Sunday 18 December - Carols and More!

Dear Friends in Christ,

We are shifting seamlessly from Advent into the celebration of Christmas. This is an opportunity to thank the many who have made our Advent devotion to Christ so meaningful this year. One rule I have learnt is that if you start a list of thanks then someone gets missed off. I am not going to list everyone but there are a few people for us to give particular thanks for – from Shelgah and her food hamper preparations with Ben, Ichthus and the devoted band who did all the packing, to Patrick with the mission to be with people during the England and Wales football matches; from Andy and his preparation of our thought provoking sermon series to Mike for the star cut outs; Chad and Vic for the Busbridge giant star; Fran and Simon for Messy Advent in Hambledon… and everyone else who has got involved or led us through Advent.

Now, Christmas begins… so book your spaces or turn up (booking asap for the 5.15pm candlelit dark-light nativity & carols, this year at StP&P) for carols, candlelit services, midnight communion and Christmas Morning celebrations. Be here, join us as we follow the meaning of the Star which points to Christ.

Thank you once again, Merry Christmas,

Simon (Taylor)

Please read on for what’s happening between now and Christmas and the New Year, and on further for the notices!

Christmas 2022

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Sunday 18 Dec

Your choice: faith or fear
Readings: Isaiah 7: 10-16 and Matthew 1: 18-25

***Busbridge services are “combined” until 8th Jan. Children’s groups take a break***

10AM Family Carol Service
Led by: Margot Spencer
Busbridge Church
During the service Jane Tomes will be commissioned as BHC’s first Anna Chaplain for older people. Please come to support Jane and give thanks for her ministry. More details below.

(No morning service at Hambledon Church)

[3PM FIFA World Cup Final showing in Busbridge Church - family friendly - all welcome]

7PM Busbridge Carol Service
Busbridge Church
followed by mulled wine and mince pies, - subject to volunteers to help!

7PM Carols by Candlelight
Hambledon Church
followed by mulled wine and mince pies

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Not enough carols?

Join us on Wed 21st Dec! Carol singers (all welcome!) will set off from Busbridge church at 6pm, and finish at the Pavilion on Holloway Hill rec around 7pm for a knees up in the Howling Owl's lovely new bar.  Bacon sandwiches and other light snacks will be available too. #Howling Carols.

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Christmas Services

CHRISTMAS EVE

Candlelit Celebration for all the family
4PM & 5.15PM | St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Godalming

BOOK NOW

Hambledon Crib Service | 4PM | Hambledon Church
Midnight Communions | 11PM Busbridge Church | 11.30PM Hambledon Church

CHRISTMAS DAY

Family Celebration, followed by communion | 10AM | Busbridge Church
Family Celebration | 10AM | Hambledon Church
Christmas Choral Eucharist | 10AM | St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Godalming

SUNDAY 1 JANUARY

10AM Benefice Combined Service
Leader & Speaker: David Jenkins
Hambledon Church & Online

No service at Busbridge Church

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Notices

Jane Tomes to be commissioned as an Anna Chaplain
During the Family Carol Service in Busbridge on Sunday morning, Jane Tomes will be commissioned as BHC’s first Anna Chaplain for Older People.  Jane has felt a particular call to Care Home Ministry and so initially she will be focussing on strengthening our relationship with the residents and staff at Hydon Hill, the Leonard Cheshire home in Hydestile and she is already visiting there regularly and has started running informal services at the home on a monthly basis.  Please do come along and support Jane on Sunday morning as she is commissioned and continue to hold her in prayer in the coming weeks as she embarks in her role as an Anna Chaplain.  Jane would welcome volunteers to assist her in this ministry as she seeks to build a team to not only offer spiritual support to Hydon Hill, but as we look towards January 2024 , also to other care homes who will come within the boundaries of Godalming Minster.  Further details about Anna Chaplaincy for Older People can be found on their website:  www.annachaplaincy.org.uk

Mission Sunday and the Christmas Appeal
The Outward Giving Group and Ichthus teens filled 27 hampers on Tuesday night, thanks to your donations of goodies. They are being delivered to those who will really need and appreciate them this week. We are waiting for the final total for the Christmas Appeal for The Cellar Camino Café, but thanks to all those who have given generously.

Christmas Giving

Christmas REQUEST OF THE WEEK:
There are still a few gaps to plug on the hospitality rotas, particularly for Christmas Eve at St Peter and St Paul’s. And can you help the team with the mulled wine and mince pies after the Busbridge Carol Service, for example?

For other things to do and ways to volunteer, check the volunteer page in the Christmas section.

Gabe’s Advent Hunt - 18-23 Dec
Contrary to what you might think, there’s no age limit on Gabe’s Advent Hunt around Busbridge - you (and your younger people) can follow the trail, looking for the missing nativity characters anytime next week. It’s hopefully a nice thing to do while you wait and prepare for Christmas! Thanks to Ben Barnes for devising this activity.

Gabe's Advent Hunt

Alpha in 2023 - BHC with Godalming parish (soon to be Godalming Minster), and will be running the next Alpha course at St Mark’s, starting on Thursday 26 January. Christmas is a great opportunity for churches and Christians to share the gospel, and with a big range of services and activities, Busbridge&Hambledon Church tries to make the most of it. Take a look a the Christmas video and think about whether you feel it’s time to respond yourself, and who you will invite…

Foundation Governors
We have been delighted to welcome Ruth Roseblade and Seb Cheek as new Foundation Governors for Busbridge Junior School this year and thank them for taking on this important role. We are also very thankful to Matt Rooke for his contribution and to Ron Downhill for his time as Chair.

Are you looking for a way to live out your faith and represent this Church family? We would love to hear from anyone who is keen to join the governor team. Please do contact Penny Harris or Beckie Whiteman via the Church Office.

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Coming Up:

See the events coming up next below or look up dates further ahead in the full calendar. Select the event for details and the location (online or on site).

Church Calendar

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Church Family News

Anne Wainwright has recently moved from Milford, where she lived for the last few years, to Sussex, to be nearer to her sister and family.  After sixty years in Busbridge, it is a huge wrench and we are really sorry to see her go.  Over the years, Anne has been an important part of our church’s life, involved in many different groups and activities, and we should not let her depart without giving thanks for all that she is, and all that she has done.  She misses everyone here, but is settling in well and loving being near the family.  If you would like to drop her a line (or visit!), Pat Oxborough would be pleased to give you Anne’s new address.

We send our love to Jane Lambert, whose father died on 21st November.  He was a longstanding and faithful member of the church and community in Shalford, where he will be much missed.  Please hold Jane, Martin and the whole family in your prayers, particularly for the funeral service this coming week.

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Regular Events

Busbridge Morning Prayer Weds at 9am online.

Hambledon Morning Prayer takes place on Wednesdays at 9am. All welcome.

Prayer gatherings for Ukraine (at Busbridge and Hambledon) have stopped for the time being, but prayer will continue in Sunday intercessions and mid-week morning prayer.

Next Hambledon Coffee Morning and Hearing Aid Clinic is Weds 18th Jan 2023. All welcome.

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Wintershall Nativity - There is still plenty of availability for this Sunday 18th December at the matinee performance!

Churches Together Christmas lunch – volunteers are needed to help with the Christmas lunch on Christmas Day at the Baptist Church for anyone who would otherwise be on their own.  The form setting out the various roles is attached. We are also still looking for a volunteer co ordinator and so if anyone would be willing to do this, please let Sarah Higgins know (sarahhiggins478@gmail.com). Letter to guests and invitation form are also attached for anyone who would like to come.

Christmas Lunch VOLUNTEER Form

Christmas Lunch Invitation

Christmas Lunch Guest Form

Read the latest issue (NOVEMBER) of Churches Together in Godalming and District Link Up.

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Don’t forget about…

Minster Update. The Minster Transition Steering Group have published a November Update, which can be found here.

Things in the following areas may not make the notices, but the latest info can be found on the web pages:

Yew Tree Café

Yew Tree Café Opening Hours 8.30am-4pm
10am-2pm Saturday. The café will be open weekdays at 8.30am from 31 October.

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Church Family Support Fund
Do you know of anyone who might be struggling to pay their bills in this very challenging time? The Church Family Support Fund is here to help anyone, in the Godalming area, who is in need financially with a one off payment . All details about the fund and an application form can be found on the Busbridge church web site, or please contact Jill Johnston on 01483 422194.

Busbridge and Hambledon Churches are open daily for private prayer.

PASTORAL CARE & PRAYER MINISTRY TEAM AVAILABLE

If you, or someone you know at church, are in need of support and care, please contact Sandra Wilkin via the church office, or e: pastoral@bhcgodalming.org.

Pastoral Care

To contact the EMERGENCY prayer chain, email prayer@bhcgodalming.org or call 01483 421267.

MISSION Sunday 11 December

Dear friends,

It’s Mission Sunday on 11th December and time to think about the true spirit of Christmas! Many of you have already been involved in mission this season, charitable works or simply helping others day-to-day. As a church we set aside this Sunday to harness all the goodwill and generosity among us, and give as a church for the benefit of local people for who life is tough, and Christmas tougher. The Busbridge Wreath project has got the Christmas Appeal for the Cellar Camino Café off to a great start (£500+ raised), but the Besom Hamper initiative is a little behind schedule. Can you help? We need 20 more cardboard fruit trays to be collected from the supermarket and covered in wrapping paper. And LOTS more donations of Christmas goodies to fill the hampers before next Tuesday 13th December. Read on for more details.

Christmas services start this Sunday with Messy Christingle, 4pm at Hambledon Church, and all are invited to the Prime Time Carol Service on Monday afternoon, 2.30pm at Busbridge Church. Busbridge Junior School Choir will sing too and the Prime Time team will be serving mulled wine and mince pies afterwards. It’s particularly good for those who are less independent and need a lift or accompanying so think who you might ask.

Before next week you can enjoy the warm welcome at Busbridge Church on Saturday for the Movie Matinee at 2.30pm, and later the England vs France quarter final at 7pm.

Thanks to the brilliant group of volunteers who took part in the Busbridge Wreath Project on Weds 7th December. Their wreaths sold out in a day and made a tidy profit for the Christmas Appeal. It was messy job, but rather enjoyable.

Christmas 2022

Do please check the Christmas dates, ways to volunteer, and remember the “Mince Pie” events that are key to linking church and community. Have you earmarked an event to attend, a place to serve, and a person, family or group to share the great invitation?

As expected, the 4PM Christmas Eve Candlelit Celebration at St Peter and St Paul’s is almost up to capacity, indicating potential demand for a second one at 5.15PM - now scheduled! If you prefer the later time, please cancel the 4PM booking using the confirmation email and rebook for 5.15PM.

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Sunday 11 Dec

Mission Sunday

Songs of joy and gladness ring out
Readings: Isaiah 35: 1-10 and Matthew 11: 2-11

We look forward to hearing from representatives from The Cellar Café team in all the services. Please take a look at the Christmas Giving info to find out about BHC mission this Christmas, and how to take part.

Christmas Giving

9.30AM Busbridge Contemporary Service
Speaker: Suzie Lambert
Busbridge Church

2nd Sunday donuts are being replaced by mince pies and gingerbread men. Do stay for coffee, or come before Classic.

10AM Hambledon Morning Worship [Holy Communion]
Led by: Simon Willetts | Speaker: Dudley Hilton
Hambledon Church

11.15AM Busbridge Classic Service
Led by: Simon Taylor | Speaker: Keith Harper
Busbridge Church

4PM Messy Christingle
Led by: Simon Willetts
Hambledon Church - Not the Village Hall!

6PM Busbridge Evening Service
Led by: Simon Taylor

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Notices

Christmas REQUEST OF THE WEEK:
BESOM HAMPERS | 2022 Target = 50 Hampers | deadline 11 Dec: Please find the instructions in the Christmas Hampers page and start collecting supermarket fruit trays. If everyone can collect just 1 or 2, cover them neatly in wrapping paper and bring it to Busbridge church with any other treats of the hamper list that would be great.

For other things to do and ways to volunteer, check the volunteer page in the Christmas section.

Small Group Christmas Invitation
If you are interested in joining a house group - want to find out what one is - what happens at them then please join us at the Howling Owl on Tuesday at 7:45 for a Christmas drink.

HMP Send

Foundation Governors
We have been delighted to welcome Ruth Roseblade and Seb Cheek as new Foundation Governors for Busbridge Junior School this year and thank them for taking on this important role. We are also very thankful to Matt Rooke for his contribution and to Ron Downhill for his time as Chair.

Are you looking for a way to live out your faith and represent this Church family? We would love to hear from anyone who is keen to join the governor team. Please do contact Penny Harris or Beckie Whiteman via the Church Office.

A delight to cheer everyone up at HMP Send

Rev Lesley Mason receiving the cheque from Shelagh Goodwin, chairperson of the Busbridge and Hambledon Outward Giving Group and Rev David Jenkins who was responsible for the campaign.

What a delight it is to have some good news when all we seem to get is a continuous stream of bad news from the media. The good news is that the Lunch with Helen campaign has raised more than its original target of £3000. In fact, the final total is £3250 which was the value of the cheque handed over to Rev Lesley Mason outside Send Prison earlier this week.

Lesley later sent an email expressing her thanks which you will find below. To this I would like to add a specific thanks to the Busbridge and Hambledon House Groups, Hambledon Village shop and Witley Church.

Dear David

A huge thank-you to all those wonderful people who have contributed to the appeal to raise funds for our supplementary discharge grants for those prison leavers not going home to families.  They face so much uncertainty as they leave prison.  Your contributions will help to raise the chances of them succeeding on their challenging journey back to life in the community. (contd.)

For those who are still behind bars this Christmas, chaplaincy is again planning the distribution of gift bags and extra phone credit so I’d also like to say an additional thank you for the earlier gift from BHC this year, which will go toward our Christmas gifts.

Christmas remains, as ever, a really difficult time for women in prison, and they are always truly grateful for our attempts to spread a little joy!

Blessings to you and all who have been involved, Lesley

Revd Lesley Mason, Managing Chaplain, HMP Send Prison
For further information contact: David Jenkins Tel: 01483 200976.

To any parents in Year 2: You may shortly be looking at applying for places for your child(ren) at junior schools to start in September 2023, and wanted to highlight that Busbridge Junior School have a church attendance category (Category 4) in their priority list. The school website contains the full list of criteria, along with a supplementary information form, should you wish to apply.
https://www.busbridge-junior.surrey.sch.uk/web/admissions_including_appeals_and_parent_tours/163931

It would be helpful if you are looking to apply for a church place that you let us know, so that we can arrange a suitable time for a member of the clergy team to meet with you. We look to have applications received by the church office by 10th December 2022, to allow time for the meetings to go ahead of the Surrey County Council deadline of 15th January 2023. You will still need to apply to Surrey County Council for a school place.

Please ensure that you read the application criteria – this email is purely for information, and doesn’t mean that you would be eligible.

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Coming Up:

See the events coming up next below or look up dates further ahead in the full calendar. Select the event for details and the location (online or on site).

Church Calendar

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Sunday 18 Dec

10AM Family Carol Service
Led by: Margot Spencer
Busbridge Church

7PM Carol Services
Busbridge Church and Hambledon Church

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Church Family News

We send our love to Jane Lambert, whose father died on 21st November.  He was a longstanding and faithful member of the church and community in Shalford, where he will be much missed.  Please hold Jane, Martin and the whole family in your prayers, particularly for the funeral service this coming week.

Regular Events

Busbridge Morning Prayer Weds at 9am online.

Hambledon Morning Prayer takes place on Wednesdays at 9am. All welcome.

Prayer gatherings for Ukraine are now at Hambledon Church at 7.30pm on 1st Tuesdays of the month.

Next Hambledon Coffee Morning and Hearing Aid Clinic is Weds 14th December. All welcome.

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VACANCIES

ELSEWHERE

Churches Together Christmas lunch – volunteers are needed to help with the Christmas lunch on Christmas Day at the Baptist Church for anyone who would otherwise be on their own.  The form setting out the various roles is attached. We are also still looking for a volunteer co ordinator and so if anyone would be willing to do this, please let Sarah Higgins know (sarahhiggins478@gmail.com). Letter to guests and invitation form are also attached for anyone who would like to come.

Christmas Lunch VOLUNTEER Form

Christmas Lunch Invitation

Christmas Lunch Guest Form

Read the latest issue (NOVEMBER) of Churches Together in Godalming and District Link Up.

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Don’t forget about…

Minster Update. The Minster Transition Steering Group have published a November Update, which can be found here.

Things in the following areas may not make the notices, but the latest info can be found on the web pages:

Yew Tree Café

Yew Tree Café Opening Hours 8.30am-4pm
10am-2pm Saturday. The café will be open weekdays at 8.30am from 31 October.

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Church Family Support Fund
Do you know of anyone who might be struggling to pay their bills in this very challenging time? The Church Family Support Fund is here to help anyone, in the Godalming area, who is in need financially with a one off payment . All details about the fund and an application form can be found on the Busbridge church web site, or please contact Jill Johnston on 01483 422194.

Busbridge and Hambledon Churches are open daily for private prayer.

PASTORAL CARE & PRAYER MINISTRY TEAM AVAILABLE

If you, or someone you know at church, are in need of support and care, please contact Sandra Wilkin via the church office, or e: pastoral@bhcgodalming.org.

Pastoral Care

To contact the EMERGENCY prayer chain, email prayer@bhcgodalming.org or call 01483 421267.

Advent Sunday 4 December

Dear friends,

So much of our Christian discipleship and church ministry is not that visual or photogenic, and rightly so. Advent and Christmas however gives us a chance to express the joy, fun and fellowship in following Jesus in pictures.

Here is a look at week one when Busbridge Church hosted the Bishop of Sialkot at last Friday’s England match, and the church was decorated with c.600 stars decorated by pupils from Busbridge Infant and Junior schools, the 12” star made by Rob Hewlett 2 years ago was upcycled by Chad and relit in the churchyard, and pupils were invited into church to see their creations at the Advent launch on Wednesday.

Thank you to Graham Howlett (Juliet’s Dad) for making the main star that forms the focal point of the Follow The Star installation inside Busbridge Church.

We’ve been recommended these Tiny Advent Poems, and they will be posted on Facebook everyday, or you can catch up on a week’s worth in the notices.

Do please check the Christmas dates, ways to volunteer, and remember the “Mince Pie” events that are key to linking church and community. Have you earmarked an event to attend, a place to serve, and a person, family or group to share the great invitation?

Remember to sign up if you plan to come to the Christmas Eve Candlelit Celebration at St Peter and St Paul’s ASAP. It’s filling up fast.

Christmas 2022

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Sunday 4 Dec

Exploring the impossible possibility of the new creation
Readings: Isaiah 11: 1-10 and Matthew 3: 1-21

1st in the Sermon series for advent: follow the star

9.30AM MUDDY Church
Led by: Mark Puddephatt and Suzie Lambert
Crown Court, Godalming

10AM Hambledon Morning Worship
Led by: Simon Taylor | Speaker: Dudley Hilton
Hambledon Church

11.15AM Busbridge Classic Advent Reflections with Taizé [Holy Communion]
Led by: Patrick Samuels | Speaker: Chris Payne
Busbridge ChurchHilary Pettman
Busbridge Church

[7PM England vs Senegal showing at Busbridge Church]

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Notices

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Good luck to all quizers taking part in the Nexus Christmas Charity Quiz on Saturday 3rd December at 7.30pm in Busbridge Church. They will be raising funds for Oakleaf Enterprise: Making life work with mental illness (w: oakleaf-enterprise.org). To check if there are any spare tickets, please EMAIL JANET: janetmharvey@btinternet.com or SIGN UP AND PAY on MyChurchSuite.

Congratulations to England (and commiserations to Wales)! The next World Cup match at Busbridge Church is Sunday 4th at 7pm - England vs Senegal.

Christmas REQUEST OF THE WEEK:
Lifts for the Afternoon Carol Service on 12 December: Penny is looking for a few more drivers to bring people to the Afternoon Carol Service on 12 December at 2.30pm, and return them home at 4ish after mulled wine and mince pies.

AND NOT FORGETTING THE REQUEST OF LAST WEEK: BESOM HAMPERS | 2022 Target = 50 Hampers | deadline 11 Dec: Please find the instructions in the Christmas Hampers page and start collecting supermarket fruit trays. If everyone can collect just 1 or 2, cover them neatly in wrapping paper and bring it to Busbridge church with any other treats of the hamper list that would be great.

There’s 2 spots left for the volunteer wreath making session next Wednesday evening. Can you help? Wreaths will go on sale at the Yew Tree Café next Thursday and all proceeds will go to The Cellar Café Christmas Appeal.

For other things to do and ways to volunteer, check the volunteer page in the Christmas section.

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Coming Up:

See the events coming up next below or look up dates further ahead in the full calendar. Select the event for details and the location (online or on site).

Church Calendar

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Sunday 11 Dec

Mission Sunday

Songs of joy and gladness ring out
Readings: Isaiah 35: 1-10 and Matthew 11: 2-11

We look forward to hearing from representatives from The Cellar Café team in all the services. Please take a look at the Christmas Giving info to find out about BHC mission this Christmas, and how to take part.

Christmas Giving

9.30AM Busbridge Contemporary Service
Speaker: Suzie Lambert
Busbridge Church

10AM Hambledon Morning Worship [Holy Communion]
Led by: Simon Willetts | Speaker: Dudley Hilton
Hambledon Church

11.15AM Busbridge Classic Service
Led by: Simon Taylor | Speaker: Keith Harper
Busbridge Church

4PM Messy Christingle
Led by: Simon Willetts
Hambledon Church - Not the Village Hall!

6PM Busbridge Evening Service
Led by: Simon Taylor

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Regular Events

Busbridge Morning Prayer Weds at 9am online.

Hambledon Morning Prayer takes place on Wednesdays at 9am. All welcome.

Prayer gatherings for Ukraine are now at Hambledon Church at 7.30pm on 1st Tuesdays of the month.

Next Hambledon Coffee Morning and Hearing Aid Clinic is Weds 16th November. All welcome.

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VACANCIES

ELSEWHERE

Churches Together Christmas lunch – volunteers are needed to help with the Christmas lunch on Christmas Day at the Baptist Church for anyone who would otherwise be on their own.  The form setting out the various roles is attached. We are also still looking for a volunteer co ordinator and so if anyone would be willing to do this, please let Sarah Higgins know (sarahhiggins478@gmail.com). Letter to guests and invitation form are also attached for anyone who would like to come.

Christmas Lunch VOLUNTEER Form

Christmas Lunch Invitation

Christmas Lunch Guest Form

Read the latest issue (NOVEMBER) of Churches Together in Godalming and District Link Up.

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Don’t forget about…

Minster Update. The Minster Transition Steering Group have published a November Update, which can be found here.

Things in the following areas may not make the notices, but the latest info can be found on the web pages:

Yew Tree Café

Yew Tree Café Opening Hours 8.30am-4pm
10am-2pm Saturday. The café will be open weekdays at 8.30am from 31 October.

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Church Family Support Fund
Do you know of anyone who might be struggling to pay their bills in this very challenging time? The Church Family Support Fund is here to help anyone, in the Godalming area, who is in need financially with a one off payment . All details about the fund and an application form can be found on the Busbridge church web site, or please contact Jill Johnston on 01483 422194.

Busbridge and Hambledon Churches are open daily for private prayer.

PASTORAL CARE & PRAYER MINISTRY TEAM AVAILABLE

If you, or someone you know at church, are in need of support and care, please contact Sandra Wilkin via the church office, or e: pastoral@bhcgodalming.org.

Pastoral Care

To contact the EMERGENCY prayer chain, email prayer@bhcgodalming.org or call 01483 421267.

Advent Sunday 27 November

NEXT SAT 3rd DEC - CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS AND BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW!

Dear friends,

Busbridge Church was packed out last Sunday for the wonderful Ukrainian talk, and full of patriotic atmosphere for the England and Wales football matches on Tuesday. Hambledon Messy was full, fun, and, urr,..Messy. Star-making by 400+ children at the infant and junior schools has been skilfully managed by Juliet, Ben and Cat in time to create the Christmas installation in church, and Prime Timers were also called in to help with scissors and glue. We have a Bishop from Pakistan joining us at the England vs USA game on Friday (7PM in Busbridge Church), and a new Ordinand (trainee vicar) joining BHC for longer. Simon writes more on all these great stories if you continue reading.

As life’s momentum builds for many of us, Advent Sunday is time to hit the || PAUSE button, if only briefly, before the brakes come off completely! The special Advent Evensong, 6PM at Hambledon Church is the time and place to pause this Sunday. It’s fully traditional and provides a good spiritual and reflective starting point for season.

Before that, please share the invite, gather your teammates, start swatting and SIGN UP immediately to the Nexus Christmas Quiz! It’s just over a week away, and in aid of the crucial work of Oakleaf Enterprise. Nexus needs final numbers ASAP to place the order for food. Use the link above for details and to sign up.

Christmas 2022

Now is also the time to check the Christmas dates, and the rather mammoth church to do list and see if you could help. Don’t forget the “Mince Pie” events that are fun, and key to linking church and community. Have you earmarked an event to attend, a place to serve, and a person, family or group to share the great invitation?

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Sunday 27 Nov

Let us walk in the Light of the Lord
Readings: Isaiah 2: 1-5 and Matthew 24: 36 - 44

9.30AM Busbridge Contemporary Service
Led by: Suzie Lambert | Speaker: Simon Taylor
Busbridge Church

10AM Hambledon Morning Worship
Led by: Simon Willetts | Speaker: David Brockman
Hambledon Church

11.15AM Busbridge Classic Service
Led by: Philippa Baker | Speaker: Simon Taylor
Busbridge Church

6PM Hambledon Advent Evensong
Led by: Simon Willetts, with the choir
Hambledon Church

6PM Busbridge Evening Service [Holy Communion]
Led by: Simon Taylor | Speaker: Hilary Pettman
Busbridge Church

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Notices

Message from Simon (Taylor):

Celebrate and praise the Lord!

Sometimes a week comes along when there is just good news to share. So often, we see the bad news, so here’s some signs of the love of Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit to fill us with greater faith in God and people as we approach Advent. In the past week:

• Busbridge Church was literally packed for an incredibly humbling event led by four brave Ukrainian teenagers. Thank you to Sarah Black and her team and special thanks to Councillors Michael Stubbs and Penny and Paul Rivers for attending (Michael was there from 3pm!) and for kind words of support from our MP and Chancellor. We learnt a great deal about the Christian history and faith of many Ukrainians.

• Our friends from Ukraine were asking for a small donation of £2 for some cards/paintings. People dug deep (there was at least one £50 note) and over £1,000 was raised to provide thermal socks to send to Ukraine. In addition, HJ Hall& Son (specialist extreme conditions clothing manufacturer) have offered a massive discount to allow twice as many socks to be bought. Thank you to HJ Hall, Maria & Martin and the Ukrainian artists and everyone who demonstrated that kindness is very much alive in the face of darkness.

• Hambledon Messy Church was filled with more than 60 people getting involved. Special thanks to Cat Garner for creating a huge amount of glorious mess.

• Our mission of God’s love through the Hearing Aid Clinics has grown to the point where Penny’s clinic in Godalming library had more people attending than ever before. Thank you to Penny for this mission.

• Children at BIS and BJS, and Prime Timers have made over 700 stars for the Busbridge Church Christmas Art installation… and there was great fun this week with several kind Prime Timers putting the stars together. Thank you to Ben and team for the inspiration.

• Sarah Rowden, an ordinand, was with us on Sunday and her family had a lovely welcome. Thank you to the welcomers. Sarah will be joining us in the next week.

• Busbridge Church building was a great venue for showing great football. Thanks to Patrick for this mission initiative.

There’s much to celebrate as we reach out in faith and share our faith in Christ. Let’s pray that the Holy Spirit will lead us into more encounters over the next week or two. Simon Taylor.

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Winter clothing urgently needed for Ukraine. As winter sets in, temperatures in Ukraine fall below zero and many people, without electricity, heating, or glass in their windows, are desperate for warm clothing. Rotarians in Godalming are collecting all types - coats, jumpers, boots, old ski wear, unused thermal underwear, gloves, socks, hats, sleeping bags. Can you help? Please bring your donations in tied bags to the Chapel at Eashing Cemetery between 11am and 4 pm on Sat 26 and Sun 27 November. If you are willing to join us and help with sorting, or want more information, please contact: Rotarian Ian Coult, phone 07771920302 or email ian@coults.co.uk

Please join us for the Nexus Christmas Charity Quiz on Saturday 3rd December at 7.30pm in Busbridge Church. We will be raising funds for Oakleaf Enterprise: Making life work with mental illness (w: oakleaf-enterprise.org). Our brilliant quizmaster duo will be with us again.  Alan Betts will be masterminding the setting of thought-provoking questions and delivering these in his inimitable style; and Dudley Hilton will oversee the amusing graphics, the technical stuff and score keeping!!

Join individually or with friends. EMAIL JANET FOR TICKETS: janetmharvey@btinternet.com or SIGN UP AND PAY on MyChurchSuite.

USE THE NOTES SECTION TO ENTER OTHER TEAM MEMBERS so the organisers can put you on the right team and table. All are welcome – the more the merrier!  Encourage your family and friends to join you and let’s make it a fun evening to start our Christmas celebrations.

Nexus needs names and numbers needs names and numbers for table plans and, more importantly, to let Headley Fine Foods have our Quiche order in advance!

25th Nov. 7pm. Meet the Bishop where World Cup footballs are made! Join us at Busbridge Church for football and to meet Bishop Alwyn of Sialkot, Pakistan. Sialkot is a world leading manufacturer of surgical instruments but right now his diocese is more famous for footballs. The footballs, called Al Rihla balls, used for the World Cup are all made in Sialkot. Al Rihla is Arabic for ‘the journey’. Join us for the football journey and to welcome Bishop Alwyn.

Minster Update. The Minster Transition Steering Group have published a November Update, which can be found here.

Christmas TO DO List
Item 1. BESOM HAMPERS | 2022 Target = 50 Hampers | deadline 11 Dec: Please find the instructions in the Christmas Hampers page and start collecting supermarket fruit trays. If everyone can collect just 1 or 2, cover them neatly in wrapping paper and bring it to Busbridge church with any other treats of the hamper list that would be great.

For other things to do and ways to volunteer, check the volunteer page in the Christmas section.

CREATION CARE: How are we getting on with abad and shamar, the work and care of creation which were the original purpose which mankind was put in the garden for? Even before God established the terms of relationship with Adam and Eve to Himself, He determined the terms of their relationship to the Earth. Their role and identity as part of creation and stewards of it is the point of departure for all of what follows from God; All of His Mission. As we embark on this new part of that same Mission with this minster, is that our point of departure? We want to make sure it is and we are forming a small team to help lead on ensuring the care of creation is as integral to our life as a church as God wants it to be. We would love there to be a representative from each of the churches in the minster. So, if you would like to be involved then do nothing as we are all going to be involved in this, if you would like to help lead it as a rep for your church then please get in touch with Will or Fran through the office. Thank you.

Warm welcome / Warm Hubs at Busbridge Church and St Mark’s
This winter, Busbridge Church has been registered with the Warm Welcome initiative (see: https://www.warmwelcome.uk/) and will provide a warm hub, open to all, with free refreshments for specific times and events.  For example, World Cup England matches will be shown on the big screen.  Several Prime Time events for older people, and the Hambledon Coffee mornings also meet the criteria and we are looking forward to welcoming those who would benefit this winter.

St Mark’s Church and Community Centre provides a warm hub on Tuesdays 12.30-4pm, offering a soup and roll lunch, tea and cake, and these are going well, and also being supported by members of Busbridge&Hambledon Church.

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Coming Up:

See the events coming up next below or look up dates further ahead in the full calendar. Select the event for details and the location (online or on site).

Church Calendar

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Sunday 4 Dec

Exploring the impossible possibility of the new creation
Readings: Isaiah 11: 1-10 and Matthew 3: 1-12

1st in the Sermon series for advent: follow the star

9.30AM MUDDY Church
Led by: Mark Puddephatt and Suzie Lambert
Crown Court, Godalming

10AM Hambledon Morning Worship
Led by: Simon Taylor | Speaker: Dudley Hilton
Hambledon Church

11.15AM Busbridge Classic Advent Reflections with Taizé [Holy Communion]
Led by: Patrick Samuels | Speaker: Chris Payne
Busbridge Church

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DATES FOR THE DIARY

Regular Events

Busbridge Morning Prayer Weds at 9am online.

Hambledon Morning Prayer takes place on Wednesdays at 9am. All welcome.

Prayer gatherings for Ukraine are now at Hambledon Church at 7.30pm on 1st Tuesdays of the month.

Next Hambledon Coffee Morning and Hearing Aid Clinic is Weds 16th November. All welcome.

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VACANCIES

ELSEWHERE

Churches Together Christmas lunch – volunteers are needed to help with the Christmas lunch on Christmas Day at the Baptist Church for anyone who would otherwise be on their own.  The form setting out the various roles is attached. We are also still looking for a volunteer co ordinator and so if anyone would be willing to do this, please let Sarah Higgins know (sarahhiggins478@gmail.com). Letter to guests and invitation form are also attached for anyone who would like to come.

Christmas Lunch VOLUNTEER Form

Christmas Lunch Invitation

Christmas Lunch Guest Form

Read the latest issue (NOVEMBER) of Churches Together in Godalming and District Link Up.

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Don’t forget about…

Things in the following areas may not make the notices, but the latest info can be found on the web pages:

Yew Tree Café

Yew Tree Café Opening Hours 8.30am-4pm
10am-2pm Saturday. The café will be open weekdays at 8.30am from 31 October.

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Church Family Support Fund
Do you know of anyone who might be struggling to pay their bills in this very challenging time? The Church Family Support Fund is here to help anyone, in the Godalming area, who is in need financially with a one off payment . All details about the fund and an application form can be found on the Busbridge church web site, or please contact Jill Johnston on 01483 422194.

Busbridge and Hambledon Churches are open daily for private prayer.

PASTORAL CARE & PRAYER MINISTRY TEAM AVAILABLE

If you, or someone you know at church, are in need of support and care, please contact Sandra Wilkin via the church office, or e: pastoral@bhcgodalming.org.

Pastoral Care

To contact the EMERGENCY prayer chain, email prayer@bhcgodalming.org or call 01483 421267.

Notices for Sunday 20 November

Please come and support this event for Ukraine in Busbridge Church - all welcome.

Christmas 2022

Dear friends,

Feeling the cold? The first of our warm space events is this Saturday afternoon. It’s a Marvellous Movie Matinee hosted by Prime Time, and the music and dancing in this month’s film, will surely warm the audience up. Then the Football World Cup starts next week (21 Nov), and so to the England match showings at Busbridge Church. Warm Space/Hub events are FREE and open to all, with refreshments provided. Please share the invitation and come along to enjoy them.

Now is also the time to check the Christmas dates and put them in your diary!

We ask that this Christmas you earmark one place to worship, one place to serve, and one person, family or group to share the great invitation!

If you can give some time to help over the Christmas season - you can email the office, or use the Volunteer form. You might see that the first thing needed on Wed 23 Nov at 2pm is some crafty hands to help construct the 420+!!! stars that pupils at the infants and junior schools are decorating for the “Follow the Star” display in Busbridge Church.

(Booking is now open for the popular Christmas Eve service at St Peter and St Paul’s, and though the church is much bigger than Busbridge, we’d appreciate it if you could sign up early so that a decision on whether to schedule a second service can be made).

Lastly, but fundamental in everything we are and do at church, 20 November is national Safeguarding Sunday. It’s a moment to reflect and give thanks for our safeguarding officer, Jenny Lansdowne, and all the work she does on behalf of the PCC, to manage the DBS process for staff and volunteers, and respond to any safeguarding matters with diligence and confidentiality. We remind ourselves that we are all responsible for the fulfilment of the church’s commitment to safeguarding, and the care of everyone. It will be included in our prayers this Sunday, and you may wish to watch the 11 min reflection here: https://vimeo.com/759459476?embedded=true&source=vimeo_logo&owner=158488745

Read on for more of what you need to know, and print the summery attached here:

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Sunday 20 Nov

Do not judge or you too will be judged
READING: MATTHEW 7: 1-6

9.30AM Busbridge Contemporary Service [Holy Communion]
Led by: Simon Taylor | Speaker: Simon Willetts
Busbridge Church

10AM Hambledon Morning Worship
Led by: Patrick Samuels | Speaker: Peter Shaw
Hambledon Church

11.15AM Busbridge Classic Service
Led by: Frances Shaw | Speaker: Simon Willetts
Busbridge Church

6PM Young Ukrainians share their story
Busbridge Church. Replaces Unplugged. Ukrainian refreshments provided.
The BHC4Ukraine group is proud to host, for a second time, a talk by a group of locally hosted teenagers from Ukraine, about their home and the war from their perspective. The presentation was first shared at the lunch for hosts and their guests in September, and those present found it so poignant that the group have been invited to share it again with a wider audience. This time we are encouraging young people to attend too and there will be Ukrainian refreshments for everyone on arrival. Please support. Signing up is not essential but would help with catering.

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Notices

Thank you to Toni, Shan and Caroline for organising an exceptional prayer ministry training day on praying in the Spirit and the gift of Words of Knowledge. Thank you to all the prayer ministry team members who were able to attend and our special thanks goes to Rev Emmy Wilson (from HTB) who led us through Biblical teaching, careful ministry, and practical experience of praying for one another. We offer prayer ministry during and after most services in each congregation.

PCC NEWS The PCC met last week and discussed 1) Our continued gap in children’s ministry leadership. A PCC group (called the SAM group) is looking at this. If you felt called to the role but could not do it full time, please speak to Ben Barnes, Simon Taylor or Simon Willetts as it is possible we could consider this as two part time roles. If you have other thoughts, please share them with Penny Harris (SAM group chair). SAM = Specific Ages Ministry. 2) The church budget was approved. We will look at this more in the New Year at our Vision Sunday. 3) Partially in response to the Minster development, the Diocese has generously offered us a trainee not-yet-vicar (called an ordinand) on long term placement for the next 18 months. The PCC accepted this offer and we are grateful that the diocese covers all non-local costs. The ordinand will look around this week and meet Patrick Samuels, who will mentor the ordinand. 4) Will Godwin and Fran Duffell have begun to build a vision for us to become a Church of Creation Care. This is more than Christian environmentalism. The PCC endorsed this as an important development for BHC. More information will come out soon and please speak to Will or Fran.

How are we getting on with abad and shamar, the work and care of creation which were the original purpose which mankind was put in the garden for? Even before God established the terms of relationship with Adam and Eve to Himself, He determined the terms of their relationship to the Earth. Their role and identity as part of creation and stewards of it is the point of departure for all of what follows from God; All of His Mission. As we embark on this new part of that same Mission with this minster, is that our point of departure? We want to make sure it is and we are forming a small team to help lead on ensuring the care of creation is as integral to our life as a church as God wants it to be. We would love there to be a representative from each of the churches in the minster. So, if you would like to be involved then do nothing as we are all going to be involved in this, if you would like to help lead it as a rep for your church then please get in touch with Will or Fran through the office. Thank you

Warm welcome / Warm Hubs at Busbridge Church and St Mark’s
This winter, Busbridge Church has been registered with the Warm Welcome initiative (see: https://www.warmwelcome.uk/) and will provide a warm hub, open to all, with free refreshments for specific times and events.  For example, World Cup England matches will be shown on the big screen, starting 21 November.  Several Prime Time events for older people, and the Hambledon Coffee mornings also meet the criteria and we are looking forward to welcoming those who would benefit this winter.

St Mark’s Church and Community Centre provides a warm hub on Tuesdays 12.30-4pm, offering a soup and roll lunch, tea and cake.

25th Nov. 7pm. Meet the Bishop where World Cup footballs are made! Join us at Busbridge Church for football and to meet Bishop Alwyn of Sialkot, Pakistan. Sialkot is a world leading manufacturer of surgical instruments but right now his diocese is more famous for footballs. The footballs, called Al Rihla balls, used for the World Cup are all made in Sialkot. Al Rihla is Arabic for ‘the journey’. Join us for the football journey and to welcome Bishop Alwyn.

To help with any of these initiatives, please contact Patrick Samuels re. football, Penny re older people’s events and Sheila Samuels re. St Mark’s: curate.godalming@gmail.com.

The current Alpha course has two catering slots to fill before ending on Dec 1st.  Are you willing to cook attendees a simple one-course meal?  If so, pls contact keith.harper@bhcgodalming.org or sheila.samuels@bhcgodalming.org.

Yew Tree Café – your café needs you!
The Yew tree is going really well, but we need more great volunteers to help for half a day on a weekly basis (ideally), or once fortnight:

1. to work in the café, serving food and drinks with a smile and a pastoral heart.

2. Bakers to make cakes in the Old Rectory kitchen. All ingredients, clear instructions and equipment provided.

3. Food preparation on Monday, Wednesday or Thursday morning - just a couple of hours to prepare our salads and soups. Recipes and ingredients provided.

All volunteers are given a barista drink and cake as a thank you. You would  be joining a great team of people and further enabling our endeavours to reach out to the community with God’s love. If you are interested please pop into the café and talk to one of the managers, or email yewtreecafe@bhcgodalming.org. 

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Church Family News

Coming Up:

See the events coming up next below or look up dates further ahead in the full calendar. Select the event for details and the location (online or on site).

Church Calendar

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Sunday 27 Nov

Let us walk in the Light of the Lord
Readings: Isaiah 2: 1-5 and Matthew 24: 36 - 44

9.30AM Busbridge Contemporary Service
Led by: Suzie Lambert | Speaker: Simon Taylor
Busbridge Church

10AM Hambledon Morning Worship
Led by: Simon Willetts | Speaker: David Brockman
Hambledon Church

11.15AM Busbridge Classic Service
Led by: Philippa Baker | Speaker: Simon Taylor
Busbridge Church

6PM Hambledon Advent Evensong
Led by: Simon Willetts, with the choir
Hambledon Church

6PM Busbridge Evening Service [Holy Communion]
Led by: Simon Taylor | Speaker: Hilary Pettman
Busbridge Church

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DATES FOR THE DIARY

Regular Events

Busbridge Morning Prayer Weds at 9am online.

Hambledon Morning Prayer takes place on Wednesdays at 9am. All welcome.

Prayer gatherings for Ukraine are now at Hambledon Church at 7.30pm on 1st Tuesdays of the month.

Next Hambledon Coffee Morning and Hearing Aid Clinic is Weds 16th November. All welcome.

---

VACANCIES

ELSEWHERE

Churches Together Christmas lunch – volunteers are needed to help with the Christmas lunch on Christmas Day at the Baptist Church for anyone who would otherwise be on their own.  The form setting out the various roles is attached. We are also still looking for a volunteer co ordinator and so if anyone would be willing to do this, please let Sarah Higgins know (sarahhiggins478@gmail.com). Letter to guests and invitation form are also attached for anyone who would like to come.

Christmas Lunch VOLUNTEER Form

Christmas Lunch Invitation

Christmas Lunch Guest Form

Read the latest issue (NOVEMBER) of Churches Together in Godalming and District Link Up.

---

Don’t forget about…

Things in the following areas may not make the notices, but the latest info can be found on the web pages:

Yew Tree Café

Yew Tree Café Opening Hours 8.30am-4pm
10am-2pm Saturday. The café will be open weekdays at 8.30am from 31 October.

---

Church Family Support Fund
Do you know of anyone who might be struggling to pay their bills in this very challenging time? The Church Family Support Fund is here to help anyone, in the Godalming area, who is in need financially with a one off payment . All details about the fund and an application form can be found on the Busbridge church web site, or please contact Jill Johnston on 01483 422194.

Busbridge and Hambledon Churches are open daily for private prayer.

PASTORAL CARE & PRAYER MINISTRY TEAM AVAILABLE

If you, or someone you know at church, are in need of support and care, please contact Sandra Wilkin via the church office, or e: pastoral@bhcgodalming.org.

Pastoral Care

To contact the EMERGENCY prayer chain, email prayer@bhcgodalming.org or call 01483 421267.