In the notices this week:

• Sing Hosanna!

• The Journey to Easter starting this Sunday – last chance to sign up to catered events!

• Things coming up after Easter

Dear Friends,

Spring has sprung, and oddly it came as a surprise to some of us in the office that this Sunday was in fact Palm Sunday, already, and apparently a week early! “How could it be?”, they cried as they dashed off to find the palm crosses and (ahem) amend service orders. Meanwhile the CYF team continued with their busy programme of Easter activities with schools and groups, and the Hambledon Coffee morning (3rd Weds of the month) was overflowing.

We have also been supporting the wonderful Busbridge Junior School staff, governors and community in prayer during the Ofsted inspection this week. (We look forward to hearing the outcome shortly.) The Easter Prayer Space in Godalming Minster Brighton Road is ready to receive school pupils tomorrow, and the stations will be left in church until Good Friday. Do pop in from Saturday and perhaps use it as an excuse to meet a friend for coffee in the Yew Tree Café?

The following notices are primarily about Holy Week and Easter. You have 25 events and services to choose from over the next 10 days, and perhaps by picking something old (treasured and familiar), something new (in a different part of the Minster), something social (to get to know each other) and something blue (during Holy Week and Good Friday) you could experience and share an enriched Easter.

(Please note: there is already a waiting list for the Easter Garden Service on Sat 30th, but space at the Praise Party this Sunday, and Messy Easter also on 30th March.)

This Sunday

Reading & Topic

“Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord.
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” (Luke 19:38)

Reading: Luke 19: 28-38

Jesus’ tears over Jerusalem have particular poignancy and resonance right now, at this point in its history. Do we share Jesus’ longing for peace within its walls? If we keep silent, will the stones cry out?

Services for Palm Sunday

[listed in chronological order:]

10am Classic Service
Brighton Road (Busbridge)

10am Sunday Service
Franklyn Road (St Mark’s)

10am Morning Worship
Hambledon (St Peter’s)

10.30am Contemporary Service [HC]
Church Street (St Peter & St Paul’s)
Coffee from 10.15am. Children’s groups for 4-11s take place in the Octagon.
Followed by a bring and share lunch in the Octagon. Everyone invited!

5pm Choral Evensong
Church Street (St Peter & St Paul’s)
Monthly service, on 4th Sundays of the month

6pm Evening Worship
Brighton Road (Busbridge)

Service Information

More information about congregations and service times can be found on ChurchSuite, or the Sundays page on the web site. If you are on a rota, ChurchSuite will ping you a reminder by email, but you can also use the ChurchSuite app to check yourself.

Holy Week

As well as the services you would expect, here are the ones that might sound new:

Mon-Wed 8PM Reflections at Brighton Road
30 mins to follow the Easter story through the gospel of Luke.

8PM Maundy Thursday Service & Passover Meal at Franklyn Road
Share, Watch and Pray. We remember The Last Supper, sharing a simple vegetarian curry, which flows into communion at our tables. Please sign up so that we know numbers and dietary requirements. SIGN UP.

Good Friday

10am Good Friday Service at Church Street
This is a family friendly service for everyone to engage with the truth of Good Friday. It combines traditional and contemporary elements.

11.30AM Godalming Act of Witness
On Godalming High Street outside Wetherspoons. A short service including a drama by the Trinity Trust Team. Remember a loved one by tying a ribbon to the cross.
Refreshments at Godalming Baptist Church at 12noon. We need a few stewards to hand out Orders of Service. If you can help please contact Michael on michaeleashing@aol.com.

12 NOON An Hour at the Cross – Hambledon

2.30PM The Good Friday Hot Cross Bun Adventure! [all age]
A walk from Godalming Minster Brighton Road, Busbridge to Godalming Minster Hambledon on footpaths and bridleways via Hydon’s Ball. The full walk is about 5km.

If you would prefer a shorter version, please join the adventure at Hydon’s Ball car park at 3.15pm. Tea and hot cross buns will await you in the churchyard at the finish! SIGN UP

Saturday 30 March

8-9PM Service of Fire & Light – Godalming Minster Church Street
Join the choir at this service which will feature a firepit, lanterns, candles, dark and light, movement, prayer in spaces within the church and music.  Never been to a firepit vigil service? Come along for the hour!

EASTER DAY 31 March
Clocks go forward!

6.45AM Sunrise Service at Minster Field

10AM Easter Day Celebration [all age] – Brighton Road

10AM Easter Day Celebration [all age, communion] – Hambledon

10AM Choral Eucharist for Easter – Church Street

10AM Easter Day Communion – Franklyn Road

Coming Up

Fri 22 Mar – Hymns we love Easter Special, 2.30pm at Brighton Road.

Sat 23 Mar – Movie Matinee, 2.30pm at Brighton Road.

Tue 26 Mar – The Bereavement Café is “open” in the Old Rectory from 2.30-4pm.

Thu 4 Apr – Nexus meets to hear a talk by Alan Betts on National Parks in England and Wales: our protected landscapes.

Sat 20 Apr – Jam Together for 13-18s is back. 2-4pm in the Hut. Please encourage your future worship leaders if they sing or play an instrument.

Please check the calendar and select the event for more details.

Congregation News

The 6pm Congregation is delighted to announce it’s new congregation leader: Rev Lesley Mason. Lesley returns to us after many years as lead chaplain for HMP Send (Women’s prison). Prior to this Lesley was the vicar who developed the initial contemporary congregation as a church plant into Busbridge Junior School hall. One of Lesley and the congregational leadership teams’ first decisions has been to reinstate the 3rd Sunday of the month worship. It is amazing to see so many people stepping up into serving, leading and supporting God’s Kingdom mission as we follow Jesus together.

On Sunday 7 April, the Minster congregations unite to share worship together at 10am at Church Street (eclectic), and at 6pm at Hambledon for a Spring Choral Evensong (Traditional BCP), with the occasional choir which sings for these seasonal services.

The “regular” Godalming Minster Choir have a wonderful opportunity to stand in for the Cathedral Choir in Winchester Cathedral, singing for both the 11am Choral Eucharist and 3.30pm Choral Evensong. Everyone is warmly welcome to come and worship with the Choir in the beautiful setting of Winchester Cathedral for either or both services. The choral music in the services will include works by Harold Darke, Herbert Brewer, Bernard Rose, Percy Whitlock and Philip Stopford.

Mission Update

Request from the Godalming Foodbank at Godalming Minster Franklyn Road for good strong carrier bags. We use upwards of 80 a month and despite asking for the clients to bring them back, very few do. The foodbank also needs dog food! (Stocks for feline friends are currently more than sufficient).

Karen, the community centre coordinator, updates the shopping list each month with items most needed. You can find the latest shopping list for March on the Foodbank page.

Elsewhere

Life Issues 2024 – a programme of talks and course run by Godalming Baptist Church.

The next Life Issues event is Care Companion at the end of life. More details.

Coming Up

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

Can we pray for you?

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

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

9am Morning Prayer
9am on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays with Rev Sheila Samuels at Godalming Minster Franklyn Road.

Monday Morning Reflections on Zoom
If you would like to start your week in quiet reflection over a passage of scripture do join us at 8.45am on Mondays using the link above – you will be very welcome. For any further information please contact: Gertrud Sollars or Shan Hallam.

Wednesdays at 9am:
Morning Prayer at Godalming Minster Hambledon
Morning Prayer on Zoom via link above.

Groups & Activities

Nexus meets on the 1st Thursday of the month, with talks and activities for church members and the community. See the 2024 Nexus programme, and updates on Nexus.

Ladies’ Drinks take place every 1st Friday of the month, 7.30PM at the The Pavilion by Howling Owl.

The Men’s Group meets for breakfast at 8.15am on the 1st Saturdays of the month. See the calendar event for details.

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

The 2024 Prime Time programme is now available. For all events and details, see Prime Time.

Get Involved / Join a team

We’re passionate about people feeling like they’re a part of our church family and one of the best places to do that is as part of a team.

No matter your age or experience, there’s a team that you can join, serving alongside others and getting to know people better in the church. You can find out about all our opportunities to serve and offer your time and talents on the Join a Team page.

Don’t forget about…

MyChurchSuite is an app for members of Godalming Minster to check dates, rotas, church emails, look up church members and sign up to events (without having to enter your details again and again!). Contact the Minster Office if you’ve lost your login details or would like to request an account. See more instructions.

The Yew Tree Café at Godalming Minster Brighton Road is open 8.30am-4pm weekdays in term time, and 10am-2pm on Saturdays, and 10am-4pm during school holidays. There’s wi-fi and power for those that want to work, and Prime Time hosts a drop in session for anyone who’d like a coffee and a chat every Monday from 10.30-11.30am.

PASTORAL CARE & PRAYER MINISTRY

If you, or someone you know at church, are in need of support and care, please contact Sandra Wilkin via the Minster office, or e: pastoral@godalmingminster.org.

To contact the EMERGENCY prayer chain, email prayer@godalmingminster.org or call 01483 421267.

In the notices this week:

• Sunday services, and how to look them up

• The Journey to Easter with Godalming Minster

• PCC MInutes

• My Unexpected Talk (tomorrow’s Prime Time event with Simon Taylor)

Dear Friends,

The new Godalming Minster PCC met for the second time on Monday 11th March. Amongst other things, they signed off the minutes from January which are now available on the web site here.

Godalming Minster Franklyn Road hosted pupils from the St Mark’s and All Saints Primary School for an Easter “Pause” Day. The children spent time doing different creative prayer activities in the church. The session will be repeated for Busbridge Junior School at Godalming Minster Brighton Road next Friday, and the prayer spaces will be left in situ for Holy Week.

This Sunday

Reading & Topic

Reading: Luke 9: 51-62

“As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set his face towards Jerusalem…”

Please travel with us as we make this journey together – not as observers, but as fellow-travellers.

Minster Services listed in chronological order:

9am Choral Eucharist [HC]
Church Street (St Peter & St Paul’s)

10am Classic Service
Brighton Road (Busbridge)

10am Sunday Service
Franklyn Road (St Mark’s)

10am Morning Worship
Hambledon (St Peter’s)

10.30am Contemporary Service [HC]
Church Street (St Peter & St Paul’s)
Coffee from 10.15am. Children’s groups for 4-11s take place in the Octagon.

6pm Evening Worship
Brighton Road (Busbridge)
Now on 3rd Sundays too!

Service Information

More information about congregations and service times can be found on ChurchSuite, or the Sundays page on the web site. If you are on a rota, ChurchSuite will ping you a reminder by email, but you can also use the ChurchSuite app to check yourself.

Easter Events and Services

Please take a look at the Easter page on the web site. There are familiar services happening at all four Minster locations, as well as some great chances to come together between Palm Sunday and Easter Day.

You’ll see that there are a few events that we are asking people to sign up for, and to offer help with catering. These are:

– The Palm Sunday Easter Party at Franklyn Road – a repeat after last year’s praise party, and a great one for families.

– The Maundy Thursday curry and communion at Franklyn Road. We begin at 7pm with a simple meal of lentil curry with rice followed by a worship service which includes communion as a reminder of the events of the night we call Maundy Thursday. If you’d rather not eat, that’s OK, please still come and join the fellowship and worship.

– The Good Friday Hot Cross Bun adventure, which is a 5km walk from Brighton Road to St Peter’s, Hambledon with tea and Hot cross buns at the end. If you’ve never been to Hambledon this is one of the best times to visit and meet people from other churches and congregations.

Then on Easter Saturday there’s two special Easter services (AKA egg hunts!) for families:

Messy Easter on Hambledon Common at 10am, and the Easter Garden Service at Busbridge at 3pm. (The Easter Garden service is already half full so please do sign up ASAP.)

Of course, helpers are welcome at all these events and you can indicate that when you sign up, or email the Minster office. Thank you!

Coming Up

Tomorrow’s Prime Time Tea and Unexpected Talk (2.30pm on Fri 15 Mar). Unfortunately Keith Field can’t be with us tomorrow, so the talk will now be given by Simon Taylor in the Busbridge Old Rectory. Simon’s topic will be his walk along the South West Coast Path while on sabbatical last year: Triumphs and Tragedies, the people I met along the way. The offer of tea and cake still stands!

Please be praying for the couples attending the Pre-marriage Course this Saturday, and the faithful team leading them through the activities, and providing the lunch. The course is for everyone preparing for a wedding within Godalming Minster, but is also open to couples getting married elsewhere.

Works to the tower

Congregation News

The Contemporary team invite you to a bring and share lunch in the Octagon at 12noon on Palm Sunday, 24 March. This will follow the Contemporary Service, but please come and join the congregation from other services if you can.

Mission Update

The Godalming Foodbank at Godalming Minster Franklyn Road relies on financial and grocery donations to serve local people who need support. Karen, the community centre coordinator, updates the shopping list each month with items most needed. You can find the latest shopping list for March on the Foodbank page.

Elsewhere

Life Issues 2024 – a programme of talks and course run by Godalming Baptist Church.

The next Life Issues event is Care Companion at the end of life. More details.

Coming Up

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

Can we pray for you?

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

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

9am Morning Prayer
9am on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays with Rev Sheila Samuels at Godalming Minster Franklyn Road.

Monday Morning Reflections on Zoom
If you would like to start your week in quiet reflection over a passage of scripture do join us at 8.45am on Mondays using the link above – you will be very welcome. For any further information please contact: Gertrud Sollars or Shan Hallam.

Wednesdays at 9am:
Morning Prayer at Godalming Minster Hambledon
Morning Prayer on Zoom via link above.

Groups & Activities

Nexus meets on the 1st Thursday of the month, with talks and activities for church members and the community. See the 2024 Nexus programme, and updates on Nexus.

Ladies’ Drinks take place every 1st Friday of the month, 7.30PM at the The Pavilion by Howling Owl.

The Men’s Group meets for breakfast at 8.15am on the 1st Saturdays of the month. See the calendar event for details.

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

The 2024 Prime Time programme is now available. For all events and details, see Prime Time.

Get Involved / Join a team

We’re passionate about people feeling like they’re a part of our church family and one of the best places to do that is as part of a team.

No matter your age or experience, there’s a team that you can join, serving alongside others and getting to know people better in the church. You can find out about all our opportunities to serve and offer your time and talents on the Join a Team page.

Don’t forget about…

MyChurchSuite is an app for members of Godalming Minster to check dates, rotas, church emails, look up church members and sign up to events (without having to enter your details again and again!). Contact the Minster Office if you’ve lost your login details or would like to request an account. See more instructions.

The Yew Tree Café at Godalming Minster Brighton Road is open 8.30am-4pm weekdays in term time, and 10am-2pm on Saturdays, and 10am-4pm during school holidays. There’s wi-fi and power for those that want to work, and Prime Time hosts a drop in session for anyone who’d like a coffee and a chat every Monday from 10.30-11.30am.

PASTORAL CARE & PRAYER MINISTRY

If you, or someone you know at church, are in need of support and care, please contact Sandra Wilkin via the Minster office, or e: pastoral@godalmingminster.org.

To contact the EMERGENCY prayer chain, email prayer@godalmingminster.org or call 01483 421267.

This Sunday we are celebrating all mothers,
and mother figures!

In the notices this week:

• Godalming Minster Mothering Sunday services, and how to look them up

• The Journey to Easter with Godalming Minster

• This Saturday’s Prayer Gathering at Franklyn Road

• Invitation to the Prime Time tea and talk next week

• Watch episode 4 of the Guildford Diocese Lent series “Jesus and Calling: On the Road to Easter”. Our LLM Philippa Baker and Matthew Frost from East Molsey share their insights on Jesus’ calling.

Dear Friends

There’s a little treat for Mums this Sunday, and in fact we’ll be affirming all ladies in the parish. So do please join us to give thanks for our mothers past and present, and pray for those for whom this day brings mixed emotion. For those blessed by motherhood, we wish you a day that’s divine!

Our Lent sermon series continues and this week as we explore the well known parable of the Good Samaritan and consider what today’s counter-cultural equivalent is, and how we can be better neighbours this Lent.

This Sunday

Reading & Topic

Just do it!
Readings: Luke 10: 25-37
Parable of the Good Samaritan

Minster Services listed in chronological order:

8am BCP Holy Communion – Church Street (St Peter & St Paul’s)

10am Classic Service [HC] – Brighton Road (Busbridge)

10am Sunday Service – Franklyn Road (St Mark’s)

10am Morning Worship – Hambledon (St Peter’s)
With kids’ club (2nd & 4th Sundays).

10.30am Contemporary Service – Church Street (St Peter & St Paul’s)
Coffee from 10.15am. Children’s groups for 4-11s take place in the Octagon.

6pm Evening Worship – Brighton Road (Busbridge)

Service Information

More information about congregations and service times can be found on ChurchSuite, or the Sundays page on the web site. If you are on a rota, ChurchSuite will ping you a reminder by email, but you can also use the ChurchSuite app to check yourself.

Easter Events and Services

Please take a look at the Easter page on the web site. There are familiar services happening at all four Minster locations, as well as some great chances to come together between Palm Sunday and Easter Day. You’ll see that there are a few events that we are asking people to sign up for to help with catering. These are:

The Palm Sunday Easter Party at Franklyn Road – a repeat after last year’s praise party, and a great one for families.

The Maundy Thursday Passover meal and communion at Franklyn Road, as we remember the Last Supper.

The Good Friday Hot Cross Bun adventure, which is a 5km walk from Brighton Road to St Peter’s, Hambledon with tea and Hot cross buns at the end. If you’ve never been to Hambledon this is one of the best times to visit and meet people from other churches and congregations.

Then on Easter Saturday there’s two special Easter services (AKA egg hunts!) for families:

Messy Easter on Hambledon Common at 10am and the Easter Garden Service at Busbridge at 3pm. The Easter Garden service is already half full so please do sign up ASAP.

Of course helpers are welcome at all these events and you can indicate that when you sign up, or email the Minster office. Thank you!

We are delighted to share the diocese’s latest episode from their Lent series, which features our very own licensed lay minister, Philippa Baker! Philippa leads and preaches at services across the Minster, and will be leading our Holy Week Reflections at Brighton Road on Mon 25th and Tues 26th March. See: https://fb.watch/qFHIPW0KD1/ on facebook.

Nexus is looking forward to a talk by James Giles, Reserve Manager for Thursley Nature Reserve at 8pm on Thursday 7th March in the Busbridge Old Rectory. It is a social opportunity with refreshments to start, and will be very interesting for those who enjoy our local commons. There’s a £5 entry, or £20 to join Nexus for the year. More details.

Saturday Prayer Gathering at Franklyn Road this Saturday, 8-9am 
The monthly Saturday prayer gathering is on the move and will now rotate around Minster locations! All welcome to come along to Franklyn Road this Saturday from 8-9am. We will pray for our leaders and events including Easter. Let Michael Stubbs know if you can’t make it but have any items for Prayer.

Invitation to a Prime Time Tea and Talk by Keith Fielding, 2.30pm on Fri 15 Mar, Brighton Road.
We are looking forward to Keith Field joining us to share his thoughts on his Unexpected Journey – ‘Walking through Lockdown with God and my camera’.  If your children are of a certain age and attended Broadwater School, the name Keith Field may be familiar to you as Keith, prior to his retirement, taught RE and led the Christian Union at Broadwater School.  He is now kept equally as busy as when he was working, as he has made quite a name for himself locally for delivering insightful illustrated presentations on local places of interest, landscapes and nature; linking his observations in with words from scripture.  For this talk, Keith will be focussing on Spring & Summer which seems particularly appropriate for this season of Lent.  This is a free event, but donations on the day to help cover our costs would be welcomed.

Please be praying for the new Godalming Minster PCC as it meets for the second time next Monday 11th March at Busbridge. Meeting minutes are made available on the web site once they are signed off.

Congregation News

The Contemporary team invite you to a bring and share lunch in the Octagon at 12noon on Palm Sunday, 24 March. This will follow the Contemporary Service, but please come and join the congregation from other services if you can.

After several years of restoring a team and resources since Covid, the 6pm Evening Congregation at Brighton Road will gather on 3rd Sundays of the month, making it a weekly service once more.

Church Family News

John Lear’s Thanksgiving Service will take place at St Bartholomew’s Church, Haslemere, on Monday 11th March 2024 at 2.30 p.m..  All friends are welcome to come to the service and to join the family for refreshments afterwards.  If you are unable to be there, but would like to watch the service online, please e-mail the church office office@godalmingminster.org for the Livestream link.

Mission Update

The Godalming Foodbank at Godalming Minster Franklyn Road relies on financial and grocery donations to serve local people who need support. Karen, the community centre coordinator, updates the shopping list each month with items most needed. You can find the latest shopping list for March on the Foodbank page.

Elsewhere

Hope in Depression Course starting 7 March
This course is designed for anyone who lives with depression (even occasional episodes), and/or anxiety. It aims to help participants to better understand and manage depression leading to a more enjoyable life. Run over 3 weeks at St.  Saviour’s Church, with sessions from 7pm to 9:30pm on Thursdays and Mondays, the course will start with a short meal and includes talks on brain function and medication, talking therapies, food and mood and wellness and exercise with discussion in small groups. For more information and to sign up, click here. The link to the course page and for registration is https://st-saviours.org.uk/hope

Chris G (Contemporary congregation) recommends

Guildford Theology Hub: Science and Religion in the 21st Century with Revd Prof David Wilkinson – 14 March at 7pm
Details and Booking

The Theology Hub is an initiative aiming to build something that will resource churches across the Diocese for years to come. We are so excited to host Revd Prof David Wilkinson for what will be a fascinating and very faith building evening. All are welcome to attend.

Life Issues 2024 – a programme of talks and course run by Godalming Baptist Church.

The next Life Issues event is Care Companion at the end of life. More details.

Coming Up

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

Can we pray for you?

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

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

9am Morning Prayer
9am on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays with Rev Sheila Samuels at Godalming Minster Franklyn Road.

Monday Morning Reflections on Zoom
If you would like to start your week in quiet reflection over a passage of scripture do join us at 8.45am on Mondays using the link above – you will be very welcome. For any further information please contact: Gertrud Sollars or Shan Hallam.

Wednesdays at 9am:
Morning Prayer at Godalming Minster Hambledon
Morning Prayer on Zoom via link above.

Groups & Activities

Nexus meets on the 1st Thursday of the month, with talks and activities for church members and the community. See the 2024 Nexus programme, and updates on Nexus.

Ladies’ Drinks take place every 1st Friday of the month, 7.30PM at the The Pavilion by Howling Owl.

The Men’s Group meets for breakfast at 8.15am on the 1st Saturdays of the month. See the calendar event for details.

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

The 2024 Prime Time programme is now available. For all events and details, see Prime Time.

Get Involved / Join a team

We’re passionate about people feeling like they’re a part of our church family and one of the best places to do that is as part of a team.

No matter your age or experience, there’s a team that you can join, serving alongside others and getting to know people better in the church. You can find out about all our opportunities to serve and offer your time and talents on the Join a Team page.

Don’t forget about…

MyChurchSuite is an app for members of Godalming Minster to check dates, rotas, church emails, look up church members and sign up to events (without having to enter your details again and again!). Contact the Minster Office if you’ve lost your login details or would like to request an account. See more instructions.

The Yew Tree Café at Godalming Minster Brighton Road is open 8.30am-4pm weekdays in term time, and 10am-2pm on Saturdays, and 10am-4pm during school holidays. There’s wi-fi and power for those that want to work, and Prime Time hosts a drop in session for anyone who’d like a coffee and a chat every Monday from 10.30-11.30am.

PASTORAL CARE & PRAYER MINISTRY

If you, or someone you know at church, are in need of support and care, please contact Sandra Wilkin via the Minster office, or e: pastoral@godalmingminster.org.

To contact the EMERGENCY prayer chain, email prayer@godalmingminster.org or call 01483 421267.

In the notices this week:

• Godalming Minster services this Sunday, and how to look them up.

• Service to mark the National Day of Reflection – remembering those those that died during the pandemic (Sunday 3rd March)

• Godalming Ukrainian Charity Day to mark the 2nd anniversary of the Russian invasion, this Saturday, 24th February in Crown Court and the Wilfred Noyce Centre.

Dear Friends

Today (1st March) is the 2024 World Day of Prayer, and we are invited to take in this international day locally at this morning’s 10.30am service at St John’s, Farncombe.

“I Beg You… Bear With One Another in Love”
(Ephesians 4:1-3).

The service this year was prepared by an ecumenical group of Women from Palestine which is the focus country for 2024.  The Service be led by the Rev James Rattue and the Rev Hannah Moore, the Rector of St James in Elstead. The service will be followed by refreshments and cake. 

This Sunday

Reading & Topic

Changed from glory into glory (The Transfiguration)
Readings: Luke 9: 28-36

Minster Services listed in chronological order:

9am Choral Eucharist – Church Street (St Peter & St Paul’s)

10am Classic Service [HC] – Brighton Road (Busbridge)

10am Sunday Service – Franklyn Road (St Mark’s)

10am Morning Worship – Hambledon (St Peter’s)

10.30am Muddy Church (Contemporary All Age) – Holloway Hill Recreation Ground (GU7 1QD)
Meet behind the tennis courts. BYO cup for coffee & hot chocolate.

11am Service for the Day of Reflection – Church Street (St Peter & St Paul’s)

12 noon Mayors of Waverley & Godalming lead a Minute’s Silence at the Pepperpot to remember loved ones who died during the pandemic

6pm Evening Worship – Brighton Road (Busbridge)
Youth join the 6pm congregation this week (1st Sundays).

Service Information

More information about congregations and service times can be found on ChurchSuite, or the Sundays page on the web site. If you are on a rota, ChurchSuite will ping you a reminder by email, but you can also use the ChurchSuite app to check yourself.

Town Service for the National Day of Reflection on Sunday 3rd March 2024

Godalming Minster is holding a special civic service for everyone in the Godalming Community and beyond before moving to the Pepperpot for the national minute’s silence at 12 noon to remember everyone who died during the pandemic. For more details see National Day of Reflection.

Members of the Pastoral Care team will be there to speak to people at the end of the service, and offer bereavement support to those who might benefit. You can find out about Pastoral Care and the Pastoral Assistants, and get in touch anytime. (The next bereavement café will take place on 26 March.)

Ladies drinks 1st March All Minster ladies are invited to drop in to The Pavilion by Howling Owl, GU7 1QD from 7.30pm to meet or catch up with friends across Godalming Minster. You are welcome to bring a friend too. We are looking forward to seeing you there.

Men’s breakfast 2nd March. The topic for discussion this month is are we ready for war? All are invited at 8.15am in the Busbridge Old Rectory for porridge and toast with chat over a relevant matter of the day. More details.

Nexus is looking forward to a talk by James Giles, Reserve Manager for Thursley Nature Reserve at 8pm on Thursday 7th March in the Busbridge Old Rectory. It is a social opportunity with refreshments to start, and will be very interesting for those who enjoy our local commons. There’s a £5 entry, or £20 to join Nexus for the year. More details.

Church Family News

The Bridge magazine would like to share its huge thanks to Chris Payne (Busbridge Classic congregation) as she steps back from the editorial team after 15 years. Chris has made a significant contribution to the issues over the years, with her wonderful photography of local wildlife and as a regular “feature writer” and proof reader. If you’d like to join the editorial team, place an ad or contribute please get in touch with David Brockman e: editor.atthebridge@gmail.com.

Elsewhere

Hope in Depression Course starting 7 March
This course is designed for anyone who lives with depression (even occasional episodes), and/or anxiety. It aims to help participants to better understand and manage depression leading to a more enjoyable life. Run over 3 weeks at St.  Saviour’s Church, with sessions from 7pm to 9:30pm on Thursdays and Mondays, the course will start with a short meal and includes talks on brain function and medication, talking therapies, food and mood and wellness and exercise with discussion in small groups. For more information and to sign up, click here. The link to the course page and for registration is https://st-saviours.org.uk/hope

Chris G (Contemporary congregation) recommends

Guildford Theology Hub: Science and Religion in the 21st Century with Revd Prof David Wilkinson – 14 March at 7pm
Details and Booking

The Theology Hub is an initiative aiming to build something that will resource churches across the Diocese for years to come. We are so excited to host Revd Prof David Wilkinson for what will be a fascinating and very faith building evening. All are welcome to attend.

Churches Together Link Up – February 2024

Life Issues 2024 – a programme of talks and course run by Godalming Baptist Church.

Coming Up

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

Can we pray for you?

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

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

9am Morning Prayer
9am on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays with Rev Sheila Samuels at Godalming Minster Franklyn Road.

Monday Morning Reflections on Zoom
If you would like to start your week in quiet reflection over a passage of scripture do join us at 8.45am on Mondays using the link above – you will be very welcome. For any further information please contact: Gertrud Sollars or Shan Hallam.

Wednesdays at 9am:
Morning Prayer at Godalming Minster Hambledon
Morning Prayer on Zoom via link above.

Groups & Activities

Nexus meets on the 1st Thursday of the month, with talks and activities for church members and the community. See the 2024 Nexus programme, and updates on Nexus.

Ladies’ Drinks take place every 1st Friday of the month, 7.30PM at the The Pavilion by Howling Owl.

The Men’s Group meets for breakfast at 8.15am on the 1st Saturdays of the month. See the calendar event for details.

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

The 2024 Prime Time programme is now available. For all events and details, see Prime Time.

Get Involved / Join a team

We’re passionate about people feeling like they’re a part of our church family and one of the best places to do that is as part of a team.

No matter your age or experience, there’s a team that you can join, serving alongside others and getting to know people better in the church. You can find out about all our opportunities to serve and offer your time and talents on the Join a Team page.

Don’t forget about…

MyChurchSuite is an app for members of Godalming Minster to check dates, rotas, church emails, look up church members and sign up to events (without having to enter your details again and again!). Contact the Minster Office if you’ve lost your login details or would like to request an account. See more instructions.

The Yew Tree Café at Godalming Minster Brighton Road is open 8.30am-4pm weekdays in term time, and 10am-2pm on Saturdays, and 10am-4pm during school holidays. There’s wi-fi and power for those that want to work, and Prime Time hosts a drop in session for anyone who’d like a coffee and a chat every Monday from 10.30-11.30am.

PASTORAL CARE & PRAYER MINISTRY

If you, or someone you know at church, are in need of support and care, please contact Sandra Wilkin via the Minster office, or e: pastoral@godalmingminster.org.

To contact the EMERGENCY prayer chain, email prayer@godalmingminster.org or call 01483 421267.

In the notices this week:

• Godalming Minster services this Sunday, and how to look them up.

• Godalming Ukrainian Charity Day to mark the 2nd anniversary of the Russian invasion, this Saturday, 24th February in Crown Court and the Wilfred Noyce Centre.

• Service to mark the National Day of Reflection – remembering those those that died during the pandemic (Sunday 3rd March)

• Godalming Minster Social and Community Events coming up: Saturday Movie Matinee, Ladies’ Drinks, Men’s Breakfast and a Nexus Talk by Thursley Common’s Reserve Manager

• Update from the Foodbank

• Yew Tree Café closed this Saturday

Dear Friends

Before we dive into what’s coming up, here’s a few testaments to following Jesus, loving people and renewing faith from around Godalming Minster:

Keith Harper is currently leading 12 people on the Alpha course, supported by some wonderful, but “invisible” people who make the food week by week and who support Alpha behind the scenes. If you are interested in joining an Alpha, or can help with a course later in the year, speak to Keith or Sheila.

Demand for hearing aid clinics appears to be going up, with new visitors to the Hambledon clinic which runs during the coffee morning on 3rd Wednesdays, and ever increasing numbers at Godalming Library on 3rd Mondays.

The Classic congregation has seen growing numbers worshipping at Brighton Road, Busbridge Church over the past few weeks.

The Contemporary has a growing team of welcomers, and people have stepped forward to help with the ministry of washing up after coffee.

New members and a new organist have joined the choir, and the new Choral Evensong (monthly on 4th Sundays) is happening at 5pm this Sunday!

If you’ve got any encouraging stories about good things happening, do drop us a line in the Minster Office.

This Sunday

Reading & Topic

Shock! Horror! (Peter’s surprise declaration and Jesus’ shock prediction)
Readings: Matthew 16: 13-28

Minster Services listed in chronological order:

10am Classic Service – Brighton Road (Busbridge)

10am Sunday Service – Franklyn Road (St Mark’s)

10am Morning Worship – Hambledon (St Peter’s)

10.30am Contemporary Service – Church Street (St Peter & St Paul’s)
Coffee available from 10.15am. Children start in the service before leaving from their groups.

5pm Choral Evensong – Church Street (St Peter & St Paul’s)

6pm Evening Worship [HC] – Brighton Road (Busbridge)

Service Information

More information about congregations and service times can be found on ChurchSuite, or the Sundays page on the web site. If you are on a rota, ChurchSuite will ping you a reminder by email, but you can also use the ChurchSuite app to check yourself.

This Saturday

Godalming Minster is pleased to be taking part in the Ukranian Charity Event this Saturday. Olena (Assistant Manager, Yew Tree Café) writes: On February 24, 2024, the community of Ukrainians in Godalming invites everyone to the Ukrainian Charity Event dedicated to the 2nd anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Our goal is to show our unity and raise funds for Ukrainian Mission UK volunteers, who deliver humanitarian aid, medicine, and medical equipment to Ukraine. The programme of the events:

11am-2pm – The first part of the event Crown Court, Godalming, GU7 1DY

11am-11.30am – Official opening: raising the Ukrainian flag and playing the national anthem, prayer for Ukraine, and a minute of silence. The Mayors of Godalming and Waverley and a representative of the local Ukrainian support group will say a few words.

11am-2.00pm – Food Festival of Traditional Ukrainian Cuisine. No cost, donations welcome! 11am-1.30pm – Raffle tickets for unique Ukrainian items provided by Ukrainian Mission UK. Draw of winners at 1.30pm.

11.30am-12.30pm – Ukrainian art: performance of folk songs on the bandura and an acrobatic number dedicated to the children of Ukraine.

2.00pm – End of the first part of the event.

5.00pm-7.15pm – The second part of the event. Charity screening of the film “Carol of the Bells”*. Wilfrid Noyce Community Centre, Crown Court, Godalming, GU7 1 DY. Charity contribution – £2. * in Ukrainian with English subtitles, age – 18+

Town Service for the National Day of Reflection, 11am on Sunday 3rd March 2024

Godalming Minster is holding a special civic service at Church Street before moving to the Pepperpot for the national minute’s silence at 12 noon to remember everyone who died during the pandemic. For more details see National Day of Reflection.

The 9am Choral Eucharist, 10am Services and 10.30am Muddy will take place across the Minster as usual, and it is hoped that the congregations will join the wider community at Church Street for 11am, or 12 noon.

Movie Matinee (Yew Tree Café closed).
Doors open at 2pm for the next free-cinema experience at Brighton Road this coming Saturday, February 24th. This month’s offering is a true-life spy drama which hit cinema screens back in 2020.  Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, Benedict Cumberbatch stars as unassuming British businessman Greville Wynne who is recruited by M16 and the CIA to undertake a covert mission within the Soviet Union.  The film will be starting at 2.30pm. We’ll be serving tea, biscuits and popcorn throughout the afternoon as usual but please note; if you were hoping to come and lunch in the Yew Tree Café, the café will be closed as the café team will be in Crown Court running and supporting Godalming’s Ukrainian Charity Day.  This Saturday’s closure is a one-off due to the poignancy of the day for our Ukrainian friends, many of whom have become members of the Godalming Minster family.

Ladies drinks 1st March All Minster ladies are invited to drop in to The Pavilion by Howling Owl, GU7 1QD from 7.30pm to meet or catch up with friends across Godalming Minster. You are welcome to bring a friend too. We are looking forward to seeing you there.

Men’s breakfast 2nd March. The topic for discussion has not yet been announced, but all are invited at 8.15am in the Busbridge Old Rectory for porridge and toast with chat over a relevant matter of the day.

Nexus is looking forward to a talk by James Giles, Reserve Manager for Thursley Nature Reserve at 8pm on Thursday 7th March in the Busbridge Old Rectory. It is a social opportunity with refreshments to start, and will be very interesting for those who enjoy our local commons. There’s a £5 entry, or £20 to join Nexus for the year.

Supporting the Godalming Foodbank
The Godalming Foodbank at Godalming Minster Franklyn Road is open to visitors on Mondays and Wednesdays, coordinated by Karen Milton and supported by volunteers. The foodbank relies on financial donations and groceries which can be dropped to Franklyn Road. A list of most needed items is updated on a monthly basis on the web site HERE.

Church Family News

We send our love to Lorna and Donna whose father Jim died last weekend.  Please pray for them, their Mum and the whole family as they mourn.

Many church friends will be saddened to hear that John Lear died on Thursday,  peacefully at home.  Please pray for Ann, for Robbie, David, Jenny and Debbie, and for the whole family, here and overseas.  John was a much-loved Reader at Busbridge for many years, and we valued his preaching enormously.  It is too early yet to know funeral details, but we will let you know when they are finalised.   

Elsewhere

2024 World Day of Prayer – 1st March
The service this year was prepared by and ecumenical group of Women from Palestine which is the focus country for 2024.  The Service will take place at St John’s Church at Farncombe at 10.30 on Friday 1st March.  The service will be led by the Rev James Rattue and the Rev Hannah Moore, the Rector of St James in Elstead. The service will be followed by refreshments and cake. 

Hope in Depression Course starting 7 March
This course is designed for anyone who lives with depression (even occasional episodes), and/or anxiety. It aims to help participants to better understand and manage depression leading to a more enjoyable life. Run over 3 weeks at St.  Saviour’s Church, with sessions from 7pm to 9:30pm on Thursdays and Mondays, the course will start with a short meal and includes talks on brain function and medication, talking therapies, food and mood and wellness and exercise with discussion in small groups. For more information and to sign up, click here. The link to the course page and for registration is https://st-saviours.org.uk/hope

Chris G (Contemporary congregation) recommends

Guildford Theology Hub: Science and Religion in the 21st Century with Revd Prof David Wilkinson – 14 March at 7pm
Details and Booking

The Theology Hub is an initiative aiming to build something that will resource churches across the Diocese for years to come. We are so excited to host Revd Prof David Wilkinson for what will be a fascinating and very faith building evening. All are welcome to attend.

Churches Together Link Up – February 2024

Life Issues 2024 – a programme of talks and course run by Godalming Baptist Church.

Coming Up

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

Can we pray for you?

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

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

9am Morning Prayer
9am on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays with Rev Sheila Samuels at Godalming Minster Franklyn Road.

Monday Morning Reflections on Zoom
If you would like to start your week in quiet reflection over a passage of scripture do join us at 8.45am on Mondays using the link above – you will be very welcome. For any further information please contact: Gertrud Sollars or Shan Hallam.

Wednesdays at 9am:
Morning Prayer at Godalming Minster Hambledon
Morning Prayer on Zoom via link above.

Groups & Activities

Nexus meets on the 1st Thursday of the month, with talks and activities for church members and the community. See the 2024 Nexus programme, and updates on Nexus.

Ladies’ Drinks take place every 1st Friday of the month, 7.30PM at the The Pavilion by Howling Owl.

The Men’s Group meets for breakfast at 8.15am on the 1st Saturdays of the month. See the calendar event for details.

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

The 2024 Prime Time programme is now available. For all events and details, see Prime Time.

Get Involved / Join a team

We’re passionate about people feeling like they’re a part of our church family and one of the best places to do that is as part of a team.

No matter your age or experience, there’s a team that you can join, serving alongside others and getting to know people better in the church. You can find out about all our opportunities to serve and offer your time and talents on the Join a Team page.

Don’t forget about…

MyChurchSuite is an app for members of Godalming Minster to check dates, rotas, church emails, look up church members and sign up to events (without having to enter your details again and again!). Contact the Minster Office if you’ve lost your login details or would like to request an account. See more instructions.

The Yew Tree Café at Godalming Minster Brighton Road is open 8.30am-4pm weekdays in term time, and 10am-2pm on Saturdays, and 10am-4pm during school holidays. There’s wi-fi and power for those that want to work, and Prime Time hosts a drop in session for anyone who’d like a coffee and a chat every Monday from 10.30-11.30am.

PASTORAL CARE & PRAYER MINISTRY

If you, or someone you know at church, are in need of support and care, please contact Sandra Wilkin via the Minster office, or e: pastoral@godalmingminster.org.

To contact the EMERGENCY prayer chain, email prayer@godalmingminster.org or call 01483 421267.

We set a Godalming Minster record yesterday for the number of pancakes (200+) served to guests who came to Franklyn Road for the Pancake party. The party brought together people from toddler and children’s groups, The Hub and Prime Time to enjoy tea and pancakes and activities to suit all ages. It was all made possible by a thoroughly Minster-wide team of cooks, hosts and game organisers from every congregation. The pancake flipping prize surely went to Patrick Samuels who made 130 of the pancakes, and Sheila’s kitchen team who served lunch for The Hub before welcoming another 100 guests!

In the notices this week:

• Ash Wednesday 8pm Communion

• Godalming Minster services this Sunday, and how to look them up.

• Look ahead to Lent: Pancakes, Ashing and a 40-day challenge

Dear Friends

Here are some slightly early notices for Ash Wednesday and this coming Sunday 18th February.

Please be encouraged to start the Journey to Easter tonight at 8pm for the Ash Wednesday Communion and distribution of Ashes. This service is for everyone in Godalming Minster, and takes place at Hambledon, Church Lane, GU8 4DS.

About the Lent Sermon Series: Journey to Easter – Stories along the way
People love stories!  And they love stories about people.  With this in mind, the sermon series taking us from Ash Wednesday, through Lent and Holy Week has a focus on the people Jesus met during what turned out to be the final journey of his earthly ministry.   The stories range from mercy to hospitality, apprentice training schemes to parables, from startling revelations to betrayal and death.

Please travel with us, then, as we make this journey together – not as observers, but as fellow-travellers.

Margot Spencer, January 2024

If you are looking for something daily, you might also like to consider The Church of England’s Lent course Watch and Pray: Wisdom and hope for Lent and life. There are some great looking resources available:

• Campaign app: The free Watch and Pray app for both iOS and Android will be released in early February. Sign up to make sure you get an email as soon as it becomes available.

• Reflections via email: Sign up and get free daily Lent reflection emails (except Sundays) delivered straight to your inbox from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day. Our daily emails will offer Bible readings, short reflections and a practical challenge, as well as prayers linked to weekly themes.

• Reflection booklets: Daily reflections will also be available as booklets for both adults and children and are available to pre-order from Church House Publishing. Free copies are available at Godalming Minster Franklyn Road, while stocks last!

• Smart speakers: Audio versions of the Lent reflections will also be available for free on Alexa-enabled smart devices from Ash Wednesday (14 February).

This Sunday

Reading & Topic

Genesis 9:8-17 and Luke 9: 1-6 & 10-17
All are welcome! (Hospitality received and given)

Minster Services listed in chronological order:

9am Choral Eucharist – Church Street (St Peter & St Paul’s)
10am Classic Service – Brighton Road (Busbridge)

10am Sunday Service – Franklyn Road (St Mark’s)

10am Morning Worship – Hambledon (St Peter’s)

10.30am Contemporary Service – Church Street (St Peter & St Paul’s)
Coffee available from 10.15am. Children start in the service before leaving from their groups.

4pm Messy Church – Hambledon Village Hall

Service Information

More information about congregations and service times can be found on ChurchSuite, or the Sundays page on the web site. If you are on a rota, ChurchSuite will ping you a reminder by email, but you can also use the ChurchSuite app to check yourself.

Lent Challenge

Part of this year’s Lent challenge is the 40-day Small Group trial! Instead of giving up chocolate, join one of the Small Groups, or start your own for 40 days (that’s 6 weeks) and experience bible study, prayer and friendship on a weekly or fortnightly basis. Small groups are encouraged to follow the Journey to Easter sermon series and use the accompanying notes and questions in whatever way they find helpful – to provoke discussion and reflection, or to lead into a time of prayer.  There are six group studies and some for personal reflection over Easter itself. Please contact Hilary Pettman for a place via e: office@godalmingminster.org.

If daytime is an option, Sheila Samuels is hosting a lent small group on Mondays from 12.30pm-2pm starting Monday 19th at St Mark’s House, Franklyn Road. Bring your own lunch, drinks provided. Contact: sheila.samuels@godalmingminster.org.

Elsewhere

2024 World Day of Prayer – 1st March
The service this year was prepared by and ecumenical group of Women from Palestine which is the focus country for 2024.  The Service will take place at St John’s Church at Farncombe at 10.30 on Friday 1st March.  The service will be led by the Rev James Rattue and the Rev Hannah Moore, the Rector of St James in Elstead. The service will be followed by refreshments and cake. 

Further information:-

https://www.wwdp.org.uk/2024-wdp-free-resources-to-download/

https://www.wwdp.org.uk/2024-theme-and-country-palestine/

Chris G (Contemporary congregation) recommends

Guildford Theology Hub: Science and Religion in the 21st Century with Revd Prof David Wilkinson – 14 March at 7pm
Details and Booking

The Theology Hub is an initiative aiming to build something that will resource churches across the Diocese for years to come. We are so excited to host Revd Prof David Wilkinson for what will be a fascinating and very faith building evening. All are welcome to attend.

Churches Together Link Up – February 2024

Life Issues 2024 – a programme of talks and course run by Godalming Baptist Church.

Coming Up

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

Can we pray for you?

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

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

9am Morning Prayer
9am on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays with Rev Sheila Samuels at Godalming Minster Franklyn Road.

Monday Morning Reflections on Zoom
If you would like to start your week in quiet reflection over a passage of scripture do join us at 8.45am on Mondays using the link above – you will be very welcome. For any further information please contact: Gertrud Sollars or Shan Hallam.

Wednesdays at 9am:
Morning Prayer at Godalming Minster Hambledon
Morning Prayer on Zoom via link above.

Groups & Activities

Nexus meets on the 1st Thursday of the month, with talks and activities for church members and the community. See the 2024 Nexus programme, and updates on Nexus.

Ladies’ Drinks take place every 1st Friday of the month, 7.30PM at the The Pavilion by Howling Owl.

The Men’s Group meets for breakfast at 8.15am on the 1st Saturdays of the month. See the calendar event for details.

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

The 2024 Prime Time programme is now available. For all events and details, see Prime Time.

Get involved / Join a team

We’re passionate about people feeling like they’re a part of our church family and one of the best places to do that is as part of a team.

No matter your age or experience, there’s a team that you can join, serving alongside others and getting to know people better in the church. You can find out about all our opportunities to serve and offer your time and talents on the Join a Team page.

Don’t forget about…

MyChurchSuite is an app for members of Godalming Minster to check dates, rotas, church emails, look up church members and sign up to events (without having to enter your details again and again!). Contact the Minster Office if you’ve lost your login details or would like to request an account. See more instructions.

The Yew Tree Café at Godalming Minster Brighton Road is open 8.30am-4pm weekdays in term time, and 10am-2pm on Saturdays, and 10am-4pm during school holidays. There’s wi-fi and power for those that want to work, and Prime Time hosts a drop in session for anyone who’d like a coffee and a chat every Monday from 10.30-11.30am.

PASTORAL CARE & PRAYER MINISTRY

If you, or someone you know at church, are in need of support and care, please contact Sandra Wilkin via the Minster office, or e: pastoral@godalmingminster.org.

To contact the EMERGENCY prayer chain, email prayer@godalmingminster.org or call 01483 421267.

In the notices this week:

• Racial Justice Sunday

• Godalming Minster services this Sunday, and how to look them up.

• Look ahead to Lent: Pancakes, Ashing and a 40-day challenge

• Some good things happening elsewhere.

Dear Friends

11th February is national Racial Justice Sunday for all Christian denominations across the UK. Racial Justice Sunday is for all Christians to reflect on the importance of racial justice, to give thanks for the gifts and beauty of human diversity, and to commit to end racism and acts of discrimination.  All congregations will be focussing prayer on racial justice this Sunday.

A prayer for Racial Justice Sunday

Merciful God,
you are righteous and love justice:
stir the hearts of your people that,
rejoicing in our diversity,
we may repent of the wrongs of the past,
and, by your grace, seek the peaceable kingdom of your Son,
      our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

This Sunday

Reading & Topic

Ephesians 4: 14-24: Purity
Living up to our high calling in Christ requires effort and intentionality in the choices we make. We continue our sermon series in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, following the Transformed Living programme from Waverley Abbey.

Minster Services listed in chronological order:

8am BCP Holy Communion – Church Street (St Peter & St Paul’s)
Followed by breakfast in the Octagon.

10am Classic Service – Brighton Road (Busbridge)

10am Sunday Service [HC] – Franklyn Road (St Mark’s)

10am Morning Worship [HC] – Hambledon (St Peter’s)

10.30am Contemporary Service – Church Street (St Peter & St Paul’s)
Coffee available from 10.15am. Children start in the service before leaving from their groups.

6pm Evening Worship – Brighton Road (Busbridge)

Service Information

More information about congregations and service times can be found on ChurchSuite, or the Sundays page on the web site. If you are on a rota, ChurchSuite will ping you a reminder by email, but you can also use the ChurchSuite app to check yourself.

This Saturday Monthly Prayer Gathering at Godalming Minster Brighton Road – 8-9am. We pray for the mission of the Minster and those involved, our wider community. All are welcome, to attend, or send in requests for prayer to michaeleashing@aol.com.

Begin the Journey to Easter – Lent starts next Wednesday 14 Feb!

Pancake Party at Godalming Minster Franklyn Road, 2.30-4.30pm on Shrove Tuesday, 13th February. Sheila and the CYF team are planning a flipping good party during half-term for those with young ones, Prime Time, and every age in between. You can come at anytime and stay for a short while or the whole duration. Click the invitation for details and sign up.

Ash Wednesday 14 February
The 8pm Minster Ash Wednesday Communion with ashing will take place at 8pm at Godalming Minster Hambledon. (This annual service will now rotate around the four churches.)

About the Lent Sermon Series: Journey to Easter – Stories along the way
People love stories!  And they love stories about people.  With this in mind, the sermon series taking us from Ash Wednesday, through Lent and Holy Week has a focus on the people Jesus met during what turned out to be the final journey of his earthly ministry.   The stories range from mercy to hospitality, apprentice training schemes to parables, from startling revelations to betrayal and death.

Please travel with us, then, as we make this journey together – not as observers, but as fellow-travellers.

Margot Spencer, January 2024

Lent Challenge – part of this year’s Lent challenge is the 40-day Small Group trial! Instead of giving up chocolate, join one of the Small Groups, or start your own for 40 days (that’s 6 weeks) and experience bible study, prayer and friendship on a weekly or fortnightly basis. Small groups are encouraged to follow the Journey to Easter sermon series and use the accompanying notes and questions in whatever way they find helpful – to provoke discussion and reflection, or to lead into a time of prayer.  There are six group studies and some for personal reflection over Easter itself. Please contact Hilary Pettman for a place. e: hilary.pettman@godalmingminster.org.

If daytime is an option, Sheila Samuels is hosting a lent small group on Mondays from 12.30pm-2pm starting Monday 19th at St Mark’s House, Franklyn Road. Bring your own lunch, drinks provided. Contact: sheila.samuels@godalmingminster.org.

You might also like to consider The Church of England’s Lent course Watch and Pray: Wisdom and hope for Lent and life. There are some great looking resources available:

Resources for individuals

• Reflections via email: Sign up and get free daily Lent reflection emails (except Sundays) delivered straight to your inbox from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day. Our daily emails will offer Bible readings, short reflections and a practical challenge, as well as prayers linked to weekly themes.

• Reflection booklets: Daily reflections will also be available as booklets for both adults and children and are available to pre-order from Church House Publishing.

• Campaign app: The free Watch and Pray app for both iOS and Android will be released in early February. Sign up to make sure you get an email as soon as it becomes available.

• Smart speakers: Audio versions of the Lent reflections will also be available for free on Alexa-enabled smart devices from Ash Wednesday (14 February).

Elsewhere

Accommodation required
Dear friends. We have been blessed by the generosity of Minster family members in providing temporary accommodation for Ola, Youth Worker with TTT. We are looking for a self-contained annexe or studio flat, or double room with en-suite facilities from February and are willing to pay. If you (or know someone who might) have somewhere suitable to rent please get in touch with andy@trinitytrustteam.co.uk – many thanks from all at TTT.

2024 World Day of Prayer – 1st March
The service this year was prepared by and ecumenical group of Women from Palestine which is the focus country for 2024.  The Service will take place at St John’s Church at Farncombe at 10.30 on Friday 1st March.  The service will be led by the Rev James Rattue and the Rev Hannah Moore, the Rector of St James in Elstead. The service will be followed by refreshments and cake. 

Further information:-

https://www.wwdp.org.uk/2024-wdp-free-resources-to-download/

https://www.wwdp.org.uk/2024-theme-and-country-palestine/

Chris G (Contemporary congregation) recommends

Guildford Theology Hub: Science and Religion in the 21st Century with Revd Prof David Wilkinson – 14 March at 7pm
Details and Booking

The Theology Hub is an initiative aiming to build something that will resource churches across the Diocese for years to come. We are so excited to host Revd Prof David Wilkinson for what will be a fascinating and very faith building evening. All are welcome to attend.

Churches Together Link Up – February 2024

Life Issues 2024 – a programme of talks and course run by Godalming Baptist Church.

Coming Up

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

Can we pray for you?

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

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

9AM Morning Prayer
9am on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays with Rev Sheila Samuels at Godalming Minster Franklyn Road.

Monday Morning Reflections on Zoom
If you would like to start your week in quiet reflection over a passage of scripture do join us at 8.45am on Mondays using the link above – you will be very welcome. For any further information please contact: Gertrud Sollars or Shan Hallam.

Wednesdays at 9AM:
Morning Prayer at Godalming Minster Hambledon
Morning Prayer on Zoom via link above.

Groups & Activities

Nexus meets on the 1st Thursday of the month, with talks and activities for church members and the community. See the 2024 Nexus programme, and updates on Nexus.

Ladies’ Drinks take place every 1st Friday of the month, 7.30PM at the The Pavilion by Howling Owl.

The Men’s Group meets for breakfast at 8.15am on the 1st Saturdays of the month. See the calendar event for details.

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

The 2024 Prime Time programme is now available. For all events and details, see Prime Time.

Get involved / Join a team

We’re passionate about people feeling like they’re a part of our church family and one of the best places to do that is as part of a team.

No matter your age or experience, there’s a team that you can join, serving alongside others and getting to know people better in the church. You can find out about all our opportunities to serve and offer your time and talents on the Join a Team page.

Don’t forget about…

MyChurchSuite is an app for members of Godalming Minster to check dates, rotas, church emails, look up church members and sign up to events (without having to enter your details again and again!). Contact the Minster Office if you’ve lost your login details or would like to request an account. See more instructions.

The Yew Tree Café at Godalming Minster Brighton Road is open 8.30am-4pm weekdays in term time, and 10am-2pm on Saturdays, and 10am-4pm during school holidays. There’s wi-fi and power for those that want to work, and Prime Time hosts a drop in session for anyone who’d like a coffee and a chat every Monday from 10.30-11.30am.

PASTORAL CARE & PRAYER MINISTRY

If you, or someone you know at church, are in need of support and care, please contact Sandra Wilkin via the Minster office, or e: pastoral@godalmingminster.org.

To contact the EMERGENCY prayer chain, email prayer@godalmingminster.org or call 01483 421267.

In the notices this week:

• Godalming Minster services this Sunday, and how to look them up.

• Look ahead to Lent: Pancakes, Ashing and a 40-day challenge

• Introducing…Groups and Activities

Dear Friends

February already?! Time does fly in a Minster. The increased number and span of activities across our four locations probably has something to do with it!

Did you know that Godalming Minster runs a group for babies and toddlers in different locations on four days every week, and every weekday on 2nd weeks of the month? That’s as well as groups for older children on three evenings a week, and Sunday mornings.

The Yew Tree Café celebrated its 2nd anniversary (just a few weeks early) with a little thank you party for all the volunteers. By coincidence we received this pic from someone who was passing by the café at dusk last night. Perhaps they were struck by the light and warmth the Yew Tree Café emits to the community inside and out! Please do visit any weekday between 8.30 and 4, or on Saturdays from 10am-2pm. New volunteers are always welcome and it’s a fun place to serve!

Sunday Services 4 Feb 2024

Listed in chronological order. [HC is Holy Communion]:

9am Choral Eucharist – Church Street (St Peter & St Paul’s)

10am Classic Service [HC] – Brighton Road (Busbridge)

10am All Age Service – Franklyn Road (St Mark’s)

10am Morning Worship – Hambledon (St Peter’s)

10.30am Muddy Church in the Jack Phillips Memorial Park
Meet between the bandstand and the cloister. BYO cup for coffee and hot chocolate.

6pm Evening Worship = Youth – Brighton Road (Busbridge)

More information about congregations and service times can be found on ChurchSuite, or the Sundays page on the web site. If you are on a rota, ChurchSuite will ping you a reminder by email, but you can also use the ChurchSuite app to check yourself.

Also coming up

This is a final reminder about the Men’s group’s Fab February Fry Up – 8.15am on Sat 3rd Feb in the Busbridge Old Rectory. Simon Taylor will be there to talk all things Minster. RSVP. More details about the monthly Men’s Breakfasts and sign up.

Ladies Friday Night Social – come along for a drink at the The Pavilion by Howling Owl, Busbridge Lane on Friday 2 Feb from 7.30pm. Every 1st Friday of the month.

Look ahead to Lent – 14 Feb-30 Mar 2024

Pancake Party at Godalming Minster Franklyn Road, 2.30-4.30pm on Shrove Tuesday, 13th February. Sheila and the CYF team are planning a flipping good party during half-term for those with young ones, Prime Time, and every age in between. You can come at anytime and stay for a short while or the whole duration. Click the invitation for details and sign up.

Ash Wednesday 14 February
The 8pm Minster Ash Wednesday Communion with ashing will take place at 8pm at Godalming Minster Hambledon. (This annual service will now rotate around the four church sites.)

2024 Lent Challenge – part of this year’s Lent challenge is the 40-day Small Group trial! Instead of giving up chocolate, join one of the Small Groups, or start your own for 40 days (that’s 6 weeks) and experience bible study, prayer and friendship on a weekly or fortnightly basis. Please contact Hilary Pettman for a place. e: hilary.pettman@godalmingminster.org.

If daytime is an option, Sheila Samuels is hosting a lent small group on Mondays from 12.30pm-2pm starting Monday 19th at St Mark’s House, Franklyn Road. Bring your own lunch, drinks provided. Contact: sheila.samuels@godalmingminster.org.

The Church of England’s Lent theme for 2024 is Watch and Pray: Wisdom and hope for Lent and life. There are some great looking resources available:

Resources for individuals

• Reflections via email: Sign up and get free daily Lent reflection emails (except Sundays) delivered straight to your inbox from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day. Our daily emails will offer Bible readings, short reflections and a practical challenge, as well as prayers linked to weekly themes.

• Reflection booklets: Daily reflections will also be available as booklets for both adults and children and are available to pre-order from Church House Publishing.

• Campaign app: The free Watch and Pray app for both iOS and Android will be released in early February. Sign up to make sure you get an email as soon as it becomes available.

• Smart speakers: Audio versions of the Lent reflections will also be available for free on Alexa-enabled smart devices from Ash Wednesday (14 February).

Kintsugi Hope Group postponed

The previously advertised Kintsugi Hope Mental Wellbeing Group is postponed for the time being. If this was something you were considering, please do still contact Sandra Wilkin to talk about future dates. e: pastoral@godalmingminster.org.

Coming Up / plan ahead

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

Can we pray for you?

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

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

9AM Morning Prayer
9am on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays with Rev Sheila Samuels at Godalming Minster Franklyn Road

Monday Morning Reflections on Zoom
If you would like to start your week in quiet reflection over a passage of scripture do join us at 8.45am on Mondays using the link above – you will be very welcome. For any further information please contact: Gertrud Sollars or Shan Hallam.

Wednesdays at 9AM:
Morning Prayer at Godalming Minster Hambledon
Morning Prayer on Zoom via link above.

Groups & Activities

Nexus meets on the 1st Thursday of the month, with talks and activities for church members and the community. See the 2024 Nexus programme, and updates on Nexus.

Ladies’ Drinks take place every 1st Friday of the month, 7.30PM at the The Pavilion by Howling Owl.

The Men’s Group meets for breakfast at 8.15am on the 1st Saturdays of the month. See the calendar event for details.

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

The 2024 Prime Time programme is now available. For all events and details, see Prime Time.

get involved / serving

We’re passionate about people feeling like they’re a part of our church family and one of the best places to do that is as part of a team.

No matter your age or experience, there’s a team that you can join, serving alongside others and getting to know people better in the church. You can find out about all our opportunities to serve and offer your time and talents on the Join a Team page.

Elsewhere

Churches Together Link Up – February 2024

Life Issues 2024 – a programme of talks and course run by Godalming Baptist Church.

Don’t forget about…

MyChurchSuite is an app for members of Godalming Minster to check dates, rotas, church emails, look up church members and sign up to events (without having to enter your details again and again!). Contact the Minster Office if you’ve lost your login details or would like to request an account. See more instructions.

The Yew Tree Café at Godalming Minster Brighton Road is open 8.30am-4pm weekdays in term time, and 10am-2pm on Saturdays, and 10am-4pm during school holidays. There’s wi-fi and power for those that want to work, and Prime Time hosts a drop in session for anyone who’d like a coffee and a chat every Monday from 10.30-11.30am.

PASTORAL CARE & PRAYER MINISTRY TEAM AVAILABLE

If you, or someone you know at church, are in need of support and care, please contact Sandra Wilkin via the Minster office, or e: pastoral@godalmingminster.org.

To contact the EMERGENCY prayer chain, email prayer@godalmingminster.org or call 01483 421267.

In the notices this week:

• Godalming Minster services starting on Sunday 28th January, and how to look them up.

• A “Rector’s Reflection” on Rev Ian Gordon-Cumming, Busbridge Rector 1978-87, who died last week.

• Introducing…Groups and Activities

• Look ahead to Lent

• What’s New? Mental Wellbeing Group (Kintsugi Hope) starting 21 Feb.

Dear Friends

It feels like a long time coming, but after a few noteworthy Sundays in January 2024, we are finally getting into routine! This Sunday’s services at all four Godalming Minster sites will become the norm for a fourth Sunday of the month. All congregations begin the sermon series on Ephesians on the theme of Transformed Living, and this Sunday’s topic is: Living Worthy. Keeping Unity.

Services across Godalming Minster

Listed in chronological order. [HC is Holy Communion]:

Reading: Ephesians 1: 1-14, 4:1

10am Classic Service – Brighton Road (Busbridge)

10am Sunday Service [HC] – Franklyn Road (St Mark’s)

10am Morning Worship [HC] – Hambledon (St Peter’s)

10.30am Contemporary Service – Church Street (St Peter & St Paul’s)
Coffee from 10.15. Children start in the service before leaving for their groups in the Octagon.

6pm Evening Worship [HC] – Brighton Road (Busbridge)

More information about congregations and service times can be found on ChurchSuite, or the Sundays page on the web site. If you are on a rota, ChurchSuite will ping you a reminder by email, but you can also use the ChurchSuite app to check yourself.

12.30 in Prezzo this Sunday – as a treat after the first gathering of the Godalming Minster Contemporary congregation in Church Street, Simon Taylor and family are going for lunch in Prezzo after the service. Simon hopes others might like to join them in the restaurant. If you’d like to treat yourself too, or ask others to join you, please book your table and ask if you can be near those in the Minster group. NB. This is a self-organised!

We have been deeply saddened to hear that Ian Gordon-Cummings died on the morning of Saturday 20th January, at the age of 95.  Ian was Rector of Busbridge from 1978 – 1987 and many of us remember him and Janet with great affection – and indeed have stayed in touch with them.  Please pray for Janet and their girls – Jane, Jo, Lucy and Debbie (and their families) – as they mourn the loss of a much-loved husband, father and grandfather.

Ian’s funeral will take place in the Lady Chapel of Chichester Cathedral at 2.30p.m. on Thursday 29th February 2024.  All are welcome.

Read the Rector’s Reflection: On the shoulders of Giants

Introducing…Groups and Activities

This is a good time to mention some of the social interest groups within Godalming Minster, which link church to life outside, and offer friendship and support and a chance for people to mix between congregations. Examples of such activities are limitless, but among the longer running ones the Men’s group and Nexus offer an open invitation to their next events:

Nexus Talk: Squire’s – a family business with Sarah Squire. Thursday 1st Feb at 7.30pm in the Busbridge Old Rectory. All welcome, entry is £5, or £20 for the year. More details about this event (no need to sign up). Find out about Nexus.

Fab February Fry Up – for men, 8.15am on Sat 3rd Feb in the Busbridge Old Rectory. Simon Taylor will be there to talk all things Minster. More details about the monthly Men’s Breakfasts and sign up.

Also coming up

Bereavement Café – meets next Tuesday 30th Jan from 2.30-4pm. The Bereavement Café is for anyone who has been bereaved recently or some time ago and provides a safe and supportive space to come and chat with members of the pastoral care team, and others who have experienced loss. Every last Tuesday of the month in the Old Rectory. More details >>>

Look ahead to Lent – 14 Feb-30 Mar 2024

Save the dates! More details to follow.

Pancakes at Godalming Minster Franklyn Road, during the day on Shrove Tuesday, 13th February. Sheila and the CYF team are planning a flipping good party during half-term for those with young ones, as well as PrimeTime. More details to follow.

Ash Wednesday
The 8pm Minster Ash Wednesday Communion with ashing will take place at 8pm at Godalming Minster Hambledon. (This annual service will now rotate around the four church sites.)

Journey to Easter with Godalming Minster
The Godalming Minster sermon series for Lent 2024 will be a back to basics look at Christ’s journey to the cross and how we as followers of Jesus can observe Lent well today.

2024 Lent Challenge – part of this year’s Lent challenge is Godalming Minster is offering a free 40-day Small Group trial! Instead of giving up chocolate, join one of the Small Groups, or start your own for 40 days (that’s 6 weeks) and experience bible study, prayer and friendship.

What’s New?

SUPPORT FOR MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING – Kintsugi Hope Group

Godalming Minster Pastoral Support Team will be running a 12-week Kintsugi Hope Group, starting on Wednesday evenings from 21st February 2024.

The aim of this group is to provide a safe and supportive environment where participants can explore topics related to mental health and wellbeing. If this is a something you may be interested in, see more info and sign up here, or contact Sandra Wilkin at pastoral@godalmingminster.org.

Coming Up / plan ahead

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

Can we pray for you?

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

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

9AM Morning Prayer
9am weekdays with Rev Sheila Samuels at Godalming Minster Franklyn Road

Monday Morning Reflections on Zoom
If you would like to start your week in quiet reflection over a passage of scripture do join us at 8.45am on Mondays using the link above – you will be very welcome. For any further information please contact: Gertrud Sollars or Shan Hallam.

Wednesdays at 9AM:
Morning Prayer at Godalming Minster Hambledon
Morning Prayer on Zoom via link above.

Groups & Activities

Nexus meets on the 1st Thursday of the month, with talks and activities for church members and the community. See the 2024 Nexus programme, and updates on Nexus.

Ladies’ Drinks take place every 1st Friday of the month, 7.30PM at the The Pavilion by Howling Owl.

The Men’s Group meets for breakfast at 8.15am on the 1st Saturdays of the month. See the calendar event for details.

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

The 2024 Prime Time programme is now available. For all events and details, see Prime Time.

get involved / serving

We’re passionate about people feeling like they’re a part of our church family and one of the best places to do that is as part of a team.

No matter your age or experience, there’s a team that you can join, serving alongside others and getting to know people better in the church. You can find out about all our opportunities to serve and offer your time and talents on the Join a Team page.

Elsewhere

Life Issues 2024

Life Issues session 27th Jan 2024: Overwhelmed – Finding balance

Don’t forget about…

MyChurchSuite is an app for members of Godalming Minster to check dates, rotas, church emails, look up church members and sign up to events (without having to enter your details again and again!). Contact the Minster Office if you’ve lost your login details or would like to request an account. See more instructions.

The Yew Tree Café at Godalming Minster Brighton Road is open 8.30am-4pm weekdays in term time, and 10am-2pm on Saturdays, and 10am-4pm during school holidays. There’s wi-fi and power for those that want to work, and Prime Time hosts a drop in session for anyone who’d like a coffee and a chat every Monday from 10.30-11.30am.

PASTORAL CARE & PRAYER MINISTRY TEAM AVAILABLE

If you, or someone you know at church, are in need of support and care, please contact Sandra Wilkin via the Minster office, or e: pastoral@godalmingminster.org.

To contact the EMERGENCY prayer chain, email prayer@godalmingminster.org or call 01483 421267.