We look forward to seeing you this Sunday!
Dear Friends,
Take Courage
‘Take Courage’ is the title of the Autumn sermon series starting this Sunday. We start with John chapter 1 which reminds us that ‘God is with us’ in times of change and uncertainty. We will continue to explore the themes of Challenge, Service, Sacrifice and finally Hope and Reconciliation with further readings from John’s gospel. Home Groups are exploring the same themes after half-term too.
This Sunday is the start of school half-term (hoorah!) and while the notices, and some activities will be taking a break, not everything stops at BHC. Please check the calendar.
For those looking ahead further, the dates for Christmas services and events are now available on the calendar, and on A church near you. Some details might get a tweak, but you can at least save the dates. You will be able to pick up a programme in church after half term. Before that there is plenty in the following notices which we kindly ask for your attention!
SUNDAY 22 OCTOBER
John 1. 1-18
Take Courage. God is with us.
9.30AM Busbridge Contemporary Service
Busbridge Church & online
Led by Simon Taylor / Speaker Peter Shaw
Crèche and children’s groups for ages 3-14 take a break for half-term. Activity bags available for those in church. (Groups are back on for Sunday 29th Oct!)
11.15AM Busbridge Classic Service
Busbridge Church & online
Led by Patrick Samuels / Speaker Peter Shaw
10AM Hambledon Morning Worship
Hambledon Church
Led by Simon Willetts
6PM Busbridge Evening Service [Holy Communion]
Busbridge Church
Led by Patrick Samuels / Speaker Simon Willetts
SUNDAY 29 OCTOBER
“Lie in” Sunday - watch out for the clocks going back!
John 2. 13-25
God with us - The Challenge
9.30AM Busbridge Contemporary Service
Busbridge Church & online
Crèche and children’s groups for ages 3-14 take place in the Old Rectory.
11.15AM Busbridge Classic Service
Busbridge Church & online
10AM Hambledon Morning Worship
Hambledon Church
6PM Busbridge Evening Service
Busbridge Church
Notices
A call to prayer for Godalming Minster - as we countdown to the legal establishment of Godalming Minster on 1 Jan 2024, a prayer gathering will take place on Monday 30th October, from 7.30-8PM at Busbridge Church. All from the parishes of Godalming, Busbridge and Hambledon are encouraged to attend.
Prayer for the Gaza-Israel conflict, continuing prayers for other situations will be included in our intercessions this Sunday, and regular prayer gatherings (see below).
BOOK here, OR OFFER TO HELP: It’s back! The biggest and loudest church event of the year. We are delighted to be hosting the first Light Party since 2019, and you can book your place(s) now by following this link. The invitation has gone out to children at Busbridge Infants, Juniors and St Mark’s and All Saints. Spaces are limited so please sign up soon, and share the invitation.
We have nearly 100 children signed up to the Light Party, and need more helpers who are not already accompanying children. It will be very good fun indeed! Please complete the online form below.
Sunday 5th November, 6.30pm - Confirmation Service at St John’s, Farncombe
The 6PM congregation will not be meeting at Busbridge on 5 Nov, but are encouraged, with others, to attend the Confirmation Service to support our candidates for confirmation, including Ben Barnes and members of Ichthus. If you would like to find out about confirmation please contact Simon Taylor e: simon.taylor@bhcgodalming.org.
Please pray for these young people who are giving their lives to Jesus, and that our work as Godalming Minster to “grow younger” yields many more!
Annual Memorial Service
Each year we hold a Memorial Service to remember friends and family members who have died, either recently or at any time, however long ago. This year’s service is on Saturday 18 November at 3.00 p.m. Invitations will be going out within the next few weeks, and there will be spare invitation letters at the back of all our churches. During the service we read out the names of those we remember and light candles in their memory. Refreshments are served afterwards and all are welcome to stay. The service is open to everyone, so please put the date in your diary.It’s not too late to join the Bereavement Journey course, continuing Wednesday 1 November. Please use the link below for details, and share with anyone you know who might benefit.
The next course is on Wednesdays from 7-9pm, starting 18 October. Click here for details to sign up.
NEW Hymns we Love - Fridays, 2.30pm, for 5 weeks
With the help of our Anna Chaplain and Prime Time Team member Jane Tomes, Prime Time is starting Hymns We Love - a 5 week series of sessions which uses well-loved hymns to explore the Christian faith. Each session features a beautifully shot video set in a historic English church, and tells the story of the hymn and the gospel message behind it. It is a series that has been developed specifically for use in groups of older adults and so is perfect for Prime Time, but may have wider appeal too. All are welcome.
NEXUS
Thursday 2nd November 8.00pm in Busbridge Old Rectory: Norwegian Expedition in Photos, shown by Helen Sturney
Helen has kindly offered to share with us her experiences of a cruise to see the Northern Lights in Norway. This included expeditions in rigid inflatable boats and visiting the most northerly point in Norway’s Artic Circle. For us, this will be a photographic adventure, including pictures of the Ice Cathedral and other Norwegian wonders. Come and enjoy this and more in the warmth and comfort of our familiar Minster Room venue!
We’ll meet in the Busbridge Old Rectory at 8.00pm. The evening will start with refreshments and a chance to mingle and meet new people. We’ll then hand over to Helen for her photo presentation.
church family news
A service of Thanksgiving for the life of John Postill will take place at Busbridge Church on Saturday 21st October, at 2pm, followed by refreshments in the Yew Tree Café. All are welcome to celebrate the life of John, and for those who would like to join online, the service will be livestreamed is here: https://youtube.com/live/yWwQpe_1V4c?feature=share
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.
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@bhcgodalming.org***
Mid-week Prayer Gatherings
Busbridge and Hambledon Churches are open daily for private prayer and reflection.
Monday Morning Reflections on Zoom
We shall resume our sessions on Monday 4th September at 8.45am on Zoom. If you would like to start your week in quiet reflection over a passage of scripture do join us in September - you will be very welcome. For any further information please contact: Gertrud Sollars or Shan Hallam.
Wednesdays at 9AM: Morning Prayer at Hambledon Church
Groups & Activities
Nexus meets on the 1st Thursday of the month, with talks and activities for church members and the community. The 2023 Nexus programme can be found on Nexus.
Ladies’ Drinks takes 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 first 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 2023 Prime Time programme for Jul-Dec is now available. For all events and details, see Prime Time.
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 >>>
Don’t forget about…
The MyChurchSuite app. It’s the easiest way 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 Church Office if you’ve lost your login details or would like to request an account. The instructions which are now on the web site HERE.
Elsewhere
The new Bishop of Dorking (Paul Davies) is being welcomed at Evensong on Sunday 8th October, at Guildford Cathedral. Book your (free) ticket via the Cathedral box office.
For news from all the other local churches, see:
Churches Together Link Up - SEPTEMBER 2023
Godalming Baptist Church Life Issues talks
See the full 2023 Life Issues programme.
To book a place contact Sally Pollard-pollard3@hotmail.co.uk or tel-01483-428646.
Next talk: Anxiety, Fear and Panic
WANTED: ACCOMMODATION FOR YOUTH WORKER RELOCATING TO GODALMING
Wanted: self-contained flat or annexe for Christian youth worker (Ola from TTT) from early October. Quiet, respectful and tidy tenant prepared to pay rent in return for own private space. If you have, or know of such accommodation in the Godalming area, please contact andy@trinitytrustteam.co.uk.
Week of Accompanied Prayer The Guildford network of spiritual directors is offering a week of accompanied prayer from 8.-13th October this year. A week of accompanied prayer is a bit like a retreat from home – you meet once a day (in person or on zoom) with a retreat guide who will suggest Bible passages to pray with and meditate on and talk about what you find. Participants in the past have found a week like this to deepen their prayer life and their walk with God; it also gives you a taste of what spiritual direction is about. Gertrud Sollars (gertrud.sollars@btinternet.com) has more information. See the flyer and application form.
MODERN SLAVERY, RIGHT HERE , RIGHT NOW
An awareness event, Saturday 21st October, St Mary's Church, Quarry Street, Guildford, GU1 3TY. 9:30-3pm Talks will be given by DCI Kerry Loveless, Surrey Police and South-east regional lead for Modern Slavery and Allison Sutcliffe Diocese Modern Slavery Advisor.
Guildford Mothers Union is pleased to have been invited by the Diocese to have a stand and would love members to join us in 'manning it' for whatever time you can spare, or just support the event, and spread the word. Please let one of us know: Dorothea (dorothea.nattrass@gmail.com, 01428 653216) / or Diana (diana@parenting@gmail.com, 07782186229).
Yew Tree Café
at Busbridge Church
The Yew Tree Café at Busbridge Church is open 8.30am-4pm weekdays in term time, and 10am-2pm on Saturdays, and 10am-4pm during school holidays.
Pastoral Care
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.
Busbridge and Hambledon Churches are open daily for private prayer.