Dear Friends

Drum-roll please…. this Sunday will include the big reveal of our new 4-11s Children and Families Pastor in the morning services at Busbridge (and to all congregations in due course). Marcus Hockley started enthusiastically this week, and has already met a good few church members in the Old Rectory, The Yew Tree Café and at the St Mark’s new after-school Youth Café on Wednesday. “Excited” about Jesus and “can’t wait” to start children’s ministry here, are seldom more truly spoken than in Marcus’ case. This also means the CYF staff team is complete again for the first time in quite a while, and ready to lead us as we work towards “Growing Younger” as part of Godalming Minster. Thanks to all those who have been praying for this and who continue to serve in our Sunday children’s groups.

Also, among other things, in this week’s notices:

• There’s a special Choral Evensong at Hambledon this Sunday (6pm).

• Please sign up to the 1 Big Summer Party on 16th July.

• The National Trust is joining Nexus on 6th July (8PM) to present the plans for the new visitor centre opening soon at Winkworth Arboretum, AND its recent acquisition of Munstead Wood – house and garden of Gertrude Jekyll. Hear it there first!

• The Bereavement Café is open again next Tuesday 27th from 2.30-4pm in the Old Rectory.

• An urgent plea for people to join the AV rota at Busbridge.

• TTT (Trinity Trust Team) celebrates its 20th birthday this Saturday, and everyone’s invited.

This Sunday

See you at church or online this Sunday, as we come to hear about:

confident in his promises
Reading: philippians 3: 10-21

Paul makes a declaration in (3:10) “I want to know Christ”. We may think Paul already knew Christ, but Paul is seeking to be totally enveloped in Christ’s person, purpose and passion. It is not enough to be counted as one of Christ’s he wants to be able to say (1:21) “for me to live is Christ”. How can we be like Paul?

9:30AM Busbridge Contemporary
Led by: Chris Garner | Speaker: Simon Willetts
Busbridge Church
Children start in church before leaving for their groups.

11:15AM Busbridge Classic Service
Led by: Sarah Black | Speaker: Simon Willetts
Busbridge Church

10AM Hambledon Morning Worship
Led by: Hilary Pettman
Hambledon Church

6PM Busbridge Evening Service [Holy Communion]
Led by: Lesley Mason | Speaker: Patrick Samuels

6PM Hambledon Choral Evensong
Led by: Simon Willetts

Next Sunday 2 July

The secret of contentment and knowing that we can’t out-give God.
Reading: Philippians 4:10-23

9:30AM Muddy Church on Holloway Hill Rec
BYO cup for coffee and hot chocolate. Look for the flags!
10AM Hambledon Morning Worship
11:15AM Busbridge Classic Service [Holy Communion]
6PM Busbridge Evening Service

Notices

Please sign up to come to 1 Big Summer Party

1 Big Summer Party – 16 July
Everyone, new and old, from any congregation or church activity, fully involved and dipping their toes, is warmly invited to the 1 Big Summer Party in the Old Rectory Garden on Sunday 16th July from 6-8PM.  Though church never breaks up, it will be good to kick off our shoes as those in education finish exams and the summer term marathon, and we all embark on the holiday season!

Live music will be provided by the Faith Blues Band who played their first sell-out gig in the Yew Tree Café at the end of April.  There will be drinks and a meal for everyone, and a chance to meet people involved in different areas of church life. 

We look forward to sharing this event with the wider family that will be part of Godalming Minster, but for those that can remember (fondly), this is a roll up of the BHC Newcomers tea, the invitational Great Girls Get Together and the Boys BBQ and Beer Bash.   

Friends are welcome.  Who could you invite?

There’s a suggested donation of £5 pp, and you can pay as you sign up.  And do please sign up – we want to provide enough food and drinks, but not too much! Of course, if you’d like to help, please contact vic.hicks@bhcgodalming.org.

NEXUS TALK 6th July: We are delighted that a team from the National Trust will be joining Nexus on Thursday 6th July to talk about the new Winkworth Visitor Centre and the National Trust’s recent acquisition of Munstead Wood. 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 before handing over to Katherine Mills, General Manager, NT London & SE Operations and her team for the talk.   Non members are very much invited to come along. There is a guest contribution of £5 which goes towards speaker costs and refreshments. Details and sign up here.

IMPORTANT Minster matter! – Notice of the DRAFT Pastoral Scheme – issue 2 – has now been given by the Diocese of Guildford and is available for comment until Monday 24th July. Please note the date extension from the original deadline (3rd July). The Pastoral Scheme is the legal document which sets out the organisation of the new Godalming Minster and has been sent to the affected parishes of Godalming, Busbridge, Hambledon and Farncombe. The draft Pastoral Scheme and instructions can be found on the Minster page under About Us HERE. There is a notice on the church doors and a printed copy of the draft pastoral scheme in each of the churches. Notice will also be given in Sunday services between now and 19th July. Please spread the word and let those who might not come to church, or receive the email notices, be aware.

pray & Give thanks for

The ongoing work and those who serve in Busbridge&Hambledon CYF ministries, and for the Trinity Trust Team which has been working in our local schools for 20 years!

All those who are bereaved, and for the the ministry of the Bereavement Café which meets for the 3rd time on Tuesday 27th June, 2.30-4PM in The Old Rectory. More details >>

Those coming to the end of the current Alpha Course – for their faith journey to continue and their relationship with Jesus to be stronger and deeper with every day. More courses will be scheduled and Keith and Sheila would love to hear from you if you would like to find out about the course for yourself or someone else. More details >>

get involved / serving

Busbridge laptop operators URGENTLY required! Those who prefer a screen to a printed service sheet and hymn book, and can use a PC, please offer your help to run the laptop once a month. Training and patience will be provided! Contact Patrick Elshen via the church office if you’d like to help.

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.

MIssion & Outward Giving

Do you know about the amazing work of the Trinity Trust Team with young people across Godalming – now 20 years young? Find out about TTT’s work in the latest newsletter, and come along to the 20th anniversary celebration this Saturday. TTT would love to share its story and future plans with new people as well as its faithful supporters.

Coming Up / plan ahead

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

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

Reflective Prayer Mons at 8.45am online. Reflective Prayer will not take place on bank holiday Monday. Do join us on Zoom when we resume “normal” service on Monday 5 June.
Busbridge Morning Prayer Weds at 9am on Zoom.
Hambledon Morning Prayer takes place on Wednesdays at 9am. All welcome.
Busbridge Saturday Prayer Meeting + PrayerFest 0-30 8-9am 2nd Saturdays of the month in Busbridge Church.

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

Groups & Activities

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Elsewhere

In this month’s Parish Brief

Dean Dianna to retire

It was announced last weekend that Dean Dianna will be retiring later this year. Her final Sunday service will be Choral Evensong on 17 September. More details will be shared nearer the time but if you would like to join the celebration on the 17th do put 6pm into your diaries.

Ordination Weekend on the 1st July/2nd July 2023

Our upcoming Priests and the parishes in which they’re already serving:

…

Bryan Silletti:     St Andrew, Cobham
Tori Silletti:       St Andrew, Cobham

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

Godalming Baptist Church Life Issues talks: We have a thought-provoking and so helpful Life Issue coming up next month at Godalming Baptist Church ‘Managing Anger and Conflict’ on Saturday 24th June from 10.00am-12.30pm (coffee from 9.30am) led by Revd Peter Jackson. 

There is no charge for the session but donations towards the work of ‘Emerge’ -a christian charity that supports young people in A and E who come in with mental health needs would be much appreciated. To book a place please contact Sally Pollard-01483-428646 or e-mail pollard3@hotmail.co.uk by Friday 16th June.

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

Single, employed Christian woman in her forties looking for a room in a house share or with a family on a long-term let in or near Guildford, can pay £650pm maximum, including bills.  Tidy, clean, polite, helpful, good with most pets.  Looking to move end of June. Contact Sarah Black if you can help.

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 is something of an understatement to say we are delighted to announce that Marcus Hockley has been appointed BHC Children’s Pastor, and he’s starting on Monday! (Some of you might have come across Marcus in May when he led a great Ark session which met with the unanimous approval of the children and Ark leaders.)

Marcus is an experienced Children’s Pastor and will be joining the church, and in due course, Godalming Minster, with his wife and two children. We will be introducing Marcus on Sunday 24th June, but in the meantime, thanks to all those who have prayed for God’s person to fill this role, and please continue to pray for Marcus’s ministry and that he and his family feel right at home!

In other news we’d like everyone to save the date for 1 Big Summer Party on Sunday 16th July. Please read on for more details and all the notices.

This Sunday

Celebrate Fathers’ Day

See you at church or online this Sunday, as we come to hear about:

Humility, a strength or a weakness?
Reading: philippians 2:1-11

As we continue into the second chapter of this letter, Paul continues the theme of living lives worthy of the Gospel. We have seen the crucial role that unity in the faith of the gospel plays in the life of the believer and now we turn to another essential virtue…

9:30AM Busbridge Contemporary [Holy Communion]
Led by: Andy Spencer | Speaker: Patrick Samuels
Busbridge Church
Children start in church before leaving for their groups.

11:15AM Busbridge Classic Service
Led by: Keith Harper | Speaker: Ben Barnes
Busbridge Church

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

4PM Messy Church at Hambledon Village Hall
Led by: Simon Willetts and the Messy Team

Next Sunday 25 June

confident in his promises
Reading: philippians 3: 10-21

9:30AM Busbridge Contemporary
10AM Hambledon Morning Worship
11:15AM Busbridge Classic Service
6PM Busbridge Evening Service [Holy Communion]
6PM Hambledon Evensong

Notices

1 Big Summer Party – 16 July
Everyone, new and old, from any congregation or church activity, fully involved and dipping their toes, is warmly invited to the 1 Big Summer Party in the Old Rectory Garden on Sunday 16th July from 6-8PM.  Though church never breaks up, it will be good to kick off our shoes as those in education finish exams and the summer term marathon, and we all embark on the holiday season!

Live music will be provided by the Faith Blues Band who played their first sell-out gig in the Yew Tree Café at the end of April.  There will be drinks and a meal for everyone, and a chance to meet people involved in different areas of church life. 

We look forward to sharing this event with the wider family that will be part of Godalming Minster, but for those that can remember (fondly), this is a roll up of the BHC Newcomers tea, the invitational Great Girls Get Together and the Boys BBQ and Beer Bash.   

Friends are welcome.  Who could you invite?

There’s a suggested donation of £5 pp, and you can pay as you sign up.  And do please sign up – we want to provide enough food and drinks, but not too much! Of course, if you’d like to help, please contact vic.hicks@bhcgodalming.org.

NEXUS TALK 6 July: We are delighted that a team from the National Trust will be joining Nexus on Thursday 6 July to talk about the new Winkworth Visitor Centre and the National Trust’s recent acquisition of Munstead Wood. 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 before handing over to Katherine Mills, General Manager, NT London & SE Operations and her team for the talk.   Non members are very much invited to come along. There is a guest contribution of £5 which goes towards speaker costs and refreshments. Details and sign up here.

IMPORTANT Minster matter! – Notice of the DRAFT Pastoral Scheme – issue 2 – has now been given by the Diocese of Guildford and is available for comment until Monday 24th July. Please note the date extension from the original deadline (3rd July). The Pastoral Scheme is the legal document which sets out the organisation of the new Godalming Minster and has been sent to the affected parishes of Godalming, Busbridge, Hambledon and Farncombe. The draft Pastoral Scheme and instructions can be found on the Minster page under About Us HERE. There is a notice on the church doors and a printed copy of the draft pastoral scheme in each of the churches. Notice will also be given in Sunday services between now and 19th July. Please spread the word and let those who might not come to church, or receive the email notices, be aware.

Give thanks for

The new after school youth café at St Mark’s which started on Wednesday 14th June. Feedback from children and parents was very encouraging!

Young Maggie F-L who has completed a sponsored 500m swim to support local families from Ukraine. The Church Family Support Fund will receive the money Maggie has raised on her Just Giving page, and share it with the families we support as a church. Fantastic effort Maggie!

Those who took part in the recent baptism preparation course led by Clare Haddad, for the forthcoming baptisms of their children, and their fellowship with one another. The group has arranged a post-course social, just for fun! We’ve had more enquiries to run another before the autumn term, so if you know of anyone who is considering a baptism or thanksgiving, send them Cat Garner’s way!

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.

MINSTER-WIDE

Alpha Course on Thursdays May-July at 7.30PM: Stay Curious / Who will you invite?
The Alpha course is underway at St Mark’s Church, led by Sheila Samuels and Keith Harper. More courses will be scheduled and Keith and Sheila would love to hear from you if you would like to find out about the course for yourself or someone else. Cooks to provide a meal would also be very welcome. More details >>

MIssion & Outward Giving

Coming Up / plan ahead

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

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

Reflective Prayer Mons at 8.45am online. Reflective Prayer will not take place on bank holiday Monday. Do join us on Zoom when we resume “normal” service on Monday 5 June.
Busbridge Morning Prayer Weds at 9am on Zoom.
Hambledon Morning Prayer takes place on Wednesdays at 9am. All welcome.
Busbridge Saturday Prayer Meeting + PrayerFest 0-30 8-9am 2nd Saturdays of the month in Busbridge Church.

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

Groups & Activities

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

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

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

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

Bereavement Café – The Bereavement Café will be open for the 2nd time next Tuesday 30 May in the Old Rectory. 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.

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

Elsewhere

In this month’s Parish Brief

Dean Dianna to retire

It was announced last weekend that Dean Dianna will be retiring later this year. Her final Sunday service will be Choral Evensong on 17 September. More details will be shared nearer the time but if you would like to join the celebration on the 17th do put 6pm into your diaries.

Ordination Weekend on the 1st July/2nd July 2023

Our upcoming Priests and the parishes in which they’re already serving:

…

Bryan Silletti:     St Andrew, Cobham
Tori Silletti:       St Andrew, Cobham

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

Godalming Baptist Church Life Issues talks: We have a thought-provoking and so helpful Life Issue coming up next month at Godalming Baptist Church ‘Managing Anger and Conflict’ on Saturday 24th June from 10.00am-12.30pm (coffee from 9.30am) led by Revd Peter Jackson. 

There is no charge for the session but donations towards the work of ‘Emerge’ -a christian charity that supports young people in A and E who come in with mental health needs would be much appreciated. To book a place please contact Sally Pollard-01483-428646 or e-mail pollard3@hotmail.co.uk by Friday 16th June.

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

Single, employed Christian woman in her forties looking for a room in a house share or with a family on a long-term let in or near Guildford, can pay £650pm maximum, including bills.  Tidy, clean, polite, helpful, good with most pets.  Looking to move end of June. Contact Sarah Black if you can help.

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

Show us the way! With permission from the diocese, we now have a striking finger post in Busbridge Churchyard to show visitors around the site, and the directions to all parts of Godalming Minster. This has been lovingly handcrafted in oak by David H, and we are so grateful for this personal contribution to the church.

There were blue skies for Muddy last Sunday by the Jack Phillips Memorial Cloister, overlooked by St Peter and St Paul’s spire. There was fun and active bible learning on the sermon topic “Giving thanks in all circumstances” with ribbons and sticks. It was great to see some old friends too! The next Muddy is on Holloway Hill Recreation Ground on 2nd July.

This Sunday

See you at church or online this Sunday, as we come to hear about:

courageous living
Philippians 1:12-30

Being a citizen of God’s kingdom doesn’t exempt us from hardship. We are called to live lives worthy of the Gospel, lives which are courageous and reflect that we trust and have faith in God who is with us in our challenging times. Paul’s concern with the eternal perspective helps us look beyond the here and now and offers us comfort that there is more to life than the situation we find ourselves in…

9:30AM Busbridge Contemporary
Led by: Chris Garner | Speaker: Peter Shaw
Busbridge Church
Children start in church before leaving for their groups.

11:15AM Busbridge Classic Service
Led by: Frances Shaw | Speaker: Peter Shaw
Busbridge Church

10AM Hambledon Morning Worship [Holy Communion]
Led by: Andy Spencer | Speaker: David Jenkins
Hambledon Church

6PM Busbridge Evening Service + Youth
Led by: Patrick Samuels | Speaker: David Jenkins

Next Sunday 18 June

Humility, a strength or a weakness?
Reading: philippians 2:1-11

9:30AM Busbridge Contemporary [Holy Communion]
11:15AM Busbridge Classic Service
10AM Hambledon Morning Worship
4PM Messy Church at Hambledon Village Hall

Notices

IMPORTANT Minster matter! – Notice of the DRAFT Pastoral Scheme – issue 2 – has now been given by the Diocese of Guildford and is available for comment until Monday 24th July. Please note the date extension from the original deadline (3rd July). The Pastoral Scheme is the legal document which sets out the organisation of the new Godalming Minster and has been sent to the affected parishes of Godalming, Busbridge, Hambledon and Farncombe. The draft Pastoral Scheme and instructions can be found on the Minster page under About Us HERE. There is a notice on the church doors and a printed copy of the draft pastoral scheme in each of the churches. Notice will also be given in Sunday services between now and 19th July. Please spread the word and let those who might not come to church, or receive the email notices, be aware.

FOUND – New café volunteers. Thanks to those who responded to the recent ad for more café baristas. The Yew Tree Café welcomes Juliet and Belinda to team, just in time for the alfresco season and summer events at the schools when parents enjoy cafe refreshments before and after sports days and end of year assemblies. If you are interested in getting involved, please see the cafe volunteer ad here, and contact Lizzie Soar e: lizzie.soar@bhcgodalming.org.

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.

MINSTER-WIDE

Alpha Course on Thursdays May-July at 7.30PM: Stay Curious / Who will you invite?
The Alpha course is underway at St Mark’s Church, led by Sheila Samuels and Keith Harper. More courses will be scheduled and Keith and Sheila would love to hear from you if you would like to find out about the course for yourself or someone else. Cooks to provide a meal would also be very welcome. More details >>

Invitation to a Curry Night at St Mark’s – 9th June
St Mark’s members the Allens, are fundraising for their visit to North East Thailand when they will be carrying out numerous activities in the Chiang Rai area specifically to support the community with food storage, recycling and safe disposal of waste, as well as helping with the erection of a barbed wire fence.

Your support for this project would be much appreciated: After a very successful cream tea afternoon in our garden which raised an incredible £230, the next event will be a curry evening cooked by Sheila Samuels on 9th June 7 for 7.30PM at St Marks.

Tickets £10 need to be pre booked by contacting Lin on 07776145016 or email linda.j.allen1955@gmail.com

MIssion & Outward Giving

Please pray for the new youth café starting after school at St Mark’s next Wednesday 14th June. Ben Barnes led an assembly at St Mark’s and All Saints school and invited years 4,5 and 6 to a fun after school café in the church and community centre. Ben and Sheila Samuels are looking forward having fun and making new connections with the year 5 and 6 children who come next week, and plan to extend the invitation to year 4 in coming weeks. Following the pilot at St Mark’s, CYF hope to start a youth café for Busbridge. Volunteers and your prayers will be necessary!

Maggie Jagger writes from the Isle of Wight:

Dear Shelagh and everyone at Busbridge and Hambledon Church,

On behalf of the Trustees of SALCET, I am writing to thank you very much for the generous donation of £1,777.50 we have reeived from Busbridge PCC for his year’s Easter Appeal…We are grateful for your financial support over the last 18 years as well as your encouragement.

Part of the money will be used to help Carlos Gomez (a pastor and SALCET field worker) set up a diabetic support group in Panchimalco in El Salvador (diabetes is a very serious problem in El Salvador). The rest will be used for remote diagnostics in Msaka Uganda, were our field worker, Robert is concered that poor children with serever medical problems e.g. cerebal palsy, are missing out on education because of lack of diagnosis and funding. SALCET has the expertise to help these children and provide necessary equipment to improve their quality of life.

We (Chris and Maggie) are setting in well to our life on the isle of wight and our local church has been very welcoming and is mission focussed, so SALCET will continue in a new location and we will send out newsletters periodically to keep you in touch with what we are doing. Thank you all very much.

The Outward Giving Group next meets on 17th July and could really do with more members. We meet about 5 times a year. In particular we are looking for somebody who can co-ordinate a lunch, tea or other event to raise funds to help women leaving HMP Send with no support. Please contact David Jenkins or Shelagh Godwin to find out more.

Coming Up / plan ahead

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

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

Reflective Prayer Mons at 8.45am online. Reflective Prayer will not take place on bank holiday Monday. Do join us on Zoom when we resume “normal” service on Monday 5 June.
Busbridge Morning Prayer Weds at 9am on Zoom.
Hambledon Morning Prayer takes place on Wednesdays at 9am. All welcome.
Busbridge Saturday Prayer Meeting + PrayerFest 0-30 8-9am 2nd Saturdays of the month in Busbridge Church.

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

Groups & Activities

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

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

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

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

Bereavement Café – The Bereavement Café will be open for the 2nd time next Tuesday 30 May in the Old Rectory. 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.

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

Elsewhere

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

Godalming Baptist Church Life Issues talks: We have a thought-provoking and so helpful Life Issue coming up next month at Godalming Baptist Church ‘Managing Anger and Conflict’ on Saturday 24th June from 10.00am-12.30pm (coffee from 9.30am) led by Revd Peter Jackson. 

There is no charge for the session but donations towards the work of ‘Emerge’ -a christian charity that supports young people in A and E who come in with mental health needs would be much appreciated. To book a place please contact Sally Pollard-01483-428646 or e-mail pollard3@hotmail.co.uk by Friday 16th June.

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

Single, employed Christian woman in her forties looking for a room in a house share or with a family on a long-term let in or near Guildford, can pay £650pm maximum, including bills.  Tidy, clean, polite, helpful, good with most pets.  Looking to move end of June. Contact Sarah Black if you can help.

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.

See you at St Peter and St Paul’s Church
this Sunday
for the 10AM Minster-wide Pentecost Service.

Dear Friends

Thanks to all those who attended the APCM meetings at Busbridge and Hambledon last Sunday, and particularly those who stood for election for church offices and the PCCs. The updated list of PCC members will be available shortly, and should you wish to check the APCM papers, they are available year round under Who We Are, HERE.

There are no services at Busbridge or Hambledon this Sunday as we are joining with the other Minster members at St Peter & St Paul’s to celebrate Pentecost. This is timely, too, as we have now received notice from the Diocese that the Draft Pastoral Scheme is ready for public consultation. Please read on for the full notice about the legal organisation of the new Godalming Minster and let those who aren’t on email know.

The church office will be open Tues-Friday next week, but quiet as staff and clergy are taking leave, and groups and activities pause for half-term. You will also have a week off from the notices!

This Sunday

Anointed a King
Reading: Matthew 3:13-17

10AM Minsterwide Service for Pentecost
Led by: John Harkin | Speaker: Michael Baughen
St Peter & St Paul’s Church, Godalming

[No morning services at Busbridge or Hambledon. Children’s groups take a break for half-term]

6PM Busbridge Evening Service [Holy Communion]
Led by: Sarah Rowden | Speaker: Simon Willetts
Busbridge Church

Next Sunday 4 June

GIVing thanks in all circumstances
Reading: philippians 1:1-11

9:30AM Muddy Church
Led by: Mark Puddephatt & Suzie Lambert
Jack Philips Memorial Park ///blaze.outfit.swept
Parking available in the Crown Court car park.

11:15AM Busbridge Classic Service
Led by: John Harkin | Speaker: Frances Shaw
Busbridge Church

10AM Hambledon Morning Worship
Led by: Patrick Samuels
Hambledon Church

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

Notices

Thanks to band members Mike, Phil, Arianna and Owen, hosts Carol and Stuart and all those who came to the first gig in the Yew Tree Café on 28th April. The event was sold out, and all proceeds from ticket sales went to the Church Family Support Fund. Stuart and Carol J ran hospitality, and David Wilkins introduced the evening and explained more about the fund for those who were not familiar with its role in the church. The atmosphere in The Yew Tree was amazing and the evening attracted a great mix of church family and local friends who joined in a great rendition of House of the Rising Sun! A great team effort, and we look forward to the Faith band’s next event.

IMPORTANT Minster matter! – Notice of the DRAFT Pastoral Scheme has now been given by the Diocese of Guildford and is available for comment until 3rd July. The Pastoral Scheme is the legal document which sets out the organisation of the new Godalming Minster and has been sent to the affected parishes of Godalming, Busbridge, Hambledon and Farncombe. The draft Pastoral Scheme and instructions can be found on the Minster page under About Us HERE. There is a notice on the church doors and a printed copy of the draft pastoral scheme in each of the churches. Notice will also be given in Sunday services between now and 3rd July. Please spread the word and let those who might not come to church, or receive the email notices, be aware.

Saturday Volunteers needed in the café! With the holiday season getting underway, the Yew Tree Café is looking for 2 more people to join the rota on Saturdays, 9.30am-3pm once a month! To find out more, please see the cafe volunteer ad here, and contact Lizzie Soar e: lizzie.soar@bhcgodalming.org.

5PM bell for peace ringers required. The Jaggers have decamped to the Isle of Wight and we miss them. However, there is a desire to keep the 5PM bell for peace going at Busbridge! Any volunteers?

And on the subject of 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.

Bereavement Café – The Bereavement Café will be open for the 2nd time next Tuesday 30 May in the Old Rectory. 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 >>>

MINSTER-WIDE

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

Invitation to a Curry Night at St Mark’s – 9th June
St Mark’s members the Allens, are fundraising for their visit to North East Thailand when they will be carrying out numerous activities in the Chiang Rai area specifically to support the community with food storage, recycling and safe disposal of waste, as well as helping with the erection of a barbed wire fence.

Your support for this project would be much appreciated: After a very successful cream tea afternoon in our garden which raised an incredible £230, the next event will be a curry evening cooked by Sheila Samuels on 9th June 7 for 7.30PM at St Marks.

Tickets £10 need to be pre booked by contacting Lin on 07776145016 or email linda.j.allen1955@gmail.com

Coming Up / plan ahead

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

Don’t forget about…

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

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

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

Reflective Prayer Mons at 8.45am online. Reflective Prayer will not take place on bank holiday Monday. Do join us on Zoom when we resume “normal” service on Monday 5 June.
Busbridge Morning Prayer Weds at 9am on Zoom.
Hambledon Morning Prayer takes place on Wednesdays at 9am. All welcome.
Busbridge Saturday Prayer Meeting + PrayerFest 0-30 8-9am 2nd Saturdays of the month in Busbridge Church.

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

Groups & Activities

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

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

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

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

Elsewhere

Guildford Conquest Art Volunteers Needed!!!
Guildford Conquest Art is part of a wider charity inspiring people with disabilities and long term health issues to rediscover their creative energy and build self confidence through art. We are a thriving group who meet at St Catherine’s Village Hall, Chestnut Ave, Guildford GU2 4HD from 2-4pm on alternate Wednesday afternoons. We are currently seeking one or two new volunteers to join our friendly team to support our adults.  If you would like to find out more please contact Pam Dalton Williams by email: pamdaltonwilliams@gmail.com 

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

Godalming Baptist Church Life Issues talks: We have a thought-provoking and so helpful Life Issue coming up next month at Godalming Baptist Church ‘Managing Anger and Conflict’ on Saturday 24th June from 10.00am-12.30pm (coffee from 9.30am) led by Revd Peter Jackson. 

The session will focus on such questions as What makes us angry?

How does unresolved anger affect us and those around us? How do we manage anger?  What sort of things bring us into conflict with others? What are some of both the negative and constructive ways of dealing with conflict?

There is no charge for the session but donations towards the work of ‘Emerge’ -a christian charity that supports young people in A and E who come in with mental health needs would be much appreciated.

To book a place please contact Sally Pollard-01483-428646 or e-mail pollard3@hotmail.co.uk by Friday 16th June.

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

Last Sunday, after the services to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III, some of our older and youngest members of church helped helped Ed and Alan plant a Pride of India (Golden Rain) tree in the Old Rectory Garden. An area by the path, between the OR and the church near the basket ball area, was sown with wildflower seeds to encourage pollinators and about 36 people helped with this. More seeds have been planted by the fence between the carpark and the lawn. We are sure King Charles would approve!

Other highlights at the coronation brunch were the quiz, the word search, games, craft and, of course, the bouncy castles! It was lovely to share the celebration with some of our Ukrainian friends too, and introduce them to the iconic British summertime tipple “Pimms” – by royal appointment, naturally.

This Sunday is the second week in the sermon series Jesus is King. As we continue to explore this years theme –Living Through Challenging Times we find that post Easter we can easily go back to old habits and ways of thinking however the resurrection of Jesus Christ brings about a new way of living. Through this 10-week sermon series, we can rediscover what Jesus Kingship means and ways in which we can live out our faith as citizens of the Kingdom.

Living in Jesus Kingdom requires us to keep growing into the likeness of Christ. This means accepting His sovereignty over every part of our lives. It means surrendering to His greater glorious name. In part 1 of our sermon series (weeks 1-4) we will explore Jesus kingship in the light of the coronation of King Charles. In part 2, working through some parts of Paul’s letter to Philippians, we’ll explore 5 different areas of our life that we can surrender to God’s rule to enable us to live through challenging times.

This Sunday

Jesus the Servant King
Philippians 2: 1-11

9:30AM Busbridge Contemporary
Led by: Patrick Samuels | Speaker: Simon Willetts
Please see the note below about a change for children’s groups*

11:15AM Busbridge Classic Service
Led by: Margot Spencer | Speaker: Simon Willetts

10AM Hambledon Morning Worship [Holy Communion]
Led by: David Jenkins | Speaker: Chris Garner

6PM Busbridge Evening Service
Led by: Simon Willetts | Speaker: Sarah Rowden

*Please take your children into church with you for the start of the service. They will stay in for approximately 10 minutes for a thanksgiving, then can be taken to be registered in their groups (locations below – please note the change for Ark). Pick up will be at the end of the service from the same place that you dropped off. 

Notices

2022 Annual Report and Accounts in advance of the APCMs on 21 May
It’s not often we set you homework, but love it or loath it, we ask you all to read and the annual report and accounts for 2022. They provide a round up of all the mission and ministries of Busbridge&Hambledon Church and are a testament to the Kingdom work and giving of so many. Even the most avid reader of the notices will learn something new, and we are grateful to all the contributors, to Liz G compiling the annual report, and to our the treasurers for the accounts.

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

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

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

The meetings will provide a chance to celebrate everything that God has done through our churches in the past year, and look ahead to the next 12 months. All church members are encouraged to attend, BUT to vote at APCMs, you must be on the Busbridge Electoral Roll to vote at the Busbridge APCM, and the Hambledon Electoral Roll to vote in Hambledon’s APCM. The electoral rolls are now closed until after the APCMs and available on request from the church office.

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

Christian Aid Week 14-20 May
As part of our commitment to mission, BHC Outward Giving encourages you to support Christian Aid Week 14-20 May, which this year is channeling aid to its Pigeon Pea Project in Malawi. Please give generously. The mighty pigeon pea is drought resistant, so thrives in the dry fields of southern Malawi. It’s an essential part of the diet of millions of people around the world, and as part of it’s fundraising campaign, Christian Aid is asking us to join the Big Pea Challenge this Christian Aid Week! You could host a pea soup lunch, grow and sell plants or get the craft box out and make pea-cussion instruments with the kids. For more details see: Christian Aid Week 2023 | The Big Pea Challenge. if anyone wants to organise any of the above, please let the office know so we can publicise it.

Ascension Day 18 May: Everyone is invited to the Minster-wide Choral Eucharist at St Peter & St Paul’s next Thursday, 18 May at 8pm. The choir will include singers from BHC, and if anyone would like to read or lead intercessions at the service, please let the church office know by Monday.

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

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

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

Coming Up / plan ahead

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

Don’t forget about…

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

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

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

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

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

Groups & Activities

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

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

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

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

Elsewhere

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

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.