Dear Friends
Afternoon Tea with The Downsmen
I was sorry not to be able to be at St Nicolas last Friday for the Afternoon Tea with The Downsmen. I understand, though, it was a great event and very much appreciated by everyone I have spoken to. Our grateful thanks to The Downsmen and to everyone who worked hard to make this event a success.
Bringing the Good News to bear in response to the needs and concerns of our community
The third of three Specific Action Points to support the second priority of our current Church Development Plan is “To develop a regular programme of activities using the church building which engage the community”. Suzie Jenkins writes, “In the past few weeks we have welcomed a good number of the community into church to enjoy ‘Surrey Brass’ and ‘The Downsmen’. The next planned event is the ‘Bookham Sustainability Fair’ on Saturday 13 June - the Eco Team would love extra help so do get involved!”
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) met on Monday
It was a joy to meet with the new PCC on Monday evening. Being the first meeting of the new PCC year, the PCC agreed to the following appointments:
Lay Vice Chair: Nick Garrett
Treasurer: Neil McDonald
Giving Secretary: Nick Garrett
PCC Secretary: Amanda Rowland
Electoral Roll Officer: Joy Lord
Safeguarding Officer: Roland Martin
Assistant Church Wardens: Catherine Clark & Clare Curran
PCC Designated Safeguarding Lead: Ruth Dyson
GDPR: Chris Turner
Thank you to each of the above for your willingness to serve in these roles and to all on the PCC for sharing in this ministry.
Looking forward to the return of Benjamin Hoyte
We look forward to welcoming Benjamin Hoyte from The Bible Society, one of our six mission organisations, at our 10 o’clock service. Our 10 o’clock service this Sunday will look a little different for another reason too as there is no one from the AV team available. We’ll therefore revert to use of hymn books and service booklets. Don’t forget to bring your reading glasses (if that is relevant!).
A reminder concerning Christian Aid Week
The Outward Giving board has a Christian Aid display this week. It is not too late to support Christian Aid via the St Nicolas specific fundraising page for 2026; click here to access. Envelopes for cash donations are also available.
Thy Kingdom Come has begun!
Ascension Day marks the beginning of the ten-day season of Thy Kingdom Come. We are encouraged to make a special effort to pray for five people who are not yet Christians to come to know Jesus for themselves. A short trailer featuring a range of contributions from the Archbishop of Canterbury to Ballers in God; from Mothers’ Union to His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos; from Churches Together in England to the Monks of Mirfield Community of the Resurrection, is available here. Do also take time to appreciate the TKC prayer stations in our own church. Short booklets are available to take away.
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 last Sunday including information about a new prayer initiative are available here.
And finally…
“[Jesus] said to [the apostles]: ‘It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’
After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.”
Wishing you much grace and peace.
Alan
Alan Jenkins
Rector
