Dear Friends
Updating the CDP
Our 2025-2026 Church Development Plan (CDP) has helped keep to the fore those areas of our church’s ministry where we need to give extra focus. Ordinarily, we’d now be preparing a new CDP for 2027-2028. However, due the vacancy created by my departure next year, a completely new plan is not advised. And so instead the PCC met for two hours’ considered reflection last Saturday to agree on which three aspects of the current CDP we wish to give greatest focus over the coming couple of years. At the same time, we celebrate the fact that some aspects of the current CDP are now almost complete.
Talking of the CDP
Don’t forget that we meet for an hour’s prayer on the first Saturday of every month to pray specifically for the work covered by the current CDP. You are encouraged to be part of this. Our next meeting is this Saturday at 10.00am in the Church Room.
Continuing The God Story
Our journey through The God Story continues this Sunday. Last week we reflected on the beginning of Jesus ministry: his birth up until the very beginning of his public ministry. This week, as we think about The King, we’ll be considering Jesus’ public ministry up until his final week. In particular, we’ll be reflecting upon Jesus’ wonderful world-changing declaration, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’
Welcome, Lucy
Lucy Hicks, who is the full-time youth worker for the Bookham Youth Project, will be joining us this Sunday at 10.00am. It is always good to hear from Lucy. She’ll update us on some key developments concerning this important work and be with us after the service to answer any questions you may have. Do make the most of this opportunity – we are blessed to share in this ministry which we jointly fund with Bookham Baptist Church and Eastwick Road Church.
Remembering Mike Derriman
Mike Derriman was, for many years, a regular member of our 10 o’clock congregation. Although in recent times it became too hard for Mike to attend, he has remained a member of our church family and we have continued to pray for him. Rita has let us know that Mike died on Tuesday morning. She is being well-supported by Gavin and Claire, their two children. A date and time for the funeral have yet to be fixed.
A great opportunity
Why not join The Friends of St Nicolas for a great day out in Winchester on Thursday 17 September? They’ll be visiting the St Cross Hospital and Almshouse of the Noble Poor as well as providing an opportunity to visit Winchester – a great city which includes the cathedral where there will be a flower festival. All you need to know about the trip and booking for it can be found here. Over the years, The Friends of St Nicolas have been able to contribute £210,000 towards essential works at St Nicolas - we are so very grateful to them.
Appointing a new Rector
People ask me how long it will before we get a new Rector. It is difficult to say with any certainty. However, if the process goes well and an appointment is made following the first round of interviews, it is realistic to think of a new Rector starting by next September (2027).
Keeping up to date
Our weekly notice sheet is available both online (click here) and in church. Excerpts from our 10 o’clock service last Sunday, including the latest sermon in The God Story series, are available here.
And finally…
Our Church Development Plan prayer...
God of Mission
Who alone brings growth to your Church
Send your Holy Spirit to give
Vision to our planning,
Wisdom to our actions,
And power to our witness.
Help our church grow in numbers,
In spiritual commitment to you,
And in service to our local community,
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Wishing you much grace and peace.
Alan
Alan Jenkins
Rector
