Dear Friends
It felt like most of you were at Church Street last Sunday morning when we said a fond farewell to the Taylors after 14+ years of Simon as Rector of Busbridge, then Busbridge and Hambledon, then Godalming Minster. Simon and Catherine reflected on their time here, happy memories of their three boys’ growing, and Simon laid down the keys to the four churches.
Highlights included:
- the 3 curates who all returned to give thanks for their training incumbent, and the other colleagues who have since been ordained.
- a reading by our MP
- Zadok the Priest sung by the choir with Mitchel on the organ
- We Three Kings led by the choir and band, with solos
- The gift from the Minster family; an oil painting of a local scene by Steve Kinder
- Wonderful hospitality before and after, and the “taylor-made” cake decorated with Christmas lights (for our Christmas decoration loving Rector), an Octopus (the office award for excellence) and bacon rasher in a laminator (to remind him not to try that again).
- Members from every congregation worshipping together!
If you missed it, or would like to revisit the joy, there’s an audio recording of Simon’s last talk, and a transcript of Catherine’s parting words in the Rector’s (last) reflection.
Good byes are hard, but we do have much to look forward too as a Minster, in Christ. Please stay close in prayer and by being involved on Sundays and through Alpha or another ministry activity this term.
With four historic churches there are many significant anniversaries to mark. The next is the 250th anniversary of the first peal of bells at Church Street on 28th January 1775. The bell ringers will mark the anniversary with a full peal on Saturday 25th from 9.30am-13.15pm. Full story to follow!
This Sunday
Normal services restart!
8am BCP Holy Communion
Church Street
10am Morning Worship
Franklyn Road
10am Morning Worship
Hambledon
10am Classic Service
Brighton Road
10.30am Contemporary Service
Church Street
With coffee from 10.15am and children’s groups in the Octagon.
6pm Evening Worship
Brighton Road
Also this Sunday, the Minster Choir has been invited to sing for the 11.15am Eucharist at St Martha-on-the-Hill in Chilworth. Sharing our musical resources with our friends in other settings is a valuable part of our Minster outreach, and the Choir is always glad to help support others in their worship. Next month, the Choir will be singing the morning services at Chichester Cathedral while their choir is on holiday.
Next Sunday 19 Jan
10.30am CTiG United Service at Godalming United Church for Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Godalming United will be offering a free breakfast to anyone that wants to join us on Sunday morning. 9am to 10am in the River Room. All are welcome.
This replaces morning services across Godalming Minster.
6pm Evening Worship
Brighton Road
Coming Up
Stay Curious. Try Alpha.
Would you like to try Alpha? and/or Who could you invite? More details.
The next Weds evening and Thursday morning Alpha courses are starting on 29/30 January 2025.
Calling all cooks!
Alpha is running again this term and we're looking to recruit people to provide the meals that are so valued by the participants and an integral part of the course.
It's fun and easier to do this with a friend or 2, or with your homegroup, but we can always provide extra hands to serve if you prefer to prepare it on your own.
The evening course runs from 29th January for 10 weeks - we provide a hot meal and a light pudding.
Lunchtime Alpha runs on Thursdays - a light meal is required such as soup/sandwiches, jacket potatoes, quiche with a fruit/yogurt/traybake for afters
Do ask Karen Hart (07891 114306), or Lynda Donaldson (07596 921125) for further details and to offer your services! Or email the church office office@godalmingminster.org
We also welcome table hosts for the course. Please contact lesley.mason@godalmingminster.org who will be delighted to hear from you and provide a briefing and instructions.
Cut out Cancer Concert - Jazz, Folk, Classical and Gospel - 1st Feb 2025
A talented group of Minster musicians including Simon Willetts, Caroline Luard and Marielle Postill are holding a special fundraiser in Church Street on Saturday 1st Feb. Please do come and support. There are no tickets, but donations will be invited on the night and refreshments will be on sale in the interval.
The Bereavement Journey
The next 7-week course for anyone who has been bereaved recently or some time ago, will start on Monday 3 February. More details.
Reflective Prayer - Mondays at 8.45am, online will now take a pause until 13 January 2025. Gertrud and Shan look forward to seeing you on Zoom in the new year.
A summary of the process to advertise and appoint a new Rector, after Simon’s departure on 5th Jan 2025 can be found in the Archdeacon’s Vacancy Newsletter which you can downloaded using the button below.
What’s on Where
There’s lots going on around Godalming Minster every week, for all ages and stages - always too much to list in the notices!
Following Jesus
Mid-week prayer gatherings take place in the Zoom Online Prayer Room (8.45am Mon / 9am Wed), and at Godalming Minster Hambledon (9am Wed) and Franklyn Road (9am Mon and Tue). Vacancy Prayers are 1st Weds of the month around the Minster. Please check the calendar.
If you would like to join a prayer gathering online, please use the link to the online prayer room on Zoom with passcode: 2025.
Small groups meet in homes to study the bible, pray and journey together.
New members are invited to join an existing group, or form their own group.
To find out more and connect with the right one for you, contact Rev Hilary Pettman. e: hilary.pettman@godalmingminster.org.
Loving People
The Hub at Franklyn Road provides a free lunch and time to socialise every Tuesday from 12-2.30pm. Open to all in the area, and across the Minster. (Donations of homemade cakes are always welcome.)
Prime Time for older people meets every Monday at 10.30am in the Yew Tree Café for a coffee drop in. For all events and details, see Prime Time.
Nexus meets on the 1st Thursday of the month, with talks and activities for church members and the community. More about Nexus.
The Men’s Group meets for breakfast at 8.15am on the 1st Saturdays of the month. See the calendar for details.
Busbridge Coffee Morning takes place on 1st Wednesdays of the month at 10.30am in the Yew Tree Café.
Hambledon Coffee Morning and Hearing Aid Clinic takes place 3rd Wednesdays of the month at 10.30am.
The Bereavement Café takes place on the last Tuesday of the month, 2.30-4pm in the Busbridge Old Rectory.
Hearing Aid Clinics run at the Busbridge Old Rectory on 2nd Fridays of the month from 2.30-4pm, and at Godalming Library on 3rd Mondays of the month from 10.30am-12pm.
The Yew Tree Café at Godalming Minster Brighton Road is open 8.30am-4pm weekdays in term time, and 10am-2pm on Saturdays, and 9.30am-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.
CYF activities for 0-18s include term-time Toddler Groups, The Youth Café and Friday Night Social, as well as Sunday groups and seasonal events.
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.
PASTORAL CARE & PRAYER MINISTRY
Can we pray for you?
***Please send prayer requests to prayer@godalmingminster.org***
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.