We’re sad to announce that Michael and Amy Johnston will be leaving us later this year, but we’re delighted for them that they’ve heard God’s call to return to N. Ireland. Their last Sunday here will be April 24th. They’ve made an enormous impact with Unplugged, young people, families, The Ark team, school, Shift… and so much more. We will be advertising for Amy’s role shortly. The funding for Michael’s position came from a generous family and they are no longer in the position to give £20,000 pa as they are supporting other aspects of ministry. We could only appoint a successor to Michael with adequate financial support. The PCC has asked Simon to explore possibilities but this is in the context that we are fundraising for Old Rectory and asking every member of the church to act on this as appropriate. If someone is strongly stirred by the Holy Spirit to speak to Simon about a music oversight role or finances, please do so.

 Old Rectory Update
We’re two weeks into the eight weeks of giving for Old Rectory. We’ll be sharing the initial response shortly. Information on Action Teams will be coming out in a further two weeks. The close of the eight weeks is March 5th with the 150th anniversary event.

Thank you!
...to the anonymous donor from 200 miles away with nothing to do with this church who must have been here over Christmas and has posted a gift for Old Rectory – the postal cheques have arrived. Thank you.

Busbridge Classic
We would like to thank Andy Spencer for leading the Classic service (Busbridge) for 10 years. Andy will be stepping away from this on 5th February and will be exploring something new on behalf of the church from March. Do place this date in your diary: 5th February, 9.00am, Busbridge.

The next Hambledon Ladies Breakfast is on Saturday 4th February at West Surrey Golf Club - tickets available from Vicki Hinde or from the Hambledon Shop.

News from The Bridge
There's a change of Treasurer at The Bridge magazine. Sam Crossley is stepping down from the role and the team wish to thank him for his work over the years. Lesley Reeves has kindly agreed to take on the role and our grateful thanks go to her. There's also a new email address that she can be contacted at: bridgefunds@btinternet.com.

Squires Lunch
Our next Squires lunch is on Sunday 29th January at 12 noon. If you would like to join us in their gastronomic delights please let me know by Wednesday 25th January so that I may warn Squires how many there will be from Busbridge. Hope you will be able to join us and look forward to seeing you there. 

Holocaust Memorial Day
We propose to mark this Friday 27th January by tolling Busbridge Church bell at 12noon, with 12 strokes at the slow, solemn rate.

Christmas Collection Update
The Christmas collection for SALCET from Busbridge and Hambledon combined came to £2892 before Gift Aid. A good outcome!

Nexus
Our January speaker, was unable to get to us due to unforeseen circumstances and, as he is chair of Topic of Cancer our charity for 2017, we were very keen to re-schedule his talk. We are delighted he will now come to talk to us on Thursday 2nd February and that he will be accompanied by Dr Nicola Annels, head of the immunotherapy team, to demystify the science! We very much hope that those who wanted to hear this talk in January will be able to join us again at 8.00pm in the Busbridge Church Centre. It should be a fascinating evening to which all are welcome, including men, and we look forward to seeing you.

Saturday 4th February- Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church
Where? in Busbridge Church When? 9.00am to 6.00pm on Saturday 4th February What? a time for quiet prayer to support our persecuted brothers and sisters in faith How? there will be information available about the situation in over 53 countries as well as about individuals to guide your prayers. Please find some time in the day to stand with those who are suffering now, just because they are a Christian.

A new Bible Study Group...
Has started up in Hambledon Church for mums - with or without their children. Every Thursday morning from 10.00am - 11.30am during term time, and there’s even coffee! Contact Jenna on 421267 or email jenna.vanjaarsveld@bhcgodalming.org.

Crafting and Cake - new regular event!
Join Alex Hodson every other week for a slice of tranquillity and calm in your busy lives...bring whatever craft project you are working on and enjoy a craft filled afternoon - what fun! The next session is on Tuesday 24th January, 1.00pm in Busbridge Church Centre. Coffee & cake provided. Who can you ask along?

Get on your bike!
Ladies bike ride - 30th January 6.45pm, meet in theHomebase carpark.

Busbridge Church is turning 150!
There’ll be a lot of events happening over 2017 and one of these has been confirmed - please put Friday 10th February in your diary - it is the first of the history talks and is on the history of Busbridge Hall. Watch this space for more details and other upcoming events.

please pray for…

· Prayerful support for those organising events for the Old Rectory

· Families bereaved over the last month

· Citizen’s Advice Bureau

· The Alpha course

· Appletree Close and their road steward, Cathy Brook

· Heath Road and Markwick Lane