Sunday 19 February 2017

Marriage Course

A new Marriage Course will be starting in April - there are limited places so if you are interested in attending please email marriagecourse@bhcgodalming.org ASAP. Leaflets with more information are at the back of church or on the website www.bhcgodalming.org/courses.

Squires Lunch

Our next Squires lunch is on the 26th February 2017 at the usual time of 12 noon. If you would like to join us and sample the gastronomy perhaps you would let me, Terry Swanton, know before Wednesday the 22nd February so I may warn Squires how many are likely to descend on them from Busbridge&Hambledon Church! Hope you will be able to join us and I look forward to seeing you there.

Lent Devotional Study

Bishop Michael Baughen has provided copies of his 30 day devotional study on 2 Timothy for the church at a discount rate of £3. BHC has ordered books in advance and they will be made available during the services from Sunday 19th February. This study can be done Mon-Fri during the 40 day period of Lent and has been included as part of the home group study on 2 Timothy. This is provided on a first come first served basis. Please contact bryan.silletti@bhcgodalming.org with any questions.

New Head Teacher for Busbridge Junior School

A team of governors are actively working to find a new head for our great school. Please pray that their actions and decisions will be in strong alignment with God’s plan for the school and for our community.

Please also pray for Carolyn as she prepares to leave, all staff and children, and the new head when they are appointed.

Old Rectory

2 weeks to go to our March 5th Anniversary Service!

Prayer:

As you may have read in the notices last week, we are holding a week of 24/7 prayer coverage starting at 10.00pm on 1st March. You don't have to be anywhere in particular - pray at home, on the train, at work, wherever. The idea is simply that one (or more) people in our church will be praying for the future of our church at all times during these few days. We have an online prayer calendar. Sign up now at www.24-7prayer.com/signup/9545ad and choose which slot(s) you'll pray (multiple people can pray at the same time, so choose whenever you like).  Let's work together as a church to pray continually over that time!

Action:

We have reached an impressive milestone that approximately 60% of the Busbridge&Hambledon Church congregation have contributed to the Busbridge Central / Old Rectory project. THANK YOU! There are just two more weeks in our push to complete funding for the Old Rectory development - plans are ready, we'd like to start building work ASAP.

 

Only 1 person responded to the following notice…is there really no one else who can help?! Come on!

150th Celebration March 5th Can you help with any of the following?

· We need a few easy assemble pop-up gazebos to supplement the existing marquees as a wet weather contingency. Can you lend one?

· Could you help keep the roads safe as a parking marshal before the service (you will be fully briefed)?

· Could you be part of a team clearing up on the Sunday afternoon?

If you can help with any of these please get in touch with Janine Bailey on 07941 131162 or 150th@bhcgodalming.org

Celebration Service

Join us for our celebration service in Busbridge Church at 10.00am on Sunday 5th March, with special activities for children. Following the main service there will be a short ceremony in the Old Rectory Garden to mark its future role in Busbridge Church’s ministry, with coffee and anniversary cake. All are very welcome.

This will be followed by a Spring BBQ lunch to which all are welcome, whether or not they have attended the service. To help with planning for the lunch please let us know if you will be joining us by emailing 150th@bhcgodalming.org with “service” as your message title, or sign up in the back of church.

please pray for…

· The Bridge Magazine

· Busbridge Junior and their Head Teacher recruitment team

· Those doing the March Marriage Preparation course

· The first 150th Anniversary Celebration event

· The Alpha course

· College Hill and their road steward, Debbie Scott

· Home Farm Road and Salt Lane

Sunday 12th February 2017

A note from Andy Spencer

Thank you Classic Congregation so much for the wonderful gift you gave me on completion of my 10 year stint as Congregational Leader. I will report back when I've been on the Tour of the Principality/Millennium Stadium with one of the all time greats!

Hambledon Prayer Breakfast
A reminder that the breakfast is taking place on Saturday 18th February in the Hambledon Church Room. All welcome.

 

Celebration Service

Join us for a celebration service in Busbridge Church at 10.00am on Sunday 5th March, with special activities for children. Following the main service there will be a short ceremony in the Old Rectory Garden to mark its future role in Busbridge Church’s ministry, with coffee and anniversary cake. All are very welcome.

This will be followed by a Spring BBQ lunch to which all are welcome, whether or not they have attended the service. To help with planning for the lunch please let us know if you will be joining us by emailing 150th@bhcgodalming.org with “service” as your message title, or sign up in the back of church (Busbridge).

 

150th Celebration March 5th Can you help with any of the following?

· We need a few easy assemble pop-up gazebos to supplement the existing marquees as a wet weather contingency. Can you lend one?

· Could you help keep the roads safe as a parking marshal before the service (you will be fully briefed)?

· Could you be part of a team clearing up on the Sunday afternoon?

If you can help with any of these please get in touch with Janine Bailey on 07941 131162 or 150th@bhcgodalming.org

Old Rectory
Only 3 weeks to go to our March 5th Anniversary Service

Prayer: As we approach the 150th anniversary of Busbridge Church, pray that God will bless the future of our church and that each of us will find our role as we build for that future

Action: We have various activities planned for the anniversary celebrations.

150 years...75hours...24/7prayer

So what’s the deal?

March 1st – 8.00pm, Ash Wednesday is the 150th Anniversary of Busbridge Church. We’re calling every member of the church to worship at 8.00pm and/or come at 9.00pm for a whole church 40 minutes of prayer for Old Rectory and the future.

From the end of the Ash Wednesday Service at 9.00pm we plan to cover the following 75 hours in  24/7 prayer to commit the coming years and future of the church to God's directing.

So that means...

24/7 prayer from 9.00pm Wednesday 1st March to 

midnight Saturday 4th March 2017

When we pray, God hears us – we’re starting a conversation with the Creator of the universe.

When we pray, we partner with God to seek his Kingdom.

24/7   What - me? Pray for a whole hour?

When you pray - here are some tips...

· Recognise your attention span and work with it

· Brew up a cuppa? Spend a brief time being quiet and still. Our Father God is very happy to spend time with you

· Give thanks and count your blessings

· Read a portion of Scripture e.g. Psalm 23, Psalm 25, Psalm 37:1 – 7, Ephesians 3:14 – 20

· Take strength and comfort from what you read

· Pray for the Church and our future. There will be a bullet point information sheet available

“I sought the Lord and He answered me”

Psalm 34:4

What you can do right now is sign up for the 24/7 Prayer Week. We have an online prayer calendar, sign up now by going to www.24-7prayer.com/signup/9545ad and choosing which slot(s) you'll pray. Let's work together as a church to pray continually over that time!

You’re missing out!! Get on the email list!
Would you like to get the notices by email each week? This bit of paper you are holding can only hold so much information and there’s usually quite a bit of overflow that you only find out about if you get the weekly email. To go on the list contact karen.kinder@bhcgodalming.org.

Prayer Triplets
Caroline Luard has been charged with finding out how many people in Busbridge&Hambledon are involved in prayer triplets/partners. It would be very helpful if you could drop her a quick email if you are in one. Email cluard@hotmail.co.uk

Blokes’ Biking
...is happening again on Wednesday 8th March. This group of blokes of all ages, shapes, sizes, biking ability and sense of balance meet in the Homebase carpark at 7.30pm. The bike ride is followed by a restorative pint at a local hostelry. Feel free to join in for the pint end of things if you can’t make the cycle. To get on the mailing list blokes@bhcgodalming.org.

please pray for…

· Local leisure centres and gyms
· Isabel Mason as she recovers from a horse riding accident
· Busbridge Junior and their Headteacher recruitment team
· Those doing the March Marriage Preparation course· The first 150th Anniversary Celebration event
· The Alpha course
· Blewfield and their road steward, Shelagh Godwin
· Holloway Hill, St Hilary’s School and Roundals Lane

Sunday 5th February 2017

Celebration Service

Join us for a celebration service in Busbridge Church at 10.00am on Sunday 5th March, with special activities for children. Following the main service there will be a short ceremony in the Old Rectory Garden to mark its future role in Busbridge Church’s ministry, with coffee and anniversary cake. All are very welcome.

This will be followed by a Spring BBQ lunch to which all are welcome, whether or not they have attended the service. To help with planning for the lunch please let us know if you will be joining us by emailing 150th@bhcgodalming.org with “service” as your message title, or sign up in the back of church (Busbridge).

Old Rectory ‘Giving Weeks’ Update...4 weeks to go to our March 5th Anniversary Service

Prayer: this week our focus is on our whole BHC community – we pray that each of us will hear God’s vision for our role in the church, whether ‘big’ or ‘small’.

O.R. is for ALL of us: If you have children, O.R. will provide new dedicated spaces that our toddler and youth teams can tailor for better learning and more fun. If you enjoy a cuppa and a chat (who doesn’t?!), you’ll be able to drop in any time to a proper coffee spot. We’ll have a new kitchen and more parking, so weddings and other events can run even more smoothly. And for all of us, there will be quiet spaces for prayer, group Bible study or reflection.

Latest: The number of people who have listened to the Jan 8th talk about Old Rectory and the vision for 2017 has doubled in the last week, up to 61. It’s great that people are tuning in to that important update, please encourage your friends to do so if they haven’t already.

 150 Years and 75 hours!

March 1st – 8.00pm, Ash Wednesday is the 150th Anniversary of Busbridge Church.We’re calling every member of the church to worship at 8.00pm and/or come at 9.00pm for a whole church 40 minutes of prayer for Old Rectory and the future. This is one of our three whole church prayer gatherings of the year. From the end of the Ash Wednesday Service at 9.00pm we plan to cover the following 75 hours in  24/7 prayer to commit the coming years and future of the church to God's directing.

We are looking for everyone: individuals/pairs/groups to commit to pray in hour slots from 10.00pm Wednesday (the first forty minutes is for everyone and will be led in church) until midnight on Saturday 4th. (Before the Gift service on 5th).The prayer can be anywhere, so does not mean you have to come to church in that hour in order to pray.
A list will be coming shortly for you to sign up for specific hours, so please check your diary and commit to sign up soon.

Prayer Triplets Caroline Luard has been charged with finding out how many people in Busbridge&Hambledon are involved in prayer triplets/partners. It would be very helpful if you could drop her a quick email if you are in one. 

Concert: On Saturday 25th of February at 6.30pm, the Tilford Bach Society is holding their 2nd Conservatoire Concert in the series. Featuring the Camilli String Quartet from Trinity Laban and playing a variety of music ranging from Beethoven to Irvin Berlin and Cole Porter. Free admission with a retiring collection.

Message from Clare Haddad

Greetings from Guildford! One month in I am enjoying my Local Licensed Ministry training placement at All Saints Onslow Village. The vicar is Beverly Watson who is married to the Bishop.  It is like a big proactive happy and very caring family. The 4.00pm Sunday slot for messy church and Songs of Praise works here. Love to you all. Clare

Space for God

Tuesday 7th February 8.00pm - 9.00pm in church. In the midst of all the busyness of life, this is a time for refreshment and stillness with God. After a short introduction, the hour is given over to quiet personal prayer with some activities on offer to help you meet with God in the quiet.

Volunteers required for church opening at Hambledon

We are planning to open the church on a daily basis from 1st March and will need volunteers to open it by 9.30am and lock it by 5.00pm. If you can help in anyway, even if only occasionally, please phone Jenny Henderson on 01428 682624 and let her know what help you might be able to give. The more volunteers we have, the easier it will be for all of us. Thank you!

Busbridge Junior School has an opening for the post of Clerk to the Governors. If this would interest you please contact the school on 417302 for more information.

please pray for…

· Churches Together
· The Movie Ministry team and their events for 2017
· The Prime Time Wisley trip
· The first 150th Anniversary Celebration event
· The Alpha course
· Beechway and their road steward, Susie Chandler
· High Ridge and Rock Hill
 

Sunday 29 January 2017

FROM SIMON TAYLOR...PLEASE READ!
Jesus Heals. This is a defining mark of the sort of active, living belief we have in this local church. Jesus isn’t just an idea, example or morality but is the One who died and rose again – he went through Death because only this allows us the connection with God.

So, where are we in our faith in Jesus who heals? Know you are ticking along but seeking God’s deeper Spiritual Awakening and renewal? Conflicted by seemingly pressure cooker of juggling worship, family, busy lives and deepening faith? Wondering what’s going on about Old Rectory? Heard a whisper about four key areas of church life for 2017 but not sure what they are? Confused about what the Eight Giving Weeks are about as we lead up to March 5th? What’s that date about anyway? Oh, isn’t Old Rectory fully paid for?

Then you’ll be desperate to read the attachment on the church email about our focus for 2017, join the 29 people who have listened to the ‘Resolution Sunday’ talk at www.bhcgodalming.org/talks/ and be part of our four aims for 2017…

The Christian Life • Thinking Small

Expecting More of God • Walking the Talk in our lives 

Hambledon Ladies’ Breakfast, 4th February
We look forward to welcoming Richard Everett to our February breakfast. Richard is a playwright/actor and you can find out more about him at his website richardeverett.co.uk or by coming along to the breakfast! Tickets £8: WSGC breakfasts are always excellent and portions very generous. Tickets will be available from the Village Shop until Tuesday 31 January. If you cannot make it to the village shop please phone Sue Blackman. The next three breakfast datesare Saturdays 6 May, 12 August and 4 November - put them in your diary!

 A note from Guildford Besom
Guildford Besom would like to say a huge thank you for the lovely hampers that were given out at Christmas time. “It was wonderful to see so many people helped including families really struggling to make ends meet, those who have been through family break ups and those coping with disabilities.  Everyone was so very thrilled to receive the hampers - so thank you so much again!”

Volunteers required for church opening at Hambledon
We are planning to open the church on a daily basis from 1st March and will need volunteers to open it by 9.30am and lock it by 5.00pm. If you can help in anyway, even if only occasionally, please phone Jenny Henderson and let her know what help you might be able to give. The more volunteers we have, the easier it will be for all of us. Thank you!

There are still places available for the Prime Time trip to ‘Butterflies in the Glasshouse’ at RHS Wisley on Wednesday 8th February.  If you’d like to go, please get your booking form to Penny Naylor as soon as possible - at the latest by Wednesday 1st February. The cost of this trip is £11.70 – payable on the day. Non-Prime Timers very welcome. For further details or to book a place contact Penny on  penny.naylor@bhcgodalming.org.

Road Stewards
A very big ‘thank you’ to Dick & June Higgins who are standing down as road stewards for Ramsden Rd after many years faithful service, and welcome to Ruth Roseblade who has kindly agreed to fill the gap.

 Busbridge Junior School has an opening for the post of Clerk to the Governors. If this would interest you please contact the school on 417302 for more information.

 Interested in sponsoring the Lent Challenge - approx £300?
BHC will be doing another lent challenge around 2 Timothy including Bible readings and a text challenge each day for 40 days. The service will cost approximately £300 and we were hoping to have a sponsor from BHC. If you are interested in supporting this, then please contact Bryan on bryan.silletti@bhcgodalming.org or Catherine McBride – catherine.mcbride@bhcgodalming.org.

 Save the Date – 10th May 2017 - 7:30 – 9:30pm - Alun Hulme - “Be Prepared to Give an Answer” - in Busbridge Church
On 10th May, Revd Alan Hulme, Director of Parish Development & Evangelism Team from the diocese, will be coming to give a seminar on “Be prepared to Give an Answer.” The whole church is invited and we will have nibbles, biscuits, and beverages available at the back of the church. All home groups are being cancelled for this week, so we can all attend and participate in this two hour interactive session. Please put the date in your diary. If there are any questions, then please contact Bryan bryan.silletti@bhcgodalming.org or 01483 421267.

Marvellous Movie Matinee
Not to be missed - it’s a children’s favourite about pets and their secret lives…(hint, hint at the title!). Saturday 11th February, 2.30pm, Busbridge Church. Don’t forget your cushion!

please pray for…

· The Hambledon Ladies’ Breakfast
· Families bereaved over the last month
· The work of The Cellar
· The Alpha course
· Ashtead Lane and their road stewards, Caroline Wright & Jane Tomes
· Heathfield Close and Potters Hill

Sunday 22 January 2017

We’re sad to announce that Michael and Amy Johnston will be leaving us later this year, but we’re delighted for them that they’ve heard God’s call to return to N. Ireland. Their last Sunday here will be April 24th. They’ve made an enormous impact with Unplugged, young people, families, The Ark team, school, Shift… and so much more. We will be advertising for Amy’s role shortly. The funding for Michael’s position came from a generous family and they are no longer in the position to give £20,000 pa as they are supporting other aspects of ministry. We could only appoint a successor to Michael with adequate financial support. The PCC has asked Simon to explore possibilities but this is in the context that we are fundraising for Old Rectory and asking every member of the church to act on this as appropriate. If someone is strongly stirred by the Holy Spirit to speak to Simon about a music oversight role or finances, please do so.

 Old Rectory Update
We’re two weeks into the eight weeks of giving for Old Rectory. We’ll be sharing the initial response shortly. Information on Action Teams will be coming out in a further two weeks. The close of the eight weeks is March 5th with the 150th anniversary event.

Thank you!
...to the anonymous donor from 200 miles away with nothing to do with this church who must have been here over Christmas and has posted a gift for Old Rectory – the postal cheques have arrived. Thank you.

Busbridge Classic
We would like to thank Andy Spencer for leading the Classic service (Busbridge) for 10 years. Andy will be stepping away from this on 5th February and will be exploring something new on behalf of the church from March. Do place this date in your diary: 5th February, 9.00am, Busbridge.

The next Hambledon Ladies Breakfast is on Saturday 4th February at West Surrey Golf Club - tickets available from Vicki Hinde or from the Hambledon Shop.

News from The Bridge
There's a change of Treasurer at The Bridge magazine. Sam Crossley is stepping down from the role and the team wish to thank him for his work over the years. Lesley Reeves has kindly agreed to take on the role and our grateful thanks go to her. There's also a new email address that she can be contacted at: bridgefunds@btinternet.com.

Squires Lunch
Our next Squires lunch is on Sunday 29th January at 12 noon. If you would like to join us in their gastronomic delights please let me know by Wednesday 25th January so that I may warn Squires how many there will be from Busbridge. Hope you will be able to join us and look forward to seeing you there. 

Holocaust Memorial Day
We propose to mark this Friday 27th January by tolling Busbridge Church bell at 12noon, with 12 strokes at the slow, solemn rate.

Christmas Collection Update
The Christmas collection for SALCET from Busbridge and Hambledon combined came to £2892 before Gift Aid. A good outcome!

Nexus
Our January speaker, was unable to get to us due to unforeseen circumstances and, as he is chair of Topic of Cancer our charity for 2017, we were very keen to re-schedule his talk. We are delighted he will now come to talk to us on Thursday 2nd February and that he will be accompanied by Dr Nicola Annels, head of the immunotherapy team, to demystify the science! We very much hope that those who wanted to hear this talk in January will be able to join us again at 8.00pm in the Busbridge Church Centre. It should be a fascinating evening to which all are welcome, including men, and we look forward to seeing you.

Saturday 4th February- Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church
Where? in Busbridge Church When? 9.00am to 6.00pm on Saturday 4th February What? a time for quiet prayer to support our persecuted brothers and sisters in faith How? there will be information available about the situation in over 53 countries as well as about individuals to guide your prayers. Please find some time in the day to stand with those who are suffering now, just because they are a Christian.

A new Bible Study Group...
Has started up in Hambledon Church for mums - with or without their children. Every Thursday morning from 10.00am - 11.30am during term time, and there’s even coffee! Contact Jenna on 421267 or email jenna.vanjaarsveld@bhcgodalming.org.

Crafting and Cake - new regular event!
Join Alex Hodson every other week for a slice of tranquillity and calm in your busy lives...bring whatever craft project you are working on and enjoy a craft filled afternoon - what fun! The next session is on Tuesday 24th January, 1.00pm in Busbridge Church Centre. Coffee & cake provided. Who can you ask along?

Get on your bike!
Ladies bike ride - 30th January 6.45pm, meet in theHomebase carpark.

Busbridge Church is turning 150!
There’ll be a lot of events happening over 2017 and one of these has been confirmed - please put Friday 10th February in your diary - it is the first of the history talks and is on the history of Busbridge Hall. Watch this space for more details and other upcoming events.

please pray for…

· Prayerful support for those organising events for the Old Rectory

· Families bereaved over the last month

· Citizen’s Advice Bureau

· The Alpha course

· Appletree Close and their road steward, Cathy Brook

· Heath Road and Markwick Lane