Sunday 1 October 2017

We send our love and congratulations to Matt and Holly Swarbrick, whose daughter, Orla, was born on Saturday 23 September.  All well!

Old Rectory update
A huge amount of behind the scenes planning has been going on over the summer for our Old Rectory and Church Cottage renovations. A preferred building company has been identified and the PCC will be meeting on 2nd October  to take a final look at the plans. With your amazing generosity and sacrifice we have raised over £1,900,000. We will be approaching the church at the end of October with a special, final gift day. The response will shape exactly what ministry we can develop now - our goal is to create ministry space such as the youth base, welcoming rooms and space for discipleship, training, home group meetings, pastoral care, toddlers, the ABC service and so much more. The Church Centre conversion is not currently part of this plan but if sufficient is raised now, we can bring the pastoral centre drop-in space there into existence earlier...we have raised over 90% of what we need, so close to the finish line!

You don’t have to be techie…
To run the tech at Busbridge Church - full training will be given and we are quite frankly, desperate to get some new bodies involved. If you’d like to do this once a month, please contact liz.gorst@bhcgodalming.org or have a chat to Tim Davies. (Note: Pathfinders and Ichthus volunteers welcome too).

Harvest today!
We will be donating gifts to the Godalming Food Bank and Farncombe Day Centre this year at Harvest and remembering those who are less fortunate than ourselves. If you haven’t managed to bring your gift today, please drop it into church sometime during the week. Toiletries, nappies etc and cleaning items are particularly useful. Also, look out for gift envelopes for the Bible Society who are speaking in services today.

Calling All Men - HOLD THE DATE - Friday 27th October 7.30pm to 9.30pm
Men Matters proudly present An Evening With David Mace: From Tanks To Tonga. This will be a ticket-only event in the Church Centre with a chilli & beer supper provided (no charge but donations welcome), followed by insights and observations drawn from David's eight decades studying, serving and working around the world. Put the date in your diaries now - details of how to book will follow…

befriending
Did you know that Busbridge&Hambledon Church run a befriending service known as the Befriending Network? It’s one way that as a church we are responding to an increasingly recognised social issue – that of isolation and loneliness amongst older people. We are currently supporting over 20 people through this scheme and many more through groups such as Prime Time.  We have an ever-growing waiting list of people in need of a regular visitor. Could this be a role that you could take on? Unlike many volunteering opportunities within the church, this role does not ask you to talk about your faith or where you are in your own journey with God. This role plays to other strengths and personal qualities; if you follow a football team, could you sit and talk over the weekend football results with an elderly gentleman who shares your passion for the beautiful game? Maybe the Great British Bake Off or Strictly are more your thing and you love nothing more than reviewing the unexpected highlights and dramas with a fellow enthusiast – if so, we have like-minded people who would love to sit down and chat with you! No previous experience is necessary and you’ll be supported every step of the way by Penny and the team. We’re running an information evening at 7.30pm on Monday 9th October in the Church Centre at Busbridge. Why not come along and find out more? For further details contact Penny Naylor at the Church Office or email: penny.naylor@bhcgodalming.org.

Nexus
On Thursday 5th October, John Peddie will talk to us about the work of ASCT - Asian Students Christian Trust (now Children of the Dump - Manila). John is a trustee of ASCT and also runs a media production company. Last year he went to Manila to make a video to promote the work ASCT does with the extremely poor families who scrape a living by scavenging from the huge rubbish dump on the outskirts of Manila. You will be moved by the plight of these young ‘children of the dump’. Do come along, see the presentation and find out more! The meeting will start at 8.00pm in the Busbridge Church Centre, and we’ll have drinks and nibbles and time for a chat before John starts his talk. All are very welcome, including men!

Marvellous movie matinee: One for the Grown-ups!
Saturday 7th October, 2.30pm at Busbridge Church. No charge but bring a cushion to watch this Billy Connolly, Maggie Smith music loving classic.

An SOS for new Welcomers to come forward to join a once a month slot, on the 6.30 rota please Qualifications .…a friendly smiley face that helps regular attenders, and newcomers, feel valued and welcomed! Many thanks to a number of Welcomers who have had to step down due to having babies, or moving away, who have done a great job in this role. If you are interested, please let Janet Harvey know. Looking forward to hearing from you!

please pray for…
· The Swarbrick family
· Ockford Ridge Food Bank and those it helps
· Our Harvest gift day and food bank collection
· The families of Michael Barrett, Brian Phillips, Flossie Lewer and Barbara Lockhart
· Phillips Close and their road steward, Keith Harper
· The Paddock, Malthouse Lane and St Dominic’s School

Sunday 24 September 2017

We have been deeply saddened this week to learn of the deaths of three people connected with our church family: Brian Phillips (Dave’s father), Flossie Lewer (former 8 o’clocker and lifelong member of Busbridge Church), and Barbara Lockhart (a faithful Prime Time member).  We send our love and prayers to Dave, Kate, Daisy, Mimi and Lily, as well to Dave’s mother, Ruth and to Mary Phillips; to Brian, Flossie’s nephew; and to Barbara’s daughter, Angela and family; and Nick, Barbara’s brother. Also, a reminder of funeral details for Michael Barrett: 11.00am on Tuesday 26th September at Busbridge Church followed by a committal at the crematorium. All friends warmly invited. We pray for God’s comfort and peace to surround all who mourn.

Memorial Service
Saturday 14th October 2017 at 3.00pm
We shall be holding our annual Memorial Service in October and this is an open invitation to all who may wish to come.
If you have been bereaved within the last two years, you will receive a personal letter of invitation. However, we want to spread the net of welcome as widely as possible and extra letters are available at the back of both churches nearer the time. We hope that anyone who has been bereaved, however long ago, will feel able to join us for this special occasion.  We shall also be delighted to welcome any family members or friends who might like to come with you. Margot Spencer

Thank you to the couple who have expressed interest in running the baptism course (two evenings, 3-4 times a year). We’d love to have a couple of others to support this welcome and introduction to faith ministry. Speak to Simon or Dave Preece. Simon mentioned at Busbridge last Sunday that we’re still looking for a few people for the important fortnightly Strictly Pathfinders ministry; if this could be you please speak to James or Simon.

Busbridge Church 150th Anniversary in 150 objects
Saturday 21st October 10:30am – 4pm
Sunday 22nd October 12:30pm – 4pm
A once in a lifetime occasion bringing together objects which tell the story of 150 years of Busbridge Church: the place, the heritage, the people. Bring along your own items: photos, letters or objects and see how they fit into the story alongside rarely seen church artefacts and photos. Find out more about the people of Busbridge over 150 years! A trail activity for children and refreshments available. How can you get involved? Look through your attics, garages and photo albums – do you have anything we could use in the display? Come along for an hour to help welcome visitors or serve refreshments...bring family and friends as part of the weekend...help us identify individuals in photographs...document your own memories and anecdotes...make a cake/biscuits for refreshments. For further information, to offer help and to let us know what you have found please contact Janine Bailey 150th@bhcgodalming.org 

Simon Marriage, Verger, retires 20th October.  We give thanks for his 30 years of faithful service. The search for his successor continues. If you are interested to learn more please contact the Wardens, Keith or Frances.

Classic Service needs more welcomers, on a casual or fixed Sunday basis. It's a great way to meet people and is very enjoyable. If you are able to welcome, even if it's not very often please see Debbie Scott or contact on 07769752216 or email deborahnicolescott@outlook.com

Catherine leaving
Catherine McBride’s last services before leaving for Shropshire will be at Busbridge at 6.30pm on 8th October, and at the 9.00 and 10.30 on 15th October at Hambledon.

· There will be an opportunity to say farewell over a cake/nibbles and drink in Busbridge church after the 6.30 on 8th (with a follow on at Inn on the Lake for those interested!)

· There will be a tea party at Feathercombe, Feathercombe Lane (GU8 4DP), at 3.30pm on 15th. With numbers limited, tickets are required for this - available from the churchwardens.

· Catherine will also be at the Merry Harriers on the evening of 12th October if you happen to be passing by, from 7.45pm.

Please note the restriction on numbers at Feathercombe – you may wish to join the alternative gatherings, if you are able to do so. Catherine’s installation at St Mary’s Market Drayton will be at 7.00pm on 22nd November. If you are interested in coming along, we have been approached by the kind people there about possible provision of accommodation, either by church members or using local B&B options. Alternatively, there could be the option of a coach back that night, depending on numbers. Please let Alan know soonish a) if you plan to attend and b) whether you’d prefer the accommodation or coach option  email alan.harvey@bhcgodalming.org. Finally, a reminder that we are arranging a leaving gift for Catherine. Please pass any cash donations or cheques to Alison Martin, Alan Harvey or Liz Cooke  (cheques payable to St Peter’s church, Hambledon), or send by bank transfer to the Hambledon church account sort code: 40-52-40 acc no: 00019678  quoting ref CATHERINE.

Sunday 17 September 2017

We are very sad to report that Michael Barrett died peacefully on Tuesday 12th September, in Birtley House. He had been staying there since he came out of hospital and was wonderfully looked after. Please pray for Michael’s brother, John, and sister-in-law Eunice. The funeral service will be held in Busbridge church at 11.00am on Tuesday 26th September 2017, followed by committal at the crematorium. All friends are warmly invited.

Pathfinders Youth (12-14s)
“It’s a great area of church life to be involved in”
Our vision is to work alongside parents to see young people Love God, Follow Jesus, Grow in faith and Share that faith with their mates! We get really excited about what God has planned for their lives. Our hope is to be a church that they want to be part of.
The Sunday Morning team  (10.30am Service) are all male and in need of a couple of females who are gifted at discipling young people.
The Friday Night team (every other Friday) are also looking for people who have a gift at connecting with young people where they are at, and being a first contact to faith in Jesus.
We’d love to hear from you if you’d like to join either team. Why not grab James Ellin and have a chat! 01483 421267 or email james.ellin@bhcgodalming.org.

Music Night for Old Rectory
Gary Wilson-Balchin’s fun charity music event was on Saturday night an raised a healthy £622.20 for the Old Rectory.  Thanks to Gary for all his hard work making this such a fun night.

The next Squires lunch will be on the 24th September at 12 noon. If you would like to join in please talk to Terry Swantonby Wednesday 20th

Do you like talking to God?
How about helping others talk to God? If so, have you considered leading prayers at the 6.30 services?  We're looking for some more people to join the rota,  with no requirement for a regular commitment. If you'd like to find out more, contact Suzie Lambert at suzie.c.lambert@gmail.com.

Message from Bryan & Tori
Thank you to Busbridge & Hambledon Church for the welcome of our daughter! We want to send our thanks and appreciation for the overwhelming amount of love, prayer, cards, gifts and meals from so many at BHC. It has been such an encouragement to us and a testimony to God’s love at work at BHC. Abigail Rose Silletti is now 3 weeks old (born 24th August 2017) and we look forward to introducing her to our church family when we are a bit more settled. 

Nexus
On Thursday 5th October, John Peddie will come and talk about the work of ASCT - Asian Students Christian Trust (now Children of the Dump - Manila). John is a trustee of ASCT and also runs a media production company. Last year he went to Manila to make a video about the extremely poor families who scrape a living by scavenging from the huge rubbish dump on the outskirts of Manila. This was to help promote the work of the various educational and residential projects undertaken by ASCT and, most importantly, the impact they are having on the communities they touch. You will be moved by the plight of these young ‘children of the dump’. Do come along and find out more! The meeting will start at 8.00pm in the Busbridge Church Centre, and we’ll have drinks and nibbles and time for a chat before John starts his talk.  All are very welcome!

Working party
Stuart Jones is organising a working party to help remove the hedge between the Centre and Old Rectory and needs volunteers to join him between 9.00am - 12.00pm on Saturday 30th September. Bacon rolls/refreshments will be supplied. Volunteers will need to bring chainsaws (with appropriate safety gear), saws, wire cutters (as we need to remove a stretch of wire fencing), spades, wheelbarrows, gloves etc. If people could let Stuart know on asjones1@btinternet.com or 01483 418581 if they are able to give an hour or two that would be helpful with planning for catering.

Contemporary Service
Welcomers are urgently needed for the Contemporary service. We are only asking for a once a month commitment, term time only, with the possibility to do swaps where necessary. Contrary to popular belief, there is more to welcoming than giving out bits of paper, and you don't need to already know everybody in church. Please contact jenny.lansdowne@btinternet.com. Huge thanks to Nin Moore, Niki Holmes and Ceri Apark who over the past few months have stepped down from welcoming after many years.

Home Group and Harvest Sunday BBQ
On Sunday 1st October we are combining Harvest Sunday with a Home Group sponsored barbeque in Busbridge.  The BBQ will be from 10.00am until 1.00pm across both the classic and contemporary services. This is also an opportunity to find out more about homegroups across BHC so do pop along.

Hambledon Church Harvest Supper…
...will be held at Hambledon Village Hall  on Saturday 23rd September at 7.00pm. Tickets cost £8.00 and are available from the Village Shop or can be reserved by phoning Sheelagh Vacher on 01483 416746.

Sunday 10 September 2017

Congratulations to Bryan and Tori Silletti who have been blessed by the arrival of baby Abigail! All are well.

Catherine McBride leaving
Catherine McBride will be leaving us in October to become vicar at St Marys Church, Market Drayton. To mark the occasion we are arranging a leaving gift, and all at Hambledon & Busbridge who have got to know Catherine are welcome to contribute. Please pass any cash donations or cheques to Alison Martin, Alan Harvey or Liz Cooke  (cheques payable to St Peter’s Church, Hambledon), or send by bank transfer to the Hambledon church account sort code: 40-52-40 acc no: 00019678  quoting ref CATHERINE. We will have more soon on arrangements for saying goodbye! 

Old Rectory
Join our Old Rectory project over the next coming months by signing up as a volunteer. There are 7 different teams that need you! Prayer & Support, Cleaning, Baking & Catering, Old Rectory DIY, Outdoors Site Cleaning, Decorating, Church Cottage DIY. There are sign up sheets at the back of church, so fill out your name and join a team for some fun, competitive (yes, men) and gezellige (look it up!) moments with our congregation following our dreams for our church. For more information: nelleke.noort@outlook.com.

Coming soon: a prayer evening for Old Rectory,  Tuesday 17th October, 7.30 pm. Dress warmly as we shall be prayer walking.

Announcement!
We’re delighted to announce that Becky Bradley will be joining the BHC team as the new Busbridge 4-11’s Children’s Worker. She starts this week - do make her feel very welcome.

Thanks to Clare and Richard Grove for taking on organising coffee for the contemporary congregation and the important fellowship and welcome that this offers. We’d like to thank Deb Jones for all she has done for this ministry as she moves to ministry with the Ark children. Richard and Clare will be looking for more people to support the coffee ministry – do offer!

Prime Time Event
Oyez! Oyez! It’s not too late to say you’re coming along to the Prime Time Tea & Talk event with the Farnham Town Crier on Monday 11th September at 2.00pm in Busbridge Church.  Although this is an event planned with Prime Time members in mind, it is open to everyone, so if you have an interest in this most British of institutions do come and join us and hear what he has to say (or should that be shout?!) There is a £2 charge to help us cover the speaker’s fees.  Contact Penny Naylor in the Church office for further details or email penny.naylor@bhcgodalming.org

Baptism Ministry - Volunteers Needed! The baptism of a child is a significant event for any family and for some it may be the first meaningful contact they have with our church. The support, welcome and preparation we provide for these families is, therefore, an important element of our ministry and outreach to our community. Would you like to be a part of this? We are looking for three or four people who would be able to lead a couple of informal preparation sessions in the run-up to each baptism service (there are currently up to 5-6 of these each year, depending on demand). If you would like to find out more about what would be involved please contact Catherine McBride on 421267 or at catherine.mcbride@bhcgodalming.org.

Messy Church at Hambledon
Whilst we are looking for a new Children and Families’ Worker for Hambledon we are also in urgent need of someone to co-ordinate our amazing and dedicated Messy Church Team. Our fun and creative Messy Church services run bi-monthly on the first Sunday of the month and are popular with our young families. For more information about what the role would involve please contact Catherine McBride on 421267 or at catherine.mcbride@bhcgodalming.org.

Home Group and Harvest Sunday BBQ
On Sunday 1st of October we are combining Harvest Sunday with a Home Group sponsored barbeque in Busbridge.  The BBQ will be from 10.00am until 1.00pm across both the classic and contemporary services.  This will be just a part of the other Harvest Sunday activities as well as teas and coffees.  This is meant to be a social for all those attending the services or for those just walking by.  Our hope is that this is a time to have some fun, enjoy a burger or sausage or bacon butty and be together.  We would love to have everyone from BHC to pop in for the whole time or only as long as it takes to get a fresh burger or sausage and go on with whatever your plans are for the day. In addition, we hope to have representatives from each of the various home groups within BHC.  If you have any interest in understanding what a home group is like or explore joining one, then please come along.  For the month of October, we are going to have a “Taste and See” option for all our home groups where anyone can pop in or pop out as they please to see who is meeting, where they are meeting, what this home group thing is all about and whether you might like to join. If there are any questions, then please contact Bryan Silletti at the church office 421267 or email bryan.silletti@bhcgodalming.org.

Hambledon Church Harvest Supper…
...will be held at Hambledon Village Hall  on Saturday 23rd September at 7.00pm. Tickets cost £8.00 and are available from the Village Shop or can be reserved by phoning Sheelagh Vacher on 01483 416746. If anyone feels they could help with food please contact Sheelagh on spvacher@outlook.com this would be much appreciated!

please pray for…
· Our church families who have welcomed new babies in the last few weeks
· John & Jean Adams
· Students starting college or university
· Michael Barrett in Birtley House
· The new term - particularly those starting new schools
· Park Chase and their road steward, Linda Alcock
· The Close and Feathercombe Lane

Special Announcement re. Catherine McBride

We are delighted for Catherine McBride and her new church, but sad for ourselves, to announce that Catherine has been appointed to St Mary’s, Market Drayton. Catherine will leave a huge hole in the staff and 6:30 teams and her oversight of discipleship. The fondest farewells will of course be from St Peter’s Hambledon and the entire village.

She will also be missed in the Diocese, where she has been a curacy tutor and teacher, and in the area of scientific research from her work on medical ethics. We do not have a date for Catherine’s farewell but it is likely to be in October. We do not want to look at the future right now but it is important to reassure everyone, particularly the congregations at Hambledon, that we will be looking at how we replace the irreplaceable! as soon as we can.