New Associate Minister

We are delighted to announce that after a careful and prayer-filled interview process we have offered the Associate Minister post to an excellent person. We can give no further details at present but the candidate has accepted subject to clear references, DBS and granting of the Bishop of Guildford’s License.  The person is ideal for the role; based at Hambledon Church and living and being present in the village; overseeing small groups, evangelism and developing mentoring. We envisage that this is be a long-term appointment but it is currently for a period of five years.

Busbridge Church closed for re-ordering

HUGE thanks to everyone who is helping with the Busbridge Church reordering. Over 20 people rolled up on Monday to empty the church. Half a dozen different people at any one time have been in the church all week cutting, preparing, lifting and sweeping. We are hugely grateful to Michael Stubbs and Simon Gilbert for giving up their week to oversee this. This is the first stage of a long process. If you’d like to donate funds to the work speak to Martin Lambert – we’re just a little short of the target.

While the church and the centre is closed for re-ordering, we will make full use of the wonderful facilities in the Old Rectory for regular worship and other activities.  Please check the listings for any change of venues.  Please note:

· As the church centre is off limits, the council will use the Old Rectory as a polling station this Thurs 23 May.

· Daily prayers for peace at 5pm continue in the Latimer Room in the Old Rectory whenever Shelagh Godwin is available. People wishing to come should check with Shelagh first.

Diocese Fund Appeal this Sunday

The Guildford Diocesan Fund, which supports our work for older people within the benefice, is appealing for funds. Envelopes are available from church this Sunday.

Whole Church Prayer Event, Monday 20 May, 8-9pm, Old Rectory.   The topic will be our work with children and young people.  

Jam Together, Sunday 23 June, Old Rectory

If you’re between 11-18 years old and play an instrument or enjoy singing then Jam Together is for you. It’s open to all musicians and singers on Sunday 23rd June from 2-5pm in the Old Rectory.  No pressure to play, just come along and enjoy. Contact lisa.olsworth-peter@bhcgodalming.org for more information and a registration form. Registration closes Sunday 9th June.

Coming up in June: two good ‘bring a friend along’ events ...

The Great Girls Get together, Mon 24 June, 8-10pm

Food, wine and sunshine.  It’s the very popular annual event for our ladies to catch up, put names to faces and enjoy the Old Rectory garden.  To book email ladies@bhcgodalming.org.

Blokes BBQ and Beer Bash, Thursday, 27 June, 7.45pm, Old Rectory.  Please email bbq@bhcgodalming.org to reserve your place.

Church Finance Administration

Sue Bowman, who has provided excellent service as the church bookkeeper for the last few years, is intending to retire from the role in the next few months.   Martin Lambert (our Busbridge treasurer) is taking the opportunity to review how we manage church finances and is looking to expand the team.  If you have skills and enthusiasm to get involved with the finances (either as a volunteer or paid for professional services) please get in touch with Martin at martin.lambert@bhcgodalming.org

For a full list of events at  Busbridge&Hambledon go to www.bhcgodalming.org/whats-on

  PLEASE PRAY FOR…

·  The next phase of Busbridge Re-ordering project and everyone involved in the works

·  The European elections, councillors and all who serve in local politics

·  ABC toddler Group and their parents

·  National Development of Fairtrade

·  Students taking exams

·  Hambledon Park and Pullman Lane