In the notices this week:
This Sunday: All together for the Godalming and District Churches Together Service for the 2024 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. 10.30am at Godalming Minster Church Street. (There are no other morning services in Godalming Minster.)
Godalming Minster services starting on Sunday 28th January, and how to look them up.
Introducing...Older People’s Ministry
With so much going on around Godalming Minster, this is a regular item which will remind people about particular areas of mission and ministry. This week, following the 10th anniversary of the Busbridge Hearing Aid Clinic, we are focusing on activities led by Penny Naylor which provide support and friendship for Older People.What’s New? Mental Wellbeing Group (Kintsugi Hope) starting 21 Feb.
Dear Friends
Godalming Minster made the Diocese news this week, following the wonderful launch service last Sunday. You can see the full story, and some great pictures here.
So many were involved in making it the memorable occasion it was, so huge thanks to all those who welcomed people, sang in the choir, played in the band, served coffee and prosecco, operated the AV, ran the children’s activities, or helped clear up! The new audio visual system was thoroughly put through its paces, though we apologise that the live stream was not available as hoped. This will be tested for future events. The brass engraved plaque which was presented to Mayor of Godalming, Adam Duce for public display by Godalming Town Council reads:
At this historic time for the community, we commit to working together for the good and benefit of the town and its residents.
Presented to Councillor Adam Duce, the Town Mayor of Godalming,
by The Reverend Simon Taylor, Rector of Godalming Minster, and
Churchwardens David Wilkin and William Bryans
to commemorate the inauguration of
Godalming Minster on 14th January 2024
The bible verse at the bottom of the plaque, and on the celebratory cake is:
“And in this place I will grant peace” declares the Lord Almighty".
Haggai 2:9
(A replica will be on display in the Busbridge Old Rectory in due course.)
This Sunday
10.30am Churches Together United Service
at Godalming Minster Church Street
All congregations are encouraged to join Godalming and District Churches Together for a service to mark the 2024 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. There are no other morning services in Godalming Minster.
4pm Messy Church
at Hambledon Village Hall
For those with (roughly) primary school age children, Messy is a fun session of craft, games and music based on a bible story, with a sandwich tea to finish. All welcome, no need to sign up. It’s free!
Sunday 28 January
Services across Godalming Minster, listed in chronological order. [HC is Holy Communion]:
10am Classic Service - Brighton Road (Busbridge)
10am Sunday Service [HC] - Franklyn Road (St Mark’s)
10am Morning Worship - Hambledon (St Peter’s)
10.30am Contemporary Service - Church Street (St Peter & St Paul’s)
6pm Evening Worship [HC] - Brighton Road (Busbridge)
More information about congregations and service times can be found on ChurchSuite, or by checking the Sundays page on the web site.
Introducing…Older People’s Ministry
The cake says it all! Tea, cake and the Jack Russell are as much a feature of the Godalming Minster Hearing Aid Clinics as the batteries and maintenance.
Last Friday the Busbridge Hearing Aid Clinic celebrated its 10th anniversary with a special party like clinic for visitors in the Old Rectory. BHC was an early pioneer of the Diocese Hear Here project at Busbridge Church, and Penny and the Hearing Aid Champions have since started monthly clinics at Hambledon (10.30-11.30 on 3rd Wednesdays of the month), and most recently, a very busy clinic at Godalming Library (10.30-12.30 on 3rd Mondays of the month). 9 visitors attended the first clinic in 2014. Average monthly numbers are now more than five times higher. That’s a lot of people who have avoided longer journeys, costly parking and lengthy queues at NHS hospitals and clinics. And there’s time for a chat too! You can also pick up Hearing Aid batteries from the Yew Tree Café anytime. See Hearing Aid Clinics.
Many other things make up Older People’s ministry, one of the main ones being Prime Time. Prime Time hosts a range of informative and social events designed to enrich and appeal to the more mature (there’s no age limit). Events are free, and transport can be provided. From Movie Matinees held monthly in Godalming Minster Brighton Road from Oct-March, to special and seasonal events. The event next week promises to be a real treat, and all are welcome:
Prime Time Harp Recital by Margaret Watson - 2.30pm on 26 Jan. See flyer. Margaret Watson is one of the busiest professional harpists in South East England and she is renowned for her versatility as a harpist in the range of music she performs. Margaret has performed for Royalty at the London’s Guildhall, The Savoy and The Ritz, but for one afternoon only she will perform for Prime Time at Godalming Minster Brighton Road.
What’s New?
SUPPORT FOR MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING - Kintsugi Hope Group
Godalming Minster Pastoral Support Team will be running a 12-week Kintsugi Hope Group, starting on Wednesday evenings from 21st February 2024.
The aim of this group is to provide a safe and supportive environment where participants can explore topics related to mental health and wellbeing. If this is a something you may be interested in, see more info and sign up here, or contact Sandra Wilkin at pastoral@godalmingminster.org.
Coming Up / plan ahead
See the events coming up next and look up dates further ahead in the full calendar.
Can we pray for you?
***Please send prayer requests to prayer@godalmingminster.org***
Mid-week Prayer Gatherings
9AM Morning Prayer
9am weekdays with Rev Sheila Samuels at Godalming Minster Franklyn Road
Monday Morning Reflections on Zoom
If you would like to start your week in quiet reflection over a passage of scripture do join us at 8.45am on Mondays using the link above - you will be very welcome. For any further information please contact: Gertrud Sollars or Shan Hallam.
Wednesdays at 9AM:
Morning Prayer at Godalming Minster Hambledon
Morning Prayer on Zoom via link above.
Groups & Activities
Nexus meets on the 1st Thursday of the month, with talks and activities for church members and the community. See the 2024 Nexus programme, and updates on Nexus.
Ladies’ Drinks take place every 1st Friday of the month, 7.30PM at the The Pavilion by Howling Owl.
The Men’s Group meets for breakfast at 8.15am on the 1st Saturdays of the month. See the calendar event for details.
Hambledon Coffee Morning and Hearing Aid Clinic takes place 3rd Wednesdays of the month at 10.30am.
The 2024 Prime Time programme is now available. For all events and details, see Prime Time.
Pastoral Support & Care
Bereavement Café - The Bereavement Café is for anyone who has been bereaved recently or some time ago and provides a safe and supportive space to come and chat with members of the pastoral care team, and others who have experienced loss. Every last Tuesday of the month in the Old Rectory. More details >>>
get involved / serving
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.
Yew Tree Café
at Godalming Minster Brighton Road
The Yew Tree Café at Godalming Minster Brighton Road is open 8.30am-4pm weekdays in term time, and 10am-2pm on Saturdays, and 10am-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.
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 Minster office, or e: pastoral@godalmingminster.org.
To contact the EMERGENCY prayer chain, email prayer@godalmingminster.org or call 01483 421267.