Blog

It’s a girl! And a boy! And another girl!
Theresa and Adam Durrant welcomed Tahlia a few weeks ago, and she was even in church for the first time two Sundays ago!

Andy and Helen Brownstone welcomed twins Samuel Walter and Joy Beatrice, born on 15th July. All well!

The PCC met last week and discussed…
· The excellent plans for the new St Peter’s car park
· A role for a part time Music Development Leader was agreed and this will be put to the church as soon as the full details are available
· The request to reorder the Busbridge nave was approved and the documentation will now go to the Diocese
· An update on Old Rectory plans was given, including that the team is looking to phase the work so that we can approach the church in October about the priorities and additional funds needed
· Rev Dave Preece was welcomed to the Benefice.

Note from Simon…
Thanks goes to Tim Davis for a lot of work recently researching technology for Busbridge Junior School Hall. This is part of the planning that we’ve been mentioning for a while now about the Busbridge Contemporary moving back to the school. We’ve been finding out the needs of different groups, individuals, music teams, the tech people, people with children and others and, in September, we’ll be able to have more discussion about the identity, timing, style, length, etc of both the Contemporary and the Classic services. In the meantime Tim is pressing ahead with plans for making the hall a well equipped space that will also benefit the school. Thanks Tim!

Squires Lunch
The next Squires lunch will be on the 30th July at 12 noon. If you would like to join us and partake of the gastronomy at Squires, please RSVP to Terry Swanton Wednesday 26th July.

Alpha starting in the Autumn
One of our home groups has decided to run an Alpha course beginning in September. If you have not been on the Alpha course before, please do consider attending. The details are still being finalized, but if you are interested in attending Alpha or you know of a friend that might like to attend Alpha then please consider asking them.  Perhaps this is an opportunity to pray about who you might be encouraged to ask to attend Alpha. If you have any questions, then please email alpha@bhcgodalming.org or contact the church office at 01483 421267 or just catch Bryan Silletti to discuss if you have questions.

Nexus
On Thursday 3rd August, we’ll visit Tilford Cottage Garden. This unique NGS garden is designed to delight and amuse, with both formal and natural planting, surprising topiary and even a fairy grotto! We’ll meet at the garden at 11.30am: Tilford Cottage, Tilford Rd, Tilford, Farnham GU10 2BX. The cost is £7 and money raised goes to charity. Do come along and enjoy a lovely walk around this delightful garden. Afterwards we’re going to the Mill at Elstead for a bite of lunch. Please let Pam Cookney know, by 27th July, if you would like to join us for the garden visit, the lunch, or both, so she can let the venues know numbers. Please email her on pamcookney@btinternet.com. This is a lovely garden and we very much look forward to seeing you there.  Friends and family welcome!

Hambledon Church Harvest Supper…
…will be held at Hambledon Village Hall  on Saturday 23rd September at 7.00pm. Tickets cost £8.00 and are available from the Village Shop or can be reserved by phoning Sheelagh Vacher. If anyone feels they could help with food please contact Sheelagh.

This one goes out to all you musicians out there! Our regular bands do an amazing job all year round, but, as you can probably imagine, it gets quite tricky over the Summer months to find musicians to cover all our services. We are really in need of musicians and leaders for the 6.30 services on 30th July and 20th August. If you are a regular band member who is able to do an extra ‘shift’ that would be great; or maybe you haven’t played at church before and have been hiding your light under a bushel! Either way Catherine McBride would be delighted to hear from you, on 01483 421267 or catherine.mcbride@bhcgodalming.org

Prayer Walk Through Busbridge
For those that are interested, Bryan Silletti will be going on a prayer walk through Busbridge on Wednesday 26 July starting from Busbridge church at 2.00pm. Not sure on the specific walk, but the hope is just to walk around Busbridge and bless the area in some way as we go. He would love to have others join him, so all are welcome that are interested. Just show up if you want to participate.

PrayerFest | 0-30 in one hour
This prayer event will be happening on Sunday 20th August, 5.00pm in Busbridge Church Centre.

Saturday 12th August, 8.30am – West Surrey Golf Club
Nichola Hooper to be our guest speaker at the next Hambledon Ladies Breakfast.  Nichola’s daughter has had the privilege of working for Jackie Pullinger, a name many of you may be familiar with. Ladies Breakfast is open to all and tickets will go on sale in the Village Shop on Monday 18th July until Tuesday 8th August.  Sue Blackman kindly co-ordinates the ticket on behalf of the Ladies Breakfast so do call her.

This will be the last notice sheet until September – if you want to find out what’s going on, please visit our website on www.bhcgodalming.org. Have a great Summer!

please pray for…
· Our church families who have welcomed new babies in the last couple of weeks
· Liz Gorst and family
· Roy Keating, Carole and family
· Michael Barrett in the Royal Surrey
· Andrew Baker and Brian Oxborough and their continuing recoveries
· Residents and workers at the Cheshire Home
· Old Rectory Gardens and their road steward, Simon Taylor
· The Avenue and Cricket Green

 

Welcome to the Summer! We’re doing less as a church through the summer because it is good to step back and have space in the activities which make us a church family. We’re still gathering each Sunday but the times and locations vary so check the website week by week. For example, we’ll be at the bandstand in Godalming on Sunday 13th August, 10.00am

The summer is a great time to look around and invite members of the church family round for drinks, a BBQ or just meet up for conversation. Also, there will be visitors at worship through the summer so do look out for people you don’t know and offer a good BHC welcome. You never know, you could be welcoming angels! (Hebrews 13:2).

We might not realise it, but being welcoming, even to people who disagree with us, marks us out as different. We might assume that everyone acts as we do, but this is simply not the case.

We were on a French campsite with some other members of the church family. A couple nearby were really friendly. We all chatted over the next few days and all seemed to be going well. Then we noticed that they had a Christian style fish shaped piece of plastic on the back of their car. This symbol is an ichthus sign meaning ‘Jesus Christ God’s Son Saviour’. It was used as a secret sign by Christians who were persecuted. We did the usual careful, English thing of asking an oblique question about the fish. They responded aggressively “Look carefully. It has legs drawn on it. We’re Darwinians.” They walked away immediately and scowled at us for the rest of the week. There were no more friendships or chats.

 Who might you welcome into your home or in worship in Jesus Name through this summer?

 

We send much love to Liz Gorst, whose mother, Margaret, died suddenly last Friday (7th July).  Please pray for Liz, Steve and James and also for Brian, Liz’s father.

A reminder that the summer sermon series starts soon at Busbridge, which means combined services at 10.00am from 23rd July.

0-30 in 1 Hour

Churches Together have been invited to join together to pray and support the work of children and young people across our community. Praying together for one hour  for the 0 – 30 year olds in our church groups / schools etc…that is,“0 – 30 in One Hour.” This is an invite for people to either come along or forward prayer needs / requests in time for the meeting together on Sunday 16th July  5.00pm – 6.00pm in the Church Centre at Busbridge, as we would love to support  our young people and leaders in prayer. The summer is often a time of change when leaders step down and others are needed to fill their place ready for the Autumn term. There are staff vacancies and as always – new volunteers to support this ministry to be found. The prayer time is open to anyone of any age. It can be out loud or silent and there will be information available to pray. Do send prayer requests and comments to Shân on david_hallam@lineone.net or Michael Stubbs on  michaeleashing@aol.com and let either of us know if you can make it.

PSALM 122: Prayer time in Busbridge Church: Monday 17th July

For those that are interested, Bryan Silletti will be praying in Busbridge church from 2.00pm – 3.00pm using Psalm 122 as the basis. He would love to have others join him, so all are welcome that are interested. Just show up if you want to participate.

Hambledon news…

There is an urgent need within our Hambledon community that we as a wider church can fill…will you help us to do so please? Every Wednesday morning from 9.30am until 11.30am there is a community toddler group that operates in the village hall of Hambledon called Hambletots. They are in need of people to help by serving tea, coffee and snacks to mums/grannies/carers and tots while joining in with conversation and doing the washing up. If you are feeling particularly generous and wanting to really make them feel loved, you could always bring along a cake too. Currently this link is made by Jenna who will be moving on at the end of the month. If you or someone you know has a heart for young local unchurched families please contact Katie on 07739 323444 to offer help when you can, once a month would be brilliant! 

Are you passionate about bringing the good news about Jesus to young children and their families?

We have funding for a part-time post (14 hours per week) for someone to head-up our mission to 0-11 year olds and their families in Hambledon. If you are interested and want to find out more, please speak to Catherine McBride (catherine.mcbride@bhcgodalming.org) or James Ellin (james.ellin@bhcgodalming.org), both on 01483 421267.

Saturday 12th August, 8.30am – West Surrey Golf Club

We are delighted to be welcoming Nichola Hooper to be our guest speaker at the next Hambledon Ladies Breakfast.  Nichola’s daughter has had the privilege of working for Jackie Pullinger, a name many of you may be familiar with. Jackie Pullinger left the UK in 1966 to travel the world and was called by God to get off her boat in Hong Kong where she has been working and ministering amongst Drug Addicts ever since.  She is also the author of ‘Chasing The Dragon’. It will be interesting to learn about her current work through Nichola’s daughter. The Ladies Breakfast is open to all and tickets will go on sale in the Village Shop on Monday 18th July until Tuesday 8th August.  Sue Blackman kindly co-ordinates the ticket on behalf of the Ladies Breakfast so do call her on 01428 683871 if you are unable to get to the Village Shop, and she will happily reserve your tickets. If you would like to bring a new guest for the first time, we would be delighted to offer them a complimentary ticket, please liaise with Sue. On behalf of the HLB Team we look forward to welcoming you on Saturday 12th August.

Old Rectory Update

Thanks to Debbie Scott for offering to help Jo Cookes and Simon with what we hope will be our final gift day for the Old Rectory project. Richard Grove, Tom Jones and Mark Williams have reviewed the three lowest tenders and are meeting builders in the next ten days to ensure that costs are accurate.

Diocesan Day of Healing & Wholeness at Guildford Cathedral

Saturday 9th September…teaching, workshops, worship and Healing Prayer – Keynote Speaker is the Revd Wes Sutton, Director of Acorn Christian Healing Foundation, with a Service of Healing led by Rt Revd Andrew Watson, Bishop of Guildford. £25pp. 10.00am – 4.00pm. To book: www.acornchristian.org/events or call 01420 478121. All welcome.

please pray for…

· Liz Gorst and family

· Roy Keating, Carole and family

· Michael Barrett in the Royal Surrey

· Andrew Baker and Brian Oxborough and their continuing recoveries

· Those who work/visit in Send Prison

· Godalming High Street and Local Businesses

· Old Barn View and their road steward, Jane Tomes

· Summerhouse Road and Church Lane

 

Responsibility – that’s something of an underused word these days. Everyone seems fixated on rights – human rights, rights of ethnic minorities, women’s rights, consumers’ rights and so on. None of which is wrong of itself; it’s just that in wider society the concept of responsibility seems to have become marginalised, subordinated totally to the demand for individual rights to be recognised above all else. 

Last week we looked at the freedom that comes from turning to Christ and recognising and accepting the truth that God loves each one of us, and that nothing can ever change that.  Paradoxically (or so it seems; in reality it is not at all paradoxical!), as we become more aware of this freedom, so we become more aware of the responsibility that comes with it.

And it is quite a responsibility, as today’s passages make clear. The parable of the talents in Matthew’s gospel talks of our responsibility to use the gifts we have been entrusted with well, and not hide them in the ground. In it the “good and faithful servant” is contrasted with the “wicked, lazy servant”. The Corinthians passage talks of being “responsible to God” and “remaining in the situation in which God has called you.”

Challenging stuff – which, to paraphrase John F. Kennedy’s challenge to the USA in his 1961 Inaugural Address, might be summed up as “Ask not what God can do for you – ask what you can do for God”. Challenging, yes – but paradoxically (or not!) also strangely liberating…

Old Rectory Update

Thanks to Debbie Scott for offering to help Jo Cookes and Simon with what we hope will be our final gift day for the Old Rectory project. Richard Grove, Tom Jones and Mark Williams have reviewed the three lowest tenders and are meeting builders in the next ten days to ensure that costs are accurate.

 

Music update

A series of meetings with music leaders has helped us look at how worship might be shaped as we move forward. We will be taking a proposal to the PCC in the next few days. It is clear that if we want worship music to develop and deepen we need to see this as being worthy of focus over the next couple of years.

 

Prime Time Event

The Prime Time Event to the Huxley Birds of Prey and Hillier’s Garden Centre is on Thursday 20th July.  The day will include owl stroking, the birds of prey flying display, opportunities to interact with various birds of prey as well as plenty of shops (garden centre, farm shop, Edinburgh Woollen Mill, etc) at an entrance charge of £4.50 for the day. The day will start at Hiller’s Garden Centre for 11.00am and will finish by 4.00pm. You can buy lunch at the garden centre café or you can bring your own. We are happy to help coordinate lifts if you need. If you are interested, then please contact the church office on 01483 421267 or email primetime@bhcgodalming.org.

 

Lost Property

A gold coin brooch was left at Busbridge Church after a wedding last Saturday. If you find it, please contact the office on 01483 421267 so we can reunite it with its owner.

 

Tip run

If anyone has time over the next couple of weeks, we have 14 boxes of old hymn books which need to be taken from the small shed at the back of the church office to Witley tip for recycling. We’ve tried to no avail to re-home them elsewhere, but no takers. Can anyone help? Please email karen.kinder@bhcgodalming.org.

 

Diocesan Day of Healing & Wholeness at Guildford Cathedral

Saturday 9th September…teaching, workshops, worship and Healing Prayer – Keynote Speaker is the Revd Wes Sutton, Director of Acorn Christian Healing Foundation, with a Service of Healing led by Rt Revd Andrew Watson, Bishop of Guildford.

£25pp. 10.00am – 4.00pm. To book: www.acornchristian.org/events or call 01420 478121. All welcome.

 

Our new curate, Dave Preece officially started at Busbridge&Hambledon Church this week. He will be attending the full range of services over the coming weeks as well as meeting many of you as part of his induction process. Do make sure you take the opportunity to give a warm BHC welcome to Dave, Hannah and family when you meet them. His work email is david.preece@bhcgodalming.org.

 

Strictly Pathfinders End of Term BBQ…

…is happening on Friday 14th July on Busbridge Rec at 6.30pm. The whole family can join their Pathfinders and celebrate another great term of Strictly fun. All food is provided, but please email james.ellin@bhcgodalming.org if you’d like to go along so he can get an idea of numbers.

 

Alpha starting in the Autumn

One of our home groups has decided to run an Alpha course beginning in September. If you have not been on the Alpha course before, please do consider attending. The details are still being finalized, but if you are interested in attending Alpha or you know of a friend that might like to attend Alpha then please consider asking them.  Perhaps this is an opportunity to pray about who you might be encouraged to ask to attend Alpha. If you have any questions, then please email alpha@bhcgodalming.org or contact the church office at 01483 421267 or just catch Bryan Silletti to discuss if you have questions.

  

Hambledon Prayer Breakfast

…is on Saturday 15th July in the Church Room in Hambledon. All welcome to come along.

 

This one goes out to all you musicians out there!

Our regular bands do an amazing job all year round, but, as you can probably imagine, it gets quite tricky over the Summer months to find musicians to cover all our services. We are really in need of musicians and leaders for the 6.30 services on 30th July and 20th August. If you are a regular band member who is able to do an extra ‘shift’ that would be great; or maybe you haven’t played at church before and have been hiding your light under a bushel! Either way Catherine McBride would be delighted to hear from you, on 01483 421267 or catherine.mcbride@bhcgodalming.org

please pray for…

· The end of year activities for our children and youth groups

· Rev Jane Vlach as she prepares to move to the town centre parish

· Michael Barrett in the Royal Surrey

· Andrew Baker and Brian Oxborough and their continuing recoveries

· Local hospitals and nursing homes

· Christian summer camps

· Oakdene Road and their road steward, Catherine Hobden

· Summerhouse Close and Wormley Lane

 

Jesus got into hot water with the Jews by suggesting that they might not be free –

“We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone!”

They forgot that they had been slaves of the Egyptians until God rescued them in the Exodus, and again they were slaves of the Babylonians during the Exile.

Even at the time of Jesus, they were, as a people, enslaved to the Romans and not in control of their own affairs – they were taxed to the hilt, they were subject to forced labour, and a Roman soldier could pick a person off the street and command him to carry his kit to the next staging post. An unpalatable truth, which might just explain why they reacted so angrily.

Today we are equally precious about considering ourselves to be free. We feel sorry for those who can’t choose where to live, what work to do or how to worship, and we are justifiably appalled by oppressive regimes like that in North Korea. But how free are we ourselves? E.g. how free are we to reject consumerism? Who dictates what we wear? How much are we in control of our time? On the news this week we saw the horrendous example of girls as young as nine seeking cosmetic surgery in order to conform to a particular ideal. If this is freedom, I’m not sure I want it.

Jesus said, “The truth will set you free.” The truth is that God loves me, he is for me, and nothing can ever change that. That is truly liberating.

 

Why do I feel like this?
 

Am I alone in feeling that my time is constantly squeezed leading to compromise and a feeling of letting someone (possibly everyone) down? Has the world so ensnared me that my priorities are wrong and the things I allow to consume my time have grown too powerful?  Is my perspective wrong? 

I was wrestling with these thoughts this morning when “ping” went my mobile phone (ironically the conduit by which much of the above sentiment is conveyed) and today’s bible verse appears; Jeremiah 17:  5- 8. Go on, read it. It hit me square between the eyes.

“Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him”.  

I feel like a child whose toy train had come off the tracks and whose father is coming to pick up the train and set me going again.

Next week will be different…

 

Our new curate, Dave Preece will be officially starting at Busbridge&Hambledon Church the first week of July. He will be attending the full range of services over the coming weeks as well as meeting many of you as part of his induction process. Do make sure you take the opportunity to give a warm BHC welcome to Dave, Hannah and family when you meet them. Once he’s established in the church office, his email will be david.preece@bhcgodalming.org.

Strictly Pathfinders End of Term BBQ…
…is happening on Friday 14th July on Busbridge Rec at 6.30pm. The whole family can join their Pathfinders and celebrate another great term of Strictly fun. All food is provided, but please email james.ellin@bhcgodalming.org if you’d like to go along so he can get an idea of numbers.

Midsummer Music at Malthouse Farm
Thanks to all those involved in the organisation, the performing and the audience for this lovely event in aid of Old Rectory. This musical delight raised a healthy £2,637, which is just fantastic!

Old Rectory Team Update
Thanks to Greg King for offering to help with clearing bushes in the Old Rectory garden; to Nelleke Noort for offering to co-ordinate all the Action Team leaders and Jo Cookes for offering to help with another aspect of the Old Rectory project; Julie Nelson for stepping forward to lead the Hospitality Action Team; and David Hart for offering to help oversee work on Church Cottage with some other people. We still need one person to approach Simon to help organise what we hope will be our final gift day for the project (sometime in the Autumn) once we know the gap between the incredible giving and the building work costs.

Re-ordering of the Nave
Don’t forget there will be a presentation about the re-ordering of the nave next Sunday, 9th July, at the end of the Classic service, 9.45am, followed by Q&A, and importantly coffee and cake at the Old Rectory afterwards.

Blokes and Ladies
Thanks to Ian White and Nigel Hodson for a brilliant Bloke’s evening last Monday and to Ruth Roseblade for hosting an impromptu Ladies’ Get Together at her house.

New Address
Sarb & Karen Klair would like to let the folk of Busbridge&Hambledon know their new address: please contact the church office if you’d like to have it.

Saturday the 23rd September – BBQ Social – 11 am – 2pm
On Saturday 23rdSeptember we are going to have a BBQ and social for all those within Busbridge&Hambledon Church.  Our hope is that this is a time to have some fun, enjoy a burger or sausage and be together. We would love to have everyone from BHC pop in for the afternoon or only as long as it takes to get a fresh burger or sausage and go on with whatever your plans are for the day at any time from 11.00am to 2.00pm.  In addition, we hope to have representatives from each of the various home groups within BHC. If you have any interest in understanding what a home group is like or explore being in a home group, then please come along. For the month of October, we are going to have a “Taste and See” option for all our home groups where anyone can pop in or pop out as they please to see who is meeting, where they are meeting, what this home group thing is all about and whether you might like to join. If there are any questions, then please contact Bryan Silletti at the church office 01483 421267 or email bryan.silletti@bhcgodalming.org.

Home Group Style ALPHA starting in the Autumn
One of our home groups has decided to run an ALPHA course beginning in September. If you have not been on the ALHPA course before, please do consider attending. The details are still being finalised, but if you are interested in attending ALPHA or you know of a friend that might like to attend ALPHA then please consider asking them.  Perhaps this is an opportunity to pray about who you might be encouraged to ask to attend ALPHA.  If you have any questions, then please email alpha@bhcgodalming.org or contact the church office at 01483 421267 or just catch Bryan Silletti to discuss if you have questions.

Nexus
On Thursday 6th July, Pam Cookney and fellow mosaics enthusiast, Sandy Hannington, will give us a short introduction to the fascinating art of making mosaics. They’ll show samples of mosaics they have created and explain the processes involved. We’ll then have a go ourselves, which should be fun!  Come along and maybe get inspired to start making your own mosaics. We’ll meet at 8.00pm in the Busbridge Church Centre, and there’ll be drinks and nibbles and time for a chat before the talk / demonstration starts.  All are very welcome!

please pray for…
· David Preece, Sarb Klair and Jo Trickey being ordained this weekend
· The Preece family as they join us at Busbridge&Hambledon
· Pri Burford, Mark Pateman, Chris and Maggie Jagger and Tom Jones – the mission team supporting worship at St Mark’s and Ockford Ridge.
· Rev Jane Vlach as she prepares to move to the town centre parish
· Michael Barrett in the Royal Surrey· Andrew Baker and Brian Oxborough and their continuing recoveries
· North Munstead Lane and their road stewards, Mark & Katrina Williams
· Station Road and Vann Lane

 

Could this be you?
Would you be interested in leading or co-leading one of our kids work summer sessions in July and August? During the summer we have a mixed age group meeting in the Church Centre and we need a leader and helper to run each session. The dates we are looking for are 23rd July, 6th August and 27th August. If you would be interested and could help out, please get in touch with James (james.ellin@bhcgodalming.org). Thanks!

Nexus
On Thursday 6th July, Pam Cookney and fellow mosaics enthusiast, Sandy Hannington, will give us a short introduction to the fascinating art of making mosaics. They’ll show samples of mosaics they have created and explain the processes involved. We’ll then have a go ourselves, which should be fun!  Come along and maybe get inspired to start making your own mosaics. We’ll meet at 8.00pm in the Busbridge Church Centre, and there’ll be drinks and nibbles and time for a chat before the talk / demonstration starts.  All are very welcome!

Message from the Prime Time Team…
We are urging people to keep an eye on their older neighbours and friends to make sure they are happy, healthy and have everything they need during the heatwave.  Extreme temperatures can be particularly dangerous for older people, and sustained hot weather like the heatwave we have experienced recently can trigger health problems unless care is taken to keep cool.

Jingle & Mingle!
At the risk of upsetting everyone by mentioning the “C” word (Christmas!) we’d like to invite new members to join the Jingle & Mingle craft event team. This lovely event for women has become increasingly popular and we hope to have at least 150 ladies come along to the next one on 29th November at Clock Barn Hall (put it in your diaries). Do you enjoy doing crafts? You don’t need to be an expert – guidance can be given – what’s just as important is being a friendly and welcoming person! We need at least 10 ladies to be part of the team – Alex isn’t available this year so if sewing’s your thing then that would be fabulous too. We can’t run these events without the team behind it so if you’d like to be part of this exciting ministry for women contact karen.kinder@bhcgodalming.org. Thanks!

Part time summer work available…
Weekday mornings for 8-9 weeks with some flexibility. Guildford office based. Must be reliable, PC literate and customer friendly. If interested, speak to Mark Williams (mark@yewhouse.net).

Old Rectory team support needed
Simon is looking for 3 people to help the Old Rectory team over the next couple of months. Roles needed: someone with organisation and admin ability to help organise the Action Teams for doing various things and 2 people to help us approach the church for the final crucial (and not insignificant) challenge of completing the finances for Old Rectory; this is about planning, communication by explaining what is needed, priority decisions to make and why they matter. Please see Simon to volunteer your time and join the Old Rectory team. All are invited to a short presentation and open mic for questions about opening the main area of the church up. Two dates: 25th June at 11.45am or 9th July, 9.45am.

Job Opportunity: Verger needed (paid position)
Applications invited for a successor to Busbridge’s Verger retiring in October. Details from Keith Harper (keith.harper@bhcgodalming.org or Frances Shaw (frances.shaw@bhcgodalming.org).

 

GCGC Summer Showcase!
Godalming Community Gospel Choir invite you to join them for a sizzling summer’s evening of gospel music at their Summer Showcase at 7pm on Saturday 15th July at St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Godalming. The GCGC Summer Showcase will feature a brand new repertoire and our fabulous guest choir director, Solomon Facey. Entry is free and refreshments will be served. There will be an opportunity to give a donation after the concert. PLUS GCGC were part of a Songs of Praise recording last Wednesday, clips of which will be shown on shows from 9th July onwards.

 

please pray for…

· Those involved in the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy

· Karen Cookes and her family

· The family and friends of Sam Glover

· Andrew Baker – now out of St George’s, London

· Brian Oxborough, recovering at home

· Michael Barrett in the Royal Surrey

· New Road & Salt Lane and their road steward, Olwen Downhill

· Station Lane and Upper Vann Lane

 

 

 

 

Today is Patronal Festival at Busbridge Church when we remember the contribution of John the Baptist.  Hambledon Church is named after the disciple Peter so the Benefice has two remarkable figures it holds in veneration.  Both John the Baptist and Peter pointed to Jesus as Master and Lord. 

John said he was not worthy to undo the sandals on Jesus’ feet.  He baptised Jesus and encouraged others to follow him.  Peter spoke up for Jesus at Pentecost and as leader of the young church.  Both John and Peter used the freedom they had to speak out.  Both took their responsibilities seriously and faced opposition and criticism. John was prepared to speak out describing the Pharisees as a ‘brood of vipers’.

For two Sundays in July we will be looking at the theme of ‘Freedom and Responsibility’. John and Peter used the freedoms they had to bring a voice that pointed to the relevance of the words and actions of Jesus. 

Jesus tells his disciples ‘the truth will set you free’.  What is this freedom about?  A freedom from being enslaved by the expectations of others and our own self delusions.  A freedom that comes from the perspective of eternity that is grounded in a God who loves us and “sets us free so we are free indeed”

May we be inspired by John the Baptist and Peter as our Church patrons in the way they combined exercising freedom with a clear sense of living out their responsibilities.