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Socrates declared that ‘the unexamined life is not worth living’. 1900 years later, St Ignatius (the founder of the Jesuits, 1491-1556) would have agreed with him. He recommended a daily ‘examen of consciousness’, a way of praying that looks over the day – or month, or year – that has just passed, discerning where our thoughts and actions have helped us to be in touch with God and reflect him, and where they have taken us away from God.

Try it; it is an excellent thing to do at the turn of the year.

There are 5 simple steps:

Find a quiet place; become aware of God’s presence (he is always there!). Ask him to show you what he wants to talk to you about.

Look over the past year and thank God for all that has been good.

Still thinking of the events and developments of the last year, notice how you feel about them. Have any drawn you closer to God? Were there any that made you feel far from God? Don’t judge yourself – just notice.

Thank God for the times when you have been in tune with him, and express your sorrow for the times you have not responded to him.

Look ahead to the new year; what is it you want from God in the months to come? Ask him, trusting that he will give you what is good.

Close your time of prayer by thanking God for what he has shown you and offering yourself for his service.

We started the carol service season last Sunday evening with the special Unplugged Christmas service.

This Sunday we have carol services across Busbridge&Hambledon, both morning and evening. As we head through Advent and into Christmas our message is that God is with us. This is a unique message. It isn’t ‘God might be with us’, nor ‘God will be with us’ or ‘God was with us’. It is God IS.

God IS God. God IS with us. God IS for us. God IS offering salvation. God IS active. God IS present.

If God IS for us, then who or what circumstance can separate us from His Love in the form of the Christ Child?

This is why we celebrate and invite family, friends and neighbours to celebrate alongside us.

Only 15 days till Christmas! Are you ready? What else do you need to do? As I write this I still have so many gifts to buy, cards to write and food to prepare.

Our reading today from the prophet Isaiah set me thinking about what I would truly like to give and what would be the very best gift I could give if I only had the power. Here, it seems, is God’s preparation list; the gift he wants to bring to our world.

Justice for the poor and needy
Righteousness (goodness, honesty, faithfulness, integrity, right relationship to himself)
Wisdom and understanding
Peace and security
Rest
The Good News of his goodness and love to be known throughout the world

These surely are gifts we all long to receive. As we draw near to Christmas we praise God for the amazing gift of his dear Son, Jesus, in whom he wishes to give us all these things and much, much more. His Holy Spirit, his presence with us and the working out of all that he desires for us and for his world.

May we be those who can receive and share the Good News of all that God has prepared for us in Jesus.

Old Rectory update
All works going to schedule, including laying the concrete for the extension, which will be started the end of next week (weather permitting). Mark Pateman

We have been shocked and saddened by the unexpected death of Linda Brown last Monday, 27th November. Linda’s funeral service will be in Busbridge Church on Thursday 21st December at 11.00am. All who knew and loved Linda are warmly invited to the church service. Please continue to hold Ruth, Carolyn (Linda’s sister) and the wider family in your prayers.

We have been deeply saddened to hear of Brian Albery’s death on Wednesday 29th November.  Brian’s funeral will be held at Busbridge church on Wednesday 13th December at 1.30pm. Please hold Diane, Neil, James and the whole family in your prayers.

Busbridge evening carols
Thanks to Jill and Janet for purchasing 200 mince pies! We are looking for 4 people to organise the mulled wine on the night. Please speak to Simon if you think you can help.

Weekday Carol Service
Did you know that a weekday afternoon carol service is held in Busbridge Church? This traditional service is hosted by Prime Time and is planned with the older generation in mind.  It is a service that is open to all, so please do consider if there is an older person known to you who you could invite along. This year’s service is taking place on Monday 18th December at 2.30pm. All welcome. And if added incentive were needed, mulled wine and mince pies will be served after the service! For further details or to book a place, contact Bryan or Penny in the Church office or email: primetime@bhcgodalming.org

Busbridge Contemporary Changes Meeting
There will be a ‘rolling your sleeves up’ meeting about the Busbridge Contemporary service at 8.00pm, Monday 11th December at Hambledon Church. We’re starting as we mean to go on with everyone who’s part of this community being involved in setting up, clearing away, giving coffee out, welcoming people, inviting new people for lunch, worshipping together…if you’re someone who’ll get stuck in, you’re up for leading different areas of the contemporary community or want to help out then please come along on Monday.

Nexus
Thanks to all who helped make our Charity Quiz Night so enjoyable. We begin our 2018 programme with a talk: ‘Safe Online? Be Cybercrime Aware!’ with David Munro, Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner. There are always new things to learn about cybercrime, so come along on Thursday 4th January to learn how to keep your computer and yourself safe when online. We meet at 8.00pm in Busbridge Church Centre with a New Year drink and nibbles before the talk.  All are very welcome (including men).

Hambledon Prayer Breakfast
There will be no Hambledon Prayer Breakfast this month but we will return to the normal routine in January of the 3rd Saturday of the month.

Busbridge Classic & Contemporary 10.00am in 2018
A reminder that we’ll be giving the Classic its 10.00am space from the second Sunday in Jan 2018 (14th). The Contemporary will meet in Busbridge Junior School Hall at 10.00am. We’re grateful to all those who have helped us reflect on the past two years and plan for the future.
To clarify: 1st Sunday of January: Classic 9.00am, FUSE 10.30am in church building, 2nd Sunday: 10.00am in church and school, 3rd Sunday: Churches Together town service. 4th Sunday: 10.00am in church and school.

Advent Book Collection for Delight
3 in 10 children in the UK do not own a single book of their own. Delight believes every child should have their own books to enjoy at home. Last year they provided over 3,000 children from disadvantaged communities with beautiful books that they could choose, take home and very importantly keep. We are holding an advent book collection on behalf of Delight, so in the lead up to Christmas please consider donating your outgrown books to this wonderful charity so that other children, who otherwise would not have access to books at home, can continue to enjoy them. Throughout advent we will be collecting pre-loved (good condition) and new books for children aged between 3-11, look out for the box at the back of church / in the church entrance. If you would like to know more, please speak to Debbie Ollerenshaw.

Christmas Lunch
Churches Together are again organising a lunch on Christmas Day in the Baptist Church for those who would otherwise be on their own. Volunteer forms are at the back of the Church for anyone who would like to volunteer either to set up on the 23rd December, or on Christmas Day itself. We are also keen to hear of anyone who is likely to be on their own and may like an invitation. This is limited to the Godalming area as we provide transport. Please contact Gillian Martin (martin2ls@btinternet.com) if you would like to volunteer, and Gwen Wheatman (gwenwheatman@hotmail.co.uk) if you would like someone to receive an invitation.

Sermons you might have missed…
Have you missed a talk recently? Our talks and sermons are now uploaded to www.soundcloud.com/bhcgodalming and eventually our website will also carry direct links for each congregation. Also, if you feel you can help this important ministry, please email sound@bhcgodalming.org.

Christmas is coming…Somehow every year the pointers towards Christmas seem to arrive earlier and earlier in the shops, on the TV, online – tree decorations, canned carols, wrapping paper, special “Christmas offers” – you name it!  And they do, these pointers towards the Christmas of too much food, too much telly, too much spending… 

But these are Johnny-come-latelies compared with Old Testament prophecies of the birth of Christ such as this week’s passage from Isaiah. Written some 700-odd years before the birth of Christ, Isaiah is full of predictions of the birth, death and purpose of Jesus.  An early Christian writer, Jerome, said of Isaiah that “he described all of the Mysteries of the Church of Christ so vividly that you would assume he was not prophesying about the future, but rather was composing a history of past events!”

Christmas is coming…but which Christmas? The Christmas foreshadowed by more and glitzier adverts or the one prophesied and predicted in the Old Testament?  The tinsel and stuffing version, or the Christmas celebrating the most momentous birth of all time?  The Christmas of excess, or the Christmas of access as we realise with awe that through the coming of Christ God is among us, that we do have access to the God who loves us?

The reality is probably both. But this Advent season as Christmas approaches, let’s make sure to celebrate and share its true meaning even as we look forward to enjoying the turkey and crackers…

Old Rectory update
Foundations to the new extension have been poured this week and the first stages of drainage installation are underway. Thanks for the cake and prayers!

We have been shocked and saddened by the unexpected death of Linda Brown on Monday 27th November.  Please pray for Ruth, as well as for Linda’s sister Carolyn and the wider family.  When we have news of Linda’s funeral, we will let you know.

We have been deeply saddened to hear of Brian Albery’s death on Wednesday 29th November.  Brian’s funeral will be held in church on Wednesday 13th December at 1.30pm. Please hold Diane, Neil, James and the whole family in your prayers.

We also send our love to Annaliese Boparai, whose father died last week. Please hold Anneliese and the whole family in your prayers.

Busbridge Classic & Contemporary 10.00am in 2018
We’ve been listening and talking with lots of people about the service times. We’ll be giving the Classic its 10.00am space from the second Sunday in Jan 2018 (14th). The Contemporary will meet in the school at 10.00am. We’re grateful to all those who have helped us reflect on the past two years and plan for the future. More detail will be shared as we approach the second Sunday in January. To clarify: 1st Sunday of January: Classic 9.00am, FUSE 10.30am in church building, 2nd Sunday: 10.00am in church and school, 3rd Sunday: Churches Together town service. 4th Sunday: 10.00am in church and school.

Be part of the changes for Busbridge Contemporary!
To find out more and your part in it, come along on Monday 4th December at Spinney Copse, opposite the church. Please let Simon or Mark Williams know for numbers. There will be a detailed planning meeting on Monday 11th December about roles and action areas. This will be in Hambledon Church (note the venue). Talk to Mark Williams or Dave Preece if you’d like to come to this one. Both meetings at 8.00pm.

Christmas Lunch
Churches Together are again organising a lunch on Christmas Day in the Baptist Church for those who would otherwise be on their own. Volunteer forms are at the back of the Church for anyone who would like to volunteer either to set up on the 23rd December, or on Christmas Day itself. We are also keen to hear of anyone who is likely to be on their own and may like an invitation. This is limited to the Godalming area as we provide transport. Please contact Gillian Martin if you would like to volunteer, and Gwen Wheatman if you would like someone to receive an invitation.

Countdown to Christmas Advent Calendar
The window of Busbridge Church Centre has turned into a giant advent calendar this December. A different picture is being added every day, many created by local community groups. You are welcome to come along at any time to have a look.

Jingle&Mingle
Thanks to all the lovely ladies who descended upon the very Christmassy Clock Barn Hall for this year’s craft spectacular. We hope you enjoyed the festivities. Thanks again to the fantastic team who put this fun event together.

Michael Baughen writes…
You may recall our using a ’My beloved son’ booklet on Hebrews as our Lent Booklet…individually or perhaps in groups? The publishers are now putting 25 extracts from it online, one per day, for Advent. If you’d like to partake in this, go to www.cwr.org.uk.

Squires Lunch
We are suggesting that the next Squires lunch is on Sunday 10th December as the fourth Sunday is not possible this month. Please let the team know if you are interested in coming for the December lunch by Wednesday 4th December.

Busbridge Church
The walls are now back in at Busbridge Church. Thank you for your patience as the works were carried out.

Besom Hampers
Have you brought in your goodies for the Besom Hampers yet? The boxes for these will be at the back of church until 10th December so don’t delay. Things you could bring could be food items (go luxury end rather than value range!), household items, Christmas decorations or maybe toys? The Channel for Mission Team also need helpers to pack boxes on 13th December and deliver the hampers 14th-16th December. If you’d like to offer your services please email Robbie Hume or Jo Cookes. Thanks!

Sermons you might have missed…
Have you missed a talk recently? Our talks and sermons are now uploaded to www.soundcloud.com/bhcgodalming and eventually our website will also carry direct links for each congregation. Also, if you feel you can help this important ministry, please email sound@bhcgodalming.org.

Guildford Cathedral Upcoming Events…
16th December, 7.00pm Messiah with the Guildford Cathedral Choir. Tickets £12-£30.
17th January 2018, 7.00pm God and the Big Bang: an event to get you thinking about and exploring the interaction of science and faith with interactive workshops. More information on www.guildford-cathedral.org/events/boxoffice.

This week is our last Sunday service before the season of Advent begins. Christmas may bring a mix of emotions for each of us, depending on our current situations and life experiences. For me, I love Christmas time. It is a time to spend with my wife, and our new baby daughter! The gift of a child in Jesus has a whole new meaning for me now.

In this week, Psalm 29 takes us out of our daily lives and has us look up to a different place of celebration. It is a celebration of Jesus, who is enthroned as King. I was amazed at the imagery where the “voice of the Lord…

Breaks cedars…

Strikes with flashes of lightning…

Shakes the desert…

Twists the oaks and strips the forests bare…”

I am not sure what emotions it stirs in you, but for me it stirs fear and excitement…It certainly gives me a real sense of the power of God and causes me to take a breath…Then, I am reinvigorated by the last line. Our LORD, who is enthroned as King, in all His might, does not want to break us, but wants to strengthen us and give us peace. Thank you Jesus!

As you are preparing for Christmas and whatever place it may take you, remember that the LORD who made this world, and whose voice is powerful, longs to give you peace and strength.

Old Rectory update
Contractors have started work on site and are currently working on demolition and groundworks to form the new layout. Foundations will be poured towards the end of next week ready for the start of construction.  Mark Pateman

Busbridge Church
The walls will be going back in this coming week. The work will take place over a couple of days and we hope this will cause as little inconvenience as possible. If in doubt, please check with the Church Office.

Margaret, Angela and Stephen Swanton wish to thank everyone for the cards and kind messages of sympathy received at this very sad time. They have been a great blessing to us all.

New Year’s Eve
There will be a Churches Together service on Sunday 31st December 6.30pm -7.30pm in Busbridge Church. If people could sign up to be welcomers etc that would be great. Please speak to Michael Stubbs if you can help.

Advent Book Collection for Delight
3 in 10 children in the UK do not own a single book of their own. Delight believes every child should have their own books to enjoy at home. Last year they provided over 3,000 children from disadvantaged communities with beautiful books that they could choose, take home and very importantly keep. We are holding an advent book collection on behalf of Delight, so in the lead up to Christmas please consider donating your outgrown books to this wonderful charity so that other children, who otherwise would not have access to books at home, can continue to enjoy them. Throughout advent we will be collecting pre-loved (good condition) and new books for children aged between 3-11, look out for the box at the back of church / in the church entrance. If you would like to know more, please speak to Debbie Ollerenshaw.

Fair Trade, Tradecraft & Christian Aid
Many friends from Busbridge&Hambledon Church  supported recent fundraising events, which raised a lot for the charities. June Higgins Fairtrade stall raised £729, the Tradecraft stall £642 and Christian aid £223 (which is doubled in November by the UK Government). Thanks again for your support. Lizzie & David Burndred.

Christmas Quiz night
Nexus Charity Quiz Night on Saturday 2nd December in Busbridge Village Hall 7.45pm for 8.00pm start. Buy your tickets this weekend before it’s too late! Our Quizmaster is Alan Betts, with Dudley Hilton keeping track of the scores. There’ll be a charity raffle in support of ‘Topic of Cancer’ Guildford, which raises funds for ground-breaking research into cancer immunotherapy. Tickets are £12.00, including a quiche supper and some delicious homemade desserts. To buy your tickets, contact Janet Harvey or Kate Kaye. It’s always a great evening…all are very welcome.

Volunteer needed!
Our office volunteers do an absolutely invaluable job in the life of Busbridge&Hambledon Church, and we don’t know what we’d do without them! On your behalf, a HUGE thank you for all that they do. We have a vacancy for a volunteer on a Friday morning, starting in the New Year…could this be you? Just 2½ hours once a week or find a friend and ‘job share’ and help out every fortnight, term time only if you prefer it that way. To find out more, call Karen at the church office on 01483 421267.

School applications
If you are thinking of submitting a church application to Busbridge Junior School then you’ll need to:
1) visit the Busbridge Junior School website and familiarise yourself with their admission criteria (‘About Us’, ‘Policies’, ‘Admission Criteria for 2018-2019’). We have hard copies in the office if you don’t have access to a computer.
2) pick up an information sheet from the church office
3) bring the church reference form to the church office by 10th December at the latest (please ensure that you are eligible – the criteria are on the information form)
4) a member of the clergy will meet with you to discuss your application and if approved, you need to take your signed Benefice verification to the school by the application closing date (15th January 2018).

Movie matinee
If you were already planning on going to the fabulous Busbridge Junior School Christmas Fayre on 2nd December why not throw in a Christmassy movie at the end of it? This popular Christmas film is perfect for getting you in the Christmas spirit and will be shown in Busbridge Church at 2.30pm. Popcorn served and no cost to attend – bring as many of your friends as you like (and a good idea to bring a cushion too).

Advent evensong
Sunday 3rd December, 4.00pm at Hambledon Church, a special ‘reverence’ service in the style of choral evensong to mark Advent Sunday. To that end, a choir from across the Benefice has been put together and will be led by Jim Godwin. One not to miss!

please pray for…
· Brian & Diane Albery
· Jingle & Mingle on Wednesday night
· David Mace, who has broken his arm
· The recently bereaved
· Our political leaders
· Those organising various Christmas events
· The upcoming Busbridge Junior Christmas Fayre
· South Munstead Lane and their road steward, Niki Ford
· Appletree Close and The Hydons

School applications
If you are thinking of submitting a church application to Busbridge Junior School then you’ll need to:
1) visit the Busbridge Junior School website and familiarise yourself with their admission criteria (‘About Us’, ‘Policies’, ‘Admission Criteria for 2018-2019’). We have hard copies in the office if you don’t have access to a computer.
2) pick up an information sheet from the church office
3) bring the church reference form to the church office by 10th December at the latest (please ensure that you are eligible – the criteria are on the information form)
4) a member of the clergy will meet with you to discuss your application and if approved, you need to take your signed Benefice verification to the school by the application closing date (15 January 2018).

Movie matinee
If you were already planning on going to the fabulous Busbridge Junior School Christmas Fayre on 2nd December why not throw in a Christmassy movie at the end of it? This popular Christmas film is perfect for getting you in the Christmas spirit and will be shown in Busbridge Church at 2.30pm. Popcorn served and no cost to attend – bring as many of your friends as you like (and a good idea to bring a cushion too).

Volunteer needed!
Our office volunteers do an absolutely invaluable job in the life of Busbridge&Hambledon Church, and we don’t know what we’d do without them! On your behalf, a HUGE thank you for all that they do. We have a vacancy for a volunteer on a Friday morning, starting in the New Year…could this be you? Just 2½ hours once a week or find a friend and ‘job share’ and help out every fortnight, term time only if you prefer it that way. To find out more, call Karen at the church office on 01483 421267.

The gift of gift wrapping…
If anyone would like to help the children of Busbridge Junior school wrap their presents in the secret Santa room from 12.00pm-2.00pm on 2nd December then please get in touch with Nicky Hemery.

Thank you
From Ss Peter and Paul and St Marks: “This Sunday will be the last regular monthly service led by the Busbridge Worship Group at St Marks.  A huge thank you goes to all members of this group who have been invaluable in committing to worship alongside the congregation of St Marks.”

Advent evensong
On Sunday 3rd December, 4.00pm at Hambledon church, David Mace will be leading & Hilary Pettman preaching at a special ‘reverence’ service in the style of choral evensong to mark Advent Sunday. To that end, a choir from across the Benefice has been put together and will be led by Jim Godwin. One not to miss!

Palestine: More than black and white
A talk and photos from  Busbridge’s own James Jagger and Millie Badman-Smith about their recent experiences in Palestine with the Amos Trust; Wednesday 29th November, 7.30pm, St Nicolas Church Hall, Bury Street, Guildford. For more information go to www.westsurreypsc.org.uk.

Feba prayer meeting
The day of the Feba prayer meeting has changed: the next one will be at 42 Minster Road, Godalming, at 3.00pm on Friday 8th December. Do come and pray for this media organisation which does vital work in Yemen, Pakistan, the Horn of Africa, and many other places in the news. Further information from Shelagh Godwin.

Nexus Charity Quiz Night on Saturday 2nd December
Our Quizmaster is Alan Betts with Dudley Hilton keeping track of the scores. Come and join us in Busbridge Village Hall at 7.45pm for 8.00pm start. It’s always a great evening! There’ll be a charity raffle in support of ‘Topic of Cancer’ Guildford, which raises funds for ground-breaking research into cancer immunotherapy. Tickets are £12.00, including a quiche supper and some delicious homemade desserts. Call now to get your tickets, don’t miss out by leaving it too late! Contact Janet Harvey or Kate Kaye.  All are very welcome.

Hambledon prayer breakfast
The next prayer breakfast is on Saturday 18th November, 8.30am in the Hambledon Church room. All welcome.

Advent
Are you contributing a picture to the Busbridge giant advent calendar?! If you’ve arranged this with Jenny Lansdowne then make sure you  hand in your artwork to the church office as Advent is fast approaching. There may be some spaces left – see Jenny for more details or email advent@bhcgodalming.org.

Save the Date
Busbridge Ball will be happening on 24th February 2018. Put it in your diaries now. More details to follow.

A bit random, but just in case…
…you are looking to update your home insurance, take a look at Ecclesiastical Insurance. They currently have a promotion where they have pledged to donate £130 to your church for every new home insurance policy taken out (until December 2018). More information on www.ecclesiastical.com/Trust130.

please pray for…
· St Mark’s Church, Ockford Ridge and the team from BHC who have been supporting them in recent months
· The recently bereaved
· Those working in hospices (Phyllis Tuckwell, Shooting Star Chase)
· Those organising various Christmas events
· The upcoming Busbridge Junior Christmas Fayre
· Shackstead Lane and their road steward, Mary Keech
· Alldens Lane and Salt Lane