Sunday 25 March 2018

Old Rectory update
Second fix in all areas of Old Rectory including windows fitted, carpets laid and groundworks continue. Mark Pateman

We are delighted that the Diocesan buildings committee has accepted our proposal for reordering Busbridge Church by opening much of the church up for flexible use (keeping the Lutyens walls in place). The matter is now being considered by the Chancellor in London.

Update on Contemporary in the School
Our thanks go to Busbridge Junior School for our use of the site for the Contemporary each Sunday. Fruitful conversations are being had regarding on-site storage, display boards, and banners. Watch this space…

Associate Minister
We are delighted that the Associate Minister advert has gone out. Interviews will be at the end of April. If you want to see what the advert says then go to www.bhcgodalming.org/job-vacancies.

Helpful Habits - A 6-week course of prayer
Would you like to deepen your prayer life, but wonder where you will find the time or discipline to do so? Gertrud Sollars is offering to run another round of this prayer workshop during the next term. It will take place on 6 consecutive Tuesdays, 17th April to 22nd May., from 11.00am-12.00pm, venue tba. If you are interested in joining, please contact Gertrud.

Thanks
Thanks to Keith Harper, Ben Rogers and Matt Toombs for their amazing acts of service at Busbridge last week. Ben set off at 6.00am to walk to church to help Keith clear the paths of snow. Matt walked from Elstead to ensure he arrived in time to lead the children’s ministry! What dedication.

Women’s ministry
Thanks to the hard work of Nicky Hemery and others, there’s an absolutely fabulous programme of events happening for women - look out for the new programme coming next week. The first event is happening on Tuesday 27th March and is a film evening, seeing ‘Hidden Figures’. As it’s hosted at a private address there are limited numbers - please show your support for this fabulous ministry. Invite a friend and book your space NOW by emailing Pri Burford.

Easter Garden Service - 31st March, 3.00pm
The egg hunt tea is in Simon & Catherine’s garden this year following the service in the church. Catherine needs helpers and cake donations - do speak to Catherine Taylor if you can help (and thanks to the Taylors for kindly hosting!)

Nexus
On Thursday 5th April, we’re delighted that Jenny Walker, an advanced Clinical and Restorative Massage Therapist with Cornerstone Therapies, will come and tell us how she uses different therapies to restore wellbeing.  Jenny is recognised as one of the UK's foremost restorative therapy practitioners.  So, if you need to unwind from any stresses or aches and pains or would simply like to experience some peace and tranquillity, take this opportunity to hear about hot stones, aromatherapy and other therapies provided at the Cornerstone Therapies studio in Godalming!  We meet in Busbridge Church Centre at 8.00pm and there’ll be drinks and nibbles before Jenny starts her talk.  We very much look forward to seeing you!

Easter Holiday Club | 4th - 6th April | 10.00am - 12.15pm
BHC are tagging along with Milford Baptist Church to join in with their ‘Space Academy’ holiday club fun. This is aimed at children Year R - Year 6 and we have been allocated 20 spaces. It’s a first come, first served scenario, so if you’d like to register your child/ren please contact Becky at the Church Office on 421267 or email becky.bradley@bhcgodalming.org ASAP.

please pray for…
· BJS & BIS Easter Services this week
· The upcoming BHC Easter events and services
· Blewfield and their road steward, Shelagh Godwin
· Greenhill Close & Rock Hill

Sunday 18 March 2018

Old Rectory update
Work on the garage continues and plumbing and electrical works are nearing completion. A pathway down the side of Old Rectory has also been laid. Mark Pateman

Palm Sunday - 25th March - 10.00am
Palm Sunday is the day when we remember Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. This year, there is a choice of ways to celebrate this important date in the church’s year:

Busbridge Contemporary: At Busbridge Junior School, the Fuse team is running an all-age Palm Sunday with rumours of bacon butties and other goings on…

Busbridge Classic: In church and suitable for the whole family, including a re-enactment of some of the key events of the first Palm Sunday, with music, drama, play reading and crowd scenes for us to be a part of.

Afterwards: All meet outside the church for coffee time together.

Hambledon: Also starting at 10.00am. After the service we’ll walk down to the village shop and end the service with a couple of rousing songs. Do try to come along to one of our Palm Sunday services.

The Bridge
A gentle reminder that the March/April edition of The Bridge is now available for road stewards to collect at the back of the church if they have not yet done so. Very kind thanks. 

Helpful Habits - A 6-week course of prayer
Would you like to deepen your prayer life, but wonder where you will find the time or discipline to do so? Gertrud Sollars is offering to run another round of this prayer workshop during the next term. Depending on demand, it could be either daytime or evenings. If you are interested in joining, please contact Gertrud.

Employment opportunity available in Busbridge
An elderly couple with long-standing connections to Busbridge Church are looking to employ a companion for 2 hours a day, 4 days a week on a 3 week-on, 3 week-off basis to cover the times when their live-in carer has time off.  No care duties are expected, it is just a case of being in the house and chatting to them.  Please contact Penny Naylor in the Church Office for further details or email penny.naylor@bhcgodalming.org.

Easter Garden Service - 31st March, 3.00pm
The egg hunt tea is in Simon & Catherine’s garden this year following the service in the church. Catherine needs helpers and cake donations - do speak to Catherine Taylor if you can help (and thanks to the Taylors for kindly hosting!)

Easter Holiday Club | 4th - 6th April | 10.00am - 12.15pm
BHC are tagging along with Milford Baptist Church to join in with their ‘Space Academy’ holiday club fun. This is aimed at children Year R - Year 6 and we have been allocated 20 spaces. It’s a first come, first served scenario, so if you’d like to register your child/ren please contact Becky at the Church Office on 421267 or email becky.bradley@bhcgodalming.org ASAP.

Sermon recordings on the BHC website - update
It’s been a month since we went ‘public’ with the sermon recordings and during that time there have been 251 complete plays of talks (i.e. end to end listening rather than just dipping in and out), of which 186 were in the local area, 20 in London and 15 in the rest of the UK. The remaining 30 are international!  If you haven’t signed up to the podcast or caught up with the sermon you missed last week then go to www.bhcgodalming.org/sermons-talks. Thanks to all those who are faithfully recording and uploading these for everyone to enjoy.

The next Squires Lunch will be on Sunday 25th March at 12.15pm. Let Brian & Pat know by Wednesday 21st if you want to go along.

Prime Time
The Lammas Handbell Ringers are coming to Busbridge Church on the afternoon of Thursday March 22nd. Join us for a hands-on experience of handbell ringing. Enjoy listening to a performance by the team and be inspired to pick up the bells and have a go yourself at this fun and engaging activity during the interactive session afterwards. The afternoon will be rounded off with tea and cake. Cost per person: £3 (payable on the day). This event is part of the Prime Time programme but all are welcome. Come along and join us;  the fun starts at 2.00pm. Further details available from the Prime Time Team based at the Church Office 421267 or email:  primetime@bhcgodalming.org.

**Reminder: please return Electoral Roll forms asap**

please pray for…
· Those being baptised today
· The BHC Staff team - leadership, admin and others
· Beechway and their road steward, Susie Chandler
. Foxdene & New Road

Sunday 11 March 2018

Old Rectory update
Works continue in the main building with decoration and flooring. The garage has been stripped and is being put back together to form the youth base structure. Mark Pateman

Baptism
A very warm welcome to the friends and family of Leon & Katy Garner attending their baptism at the Busbridge Contemporary today.

We send our love to Andy Hinde, whose father, Francis, died on 20th February, aged 84.  A service of thanksgiving for his life was on Friday 9th March 2018, at 12.30pm in Hambledon church. Please hold Andy and the whole family in your prayers.

Busbridge&Hambledon Away Day
A huge thank you to everyone who filled out the online survey about the proposed BHC Away Day - YOUR chance to tell us what you wanted from YOUR Away Day. The results have been really helpful in all sorts of ways (so a most excellent use of your 3 minutes - pat yourselves on the back!). We’ll be announcing in the next couple of weeks the date, shape and purpose of the Away Day, so watch this space!

Reverence Evensong
The latest in our biannual ‘reverence’ services will be held at Hambledon at 4.00pm on 18th March. As before, in the style of Choral Evensong, complete with a BHC choir. Many thanks to Jenna Brown who has kindly agreed to lead the choristers. Do join us.

Busbridge Contemporary
A number of people asked for the hard questions and challenging thoughts drawn from James Chapter 4 at Busbridge contemporary last Sunday. Here they are….
· Do we always count the cost of something in money?
· What comforts and conveniences do we think that we’re entitled to?
· Are we happy to deny others the things that we demand for ourselves?
· Who is more powerful: companies that make things or the consumers who buy the things?
· Jesus was led into the wilderness and tempted. He was challenged to make choices between what was right and what would bring him physical comfort and self-aggrandisement and material gain. As his followers, we will also be challenged.
· Sometimes the right choice is the one that means upheaval; the one that’s about denying oneself to make sure other people are ok- maybe even  people we’ve never met. Sometimes the right choice will make the people around us uncomfortable. But it’s still the right thing to do.
· Choice is a powerful privilege. Do we choose humbly, understanding that all our choices will in the end stand under God's scrutiny?

Palm Sunday services...Please watch this space for more details of the special services planned for next week.  A choice of two very different ways to celebrate this important day in the church calendar.

New Wine
A large group from BHC are going to Week 2 (5th - 11th August) at The Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet. The youngest in our group is under one and the oldest is...well let's just say there are several who are retired!  Early Bird rates end on 3rd April so take a look at www.united.new-wine.org for more information or speak to Nicky Hemery or Dave Preece. Half weeks are also available to book for Week 2. If you are already booked for New Wine, please let Nicky know you are going.

Become a Dementia Friend
Dementia Friends gives people an understanding of dementia and the small things you can do that make a difference to people living with this condition. As a first step towards Busbridge&Hambledon Church achieving Dementia Friendly Church status, we will be offering regular Dementia Friends Information Sessions at both churches throughout the year. The first of these is taking place on Tuesday 20th March at 2.00pm in the Church Centre at Busbridge. The session last approximately 1 hour. For further details or to book a place contact Penny Naylor at the Church Office or email: penny.naylor@bhcgodalming.org.

A reminder about the Hambledon prayer breakfast 8.30am on 17th March.

please pray for…
· Those being baptised today
· The friends and family of Andy Hinde
· Those enjoying Mothering Sunday and those who find the day difficult
· Ashtead Lane and their road stewards, Caroline Wright and Jane Tomes
· Duncombe Road and Lane End

Sunday 4 March 2018

Old Rectory update
The first floor is practically completed, and we continue with decoration on the ground floor and fitting internal finishing items. Garage conversion still to come. Mark Pateman

Many longstanding church members will remember Jeanne Brown.  She lived in Park Chase until a few years ago, when she moved into Sunrise.  Sadly, we have heard that she died on 24th February. Her funeral service will be at Guildford Crematorium on Tuesday 27th March 2018, at 12 noon. All friends are welcome to attend. Please pray for Jeanne’s wider family, her friends and former neighbours.

Breaking news: Julie Nelson suffering at the hands of a mean bean!
Julie (Busbridge Classic) has decided to take up Tearfund’s Mean Bean Challenge to raise funds and awareness for their worldwide work to beat poverty and hunger. For 5 days from 19th March she will eat only porridge for breakfast, and rice and beans for lunch and dinner – in smaller portions than she’s used to (and no chocolate…!! ) If you would like to sponsor her please go to: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/julie-s-mean-bean-5-day-challenge2018

Correction to channel for mission update:
Re. mention of St Clements in the latest Channel for Mission update should read: (they) received support both financially and through prayer to assist in all the help their congregation have been giving to those in need at Grenfell Tower.

Well done!
Huge congratulations to Phoebe and Edie (Busbridge Contemporary) who raised £65.74 for Old Rectory by making and selling their gorgeous origami dogs - brilliant work girls!

Peter Shaw is preaching at the Guildford Cathedral Evensong at 6.00pm on Sunday 11th March.  He is speaking as part of a Lent series where he will be addressing the theme of Hope in an uncertain world. 

Coffee Drop in
The next coffee drop in is on Monday 12th March, 2.00pm in Busbridge Centre. All welcome to come along!

Nexus
The talk by  Hugh Terry, Chairman of SERV SSL: Service by Emergency Rider Volunteers for Surrey and South London, will now take place on Thursday 8th March, having been cancelled because of the snow and icy conditions. He will tell us about the work of their blood runners, selfless volunteers who generously give their time, in the middle of the night and on motorbikes or in cars, to save lives by transporting emergency blood and medical supplies to wherever they are needed.  SERV SSL is our chosen charity for 2018. Do come along and learn more about the fantastic work these volunteers do. All are very welcome, including men. We meet in Busbridge Church Centre at 8.00pm and there’ll be drinks and nibbles before Hugh starts his talk. We very much look forward to seeing you! 

Nomination for election to the PCC of Busbridge&Hambledon
If you would like to join the PCC (and are on the electoral roll) please contact Simon. Our next APCM is Sunday 29th April 2018. To join the electoral roll, please fill out either a Busbridge or a Hambledon form, downloadable from www.bhcgodalming.org/electoral-roll and return to Maggie Jagger or Mary Parker respectively.

Mothering Sunday - 11th March
Carole Keating is looking for volunteers to help her make posies for Mothering Sunday. If you would like to join her on Saturday 10th March at 10.00am in Busbridge Church Centre, please contact Carole. Any donations of greenery (especially heather) would also be gratefully received.

BIG Spring Clean!
The Big Spring Clean is now in the diary for Saturday 12th May - in case you don’t know what this is, it’s when 80-100 people of all ages descend upon Busbridge Church plus the surrounding area and make it sparkle, plus make new friends and have a delicious lunch. It’s always a wonderful occasion and a great way to get more involved with your church. You do need to register for it though, rather than turn up as we organise teams prior to the event. If you’d like to get involved please email karen.kinder@bhcgodalming.org.

Newcomers’ Tea
We are looking for someone to lead a small team of 3 to 4 people to coordinate a newcomers’/welcome event on Sunday 22nd April. If you are interested could you please contact Jill Johnston. If you are new to any of the BHC services and haven’t yet filled out an information card, please get in touch with Jill as well so she can let you know the details closer to the time.

please pray for…
· June Higgins
· The friends and family of Jeanne Brown
· Those preparing for marriage
· Appletree Close and their road steward, Cathy Brook
· Crownpits Lane and Potters Hill

Sunday 25 February 2018

Old Rectory update
Internal fit out works are progressing on the Old Rectory, internal doors and flooring to be installed next week on the first floor. Mark Pateman

Nomination for election to the PCC of Busbridge&Hambledon
If you would like to join the PCC (and are on the electoral roll) please contact Simon. Our next APCM is Sunday 29th April 2018. To join the electoral roll, please fill out either a Busbridge or a Hambledon form, downloadable from www.bhcgodalming.org/electoral-roll and return to Maggie Jagger or Mary Parker respectively.

Living Lent - Children’s Lent Challenge
Have you got a copy of the Lent Challenge poster for your family or for the children, grandchildren, or God children in your life?? It’s not to late to get started - look out for your copy at the back of church or pop into the Church Office. Huge thanks to James Ellin who put this all together - it’s so well done that the Diocese are looking to re-create it for other parishes, so thanks James! For more information on Lent go to www.bhcgodalming.org/living-lent.

Mothering Sunday - 11th March
Carole Keating is looking for volunteers to help her make posies for Mothering Sunday. If you would like to join her on Saturday 10th March at 10.00am in Busbridge Church Centre, please contact Carole. Any donations of greenery (especially heather) would also be gratefully received.

Space for God
Do you crave some time of quiet to be with God away from the many distractions that vie for your attention? Then, why not take one hour out of your schedule on Tuesday 6th March, 8.00pm - 9.00pm to do just that. This hour will be facilitated by David Preece, in Busbridge Church. You are  welcome to come for all or part of the hour. If you have not been before – why not try something new during this season of Lent. Contact: Shân Hallam.

BIG Spring Clean!
The Big Spring Clean is now in the diary for Saturday 12th May - in case you don’t know what this is, it’s when 80-100 people of all ages descend upon Busbridge Church plus the surrounding area and make it sparkle, plus make new friends and have a delicious lunch. It’s always a wonderful occasion and a great way to get more involved with your church. You do need to register for it though, rather than turn up as we organise teams prior to the event. If you’d like to get involved please email karen.kinder@bhcgodalming.org.

Newcomers’ Tea
We are looking for someone to lead a small team of 3 to 4 people to coordinate a newcomers’/welcome event on Sunday 22nd April. If you are interested could you please contact Jill Johnston. If you are new to any of the BHC services and haven’t yet filled out an information card, please get in touch with Jill as well so she can let you know the details closer to the time.

Joan Dyer was a long standing member of this church until she moved to residential care in Guildford, but she would still be very happy to be visited by anyone who knew her well in Busbridge. If you would like to do this occasionally, please contact Chris Sollars via the Church Office.

A reminder that it is Women's World Day of Prayer on Friday 2nd March. The ecumenical service in Godalming will be at 2.00pm at Queen Street Baptist Church. Everyone is welcome (not just women!) to join this 'wave' of worship which will span the globe in 24 hours. The service this year is compiled by the ladies of Suriname! if you want to find out where that is and more about their country do come along.

Channel for Mission
The latest Channel for Mission update should be available in all services today or on the website. Do take a look to see how BHC supports various charities and groups.

Busbridge Church Brass Cleaning
Could this be you? Usually, we have four dedicated teams/individuals who take turns to do the brass cleaning on a quarterly basis but we now have a gap in March each year. It’s not a huge task; it only takes an hour. If you (and a friend/husband/wife/partner if you’d prefer to do it as a team) are interested, please contact Liz in the office on 01483 421267 or liz.gorst@bhcgodalming.org.

please pray for…
· June Higgins
· David & Sandra’s son Patrick
· Those facing divorce
· The Prime Time Team and its outreach
· The Befriending Scheme
· Alvernia Close and their road steward, Kate Brockman
· College Hill and Markwick Lane