Dear Friends
A great job
The work to provide new cupboards to house the chairs, tables and other essential equipment was completed at the end of last week. The principal driver for this work was health and safety. But there’s no denying, the Church Room looks much smarter as well. Our grateful thanks to those who organised the work as well as those who contributed to the funding.
Jesus among friends
As we continue our Sunday sermons using Lent and Easter for everyone: from wilderness to glory by Tom Wright as our framework, our theme this week is Jesus among friends. Our focus will be John 11:17-44 – the moving and powerful account of the raising of Lazarus. Being Mothering Sunday, we’ll be providing small bunches of flowers to celebrate the motherly care that so many give and receive.
Mindful of those in the Middle East
We are only too aware of the many who are living in fear or have been displaced, injured or died as a result of the current conflict in the Middle East. We are also conscious that some of us have family members living in areas which are unsafe. And so we continue to pray for their protection. We were pleased to hear David and Angela Ireland, having gone to visit family members, managed to return from Dubai after a few days’ delay. They have asked that we hold Philip, Alison, Ben and Kate in our prayers.
Remembering Margaret (Sheila) Russell
Elizabeth, Margaret (Maggie) and Kate have let me know that their beloved Mother, Margaret (Sheila) Russell, died on Sunday 8 March, three weeks shy of her 95th Birthday. She lived in this parish for over 60 years, moving to Fiona Close in 1959 and then migrating ‘north’ to The Paddocks in 2010, three years after her husband’s death in June 2007. They write, “Mum remained fully independent until her advancing dementia and loss of mobility made it unsafe for her to continue to receive care in her own home. In 2021 the family made the difficult decision and moved Mum into a care home in Farnham, playing on the Abbeyfield name that she knew well from when her own Dad went into one of their homes.”
Welcoming Joanna Forbes L’Estrange
A reminder concerning the visit of Joanna Forbes L’Estrange, vocalist, composer and conductor, to our church on Sunday 22 March. She’ll be introducing us to a new liturgical setting for Holy Communion which she has written and which we’ll be starting to use at some services. To help us prepare, we are privileged that she’ll be with us at 9.30am that day. We recognise that not everyone will be able to be in church this early; in which case, please just come as soon as you can. Meanwhile, those who have access to Spotify may like to listen to the setting in advance; click here.
Funeral of the late Rt Revd Andrew Watson
Bishop Paul has confirmed that Bishop Andrew’s funeral will take place in Guildford Cathedral on Monday 23 March at 12 noon. Because it has become clear that our large Cathedral will be too small for this occasion, a church in each deanery will livestream the service. In our case, this will be St Andrew’s, Cobham. This will enable people to worship with the congregation in the Cathedral – albeit remotely. The livestream link will also be provided on the Cathedral website should you prefer to join from elsewhere. It was Bishop Andrew’s wish that, in lieu of flowers, donations from individuals or church communities be made to support the mission and ministry of Guildford Cathedral. If you would like to make a donation in his memory, please visit this page.
Keeping up to date
Please take time to read our weekly notice sheet which is available both online (click here) and in church. Excerpts from our 10 o’clock service, including the third in our current sermon series, are available here.
And finally…
I appreciate this prayer for peace in the Middle East, written by the Roman Catholic Bishop of Antipolo in the Philippines and posted on Facebook. (It was in the Mothers’ Union newsletter for March!)
Heavenly Father, you are the God of peace, the source of love and mercy. We come before you with heavy hearts, grieving for the suffering in the Middle East. Lord, we pray for their leaders, their people, and all whọ are caught in the crossfire of conflict. May your wisdom guide those in power to choose dialogue over destruction, reconciliation over retaliation. We lift up the innocent - the children, the families, the displaced - who long for safety and security. Comfort them, O Lord, and be their refuge in times of fear. Let your light shine upon the darkness of war, and may your peace, which surpasses all understanding, reign in every heart. Unite the world, Lord, as we continue to pray for the healing of nations. May we be bearers of hope and peace, trusting that God hears our prayers.
Grace and peace,
Alan
Alan Jenkins
Rector
