Advent Sunday 4 December
Dear friends,
So much of our Christian discipleship and church ministry is not that visual or photogenic, and rightly so. Advent and Christmas however gives us a chance to express the joy, fun and fellowship in following Jesus in pictures.
Here is a look at week one when Busbridge Church hosted the Bishop of Sialkot at last Friday’s England match, and the church was decorated with c.600 stars decorated by pupils from Busbridge Infant and Junior schools, the 12” star made by Rob Hewlett 2 years ago was upcycled by Chad and relit in the churchyard, and pupils were invited into church to see their creations at the Advent launch on Wednesday.
Thank you to Graham Howlett (Juliet’s Dad) for making the main star that forms the focal point of the Follow The Star installation inside Busbridge Church.
We’ve been recommended these Tiny Advent Poems, and they will be posted on Facebook everyday, or you can catch up on a week’s worth in the notices.
Do please check the Christmas dates, ways to volunteer, and remember the “Mince Pie” events that are key to linking church and community. Have you earmarked an event to attend, a place to serve, and a person, family or group to share the great invitation?
Remember to sign up if you plan to come to the Christmas Eve Candlelit Celebration at St Peter and St Paul’s ASAP. It’s filling up fast.
Sunday 4 Dec
Exploring the impossible possibility of the new creation
Readings: Isaiah 11: 1-10 and Matthew 3: 1-21
1st in the Sermon series for advent: follow the star
9.30AM MUDDY Church
Led by: Mark Puddephatt and Suzie Lambert
Crown Court, Godalming
10AM Hambledon Morning Worship
Led by: Simon Taylor | Speaker: Dudley Hilton
Hambledon Church
11.15AM Busbridge Classic Advent Reflections with Taizé [Holy Communion]
Led by: Patrick Samuels | Speaker: Chris Payne
Busbridge ChurchHilary Pettman
Busbridge Church
[7PM England vs Senegal showing at Busbridge Church]
Notices
Good luck to all quizers taking part in the Nexus Christmas Charity Quiz on Saturday 3rd December at 7.30pm in Busbridge Church. They will be raising funds for Oakleaf Enterprise: Making life work with mental illness (w: oakleaf-enterprise.org). To check if there are any spare tickets, please EMAIL JANET: janetmharvey@btinternet.com or SIGN UP AND PAY on MyChurchSuite.
Congratulations to England (and commiserations to Wales)! The next World Cup match at Busbridge Church is Sunday 4th at 7pm - England vs Senegal.
Christmas REQUEST OF THE WEEK:
Lifts for the Afternoon Carol Service on 12 December: Penny is looking for a few more drivers to bring people to the Afternoon Carol Service on 12 December at 2.30pm, and return them home at 4ish after mulled wine and mince pies.
AND NOT FORGETTING THE REQUEST OF LAST WEEK: BESOM HAMPERS | 2022 Target = 50 Hampers | deadline 11 Dec: Please find the instructions in the Christmas Hampers page and start collecting supermarket fruit trays. If everyone can collect just 1 or 2, cover them neatly in wrapping paper and bring it to Busbridge church with any other treats of the hamper list that would be great.
There’s 2 spots left for the volunteer wreath making session next Wednesday evening. Can you help? Wreaths will go on sale at the Yew Tree Café next Thursday and all proceeds will go to The Cellar Café Christmas Appeal.
For other things to do and ways to volunteer, check the volunteer page in the Christmas section.
Coming Up:
See the events coming up next below or look up dates further ahead in the full calendar. Select the event for details and the location (online or on site).
Sunday 11 Dec
Mission Sunday
Songs of joy and gladness ring out
Readings: Isaiah 35: 1-10 and Matthew 11: 2-11
We look forward to hearing from representatives from The Cellar Café team in all the services. Please take a look at the Christmas Giving info to find out about BHC mission this Christmas, and how to take part.
9.30AM Busbridge Contemporary Service
Speaker: Suzie Lambert
Busbridge Church
10AM Hambledon Morning Worship [Holy Communion]
Led by: Simon Willetts | Speaker: Dudley Hilton
Hambledon Church
11.15AM Busbridge Classic Service
Led by: Simon Taylor | Speaker: Keith Harper
Busbridge Church
4PM Messy Christingle
Led by: Simon Willetts
Hambledon Church - Not the Village Hall!
6PM Busbridge Evening Service
Led by: Simon Taylor
Regular Events
Busbridge Morning Prayer Weds at 9am online.
Hambledon Morning Prayer takes place on Wednesdays at 9am. All welcome.
Prayer gatherings for Ukraine are now at Hambledon Church at 7.30pm on 1st Tuesdays of the month.
Next Hambledon Coffee Morning and Hearing Aid Clinic is Weds 16th November. All welcome.
VACANCIES
ELSEWHERE
Churches Together Christmas lunch – volunteers are needed to help with the Christmas lunch on Christmas Day at the Baptist Church for anyone who would otherwise be on their own. The form setting out the various roles is attached. We are also still looking for a volunteer co ordinator and so if anyone would be willing to do this, please let Sarah Higgins know (sarahhiggins478@gmail.com). Letter to guests and invitation form are also attached for anyone who would like to come.
Christmas Lunch VOLUNTEER Form
Read the latest issue (NOVEMBER) of Churches Together in Godalming and District Link Up.
Don’t forget about…
Minster Update. The Minster Transition Steering Group have published a November Update, which can be found here.
Things in the following areas may not make the notices, but the latest info can be found on the web pages:
Yew Tree Café Opening Hours 8.30am-4pm
10am-2pm Saturday. The café will be open weekdays at 8.30am from 31 October.
Church Family Support Fund
Do you know of anyone who might be struggling to pay their bills in this very challenging time? The Church Family Support Fund is here to help anyone, in the Godalming area, who is in need financially with a one off payment . All details about the fund and an application form can be found on the Busbridge church web site, or please contact Jill Johnston on 01483 422194.
Busbridge and Hambledon Churches are open daily for private prayer.
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 church office, or e: pastoral@bhcgodalming.org.
To contact the EMERGENCY prayer chain, email prayer@bhcgodalming.org or call 01483 421267.