Sunday 23 June 2019

Summer arrivals

We are delighted (nay thrilled!) to announce the name of our new Associate Minister at Busbridge&Hambledon, Rev Simon Willetts and his wife, Naomi, will be joining us in the Summer. The Benefice Licensing date is 15th Sept, 6pm at Hambledon Church. (This is all subject to clear DBS, medicals and other paperwork.) Simon is currently Associate Minister at ChristChurch, Virginia Water.

Thanks to those who have offered furniture for our new Youth Minister.  Anto Ficatier and his wife Jess will be arriving from Hong Kong in mid-August, and are grateful for our help in furnishing their home here.  White goods, a car, sofa bed and dining room chairs would still be welcome.  Contact vic.hicks@bhcgodalming.org if you can offer anything or help source items, or even help with furniture collection and delivery to Phillips Close.

Marriage Course starting 12 September 2019

Everything of value needs some care and a little polishing up now again, and marriages are no different.  The HTB marriage course is now run nationally, and comes highly recommended by those who have done it at BHC in recent years.  It’s fun and humorous as well as insightful, so they say!  There are seven evening sessions (every other Thursday), where couples will be wined and dined in the romantic setting of the Old Rectory.  NO GROUP DISCUSSION involved.  More info to follow, but please register your interest or find out more from David and Sandra Wilkin: davidkswilkin@outlook.com or Mark and Linda Alcock: mlja@sky.com.

Congratulations to Liz Gorst in her wonderful metamorphoses into co-ordinating all our great facilities across BusbridgeandHambledon and helping us use them well for the Gospel.  If you have queries about anything other than facilities please now direct them to Cat (weddings, funerals, baptisms, worship organisation), Jenny (safeguarding, DBS, GDPR, admin for work with young people) or Vic (activities, notices, communicating things).

Vacuum cleaner needed at the Old Rectory: Does anyone have a good vacuum cleaner going spare?  It needs to cope with fairly heavy use!  If so, please contact liz.gorst@bhcgodalming.org.  (We received two good mowers after the request last week, thank you.)

Wonderful news!  Congratulations to James and Emma Ellin on the birth of their daughter on 15 June.  We look forward to hearing a name soon...

Calling all New Winers!  A group of 28 from BHC are booked to go to week 2 of New Wine on 4 August. If you’re coming too and would like to meet the rest of the group and do a bit of planning, you are warmly invited to tea on 30 June, 3.30pm at Karen Hart’s or to stay in the Old Rectory after the 6.30pm service on 7 July to chat. Email Karen for her address, or to let her know if you’re coming to New Wine even if you can’t make either date!  Karen Hart karenhart58@btinternet.com

Busbridge Church Reordering so far..
There are still four pews that urgently need a home.  If you would be interested in a pew, pew runners, wood flooring or kneelers, or know someone who might, do get in contact with Michael on michaeleashing@aol.com

Ichthus for ages 14-18 would like to increase communications with parents so if you are interested in receiving updates on events please send your email details to jenny.lansdowne@bhcgodalming.org.

Sunday 16 June 2016

Choral Evensong with King Edward’s Chapel Choir,

Wednesday 19 June, 4.45pm, Hambledon

Come and enjoy King Edward’s School Chapel Choir at  Hambledon church this Wednesday.  The choir is looking forward to singing a special anthem and a good selection of rousing hymns with the congregation.  Tea and cake from 4.15pm.

Busbridge Church Reordering so far..
The contractor has been on site for two weeks and has nearly completed the preparation stage for the electrics, decorating and laying the timber floor.  The oak flooring is about to be ordered and will need to acclimatise for two weeks before it is laid in mid July.  For more technical details and any questions please ask Tim Davies: timdavies.click@btinternet.com 

So far over £2500 has been raised for the reordering project from donations relating to the pews, runners and floor boarding!  There are still four pews that need a home.  If you would be interested in a pew or know someone who might, do get in contact with Michael on michaeleashing@aol.com

Please contact Shelagh Godwin via church.office@bhcgodalming.org if you can contribute cakes for the builders, or join the prayer effort for the reordering.  She would appreciate someone or several people to support this undertaking.

Calling all New Winers!  A group of 28 from BHC are booked to go to week 2 of New Wine on 4 August. If you’re coming too and would like to meet the rest of the group and do a bit of planning, you are warmly invited to tea on 30 June, 3.30pm at Karen Hart’s or to stay in the Old Rectory after the 6.30pm service on 7 July to chat. Do email Karen for her address, or to let her know if you’re coming to New Wine even if you can’t make either date!  Karen Hart karenhart58@btinternet.com

Do you have a young person aged 14 to 18 (school years 9 to 13)? Ichthus would like to increase communications with parents so if you are interested in receiving updates on events please send your email details to jenny.lansdowne@bhcgodalming.org.

Confirmation opportunity, 24 November 2019

If you would like to find out about being confirmed with other candidates from the deanery, please speak to Simon (simon.taylor@bhcgodalming.org).  Confirmations will take place in a special 6pm service at Busbridge Church.

Last call for Jam Together next Sunday, 2-5pm

For 11-18 year olds who play an instrument or enjoy singing.  We have a band-worth of young musicians, but a few more would be welcome.  Contact lisa.olsworth-peter@bhcgodalming.org for last minute registrations.

Spare Petrol Mower: Does anyone have a petrol mower they don’t use any more? Would you consider donating it to the church? If so, please contact liz.gorst@bhcgodalming.org. Many thanks.

It is with sadness that we inform you that Malcolm Gorick has died. He was a much loved member of Busbridge Church and moved to Taunton at the end of 2016.

More news in the extra handouts to take home this week:

•  Channel for Mission Update: Church Family Support Fund

•  Churches Together Link Up—June edition

•  The Great Girls’ Get-together, Mon 24 June, 8-10pm

•  Blokes’ BBQ & Beer Bash, Thurs, 27 June, 7.45pm. 

•  Next Marvelous Movie Matinee (For the family)

Sunday 9 June 2019

“How effective is the (Busbridge Junior) school’s distinctive Christian vision ... in enabling pupils and adults to flourish?”  This week the Chair of Governors at our lovely church school was pleased to tell parents that the recent SIAMS inspection (8 May 2019) judged the effectiveness of the school’s Christian vision to be ‘Good’.  Well done to the school leadership team and all involved.  Keep up the good (God’s!) work! The following is an excerpt from a letter to parents and carers from Ron Downhill, Chair of Governors.

”Your school , being a church school, does of course have a Christian ethos. Church schools undergo formal inspections every five years (SIAMS) “How effective is the school’s distinctive Christian vision, established and promoted by leadership at all levels, in enabling pupils and adults to flourish?”… Our motto is “Cherish and Challenge” – to be a school that reflects the love of Christ: cherishing each other as unique individuals and challenging all to achieve and succeed. A SIAMS inspection of our School was made on 8 May 2019 www.busbridge-junior.surrey.sch.uk/web/siams/150242... As Chair of Governors, I am pleased to report that the Inspector has rated the effectiveness of the school’s Christian vision overall to be ‘Good’, indeed Mrs Jenkins indicated that the school’s overall rating was only marginally short of being the aspirationally high grading of ‘Excellent’. You will see that in particular she considers the teaching and learning of RE to be exceptionally well lead and highly effective. She considers that the school’s collective worship is, like RE, an important element of the school and that the school’s leadership enables pupils and adults to flourish.

A practical idea to aid your prayer life!

The blue prayer kneelers from Busbridge Church are not needed anymore – but if you would like to have one for yourself and/or your children with a deliberate intention to pray more – please contact the church office.  As you kneel to pray you may like to include a prayer for the reordering of the church over the coming weeks.

ABC Stay & Play toddler groups—helpers needed

There are many who enjoy these groups as children and parents, and it’s an ever evolving ministry.  Tuesday and Friday morning groups now enjoy spilling out onto the Old Rectory garden, and numbers are growing.  If you would like to join the team of helpers who represent the church, please speak to Juliet (juliet.gilbert@bhcgodalming.org).

Christian Aid collection

We are very grateful to everyone who contributed to the collection for Christian Aid on 12th May. £380 was collected, and this will go towards providing health centres and clinics for impoverished communities in Sierra Leone. This money could literally save lives!

Fathers’ Day BBQ, next Sunday, Busbridge Contemporary

A treat for dads (and everyone who wants to celebrate them)!  Come at 9.45am for coffee and bacon sandwiches before the contemporary service.  Please arrive in plenty of time.

Choral Evensong with King Edward’s Chapel Choir, Wednesday 19 June, 4.45pm, Hambledon

The chapel choir of King Edward’s School, Witley is returning to Hambledon church for a special Choral Evensong service to celebrate the school’s links with the village.  All welcome.  Tea and cake from 4.15pm.

Jam Together, Sunday 23 June, 2-5pm, Old Rectory

Registration closes today!  A new event for 11-18 year olds who play an instrument or enjoy singing.  No pressure to play, just come along and enjoy.

Contact lisa.olsworth-peter@bhcgodalming.org for more information and a registration form.

Prayer and Cakes for Busbridge reordering - two essential fuels for the building works!  Please contact Shelagh Godwin via church.office@bhcgodalming.org if you can contribute either.  She would appreciate someone or several people to support this undertaking.

 Sign up this week for:

The Great Girls’ Get-together, Mon 24 June, 8-10pm email ladies@bhcgodalming.org, AND

Blokes’ BBQ & Beer Bash, Thurs, 27 June, 7.45pm. 

email bbq@bhcgodalming.org . 

Confirmation opportunity, 24 November 2019

If you would like to find out about being confirmed with other candidates from the deanery, please speak to Simon (simon.taylor@bhcgodalming.org).  Confirmations will take place in a special 6.30pm service at Busbridge Church.

Sunday 26 May 2019

Thank you to everyone who gathered to worship and pray last Sunday when Simon was licensed as Area Dean. It was wonderful to share it as a church family and with Christians from several churches in the area, all of whom commented on the joy, warm welcome and committed faith in Christ that was so evident in those they met.

Latest news on Busbridge Church Reordering

The pews and pine flooring have been removed, and the contractor is due to start works on 3 June.  (3 pews are still looking for a home—contact liz.gorst@bhcgodalming if you are interested).  If you would like a quick look before the contractor starts, the church is open today from 11-11.30am.

We are hugely grateful to the Beatrice Laing Foundation for a donation towards the reordering of Busbridge Church.  Laing (as in the house builders) was founded by a Christian family who wanted their faith to be reflected in their attitude to wealth.

AND, please save the date for the re-opening celebration on Sunday 8 September, 10am.

Next Men’s Matters breakfast, Sat 1 June, 8-9.45am

Now in the Old Rectory until the Church centre reopens.  Good breakfast and discussion on the main stories in the news tackled from a Christian perspective.  No need to book - just roll up as soon after 8.15 as you can (the porridge runs out shortly thereafter!).

Nexus event: Thurs 6 June, 8pm, The Old Rectory

David Lucas, Chair of ‘Mechanics for Africa ’ will tell us about the work of this locally based charity.  Mechanics for Africa provides underprivileged young Zambians with excellent mechanical training as well as a range of valuable life skills.  Drinks and nibbles before the talk.

Fathers’ Day BBQ, 16 June at Busbridge Contemporary

A treat for dads (and everyone who wants to celebrate them)!  Come early for coffee and bacon sandwiches before the contemporary service.  Dave Preece will be serving from 9.45am.  Please arrive in plenty of time.

Choral Evensong with King Edward’s Chapel Choir,

Wednesday 19 June, 4.45pm, Hambledon

The chapel choir of King Edward’s School, Witley is returning to Hambledon church for a special Choral Evensong service to celebrate the school’s links with the village.  All welcome.  Tea and cake from 4.15pm.

Jam Together, Sunday 23 June, 2-5pm, Old Rectory

If you’re between 11-18 years old and play an instrument or enjoy singing then Jam Together is for you. It’s open to all musicians and singers.  No pressure to play, just come along and enjoy. Contact lisa.olsworth-peter@bhcgodalming.org for more information and a registration form. Registration closes Sunday 9 June.

Also coming up in June: two good ‘bring a friend along’ events at The Old Rectory...

The Great Girls’ Get together, Mon 24 June, 8-10pm

Food, wine and sunshine.  It’s the very popular annual event for our ladies to catch up, put names to faces and enjoy the Old Rectory garden.  To book please email ladies@bhcgodalming.org.

Blokes’ BBQ & Beer Bash, Thurs, 27 June, 7.45pm. 

What it says on the tin!  Please take a flyer and email bbq@bhcgodalming.org to reserve your place.

 PLEASE PRAY FOR…

· The next phase of the Busbridge Reordering project and everyone involved in the works

·  Students taking exams

·  Quartermile Road and their road stewards Jan Pinto and Denise Brunning

·  Hambledon Road and Hambledon Nursery School

Sunday 19 May 2019

New Associate Minister

We are delighted to announce that after a careful and prayer-filled interview process we have offered the Associate Minister post to an excellent person. We can give no further details at present but the candidate has accepted subject to clear references, DBS and granting of the Bishop of Guildford’s License.  The person is ideal for the role; based at Hambledon Church and living and being present in the village; overseeing small groups, evangelism and developing mentoring. We envisage that this is be a long-term appointment but it is currently for a period of five years.

Busbridge Church closed for re-ordering

HUGE thanks to everyone who is helping with the Busbridge Church reordering. Over 20 people rolled up on Monday to empty the church. Half a dozen different people at any one time have been in the church all week cutting, preparing, lifting and sweeping. We are hugely grateful to Michael Stubbs and Simon Gilbert for giving up their week to oversee this. This is the first stage of a long process. If you’d like to donate funds to the work speak to Martin Lambert – we’re just a little short of the target.

While the church and the centre is closed for re-ordering, we will make full use of the wonderful facilities in the Old Rectory for regular worship and other activities.  Please check the listings for any change of venues.  Please note:

· As the church centre is off limits, the council will use the Old Rectory as a polling station this Thurs 23 May.

· Daily prayers for peace at 5pm continue in the Latimer Room in the Old Rectory whenever Shelagh Godwin is available. People wishing to come should check with Shelagh first.

Diocese Fund Appeal this Sunday

The Guildford Diocesan Fund, which supports our work for older people within the benefice, is appealing for funds. Envelopes are available from church this Sunday.

Whole Church Prayer Event, Monday 20 May, 8-9pm, Old Rectory.   The topic will be our work with children and young people.  

Jam Together, Sunday 23 June, Old Rectory

If you’re between 11-18 years old and play an instrument or enjoy singing then Jam Together is for you. It’s open to all musicians and singers on Sunday 23rd June from 2-5pm in the Old Rectory.  No pressure to play, just come along and enjoy. Contact lisa.olsworth-peter@bhcgodalming.org for more information and a registration form. Registration closes Sunday 9th June.

Coming up in June: two good ‘bring a friend along’ events ...

The Great Girls Get together, Mon 24 June, 8-10pm

Food, wine and sunshine.  It’s the very popular annual event for our ladies to catch up, put names to faces and enjoy the Old Rectory garden.  To book email ladies@bhcgodalming.org.

Blokes BBQ and Beer Bash, Thursday, 27 June, 7.45pm, Old Rectory.  Please email bbq@bhcgodalming.org to reserve your place.

Church Finance Administration

Sue Bowman, who has provided excellent service as the church bookkeeper for the last few years, is intending to retire from the role in the next few months.   Martin Lambert (our Busbridge treasurer) is taking the opportunity to review how we manage church finances and is looking to expand the team.  If you have skills and enthusiasm to get involved with the finances (either as a volunteer or paid for professional services) please get in touch with Martin at martin.lambert@bhcgodalming.org

For a full list of events at  Busbridge&Hambledon go to www.bhcgodalming.org/whats-on

  PLEASE PRAY FOR…

·  The next phase of Busbridge Re-ordering project and everyone involved in the works

·  The European elections, councillors and all who serve in local politics

·  ABC toddler Group and their parents

·  National Development of Fairtrade

·  Students taking exams

·  Hambledon Park and Pullman Lane