We send our love and congratulations to Matt and Holly Swarbrick, whose daughter, Orla, was born on Saturday 23 September.  All well!

Old Rectory update
A huge amount of behind the scenes planning has been going on over the summer for our Old Rectory and Church Cottage renovations. A preferred building company has been identified and the PCC will be meeting on 2nd October  to take a final look at the plans. With your amazing generosity and sacrifice we have raised over £1,900,000. We will be approaching the church at the end of October with a special, final gift day. The response will shape exactly what ministry we can develop now - our goal is to create ministry space such as the youth base, welcoming rooms and space for discipleship, training, home group meetings, pastoral care, toddlers, the ABC service and so much more. The Church Centre conversion is not currently part of this plan but if sufficient is raised now, we can bring the pastoral centre drop-in space there into existence earlier...we have raised over 90% of what we need, so close to the finish line!

You don’t have to be techie…
To run the tech at Busbridge Church - full training will be given and we are quite frankly, desperate to get some new bodies involved. If you’d like to do this once a month, please contact liz.gorst@bhcgodalming.org or have a chat to Tim Davies. (Note: Pathfinders and Ichthus volunteers welcome too).

Harvest today!
We will be donating gifts to the Godalming Food Bank and Farncombe Day Centre this year at Harvest and remembering those who are less fortunate than ourselves. If you haven’t managed to bring your gift today, please drop it into church sometime during the week. Toiletries, nappies etc and cleaning items are particularly useful. Also, look out for gift envelopes for the Bible Society who are speaking in services today.

Calling All Men - HOLD THE DATE - Friday 27th October 7.30pm to 9.30pm
Men Matters proudly present An Evening With David Mace: From Tanks To Tonga. This will be a ticket-only event in the Church Centre with a chilli & beer supper provided (no charge but donations welcome), followed by insights and observations drawn from David's eight decades studying, serving and working around the world. Put the date in your diaries now - details of how to book will follow…

befriending
Did you know that Busbridge&Hambledon Church run a befriending service known as the Befriending Network? It’s one way that as a church we are responding to an increasingly recognised social issue – that of isolation and loneliness amongst older people. We are currently supporting over 20 people through this scheme and many more through groups such as Prime Time.  We have an ever-growing waiting list of people in need of a regular visitor. Could this be a role that you could take on? Unlike many volunteering opportunities within the church, this role does not ask you to talk about your faith or where you are in your own journey with God. This role plays to other strengths and personal qualities; if you follow a football team, could you sit and talk over the weekend football results with an elderly gentleman who shares your passion for the beautiful game? Maybe the Great British Bake Off or Strictly are more your thing and you love nothing more than reviewing the unexpected highlights and dramas with a fellow enthusiast – if so, we have like-minded people who would love to sit down and chat with you! No previous experience is necessary and you’ll be supported every step of the way by Penny and the team. We’re running an information evening at 7.30pm on Monday 9th October in the Church Centre at Busbridge. Why not come along and find out more? For further details contact Penny Naylor at the Church Office or email: penny.naylor@bhcgodalming.org.

Nexus
On Thursday 5th October, John Peddie will talk to us about the work of ASCT - Asian Students Christian Trust (now Children of the Dump - Manila). John is a trustee of ASCT and also runs a media production company. Last year he went to Manila to make a video to promote the work ASCT does with the extremely poor families who scrape a living by scavenging from the huge rubbish dump on the outskirts of Manila. You will be moved by the plight of these young ‘children of the dump’. Do come along, see the presentation and find out more! The meeting will start at 8.00pm in the Busbridge Church Centre, and we’ll have drinks and nibbles and time for a chat before John starts his talk. All are very welcome, including men!

Marvellous movie matinee: One for the Grown-ups!
Saturday 7th October, 2.30pm at Busbridge Church. No charge but bring a cushion to watch this Billy Connolly, Maggie Smith music loving classic.

An SOS for new Welcomers to come forward to join a once a month slot, on the 6.30 rota please Qualifications .…a friendly smiley face that helps regular attenders, and newcomers, feel valued and welcomed! Many thanks to a number of Welcomers who have had to step down due to having babies, or moving away, who have done a great job in this role. If you are interested, please let Janet Harvey know. Looking forward to hearing from you!

please pray for…
· The Swarbrick family
· Ockford Ridge Food Bank and those it helps
· Our Harvest gift day and food bank collection
· The families of Michael Barrett, Brian Phillips, Flossie Lewer and Barbara Lockhart
· Phillips Close and their road steward, Keith Harper
· The Paddock, Malthouse Lane and St Dominic’s School