SPAN
DECEMBER 2016 AND
JANUARY 2017
GODALMING UNITED CHURCH
(Methodist and United Reformed)
MINISTER: Rev. Paul Hulme
www.guc.org.uk
SPAN
The Magazine of Godalming United Church, Bridge Road, Godalming,
Surrey GU7 3DU (Charity 1128613)
OUR AIM IS TO WORSHIP, WITNESS AND SERVE,
AND TO GROW IN FAITH
Godalming United Church is a local Church of the Methodist Church in Great
Britain, and of the United Reform Church in the United Kingdom. We belong to the
Guildford Methodist Circuit and Western Area of the Methodist South East District and
the United Reformed Church Wessex Synod. We have signed a local covenant with
the Anglican Farncombe and Godalming Group Ministry. Our Sponsoring Body is
Churches together in Surrey and we are also part of churches together in Godalming
& district.
REGULAR CHURCH ACTIVITIES
MONDAY
8.00pm
Monday Evening Group
(1st Monday)
Eileen
Sue
420459
Ladies Fellowship 1st & 3rd in month
(In River Room)
Brownies
Mary
420340
Alison
422841
Toddlers Group (Large Hall)
Wednesday Study Group
As Advertised in Span and weekly Newsletter
Jacky
Margaret
423768
890209
Rainbows (Large Hall)
Minor Chord—Singing group for Teenagers
Julie
Barbara
Sylvia
Grahame Carter
428701
421268
423261
01420 475773
Ruth
Pam
Alison
Barbara
Barbara
Wendy
429613
424202
423872
415600
421268
414143
421342
TUESDAY
2.45pm
5.00pm
WEDNESDAY
10.00am
8.00pm
THURSDAY
4.30pm
6-7.00pm
7.30pm
Scouts (Large hall & River Room)
FRIDAY
10.15am
12-1.30pm
2.00pm
6.00-6.45pm
7.30pm
Prayer Fellowship (Chancel Room)
Friday Lunches (River room)
Hobbies Group (2nd & 4th in month)
Music Kids
Choir Practice
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This months content:
6 months Anniversary Diary
Pauls Letter
Editorial
Bel and the Dragon
Happy Christmas everyone and for January
Godalming Ban d Christmas Concert
Happy New year. There I have said it all!
Susie Dickson
So much is happening in the next two months Ali Baba
that we do have to make a choice.
Young mother’s prayer
I am giving you two on the same date!
Gambian Christmas Tree
One thing will change and that is Link UP.
Cellar Boxes
Because of the change in format it is
impossible to fit everything onto 4 sides of
paper. Maggie and I have made an executive
decision not to print it with Span but if you
want a copy, please look at the back where
extra copies of Span are kept and you will find
some copies there.
Refugees— Claire Hargreaves
Please support the charity items if you can. I
have been helping ,along with my daughter-in
-law Charlie, with the Operation Christmas
Child. An organisation which sends filled
shoes boxes abroad. This year our group are
sending to Bosnia and Kyrgyzstan and at the
end of last week had received over 18,000
boxes all of which have to be checked to
make sure that the boxes are fair in content..
Circuit Supper
Ladies Fellowship
Flowers
St Mary’s Quarry Street Carols by Candles
Cyril Peskett
Lunch Fellowship
URC Prayer Handbook
Church Meeting
Birthdays
Hobbies Group
I think that as a church and nation too ,we are Godalming band CD
as generous as we can when it comes to
Thank you from Pearl
helping others both at home and abroad.
Gospel Choir Concert
February Span : 29th January 2017
Prayers
Items to me by 24th January 2017
Jenny West: [email protected]
01483 273291, 1 Elmbridge Road GU68NH
***********************************
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The Manse
December and January
Dear Friends,
In order that our editor can have this letter in time for printing, I am
writing it just 4 weeks before Christmas Day itself. All the pre Christmas hype is in full
swing, not least here in Godalming. And tonight the Christmas lights will be switched
on in the town making everything look magical. This will be my fifth Christmas with
you, and every year it’s looked enchanting. So much so, that I wouldn’t be surprised to
see Charles Dickens Himself (perhaps with Tiny Tim in tow) walking down our high
street! We are so fortunate to live in such a lovely historic town.
I hope however and wherever you are planning to spend Christmas it may be a time of
joy and peace for you and your dear ones. I am very conscious that for some of our
church family it will be a time of mixed emotions. I dont think in nearly fifty years in
the active ministry, I have know a church lose so many good and faithfully members in
one year. I hope and pray that this Christmas you may be strengthen and sustained by
the love of family and friends, and that your hearts may be warmed and comforted by
precious memories.
You will find elsewhere in this Span a list of the various activities and services taking
place over the Christmas period. Our annual Candlelight Carols and Christingle Service,
on 18th December at 6.00pm, is always a very popular occasion, when we welcome so
many friends from near and far. Also the actual making of the Christingles the day
before has become a fun thing to do. If you’d like to join us, you’d be very welcome,
especially the youngsters.
Christmas in my family promises to be an eventful time this year. My eldest son Giles
and his wife Charlotte, and four year old Emily, are expecting the arrival of a baby. May
be on Christmas Day, who knows? One thing is for certain tho, it wont be born in a
stable. It will be born in the maternity wing of University College Hospital in central
London, where Emily was born 4 years ago.
When God in his wisdom chose to come to earth, he did so in the form of an innocent
baby. Welcomed by migrant parents in an occupied zone. Fleeing the safety of Egypt,
from the tyrannical King Herod. Growing up in backwoods village, which was a byword
for ordinariness.( ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?) Dying the death of a
common criminal.
4
It is this Emmanuel (meaning the One who is WITH US) that we affirm
and celebrate at Christmas time. Beneath all the glitz and innocent
excitement of this magical season, is a profound and timeless truth, if
we’d only pause and listen to the Angels song. ‘Peace on earth, and
goodwill among all people, on whom his favour rests’
May God Bless you and those whom you love, this Christmas time and throughout
another year.
Most Sincerely yours
PAUL HULME
From Peter Radcliffe
Our "SPAN" editor welcomed photos of the
"Bel and the Dragon". "Bel" is an official unit
of noise measurement fixed at 10
decibels. You can see from the attached that
this noise level is easily accomplished by such
a fine, elegant lady who transports our
thoughts and reflections into positive, past
memories. Also, like most dragons, she
belches steam and fire from her
ramparts. The photo shows her in unison acting as the "Bel and the Dragon"
along the "Bluebell" railway. As for the restaurant bit? Well, she is certainly food
for thought.
40th CELEBRATION LUNCH at Bel and the Dragon.
This is now full!!!
Do you have any photographs (exterior or interior) or memorabilia of the Bel
and the Dragon building when it was a Congregational and subsequently a
United Reformed Church?
If so and you would be willing for them to be used in a display for the lunch on
7 January, please let Maureen or Sylvia know.
5
Dear Wendy (Bicknell)
It seems quite a while since I sent you information about
Auntie Susie (Dickson) so here is a quick update.
She is still living at the Check House, the care home in Seaton,
on the coast of East Devon. It is hard to believe that she has
been there five years now. As you will see from this recent
photograph she has aged but is still very recognisably Susie.
On 8th December she will be 95, making her one of the oldest
residents of the Check House and there are only one or two
others who have lived there longer than she has.
Sadly her Alzheimer’s has progressed. She has not recognised me for several years now
and it is only very rarely indeed that she will say something about ‘Brian’ (her older
brother) or ‘the aunts’ (family members to whom she was close). Indeed, she does not
say very much at all these days and is often asleep when I visit. She eats well, sleeps
well and is very rarely ill. All the staff in the home know her well and some of them can
get her to laugh, when she sounds just like her old self again.
I visit her every two or three weeks, not staying long but just catching up on how she is.
I always read to her any letters or cards she has received. I don’t think it makes any real
sense to her but it is good for me to be able to chat to her about her friends and what
they have been doing.
Just in case you want to send a card for her birthday or for Christmas the full address is
The Check House, 65 Beer Road, Seaton, Devon, EX12 2PR – but please do not feel at all
obliged. I will make sure she knows I have been in touch with you.
With very best wishes, Gillian (Gee – her niece)
For those who knew her Susie was a very clever lady including playing the violin! Ed.
THE OLD BOY IS CRACKING UP!
Those observant of you may think that Paul has been in training for the
London Marathon, however this will not now be the case, as he has an
Achilles tendon problem in his left heel, and a ligament problem in his
right knee. No Marathon for you then Paul! You do have all our
sympathies! Xxx
(he just puts it down to old age!!!)
6
A Young Mother’s Prayer before the service begins!
Well, here I am again, Lord. After the Sunday morning battleground, I feel
completely drained.
Why don’t my children sense my need to be quiet and
composed on Sundays? It’s as if the devil himself used
my little ones to destroy my feelings in worship! And
Yet—you gave them to me, Lord: your gift of life itself. Surely you
understand how little ones behave—because you came as a child, just like one
of mine.
I wonder …
Did you rebel against going to the synagogue?
Did you sometimes want to stay out in the sun to play?
Did Mary wash your face and hands and dress you in clean garments - only to
find that within moments of leaving you had rolled in the dirt and were grubby
again?
It’s hard to believe, O Lord that you were once a little child, like my
children—full of health and energy, bounding around .. I wonder what they will
be like when they grow up?
Will they be gentle and loving and kind, like you?
Will they be willing to suffer for a cause they believe in?
Will they always love and care for me, their Mother?
Will I, like Mary have to suffer through and with my
son?
O Lord, help me to lead them in the way that leads to
you. Let me not fail them. For if I fail them, I fail
you. I promised to give them a Christian upbringing.
Without your help, I WILL fail. Help me, help me, especially on Sunday
mornings.
Produced in the Drama Group at the Swanwick Conference, “New Ideas for Worship. 1983
(nothing changes, does it? Ed.)
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Gambian Christmas Tree
This Christmas, send your Greetings to everyone whose
lives are touched by our Church – both Congregation and
Community groups - by choosing a card to place on our
Foyer Christmas Tree.
These cards have been made by our young people – Weysiders, Rainbows and Brownies- for you to send messages of hope and love to
all who see them.
All donations received will go towards our Ophthalmic Project in the Gambia
which finances cataract operations and follow up medicines.
A note from Mary Bellwood
to everyone who has kindly agreed to fill a Christmas Box
for The Cellar. Please bring them to the Toy Service on
11th December, box wrapped with the lid separately
wrapped and the gifts inside unwrapped. If it is possible
to include a list of the contents of the box and the age it is aimed at, that would be
of great help to the staff at The Cellar. If you are unable to get to the service on
11th December, please let Mary Bellwood have your box before then or at Ladies
Fellowship on 6th December. Thank you for your help and support for The Cellar.
Dear all
Please could you thank all those in your churches who attended the Refugee Update on
29thNovember when I shared stories of the refugees helped by All We Can’s partners in
Jordan and talked about the latest visit I made with my daughter Jessica in October
2016. Could you please pass on our grateful thanks for all the donations of equipment
for the new hairdressing vocational course at Talbiah Refugee Camp. In addition, £45
was donated which will be used to buy more equipment.
Donations of brushes, combs, pony tail bands and similar (no liquids or aerosols please)
will be welcome until Sunday 11th December, after which we will be sending the items to
Talbiah.
For collection or more information please contact me (details below.)
Thank you.
Reverend Claire Hargreaves
Minister, West Horsley and Walton on Thames Methodist
Churches, Refugee Support Adviser, Wey Valley Methodist
Circuit . Email: [email protected]
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Ladies Fellowship
at 2.45 pm *1st and 3rd Tuesday, in the River Room
6th December
—
Christmas past and present
Rev Paul Hulme
20th December —
The Godalming Ukulele Band
with Pat Mcclure
17th January
-
Anything that took your fancy over past weeks
For further information contact Mary Bellwood Tel: 420340
It is a very friendly group—do join in.
Gentlemen of GUC are very welcome should the topic be of interest!
December
Christmas Flowers and decorations including the 5 candles lit in
order each week.
1st January, 2017 - Donated by Bill and Dereka Gadney in memory
of their parents, Dolly and Tom, Grace and Will
8th January : Donated by Maggie Maile and Wendy in memory of Ray and Keith
15th January : donated by Shirley Williams in memory of her husband Lenny
22nd January : Barbara Saunders—remembering her mother Cilla Simms
29th January : Una Cooper celebrating her daughter, Carol’s birthday today
And Una’s start of her 90th year on 1st January!
Wendy Weston would be very pleased to hear from you should you want to donate
flowers in memory, congratulations and just because!
01483 414143
And Thank you from all of us.
9
We have been invited to the popular Carols by Candlelight event.
This will take place at the beautiful St Mary’s Church, on Quarry
Street in Guildford town centre, on Tuesday 6th December 2016,
from 7pm until 8pm. (Doors open at 6:30pm) festive refreshments
This Advent, as the world rolls through another year of political,
social and environmental change, we await the coming of Christ,
whose birth came during times of turmoil and shifts of power. We remember more than
65 million people who are fleeing from conflict and crises. They too are waiting and hoping
– waiting for a safe place to call home and hoping it will come soon. Christian Aid Surrey is
proud to welcome Marija Vranesevic, from Philanthropy, Christian Aid’s partner in Serbia,
who will be speaking about her firsthand experience of meeting refugees and will
share the incredible difference Christian Aid is making for those escaping injustice
A collection for Christian Aid’s Christmas Appeal will be taken on the night. The tickets
are FREE and are being distributed on a first come first served basis; to book, please
call 020 7523 2105or email [email protected]
CYRIL PESKETT
This resume is written at my request by Bridgette, Cyril’s daughter.
Dad moved to Godalming in the 1950s when he got a job as a Public Health Inspector with
Godalming Town Council, which then became Waverley . He took early retirement in 1981
when he was by then Chief Environmental Health Officer.
Caravanning and Sailing were his passions and he and Mum were often off to France for
holidays. They belonged to the Arun Yacht Club in Littlehampton where they had a boat.
They were members of the Congregational Church where they ran the Boys Brigade and
when later they joined with the Methodists he became a regular member of the Choir. He
was often down at the church doing repairs and helping others to get the first extension
built.
They moved to Fernhurst in 1996 but still retained their links with the Church and Rotary
until Mum died in 2011.
He was a generous and loving Father and Grandfather.
Sadly due to the onset of dementia Dad spent the last 3 years of his life in Langham Court
Nursing Home where he was well loved by the many that cared for him, still maintaining his
polite affectionate demeanour until his death at 92 years old.
The Family wish to thank everybody for their kind wishes and cards, we all miss him but
know that he is now at peace. Bridgette Archer.
10
LUNCH FELLOWSHIP
The next regular meeting of the Lunch Fellowship will be 12.15 for 12.30pm
at The Jack Phillips, Godalming High Street on Wednesday 14th December
Christmas
The January date is 11th January 12.15 for 12.30pm
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN GODALMING and DISTRICT
Ecumenical prayer breakfast AT 8.30—10.00am
There is no prayer breakfast in December and the January
venue has yet to be decided. Please keep your eyes on the
notice sheets.
URC PRAYER HANDBOOK
If anyone would like to order a copy of the URC prayer handbook,
“Feasts and Festivals” for 2017, priced £6.50 + p&p, can you
please let Sylvia Kelly know as soon as possible.
CHURCH MEETING - 12TH FEBRUARY 2017
At the next church meeting the account for 2015/16 should have been independently
examined and will need church meeting’s approval. At the same meeting a resolution
will be brought to amend clause 23 o the schedule of GUC governing documents which
states
23) the LEP shall maintain a proper relationship to the appropriate local and regional
bodies of the Participating Denominations, fulfilling necessary constitutional
requirements. These bodies are:
A)
In case of the Methodist Church, the Guildford Circuit;
In case of the United Reformed Church, Wessex Synod;
A) will need to be amended to “In the case of the Methodist Church, The Wey Valley
Circuit”
11
YOUNG PEOPLE’S birthdays in December
Alecks Koroma
Jacob Appleby-Jones
Gracie Petersson (whose birthday is on 25th December)
Callum Wilson, Samuel Wilson and Jessica Lewis
Happy Birthday to you all. Have a wonderful Birthday and then Christmas!!
Hobbies Group
Will be meeting on 9th December and possibly 23rd
December but that will be negotiable. NO Friday
lunches that day!
Happy New year to all those who participate
Godalming Band
Announce the arrival of their new
Christmas themed CD Favourite Christmas carols, new
pieces, and exciting music played by 30 musicians from
our own community . COST: £10
It’s a bargain!
THANK YOU
On behalf of Ray, Jo, John and myself we would like to thank you all for your kind
thoughts and prayers in our time of bereavement. Ruby has now gone to be with the
Lord she served. I am sure she will be remembered by many people
Thank you, Pearl
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Prayers for December 2016 and January 2017
4th December
As we look forward during this Advent season may we also pray and be thankful for the
many blessings we have received in the past.
11th December
Dear Lord, We thank you for your guidance through our earthly pilgrimage and for all those
whose wisdom and knowledge have brought us to love and serve you.
18th December
At this busy time of the year may we take time to remember it is Christ’s birth we are
celebrating. How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given, so God imparts to human
hearts the Blessings of hi s Heaven.
25th December
What can I give him poor as I am? If I were a shepherd I would bring a Lamb,
If I were a Wise Man I would bring my part, Yet what I can I give him, give my Heart!
1st January 2017
Here we are at the beginning of a New Year. God Bless you all and may this year be calm
and peaceful.
8th January
Like a new dawn in our lives, may the New Year bring God’s Light, Peace and Love to us all.
In our looking back let us give thanks; in our looking forward let us be open and excited by
what you have planned for us. May our New Covenant promise at this time enable us to be
closer to you and enable us to be ready to look at new ways we can share your love with
others. Amen
15th January
Living God, as we walk our daily lives, we pray that the Holy Spirit will be our Guide. May
we travel the journey with You and we pray that we be aware of You as You travel the
journey with us. Amen
22nd January
Lord we know we will meet various challenges in the week ahead, help and support us,
enable and renew us, fill us with your Holy Spirit. May we rise above moments of despair,
may we see you in the love of others as they offer a kind word or action. Help us Lord, in
turn, to show this love to those we meet in our actions and kind words. Amen
29th January
Lord as we meet each new day may the loving God embrace us and may the healing God
restore us. Amen
CHURCH SERVICES FOR DECEMBER, AND JANUARY 2017
4th December
10.30am Rabson Ziso
Morning Service
11th December
10.30am Rev Paul Hulme
Toy Service and all age Worship
18th December
10.30am Neil Wingove
Morning Service
6.00pm
Candlelight Carol and Christingle
Rev Paul Hulme
Service with mince pies and coffee
24th December
4.30
Revd Paul Hulme
25th December
10.00am Revd Paul Hulme
Holy Communion
All Age Worship and bring your
favourite Christmas present
1st January
10.30am Our Worship Group
Morning Service
8th January
10.30am Rev Paul Hulme
Covenant Service and
Holy communion
15th January
10.30am Revd Paul Hulme
UNITED SERVICE
22nd January
10.30am Jean Shepherd
Morning Service
27th January
10.30am Revd Paul Hulme
Morning Service
Campaign for the Syrian Refugees
We've had some items about the conflict and crisis in Syria in Span in the last few
months. There's actually a campaign (https://home.38degrees.org.uk/?s=godalming)
sponsored by Penny Rivers (former Godalming Mayor in 2004) for Godalming to provide
a few places for refugees. My understanding is that the petition will be addressed to
Waverley Borough Council but it specifically concerns Godalming, not the whole
borough. When I last looked they had 257 signatures out of the 300 they were aiming
for. I think they may need even more than that to sway the borough council.
This was sent by a member of our congregation, please support if you can. Ed.
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MINISTER
REV PAUL HULME
01483 414709
SENIOR STEWARD
ALAN STEELE
01483 860683
CHURCH SECRETARY
SYLVIA KELLEY
01483 423261
EMAIL: [email protected]
PASTORAL ASSISTANT
EILEEN
01483 420459
TREASURER
RICHARD
01483 423048
ORGANIST
DAVID
01483 537508
FLOWERS
WENDY
01483 414143
LETTINGS
JENNIFER
01483 420025
Web site address: www.guc.org.uk
*****
TRINITY TRUST YOUTH ACTIVITIES IN GODALMING
The Trinity Trust Team aims to serve young people in the Godalming area through witnessing,
nurturing and mentoring.
Monday
Wowza! After school club for school years 3-6 @ Godalming Junior School 3-4pm
Loseley Fields Youth café for age 11+ @ Loseley Fields Children Centre
7-8.45pm
Tuesday
Little Noise Faith Exploration for ales 11+ @ Farncombe Community Centre 4-5.30pm
Wednesday
Fuse Discipleship Group for ages 13+ @ Godalming Baptist Church
8-9.30pm
Thursday
Christian Union @ Broadwater School in Room 3
12.20-1.00pm
Christian Union @ Rodborough School in Room 106
12.35-1.30pm
Friday
CU Outreach Group @ Rodborough School in Room 302
12.35-1.30pm
Wowza! After school Club for school years 3-6 @ St Edmund’s School
3.30-4.30pm
Youth Group/ Outreach for ages 11+ @ Farncombe Community Centre
7-9.00pm
Contact Andy * For Trinity Trust Activities. 07876 142197
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CIRCUIT MISSION SUPPER AND TALK
Trinity Methodist Church, Woking
Sat 4th Feb 2017
Speakers- REVD. DR. ROGER WALTON
(President of the Methodist Conference)
and
MS. RACHEL LAMPARD
(Vice President of the Methodist Conference)
on the subject of:
The Syrian Refugee Camps
6.00pm for 6.30pm
Tickets available (£7 each) from
Janet Shaw (Tel: 01483 527670)
GODALMING UNITED CHURCH
2017 - 40th ANNIVERSARY YEAR
of the coming together of Godalming’s Methodist & United Reformed Churches
ANNIVERSARY EVENTS: the first six months
Saturday Jan 7 12:00
Lunch: Bel and The Dragon restaurant – fully booked
Sunday Jan 8 10:30
Covenant Service
Sunday Jan 15 10:30
Churches Together annual United Service at GUC
Sat & Sun Feb 4 & 5
Ali Baba Pantomime 4 performances
Sat Feb 4 evening
Circuit Mission Supper at Woking Methodist Church
Sat March 4 7:00
Godalming Band Anniversary Concert
Sun Mar 19 10:30
Rev’d Anne Baldock preaching
Sun Apr 2 10:30
Rev’d Paul Dean preaching
Sat Apr 8 3:00–5:00
Messy Church: family Easter activities at GUC
Fri Apr 14 evening
Music for Easter: U3A choirs
Sun May 7 10:30
Rev’d Michael Hunt preaching
Sun June 4 10:30
Rev’d Bryony Arnold preaching
Weekend June 9 -11
Flower Festival
Sun June 11
Church Anniversary – Rev’d John Walker preaching
Sun June 11 evening
Circuit Service
Plus Mission & Outreach Target:
funding 40 cataract operations at our partner Opthalmic Clinic in The Gambia
The Reason for the Season
Join us for a very special Christmas celebration on
Saturday 17th December 2016 at 7pm
at St Peter & St Paul’s Parish Church, Godalming
GCGC is delighted to welcome BBC Songs of Praise Gospel
Choir of the Year 2016 winner Wayne Ellington to sing with us.
Enjoy a selection of contemporary and traditional Christmas
gospel songs, wine and mince pies.
Free entry, donations appreciated
LINK-UP
December 2016
Keeping Churches in Touch
www.godalmingchurches.org
From the Chair
Once Upon a Time?
The following were a couple of lines from a recent sermon..
"Jesus was nailed to a point in time and space, but the effect was for ever. Are we persecuted in our
place in time and space? "
Differing cultures persecute in different ways. If what matters now is to be part of the media or
known about, perhaps this world is persecuting Christians by turning its back on us. We need to
tap it on the shoulder and say Jesus Loves you.
Perhaps this Christmas it will be different. Because if Christ is taken out of Christmas, what is left?
M&S (other stores are available).
We are parts of one body; we all need to play our part - and we need each other.
Let's pray for each other this Advent. Read the items in This Link up and pray.
News flash
We have a sudden and unique opportunity to be together on 1 January at 18:30 as Churches
Together at Busbridge Church. Let's be together at the start of a year that will see God come alive in
Godalming.
Do let me know if you will be there.
Michael Stubbs
Chair of Godalming and District Churches Together
[email protected]
Link-Up December 2016
www.godalmingchurches.org
Page 1 of 7
Events for your diary
Below is a selection of the many events taking place during December and beyond. More detail can
be found in the News of the Churches and organisations section below and on the Churches
Together in Godalming and District website: www.godalmingchurches.org/calendar
Saturday 26 November
08:30 to 10:00 - Churches Together prayer breakfast at Hambledon Church
Christmas Festival: Switch on of the lights Day
Saturday 3 December
Quiz night at Busbridge Church
Saturday 10 December
10:00 to 16:00 - Christmas Together in Godalming - the Churches Together day
15:30 - Procession to the Blessing of the Crib, Pepperpot, Godalming High Street
16:00 - Town Carol Service, Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul
Quiet Day for Advent, St John's Parish Church, Farncombe
Sunday 11 December
10:30 - Countdown to Christmas plus Toy Service, Godalming United Church
Tuesday 13 December
14:30 - Service for older people, Busbridge Church
Friday 16 December
17:30 to 19:30 - Carol singing at Godalming station, organised by Godalming Quakers
Saturday 17 December
Manna Ministries Christmas show, Raggedy Doll, St Catherine's School Theatre, Bramley. Tickets
now available.
19:00 - Godalming Community Gospel Choir at the Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul
19:00 - Godalming Band and Youth Band Christmas concert, Godalming United Church
Wednesday 21 December
Blue Christmas service, St John's Parish Church, Farncombe
10:00 to 14:00 - Cellar Christmas Social, Godalming Baptist Church, Queen Street
Link-Up December 2016
www.godalmingchurches.org
Page 2 of 7
Sunday 25 December
12:00 - Churches Together Christmas Day lunch, Godalming Baptist Church
Sunday 1 January 2017
18:30 t0 19:30 - Churches Together service at Busbridge Church: start the new year together
Tuesday 10 January 2017
Mannacality music classes start at Godalming Baptist Church
Sunday 15 January 2017
10:30 - United Service of Holy Communion, Godalming United Church
News of the Churches and organisations
The Parish of Godalming
Godalming Community Gospel Choir, Saturday 17 December, 19:00
Join the Godalming Community Gospel Choir for a special Christmas celebration at St Peter and St
Paul. This will feature Wayne Ellington - choir director of the BBC Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of
the year winner - singing with the Gospel Choir. Free entry - donation appreciated.
www.parishofgodalming.org.uk
St John's Parish Church, Farncombe
This December St John’s has all its customary events and services, and we’re pleased to welcome a
variety of organisations for Christmas events, including the U3A and WI.
Quiet Day for Advent, Saturday 10 December
In addition, we have a Quiet Day for Advent coming up on the morning of Saturday 10 December
(please contact Maggie Stirling Troy on 428733 for details).
Blue Christmas service, Wednesday 21 December
There will also be a Blue Christmas service for those who may find the festive season a trial for
different reasons, which will be on the evening of 21 December – longest night of the year.
New Year's Day service
As the United Service has moved later in January, we will for the first time in many years have a
service on the morning of New Year’s Day; but it’s likely to be lower-key than usual!
www.farncombe.org.uk
Link-Up December 2016
www.godalmingchurches.org
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Busbridge and Hambledon Church
Shedvent, 1 to 24 December
Come along to Shedvent – the living Advent calendar - every day at Busbridge Church, 17:00 to
18:00 form 1 to 24 December.
Carol service for older people, 13 December at 14:30
As well as all our Christmas services we have a special carol service for our older people on 13
December at 14:30.
Christmas quiz, 3 December
We will also have a Christmas quiz evening on 3 December.
Website facelift
Our Busbridge&Hambledon website has just had a facelift too so do take a look at
www.bhcgodalming.org. Happy Christmas!
Godalming Baptist Church
Life issues sessions
Our new series of life issues sessions will be getting under way in the new year. Here are some dates
for your diary.
•
Friday 24 February 2017, 10:00 to 12:00: Focusing on end of life issues - Part 1 - from an
Emotional and Spiritual Perspective
•
Saturday 18 March 2017, 10:00 to 12:00: A question of gender
•
Wednesday 22 March 2017, 10:00 to 16:00: Waverley Abbey away day
•
Saturday 22nd April 2017, 10:00 to 12:00: Focusing on end of life issues - Part 2 - from a
Practical and Medical Perspective
•
Saturday 20 May 2017, 10:00 to 16:00: Managing conflict
www.godalmingbaptistchurch.org.uk
Roman Catholic Parish of St Edmund, King & Martyr
As many of you may know, Father Michael Perry has retired from our parish. On the day he
announced his retirement at the end of September, he had a serious accident in the presbytery. He
fell and broke a bone.
He was on the ground for an hour or two before he managed to crawl to a phone. Fortunately he
was speedily transported to the hospital and our wonderful NHS cared for him. Since leaving
hospital, Father Michael has been staying with parishioners. He is recuperating well, but it is a slow
process. Father Michael’s wish is to spend his retirement years here in Godalming. The parish is
now looking for a flat or bungalow for him.
Link-Up December 2016
www.godalmingchurches.org
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The parish of St Edmund’s had hoped to welcome Father Stephen Hardaker as its new priest on the
1st Sunday of Advent. We had cleared the presbytery in anticipation and some of Father Stephen’s
possessions had already arrived. Unfortunately, the week before his expected arrival, the parish
received a letter from the Bishop stating that Father Stephen is no longer coming to this parish. No
explanation was given for the change and no indication was given regarding the future.
These are obviously difficult times for our parish. We are aware that many other churches and
parishes go through similar periods of uncertainty. We are encouraged by the following words from
Bible Alive which appeared on the feast of Christ The King (19 November):
“Jesus turned our idea of power on its head and always challenges those who exercise or hold
power, either secular or religious, to be humble servants devoted to serving God’s people. …. We
are to strive to go the second mile, bring healing and comfort, be generous, deny ourselves, take up
our cross and follow Christ. We trust in God and try not to worry about the future.”
St Edmund’s parish places its trust in God. Please pray for all parishes, particularly those in this
area, that are struggling in their efforts to bring people to Christ.
Godalming Quaker Meeting
Carol singing at Godalming Station, Friday 16 December
This year we will again be organising carol singing at Godalming Station from 17:30 to 19:30 on
Friday 16 December in aid of Quaker Action for the Homeless, followed by a simple supper at the
Meeting House. Join us if you can.
www.godalmingquakers.org
Godalming United Church
Looking ahead over the coming weeks you are cordially invited to the following:
Countdown to Christmas plus Toy Service, Sunday 11 December, 10:30
All-age family and parade service with offerings of toys, games and family gifts for those in our
community needing support this Christmas – to be delivered by the Cellar
Godalming Band and Youth Band Christmas concert, Saturday 17 December, 19:00
A feast of Christmas music with the opportunity for audience participation. Doors open at 18:30.
Tickets: £6 adults, £3 children available on 01483 428701 or from Record Corner
Christmas services
•
Sunday 18 December, 18:00: Christingle Carol Service
•
Saturday 24 December, 16:30: Quiet reflection and Holy Communion
•
Sunday 25 December, 10:00: Christmas Day family worship
Godalming United Church's 40th Anniversary year, Saturday 7 January 2017
Saturday 7 January will mark the launch of Godalming United Church's 40th Anniversary Year
with a celebration lunch at “Bel and the Dragon” from 12:00. It’s 40 years since our two
Link-Up December 2016
www.godalmingchurches.org
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congregations – United Reformed and Methodist – came together, so it’s fitting to celebrate in the
former URC church across the bridge - now a restaurant. Tel 01483 423261 for menu and booking.
Covenant Service, Sunday 8 January 2017, 10:30
A reaffirmation of our faith marked by Methodist churches worldwide since the time of John
Wesley. We contemplate the direction our lives will follow in 2017: New Year - a good time for
spiritual renewal.
www.guc.org.uk
The Cellar Café
Christmas appeal 2016
For many years, our Christmas Appeal has enabled us to put together more than 40 Christmas
parcels for different individuals and families. These have been made up of various items according
to people’s particular needs and age.
We would be most grateful for donations of Waitrose or Sainsbury’s gift vouchers, cash, and also
toys or festive gifts and seasonal foods.
We truly value your ongoing support and would be grateful for whatever you feel you can spare.
Please bring or send donations of any of the above gifts by Friday December 16 to:
The Cellar Café, Crown Court, Godalming, GU7 1DY
We express our grateful thanks to you in anticipation.
Cellar Christmas Social, Wednesday 21 September
All are welcome to join The Cellar Christmas Social at Godalming Baptist Church, Queen Street, on
Wednesday 21 December. Drop in between 10:00 and 14:00 for carols, readings, fellowship, and a
bring and share lunch.
Christmas wreaths
Christmas wreaths with fresh foliage and natural decorations are being created again this year by
Cellar friends.
They are made on a 20cm oasis base and can also be used as table decorations. You can order one
to be delivered to your home on the date of your choice for only £15. The wreaths were very popular
last year; please order by 16 December at the latest, and tell your friends.
Contact The Cellar or [email protected], 01483 423768
If you would like to come along to help make the wreaths, drop in to the River Room at Godalming
United Church on Bridge Road on Wednesday 7 December and Monday 12 December between
12:00 and 19:00.
Also, Wednesday 14 December between 12:00 and 16:00, when we are very privileged to have staff
from Waitrose coming to help us as well. No artistic talent is required ,and we will show you what
to do.
Link-Up December 2016
www.godalmingchurches.org
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The wreath making has proved to be a successful fundraiser for The Cellar as well as a fun group
activity.
Manna Ministries
Mannacality classes - starting Tuesday 10 January
Our musical theatre classes for ages 5 to 7 and Mannacality Choir for ages 9 to 18 start at
Godalming Baptist Church on Tuesday 10 January 2017 at 16:15 and 17:15. All we ask is that you
make a kind donation to Mannacality.
Looking for volunteers
Manna Academy of Christian performing arts is looking for volunteers. Can you spare an hour of
your time every week? Manna Ministries is looking for volunteers aged 18+ who have a heart to
serve children aged 4 to 16 and see them share Jesus through the power of performing arts. We
need volunteers in Eastbourne, Reigate and Guildford.
Tickets for Christmas show now available
Tickets for our Christmas show with Philippa Hanna are now available. This will be a musical
production based on the song Raggedy Doll, featuring a guest appearance and live music from
Philippa Hanna. The event will take place at St Catherine's School Theatre, Bramley on 17
December. We would love to hear from anyone that could not otherwise afford to come and bless
them with tickets.
Sponsoring of Manna Ministries
If you are, or were going to, sponsor Manna Ministries, please can you do it through the
Stewardship scheme and whether anonymously or named can you mention 'Godalming Churches'
and if possible agree to sponsor them for a stated period of time? It makes their accounting easier
and helps landlords have more confidence with their rent. I have some paper copies of the sponsor
forms, or you can go on the Manna Ministries website. If you have any queries, please contact
Michael Stubbs.
www.mannaministries.org.uk
Items for next month's Link-UP
Please send items for the January 2017 edition of Link-Up to Matt Farrow:
[email protected] by Wednesday 14 December for issue on Monday 19 December.
Link-Up December 2016
www.godalmingchurches.org
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