Sunday 17 January 2021

Power of Trust

PART 2 IN THE NEW YEAR SERMON SERIES ON PHILIPPIANS - Fulfilled lives

Reading: Philippians 2:12-18

Speakers this Sunday
Heritage - Simon Willetts
Classic - Gertrud Sollars
Contemporary - Simon Taylor and David Preece are “on the couch”.

ONLINE SERVICES THIS SUNDAY

Find Sunday services on YouTube.
Select the services below for a direct link to the live stream broadcasts of the Classic and Contemporary services from the Old Rectory Garden.

BHC Public Zoom Room PW 2021

Catch Up after on Zoom

Get together on Zoom after each service for a virtual coffee:

ALL WELCOME to drop in on Zoom at any of the times above.

Next Sunday 24 January

No services from Busbridge&Hambledon Church.
We are joining Godalming Churches Together for the United Service online at 10.30AM. Go to: http://www.godalmingchurches.org/
Every year, Godalming & District Churches Together holds a United Service in January, to mark the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.  This year, the service will be online, with several of the local ministers taking part.  The service will be pre-recorded, and set to go live at 10.30am on Sunday morning.

There will also be children’s work provided by the amazing Trinity Trust Team.  Within the service, there will be the option to go off to do the children’s work and then return to the main service.

Sunday Morning “coffee and catch up” sessions on Zoom will take place on 24 January in the BHC Public Zoom room, as follows:

10AM - Heritage Congregation
11.30AM - Classic with Contemporary (moved to avoid the GCT United Service)
7PM - Evening congregation (Busbridge 6.30PM)

CYF Groups
As usual: 4PM Pathfinders (Zoom), 7.30PM Ichthus (Zoom)

Our online services will resume on 31 January including Unplugged on Zoom at 6PM.

NEXT UNPLUGGED - 6PM | 31 Jan | on Zoom (BHC Public)

Coming Up NEXT this Week:

See the list below or look up dates further ahead in the full calendar. Select the event to join the meetings on Zoom, or sign up.

the notices

Outward Giving - January Update
We’ve received letters of thanks from all the charities that the church supported through Outward Giving in 2020, some with helpful insights into what your money has helped to achieve and support. All the letters can be found on the Outward Giving page HERE. Please do read them and be encouraged in your generosity. The total for the Christmas Appeal for TTT is to follow.

Congratulations to Philippa and Keith, our new LLMs (Licensed Lay Ministers), who received their academic awards at a zoom ceremony this week presided over by Bishop Jo.  Both say that it's been a blessing and a privilege to undertake the 3-year training and want to thank their respective Parish Support Groups for walking with them.  The stand-out memories for both are their respective placements at Shalford, St Mary's and Beacon, Bordon.  They are happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the course or you can see the interview they did with Dave last summer: https://youtu.be/ybB2Z_JMYmc.

On Friday 22nd January we are being called along with all Christians from across the country to join together to pray for our nation in need! To pray for our government, our NHS, our schools and colleges, provision for the poor, mental health and relationships, for a revival in our nation and that our Churches can be visible and beacons of light! Here’s more about it:  https://youtu.be/BKJC3TyZNzg

You can either take an hour that works for you to pray or join us in one of 3 Zoom prayer sessions which will be hosted at the following times;

8am – hosted my Michael Stubbs
1pm – hosted by Lisa Olsworth-Peter
6pm – hosted by Shan Hallam

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

 2 Chronicles 7:14

Church Family Support Fund - accepting applications
A timely reminder that the Church Family Support Fund is able to help local individuals and families in need with financial gifts NOW - to pay for things such as a laptop or PC for remote learning, or a replacement washing machine or fridge. Information on how the fund operates, and to make an application on behalf of someone, see the CFSF page.

The JAN/FEB edition of the Bridge is available online … click here. The printed copies are expected to be delivered to Busbridge Church next week and will be safely sorted and dropped to road stewards for delivery. Those handling the magazines (max 2 people for any copy) will wear gloves and a face covering. Recipients may wish to take an extra precaution and wait 72 hours before reading it to allow for natural sanitisation.

Road Stewards needed for The Bridge magazine for College Hill and Brighton Road.
The Bridge magazine is looking for two or more new road stewards who, 6 times a year, would be willing to deliver magazines to either College Hill and High Ridge (59 houses) or the lower part of Brighton Road, Underhill Close and part of Latimer Road (89 houses). We'd be more than happy to split or share these larger bundles between two road stewards if needed. If you live in, or close to, either of these roads, (or maybe know someone who does and might be willing to take on the role) please contact the editor, Cathy, at editor.atthebridge@gmail.com. We'd be delighted and most appreciative to hear from you.  

CANCELLED Nexus Online Talk - Walking the Camino Way with Ceri Apark
Unfortunately this event scheduled for 14 January has been postponed. Watch the notices for a new date, or email nexus@bhcgodalming.org to join the mailing list so Janet and Kate can let you know.

Starting Soon

See What’s on above for info on the following:

Junior Lockdown Choir - starting Thursdays from 21 January
To support children in our church and local community, particularly while they are not attending school physically, Lisa Olsworth-Peter is starting a Junior Lockdown Choir. Singing encourages a child to express their emotions and sharpens their ability to communicate while exercising lip and tongue movement. But one of the biggest benefits of singing is the repeated use of the 'memory muscle'. (We have all sung nursery rhymes with our children but as children get older the power of singing in their lives can still be extremely beneficial.) The choir will sing a range of Disney and pop songs suitable for each age group, and do different vocal exercises that will stimulate facial muscles, the body and the brain. The choir is being promoted through Busbridge Infant and Junior schools and St Mark’s Primary, but open to all primary age children. If you know any primary age children who would be interested, please pass the message on to go to the Lockdown Choir page and complete the registration form.

Hope in Depression Course
Clare Haddad is leading the next 6 week Hope in Depression Course on Tuesday evenings, starting 26 January. Find all the details, and register in confidence on the Hope in Depression page, and please do share the details with anyone suffering with mental health problems, and those supporting them.

Alpha Online starting 9 February - is it for you? / Who will you invite?
It’s starting again soon! The next course will run on Tuesdays, starting 9 February for 11 weeks. The course begins with a 'no obligation' introductory session led by (Rev) Hilary Pettman and Keith Harper, LLM.  Hilary and Keith have been involved in several Alphas, both the physical courses and online. To register your interest, please go to the Alpha page and complete the form, or send the link to a friend.

Church Member news

We send our love to Carol Jones, whose father died on Wednesday, 13 January.  Please hold Carol, Stuart and the whole family in your prayers, together with the wider family.

Further to the note last week about the deaths of John Winder and Mary Rodway, their respective funerals are to be held over the next two weeks. Because of the current Covid restrictions, both are limited to family only. However, if friends wish to make a donation in their memory, Mary’s family have asked for gifts to go to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution Donate to the RNLI and help save lives at sea ; John’s family have suggested Water Aid - one of John’s favourite charities https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/JohnWinderRIP

Listening - worship recommendations from the Music Pastor
Thank you Alan Harvey for introducing me to this beautiful piece of music https://open.spotify.com/track/7n4T8CRVo55rXpX2wvtRdF,
It’s still close enough to enjoy a song that expresses the wonderment of our dear Jesus’ birth.

English translation
O great mystery,
and wonderful sacrament,
that animals should see the newborn Lord,
lying in a manger!
Blessed is the virgin whose womb
was worthy to bear
the Lord, Jesus Christ.
Alleluia!

Also…

https://open.spotify.com/track/5qAT7JJik2qSd9lFWsyBqd
Sovereign Over Us, written by Michael Smith, performed by Shane&Shane

“Jeremiah 29:11 'For I know the plans I have for you', declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”

Busbridge Church closed until 25 January
We are sorry but the church is closed as we set up and install technology for broadcasting online services. Busbridge Church will be open again daily for private prayer from 25 January 2021.  Hambledon Church is open daily from approximately 9.30pm-4pm.

The Old Rectory is closed for the time being and clergy and staff are working from home. The answerphone is checked regularly, but the best way to reach people is by email.

Catch up on News from other areas

Rector's Reflections

Rector’s Reflections are a series of musings which appear from time to time in various places; Hambledon parish magazine, The Bridge community magazine and elsewhere.

Prime Time Blog

Please Pray for

• Alvernia Close and its road steward Kate Brockman

• Clock Barn Lane and the Cheshire Home

• Local health services and surgeries.

What’s On

Click Here for What’s on this week and beyond. It’s all in the calendar and more details for each event can be found when you select it.

PRAYER MINISTRY TEAM AVAILABLE

To contact the EMERGENCY prayer chain, email prayer@bhcgodalming.org  or call Lisa Olsworth-Peter on 01483 421267.
Listening prayer is available mid-week.

Sunday 10 January 2021

NEW YEAR SERMON SERIES:

PHILIPPIANS - Fulfilled lives

Readings:
Online Heritage Service - 1 Philippians 1:1-14 - Andy Spencer preaches on Finding Joy in Lockdown

Online Classic & Contemporary - 1 Philippians 1:12-18 - Simon Taylor speaks on The Significance of Satisfaction

Online Services this Sunday

Find our services on YouTube.
Pre-recorded services will be available anytime (on demand) after they premiere. Live broadcasts will available to watch at the time, and uploaded at a later date.

Also this Sunday

Get together on Zoom after each service for a virtual coffee:

10AM Heritage Coffee
(Rev Simon Willetts looks forward to seeing the Heritage congregation to chat about the plans for broadcasting live from Hambledon, and prayers and ideas for services in 2021.)
10.45AM Contemporary Coffee
11.30AM Classic Coffee

ALL WELCOME to drop in on Zoom at any of the times above.

Next Sunday 17 January

Power of Trust
Reading: Philippians 2:12-18

Online services

9AM Heritage (BCP)
Speaker: Simon Willetts

9AM Classic from Busbridge Church

10.15AM Contemporary: Conversations from the Couch
Speaker: Dave Preece

Services all on YouTube, followed by virtual coffees on Zoom.

Coming Up NEXT this Week:

See the list below or look up dates further ahead in the full calendar. Select the event to join the meetings on Zoom, or sign up.

the notices

Worship during Lockdown 3
As we head through January we’re offering a number of ways to worship on Sundays. We also meet for prayer most mornings (zoom) and in midweek small groups (online). In the light of the national situation announced on 4/1/2021, there are no face-to-face gatherings or worship.

We’re confident of the future in Christ as we head into 2021. This means we’re present, active, worshipping and caring in the community and we do this because we know Christ. As 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 says

“THEREFORE, IF ANYONE IS IN CHRIST, THE NEW CREATION HAS COME: THE OLD HAS GONE, THE NEW IS HERE! ALL THIS IS FROM GOD, WHO RECONCILED US TO HIMSELF THROUGH CHRIST AND GAVE US THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION:”

We’re worshipping, praying and growing in faith online through January. We’re encouraging everyone to do this. If you are alone, isolated or know someone not online and who needs to worship in person then please get in touch with the church office.

To read more about the theology and the practical reasons for this please see the latest Rector’s Reflection on worship, here: reflections on worship in COVID.

From the 2nd Sunday of January we are offering:

• Hambledon Heritage BCP pre-recorded online continues to be at 9am.

• The Classic is livestreamed at 9am.

• Conversations on the Couch worship is livestreamed at 10.15am.

• Zoom “coffee” after each service.

• Children’s and Youth groups online: 9AM Ark (3-7s), 11.15AM Explorers (7-11s), 4PM Pathfinders (11-14s), Ichthus (15-18s).

Simon Taylor

this week

Busbridge Church closed until 18 January
We are sorry but the church is closed as we set up and install technology for broadcasting online services. Busbridge Church will be open again daily for private prayer from 18 January 2021. 

Hambledon Church is open daily from approximately 9.30pm-4pm.

Thank you to the team of volunteers who open and close the churches, and check the Covid 19 safety processes and instructions are in place for visitors.

The Old Rectory is closed for the time being and clergy and staff are working from home. The answerphone is checked regularly, but the best way to reach people is by email.

The JAN/FEB ediition of the Bridge is available online … click here

Road Stewards needed for The Bridge magazine for College Hill and Brighton Road.
The Bridge magazine would like to thank Sue Keen for her long standing service as a road steward in Busbridge Lane. The team are very appreciative of all the help Sue has given over many years. Thank you. 

The Bridge magazine is looking for two or more new road stewards who, 6 times a year, would be willing to deliver magazines to either College Hill and High Ridge (59 houses) or the lower part of Brighton Road, Underhill Close and part of Latimer Road (89 houses). We'd be more than happy to split or share these larger bundles between two road stewards if needed. If you live in, or close to, either of these roads, (or maybe know someone who does and might be willing to take on the role) please contact the editor, Cathy, at editor.atthebridge@gmail.com. We'd be delighted and most appreciative to hear from you.  

Nexus Online Talk - Walking the Camino Way with Ceri Apark
All welcome to the New Year Nexus talk next Thursday (14 Jan) at 8PM, in the BHC Public Zoom room. Church member Ceri Apark will tell us of the challenges and highpoints of her five weeks walking along the pilgrimage route, the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, in Spain. Our Zoom meeting will start at 8.00pm, but you’ll be able to join from 7.45pm and have a chat with others. You’ll need to supply your own drinks and nibbles! See event info HERE.

Starting Soon

Junior Lockdown Choir - starting Thursdays from 21 January
To support children in our local community, particularly while they are not attending school physically, Lisa Olsworth-Peter is starting a Junior Lockdown Choir. Singing encourages a child to express their emotions and sharpens their ability to communicate while exercising lip and tongue movement. But one of the biggest benefits of singing is the repeated use of the 'memory muscle'. (We have all sung nursery rhymes with our children but as children get older the power of singing in their lives can still be extremely beneficial.) The choir will sing a range of Disney and pop songs suitable for each age group, and do different vocal exercises that will stimulate facial muscles, the body and the brain. The choir is being promoted through Busbridge Infant and Junior schools and St Mark’s Primary, and sessions will be scheduled to fit in and around the remote school day. If you know any primary age children who would be interested, please pass the message on to email Lisa.Olsworth-Peter@bhcgodalming.org.

Hope in Depression Course
Clare Haddad is leading the next 6 week Hope in Depression Course on Tuesday evenings, starting 26 January. Find all the details, and register in confidence on the Hope in Depression page, and please do share the details with anyone suffering with mental health problems, and those supporting them.

Church Member news

Over the holiday period, we have been saddened by the death of two of our oldest church members:  Mary Rodway (102) died on 22 December and John Winder (99) on 30 December.  Both have remained much-loved members of our church family, despite being housebound for some time.  Please hold their respective families in your prayers, as they make funeral arrangements at this difficult time.  We give thanks for the lives of these two faithful pilgrims, and pray for God’s peace and comfort to be with all who mourn.

We send our love and virtual hugs to Jane Tomes, whose mother, June, died on the morning of 7 January.  Please hold Jane, Ian and the whole family in your prayers, and pray especially for Jane and her sister as they make funeral arrangements in the current difficult circumstances.

Please Pray for

• Admiral Way and road steward Derek Pearsall

• Church Lane, Hambledon

• The Emergency Services

• BHC Mission Partner: Elam Ministries. Join the Iran 30 prayer initiative: https://www.elam.com/iran30

What’s On

Click Here for What’s on this week and beyond. It’s all in the calendar and more details for each event can be found when you select it.

PRAYER MINISTRY TEAM AVAILABLE

To contact the EMERGENCY prayer chain, email prayer@bhcgodalming.org  or call Lisa Olsworth-Peter on 01483 421267.
Listening prayer is available mid-week.

Sunday 20 December

Go to Christmas for details of all events and services this week.

Here are all the details for the carol services (5!) this Sunday and Christmas services on Thursday and Friday. There is a vast array of pre-recorded and live carols to accompany your singing, whether it be at home, in your car, or behind a face mask in the Hambledon Churchyard or Old Rectory Gardens!

The message to go with this is as strange as the year it follows:
If you haven't booked, please don't come - join our services online instead!
We are almost reaching the limit for numbers at all the carol services this Sunday, for the Drive ins and Christmas Day and safety and social distancing must regrettably take priority over our usual warm and all embracing welcome. If you have signed up, you will get a separate email with some reminders and links to the Christmas song sheets - should you wish to sing off your phone rather than a carol sheet.

The first of the special Christmas events is the annual Afternoon Carol Service for Prime Time, which premieres today at 3pm on YouTube and will be followed by a tipple and a mince pie on in the BHC Zoom room afterwards. The service has some lovely contributions for everyone to enjoy, including Busbridge Junior School children and the choir from King Edwards School, Witley.

THIS SUNDAY

Comfort and Joy

Reading: Luke 1: 26-38

Carol Services

At Church - Outdoors

Booking is essential and there are only a few spaces left at each of the outdoor Carol Services this Sunday. We kindly request you not to come if you haven’t signed up in advance. Face coverings, NHS Test & Trace and 2m social distancing will be firmly enforced! There are 3 online Carol Services to watch on YouTube too, listed below.

Online

Find our Christmas services on YouTube. The pre-recorded services will be available anytime (on demand) after they premiere. Live broadcasts will available to watch at the time, and uploaded at a later date.

Also this Sunday

11.30AM Zoom Christmas Coffee hosted by the Busbridge Classic Congregation. ALL WELCOME to drop in on Zoom to wish each other a Happy Christmas.

Sunday and everyday in Advent: DAILY ADVENT REFLECTIONS
A reading, a question and a prayer compiled by Andy Spencer, and read by different church members, is available on the YouTube channel every day in Advent. This Sunday’s reflection is read by Sheila Samuels. For all the reflections, or if you prefer to download and read them yourself, see Advent Daily Reflections.

Next Sunday 27 Deceember

NO SERVICES at busbridge or Hambledon.

The Diocese of Guildford are providing an All Age Service for 27 December, and this will be available to watch on the BHC YouTube channel next Sunday.

If you prefer something classic that is not all-age, you may wish to point people to join the livestream from the Cathedral’s service of Holy Eucharist on 27 December at 9.45am. The livestreams can be watched on the Cathedral Facebook page and also via the Cathedral YouTube Channel.

Sunday 3 January

10AM Whole Benefice Service at Busbridge Church - in church and on live on YouTube
(no other services at Busbridge or Hambledon). Please sign up HERE if you’d like to attend.

Coming Up this Week:

See the list below or look up dates further ahead in the full calendar. Select the event to join the meetings on Zoom, or sign up.

the notices

Worship in Tier 2 - update since the announcement of new tiers

The latest government announcement does not impact the rules under which Busbridge&Hambledon Church has been operating. In Tier 2 churches are allowed to hold services with face coverings and social distancing in place. Singing is allowed at outdoor services (with face coverings).

The Diocese of Guildford recommends that people who live in a tier 3 area should attend a church near them, and not travel to a lower tier to attend church. As Waverley is the only borough in Surrey which is not moving to tier 3 on Saturday 19 December, this advice may apply to some members of Busbridge&Hambledon Church. If you wish to cancel a booking to one of the Christmas Services please look up the confirmation email and use the cancel option, or email the church office: church.office@bhcgodalming.org.

Thank you to Mark Pateman and his team for completing the internal refurbishment of School House in a timely and professional manner. The property is now available to rent through a local Godalming letting agent.

Road Stewards needed for The Bridge magazine for College Hill and Brighton Road.
The Bridge magazine is looking for two or more new road stewards who, 6 times a year, would be willing to deliver magazines to either College Hill and High Ridge (59 houses) or the lower part of Brighton Road, Underhill Close and part of Latimer Road (89 houses). We'd be more than happy to split or share these larger bundles between two road stewards if needed. If you live in, or close to, either of these roads, (or maybe know someone who does and might be willing to take on the role) please contact the editor, Cathy, at editor.atthebridge@gmail.com. We'd be delighted and most appreciative to hear from you.

Fairtrade Shop
Many of you will know that Emmanuel Church, Stoughton, Guildford have operated a shop selling Fairtrade/Traidcraft good for many years.  This year they have moved online due to Covid restrictions and have a wide range of Christmas items which they have kindly said they can deliver to BHC congregations in Godalming and Hambledon.  They also offer click and collect.o please if your are still interested in buying Fairtrade/Traidcraft  items, do visit their new website:- Emmanuel Church Fairtrade Shop – Emmanuel Church Fairtrade Shop

 Outward Giving & Outreach
Please see Christmas Giving for the Outward Giving December Update about the Trinity Trust Team, and Ways to Give. The collections at the Services on 20 December and Christmas Day will also go to the Christmas Appeal.

The BHC YouTube channel has lots of new material on it - the Unlocked Nativity produced by our 0-3s (pure joy!), the virtual tour of the Busbridge Comfort and Joy exhibition and all the Advent Reflections to be joined by carols galore.

There have been some lovely new displays revealed this week on the Advent Walk, and you can watch or read the daily reflections on the web site. As you can see from the film, the Comfort and Joy exhibitions are definitely worth a visit and there's more news on events at Christmas, and Christmas Services in the notices and under What's On/Comfort-Joy.

See: www.youtube.com/bhcgodalmingonline for all services and to listen again to the the sermons. Remember too that you can find extra news and pictures of what's happening at church during the week on our Facebook and Instagram and Twitter pages.

To ask for help and support if you are self-isolating, email: coronaresponse@bhcgodalming.org.

Closing between Christmas and New Year
The clergy and staff team will be on leave between Christmas and New Year.  There will be a recorded message on Church Office answerphone to direct you to the person on call on any particular day.  The church office telephone is 01483 421267.   The next notices will be sent out on 8 January.  Please refer to the web site in the meantime.

Please Pray for

Safety and logistics for physical and online services this Christmas.

For all those attending to receive the good news of Christmas, and be touched by the Holy Spirit.

and give thanks for the Prayer Ministry team who have been faithfully praying all year for our church, church members and those in our communities. The team will be walking and praying around the perimeter of Godalming College during the Drive in services on Christmas Eve.

Busbridge Junior school and staff members recovering from coronavirus, for the children who are self-isolating.

What’s On

Click Here for What’s on this week and beyond. It’s all in the calendar and more details for each event can be found when you select it.

PRAYER MINISTRY TEAM AVAILABLE

To contact the EMERGENCY prayer chain, email prayer@bhcgodalming.org  or call Lisa Olsworth-Peter on 01483 421267.
Listening prayer is available mid-week.

Sunday 13 December - MISSION SUNDAY

THIS SUNDAY

MISSION SUNDAY

See Christmas Giving
for the Outward Giving December Update about the Trinity Trust Team, and
Ways to Give.

Comfort and Joy

Reading: PsALM 126

ESSENTIAL LINKS FOR ONLINE SERVICES

services

We are delighted that as well as joining Sunday services online, we can also welcome members of the congregation to church. To maintain social distancing, numbers are limited, and on a first signed up, first served basis. At Busbridge, seats will be in pairs 2m apart. Only one sign up name is required per pair of seats, for either an individual or couple in the same bubble. Use the green links below to sign up.

9AM Online Heritage Service (pre-recorded, YouTube)
With Andy Spencer

9AM Said Service for Advent | Hambledon Church (Zoom & YouTube Live Stream)
With Andy Spencer and David Jenkins
Coming to church? Click here to sign up

9AM Classic Service from Busbridge Church (Zoom & YouTube Live Stream)
With Simon Taylor and Ben Cahill- Nicholls
Music: Karen Hart, Annie Bryett and Graham Sheldrake
Click here to sign up

10.15AM Contemporary Conversations on the Couch (Zoom & YouTube)
On the couch: Mark Williams and David Preece
Click here to sign up

6PM Unplugged - the spirit of Christmas (Zoom)
With Anto Ficatier and members of Pathfinders and Ichthus

Sunday and everyday in Advent: DAILY ADVENT REFLECTIONS
A reading, a question and a prayer compiled by Andy Spencer, and read by different church members, is available on the YouTube channel every day in Advent. This Sunday’s reflection is read by Sheila Samuels. For all the reflections, or if you prefer to download and read them yourself, see Advent Daily Reflections.

Children & Youth

It’s Christmas party week for Ark and Explorers: 9AM Ark, 11.15AM Explorers. Pathfinders and Ichthus will be at Unplugged at 6PM.
All welcome, but contact Juliet, Judith or Anto for access info to the CYF Zoom room, and to join the right email list for your children’s age.

Next Sunday 20 Deceember: Carols!

Comfort and Joy continues…Reading: Luke 1:26-38

9AM Online Heritage Carol Service on YouTube (pre-recorded)
Speaker: Simon Willetts

10AM Family Carols | Old Rectory Garden
Leader: Margot Spencer

4PM Hambledon Carol Service | Hambledon Churchyard
Leader: Simon Willetts
Sign up here, wrap up warm and bring a torch!

6PM Carols by Starlight | Old Rectory Garden
Leader: Simon Taylor
Sign up here, wrap up warm and bring a torch!

See the list below to sign up for services as they become visible, or look up dates further ahead in the full calendar.

Coming Up this Week:

Select the event to join the meetings on Zoom, or sign up.

The Notices

The Preeces are moving on
The Right Revd Martin Seeley, the Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, is delighted to announce that the next Priest in Charge of the benefice of Saxmundham with Kelsale cum Carlton will be The Revd David Preece.  David is presently Assistant Curate in the benefice of Busbridge and Hambledon, Godalming in the Guildford Diocese.  This is subject to the completion of legal formalities and when those matters have been completed we will be able to announce a date for David’s licensing service.

The Bishop has asked me to pass on his thanks to the parish representatives and all those involved in the process of David’s appointment, and he assures you of his prayers.  Please pray for David, his wife Hannah and their two young daughters as they prepare for their move. 

Worship in Tier 2
Under Tier 2 restrictions, congregations are allowed to attend church services, with social distancing and face coverings (and no singing). Our online services will continue, as in lockdown, but this Sunday we are also inviting small numbers to be in the congregation. Sign Up instructions can be found when you select each service.

To allow for more people to attend, and sing, our Christmas services will take place in Busbridge and Hambledon churchyards, or the Old Rectory Garden, and will also be broadcast on YouTube.

Face coverings will still be necessary, social distancing of 2m between bubbles, and Track and Trace will also be in place.

Comfort & Joy!

For more details and information on Christmas see What’s On/Advent & Christmas 2020. It has info on the Advent Reflections, Walking Advent (calendar and map), the Christmas Exhibitions, Outward Giving and SIGN UP TO ***Christmas Services***.

Walking Advent - Click here for the MAP.
The Busbridge Advent Calendar Walk takes you to a new display for every day from 1-24 December. Each display has a letter to collect to spell out the secret phrase. Go daily, or visit a few at a time.

The Comfort & Joy Exhibitions at both churches are open and receiving a steady trickle of visitors who are delighted by the items of art, craft, and poetry on show. Thanks for all the wonderful contributions of all things Comfort and Joy (art, craft, poetry, scripture, videos). You and other visitors will be able to enjoy and reflect on the exhibitions when you pop in to pray next week. (Churches are open for individual prayer daily and COVID 19 safety precautions are in place).

Christmas Eve Drive in Carol Services The 4.30PM service is fully booked, and the 6PM has limited space left. If you have booked already, please hang onto the confirmation email as you will need to show the check in page with QR code (printed or on your phone) on arrival. Please don’t hesitate to check. Look out for a further email with instructions w/c 21 December.

Thanks to those that have volunteered to help on Christmas Eve. We still need more people to help with parking. If you can help, please contact Patrick Samuels who is leading the team of organisers. This is a wonderful opportunity for outreach and spreading the good news of Christmas, so please also pray for the event, those involved in leading, and those attending.

Road Stewards needed for The Bridge magazine for College Hill and Brighton Road.

The Bridge magazine is looking for two or more new road stewards who, 6 times a year, would be willing to deliver magazines to either College Hill and High Ridge (59 houses) or the lower part of Brighton Road, Underhill Close and part of Latimer Road (89 houses). We'd be more than happy to split or share these larger bundles between two road stewards if needed. If you live in, or close to, either of these roads, (or maybe know someone who does and might be willing to take on the role) please contact the editor, Cathy, at editor.atthebridge@gmail.com. We'd be delighted and most appreciative to hear from you.

Fairtrade Shop
Many of you will know that Emmanuel Church, Stoughton, Guildford have operated a shop selling Fairtrade/Traidcraft good for many years.  This year they have moved online due to Covid restrictions and have a wide range of Christmas items which they have kindly said they can deliver to BHC congregations in Godalming and Hambledon.  They also offer click and collect.o please if your are still interested in buying Fairtrade/Traidcraft  items, do visit their new website:- Emmanuel Church Fairtrade Shop – Emmanuel Church Fairtrade Shop

 Outward Giving & Outreach

Christmas Hampers
Shelagh writes: many many many thanks for the wonderful effort on the part of everyone who contributed to and prepared and delivered hampers. Many needy families have benefited, and hampers have also been delivered to Busbridge Infants' and St Mark's and All Saints' school. Here is one example out of many! See Christmas Outward Giving for all details.

Prayer fest: 0-30 in 60
Please join us to pray for  our children, young people and all the wonderful people in our church and locality who minister to them. This Sunday 13 Dec 2020 at the earlier than usual time of 4-5PM in the BHC Public Zoom room. Do join for all or part of this hour and then tune in to another “live” Unplugged Service. Bring your own cuppa and mince pie!

Thank you to Nexus and all its Christmas quizzers who are taking part in the online charity quiz this Saturday. The quiz has generated more than £1360 in donations for the Guildford Samaritans. Thanks to organisers Janet Harvey, Kate Kaye, Pamela Cookney and quiz masters Dudley and Alan for all their efforts.

Churches Together in Godalming & District present the Christmas Service of Hope this Saturday at 4pm

With contributions from the Mayor of Godalming Penny Rivers, Charterhouse School, Godalming Junior School, St Edmund’s School, St Mark and All Saints School, St John’s Church Farncombe and Trinity Trust Team.

For more information about Christmas events and services in and around Godalming visit www.godalmingchurches.org

Thank you to everyone involved and wishing you all a very merry Christmas.

We send our love and heartfelt sympathy to Debs Jones and her family following the death of her mother in South Africa last week. The family are very grateful for all the prayers that have been offered for her Mum during her illness. Debs and her family will be travelling to South Africa for the funeral.  Please continue to hold them all in your prayers.

Please Pray for

Busbridge Junior school and staff members recovering from coronavirus, for the children who are self-isolating, and for the school Christmas services at Busbridge Church next week.

What’s On

Click Here for What’s on this week and beyond. It’s all in the calendar and more details for each event can be found when you select it.

PRAYER MINISTRY TEAM AVAILABLE

To contact the EMERGENCY prayer chain, email prayer@bhcgodalming.org  or call Lisa Olsworth-Peter on 01483 421267.
Listening prayer is available mid-week.

Sunday 6 December

Pics of a couple of things that have gone on this week: Judith and Cat had a great time helping pupils from BJS make their angels for the schools exhibition in Guildford Cathedral. The children’s theme was heroes, so here you have two nurses, a Sainsbury’s member of staff, two teachers, an Amazon worker, Joe Wicks and a friend in BJS uniform! The last image is of the goodies to be shared between 2 BESOM hampers, collected and soon to be arranged and delivered by one of the Small Groups.

THIS SUNDAY

Comfort and Joy

Reading: Isaiah 40: 1-11

We are delighted that we can welcome small congregations back to church this Sunday. To maintain social distancing, numbers are limited, and on a first signed up, first served basis. At Busbridge, seats will be in pairs 2m apart. Only one sign up name is required per pair of seats, for either an individual or couple in the same bubble.

ESSENTIAL LINKS FOR ONLINE SERVICES

services

9AM Online Heritage Service (pre-recorded, YouTube)
With Hilary Pettman

9AM Said Service for Advent | Hambledon Church
With Hilary Pettman and Margot Spencer
Click here to sign up

9AM Classic Service from Busbridge Church (Zoom & YouTube Live Stream)
Leader: Keith Harper
Speaker: Patrick Samuels
Music: Alan Harvey and Chris Payne
Click here to sign up

10.15AM Contemporary Conversations on the Couch
Leader: Simon Taylor
On the couch: Simon Willetts and Patrick Samuels
Click here to sign up

Sunday and everyday in Advent
A reading, a question and a prayer compiled by Andy Spencer, and read by different church members, will be available on the YouTube channel every day in Advent. This Sunday is read by Hambledon churchwarden, Fran Duffell. For all the reflections, or if you prefer to download and read them yourself, see Advent Daily Reflections.

Children & Youth

This Sunday on Zoom: 9AM Ark, 11.15AM Explorers, 8.30PM Youth Late Night Worship.
All welcome, but contact Juliet, Judith or Anto for access info to the CYF Zoom room, and to join the right email list for your children’s age.

Next Sunday 13 December - Mission Sunday

See Christmas Giving
for the Outward Giving December Update about the Trinity Trust Team, and
Ways to Give.

Comfort and Joy continues…Reading: Psalm 126

9AM Online Heritage Service (BCP) on YouTube (pre-recorded)
Speaker: Andy Spencer and interview with Andy Poulson, TTT

9AM Hambledon Heritage Said Service for Advent
Speaker: David Jenkins and Interview with Andy Poulson, TTT

9AM Busbridge Classic on Zoom and YouTube (broadcast live)
Speaker: Ben Cahill-Nicholls (Ordinand) and Interview with Andy Poulson, TTT

10.15AM Contemporary - Conversations on the Couch
On the couch this week: Mark Williams and Dave Preece
Interview with Andy Poulson, TTT

Go to the Sunday Services page to sign up for services as they become visible, or look up dates further ahead in the full calendar.

Coming Up this Week:

Go to What’s On and select the event to join the meetings on Zoom.

The Notices

Worship in Tier 2
From this Sunday congregations are once again allowed to attend church services, with social distancing and face coverings (and no singing). As space is limited in both churches, our online services will continue, as in lockdown, on 6 and 13 December, but we are also inviting small numbers to be in the congregation. Sign Up instructions can be found when you select each service.

The even better news is that singing is now allowed outdoors! Happily, to allow for more people to attend, we had already planned to hold our Christmas services in the churchyards - and now there is an added reason to be outside for the 3 different kinds of carol service on 20 December, Christmas Eve at Hambledon, and Christmas morning. We understand that face coverings will still be necessary, but will confirm that as soon as possible. Social distancing between bubbles, and Track and Trace will also be in place.

Comfort & Joy!

For more details and information on Christmas see What’s On/Advent & Christmas 2020. It has info on the Advent Reflections, Walking Advent (calendar and map), the Christmas Exhibitions, Outward Giving and the ***Christmas Services***.

Walking Advent - Click here for the MAP.
Have you worked out the beginning of the secret phrase yet? Like opening the numbered doors on an advent calendar, the Busbridge Advent Calendar Walk will take you to a new window display for every day from 1-24 December. Each display has a letter to collect to spell out the secret phrase. This was organised by Judith for Busbridge Juniors and Infants, but a nice exercise for everyone, young and older. Go daily, or visit a few at a time.

The Comfort & Joy Exhibitions at both churches from Monday 7 December. Thanks for all the wonderful contributions of all things Comfort and Joy (art, craft, poetry, scripture, videos). You and other visitors will be able to enjoy and reflect on the exhibitions when you pop in to pray next week. (Churches are open for individual prayer daily and COVID 19 safety precautions are in place).

Christmas Eve Drive in Carol Services - 4.30pm and 6pm
Book now. The 4.30PM service has a few spaces left, and the 6PM is steadily filling but still has plenty of room. If you have booked already, please hang onto the confirmation email as you will need to show the check in page with QR code (printed or on your phone) on arrival. (Cue: a flurry of emails to vic.hicks@bhcgodalming.org…) Please don’t hesitate to check. We might struggle to answer on Christmas Eve! Look out for a further email with instructions w/c 21 December.

Thanks to those that have volunteered to help on Christmas Eve. We still need more people to help with parking. If you can help, please contact Patrick Samuels who is leading the team of organisers.

Outward Giving & Outreach

Christmas Hampers
We will again be supporting BESOM this Christmas. Through the home and church groups, we are busily co-ordinating 'Besom' hampers for needy people in the community. In 2020, the needs now are greater than ever.

We are looking to create 7 hampers for families at Busbridge Infants' School, to be delivered to the school before they break up. We are looking for donations of goodies to fill these boxes within the next two weeks. See Christmas Outward Giving for all details.

Busbridge Church Christmas cards for sale

Pack of ten of 2 designs with envelopes for £4. The cards say Happy Christmas inside! Contact the church office to place an order.

Well done Nexus and all its Christmas quizzers who are taking part in the online charity quiz this Saturday. The quiz has generated more than £1360 in donations for the Guildford Samaritans. Thanks to organisers Janet Harvey, Kate Kaye, Pamela Cookney and quiz masters Dudley and Alan for all their efforts.

BUsbridge Junior School applications

If you are thinking of submitting a church application to Busbridge Junior School for September 2021, here are some instructions:

1)            Visit the Busbridge Junior School website and familiarise yourself with their admission criteria (‘About Us’, ‘Admissions’)
2)            Email catherine.garner@bhcgodalming.org for an information sheet
3)            Bring the Supplementary Information Form to the church office by 10th December at the latest (please ensure that you are eligible – the criteria are on the form)
4)            A member of the clergy will meet with you to discuss your application and if approved, you need to take your signed Benefice Church verification form to the school by the application closing date (15/01/2021)

What’s On

Click Here for What’s on this week and beyond. It’s all in the calendar and more details for each event can be found when you select it.

PRAYER MINISTRY TEAM AVAILABLE

To contact the EMERGENCY prayer chain, email prayer@bhcgodalming.org  or call Lisa Olsworth-Peter on 01483 421267.
Listening prayer is available mid-week.