcliffe Diocese Modern Slavery Advisor.

Guildford Mothers Union is pleased to have been invited by the Diocese to have a stand and would love members to join us in ‘manning it’ for whatever time you can spare, or just support the event, and spread the word.   Please let one of us know: Dorothea (dorothea.nattrass@gmail.com, 01428 653216) / or Diana (diana@parenting@gmail.com,  07782186229).

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,

It’s very hot, so let’s keep it brief! Please read on for what’s happening, and find out more at church this Sunday. In the meantime, drop into the Yew Tree Café for a range of iced drinks to go with the “welcome back to school” brownies (free, on a first come, first served basis).

This Sunday

The Glorious Deeds of the Lord:
Telling the New Generations
Psalm 78: 1-8

9.30AM Busbridge Contemporary Service
Leader: Patrick Samuels | Speaker: Ben Barnes
Busbridge Church & online
with crèche and children’s groups for ages 3-14 – all in the Old Rectory

11.15AM Busbridge Classic Service
Leader: Peter Shaw | Speaker: Simon Taylor
Busbridge Church & online

10AM Hambledon Morning Worship [Holy Communion]
Leader: David Jenkins | Speaker: Hilary Pettman
Hambledon Church

6PM Busbridge Evening Service
Leader: Simon Taylor
Busbridge Church

The Busbridge Classic and Hambledon congregations will mark the 1st anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death (8th Sep) with special prayers, and the national anthem.

Next Sunday 17 SEPTEMBER

Sermon series: People, Place & Purpose
Topic: Youth work today: What can we learn from david?
| 1 samuel 17: 20-46 

9.30AM Busbridge Contemporary Service [Holy Communion]
Busbridge Church & online
with crèche and children’s groups for ages 3-14 – all in the Old Rectory

11.15AM Busbridge Classic Service
Busbridge Church & online

10AM Hambledon Morning Worship
Hambledon Church

4PM Messy Church
Hambledon Village Hall

Notices

Invitation to Saturday Morning Prayer, tomorrow 9 Sep, 8-9am at Busbridge Church
A group meets monthly, on 2nd Saturdays, to pray for our church and community, and any particular prayer requests from church members and groups. Please do let Michael know if you have prayer request via e: prayer@bhcgodalming.org.

It’s a time of totally open prayer, though there is not pressure to pray out loud. Anyone within the new Godalming Minster is welcome to attend, and there will be an increasing focus on praying for the formation and flourishing of the Minster, and everyone it involves.

Saturday morning prayer is just one way to join the Godalming Minster “Prayer Community”. There are mid-week prayer gatherings at all 4 churches each week, and special sessions to pray for the Minster will be confirmed next week.

The Bible Course – starting Thursdays at St Mark’s Church.
This is a chance for everyone Minster-wide to join the highly recommended Bible Course. The introductory session took place on 7th Sep, but it’s not too late to join!

The Bible Course is a brilliant way to bring the Bible to life and understand the whole storyline— from Genesis to Revelation. Along the way you will pick up tools and skills to help you read it yourself and apply it to your life. Though it was written for beginners in an extremely accessible in style, it will still challenge the experienced bible reader and help anyone rediscover the Bible afresh.

If you are not part of a mid-week small group, this is a chance to get a feel for the format, experience bible study in a group, and get to know members of the church family better. If you’d like to know more, contact Keith Harper who is leading the eight sessions at St Mark’s on Thursday evenings in September (7.30pm-8.30/9pm).

Invitation to join a Small Group
September is a great time to try a mid-week small group, as most groups enjoyed a summer break and will be starting to meet again this week and next.

The group which meets fortnightly on Tuesday mornings (9.20am – 11am) seeks new members interested in joining them for the September term.  All ages welcome. Please contact Cathy Brook via My ChurchSuite or the church office for more details.

A Wednesday evening group would also welcome new members. Please let Margot Spencer e: margot.spencer@bhcgodalming.org know if this is a good time for you!

New Wine 2024 – Book Now!
Having returned from a wonderful week at New Wine, the BHC contingent is keen to encourage a bigger Godalming Minster group to go together next year. It will be at Shepton Mallet, from 25th to 30th July.

Tickets are already available and selling quickly, so if people want to book, it would be good to get onto it sooner rather than later, especially if you want places in the fabulous children’s programme. Speak to Suzie Lambert for an enthusiastic testimony and more information!

Training for leading Intercessions, Welcoming, Reading and leading services – Sat 7 Oct
This is advanced notice of a training session which will be held on Saturday 7 October.  This will run from 0930 to 1130 and will consist of several distinct sessions covering leading intercessions, welcoming, reading, service leading.  If you are not involved in any of these ministries, but would be interested to know what is involved, please come along.  If you are someone who is already involved, please can we encourage you to make a note of the date and come for a refresher. 

People are welcome to come to any or all of the sessions and further details about timing will be available nearer the time.  If you would like to know more, please have a word with (or drop an e-mail to)  Margot Spencer margot.spencer@bhcgodalming.org  or Simon Willetts simon.willetts@bhcgodalming.org

WANTED: ACCOMMODATION FOR YOUTH WORKER RELOCATING TO GODALMING
The Trinity Trust Team has recently appointed a new Team Youth Worker (single male, aged 30). This is more great news for Christian youth work across Godalming.

Ola is looking for a one bed, flat studio or annexe at reasonable rent. If you can help please contact our Chair (Michael Stubbs) on: michael@trinitytrustteam.co.uk.

Surrey Churches Ride & Stride will take place on Saturday 9th September to raise money to help preserve our local church buildings. If you have any cyclists who wish to take part as a member of a group then they are very welcome to join me (and perhaps others) as we set out from St John’s church, Farncombe at 10.00am on 9th September. All of the necessary forms etc are available for download on the following website: http://www.surreychurchespreservationtrust.org/ride-stride/

Week of Accompanied Prayer The Guildford network of spiritual directors is offering a week of accompanied prayer from 8.-13th October this year. A week of accompanied prayer is a bit like a retreat from home – you meet once a day (in person or on zoom) with a retreat guide who will suggest Bible passages to pray with and meditate on and talk about what you find. Participants in the past have found a week like this to deepen their prayer life and their walk with God; it also gives you a taste of what spiritual direction is about. Gertrud Sollars (gertrud.sollars@btinternet.com) has more information. See the flyer and application form.

Save the Date!

PET SERVICE
1st Oct, 10AM at Hambledon Church

Muddy Church will be joining Hambledon for it’s inaugural pet service on Sunday 1st October. Guidance to follow, but essentially, bring your pet along – as long as it’s safe for them and others! What could go wrong?

get involved / serving

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

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

Coming Up / plan ahead

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

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

Busbridge and Hambledon Churches are open daily for private prayer and reflection.

Monday Morning Reflections on Zoom
We shall resume our sessions on Monday 4th September at 8.45am on Zoom. If you  would like to start your week in quiet reflection over a passage of scripture do join us in September – you will be very welcome. For any further information please contact: Gertrud Sollars or Shan Hallam.

Wednesdays at 9AM: Morning Prayer at Hambledon Church

Can we pray for you?

***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 Jul-Dec 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.

Bereavement Café – The Bereavement Café is for anyone who has been bereaved recently or some time ago and provides a safe and supportive space to come and chat with members of the pastoral care team, and others who have experienced loss. Every last Tuesday of the month in the Old Rectory. More details >>>

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. The instructions which are now on the web site HERE.

Elsewhere

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

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.
Next talk: Anxiety, Fear and Panic

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,

September is here, a new season begins, and for Busbridge&Hambledon Church and the parish of Godalming, the inception of Godalming Minster is just months away.

This calls for a vision which we all can get inspired by, with a map and a plan of how we are going to start the journey together. The scripture passages this half term will help us to equip ourselves spiritually to respond to God’s call as individuals and groups, as we consider People, Place and Purpose.

Wonderfully, many of you have already stepped in, and – metaphorically – “out of the boat”. Along with the sermons, we hope to hear from some of those who are already taking practical action pursuit of the Minster’s 3 main priorities:  i) Growing Younger, ii) Mission-Evangelism and iii) Discipleship. You can catch up on sermons and services you miss online, or explore the themes more deeply with others in a mid-week small group.

There is also a broad range of events, courses and activities starting in the coming weeks, and momentum will build thereafter. Read on for more details on this week’s highlights:

• Muddy Church at Jack Phillips Memorial

• Hymns and Pimm’s, 6PM at Hambledon

• NEW! Ladies drinks (7.30PM tonight at the Howling Owl)

• Men’s breakfast (Saturday)

• Mid-week prayer groups restarting next week

• The Bible Course, and Nexus which are all happening in the next 7 days!

This Sunday

Sermon series: People, Place & Purpose
Topic: The Way of Love | Matthew 22:   34-40 

9.30AM Muddy Church
Jack Phillips Memorial Park – by the Cloister
GU7 1ES – WHAT 3 WORDS LOCATION /// BLAZE.OUTFIT.SWEPT
BYO cups for coffee and/or hot chocolate
Then come for coffee and squash in The Octagon at St Peter & St Paul’s Church
More details >

10AM Hambledon Morning Worship
Hambledon Church & online
Leader & Speaker: Simon Willetts

11.15AM Busbridge Classic Service [Holy Communion]
Busbridge Church & online
Leader: Frances Shaw | Speaker: Simon Taylor

6PM Busbridge Evening Service + Youth
Busbridge Church
Leader & Speaker: Simon Taylor

6PM Hymns & Pimm’s
Hambledon Church
Leader & Speaker: Simon Willetts

Next Sunday 10 SEPTEMBER

The Glorious Deeds of the Lord:
Telling the New Generations
Psalm 78: 1-8

9.30AM Busbridge Contemporary Service
Busbridge Church & online
with crèche and children’s groups for ages 3-14

11.15AM Busbridge Classic Service
Busbridge Church & online

10AM Hambledon Morning Worship [Holy Communion]
Hambledon Church

6PM Busbridge Evening Service
Busbridge Church

Notices

New ladies social on 1st Fridays of the month – starting 1 Sep, 7.30PM at the Howling Owl. Come along for a social drink at the Holloway Hill Pavilion by Howling Owl. Open to absolutely all ladies reading this, and their friends. Contact Karen Hart of Sarah Black via My ChurchSuite or the church office for details.

Men’s Breakfast Saturday 2nd September
Do join us for breakfast this coming Saturday 2nd September at 8.15am in the Old Rectory. As usual we’ll be serving porridge, toast and marmalade and tea or coffee, after which we’ll move on to a time of discussion and sharing. This month our topic of the day is … Protest.

Nexus – The next talk is on Thursday 7 September at 7.30PM
Compassion in World Farming = Environmentally friendly food. This is particularly topical at the moment, and Nexus is delighted to welcome the UK Head of Godalming based charity, Compassion in World Farming. Compassion in World Farming is the largest farm animal welfare charity in the world , which has 400,000 supporters in the UK. CiWF works to improve conditions for farm animals, to oppose industrial factory farms with caged systems, and work to promote a more environmentally-friendly food system.  This is a very topical and important subject, and it will be fascinating to hear about it direct from Nick.  Do come along and bring a friend so we can spread the message! We’ll meet in the Old Rectory at 8.00pm.  The evening will start with drinks and nibbles to give us a chance to mingle and meet new people after our summer break. £5 for visitors (or £20 for the year). Pick up a flyer at church.

Invitation to join a Small Group
The group which meets fortnightly on Tuesday mornings (9.20am – 11am) seeks new members interested in joining them for the September term.  All ages welcome. Please contact Cathy Brook via My ChurchSuite or the church office for more details.

Mid-week prayer meetings restart in the first week of September. See below for days and details.

New Wine 2024 – Book Now!
Having just got back from a wonderful week at New Wine, the BHC contingent is keen to encourage a bigger group to go together next year. It will be at Shepton Mallet, from 25th to 30th July, and there is just one week, so no week A or B to choose from. 

Tickets are already available and selling quickly, so if people want to book, it would be good to get onto it sooner rather than later, especially if you want places in the fabulous children’s programme. Speak to Suzie Lambert for an enthusiastic testimony and more information!

MINSTER-WIDE

A few of the congregation at St Marks Church have been diagnosed with breast cancer and others have different cancers.

As a way of responding and showing support, Sandy Avenell is going to host an afternoon tea to raise money for ‘Breast Cancer Now’ Charity at St Marks Church on the 3rd September from 3-5pm. We at St Mark’s Church will help Sandy host this and would like to open the invitation to everyone across the Minster.

The Bible Course – starting Thursday 7th September at St Mark’s Church.
Save the date! This is a chance for everyone Minster-wide who hasn’t followed the course before to join the highly recommended Bible Course.

The Bible Course is a brilliant way to bring the Bible to life and understand the whole storyline— from Genesis to Revelation. Along the way you will pick up tools and skills to help you read it yourself and apply it to your life. Though it was written for beginners in an extremely accessible in style, it will still challenge the experienced bible reader and help anyone rediscover the Bible afresh.

If you are not part of a mid-week small group, this is a chance to get a feel for the format, experience bible study in a group, and get to know members of the church family better. If you’d like to know more, contact Keith Harper who is leading the eight sessions at St Mark’s on Thursday evenings in September (7.30pm-8.30/9pm).

Training for leading Intercessions, Welcoming, Reading and leading services – Sat 7 Oct
This is advanced notice of a training session which will be held on Saturday 7 October.  This will run from 0930 to 1130 and will consist of several distinct sessions covering leading intercessions, welcoming, reading, service leading.  If you are not involved in any of these ministries, but would be interested to know what is involved, please come along.  If you are someone who is already involved, please can we encourage you to make a note of the date and come for a refresher. 

People are welcome to come to any or all of the sessions and further details about timing will be available nearer the time.  If you would like to know more, please have a word with (or drop an e-mail to)  Margot Spencer margot.spencer@bhcgodalming.org  or Simon Willetts simon.willetts@bhcgodalming.org

WANTED: ACCOMMODATION FOR YOUTH WORKER RELOCATING TO GODALMING
The Trinity Trust Team has recently appointed a new Team Youth Worker (single male, aged 30). This is more great news for Christian youth work across Godalming.

Ola is looking for a one bed, flat studio or annexe at reasonable rent. If you can help please contact our Chair (Michael Stubbs) on: michael@trinitytrustteam.co.uk.

Surrey Churches Ride & Stride will take place on Saturday 9th September to raise money to help preserve our local church buildings. If you have any cyclists who wish to take part as a member of a group then they are very welcome to join me (and perhaps others) as we set out from St John’s church, Farncombe at 10.00am on 9th September. All of the necessary forms etc are available for download on the following website: http://www.surreychurchespreservationtrust.org/ride-stride/

Week of accompanied prayer
The Guildford network of spiritual directors is offering a week of accompanied prayer from 8.-13th October this year. A week of accompanied prayer is a bit like a retreat from home – you meet once a day (in person or on zoom) with a retreat guide who will suggest Bible passages to pray with and meditate on and talk about what you find. Participants in the past have found a week like this to deepen their prayer life and their walk with God; it also gives you a taste of what spiritual direction is about. Gertrud Sollars (gertrud.sollars@btinternet.com) has more information. See the flyer and application form.

Save the Date!

get involved / serving

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

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

Coming Up / plan ahead

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

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

Busbridge and Hambledon Churches are open daily for private prayer and reflection.

Monday Morning Reflections on Zoom
We shall resume our sessions on Monday 4th September at 8.45am on Zoom. If you  would like to start your week in quiet reflection over a passage of scripture do join us in September – you will be very welcome. For any further information please contact: Gertrud Sollars or Shan Hallam.

Wednesdays at 9AM: Morning Prayer at Hambledon Church
Restarts on 6th September.

Can we pray for you?

***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 Jul-Dec 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.

Bereavement Café – The Bereavement Café is for anyone who has been bereaved recently or some time ago and provides a safe and supportive space to come and chat with members of the pastoral care team, and others who have experienced loss. Every last Tuesday of the month in the Old Rectory. More details >>>

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. The instructions which are now on the web site HERE.

Elsewhere

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

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.

Dear Friends,

Here’s a quick update to keep everyone going through August, and to start looking forward to September! (The next issue of the notices will be for Sunday 3rd September.)

This Sunday

Who do you think you are? – Solomon

1 Kings 3:16-28

10AM Busbridge Combined Service
Busbridge Church & online
with multi-age children’s group

10AM Hambledon Morning Worship
Hambledon Church

Next Sunday 27 August

Who do you think you are? – Joseph
Matthew 2:13-15 and 19-23

10AM Busbridge Combined Service
Busbridge Church & online
with multi-age children’s group

10AM Hambledon Morning Worship
Hambledon Church

6PM Busbridge Evening Service
Busbridge Church

Notices

get ready for September and Beyond

Invitation to join a Small Group
The group which meets fortnightly on Tuesday mornings (9.20am – 11am) seeks new members interested in possibly joining them for the start of the September term.  All ages welcome. Please contact Cathy Brook via My ChurchSuite or the church office for more details.

New ladies social on 1st Fridays of the month – starting 1 Sep, 7.30PM at the Howling Owl. Come along for a social drink at the Holloway Hill Pavilion by Howling Owl. Open to absolutely all ladies reading this, and their friends. Contact Karen Hart of Sarah Black via My ChurchSuite or the church office for details.

Nexus – The next talk is on Thursday 7 September at 7.30PM
Compassion in World Farming = Environmentally friendly food. This is particularly topical at the moment, and Nexus is delighted to welcome the UK Head of Godalming based charity, Compassion in World Farming. Compassion in World Farming is the largest farm animal welfare charity in the world , which has 400,000 supporters in the UK. CiWF works to improve conditions for farm animals, to oppose industrial factory farms with caged systems, and work to promote a more environmentally-friendly food system.  This is a very topical and important subject, and it will be fascinating to hear about it direct from Nick.  Do come along and bring a friend so we can spread the message! We’ll meet in the Old Rectory at 8.00pm.  The evening will start with drinks and nibbles to give us a chance to mingle and meet new people after our summer break. £5 for visitors (or £20 for the year). Pick up a flyer at church.

New Wine 2024 – Book Now!
Having just got back from a wonderful week at New Wine, the BHC contingent is keen to encourage a bigger group to go together next year. It will be at Shepton Mallet, from 25th to 30th July, and there is just one week, so no week A or B to choose from. 

Tickets are already available and selling quickly, so if people want to book, it would be good to get onto it sooner rather than later, especially if you want places in the fabulous children’s programme. Speak to Suzie Lambert for an enthusiastic testimony and more information!

MINSTER-WIDE

A few of the congregation at St Marks Church have been diagnosed with breast cancer and others have different cancers.

As a way of responding and showing support, Sandy Avenell is going to host an afternoon tea to raise money for ‘Breast Cancer Now’ Charity at St Marks Church on the 3rd September from 3-5pm. We at St Mark’s Church will help Sandy host this and would like to open the invitation to everyone across the Minster.

The Bible Course – starting Thursday 7th September at St Mark’s Church.
Save the date! This is a chance for everyone Minster-wide who hasn’t followed the course before to join the highly recommended Bible Course.

The Bible Course is a brilliant way to bring the Bible to life and understand the whole storyline— from Genesis to Revelation. Along the way you will pick up tools and skills to help you read it yourself and apply it to your life. Though it was written for beginners in an extremely accessible in style, it will still challenge the experienced bible reader and help anyone rediscover the Bible afresh.

If you are not part of a mid-week small group, this is a chance to get a feel for the format, experience bible study in a group, and get to know members of the church family better. If you’d like to know more, contact Keith Harper who is leading the eight sessions at St Mark’s on Thursday evenings in September (7.30pm-8.30/9pm).

Training for leading Intercessions, Welcoming, Reading and leading services – Sat 7 Oct
This is advanced notice of a training session which will be held on Saturday 7 October.  This will run from 0930 to 1130 and will consist of several distinct sessions covering leading intercessions, welcoming, reading, service leading.  If you are not involved in any of these ministries, but would be interested to know what is involved, please come along.  If you are someone who is already involved, please can we encourage you to make a note of the date and come for a refresher. 

People are welcome to come to any or all of the sessions and further details about timing will be available nearer the time.  If you would like to know more, please have a word with (or drop an e-mail to)  Margot Spencer margot.spencer@bhcgodalming.org  or Simon Willetts simon.willetts@bhcgodalming.org

Minster Reorganisation now approved!
Busbridge&Hambledon Church and Godalming Parish have received confirmation from the Church Commissioners that the Pastoral Scheme for Godalming Minster was formally approved by the Bishop of Guildford on 7th August, and will come into legal effect on 1st January 2024.  In the meantime, the leaders in all three parishes are already thinking like a Minster, lots of things are already happening jointly, and we will be inviting everyone to step into the new identity starting gradually this Autumn. Watch this space!

WANTED: TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION FOR YOUTH WORKER RELOCATING TO GODALMING (FROM SEPTEMBER 1ST FOR 6 WEEKS)
The Trinity Trust Team has recently appointed a new Team Youth Worker (single male, aged 30) who will be relocating from Scotland at the end of August. This is more great news for Christian youth work across Godalming.

Do you have a spare double room with en-suite facilities or vacant annexe at a reasonable rate for 6 weeks whilst he undertakes his first half term with us? If you can help us in housing Ola then please contact our Chair (Michael Stubbs) on: michael@trinitytrustteam.co.uk

Surrey Churches Ride & Stride will take place on Saturday 9th September to raise money to help preserve our local church buildings. If you have any cyclists who wish to take part as a member of a group then they are very welcome to join me (and perhaps others) as we set out from St John’s church, Farncombe at 10.00am on 9th September. All of the necessary forms etc are available for download on the following website: http://www.surreychurchespreservationtrust.org/ride-stride/

Week of accompanied prayer

The Guildford network of spiritual directors is offering a week of accompanied prayer from 8.-13th October this year. A week of accompanied prayer is a bit like a retreat from home – you meet once a day (in person or on zoom) with a retreat guide who will suggest Bible passages to pray with and meditate on and talk about what you find. Participants in the past have found a week like this to deepen their prayer life and their walk with God; it also gives you a taste of what spiritual direction is about. Gertrud Sollars (gertrud.sollars@btinternet.com) has more information. See the flyer and application form.

Save the Date!

get involved / serving

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

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

Coming Up / plan ahead

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

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

Mid-week morning prayer gatherings take a break in August. Busbridge and Hambledon Churches are open daily for private prayer and reflection.

Monday Morning Reflections
We shall resume our sessions on Monday 4th September ( same time, same place). If you  would like to start your week in quiet reflection over a passage of scripture do join us  in September – you will be very welcome. For any further information please contact: Gertrud Sollars or Shan Hallam.

Wednesdays: Busbridge Morning Prayer and Hambledon Morning Prayer now take a break for summer and will restart in September (dates tbc).

Can we pray for you?

***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 Jul-Dec 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.

Bereavement Café – The Bereavement Café is for anyone who has been bereaved recently or some time ago and provides a safe and supportive space to come and chat with members of the pastoral care team, and others who have experienced loss. Every last Tuesday of the month in the Old Rectory. More details >>>

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. The instructions which are now on the web site HERE.

Elsewhere

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

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.