This Sunday’s sermon (coming on the BHC Godalming YouTube channel): Psalm 63 – Hope in the dark times

Hello again, after the most unusual of weeks in which every day life, and church life has been affected so radically.   

After reading down to see what’s going on, here’s A word from Simon Taylor on ‘Shock’.

Having stopped all church gatherings and services last week, on Monday we were instructed to close our buildings completely.  Please note that this applies to Busbridge church, Hambledon church and the Old Rectory.  – All locked up until further notice, with very occasional access by the wardens and those caring for the buildings. 

So, never has it been truer, or more encouraging, to know that the church is not the building, but the people….and for us today, like many churches, it is somewhere virtual – on zoom, YouTube, Spotify and www.bhcgodalming.org!   

[Initially this may involve signing up for a few new (free) accounts and a bit of grappling with new apps and tech, but we’re trying to use the easiest, most widely used and free solutions.  BUT If any of this is not possible for you, please reply – ‘Help…‘ and we’ll do what we can to keep you connected another way.]

Church@Home
Last Sunday’s online service on YouTube has had more than 500 views.  WOW – almost everyone came to church on the same Sunday.  Thanks to all those who have given such positive feedback on the pilot episode – the first Sunday series is now fully commissioned! 

This week Simon Willetts will be preaching on Psalm 63 – Hope in Dark times.    The service will go live on BHC Godalming at 10am on Sunday, and we hope that you will watch at that time, together.  The service includes church members doing the readings and prayers and we are so grateful to everyone who has been able to embrace a new process.  REMEMBER THAT THE CLOCKS ‘SPRING’ FORWARD ON SATURDAY (But the upside of all this is that no one will know if you’re late!).

To go with the service, the Sunday Song List s on Spotify here.  It includes contemporary worship and traditional hymns.  We’ve not quite found to the solution for including songs in the broadcast (there are copyright restrictions) but it’s coming.

Prayer
As important as ever.  The BHC public zoom room is hosted by someone from the Prayer Ministry team at 9am every weekday.  We’ve had up to 20 people several mornings this week.   There are some guidelines on bhcgodalming.org – Please give it a try. The Prayer Ministry team would also be happy to receive any personal prayer requests in confidence.  e: prayer@bhcgodalming.org.  We know that prayer is also continuing relentlessly in Home / Small groups.  Amen!

10.30am Coffee Break & 4pm Tea time
Please feel free to pop in and out of the BHC public zoom room from 10.30-11am and 4-4.30pm to say ‘Hi’, share highs and lows from the day.  We’re all getting used to the new technology so this is quite a good time try it out.

CYF Online
Ichthus and Pathfinders now have a dedicated zoom room for their meetings. Not surprisingly, our young people have taken to their new meetings like ducks to water.  These are happening at roughly the usual Ichthus & Pathfinders times – They are open to everyone, but you do need to register by emailing anto.ficatier@bhcgodalming.org to join the zoom meetings.   

To join in with Explorers and Ark activities, email Judith.hawkey@bhcgodalming.org.

BHC Community Response Team
We have all been humbled and amazed at the many thousands of people who responded to the call to return to work for the NHS.  An even greater number have volunteered to help in their local communities (over half a million according to the latest published figures) and the communities in Busbridge and Hambledon are very much part of those figures.

Road Stewards and House Groups have formed WhatsApp groups, to help them stay in touch; more than sixty people have volunteered to help those who are self-isolating or otherwise unable to leave their homes.  We have received around twenty requests for help and another forty who are receiving ‘phone calls from our pastoral team, to check on their wellbeing.  Several people have registered with us, saying that they are all right for now, but know they will need help as time goes on.

It is heart-warming to be a part of all this and we are so grateful to everyone who has been in touch.  It has been very busy, so if you have volunteered, but have not received an acknowledgement from a member of the team, please could we ask you to e-mail coronaresponse@bhcgodalming.org again, simply to ensure that no-one has been missed?

Above all, we want to say an enormous ‘thank you’!

So, as there’s much for us to do (and contrary to popular opinion – less time with the family ‘remote learning’ at home) please take a look around on www.bhcgodalming.org. 

And don’t forget you can also follow BHC Godalming on Facebook, Instragram and Twitter too.

To the number of you who are in self-isolation at the moment, and indeed those suffering with the virus, please do forward any prayer requests (in confidence) to the Prayer Ministry team via prayer@bhcgodalming.org.  The church would love to care for you spiritually, emotionally and practically if we can.

SHOCK… Wait, Magnolia trees and Sing a new song

People matter: No-one left behind
It is a shock to know that we are in the midst of something profound. It is all about people. It is people who we are collectively trying to protect, love and save; people’s jobs that we are trying to preserve; people’s futures that we are seeking to secure. It is sacrificial NHS and other people who we clapped and cheered at 8pm on Thursday evening from our bedroom windows… and near to us someone was even blowing a bassoon – what a great sound, and oh so Godalming! It is people we collectively lit a candle and prayed for at 7pm last Sunday night alongside over 3 million other people across this Land. It is people we pray for daily at 11am (set your phone) and 5pm if you hear the Busbridge Church bell toll. The message is that, even in the shock and even if you are isolated, you are not alone because people is plural. No-one is left behind.

There is a verse in the Bible which is termed ‘I’ but it was written for public worship; as people together. It was written after a time of huge upheaval and wondering what was happening. It looks back to the attitude that was needed in that upheaval and shock.

I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God (Psalm 40:1-3).

Purposes changed
Some will recall that I had an accident in our garden. I had climbed our overgrown magnolia tree and was merrily minding my own business sawing large branches off it. I had no idea that things were about to change. At some point in the afternoon, whilst I was not paying attention and thought nothing could go wrong, I managed to saw into my leg quite significantly. I was in a terrible predicament and I was not in the best place to get help. I needed to refocus and fast.

I managed to get down from the tree and alert people to help me but then the most incredible thing happened. I was lying on the ground, compressing the wound and focusing on my leg when all of a sudden one of my fingers locked and went into spasm. I remember lying there looking at my finger and thinking “well that isn’t very helpful”. I may have used a few choice words in there too.

Support soon arrived but all I was worried about by then was my finger. Why had it locked? The first person on the scene explained that my body had gone into shock. My ‘normal world’ of business as usual tree cutting seemed a lifetime ago yet it had been less than 2 minutes. Time seemed to flow at a very different speed and my purposes changed.

Delivering well
I was told later that when the body enters shock it ‘locks down’ areas that are secondary to the main place of shock in order to preserve things for the future. This enables the body to concentrate its energy on the place needing it most. It increased the flow of blood to the brain so that the mind is able to think both fast and slow simultaneously. There is forensic focus on what is occurring but time seems to slow down so that decisions being made fast can be delivered well.

I have heard the word ‘shock’ used many times in recent days. Shock at what it happening; or shock that things did not happen earlier; shock that a liberal democracy has put people in their homes; shock that some people seem ignorant of the enormity of the dangers; shock at losing jobs, homes, income; shock that something small, insignificant and invisible can strip away every vestige of normality; shock that we have to queue for the shops. Shock.

The passage from the Bible is about shocking events. It takes us into a realm of fast-slow thinking; to wait on the Lord. To be ready, but to wait. To look forward but to recognise where we are right now and do things well and that require waiting with clear-thinking rather than rushing.

Shock that releases perspective
Shock seems to be entirely destructive, fearsome and negative and when shock takes hold it can transfix and create inertia as we come to a grinding halt. It can also release and prepare the way. It releases us to concentrate on the most important things; things we had forgotten. We are enabled to reconnect to deep things about ourselves and loved ones that have long become overgrown to the point of losing their shape and purpose. It gives us time to consider and provides a fresh perspective about God.

For me, the magnolia tree and whether it was quite the right shape mattered far less than what I thought of my family, my future and whether help would arrive. At that moment my priorities were reshaped and they have remained reshaped.

The passage from the Bible puts everything into perspective. The writer sees that God alone can draw him to a new perspective which is about freedom. It is a freedom from being in a pit and a muddy bog where the feet slip and slide. The freedom comes from having firm footing beneath our feet and it is hope in God which provides this bedrock. The writer’s response is to praise God. God is praised not for anything having changed in their life. God is praised for His provision of salvation. God is the God who cares for His people in this passage. This is why they collectively gather and say “he has put a new song in my mouth”. It is a song of secure hope.

I am not recommending climbing trees and hacking at the branches. I am recommending taking time to consider that the shock we are in will have profound consequences as we look to the future. Our faith in God gives us a unique hope to bring to this for people. We are unlikely to be able to simply go back to how things were before; and if we did, we would not have learnt a collective lesson as people, families and communities that we are not indestructible. The frailty and beauty of human existence that is forged and created by God as a reflection of his creativity is too precious to be squandered by climbing back into our proverbial magnolia trees and hacking away at what we used to do as if today never occurred.

Join with me in waiting on the Lord, seeking God and considering the firm foundations that faith in Him offers at this time of profound change as we ensure that no-one is left behind in life, faith or provisions.

Hope in light of Covid – 19

Lisa Simpson once said to Homer (who is once again in big trouble at the nuclear power plant) “Dad, remember the Japanese have the same word for crisis as they do for opportunity.”

“Crisi-tunity!” Replies a freshly revived Homer. 

It is a defining time…

Loss of life, damage to the economy, wide spread fear, loneliness and isolation. It has been a season that has brought out the best and worst of humanity as crises tend to do. Hording toilet rolls and stock piling to preserve one’s own yet also huge waves of compassion as many act to support those who are vulnerable.  These are defining times on a global, national, communal and personal level.  

It is also a redefining time…

There is hope because we see a rallying round a muddling through and lots of “we’ll get through this together” moments. There is hope because we see glimpses of how the trial of Covid – 19 reveals our compassion. There is hope that as the months progress we’ll be known as a nation that cared not only for the physically vulnerable but also those on: the breadline, self-employed, artists, creatives, caterers, small and large businesses alike.  Yes! Let’s pray for and be part of these crisi-tunities.

There is a deeper hope…We have been exposed in a very real way to the fragility of life.  Responding with compassion and support in ways great and small are good. These noble things deserve our full pursuit but there is a bigger question we should pursue and its answer is found in our fragility not our strength.

The question is as old as it is cliché – why is there suffering? It is a question no-one has answered satisfactorily in the history of humanity nor am I claiming to now.  However, it is precisely in this mystery that hope is found.  Our fragility should make us question the why and what for of life’s challenges. 

Nearly every great monastic tradition says – pursue the wound. That means that as we medicate our suffering we should also allow our pain to teach us. After all pain serves to alert us to the fact there is a problem! As we pursue the source of pain we find that much of life is broken. Somewhere on this Journey we begin to note that someone has been walking this path with us.  Some once described by Henri Nouwen as the “wounded–healer,” Jesus.

Accompanied by this wounded-healer we find a deeper hope because God is experiencing what we are experiencing – whilst Bart Simpson would say “eat my shorts” God would say “take my hand.”  By placing our hand in God’s hand he enters our world and we enter his.

At Easter this profound mystery is played out.  On Good Friday we remember that Jesus died on the cross but that on Easter Day he rose from the dead.  What this means is that even death is not the end. God in Jesus has defeated death through his resurrection. God in Jesus suffers with us but we rise in him to new life. The death and resurrection of the God-Son Jesus is the ultimate act of crisi-tunity!

Jesus said “For this is the will of God, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him will have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day.” (John 6:40)

Hope in this corona crisis then is found not just in our best efforts but also in what God has done for us in Jesus.  When we hold God’s hand we find our deepest eternal healing. When we hold God’s hand we find the strength for each day for ourselves and to sustain our compassion to serve others. When we hold God’s hand, life and love last forever.  As one great saint put it – “time exists that we might find God – life that we might know and share his love.”  

May peace and hope be with you and all those whom you love

Simon W 

The church is not closed. The worship is not ceasing.  It is just not happening in the buildings or school or open air right now, indeed – You are the Church! 

Dear friends, 

“Our life is going to be less characterised by attendance at church on Sunday, and more characterised by the prayer and service we offer each day.”  Archbishop of Canterbury, 17/3/2020

What does this mean for us, locally?

We are living in uncertain and fragile times but as this is being written the church bell above Busbridge Church is ringing out as a call to prayer and hope in darkness. Hope is what we all need right now. Things are uncertain and there is much fear, great confusion and many are asking deep and searching questions. This is natural. It is part of the way that God created us to be able to cope with profound change. It is also natural to think of others. This is happening across our nation right now. There are small glimpses of wonder and joy in those moments of generosity. Let us celebrate them and be part of them ourselves.

We have a phrase which is our hope for this moment in our Nation. It comes from the Bible (1 Thesselonians) ‘No-one left behind’. We are going to work with everyone to ensure that no-one is left behind in and around Godalming, Busbridge and Hambledon.

Whilst we are not going to be meeting as a church to worship and our usual activities are suspended – we will be offering a new community:  We are coordinating a list of people who are willing and able to travel far and wide to offer various forms of moral, emotional and ‘doing’ support.  We are looking into how our small groups could be a great way to network this. If you have or know of any initiatives on what other groups (community, secular/whoever) are doing to support their neighbourhoods, please let us know via email – as we are considering how best to coordinate our efforts.  We are also liaising with the council and other local groups. 

Please keepsafe and do not put yourself or others at risk. Therefore, please do not meet as small groups or connect groups in any venue or location whether inside or outside until further notice: as we do not know the underlying medical needs of those in our groups. Instead please consider maximising your use of social media/digital platforms, such as skype/zoom/facetime and not least the good old phone call!  Many of these platforms are free and easy to use. If you’re in a small group please liaise with your small group leader.  Please make sure your members are keeping in regular contact to ensure that If anyone is isolated and vulnerable we find a way to support them safely. (Please maintain social distance, keep good hand hygiene and if in doubt seek advice especially if there is a risk of infection). There are many helpful FAQ’s on the BBC website.   

Things already in the pipeline: 

• Helping others: We have a charity which the church set up at least 20 years ago. It exists to give financial support to those in hardship. This might be people in the gig economy, the freelancer or the zero hours contract worker in our area. We’ll be opening the charity up to accept more donations and looking at ways to past every penny on to those who need it right now.

• We’ll be looking at ways to open our two churches for prayer and reflection and to bring solace and peace to people.

• We’re looking at online worship and sermons.

Following the government’s and the CofE’s latest guidelines re: Covid-19 – we are suspending all services and church groups with immediate effect.  

Please visit: (this site has regular updates) 

https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-churches 

The church is not closed. The worship is not ceasing.  It is just not happening in the building or school or open air right now, indeed – You are the Church! 

In the meantime, may Jesus Christ strengthen you at this time.

Yours,

The Two Rev Simon’s at Busbridge&Hambledon Church

Welcome to the friends and family of Alastair Cooke as they bring him for baptism at Hambledon Contemporary.

Busbridge Church reordering Phase 2: sound and vision etc. — While work is underway, the church will be closed until Friday 13 March.  As the work has generated even more dust than anticipated, Sunday services have also been moved to the Old Rectory for this week.  Please check the website or call the office to check venue changes for events in church.

Covid-19
The Diocese of Guildford has issued guidance to parishes in light of Coronavirus, and is closely following the advice from the Department of Health.  At the time of writing (5 March) the CofE and Diocese of Guildford reiterate the general advice on frequent, thorough hand washing and use of hand gels in church services (as well as self-isolation in those who have any symptoms) but says there is no need to take special measures on suspending the Chalice or Sign of Peace.  However, depending on the needs of the community, parishes may consider sharing communion in one kind (bread only) and contactless Signs of Peace.  BHC has decided that the latter measures would be prudent as we have many in our congregations who travel widely, as well as those who may be  more vulnerable to the virus.  So, for the time being members of our congregations are asked not to touch (shake hands or kiss) for the Peace, and only the consecrated bread will be distributed during communion. (Wine will also be consecrated but not shared). 

We have a limited supply of hand gel in the churches for the HC services, but it is proving difficult to get more and we need to keep it for use by the clergy.  Please bring your own if you can.

This affects HC services at 8am Quiet and 10am Classic on  8 March. There will be a further update next week. 

The Bible Course—continues next Wednesday
***The second Wednesday session of the Bible course will take place in the Busbridge Junior School Hall while Busbridge church closed.***  The Bible Course is running on Wednesday evenings, and on Thursday mornings until 6/7 May.  There’s a handout with all the info, and more information on bhcgodalming.org and the Bible Society’s pages.  Children are welcome to come with parents to the Thursday morning sessions in the Old Rectory.

Men’s Chilli Night, Friday 3 April at Mark’s
It’s the chaps turn now.  Mark Williams is hosting a chilli night on 3 April.  All gents welcome, along with donations of beer/wine.  Please take an invitation.  The recent ladies’ curry night was extremely popular and spaces ran out, so please RSVP quickly.

BOOKING for New Wine Summer Camp—Earlybird discount until 8 April:  Please take the invitation to join the BHC group at New Wine at Peterborough Showground from 2-8 August. 

There are 2 ways to book:  For youth from 11-18 attending Luminosity without parents, please contact Anto: anto.ficatier@bhcgodalming.org. 

Adults and families attending together, please book directly through the New Wine website: new-wine.org Book for week 2, and request to book with Busbridge and Hambledon Church to be in the same camping village as everyone from our church (page 2 of the booking process under Camping location, select “I’m camping with my church or team” then search on Busbridge ….. to find Busbridge & Hambledon Church—ID: 278275.)  Please also email karenhart58@btinternet.com to be added to communications to the church group.

Jam Together
Today for Senior JT for 13-16s in the Hut.  An Adult Jam  will be  on Friday 24 April, in church from 7.30pm. Sessions for younger ages will be arranged too.  If you know anyone who sings or is learning a rock/pop instrument and would like to try playing in a band, contact lisa.olsworth-peter@bhcgodalming.org.

BHC Spire2Spire 10km Run—the next run will take place on Sunday 26 April.  Loop route departs Busbridge Church at 8.30am and returns for the 10am services, via Hambledon.

The Big Busbridge Spring Clean is Saturday 16 May.  Everyone is invited to this grand morning. Starts 9.30am. Free BBQ lunch at 1.15pm and everyone goes home by 2pm.  Email liz.gorst@bhcgodalming.org now to sign up.

‘What’s on your washing Line?’ A creative Lent installation will be on display outside Busbridge Church from 2 March until Easter.   Come and have a look.

***DATES AND EVENTS FOR LENT AND EASTER ARE NOW ON THE WEB SITE—PLEASE ALSO TAKE ‘A WHAT’S ON YOUR WASHING LINE?’ LEAFLET TO KEEP HANDY***.

Busbridge Church reordering Phase 2: sound and vision etc. — While work is underway, the church will be closed until Friday 13 March.  As the work has generated even more dust than anticipated, (and the clean up for each Sunday is impractical) Sunday services have also been moved to the Old Rectory for the next two weeks.  Please check the web site or call the office to check venue changes for events in church.

The Bible Course—starting 4 (and 5) March 2020  – for all members of Busbridge&Hambledon Church
***The first two Wednesday sessions of the Bible course will take place in the Busbridge Junior School Hall while Busbridge church closed.***  This Lent, please come along to the Bible Course starting on 4 March.  It’s will run on Wednesday evenings, and on Thursday mornings until 6/7 May.  There’s a handout with all the info, and more information on bhcgodalming.org and the Bible Society’s pages.  Home groups are joining for this course and it will be all church members are encouraged to join them.  Children are welcome to come with parents to the Thursday morning sessions in the Old Rectory.

BOOKING for New Wine Summer Camp—earlybird discount until 8 April:  Please take the invitation to join the BHC group at New Wine at Peterborough Showground from 2-8 August. 

There are 2 ways to book:  For youth from 11-18 attending Luminosity without parents, please contact Anto: anto.ficatier@bhcgodalming.org. 

Adults and families attending together, please book directly through the New Wine website: new-wine.org Book for week 2, and request to book with Busbridge and Hambledon Church to be in the same camping village as everyone from our church (page 2 of the booking process under Camping location, select “I’m camping with my church or team” then search on Busbridge ….. to find Busbridge & Hambledon Church—ID: 278275.)  Please also email karenhart58@btinternet.com to be added to communications to the church group.

The latest Outward Giving (formerly Channel4Mission) update about the work of Five Talents is available this week.  Find out more on www.bhcgodalming.org/outward-giving.  

Jam Together
The next date for Senior JT for 13-16s has been rescheduled to 8 March in the Hut.  An Adult Jam  will be  on Friday 24 April, in church from 7.30pm. Sessions for younger ages will be arranged too.  If you know anyone who sings or is learning a rock/pop instrument and would like to try playing in a band, contact lisa.olsworth-peter@bhcgodalming.org. 

NEXUS: On Thursday 5th March, come and hear Philip Underwood talk about his life as a vet in Godalming.  Many of you will have taken your pets to him over the years, and he’ll no doubt have some amusing anecdotes about his ‘patients’, as well as heart-warming tales of pets restored to an active life following illness or accident.  We’ll meet in the Busbridge Old Rectory at 8pm and have a glass of wine, or a soft drink, and nibbles before Philip starts his talk.  All are welcome!  

BHC Spire2Spire 10km Run—the next run will take place on Sunday 26 April.  Loop route departs Busbridge Church at 8.30am and returns for the 10am services, via Hambledon.

Change to the Prime Time programme April/May
30 April – A ’Seated Movement’ taster session will start at 10.30am in the Old Rectory, led by a tutor from GLive.  The session is a forerunner to activities and workshops that will be part of the Rooted in Guildford Mental Health and well being festival in Guildford in May.  This replaces the published May visit to Birtley House sculpture exhibition which is not running this year.

The Big Busbridge Spring Clean is Saturday 16 May.  A great chance to meet new people and be a church family where 80+ people including families do a huge amount of cutting, digging, cleaning, tidying, washing… 

Everyone is invited to this grand morning. Starts 9.30am. Free BBQ lunch at 1.15pm and everyone goes home by 2pm.  Email liz.gorst@bhcgodalming.org now to say you’re coming.

‘What’s on your washing Line?’ A creative Lent installation will be on display outside Busbridge Church from 2 March until Easter.   Come and have a look.

***DATES AND EVENTS FOR LENT AND EASTER ARE NOW ON THE WEB SITE—PLEASE ALSO TAKE ‘A WHAT’S ON YOUR WASHING LINE?’ LEAFLET TO KEEP HANDY***.

Lent begins this week and we mark it at the benefice Ash Wednesday communion with ashing, 8pm at Hambledon.

Busbridge Church reordering Phase 2: sound and vision etc. —the church will be closed weekdays Monday 24 Feb—Friday 13 March.  Mid-week events will take place in the Old Rectory or the Centre.  Please check the web site or call the office to find out.

The Bible Course—starting 4 (and 5) March 2020  As part of developing our vision for engaging more deeply in scripture as a  church family, please come along to the Bible Course starting on 4 March.  It’s going to run on Wednesday evenings, and on Thursday mornings until 29/30 April.  This is a really accessible course from the Bible Society which follows the storyline of the bible and how all its books fit within the big picture.    There’s a handout with all the dates and times, which also points to more information on bhcgodalming.org and the bible society’s pages.  Please do take a look and plan to come.

Jam Together
The next date for Senior JT for 13-16s has been rescheduled to 8 March.  An Adult Jam  will be  on Friday 24 April, in church from 7.30pm. Sessions for younger ages will be arranged too.  If you know anyone who sings or is learning a rock/pop instrument and would like to try playing in  a band, contact lisa.olsworth-peter@bhcgodalming.org. 

BHC Spire2Spire 10km Run—the next date is set for Sunday 26 April.  Loop run departs Busbridge Church at 8.30am and returns for the 10am services, via Hambledon. 

Simon Taylor’s sabbatical
Simon is away now until mid-March, and then May-July Simon Taylor will be on sabbatical for a period of study leave. Simon will be conducting research into two aspects of Christian theology.  While he’s away, matters for the Rector will be fielded by Rev Simon Willetts.

Please note: Hereon Channel for Mission and the C4M group  will be called, simply, Outward Giving.  Look out for future news or find  out more on www. bhcgodalming.org/outward-giving  

NEXUS: On Thursday 5th March, come and hear Philip Underwood talk about his life as a vet in Godalming.  Many of you will have taken your pets to him over the years, and he’ll no doubt have some amusing anecdotes about his ‘patients’, as well as heart-warming tales of pets restored to an active life following illness or accident.  We’ll meet in the Busbridge Old Rectory at 8pm and have a glass of wine, or a soft drink, and nibbles before Philip starts his talk.  All are welcome!  

Hands Up Please! (the next few items are, some unrequited, calls for volunteers…)
At last, the date you’ve all been waiting for!  The Big Busbridge Spring Clean is set for Saturday 16th May.  A great chance to meet new people, make friends and be a church family where 80+ people including families and people who make teas  and keep us stocked with biscuits do a huge amount of cutting, digging, cleaning, tidying, washing… 

Email liz.gorst@bhcgodalming.org now to say you’re coming. Everyone is invited to this grand morning. Starts 9.30am Free BBQ lunch at 1.15pm and everyone goes home by 2pm.

Interested in church history? Busbridge church has a fascinating history and we have numerous documents and photos, which we have been collecting together.  They are now in the History cupboard in the vestry.  We need people to help sort and catalogue the information.  If you are able to spend some time to help with this, please contact Michael Stubbs: michaeleashing@aol.com. Times to suit you!

Soup for Prime Time Lunch on 20 March
Please contact Penny Naylor if you are able to make soup, or help at the lunch on 20 March in church.  Expenses will be reimbursed.  All welcome to attend too. 

Deanery Synod
We are looking for 7 great people to join something very important. There are three 1.5hr meetings a year and you aren’t tied in to being there for longer than a year.  The decisions made in the 3 meetings affect churches in an around Godalming, Haslemere, Aldershot and Guildford. Simon T and the Deanery Synod needs you! If you’d like to know more, please get in touch with Simon Taylor after 12 March. 

Would you like this by email? To go on the list contact vic.hicks@bhcgodalming.org. (You can unsubscribe at any time too!).

Busbridge is hosting the next Churches Together Prayer Breakfast next Saturday, 22 Feb at 8am in the Old Rectory.  Prayers will be led by Gwen and Wendy from GUC.  All welcome!

The Bible Course—starting 4 (and 5) March 2020  As part of developing our vision for engaging more deeply in scripture as a  church family, please come along to the Bible Course starting on 4 March.  It’s going to run on Wednesday evenings, and on Thursday mornings until 29/30 April.  This is a really accessible course from the Bible Society which follows the storyline of the bible and how all its books fit within the big picture.    There’s a handout with all the dates and times, which also points to more information on bhcgodalming.org and the bible society’s pages.  Please do take a look and plan to come.

A huge thank you to all who have given towards the redevelopment of the Church Centre and to those who have offered to give their time. A thank you letter is on its way to those who have given already. This is a gentle reminder to those who intend to give but haven’t yet got round to it, please could you do so in the next couple of days? The group are starting to finalise the plans and need to know what resources are there. Thank you again to all who have pledged time and/or funds, and to all who are praying.

Jam Together
Senior JT for 11-16s has been rescheduled from last Sunday to 8 March.  An Adult Jam  will be  on Friday 24 April, in church from 7.30pm. To find out more, contact lisa.olsworth-peter@bhcgodalming.org. 

Congratulations to Becky Whiteman (Contemporary congregation) who has recently been appointed as a governor for Busbridge Junior School.

History is not what it was!
Busbridge church has a fascinating history and we have numerous documents and photos, which we have been collecting together.  They are now in the History cupboard in the vestry.  We need people to help sort and catalogue the information.  If you are able to spend some time to help with this, please contact Michael Stubbs: michaeleashing@aol.com. Times to suit you!

At last, the date you’ve all been waiting for!  The Big Busbridge Spring Clean is set for Saturday 16th May.  A great chance to meet new people, make friends and be a church family where 80+ people including families and people who make teas  and keep us stocked with biscuits do a huge amount of cutting, digging, cleaning, tidying, washing… 

Email liz.gorst@bhcgodalming.org now to say you’re coming. Everyone is invited to this grand morning. Starts 9.30am Free BBQ lunch at 1.15pm and everyone goes home by 2pm.

We send our love to Claire Clench, whose father died last Thursday.  Please hold Claire, Andrew, Maddy and Robert in your prayers, together with Claire’s sister and the wider family.

BHC Spire2Spire 10km Run—the next date is set for Sunday 26 April.  Loop run departs Busbridge Church at 8.30am and returns for the 10am services, via Hambledon. 

Where’s Simon T?
Simon is away now until mid-March, and then May-July Simon Taylor will be on sabbatical for a period of study leave. Simon will be conducting research into two aspects of Christian theology.  We’re fortunate to have so many great people, musicians, welcomers, PAs, clergy, LLMs, staff, wardens… that Simon is convinced no-one will notice he’s not here!  (While Simon’s away, matters for the Rector will be fielded by Simon Willetts).

Deanery Synod
We are looking for 7 great people to join something very important. There are three 1.5hr meetings a year and you aren’t tied in to being there for longer than a year.  There are no other meetings but the decisions made in those three meetings affect churches in Godalming, south to Haslemere, west towards Aldershot and north towards Guildford. Simon T and the Deanery Synod needs you! If you’d like to know more, please get in touch with Simon Taylor after 12 March. 

An evening with Justin Welby,
Thursday 19 March 7.30pm at the Lakeside Complex near Camberley. More than 1,000 clergy, PCC members and other ministry leaders have already booked places. We are now excited to let everyone know that there are some extra spaces for any member of a church. If you would like to join us (about 25 of BHC are already going) then book your places online here. It is free.

Would you like this by email? To go on the list contact vic.hicks@bhcgodalming.org. 

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