Hambledon Public Notice 30 March 2020
To see the full application, please email church.office@bhcgodalming.org. Details of the the faculty application would be available in the church in normal circumstances but details can be provided from the church office.
This Sunday's sermon (coming on the BHC Godalming YouTube channel): Psalm 63 - Hope in the dark times
Hello again, after the most unusual of weeks in which every day life, and church life has been affected so radically.
After reading down to see what's going on, here's A word from Simon Taylor on 'Shock'.
Having stopped all church gatherings and services last week, on Monday we were instructed to close our buildings completely. Please note that this applies to Busbridge church, Hambledon church and the Old Rectory. - All locked up until further notice, with very occasional access by the wardens and those caring for the buildings.
So, never has it been truer, or more encouraging, to know that the church is not the building, but the people….and for us today, like many churches, it is somewhere virtual - on zoom, YouTube, Spotify and www.bhcgodalming.org!
[Initially this may involve signing up for a few new (free) accounts and a bit of grappling with new apps and tech, but we're trying to use the easiest, most widely used and free solutions. BUT If any of this is not possible for you, please reply – 'Help...' and we'll do what we can to keep you connected another way.]
Church@Home
Last Sunday's online service on YouTube has had more than 500 views. WOW – almost everyone came to church on the same Sunday. Thanks to all those who have given such positive feedback on the pilot episode – the first Sunday series is now fully commissioned!
This week Simon Willetts will be preaching on Psalm 63 – Hope in Dark times. The service will go live on BHC Godalming at 10am on Sunday, and we hope that you will watch at that time, together. The service includes church members doing the readings and prayers and we are so grateful to everyone who has been able to embrace a new process. REMEMBER THAT THE CLOCKS 'SPRING' FORWARD ON SATURDAY (But the upside of all this is that no one will know if you're late!).
To go with the service, the Sunday Song List s on Spotify here. It includes contemporary worship and traditional hymns. We've not quite found to the solution for including songs in the broadcast (there are copyright restrictions) but it's coming.
Prayer
As important as ever. The BHC public zoom room is hosted by someone from the Prayer Ministry team at 9am every weekday. We've had up to 20 people several mornings this week. There are some guidelines on bhcgodalming.org - Please give it a try. The Prayer Ministry team would also be happy to receive any personal prayer requests in confidence. e: prayer@bhcgodalming.org. We know that prayer is also continuing relentlessly in Home / Small groups. Amen!
10.30am Coffee Break & 4pm Tea time
Please feel free to pop in and out of the BHC public zoom room from 10.30-11am and 4-4.30pm to say 'Hi', share highs and lows from the day. We're all getting used to the new technology so this is quite a good time try it out.
CYF Online
Ichthus and Pathfinders now have a dedicated zoom room for their meetings. Not surprisingly, our young people have taken to their new meetings like ducks to water. These are happening at roughly the usual Ichthus & Pathfinders times – They are open to everyone, but you do need to register by emailing anto.ficatier@bhcgodalming.org to join the zoom meetings.
To join in with Explorers and Ark activities, email Judith.hawkey@bhcgodalming.org.
BHC Community Response Team
We have all been humbled and amazed at the many thousands of people who responded to the call to return to work for the NHS. An even greater number have volunteered to help in their local communities (over half a million according to the latest published figures) and the communities in Busbridge and Hambledon are very much part of those figures.
Road Stewards and House Groups have formed WhatsApp groups, to help them stay in touch; more than sixty people have volunteered to help those who are self-isolating or otherwise unable to leave their homes. We have received around twenty requests for help and another forty who are receiving 'phone calls from our pastoral team, to check on their wellbeing. Several people have registered with us, saying that they are all right for now, but know they will need help as time goes on.
It is heart-warming to be a part of all this and we are so grateful to everyone who has been in touch. It has been very busy, so if you have volunteered, but have not received an acknowledgement from a member of the team, please could we ask you to e-mail coronaresponse@bhcgodalming.org again, simply to ensure that no-one has been missed?
Above all, we want to say an enormous 'thank you'!
So, as there's much for us to do (and contrary to popular opinion - less time with the family 'remote learning' at home) please take a look around on www.bhcgodalming.org.
And don't forget you can also follow BHC Godalming on Facebook, Instragram and Twitter too.
To the number of you who are in self-isolation at the moment, and indeed those suffering with the virus, please do forward any prayer requests (in confidence) to the Prayer Ministry team via prayer@bhcgodalming.org. The church would love to care for you spiritually, emotionally and practically if we can.
In accordance with the times, these are very different notices to usual.
There are no services until further notice (was there ever a time when this has happened before?), so no rotas or diary dates to shout about. And we will miss coming together.
Some might be wondering if everyone in the church office has gone to ground this week, in a time of crisis and uncertainty. Not so.
Get ready to for a steady stream of opportunities both online and 'ungathered, together' to serve the community and stay connected.
We have divided Busbridge&Hambledon Church's new and developing ministry into 2 broad areas:
We are offering worship, prayer and fellowship online. We have a few things up and running already, with more to follow.
10am ON SUNDAYS – YouTube channel BHC Godalming.
There will be a short online message from our clergy team broadcast on the BHC Godalming YouTube channel. This Sunday we will hear from Simon Taylor, speaking on 1 Samual 1: 20-28 about brokenness, separation and having to fall on God – for a very different kind of Mothering Sunday.
You can subscribe to the BHC Godalming channel on YouTube here, or just click the link we send out at 9.30am on Sunday. (NB. it's not perfect – you will also get ads from companies that are not endorsed by the church.)
The music for this Sunday (hymns and worship songs) can be found on this Spotify playlist put together by Lisa.
Daily prayer at 9am weekdays
Anyone can join this via the Prayer Room link on www.bhcgodalming.org.
Judith Hawkey is organising the rota of people to lead, and we hope to add second prayer session in the evening too. It's running on something called Zoom and you might find it useful to install it first on your PC or download the app on your smart phone. We'll get instructions up on the web site as soon as….
10.30am Coffee break and 4pm Tea time – One of the team will be in the BHC chat room at these times so that anyone can pop in, cup in hand, and chat to anyone who's there.
CYF – To meet the needs of our children and young people facing weeks if not months of remote learning at home, the CYF team will be hosting activities and youth meetings on Zoom too. Contact Anto.Ficatier@bhcgodalming to be added to the parents list to receive details.
[We're trialling quite a few new things, so all this might be a bit clunky at first – please bear with us, not done it before!]
The Churches are open
Please observe all government instructions, but if it is safe for you to visit the churches, they will be open in daylight hours for prayer and reflection.
At Busbridge, there is a short visual playing on the screen in the church with meditative music. Thanks to Lisa Olsworth-Peter, Dave Preece and Tim Davies for making this happen.
Everyone that can, wants to help. We've had so many wonderful responses from church members and local people who are already getting on with it, but looking to the church for direction.
In Busbridge, the Community response is being coordinated by Margot Spencer, Cathy Brook, Lorna Sherwin and Penny Naylor.
The team have produced a handout which will be delivered through every door in Busbridge. We are reliant on Road Stewards for this, a significant number of which are in the vulnerable healthy category and may be self-isolating. If you would like to support them by delivering the flyers this weekend, please email coronaresponse@bhcgodalming.org.
Hambledon have also set up a Corona response network with lots of people involved. Details are on the Hambledon Village web site.
The foodbanks are running low, and we are investigating if we can have a collection point in the churches. The risk of cross contamination of goods is an issue, so we will update on that shortly.
There's much more in the pipeline, and it feels like a race, but for better or worse it seems we have time to put different things in place which are worthwhile and sustainable – and build the Kingdom!
You can find more details and communications we have sent out on the resources page of the web site: This week: Simon Taylor's letter to BJS parents, Judith Hawkey's message to BJS parents, Simon Willett's reflection and more.
If you do want to stay connected and be involved, please take this time to follow us on facebook, instragram and Twitter, subscribe to the YouTube channel, and use the web site bhcgodalming.org.
For those not online – we need help – firstly to identify anyone who might be missing out on communications, or is unable to participate in the online worship and gatherings. Phone calls, doorstep visits and deliveries will all play an important part here.
Things you can doAs well as the request for extra road stewards, we would also like to reinforce the Prayer Ministry team. If this is your gift and time now allows, please contact lisa.olsworth-peter@bhcgodalming.org.
GIVINGThis Sunday was/is Mission Sunday for Open Doors. Sadly the visiting speakers have been postponed, but you can find out about the cause, and ways to donate here.
Church Family Support Fund – the trustees are currently rewriting the constitution of this fund so that it can be used as a charity to support people in the community who are affected financially by the economic impact of Coronavirus. It is open to donations by church members for church families now, as it has been for the last 30 years. Please consider if you'd like to give to it at this time.
The Church Office at the Old RectoryThe majority of clergy and staff are working remotely from home now, and a lot of us will have childcare responsibilities from Monday. All staff can be reached by email as usual, and the office phone will be manned by one of us in the office or remotely. Please check whether the Old Rectory is open before you come.
Looking forward to your thoughts and feedback. We are not able to act on every great suggestion right now, but in time they will all be evaluated. Let's keep talking. There is so much that this crisis will teach us.
(Have I missed anything? Almost certainly. Read what you will into the lateness of this email. It's been a long week for the everyone, but a privilege to serve.)
Kind regards
Vic Hicks
Communications & Office Manager
Part-time: Mon, Wed and Thursdayt: 01483 421267 | w: bhcgodalming.org | Find us on Facebook & Instagram
the Old Rectory, Old Rectory Gardens, Godalaming, GU7 1XB
Dear friends,
"Our life is going to be less characterised by attendance at church on Sunday, and more characterised by the prayer and service we offer each day." Archbishop of Canterbury, 17/3/2020
What does this mean for us, locally?
We are living in uncertain and fragile times but as this is being written the church bell above Busbridge Church is ringing out as a call to prayer and hope in darkness. Hope is what we all need right now. Things are uncertain and there is much fear, great confusion and many are asking deep and searching questions. This is natural. It is part of the way that God created us to be able to cope with profound change. It is also natural to think of others. This is happening across our nation right now. There are small glimpses of wonder and joy in those moments of generosity. Let us celebrate them and be part of them ourselves.
We have a phrase which is our hope for this moment in our Nation. It comes from the Bible (1 Thesselonians) 'No-one left behind'. We are going to work with everyone to ensure that no-one is left behind in and around Godalming, Busbridge and Hambledon.
Whilst we are not going to be meeting as a church to worship and our usual activities are suspended - we will be offering a new community: We are coordinating a list of people who are willing and able to travel far and wide to offer various forms of moral, emotional and 'doing' support. We are looking into how our small groups could be a great way to network this. If you have or know of any initiatives on what other groups (community, secular/whoever) are doing to support their neighbourhoods, please let us know via email - as we are considering how best to coordinate our efforts. We are also liaising with the council and other local groups.
Please keepsafe and do not put yourself or others at risk. Therefore, please do not meet as small groups or connect groups in any venue or location whether inside or outside until further notice: as we do not know the underlying medical needs of those in our groups. Instead please consider maximising your use of social media/digital platforms, such as skype/zoom/facetime and not least the good old phone call! Many of these platforms are free and easy to use. If you're in a small group please liaise with your small group leader. Please make sure your members are keeping in regular contact to ensure that If anyone is isolated and vulnerable we find a way to support them safely. (Please maintain social distance, keep good hand hygiene and if in doubt seek advice especially if there is a risk of infection). There are many helpful FAQ's on the BBC website.
Things already in the pipeline:
Helping others: We have a charity which the church set up at least 20 years ago. It exists to give financial support to those in hardship. This might be people in the gig economy, the freelancer or the zero hours contract worker in our area. We'll be opening the charity up to accept more donations and looking at ways to past every penny on to those who need it right now.
We'll be looking at ways to open our two churches for prayer and reflection and to bring solace and peace to people.
We're looking at online worship and sermons.
Following the government's and the CofE's latest guidelines re: Covid-19 - we are suspending all services and church groups with immediate effect.
Please visit: (this site has regular updates)
https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-churches
The church is not closed. The worship is not ceasing. It is just not happening in the building or school or open air right now, indeed - You are the Church!
In the meantime, may Jesus Christ strengthen you at this time.
Yours,
The Two Rev Simon's at Busbridge&Hambledon Church
UPDATED: Precautions against Coronavirus
We are closely following the advice from the government and instructions from the CofE to parishes, as it develops daily. The BHC leadership team has made plans so that we are ready to respond quickly if and when we are required to change or limit services and/or areas of ministry. Our plans aim to ensure that we can carry on as safely as possible, but maintain a spiritual and pastoral presence and continue to worship.
FOR NOW church services and activities are continuing, with the following precautions:
No Communion—for this Sunday it affects 8am, 9am, Busbridge Contemporary, Hambledon Contemporary services which were due to have communion as part of the service.
Coffee and refreshments—we will not be serving coffee after the Sunday services. You are welcome to bring your own in a flask or mug. Refreshments and food shared at other events will only be shared when high levels of hygiene can be maintained. (Saturday’s Marvellous Movie Matinee and CYF activities will offer individually wrapped snacks, for example).
Printed materials and handouts—Hymn and prayer books have been removed from the churches. Printed handouts will be limited to single use song sheets and notices where necessary. Please help yourself.
Larger congregations— Busbridge Contemporary and Unplugged—will meet outside this Sunday to allow social distancing. The services will be 30-40 mins. Children’s work will take place as normal at 10am. Busbridge Contemporary will be in the school playground, and Unplugged will be in the Old Rectory garden.
THINGS YOU NEED TO DO:
Follow government advice and guidelines to protect yourself and others from the spread of Coronavirus.
Please don’t come to church or the Old Rectory if you feel at all unwell, even if the symptoms are not indicative of Coronavirus. The same request applies if there’s a chance that you might have been exposed to anyone with the virus, or anyone who has come from a containment area.
Please let the church office know if you have any symptoms of the virus, and particularly if you are being tested or have tested positive.
Please consider the safety (vulnerability of members, numbers, meeting space) when arranging to meet in home groups, for prayer or other bible study.
AT CHURCH:
Wave hello, bump elbows, tap toes etc. Please continue to offer a warm and friendly greeting to each other without handshaking or other hands on contact for the time being.
Keep your distance! Please aim to sit/stand apart 2m from each other.
Please make use of the handwashing facilities at both churches, and in the school hall. We have a limited supply of hand gel in the churches, but it is proving difficult to more and we need to keep it for use by the clergy. Please bring your own if you can.
Your will see from the listing on the front that some higher risk events have been cancelled. Looking ahead, arrangements are likely to change, possibly at short notice, PLEASE CHECK www.bhcgodalming.org TO SEE IF THE EVENT YOU ARE COMING TO IS TAKING PLACE. Any changes will be published on the calendar, on bhcgodalming facebook and Instagram pages, and by email. (Have we got your email address? - email vic.hicks@bhcgodalming.org)
What about ….? This probably won’t have answered all your questions on more specific aspects of church life, and we may (or may not) be able to answer anything else you think of. Please call or email the office and we’ll create add things to FAQs on the web site.
Other items
We send our love to two Hambledon families bereaved during the last week: John Tidmarsh and the family, following Annie’s death on 5 March … and Simon Rhodes and family, following Louise’s death on 10 March. Once funeral details have been settled, we will let you know. In the meantime, please hold them all in your prayers, asking God to surround them with his love … and for his peace and comfort to be very real.
Posies for Mothering Sunday – 22 MarchCarole Keating asks for volunteers to help her make posies for Mothering Sunday. If you would like to join her on Saturday 21 March at 9.30am in Busbridge Church Centre, please contact Carole via liz.gorst@bhcgodalming.org. Any donations of greenery (especially heather) would also be gratefully received.
‘What’s on your washing Line?’ A creative Lent installation will be on display outside Busbridge Church from 2 March until Easter. Come and have a look.
***DATES AND EVENTS FOR LENT AND EASTER ARE NOW ON THE WEB SITE—PLEASE ALSO TAKE ‘A WHAT’S ON YOUR WASHING LINE?’ LEAFLET TO KEEP HANDY***.
FIND US EVERY SUNDAY at Church Street Godalming Town Centre, Brighton Road Busbridge, Franklyn Road & Hambledon and MID-WEEK at the the Old Rectory, Old Rectory Gardens GU7 1XB and the Yew Tree Café, Hambledon Road, GU7 1XB.