Weekly Notices for Sunday 21 February

Please print and deliver a copy to anyone you know who is not online or on our distribution list.

This Sunday

Lent Sermon series: The Challenges of … following the gospel of Luke.

Lent 1: The Challenge to be inclusive - Reading Luke 4:14-30

With farewell to the Preece family

Children & Youth

online services

9AM Heritage (Live from Hambledon!)
Speaker: Simon Willetts

9AM Classic (live)
Speaker: Dave Preece

10.15AM Contemporary Conversations from the Couch
On the couch: Simon Taylor and Dave Preece (and family)

Half-term! But you can be getting on with Lent in a Bag…

We will be saying goodbye to our curate and his family this Sunday before their move to Saxmundham, Suffolk. Do tune in to listen to Dave preach at Busbridge&Hambledon for the last time, and to say goodbye during the services, and at virtual coffee on Zoom from 11AM.

Click here to find all Sunday services on the BHC Godalming YouTube channel.

Then all welcome at any of the following virtual coffee and catch-up sessions. Drop in for 5, 10, or 15 mins…

BHC Public Zoom Room
946-391-4833 | PW 2021

CLICK HERE to get together on Zoom after each service for a virtual coffee, and mid-week Morning Prayer.

The next virtual catch up for the Busbridge evening congregation will be on Sunday 7 March at 6.30PM.

Next Sunday 28 February

Lent Sermon series: The Challenges of … following the gospel of Luke.

Lent 1: The Challenge to recognise God in Jesus

Reading Luke 5: 17-26

Children & Youth

Sunday School groups resume

Online Services

9AM Heritage (Live from Hambledon!)

9AM Classic (live)

10.15AM Contemporary Conversations from the Couch

6PM Unplugged Youth Service (on Zoom)

the notices

Keep an eye on What’s On / Lent and Easter for full details of all services, events and activities.

Over the coming weeks of Lent and Easter, we’ll be thinking about what “A Long Awaited Ending” means to us - as both individuals and global citizens in 2021, and as Christians looking towards the trials, death and resurrection of Jesus. The latest Rector’s Reflection for the Hambledon Parish and Bridge magazines explains the theme (see below).

We had nearly 90 people watching the Ash Wednesday service, and the first live stream from Hambledon Church this week. Well done and thanks to the team that made it happen. Click here to watch the service. This means that the Heritage service will now be broadcast live at 9AM on Sundays too.

Penny’s weekly Prime Time blog has been re-shared this week, so it’s going rather wider than Penny first imagined! Debbie Thrower (remember Pebble Mill, and her days of presenting Songs of Praise?) has seen it and posted about it on her own blog! https://www.annachaplaincy.org.uk/post/prime-time-in-surrey

3 things for Lent

1) Lent Reflections - Monday to Friday on YouTube. A reading, a thought and a prayer building on the Lent Sermon series in which we explore some of the prevailing challenges to us as Christians, with reference to the challenges of Jesus in the gospel of Luke. Bookmark the Lent Reflections page to check for the latest reflection every week day in Lent. Dave and Hannah have followed Andy Spencer this week, in one of their last appearances at Busbridge&Hambledon:

Thanks to everyone who has volunteered to lead a reflection provided by Andy Spencer. There are still a few days to cover, so please contact Andy if you are able to film yourself.

2) Refresh by text - sign up NOW to receive a text every week day. Let’s Go! >>> For this one we’ve decided to drop “challenge” in favour of “Refresh” and the daily suggestions will aim to boost mind, body and soul; spur us onto positive action locally, and encourage us to consider lifestyle changes that might positively support the environment. We are linking it to our mission partner and the Easter Appeal for A Rocha UK. (And on that note, please also see the info below about the Godalming Climate Forum this Saturday).

Some of the challenges will be just for fun, as an antidote to lockdown, and to remind us of the joy we get from being part of a wonderful church family. The Woody Wicks warm up for day 2 is one example, but some days will be a little harder and thought provoking! Let’s Go! >>>

3) For Ark and Explorers - Lent in a Bag! Collect your bag from either Busbridge or Hambledon Church porch by Ash Wednesday to create the prayer paper chain during Lent.

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Alpha Online - is it for you? / Who will you invite?
The latest online Alpha course got underway on Tuesday 9 Feb. Please pray for all those involved. The course is running on Tuesdays, the next 10 weeks. To find out more, and to register your interest, please go to the Alpha page and complete the form, or send the link to a friend.

Hope in Depression Course - 6 sessions starting Tuesday 23 Feb
We are pleased to have scheduled a new start date for a group of delegates, and would continue to encourage anyone struggling to please take heart and sign up too. Find all the details, and register in confidence on the Hope in Depression page, and please do share the details with anyone suffering with stress, anxiety or depression, and those supporting them.

NEW DATE for the NEXUS talk: Walking the Camino Way, Thursday 4 March
Ceri’s talk was postponed in January so Nexus is delighted to arrange a new date. Ceri Apark will share with us the challenges and highpoints of her five weeks walking the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, in Spain.  It will be wonderful to see her photos of sunny Spain and learn of her experiences.  Will you be inspired to follow in her footsteps?  Something to plan for after Covid-19, maybe??  This will be a Zoom event, so you’ll need to bring your own wine and nibbles!   We’ll start at 8.00pm but please join from 7.45pm for a chance to chat with others. BHC PUBLIC Personal Meeting Room:  946 391 4833   Password: 2021. We look forward to seeing you.  All are welcome, including men! 

We have been saddened to hear that Barbara Hubble died on 12 February, in Milford Hospital, aged 90.  She and Julian are known to many of us from the years when they worshipped here, and they have remained faithful members of Prime Time.  A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held on Thursday 25 March at 12 noon.  The service will be live-streamed from Clandon Wood Natural Burial Ground and there will be a link nearer the time, for anyone who wishes to join the service online.  Please hold Julian in your prayers.

Elsewhere

Godalming Climate Forum
Hello to all who want to take action about climate change and feel frustrated during lockdown that so little is happening. There is nothing like taking personal action to feel part of a collective movement to create change for the better. Godalming Town Council is promoting an online Climate Forum event on Saturday 20th February.  You will be able to explore what more you might do. 

This is free of charge, all you have to do is book and choose which sessions you want to attend. https://godalming-tc.gov.uk/godalming-climate-forum/ I'm sure you will enjoy taking part.

Vacancy with Waverley Abbey College for the post of College Manager & Academic Registrar. For details see: https://www.waverleyabbeyresources.org/vacancies/

World Day of Prayer - 5 March 2021. You are invited to join in a service from St Peter’s Church Wrecklesham via YouTube to pray with Vanautu. More details.

Coming Up NEXT:

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.

LENT EVENTS

REGULARS

Please Pray for

• Braemer Close and its road stewards David and Lizzie Burndred

• Lane End

• The Bridge and Hambledon Parish magazines

Busbridge Church and Hambledon Church are both open daily for private prayer.

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.

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.

Catch up on News from other areas

Catch Up on RefreshbyText

Rector’s Reflections

Prime Time Lockdown Blog

Weekly Notices for Sunday 14 February

This Sunday

Handling Stress

Part 2: Handling Stress from broken relationships

Children & Youth

online services

9AM Heritage (pre-recorded)
Speaker: Keith Harper

9AM Classic (live)
Speaker: Keith Harper

10.15AM
Contemporary Conversations from the Couch
On the couch: Peter Shaw and Simon Willetts

9AM Ark session (Zoom)
11.15AM Explorers (Zoom)
5PM Youth Half-term Party for Pathfinders & Ichthus (Zoom)

Click the service below to join on YouTube.

Click here to find all Sunday services on the BHC Godalming YouTube channel.

Then all welcome at any of the following virtual coffee and catch-up sessions. Drop in for 5, 10, or 15 mins…

BHC Public Zoom Room
946-391-4833 | PW 2021

CLICK HERE to get together on Zoom after each service for a virtual coffee, and mid-week Morning Prayer.

The next virtual catch up for the Busbridge evening congregation will be on Sunday 7 March at 6.30PM.

Next Sunday 21 February

Lent Sermon series: The Challenges of … following the gospel of Luke.

Lent 1: The Challenge to be inclusive - Reading Luke 4:14-30

With farewell to the Preece family

Children & Youth

Half-term! But you can be getting on with Lent in a Bag…

Online Services

9AM Heritage (Live from Hambledon!)
Speaker: Simon Willetts

9AM Classic (live)
Speaker: Dave Preece

10.15AM Contemporary Conversations from the Couch
On the couch: Simon Taylor and Dave Preece (and family)

We bid farewell to our curate and his family this Sunday. Do tune in to listen to Dave preach at Busbridge&Hambledon for the last time, and to say goodbye during the services, and at virtual coffee on Zoom from 11AM.

the notices

Keep an eye on What’s On / Lent and Easter for full details of all services, events and activities.

Over the coming weeks of Lent and Easter, we’ll be thinking about what “A Long Awaited Ending” means to us - as both individuals and global citizens in 2021, and as Christians looking towards the trials, death and resurrection of Jesus.

Lent begins this week on Ash Wednesday, and there are a few ways to start it well:

1) 8PM United benefice service for Ash Wednesday - broadcast from Hambledon Church.
Click here for the link to YouTube on Wednesday.
Service Leader: Margot Spencer
This coming week sees the beginning of Lent, which we shall be launching with a simple service on the evening of Ash Wednesday.  As usual, there will be the opportunity to take part in ashing – signing our foreheads with a cross – though we shall give you the words to say and ask you to sign yourself with the cross at home.  The ashes are a powerful symbol of death and repentance.  Traditionally, we are told to burn last year’s palm crosses to make the ash. PLEASE DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME! Ash from your fireplace (if you have one), an uncleaned BBQ, incinerator or firepit will do perfectly well, or something similar.  You don’t need very much, but please collect a small amount in a container beforehand. 

2) Lent Reflections - Monday to Friday on YouTube. A reading, a thought and a prayer building on the Lent Sermon series in which we explore some of the prevailing challenges to us as Christians, with reference to the challenges of Jesus in the gospel of Luke. Bookmark the Lent Reflections page to check for the latest reflection every week day in Lent. Thanks to everyone who has volunteered to lead a reflection provided by Andy Spencer. There are still a few days to cover, so please contact Andy if you are able to film yourself.

3) Refresh by text - sign up NOW to receive a text every week day. Let’s Go! >>> For this one we’ve decided to drop “challenge” in favour of “Refresh” and the daily suggestions will aim to boost mind, body and soul; spur us onto positive action locally, and encourage us to consider lifestyle changes that might positively support the environment. We are linking it to our mission partner and the Easter Appeal for A Rocha UK. Let’s Go! >>>

4) For Ark and Explorers - Lent in a Bag! Collect your bag from either Busbridge or Hambledon Church porch by Ash Wednesday to create the prayer paper chain during Lent.

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Alpha Online - is it for you? / Who will you invite?
The latest online Alpha course got underway on Tuesday 9 Feb, but it’s not too late to join in! You’ve only missed the introduction, and a short catch up can be provided by course leaders Keith and Hilary. The course is running on Tuesdays, the next 10 weeks. To find out more, and to register your interest, please go to the Alpha page and complete the form, or send the link to a friend.

Hope in Depression Course - 6 sessions starting Tuesday 23 Feb
We are pleased to have scheduled a new start date for a group of delegates, and would continue to encourage anyone struggling to please take heart and sign up too. Find all the details, and register in confidence on the Hope in Depression page, and please do share the details with anyone suffering with stress, anxiety or depression, and those supporting them.

Good news:  We give thanks, and are much relieved that Lily Olsworth-Peter is safely home with her family after quite a serious an accident last Saturday.  Ed and Lisa are so grateful for all the support from their church family while Lisa and Lily were in hospital. “we have truly experienced the beauty and joy of Church family and the power of the prayer in this last week.”  Please keep up your prayers as the family continue medical care and hospital visits for Lily.

Thank you!

Huge thanks to everyone who’s made a kind donation to the Church Family Support Fund (CFSF) in the past few days or months. The group who oversee this Fund met this week (and meets monthly all through the year).  This month we made several donations to purchase computers for learning. In past months we’ve supported purchasing computers, food costs, paying household bills, replacing broken white goods, cost of clothing and several other requests where people are in clear and immediate need. To suggest someone to be supported see the CFSF page on the church website.

We thanked Tom in the FUSE service last week but here’s a written thanks to Tom, Pri, Danny and Oscar for giving time, energy and willingness to help the FUSE service grow and become a great place to bring friends along to. Thank you Tom. The Burfords have been involved in all age services and FUSE for over ten years.

You have all been hugely inspirational, whether sharing thoughts, writing and performing drama, singing, drumming or playing the guitar. What a talented family you are! We will miss you in the team and send you massive love and affection.

Mark Puddephatt, Suzie Lambert and the FUSE team.

Elsewhere

Vacancy with Waverley Abbey College for the post of College Manager & Academic Registrar. For details see: https://www.waverleyabbeyresources.org/vacancies/

World Day of Prayer - 5 March 2021. You are invited to join in a service from St Peter’s Church Wrecklesham via YouTube to pray with Vanautu. More details.

Coming Up NEXT:

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.

LENT EVENTS

REGULARS

Please Pray for

• Blewfield and its road steward Shelagh Godwin

• Hambledon Road and Hambledon Nursery School

• Local leisure centres and gymns.

Busbridge Church and Hambledon Church are both open daily for private prayer.

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.

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.

Catch up on News from other areas

A word from

Rector’s Reflections

Prime Time Lockdown Blog

Sunday 7 February

This Sunday

Handling Stress

Part 1: Handling Stress from expectations | Luke 24:17-24 followed by Acts 1:6-8

Essential Links for Sundays

Find all Sunday services on the BHC Godalming YouTube channel.
Direct links to the live stream broadcasts of the Classic and Contemporary services from the Old Rectory Garden can be found in the THIS SUNDAY service list below.

BHC Public Zoom Room
946-391-4833 | PW 2021

CLICK HERE to get together on Zoom after each service for a virtual coffee, at 6PM for Unplugged and mid-week Morning Prayer.

Children & Youth

online services

9AM Online Heritage Service
Speaker: Peter Shaw

9AM Classic Service (live broadcast)
Speaker: Peter Shaw

10.15AM FUSE all age service (live broadcast)
Mark Puddephatt and the FUSE team

No Ark and Explorers sessions this week.
See you all at FUSE!

***YOUTH MOVIE NIGHT***

4.30PM Pathfinders (age 11-14s) on Zoom
7.30PM Ichthus (age 15-18s) on Zoom
Contact Anto Ficatier for joining details

Click the service below to join on YouTube

Then all welcome at any of the following virtual coffee and catch-up sessions. Drop in for 5, 10, or 15 mins…

Next Sunday 14 February

Handling Stress from broken relationships
Reading John 21: 15-19

Children & Youth

9AM Ark session on YouTube
11.15AM Explorers (Zoom)
5PM Youth Half-term Party for Pathfinders & Ichthus (Zoom)

Online Services

9AM Heritage (pre-recorded)
Speaker: Keith Harper

9AM Classic (live)
Speaker: Keith Harper

10.15AM Contemporary Conversations from the Couch
On the couch: Peter Shaw and Simon Willetts

the notices

LENT & EASTER 2021
Plans are hatching for our second locked down Lent, Holy Week and Easter. Lent starts (with Ash Wednesday) on 17 February which is during half-term.

There will be an online Ash Wednesday service with ashing, but no communion, and this year for our younger church families, the CYF team have prepared “Lent in a bag”. The bags with paper chain kits - with a prayer or challange on each link, to be added to the chain once the action is completed - will be available for Ark and Explorers to pick up in the church porches from Sunday 7 Feb.

Things to get involved in
Weekday Reflections - there will be daily reflections to expand on the sermon series The Challenges of…, led by different church members on YouTube - please let Andy Spencer know if you’d like to film yourself leading a reflection. The reading, prayer and thought will be provided for you. During Advent it was nice to see many different faces on screen, and those that took part enjoyed making a contribution in circumstances when ways to serve and be involved in church life may seem more limited. Please be encouraged to put yourself forward.

Alongside, we are also planning “Refreshment by Text”, with topical, eco and community challenges to boost body, mind and soul every weekday through Lent. If anyone has any thoughts or a call to be involved, please contact Vic Hicks.

Penny (Older People) and Judith (4-11s). Penny and Judith are planning another cross-over initiative for Lent and Easter whereby our younger church members can be involved in sharing a message of love and community with our older people who are perhaps shielding or isolated. Do get in touch with Penny or Judith if you’d like to be involved.

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Preeces’ Doorstop Farewell - if on your daily constitutional walk, run or cycle, you might happen across the curate’s home, you might like to text or ring the bell and stand back to wave goodbye when they open the door. Dave and Hannah have created a doodle with times when this would be convenient, but also to avoid a suspicious crowd of exercising people arriving at the same time. Here’s a link to the Doodle Poll to pop your name in if you would like to see their faces in the flesh for one last time: https://doodle.com/poll/qzkfd5dgqy7h2d6t .

UPDATE Church Family Support Fund - accepting applications AND DONATIONS
Thanks to recent notices and people spreading the word, the CFSF has received a number of applications recently and has be able to help support several families with equipment for home learning. A further challenge that has become apparent is that those who don’t have adequate hardware for home learning, may also be without broadband. This is another thing for which the CFSF might be able to support.

The fund now needs a top up so that we can keep helping people, so the trustees would welcome donations as well as applications. Information on how the fund operates, and to make a donation, or an application on behalf of someone, see the CFSF page.

Donation of unused laptops or tablets. Please consider if you have any suitable laptops or tablets which could be passed on to children at St Mark’s school. They will be gratefully received.

Left property
Following December’s Comfort & Joy exhibition we find ourselves left with a small knitted Christmas pudding.  It measures about 2 ½ inches x 2 ¼ inches and could be a hat for a Sindy doll or maybe it’s a Ferrero Rocher cover (yes, they really do exist – I’ve seen them at craft fairs…!)

It may be small, but someone has put a lot of time and effort into making this (and often the smaller the item, the trickier it is to make).  It would be such a shame if we were unable to reunite this item with its owner. If anyone recognises this item they are welcome to email Penny on penny.naylor@bhcgodalming.org or leave a message on the Church Office number.

BRIDGE UPDATE: The JAN/FEB edition of the Bridge is available online … click here. We are still looking for a road steward to cover the bottom part of the Brighton Road.  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.  

Starting Soon

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.

UPDATE on the Hope in Depression Course
We know many people are struggling, and this course offers a lifeline. The course is ready, facilitators are trained, and we are now waiting and praying for delegates to be brave enough to sign up. (The first session was delayed as we await sufficient numbers to make it viable). 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.

NEXT Nexus Talk - Hear about the Godalming and Villages Community Store from town councillor Richard Ashworth. Thursday 4 February, 8pm in the BHC Zoom room.

This is all about the community supporting its friends and neighbours during these unprecedented and difficult times.  Come along to learn how the Store operates and how much it is appreciated by those in unexpected need.  It will start at 8.00pm, and you can join from 7.45pm to have a chat with others. Bring your own refreshments!! All are welcome, including men!  There will be no charge, but donations can be made on their Just Giving page. https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/GodalmingCommunitystore

Coming Up NEXT:

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.

Update on Monday Listening Prayer - NOW Reflective prayer - What is it?
Since the end of April last year, about a dozen have met on Zoom on Monday mornings to spend time together in the presence of God. In practice, it looks a bit like this:

We start by quieting ourselves, maybe listening to some music. We then have a short Bible reading with a very brief reflection on it – just a few sentences to help us engage with the story – and after that a time of silence to enter into the story and listen to what God wants to say to us. At the end of this, we may have some more music and then anyone who would like to can share what they have heard, but there is no pressure. We end with thanking God for his presence and asking him to go with us through the new day.

Please join us if you would like to, on Mondays from 8.45-9.30 a.m.; BHC Public Personal Meeting Room, Zoom ID 946 391 4833, password 2021.

Lisa Olsworth-Peter, Gertrud Sollars, Shan Hallam

Catch up on News from other areas

A word from

Rector’s Reflections

Prime Time Lockdown Blog

Please Pray for

• Beechway and its road steward Susie Musk

• Hambledon Park

• Godalming Churches Together, and our BHC representatives on the committee Michael Stubbs and Margot Spencer.

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.

Busbridge Church reopen for private prayer
Busbridge Church is open again daily for private prayer from approximately 9.30am-4pm, and Hambledon Church is open daily from approximately 9am-5pm.

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.

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 31 January

Essential Links for Sundays

Find all Sunday services on the BHC Godalming YouTube channel.
Direct links to the live stream broadcasts of the Classic and Contemporary services from the Old Rectory Garden can be found in the THIS SUNDAY service list below.

BHC Public Zoom Room
946-391-4833 | PW 2021

CLICK HERE to get together on Zoom after each service for a virtual coffee, at 6PM for Unplugged and mid-week Morning Prayer.

BHC members on TV and radio this week!

Congratulations to Steve Kinder (Contemporary Congregation) who won a wild card to be featured on an episode of the Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year on the telly on Wednesday night (very exciting!). You can watch it on NowTV and Sky +1 Arts too. Busbridge and Hambledon churches have been lucky enough to show Steve’s wonderful pieces (landscapes and Christian works) at various Christmas and Easter exhibitions, most recently the Comfort & Joy exhibition in Busbridge Church. see https://www.stephenkinderart.com/

And broadcasting on radio…Simon and Naomi Willetts have teamed up with Tom Rowland to produce some exciting tunes during lockdown. Their first single called ‘Waiting For’ is live on Amazon and live on iTunes at 6pm Friday (29 Jan) evening!!
Here is the pre-release link:
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/homelander/waiting-for
It’s had airtime three times so far from BBC introducing, with great response and is on air again, as it’s been picked as BBC Sussex & BBC Surrey’s BBC Introducing Track of the Day!  It’ll be played ‪at around 4.40pm Friday 29 Jan, and again on Saturday between 8 & 8.30pm. Listen online here:https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live:bbc_radio_sussex

An EP is being also planned for  released on Feb 25th with an album to follow shortly after that.  Follow Homelander on Facebook and Instagram @homelanderband

If anyone else is making headlines or featuring on TV and radio during lockdown,
- do let us know! (It’s nice to see when many of us aren’t getting out much.)

Message for 2021 from Simon Taylor - please watch if you missed it last week.

This Sunday

Freedom of Contentment | Philippians 4: 8-13

9AM Online Heritage Service
Speaker: Simon Taylor

9AM Classic Service (live broadcast)
Speaker: Simon Taylor

10.15AM Conversations from the Couch (live Broadcast
On the couch: Mark Williams & Simon Willetts

6PM Unplugged on Zoom - BHC Public
Led by Anto Ficatier and members of Pathfinders and Ichthus.

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

9AM Ark (age 4-7s) on Zoom
11.15AM Explorers (age 7-11s) on Zoom
Contact Judith Hawkey for joining details

Then all welcome at any of the following virtual coffee and catch-up sessions. Drop in for 5, 10, or 15 mins…

Next Sunday 7 February

We begin a two part teaching and discussion series on handling stress.

Handling Stress from broken expectations
Readings: Luke 24:17-24 followed by Acts 1:6-8

9AM Heritage (pre-recorded) and Classic (live) services on YouTube
Speaker: Peter Shaw

10.15AM FUSE all age service | Stressful times with a gentle God
Reading: Psalm 121
Led by Mark Puddephatt and the Fuse Team
(No Ark and Explorers groups this week)

the notices

Simon and Simon would like to thank Rev David Jenkins for all his work and commitment, particularly to Hambledon during the interregnum and in helping Simon Willetts settle shortly before and during a pandemic. David is taking a well earned sabbatical and we pray every blessing on him and Liz as they take this time to reflect, relax and restore.

Dave is leaving - last call for contributions to the farewell gift… Following the announcement of Dave Preece's appointment as Priest in Charge of the benefice of Saxmundham with Kelsale cum Carlton, we are very sadly going to be saying goodbye to Dave, Hannah, Zoe and Esther under the cover of COVID, on 21 February. We can, of course, still send them off with a fitting gift to remember their ministry and time here. If you would like to donate to a leaving gift, please use an online method, ideally bank transfer (or the donate function) on the GIVING web page. Cash/cheques can be sent to the Old Rectory too. The details are here. Use the reference "PREECE" or similar.

Doorstop Farewell - if on your daily constitutional walk, run or cycle, you might happen across the curate’s home, you might like to text or ring the bell and stand back to wave goodbye when they open the door. Dave and Hannah have created a doodle with times when this would be convenient, but also to avoid a suspicious crowd of exercising people arriving at the same time. Here’s a link to the Doodle Poll to pop your name in if you would like to see their faces in the flesh for one last time: https://doodle.com/poll/qzkfd5dgqy7h2d6t .

LENT & EASTER
Plans are hatching for our second locked down Lent, Holy Week and Easter. Lent starts (with Ash Wednesday) on 17 February which is during half-term. There will be an online Ash Wednesday service with ashing, but no communion, and this year for our younger church families, the CYF team have prepared “Lent in a bag” (details to follow next week.)

Things to get involved in - there will be daily reflections delivered by different church members on YouTube - please let Andy Spencer know if you’d like to contribute a reflection. We are also planning “Lent by Text”, last run in 2017 and now ready for a refresh and reprise with topical, eco, community challenges to boost body and soul every weekday through Lent. If anyone has any thoughts or a call to be involved, please contact Vic Hicks. Thirdly, after the great community response to the Busbridge Walking Advent Calendar, we’d like to dream up a similar activity for Easter, in Busbridge and Hambledon, perhaps with the trail ending with an opportunity to find or collect an egg. If anyone, or ideally a small team, would like to help create, plan and deliver this, please contact Lisa Olsworth-Peter.

Penny (Older People) and Judith (4-11s). Penny and Judith are planning another cross-over initiative for Lent and Easter whereby our younger church members can be involved in sharing a message of love and community with our older people who are perhaps shielding or isolated. Do get in touch with Penny or Judith if you’d like to be involved.

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.

Donation of unused laptops or tablets. Hilary Pettman has just had an old laptop cleaned up and given it to St Mark's school. They were delighted to receive it and it has now gone to a family in the area who really needed it. Please consider if you have any suitable laptops or tablets which could be passed on. It is a great way to support the community around St. Marks.

Good news! The faculty application for the works to the Busbridge Church Centre has been approved! There are a few processes to follow before any work can commence but the faculty approval is a huge step forward. A massive thank you to the team who have worked so hard on this so far.

BRIDGE UPDATE: The JAN/FEB edition of the Bridge is available online … click here. We are still looking for a road steward to cover the bottom part of the Brighton Road.  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.  

Starting Soon

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.

UPDATE on the Hope in Depression Course
We know many people are struggling, and this course offers a lifeline. The course is ready, facilitators are trained, and we are now waiting and praying for delegates to be brave enough to sign up. (The first session was delayed as we await sufficient numbers to make it viable). 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.

NEXT Nexus Talk - Hear about the Godalming and Villages Community Store from town councillor Richard Ashworth. Thursday 4 February, 8pm in the BHC Zoom room.

This is all about the community supporting its friends and neighbours during these unprecedented and difficult times.  Come along to learn how the Store operates and how much it is appreciated by those in unexpected need.  It will start at 8.00pm, and you can join from 7.45pm to have a chat with others. Bring your own refreshments!! All are welcome, including men!  There will be no charge, but donations can be made on their Just Giving page. https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/GodalmingCommunitystore

Junior Lockdown Choir - Thursdays from 21 January
The lockdown choir continues this Thursday. The choir sings a range of Disney and pop songs suitable for each age group. 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.

Coming Up NEXT:

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.

Update on Monday Listening Prayer - NOW Reflective prayer - What is it?
Since the end of April last year, about a dozen have met on Zoom on Monday mornings to spend time together in the presence of God. In practice, it looks a bit like this:

We start by quieting ourselves, maybe listening to some music. We then have a short Bible reading with a very brief reflection on it – just a few sentences to help us engage with the story – and after that a time of silence to enter into the story and listen to what God wants to say to us. At the end of this, we may have some more music and then anyone who would like to can share what they have heard, but there is no pressure. We end with thanking God for his presence and asking him to go with us through the new day.

Our own attendance fluctuates, as circumstances dictate, but there is one who is always there: God, gracious, present, and looking forward to meeting with us.

The beauty of Zoom is that we don’t have to get extra chairs out, so please join us if you would like to, on Mondays from 8.45-9.30 a.m.; BHC Public Personal Meeting Room, Zoom ID 946 391 4833, password 2021.

And by the way, we are renaming it ‘Reflective Prayer’ in the hope that it makes it a bit clearer what we are on about.

Lisa Olsworth-Peter, Gertrud Sollars, Shan Hallam

Catch up on News from other areas

A word from

Rector’s Reflections

Prime Time Lockdown Blog

Please Pray for

• Ashstead Lane and its road stewards Jane Tomes and Caroline Wright

• Feathercombe Lane

• The Cellar Camino Cafe and it’s vulnerable customers as they settle into the new location in the old Bury’s cafe.

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.

Busbridge Church reopen for private prayer
Busbridge Church is open again daily for private prayer from approximately 9.30am-4pm, and Hambledon Church is open daily from approximately 9am-5pm.

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.

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 24 January 2021

Message for 2021 from Simon Taylor

We’re recruiting!

Here’s the first in a series of ads for new and familiar roles to serve your church. How is God calling you?

Print the pdf

This Sunday

24 Jan: 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/ or directly to the service: https://youtu.be/zOdShqO7pOo

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 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) - SPECIAL for this Sunday - catch up with friends and faces from the evening congregation.

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

BHC Public Zoom Room PW 2021

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

Prayerfest 0-30 in 60 - from 5-6PM on Zoom. This session focuses prayer on our younger people, youth groups and local schools and colleges. All welcome.

NEXT SUNDAY 31 JANUARY

Freedom of Contentment | Philippians 4: 8-13

9AM Online Heritage Service
Speaker: Simon Taylor

9AM Classic Service (live broadcast)
Speaker: Simon Taylor

10.15AM Conversations from the Couch (live Broadcast
On the couch: Mark Williams & Simon Willetts

6PM Unplugged on Zoom
Led by Anto Ficatier and members of Pathfinders and Ichthus.

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

Coming Up NEXT:

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

Dave is leaving - Following the announcement of Dave Preece's appointment as Priest in Charge of the benefice of Saxmundham with Kelsale cum Carlton, we are very sadly going to be saying goodbye to Dave, Hannah, Zoe and Esther under the cover of COVID, on 21 February. There can be no leaving "do" before they go, but the Preeces have promised to return in warmer weather, when gatherings are allowed so we can celebrate Dave's curacy and their time at Busbridge&Hambledon. We can, of course, still send them off with a fitting gift to remember their ministry and time here. If you would like to donate to a leaving gift, please use an online method, ideally bank transfer (or the donate function) on the GIVING web page. Cash/cheques can be sent to the Old Rectory too. The details are here. Use the reference "PREECE" or similar.

From Simon T:

We are delighted that we have people looking at ordination and asking whether God could be calling them into this. Although we aren’t sharing names right now do please be praying for them.

Shout out for Ruth! Thanks to Ruth, who moved into the area recently, for wanting to get involved with the cameras and tech. Ruth came along to the Old Rectory to help broadcast the services last Sunday, and we’re grateful Ruth wants to get involved. We’re looking for others who’d like to serve for a couple of hours a week or month in this way on a Sunday morning. Contact Jacob to find out more. No experience necessary – really!

Outward Giving - £1300 raised for HMP Send to pay for phone cards at Christmas
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.

Hearing Aids and “Inter-generational” Ministry
Plans are afoot to restart Hearing Aid Clinics, when restrictions allow, and subject to PCC approval.

Penny (Older People) and Judith (4-11s). Following Creative Kindness and the hand-made Christmas cards, Penny and Judith are planning another cross-over initiative for Lent and Easter whereby our younger church members can be involved in sharing a message of love and community with our older people who are perhaps shielding or isolated. Do get in touch with Penny or Judith if you’d like to be involved, or have any ideas. It’s a two-way thing - grown up (grandparent age) church members are being invited to record bible stories to add variety for the children in Ark! (Thank you Rosie!)

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.

BRIDGE UPDATE: The JAN/FEB edition of the Bridge is available online … click here. Kind thanks to Mary Keech who is stepping down as a road steward for Shackstead Lane - our grateful appreciation to her for all her years of service. And a warm welcome to Sarah Wharf who has volunteered as the new road steward for College Hill - great to have you part of the network.

Meanwhile we are still looking for a road steward to cover the bottom part of the Brighton Road.  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.  

Starting Soon

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

Hope in Depression Course
Clare Haddad is leading the next 6 week Hope in Depression Course on Tuesday evenings, starting 26 January.

We know many people are struggling, and this course offers a lifeline. The course is ready, facilitators are trained, and we are now waiting and praying for delegates to be brave enough to sign up. 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.

NEXT Nexus Talk - Hear about the Godalming and Villages Community Store from town councillor Richard Ashworth. Thursday 4 February, 8pm in the BHC Zoom room.

This is all about the community supporting its friends and neighbours during these unprecedented and difficult times.  Come along to learn how the Store operates and how much it is appreciated by those in unexpected need.  It will start at 8.00pm, and you can join from 7.45pm to have a chat with others. Bring your own refreshments!! All are welcome, including men!  There will be no charge, but donations can be made on their Just Giving page.

Junior Lockdown Choir - Thursdays from 21 January
The lockdown choir started this Thursday with more than 50 children on Zoom over the 2 sessions. There is now a waiting list for the choir while we establish demand and how to manage the numbers well.

The choir sings a range of Disney and pop songs suitable for each age group. 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.

Church Member news

We send our love to Andrew Baker, whose mother “Granny Annie” died peacefully on Tuesday 19th January.  Please hold Andrew, Philippa, Adam, Ben, Dominic and Ellis in your prayers, together with Andrew’s brother Simon and the wider family.

We send much love to Dave Preece, whose grandfather died on New Year’s Day.  The funeral took place this Thursday in Kent.  Please hold Dave, Hannah and the whole family in your prayers.

Catch up on News from other areas

NEWS FROM GODALMING MINSTER

Prime Time Blog

Please Pray for

• Appletree Close and its road steward Cathy Brook

• Residents on Hambledon Cricket Green

• the Citizens Advice Bureau.

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.

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.

Busbridge Church closed until 26 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 Tuesday 26 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.

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.