Weekly Notices for Sunday 14 May

Tree planting for the Coronation

Dear Friends

Last Sunday, after the services to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III, some of our older and youngest members of church helped helped Ed and Alan plant a Pride of India (Golden Rain) tree in the Old Rectory Garden. An area by the path, between the OR and the church near the basket ball area, was sown with wildflower seeds to encourage pollinators and about 36 people helped with this. More seeds have been planted by the fence between the carpark and the lawn. We are sure King Charles would approve!

Other highlights at the coronation brunch were the quiz, the word search, games, craft and, of course, the bouncy castles! It was lovely to share the celebration with some of our Ukrainian friends too, and introduce them to the iconic British summertime tipple “Pimms” - by royal appointment, naturally.

This Sunday is the second week in the sermon series Jesus is King. As we continue to explore this years theme -Living Through Challenging Times we find that post Easter we can easily go back to old habits and ways of thinking however the resurrection of Jesus Christ brings about a new way of living. Through this 10-week sermon series, we can rediscover what Jesus Kingship means and ways in which we can live out our faith as citizens of the Kingdom.

Living in Jesus Kingdom requires us to keep growing into the likeness of Christ. This means accepting His sovereignty over every part of our lives. It means surrendering to His greater glorious name. In part 1 of our sermon series (weeks 1-4) we will explore Jesus kingship in the light of the coronation of King Charles. In part 2, working through some parts of Paul’s letter to Philippians, we’ll explore 5 different areas of our life that we can surrender to God’s rule to enable us to live through challenging times.

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This Sunday

Jesus the Servant King
Philippians 2: 1-11

9:30AM Busbridge Contemporary
Led by: Patrick Samuels | Speaker: Simon Willetts
Please see the note below about a change for children’s groups*

11:15AM Busbridge Classic Service
Led by: Margot Spencer | Speaker: Simon Willetts

10AM Hambledon Morning Worship [Holy Communion]
Led by: David Jenkins | Speaker: Chris Garner

6PM Busbridge Evening Service
Led by: Simon Willetts | Speaker: Sarah Rowden

*Please take your children into church with you for the start of the service. They will stay in for approximately 10 minutes for a thanksgiving, then can be taken to be registered in their groups (locations below - please note the change for Ark). Pick up will be at the end of the service from the same place that you dropped off. 

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Notices

2022 Annual Report and Accounts in advance of the APCMs on 21 May
It’s not often we set you homework, but love it or loath it, we ask you all to read and the annual report and accounts for 2022. They provide a round up of all the mission and ministries of Busbridge&Hambledon Church and are a testament to the Kingdom work and giving of so many. Even the most avid reader of the notices will learn something new, and we are grateful to all the contributors, to Liz G compiling the annual report, and to our the treasurers for the accounts.

Annual Parochial Church Meetings 21 May: 9:30AM Busbridge & 11:30AM Hambledon

The Busbridge APCM will replace normal services on 21 May but still involve an act of worship, and children’s groups!

The Hambledon APCM will take place after the 10AM Service, starting at 11.30am after a break for coffee.

The meetings will provide a chance to celebrate everything that God has done through our churches in the past year, and look ahead to the next 12 months. All church members are encouraged to attend, BUT to vote at APCMs, you must be on the Busbridge Electoral Roll to vote at the Busbridge APCM, and the Hambledon Electoral Roll to vote in Hambledon’s APCM. The electoral rolls are now closed until after the APCMs and available on request from the church office.

Serve on the PCC (briefly)! Would you like to serve on the Busbridge PCC or Hambledon PCC for the next 8 months, before the PCC for Godalming Minster is formed? There are 8 vacancies on the Busbridge PCC and 5 vacancies on the Hambledon PCC. If you have been on the electoral roll for 6 months or more, please consider this important role. Nomination forms are at the back of each church for candidates, and should be submitted to the church office before the meetings.

Christian Aid Week 14-20 May
As part of our commitment to mission, BHC Outward Giving encourages you to support Christian Aid Week 14-20 May, which this year is channeling aid to its Pigeon Pea Project in Malawi. Please give generously. The mighty pigeon pea is drought resistant, so thrives in the dry fields of southern Malawi. It’s an essential part of the diet of millions of people around the world, and as part of it’s fundraising campaign, Christian Aid is asking us to join the Big Pea Challenge this Christian Aid Week! You could host a pea soup lunch, grow and sell plants or get the craft box out and make pea-cussion instruments with the kids. For more details see: Christian Aid Week 2023 | The Big Pea Challenge. if anyone wants to organise any of the above, please let the office know so we can publicise it.

Ascension Day 18 May: Everyone is invited to the Minster-wide Choral Eucharist at St Peter & St Paul’s next Thursday, 18 May at 8pm. The choir will include singers from BHC, and if anyone would like to read or lead intercessions at the service, please let the church office know by Monday.

Alpha Course on Thursdays May-July at 7.30PM: Stay Curious / Who will you invite?
The next course is getting underway at St Mark’s Church, led by Sheila Samuels and Keith Harper. They would love to hear from you if you would like to find out about the course for yourself or someone else. Cooks to provide a meal would also be very welcome. More details >>

Alpha

Find out about your next local Alpha course

Reflective Prayer 8:45am Mondays on Zoom
As there are several Monday Bank Holidays in May, as well as holiday arrangements for those who host and lead Reflective Prayer, Reflective Prayer will take place on just one date in May - Monday 22 May. Do join us on Zoom! We shall resume "normal" service on Monday 5 June.

Bereavement Café - next date Tuesday 30 May in the Old Rectory.

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Coming Up / plan ahead

See the events coming up next and look up dates further ahead in the full calendar.

Don’t forget about…

Go to the MyChurchSuite info and instructions.

The MyChurchSuite app. It’s the easiest way to check dates, rotas, church emails, look up church members and sign up to events (without having to enter your details again and again!). Contact the Church Office if you’ve lost your login details or would like to request an account. Thanks to Phil M who has tested and modified the instructions which are now on the web site here.

Simon’s sabbatical 11th April-15th July 2023
While Simon Taylor enjoys his sabbatical, the leadership of the benefice is in the capable hands of Simon Willetts, supported by Margot Spencer, the wardens, clergy and staff team. Minster plans will continue to develop.

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

Reflective Prayer Mons at 8.45am online.
Busbridge Morning Prayer Weds at 9am online.
Hambledon Morning Prayer takes place on Wednesdays at 9am. All welcome.
Busbridge Saturday Prayer Meeting + PrayerFest 0-30 8-9am 2nd Saturdays of the month.

***Please send prayer requests to prayer@bhcgodalming.org***

Groups & Activities

The Men’s Group meets for breakfast at 8.15am on the first Saturdays of the month. See the calendar event for details.

Hambledon Coffee Morning and Hearing Aid Clinic takes place 3rd Wednesdays of the month at 10.30am.

The 2023 Prime Time programme for Jan-Jun is now available. For all events and details, see Prime Time.

Nexus meets on the 1st Thursday of the month, with talks and activities for church members and the community. The 2023 Nexus programme can be found on Nexus.

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Elsewhere

For news from all the other local churches, see:
Churches Together Link Up - MAY 2023

Godalming Baptist Church Life Issues talks: See the full 2023 Life Issues programme.
To book a place contact Sally Pollard-pollard3@hotmail.co.uk or tel-01483-428646.

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Yew Tree Café

at Busbridge Church

The Yew Tree Café at Busbridge Church is open 8.30am-4pm weekdays in term time, and 10am-2pm on Saturdays, and 10am-4pm during school holidays.

Pastoral Care

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.

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

Busbridge and Hambledon Churches are open daily for private prayer.

Weekly Notices for Sunday 7 May

Join us to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III in our special Sunday services:

9:30AM Muddy Coronation on Holloway Hill Recreation Ground
Led by Mark Puddephatt and Suzie Lambert

10AM Classic Service *please note the earlier time
Led by Patrick Samuels | Speaker Keith Harper

10AM Hambledon Morning Worship
Led by Simon Willetts | Speaker Dudley Hilton

Then all congregations and friends are invited to
the Big Church Brunch in the Old Rectory Garden from 11AM

6PM Busbridge Evening Service + Youth
Led by Sarah Rowden | Speaker Ben Barnes

Dear Friends

The coronation is fast approaching, and if it wasn't already on your RADAR, the sight of burgeoning bunting is probably getting you in the mood! We'd love to have some fun together after the services this Sunday and you will be most welcome to stay after the 10AM Classic Celebration, or mooch on over after Muddy on the rec, or the 10AM service at Hambledon Church. We will have the bouncy castles for younger ones, and lawn games and quiz activities for the more mature.

We will also be planting a tree in the Old Rectory Garden to mark the occasion of the coronation. Thanks to renowned quizmasters Alan B, Dudley H for arranging these royal entertainments, and Ed Payne and Alan for donating and preparing the ground for the ceremonial planting.

Do please let us know if you plan to come - it always helps. You can use this link to sign up.

Also reminder that the deadline to join the Busbridge or Hambledon Electoral Roll before the APCMs on 21st May is tomorrow, Friday 5 May. Please read on for details.

Click here to sign up

BYO Picnic, chairs and picnic rugs. Drinks and ice cream will be provided.

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Notices

Also for the Coronation, Bishop Michael Baughen recommends The Coronation Prom at the Royal Albert Hall to honour our new King and celebrate the King of Kings. The free broadcast will be available at at 7pm on Saturday 6 May 2023 with a packed programme of behind-the-scenes interviews, expert insights, celebrity guests and more, leading up to the live concert from 7.30pm. Thereafter, it will remain on the All Souls YouTube channel.

Alpha Course starting Thursday 11th May at 7.30PM: Stay Curious / Who will you invite?
The next course is starting soon at St Mark’s Church, led by Sheila Samuels and Keith Harper. They would love to hear from you if you would like to find out about the course for yourself or someone else. Cooks to provide a meal would also be very welcome.

Alpha

Find out about your next local Alpha course

Reflective Prayer 8:45am Mondays on Zoom
As there are several Monday Bank Holidays in May, as well as holiday arrangements for those who host and lead Reflective Prayer, Reflective Prayer will take place on just one date in May - Monday 22 May. Do join us on Zoom! We shall resume "normal" service on Monday 5 June.

Prime Time Walk and Lunch led by Chris G at Farnham Nature Reserve and the Market Garden Café: Sat 13 May - All welcome. More details >>

Annual Parochial Church Meetings 21 May: 9:30AM Busbridge & 11:30AM Hambledon.

The Busbridge APCM will replace normal services on 21 May but still involve an act of worship, and children’s groups!

The Hambledon APCM will take place after the 10AM Service, starting at 11.30am after a break for coffee.

The meetings will provide a wonderful opportunity to celebrate everything that God has done through our churches in the past year and look ahead to the next 12 months. All church members are encouraged to attend, BUT to vote at APCMs, you must be on the Busbridge Electoral Roll to vote at the Busbridge APCM, and the Hambledon Electoral Roll to vote in Hambledon’s APCM. The deadline for new applications is Friday 5 May.

Join the Electoral Roll by Friday 5 May - We’d love you to join the church electoral roll if you are not on it already. To complete the application form, please go to Membership. Please return the completed form to the church office by 4pm on Friday 5th May.

Serve on the PCC (briefly)! Would you like to serve on the Busbridge PCC or Hambledon PCC for the next 8 months, before the PCC for Godalming Minster is formed? There are 8 vacancies on the Busbridge PCC and 5 vacancies on the Hambledon PCC. If you have been on the electoral roll for 6 months or more, please consider this important role. Nomination forms are at the back of each church for candidates, and should be submitted to the church office before the meetings.

Christian Aid Week
BHC are not planning a church-orientated project or a house-to-house collection for Christian Aid Week 14-20 May. However, please read the web site for how you can support this invaluable charity, and join us at Nexus on 4th May to hear about one of the many Christian Aid projects....

The Nexus Talk on 4th May is about the Christian Aid Pigeon Pea Project in Malawi. This project gives women in remote communities in Malawi the confidence and skills to start up small businesses.  This, in turn helps the women support their families and their local community. It’s an intriguing title, so do come along and find out more. You’re welcome to bring friends. We’ll start the evening with drinks and nibbles to give us a chance to mingle and meet new people before handing over to Laura for her fascinating presentation. 

Bereavement Café - next date Tuesday 30 May in the Old Rectory.

Furniture and household items for local Ukranians
Local Ukrainians, many of whom have now been with their hosts for a year, are trying to find flats to rent so that they can move out and let their hosts have their homes back. As these flats are unfurnished, they need all household items that one might need to furnish a flat from scratch from furniture to saucepans and cutlery. If you have an unwanted item that you think might be useful for them and would be happy to pass it on, would you please contact, in the first instance, Diane Alder e: diane.alder@btinternet.com or text 07920 828 191 or Peter Crane e: Peter.crane1973@virgin.net or text / phone 07712 485 712.

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Coming Up / plan ahead

See the events coming up next and look up dates further ahead in the full calendar.

Don’t forget about…

MyChurchSuite

The MyChurchSuite app. It’s the easiest way to check dates, rotas, church emails, look up church members and sign up to events (without having to enter your details again and again!). Contact the Church Office if you’ve lost your login details or would like to request an account. Thanks to Phil M who has tested and modified the instructions which are now on the web site here.

Simon’s sabbatical 11th April-15th July 2023
While Simon Taylor enjoys his sabbatical, the leadership of the benefice is in the capable hands of Simon Willetts, supported by Margot Spencer, the wardens, clergy and staff team. Minster plans will continue to develop.

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

Reflective Prayer Mons at 8.45am online.
Busbridge Morning Prayer Weds at 9am online.
Hambledon Morning Prayer takes place on Wednesdays at 9am. All welcome.
Busbridge Saturday Prayer Meeting + PrayerFest 0-30 8-9am 2nd Saturdays of the month.

***Please send prayer requests to prayer@bhcgodalming.org***

Groups & Activities

The Men’s Group meets for breakfast at 8.15am on the first Saturdays of the month. See the calendar event for details.

Hambledon Coffee Morning and Hearing Aid Clinic takes place 3rd Wednesdays of the month at 10.30am.

The 2023 Prime Time programme for Jan-Jun is now available. For all events and details, see Prime Time.

Nexus meets on the 1st Thursday of the month, with talks and activities for church members and the community. The 2023 Nexus programme can be found on Nexus.

---

Elsewhere

For news from all the other local churches, see:
Churches Together Link Up - MAY 2023

The greatest story of all time is movingly recreated with authentic detail, outstanding quality sound and music. The Life of Christ is a passion play not to be missed. It is both educational and entertaining, amusing and serious.

Watch as hundreds of actors bring the story of Jesus to life in an open-air epic production set in stunning Surrey countryside.

 Young and old from all walks of life will be mesmerised as the story unfolds across three captivating acts from 10am to 3.30pm.

The retelling of this evocative story against the peaceful backdrop of the Wintershall grounds has a profound effect on visitors.

Perfect for schools, families, faith groups or theatre lovers, The Life of Christ is highly entertaining and unforgettable. Book your visit now.

Godalming Baptist Church Life Issues talks: See the full 2023 Life Issues programme.
To book a place contact Sally Pollard-pollard3@hotmail.co.uk or tel-01483-428646.

---

Yew Tree Café

at Busbridge Church

The Yew Tree Café at Busbridge Church is open 8.30am-4pm weekdays in term time, and 10am-2pm on Saturdays, and 10am-4pm during school holidays.

Pastoral Care

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.

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

Busbridge and Hambledon Churches are open daily for private prayer.

Weekly Notices for Sunday 30 April 2023

“Water, water, everywhere. Come into the Garden”

GENESIS 2: 8-14 & EZEKIAL 47: 1-12

Dear Friends

This Sunday we conclude The Garden Easter Sermon series, and having considered the Easter story in terms of the gate, the path, the vine, the tree, the gardener, the stone, and the fish, we finally come to the water feature for this week’s topic, titled “The Stream”. The Garden is open ... and waiting for you. Come.

In this week’s notices:

Please sign up to the Coronation Big Church Brunch!

Click here to sign up

• This Sunday

• The Coronation Weekend and the Big Church Brunch

• APCMs (Annual Parochial Church Meetings) on Sunday 21st May

• Outward Giving and Christian Aid Week

• Nexus talk to promote Christian Aid Week, the Pigeon Pea Challenge

…and more.

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This Sunday

Busbridge

9:30AM Contemporary Service
Busbridge Church and online
Led by: Margot Spencer | Speaker: Patrick Samuels
Children’s groups meet this Sunday. Please drop off for Ark at the Village Hall and Crèche, Tiny Tigers and Explorers in the Old Rectory before the service, or ask a Welcomer for directions.

11:15AM Classic Service
Busbridge Church and online
ed by: Margot Spencer | Speaker: Patrick Samuels

Hambledon

10AM Morning Worship
Hambledon Church and online
Led by Simon Willetts | Speaker: Andy Spencer
With Children’s Club

 Evening Service Social 6p.m - 7:30pm

Come along to the evening service social at The Inn on the Lake this Sunday 30th April any time between 6p.m. and 7:30p.m. ( No evening service as it is a 5th Sunday) Look forward to seeing you there. All welcome.

Coronation Services

7 May 2023

Join us to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III in our specially themed Sunday services:

9:30AM Muddy Coronation on Holloway Hill Recreation Ground
Led by Mark Puddephatt and Suzie Lambert
10AM Classic Service *please note the earlier time
Led by Patrick Samuels | Speaker Keith Harper
10AM Hambledon Morning Worship
Led by Simon Willetts | Speaker Dudley Hilton

Then all congregations and friends are invited to
the Big Church Brunch in the Old Rectory Garden from 11AM

6PM Busbridge Evening Service

Coming Up:

See the events coming up next and look up dates further ahead in the full calendar.

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Notices

Please Sign Up for the Big Church Brunch - Sunday 7th May! There will be many celebrations running locally over the Coronation weekend, and we too are planning to celebrate as a church benefice after the morning services on Sunday 7 May. To make it simple, it’s BYO picnic unless we get enough offers of food, with drinks and ice creams provided.

To mark the occasion of the coronation of King Charles III we will be planting a tree in the Old Rectory Garden, there will be games on the lawn, craft activities and the bouncy castles for children, and a quiz of sorts for those who prefer to be seated. Please bring your chairs and picnic rugs too.

Also for the Coronation, Bishop Michael Baughen recommends The Coronation Prom at the Royal Albert Hall to honour our new King and celebrate the King of Kings. The event is sold out, but the free broadcast will be available on our homepage at allsoulsmusic.org at 7pm on Saturday 6 May 2023 with a packed programme of behind-the-scenes interviews, expert insights, celebrity guests and more, leading up to the live concert from 7.30pm. Thereafter, it will remain on our YouTube channel.

Annual Parochial Church Meetings 21 May: 9:30AM Busbridge & 11:30AM Hambledon. The APCMS will replace normal services on 21 May but still involve an act of worship, and children’s groups! The meetings provide a wonderful opportunity to celebrate everything that God has done through our churches in the past year and look ahead to the next 12 months. (The Annual Report and Accounts will be available next Sunday.) To vote at the meetings, you must be a member of the Electoral Roll for the church’s meeting you are attending.

Join the Electoral Roll by Friday 5 May - As we approach the Annual Parochial Church Meetings on 21st May this is a reminder that we’d love you to join the church electoral roll if you are not on it already. To complete the application form, please go to Membership.

Serve on the PCC (briefly)! Would you like to serve on the Busbridge PCC or Hambledon PCC for the next 8 months, before the PCC for Godalming Minster is formed? There are 8 vacancies on the Busbridge PCC and 5 vacancies on the Hambledon PCC. If you have been on the electoral roll for 6 months or more, please consider this important role. Nomination forms are at the back of each church for candidates, and should be submitted to the church office before the meetings.

BJS MUGA and Governers
Thanks to Matt Rooke, one of our Busbridge Junior School Foundation Governors who took part in a Q&A at Busbridge Services last weekend, and will be visiting Hambledon next Sunday. Matt shared what the role entails and how you could make a difference to the school. There is also an update on the exciting project to build an artificial pitch on the school playing field for use by the school and local community groups. So far, an amazing 90% of the £166,000 has been raised and we’d be delighted if people would like to give towards the MUGA project, in the usual ways (BACS, online or cheque all gratefully received). Please go to GIVING. If you are registered for Gift Aid with Busbridge PCC, we can pass the gift aid on to the school.

The Outward Giving Group is looking for more members who are passionate about outward giving and mission. Shelagh will be standing down from her current role as Chair at the APCM and we need a replacement. The group is also looking for somebody to co-ordinate the ongoing appeal for the HMP Send Nazareth Way project in Busbridge, perhaps by organising a lunch or similar event as Hambledon are doing, and somebody to co-ordinate the organsation and distribution of Christmas Hampers when the time comes (mid-November to mid-December). Please in the first instance contact Shelagh Godwin at shelagh.godwin@bhcgodalming.org

And, looking forward to May:

BHC are not planning a church-orientated project or a house-to-house collection for Christian Aid Week 14-20 May. However, please read the web site for how you can support this invaluable charity, and join us at Nexus on 4th May to hear about one of the many Christian Aid projects....

The Nexus Talk on 4th May is about the Christian Aid Pigeon Pea Project in Malawi by Laura Mead. Laura is going to tell us about their fantastic Pigeon Pea Project in Malawi.  This project gives women in remote communities in Malawi the confidence and skills to start up small businesses.  This, in turn helps the women support their families and their local community. It’s an intriguing title, so do come along and find out more. You’re welcome to bring friends. We’ll start the evening with drinks and nibbles to give us a chance to mingle and meet new people before handing over to Laura for her fascinating presentation. 

Furniture and household items for local Ukranians
Local Ukrainians, many of whom have now been with their hosts for a year, are trying to find flats to rent so that they can move out and let their hosts have their homes back. As these flats are unfurnished, they need all household items that one might need to furnish a flat from scratch from furniture to saucepans and cutlery. If you have an unwanted item that you think might be useful for them and would be happy to pass it on, would you please contact, in the first instance, Diane Alder e: diane.alder@btinternet.com or text 07920 828 191 or Peter Crane e: Peter.crane1973@virgin.net or text / phone 07712 485 712.

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Church Family News

Before Easter we shared the news of the death of Harvey Williams, a once Busbridge church member who had emigrated to Australia. The funeral took place on 19th April, and for those who would like to watch the video of the service, the link is here.

Don’t forget about…

Simon’s sabbatical 11th April-15th July 2023
3rd time lucky! Simon Taylor will be taking a twice postponed sabbatical this year from Easter to July. (Stipendiary clergy are given a sabbatical every ten years, and Simon’s was postponed in 2020 due to Covid, then again in 2022 due to the Minster evaluation.) He leaves the leadership of the benefice in the capable hands of Simon Willetts, supported by Margot Spencer, the wardens, clergy and staff team. Minster plans will continue to develop.

The MyChurchSuite app. It’s the easiest way to check dates, rotas, church emails, look up church members and sign up to events (without having to enter your details again and again!). Contact the Church Office if you’ve lost your login details or would like to request an account.

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

Reflective Prayer Mons at 8.45am online.
Busbridge Morning Prayer Weds at 9am online.
Hambledon Morning Prayer takes place on Wednesdays at 9am. All welcome.
Busbridge Saturday Prayer Meeting + PrayerFest 0-30 8-9am 2nd Saturdays of the month.

***Please send prayer requests to prayer@bhcgodalming.org***

Groups & Activities

The Men’s Group meets for breakfast at 8.15am on the first Saturdays of the month. See the calendar event for details.

Hambledon Coffee Morning and Hearing Aid Clinic takes place 3rd Wednesdays of the month at 10.30am.

The 2023 Prime Time programme for Jan-Jun is now available, and the next event is the Tour of Brookwood Cemetery led by Ian Tomes. For all events and details, see Prime Time.

Nexus meets on the 1st Thursday of the month, with talks and activities for church members and the community. The 2023 Nexus programme can be found on Nexus.

---

Elsewhere

The greatest story of all time is movingly recreated with authentic detail, outstanding quality sound and music. The Life of Christ is a passion play not to be missed. It is both educational and entertaining, amusing and serious.

Watch as hundreds of actors bring the story of Jesus to life in an open-air epic production set in stunning Surrey countryside.

 Young and old from all walks of life will be mesmerised as the story unfolds across three captivating acts from 10am to 3.30pm.

The retelling of this evocative story against the peaceful backdrop of the Wintershall grounds has a profound effect on visitors.

Perfect for schools, families, faith groups or theatre lovers, The Life of Christ is highly entertaining and unforgettable. Book your visit now.

Godalming Baptist Church Life Issues talks: See the full 2023 Life Issues programme.
To book a place contact Sally Pollard-pollard3@hotmail.co.uk or tel-01483-428646.

For news from all the other local churches, see:
Churches Together Link Up - MAR 2023

---

Yew Tree Café

at Busbridge Church

The Yew Tree Café at Busbridge Church is open 8.30am-4pm weekdays in term time, and 10am-2pm on Saturdays, and 10am-4pm during school holidays.

Pastoral Care

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.

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

Busbridge and Hambledon Churches are open daily for private prayer.

Weekly Notices for Sunday 23 April 2023

“Your Fish or Mine?”

John 21.1-14

Jesus has his own cache of fish but calls for some of the disciples’ haul and when combined they have a feast. Jesus provides for the disciples, preparing the food they will share. He asks for and accepts their contribution but he continues to serve them.

Dear Friends

Services are “back to normal” this Sunday, but the Easter sermon series has two more to go. This Sunday’s reading involves fish for breakfast and we will be asking ourselves how do we keep the momentum of the Easter joy going, and convert that energy into practical action?

In this week’s notices:

• This Sunday

• Busbridge Junior School Multi-Use Game Area (MUGA) project

• Prime Time invitation to a tour of the Brookwood Cemetery

• The Bereavement Café starting on Tuesday 25th April

• Live at the Yew Tree Café: End of Winter Blues night on 28th April

• The Coronation Weekend and your church coronation planner!

• Outward Giving and Christian Aid Week

• Nexus

• Church Family News

And more.

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This Sunday

Busbridge

As today’s reading is about Jesus sharing breakfast with his disciples, so will we! Coffee and pastries will be available on arrival from 9:15AM, as well as between services. Thanks to brilliant coffee person, Sharon W for making the earlier start for this. (If fellowship and refreshments (coffee/tea) are important to you on a Sunday, please consider joining the team that serves it. Contact Sandra Campbell via the church office).

9:30AM Contemporary Service
Busbridge Church and online
Led by: Suzie Lambert | Speaker: Philippa Baker
Children’s groups restart this Sunday. Please drop off for Ark at the Village Hall and Crèche, Tiny Tigers and Explorers in the Old Rectory before the service, or ask a Welcomer for directions.

11:15AM Classic Service
Busbridge Church and online
Led by Sarah Rowden | Speaker: Philippa Baker

6PM Evening Service [Holy Communion}
Busbridge Church
Led by Sheila Samuels | Speaker: Sarah Rowden
6:50PM Gifts of the Holy Spirit Session 5
Prophecy: comfort, edify, strengthen
Led by John Valentine

Hambledon

10AM Morning Worship
Hambledon Church and online
Led by Dudley Hilton | Speaker: Keith Harper
With Children’s Club

Services Next Sunday 30 April

The Stream

GenESIS 2: 8-14 & Ezekial 47: 1-12

9:30AM Busbridge Contemporary
10AM Hambledon Morning Worship
11:15AM Busbridge Classic
6PM Social at the Inn on the Lake

Coming Up:

See the events coming up next and look up dates further ahead in the full calendar.

---

Notices

At a Service near you in the coming weeks (Busbridge this Sunday, and Hambledon 14 May):

Matt Rooke, one of our Busbridge Junior School Foundation Governors will be taking part in a Q&A at both morning Busbridge Services this weekend, and at Hambledon in May. Hear more about what the role entails and how you could make a difference to the school. There will also be an update on the exciting project to build an artificial pitch on the school playing field for use by the school and local community groups. So far, an amazing 90% of the £166,000 has been raised and we’d be delighted if people would like to give towards the MUGA project, in the usual ways (BACS, online or cheque all gratefully received). Please go to GIVING. If you are registered for Gift Aid with Busbridge PCC, we can pass the gift aid on to the school.

New Ministry Bereavement Café: For those who have lost someone recently or some time ago. Starting Tuesday 25th April, The Bereavement Café will take place in the Old Rectory on last Tuesdays of the month, from 2.30-4pm. The Bereavement Café is run by the Pastoral Team (Support & Care) and offers a safe space for anyone who has been bereaved where you can feel safe to talk about how the pain of bereavement is affecting you. If you would like to chat to someone about The Bereavement Café, please contact Shân Hallam e: pastoral@bhcgodalming.org / t: 01483 421267.

Click here for details and to book tickets

Please use this link to sign up for the Big Church Brunch!

Please Sign Up for the Big Church Brunch - Sunday 7th May! We know that there will be many celebrations running locally over the Coronation weekend, and some will be involved with their own street parties on Sunday 7 May. We are planning to celebrate as a church and minster after the morning services on Sunday 7 May. To gauge enthusiasm and numbers, please use the link above to let us know if you would like to be part of the celebration in the Old Rectory Garden!

Prime Time tour of Brookwood Cemetery - 28th April at 2.15PM
Non-regular friends of Prime Time (any age) might be interested in the next event which is a tour of the Brookwood Cemetery in Woking, AKA the London Necropolis. In his role with Woking Borough Council, church member Ian T oversaw the major restoration of Brookwood Cemetery, and will lead an hour’s stroll around the cemetery, looking at graves and buildings of interest across the site. Please click here for details and sign up on ChurchSuite.

The Outward Giving Group is looking for more members who are passionate about outward giving and mission. Shelagh will be standing down from her current role as Chair at the APCM and we need a replacement. The group is also looking for somebody to co-ordinate the ongoing appeal for the HMP Send Nazareth Way project in Busbridge, perhaps by organising a lunch or similar event as Hambledon are doing, and somebody to co-ordinate the organsation and distribution of Christmas Hampers when the time comes (mid-November to mid-December). Please in the first instance contact Shelagh Godwin at shelagh.godwin@bhcgodalming.org

And, looking forward to May:

BHC are not planning a church-orientated project or a house-to-house collection for Christian Aid Week 14-20 May. However, please read the web site for how you can support this invaluable charity, and join us at Nexus on 4th May to hear about one of the many Christian Aid projects....

The Nexus Talk on 4th May is about the Christian Aid Pigeon Pea Project in Malawi by Laura Mead. Laura is going to tell us about their fantastic Pigeon Pea Project in Malawi.  This project gives women in remote communities in Malawi the confidence and skills to start up small businesses.  This, in turn helps the women support their families and their local community. It’s an intriguing title, so do come along and find out more. You’re welcome to bring friends. We’ll start the evening with drinks and nibbles to give us a chance to mingle and meet new people before handing over to Laura for her fascinating presentation. 

Furniture and household items for local Ukranians
Local Ukrainians, many of whom have now been with their hosts for a year, are trying to find flats to rent so that they can move out and let their hosts have their homes back. As these flats are unfurnished, they need all household items that one might need to furnish a flat from scratch from furniture to saucepans and cutlery. If you have an unwanted item that you think might be useful for them and would be happy to pass it on, would you please contact, in the first instance, Diane Alder e: diane.alder@btinternet.com or text 07920 828 191 or Peter Crane e: Peter.crane1973@virgin.net or text / phone 07712 485 712.

Join the Electoral Roll by Friday 5 May - As we approach the Annual Parochial Church Meetings on 21st May: 9:30AM Busbridge, and 11:30AM Hambledon, this is a reminder that we’d love you to join the church electoral roll if you are not on it already. To complete the application form, please go to Membership.

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Church Family News

Congratulations to Patrick and Esther on the arrival of baby Colette Alice (Lettie) on Easter Saturday, 8th April. We can’t wait to meet her at church!

The funeral service for Sue Owen (née Appleton) will take place in Guildford Cathedral on Friday 5th May at 1.30 p.m..  Anyone who knew Sue will be very welcome at the service.

Please pray for

The St Mark’s Family Fun Day on Saturday 22nd April. That families in the community will come and enjoy games and hospitality at the community centre, and that mission in that community will be advanced.

Don’t forget about…

Simon’s sabbatical 11th April-15th July 2023
3rd time lucky! Simon Taylor will be taking a twice postponed sabbatical this year from Easter to July. (Stipendiary clergy are given a sabbatical every ten years, and Simon’s was postponed in 2020 due to Covid, then again in 2022 due to the Minster evaluation.) He leaves the leadership of the benefice in the capable hands of Simon Willetts, supported by Margot Spencer, the wardens, clergy and staff team. Minster plans will continue to develop.

The MyChurchSuite app. It’s the easiest way to check dates, rotas, church emails, look up church members and sign up to events (without having to enter your details again and again!). Contact the Church Office if you’ve lost your login details or would like to request an account.

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

Reflective Prayer Mons at 8.45am online.
Busbridge Morning Prayer Weds at 9am online.
Hambledon Morning Prayer takes place on Wednesdays at 9am. All welcome.
Busbridge Saturday Prayer Meeting + PrayerFest 0-30 8-9am 2nd Saturdays of the month.

***Please send prayer requests to prayer@bhcgodalming.org***

Groups & Activities

The Men’s Group meets for breakfast at 8.15am on the first Saturdays of the month. See the calendar event for details.

Hambledon Coffee Morning and Hearing Aid Clinic takes place 3rd Wednesdays of the month at 10.30am.

The 2023 Prime Time programme for Jan-Jun is now available, and the next event is the Tour of Brookwood Cemetery led by Ian Tomes. For all events and details, see Prime Time.

Nexus meets on the 1st Thursday of the month, with talks and activities for church members and the community. The 2023 Nexus programme can be found on Nexus.

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Elsewhere

Godalming Baptist Church Life Issues talks: See the full 2023 Life Issues programme.
To book a place contact Sally Pollard-pollard3@hotmail.co.uk or tel-01483-428646.

For news from all the other local churches, see:
Churches Together Link Up - MAR 2023

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Yew Tree Café

at Busbridge Church

The Yew Tree Café at Busbridge Church is open 8.30am-4pm weekdays in term time, and 10am-2pm on Saturdays, and 10am-4pm during school holidays.

Pastoral Care

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.

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

Busbridge and Hambledon Churches are open daily for private prayer.

Beyond Easter DAY - weekly notices for 16 April 2023

Good Friday post-its (we stuck our names to the cross as saved by Christ) to Easter Day when the Jaggers celebrated the love of Jesus and Busbridge Church they have shared in for 50 years. Jesus is not afraid of mess, and neither is our church!

Dear Friends

In the afterglow of The Resurrection, and being part of a brilliant Easter weekend, we can get the feeling that the Easter story is done and dusted, at least for another year.

But EASTER IS NOT OVER, and this Sunday The Garden sermon series continues as we take a look at The Stone, and what the empty tomb means to us.

Furthermore, this Sunday is Easter for our Ukrainian friends and Busbridge will be helping them celebrate with the blessing of Easter baskets - a tradition in the Orthodox Ukrainian Church.

But before we move on, huge thanks to the very many of you who took part in the planning and delivering of Holy Week and Easter events and services; in welcoming, leading worship, prayer ministry, hiding eggs, marshalling bouncy castles, pouring tea and buttering hot cross buns. In doing so you helped enable each other to experience the sorrow and joy of Easter, and to share the gospel with those who are less involved in the church family. If you have any comments on any of the events or services, please email Vic in the office. And you can find all the best pics of Easter on Facebook and Instagram! (Links at the bottom of the page.)

Please read on for news on:

• This Sunday

• Parting thoughts on Easter from Simon Taylor

• The Bereavement Café starting on Tuesday 25th April

• Live at the Yew Tree Café: End of Winter Blues night on 28th April

• Job ad for a new Assistant Café Manager

• The Coronation Weekend and your church coronation planner!

• Church Family News

Sunday Services on Sunday 16th April

The Stone
Readings: Matthew 28:1-10

10AM Combined Service
Busbridge Church and online
Led by Sarah Black | Speaker: Margot Spencer

10AM Morning Worship
Hambledon Church and online
Led by David Jenkins

*Children’s groups restart on 23rd April*

Coming Up:

See the events coming up next and look up dates further ahead in the full calendar.

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Last call for the Easter Appeal

At Busbridge on Easter Day we said a formal farewell, rather informally, to Chris and Maggie Jagger who have been a huge part in life and mission of Busbridge Church for 50 years! One of the many charities they have pioneered is The Salvadorian Children’s Earthquake Trust. If you would like to give to SALCET as part of the Easter Appeal, please do so now!

New Ministry Bereavement Café: For those who have lost someone recently or some time ago. Starting Tuesday 25th April, The Bereavement Café will take place in the Old Rectory on last Tuesdays of the month, from 2.30-4pm. The Bereavement Café is run by the Pastoral Team (Support & Care) and offers a safe space for anyone who has been bereaved, where:

- you can feel safe to talk about how the pain of bereavement is affecting you
- you will meet others who have experienced their own loss
- there is a team willing to offer support by listening
- you will find mutual support and encouragement
- there is a cup of tea or coffee and a slice of cake waiting for you
- you are welcome whether your loss is recent or some considerable time ago

The Bereavement Café does not provide counselling, but signposting can be offered if appropriate. If you would like to chat to someone about The Bereavement Café, please contact Shân Hallam e: pastoral@bhcgodalming.org / t: 01483 421267.

Click here for details and to book tickets

Please use this link to sign up for the Big Church Brunch!

We know that there will be many celebrations running locally over the Coronation weekend, and some will be involved with their own street parties on Sunday 7 May. Godalming Town Council is holding a Coronation Concert for the people of Godalming on Saturday 6 May, on the Bury’s from 3-11pm: https://coronationconcert.org/ and there will be entertainment at the Bandstand on Sunday too.

We are planning to celebrate as a church and minster after the morning services on Sunday 7 May. To gauge enthusiasm and numbers, please use the link above to let us know if you would like to be part of the celebration in the Old Rectory Garden!

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We’re Hiring!

Please take a look at the vacancy for a new assistant manager for the Yew Tree Café and think about whether the role is right for you, or who you could share this great opportunity with!

Church Family News

We send our love to Mark Alcock, whose father died on the Wednesday of Holy Week.  The funeral will be in Cumbria.  Please pray for Mark, Linda, Jack and Alex, as well as Mark’s two brothers, that the service arrangements will fall into place and that they will know God’s peace and comfort in the coming days and weeks ahead.

There are many church members who will remember Harvey Williams, who emigrated to Australia some years ago.  We have been saddened to receive the news that he died in hospital on Thursday 30th March.  He has been very unwell for about eighteen months, but his passing was peaceful with his family present.  We remember him with great affection and give thanks for his faithful Christian life and witness.  Please pray for his family, especially his daughter Cassie and son Chris.  (His funeral is to be live-streamed and we hope to be able to let you know in advance when that will be.)

The funeral service for Sue Owen (née Appleton) will take place in Guildford Cathedral on Friday 5th May at 1.30 p.m..  Anyone who knew Sue will be very welcome at the service.

Don’t forget about…

Simon’s sabbatical 11th April-15th July 2023
3rd time lucky! Simon Taylor will be taking a twice postponed sabbatical this year from Easter to July. (Stipendiary clergy are given a sabbatical every ten years, and Simon’s was postponed in 2020 due to Covid, then again in 2022 due to the Minster evaluation.) He leaves the leadership of the benefice in the capable hands of Simon Willetts, supported by Margot Spencer, the wardens, clergy and staff team. Minster plans will continue to develop.

While Simon is away, his plans involve some walking (The SW Coastal Path) and prayer, time with his leadership coach and spiritual director, reading, a visit to Simon’s spiritual retreat home (Storrington Priory, Chemin Neuf charismatic catholic Order) and some research on St Ignatius and the Jesuit Way of Life.

Please pray for Simon as he prepares for a restorative break from ministry, and for those he leaves in charge.

The MyChurchSuite app. It’s the easiest way to check dates, rotas, church emails, look up church members and sign up to events (without having to enter your details again and again!). Contact the Church Office if you’ve lost your login details or would like to request an account.

Join the Electoral Roll - As we approach the Annual Parochial Church Meeting in May, this is a reminder that we’d love you to join the church electoral roll if you are not on it already. Go to Membership.

Mid-week Prayer Gatherings

Reflective Prayer Mons at 8.45am online.
Busbridge Morning Prayer Weds at 9am online.
Hambledon Morning Prayer takes place on Wednesdays at 9am. All welcome.
Busbridge Saturday Prayer Meeting + PrayerFest 0-30 8-9am 2nd Saturdays of the month.

***Send prayer requests to prayer@bhcgodalming.org***

Groups & Activities

The Men’s Group meets for breakfast at 8.15am on the first Saturdays of the month. See the calendar event for details.

Hambledon Coffee Morning and Hearing Aid Clinic takes place 3rd Wednesdays of the month at 10.30am.

The 2023 Prime Time programme for Jan-Jun is now available, and the next event is the Talk on God’s Trees on Friday 24th March. For all events and details, see Prime Time.

The 2023 Nexus programme is now available, and the next event is a talk on 4th May is about the Christian Aid Pigeon Pea Project in Malawi by Laura Mead. Laura is going to tell us about their fantastic Pigeon Pea Project in Malawi.  This project gives women in remote communities in Malawi the confidence and skills to start up small businesses.  This, in turn helps the women support their families and their local community. It’s an intriguing title, so do come along and find out more. You’re welcome to bring friends. We’ll start the evening with drinks and nibbles to give us a chance to mingle and meet new people before handing over to Laura for her fascinating presentation.                   

For all events and details, see Nexus.

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Elsewhere

Godalming Baptist Church Life Issues talks: See the full 2023 Life Issues programme.
To book a place contact Sally Pollard-pollard3@hotmail.co.uk or tel-01483-428646.

For news from all the other local churches, see:
Churches Together Link Up - MAR 2023

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Yew Tree Café

at Busbridge Church

The Yew Tree Café at Busbridge Church is open 8.30am-4pm weekdays in term time, and 10am-2pm on Saturdays, and 10am-4pm during school holidays.

Thank you to Owen for his contribution as Assistant Manager in the Yew Tree Café in recent months. Owen will be finishing in this role on 8th April, so do pop in to thank him. Look out for the advert for a new assistant manager, coming shortly.

Pastoral Care

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.

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

Busbridge and Hambledon Churches are open daily for private prayer.