Blog

Thank you to everyone who gathered to worship and pray last Sunday when Simon was licensed as Area Dean. It was wonderful to share it as a church family and with Christians from several churches in the area, all of whom commented on the joy, warm welcome and committed faith in Christ that was so evident in those they met.

Latest news on Busbridge Church Reordering

The pews and pine flooring have been removed, and the contractor is due to start works on 3 June.  (3 pews are still looking for a home—contact liz.gorst@bhcgodalming if you are interested).  If you would like a quick look before the contractor starts, the church is open today from 11-11.30am.

We are hugely grateful to the Beatrice Laing Foundation for a donation towards the reordering of Busbridge Church.  Laing (as in the house builders) was founded by a Christian family who wanted their faith to be reflected in their attitude to wealth.

AND, please save the date for the re-opening celebration on Sunday 8 September, 10am.

Next Men’s Matters breakfast, Sat 1 June, 8-9.45am

Now in the Old Rectory until the Church centre reopens.  Good breakfast and discussion on the main stories in the news tackled from a Christian perspective.  No need to book – just roll up as soon after 8.15 as you can (the porridge runs out shortly thereafter!).

Nexus event: Thurs 6 June, 8pm, The Old Rectory

David Lucas, Chair of ‘Mechanics for Africa ’ will tell us about the work of this locally based charity.  Mechanics for Africa provides underprivileged young Zambians with excellent mechanical training as well as a range of valuable life skills.  Drinks and nibbles before the talk.

Fathers’ Day BBQ, 16 June at Busbridge Contemporary

A treat for dads (and everyone who wants to celebrate them)!  Come early for coffee and bacon sandwiches before the contemporary service.  Dave Preece will be serving from 9.45am.  Please arrive in plenty of time.

Choral Evensong with King Edward’s Chapel Choir,

Wednesday 19 June, 4.45pm, Hambledon

The chapel choir of King Edward’s School, Witley is returning to Hambledon church for a special Choral Evensong service to celebrate the school’s links with the village.  All welcome.  Tea and cake from 4.15pm.

Jam Together, Sunday 23 June, 2-5pm, Old Rectory

If you’re between 11-18 years old and play an instrument or enjoy singing then Jam Together is for you. It’s open to all musicians and singers.  No pressure to play, just come along and enjoy. Contact lisa.olsworth-peter@bhcgodalming.org for more information and a registration form. Registration closes Sunday 9 June.

Also coming up in June: two good ‘bring a friend along’ events at The Old Rectory…

The Great Girls’ Get together, Mon 24 June, 8-10pm

Food, wine and sunshine.  It’s the very popular annual event for our ladies to catch up, put names to faces and enjoy the Old Rectory garden.  To book please email ladies@bhcgodalming.org.

Blokes’ BBQ & Beer Bash, Thurs, 27 June, 7.45pm. 

What it says on the tin!  Please take a flyer and email bbq@bhcgodalming.org to reserve your place.

 PLEASE PRAY FOR…

· The next phase of the Busbridge Reordering project and everyone involved in the works

·  Students taking exams

·  Quartermile Road and their road stewards Jan Pinto and Denise Brunning

·  Hambledon Road and Hambledon Nursery School

 

New Associate Minister

We are delighted to announce that after a careful and prayer-filled interview process we have offered the Associate Minister post to an excellent person. We can give no further details at present but the candidate has accepted subject to clear references, DBS and granting of the Bishop of Guildford’s License.  The person is ideal for the role; based at Hambledon Church and living and being present in the village; overseeing small groups, evangelism and developing mentoring. We envisage that this is be a long-term appointment but it is currently for a period of five years.

Busbridge Church closed for re-ordering

HUGE thanks to everyone who is helping with the Busbridge Church reordering. Over 20 people rolled up on Monday to empty the church. Half a dozen different people at any one time have been in the church all week cutting, preparing, lifting and sweeping. We are hugely grateful to Michael Stubbs and Simon Gilbert for giving up their week to oversee this. This is the first stage of a long process. If you’d like to donate funds to the work speak to Martin Lambert – we’re just a little short of the target.

While the church and the centre is closed for re-ordering, we will make full use of the wonderful facilities in the Old Rectory for regular worship and other activities.  Please check the listings for any change of venues.  Please note:

· As the church centre is off limits, the council will use the Old Rectory as a polling station this Thurs 23 May.

· Daily prayers for peace at 5pm continue in the Latimer Room in the Old Rectory whenever Shelagh Godwin is available. People wishing to come should check with Shelagh first.

Diocese Fund Appeal this Sunday

The Guildford Diocesan Fund, which supports our work for older people within the benefice, is appealing for funds. Envelopes are available from church this Sunday.

Whole Church Prayer Event, Monday 20 May, 8-9pm, Old Rectory.   The topic will be our work with children and young people.  

Jam Together, Sunday 23 June, Old Rectory

If you’re between 11-18 years old and play an instrument or enjoy singing then Jam Together is for you. It’s open to all musicians and singers on Sunday 23rd June from 2-5pm in the Old Rectory.  No pressure to play, just come along and enjoy. Contact lisa.olsworth-peter@bhcgodalming.org for more information and a registration form. Registration closes Sunday 9th June.

Coming up in June: two good ‘bring a friend along’ events …

The Great Girls Get together, Mon 24 June, 8-10pm

Food, wine and sunshine.  It’s the very popular annual event for our ladies to catch up, put names to faces and enjoy the Old Rectory garden.  To book email ladies@bhcgodalming.org.

Blokes BBQ and Beer Bash, Thursday, 27 June, 7.45pm, Old Rectory.  Please email bbq@bhcgodalming.org to reserve your place.

Church Finance Administration

Sue Bowman, who has provided excellent service as the church bookkeeper for the last few years, is intending to retire from the role in the next few months.   Martin Lambert (our Busbridge treasurer) is taking the opportunity to review how we manage church finances and is looking to expand the team.  If you have skills and enthusiasm to get involved with the finances (either as a volunteer or paid for professional services) please get in touch with Martin at martin.lambert@bhcgodalming.org

For a full list of events at  Busbridge&Hambledon go to www.bhcgodalming.org/whats-on

  PLEASE PRAY FOR…

·  The next phase of Busbridge Re-ordering project and everyone involved in the works

·  The European elections, councillors and all who serve in local politics

·  ABC toddler Group and their parents

·  National Development of Fairtrade

·  Students taking exams

·  Hambledon Park and Pullman Lane

 

The Bridge magazine is looking for a volunteer who is available and willing once every two months to help divide up the magazines into batches ready for the road stewards. This takes place in the church once the magazines are delivered by the printer and involves roughly 1.5 hours work. Holiday periods can be covered. If you think you might be able to help please contact Cathy Brook on email editoratthebridge@gmail.com or ph 01483 420633. Thank you. 

Wondering what the family is going to do for Lent? The family photo Lent Challenge is coming soon… Watch this space!

Fancy joining an Easter Choir? We are putting together a choir to support the 9.00am and 10.30am Easter Day Services at Busbridge (similar in style to the Christmas Carol Service). The music will be a mixture of classic and contemporary styles and you are welcome to join for both or just one if you have a preference of style. Rehearsals for the Classic 9.00am service will be held on either Mondays or Thursdays at 8.00pm (depending on majority preference). The contemporary material for the 10.30 service will be rehearsed separately during a Choir Workshop event on  Saturday 30th March. All are welcome – the only requirement is that you enjoy singing. If you’d like to be involved, or to find out more about either choir or the Choir Workshop in March, contact Julie Nelson.

David & Jill Mace would like to thank everyone for their prayers.

On 31st March, ARK and Explorers are combining for a Pirate Praise Party – “The adventure continues!”. Dress up is optional (but encouraged!)

Have you dipped in to the website to catch up on sermons you might have missed? This Sunday is the first anniversary of the current system of our popular online recordings and there have been nearly 5,000 plays in that time! Huge thanks to Tim Davies and our  amazing sound and tech teams for making this available to everyone.

The top five are:

– Busbridge Carol Service (101 plays)

– Awayday Keynote (97 plays)

– A Christmas Thought (Hambledon Pub Carols) (93 plays)

– 2018 Away Day True Grit (Simon Taylor) (84 plays) – Psalm 139 Superheroes  (82 plays).

Why not take a moment, make a cup of tea and catch up on that sermon you missed?…www.bhcgodalming.org/listen.

Emma and James Ellin would like to share some good news! They are expecting a baby in June and would be very grateful for prayers as the pregnancy continues. Thank you to all those who have journeyed with us, and thanks to God for sustaining us this far, we trust He will continue to uphold us in the weeks ahead!

Liz Gorst in the Church office asks that if anyone else would like to contribute to Karen Kinder’s thank you gift, that they drop it off to the Old Rectory before Friday next week (22nd February).

You may have noticed that a pew has been moved in Busbridge Church; this is the first of the pews to be removed in relation to the reordering. The sample pew will be on display in various locations over the next few weeks. We will be selling the pews after Easter. More information coming soon.

PLEASE PRAY FOR…

·  The interviews for our new Youth Minister at the end of February

·  David Mace & David Jenkins

·  The Bridge Magazine

·  Phillips Close and their road steward Keith Harper

·  The Drive, St Edmund’s School & Cricket Green

You may have noticed that a pew has been moved in Busbridge Church; this is the first of the pews to be removed in relation to the reordering. The sample pew will be on display in various locations over the next few weeks. We will be selling the pews after Easter. More information coming soon.

We’re looking for someone to support the Ichthus leaders in Feb/March when a couple of the leaders are not around. We need two adults present so if you could help out in The Hut on a Tuesday or Sunday evening please speak to Simon Taylor or Niki Ford in the next few days. Exceptional ability to make superb hot drinks is a must!

Calling anyone who has a ‘teen’ aged 11-19 (Pathfinders, Unplugged, Ichthus age). We’re holding a one off meeting of all leaders in this age group on 28th February, Old Rectory 8.00pm – 9.00pm. We’re inviting any parents to come along who are deeply interested in helping us see this age group flourish in faith. And for anyone not involved (maybe newer to the church?) but you have a burning heart to get involved week by week and see revival of worship, community and faith with 11-19s, please come along too. We’ll look back, forwards and pray for the future as well as look at what we are called to be doing.

On Monday 11th February 2.00pm at the Old Rectory there’ll be a ‘Tea & Talk’ event with Prime Time Co-ordinator Penny Naylor. Penny will explain about her role as a Dementia Friends Champion and the steps that BHC are taking to be recognised as a ‘Dementia Friendly’ organisation. Penny will be leading a Dementia Friends session as part of this event and the afternoon will be rounded off with a time to chat over tea & cake. All welcome – no need to be on the Prime Time mailing list in order to attend. For further details contact the Prime Time Team at the Church Office or email primetime@bhcgodalming.org.

The next Marriage Preparation Course is on Saturday 9th March at Clock Barn Hall and we are excited that 12 couples are signed up for this one-day course. The team need offers of help with either the welcome or as a support couple looking after the couples on the day. We also  need volunteers who can help prepare and serve the buffet lunch and/or clean up afterwards anytime between 11.30am – 2:30pm. If you’d like to help, please contact Debbie Jones on 07712 893318.

Our next Newcomers’ afternoon tea is on Sunday 24th March 3.00 – 4.00pm. We need to have an idea of numbers, so if you’d like to come along (children welcome and activities provided for them) then please email newcomers@bhcgodalming.org.

Fairtrade Fortnight February 25 – March 10. All welcome to a ‘big brew’ tea party on Sunday 3rd March 3.00pm – 6.00pm at Glennie, Ramsden Road, Godalming, GU7 1QE.

PLEASE PRAY FOR…

·  The search for new staff at BHC

·  David Mace & David Jenkins

·  Local leisure centres and gyms

·  Park Road and their road stewards Anthony Field & Frances Morris

·  The Close, Clockbarn Lane & the Cheshire Home

If you are new to Busbridge&Hambledon Church we’d like to welcome you to our next Newcomers’ afternoon tea on Sunday 24th March 3.00 – 4.00pm. We need to have an idea of numbers, so if you’d like to come along (children welcome and activities provided for them) then please email newcomers@bhcgodalming.org.

Due to the current shortfall of clergy covering Sunday services it makes sense for the pattern of Holy Communion at Hambledon to be altered. For a trial period, ie between the months of May and July (inclusive), Holy Communion at the 10.30am service will switch from week 2 to week 3. Any feedback would be welcome once this trial is underway. Many thanks for your understanding.

The BHC website now features full job descriptions for the posts of Office & Communications Manager, Admin Assistant and Evangelism & Small Groups Co-ordinator. For more information go to www.bhcgodalming.org/job-vacancies. Karen Kinder leaves us on February 28th; if you’d like to show your appreciation for her contribution to BHC then please drop a gift in via the church office (marked attn. of Liz) or to Andrew Dunn/Martin Lambert, our treasurers.

We are looking for new volunteers to come and support our thriving toddler group ministry. We are looking for team members for Tuesday mornings and Friday mornings 9.00am-11:30am. If you are free on either or both of these mornings, we would love you to come along and join us as we serve the young children and their parents and carers in our church and wider community. Please speak to Juliet or email juliet.gilbert@bhcgodalming.org for more details.

 

PCC Update: Discussion included looking at the youth ministry post, the clergy role at Hambledon with a meeting with the wider church family to follow up on this (3rd March, 9.00am, St Peter’s Hambledon) and the cost of housing for clergy living in Hambledon.

Wood from The Old Rectory
If you would like to have some firewood from tree work being done at the Old Rectory shortly please let me know. There will also be some oak that might be of interest to those with creative skills. PLUS a relatively small but vital job for someone: we need to strengthen the floor of the ‘big shed’ at Busbridge and generally make good. If you have talents in this area of DIY, we need you. Contact Rosie James.

Nexus: On Thursday 7th February, Helen and Piers Sturney will entertain us with photos of fascinating places they recently visited in Japan. Do come along and learn something about Japanese culture, ancient and modern, with its exotic temples, tranquil gardens and bustling towns. Maybe we’ll even enjoy a simple Japanese tea ‘ceremony’! The meeting starts at 8.00pm in Busbridge Church Centre, with drinks and nibbles before the talk begins. All are very welcome and we look forward to seeing you.

PLEASE PRAY FOR…

·  The search for new staff at BHC

·  Churches Together, Godalming

·  Parkfield and their road steward  Alan Betts

·  The Avenue & Church Lane

If you are new to Busbridge&Hambledon Church we’d like to welcome you to our next Newcomers’ afternoon tea on Sunday 24th March 3.00 – 4.00pm. We need to have an idea of numbers, so if you’d like to come along (children welcome and activities provided for them) then please email newcomers@bhcgodalming.org.

The next Ladies’ film night will be on Tuesday 29th January, 7.30pm prompt. Email ladies@bhcgodalming.org to reserve your place and for the address to go to. Please note there’s a change of film for this evening from that advertised. Our discussion starter remains ‘What might it take to explore a calling?’

We’re delighted for Karen Kinder our amazing Office and Communications Manager, that she has been offered a new job but this leaves us with a big hole for another incredible person to fill. If you could be that person then please email Simon or Liz Gorst or check the jobs page on the church website – job information should be on there by the end of next week alongside information for the administration support post and small groups oversight role. Karen leaves on February 28th. If you’d like to show your appreciation for her seven years of Away Days, events, spring cleans, graphics, emails, website, design and transformation of our church community then please drop a gift in via the church office (marked attn. of Liz) or to Andrew Dunn/Martin Lambert, our treasurers. 

The renovation work on Church Cottage is now complete – it is hard to imagine what it was like when it was full of desks, computers and cables. There has been a lot of work to get the property to this point (both seen and unseen). If you would like to look around Church Cottage before it is let it will be open straight after the morning services TODAY until 12.30pm. Please remove your shoes before entering. Ruth Roseblade

Prime Time Carpet Bowls – Thursday 31st January CANCELLED: We have been advised by Holloway Hill Bowls Club that due to urgent maintenance work required on the building, we’ve had to cancel this event – we hope to reschedule another date as soon as the clubhouse is open again for business.

Look out for the latest Channel for Mission update where the team thank all at BHC for their generosity in 2018 and giving insights into who received gifts.

10th February will be a bit special in Busbridge as the Contemporary celebrate their 1 year anniversary and the Classic have a social after the service.

Update on the Church re-ordering – we’re working hard on finalising the details for the lighting, sound and heating plans which need to be in place before the tender documents can be issued.

Our first Hambledon Ladies Breakfast for this year is on Saturday 9th February at West Surrey Golf Club. Tickets on sale at Hambledon Village Shop from 21st Jan – 5th Feb.

PLEASE PRAY FOR…

·  The search for new staff at BHC

·  Local health centres/surgeries

·  Park Chase and their road steward  Linda Alcock

·  Summerhouse Road & Wormley Lane

Church Cottage renovation update: Following the completion of decoration at Church Cottage, appliances have been moved and fitted into their final places. After some water issues during heavy rain we have now reached the significant milestone of being able to fit carpets and vinyl. It is feeling much more cosy and habitable now. Owen Roseblade and David Hart

We’re very keen to know what you thought about everything that went on over the Advent and Christmas period, so we’ve put together a (very short!) online survey; we’d really appreciate it if you could jot down your thoughts/impressions/experiences of the activities or services that you took part in. Go to www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/2LVTV2X. The deadline for filling this in is Monday 14th January, 9.00am. Thanks!

Our first Hambledon Ladies Breakfast for this year is on Saturday 9th February at West Surrey Golf Club. Tickets on sale at Hambledon Village Shop from 21st Jan – 5th Feb. We like to encourage and inspire each lady that comes along and there is always a delicious breakfast to eat! Our speaker this time is Annie Sneller and she will share with us how her faith permeates and gives to her in all her daily life and work. Do come – try us out if you haven‘t before- we’d love to see you (any queries, phone Jacqui Rook on 01428 684390).

Godalming-based ukulele band You Ukes will be performing in Busbridge Church at 2.00pm on Friday 18th January. There will be opportunities throughout the afternoon to sit back and listen, to sing along and even have a go at playing a ukulele yourself if you wish! This event is part of the Prime Time programme, but as ever – all are welcome to attend. It’s the ideal feel-good event to help banish the winter blues! Tickets are £3 per person which includes legendary Prime Time tea and cake. For further details or to book a place contact the Prime Time Team at the Church Office or email primetime@bhcgodalming.org.

A reminder that the Hambledon prayer breakfast is on Saturday 19th January in the Hambledon Church Room, all welcome.

Ladies – why not revitalise your 2019 wardrobe with the simply fabulous Swap ‘til you drop?! Happening on Friday 1st February at the Old Rectory, this social and fun event is a chance to re-home all those items of clothing/accessories that you simply don’t wear anymore and replace them with lots of gorgeous new (to you) things. A great event to bring lots of friends to – find out more and book your ticket/s now by going to www.bhcgodalming.org/swap.

It’s not too late to join Alpha! We had a lovely introductory evening on Wednesday but the course itself starts on Wednesday 23rd January in the Old Rectory. To find out more go to www.bhcgodalming.org/alpha.

PLEASE PRAY FOR…

·  The search for our new Youth Minister at BHC

·  David Jenkins, who has been unwell

·  Our emergency services

·  Old Rectory Gardens and their road steward  Simon Taylor

·  Summerhouse Close & Woodland Road

Worship update…We’re delighted to announce that due to the giving for music-worship, Lisa is now with us full time from Jan 1st, this post is initially for two years. Thank you to everyone who is part of this. The worship space (Busbridge) team is working hard and things are progressing well; we’ve finished reviewing the scheme, are meeting at the beginning of January with the wider group helping move things forward, and will soon be issuing tender documents. We’re grateful to Tim Davies for some recent input.

A reminder that next week is our Resolution Sunday service across the benefice.

For all the ladies who are in a post-Christmas haze and wondering how they’ll face these dark days of winter, why not revitalise your 2019 wardrobe with the simply fabulous Swap ‘til you drop?! Happening on Friday 1st February at the Old Rectory, this social and fun event is a chance to re-home all those items of clothing/accessories that you simply don’t wear anymore and replace them with lots of gorgeous new (to you) things. A great event to bring lots of friends too – find out more and book your ticket/s now by going to www.bhcgodalming.org/swap. Now, time to look through that wardrobe…

Calling all musicians and singers! We are looking for musicians and singers to step forward and join our fantastic worship team. We are looking for instrumentalists, both classical and contemporary, and singers to help us to continue to build on musical worship across all services within the benefice as well as worship evenings and Church events. If you are interested in getting involved please contact Lisa, detailing which congregation you are part of and which instrument you play or if you are a vocalist. Email lisa.olsworth-peter@bhcgodalming.org.

Speaking of singing, don’t forget that our new Sing it out! choir  will be starting on Wednesday 16th January, 9.30am at the Busbridge. All welcome.

 

Nexus are delighted to start their 2019 programme, on Thursday 10th January, with a talk by (The Hon. Mr Justice) Andrew Baker, on “What it means to be a High Court Judge?” This promises to bring fascinating insights into an eminent part of our British legal system. The meeting starts at 8.00pm in Busbridge Church Centre, with New Year drinks and nibbles before Andrew starts his talk.  All are very welcome, including men for this event. We look forward to seeing you.

 

The Alpha course starts on January 9th in the Old Rectory. Please be praying and thinking about who you could invite; invitation cards are available in all services.

 

PLEASE PRAY FOR…

·  The proposed changes to Busbridge Church

·  The search for our new Youth Minister at BHC

·  David Jenkins, who has been unwell

·  The unemployed

·  Local pubs and clubs

·  Old Barn View and their road steward  Jane Tomes

·  Station Road and Vann Lane

We send our love to Phil Ridsdill-Smith, whose mother died on 2nd December. Please hold the whole family in your prayers, especially Phil, Claire, Beth, Abigail and Phoebe.

Nexus are delighted to start their 2019 programme, on Thursday 10th January, with a talk by (The Hon. Mr Justice) Andrew Baker, on “What it means to be a High Court Judge?” This promises to bring fascinating insights into an eminent part of our British legal system.  The meeting starts at 8.00pm in Busbridge Church Centre, with New Year drinks and nibbles before Andrew starts his talk.  All are very welcome, including men for this event! We look forward to seeing you.

There is a Carol Service taking place in Busbridge Church on Monday December 17th commencing at 2.30pm. The service is hosted by Prime Time, but it is an event that anyone is welcome to attend regardless of age! Maybe the timings of the Sunday carol services the day before just don’t work for you this year or you are a parent or grandparent of one of the BJS children who will be performing in the choir that afternoon during this service or maybe you just can’t get enough of carols? Whatever the circumstances, do come and join us for the afternoon. Expect a carol service with a traditional format, including a mix of both secular and religious readings. The service will be rounded off with mulled wine and mince pies. For further details contact the Church Office or email primetime@bhcgodalming.org.

Calling all musicians and singers! We are looking for musicians and singers to step forward and join our fantastic worship team. We are looking for instrumentalists, both classical and contemporary, and singers to help us to continue to build on musical worship across all services within the benefice as well as worship evenings and Church events. If you are interested in getting involved please contact Lisa, detailing which congregation you are part of and which instrument you play or if you are a vocalist. Email lisa.olsworth-peter@bhcgodalming.org.

The Alpha course starts on January 9th in the Old Rectory. Please be praying and thinking about who you could invite; invitation cards are available in all services.

Upcoming Christmas Services…

17 December: Prime Time Carol Service, Busbridge, 2.30pm

18 December: Carols in the Pub, Merry Harriers, 7.30pm

19 December: Hydon Hill Carol Service, 2.30pm

 

Christmas Eve

Candlelight Celebration for all the family, Busbridge

3.15pm OR 4.30pm OR 5.30pm OR 6.30pm

Crib Service Hambledon

3.00pm OR 4.30pm

11.00pm Midnight Communion, Busbridge OR Hambledon

 

Christmas Day

9.00am Communion with Carols, Busbridge

10.30am Family Celebration (followed by a short communion) Busbridge OR Hambledon.

 

PLEASE PRAY FOR…

·  The proposed changes to Busbridge Church

·  The search for our new Youth Minister at BHC

·  Outreach groups within the church

·  Oakdene Road and their road steward  Catherine Hobden

·  Station Lane and Upper Vann Lane