Dear Friends
An awesome responsibility
On Monday evening, five of us travelled (in the same electric car – very eco-friendly!) to the Archdeacon’s Visitation at St John the Baptist in West Byfleet for the admission and commission of our two churchwardens, Nick Garrett and Romey Criswick. They were asked some pretty big questions by the Archdeacon to which they replied ‘I will, the Lord being my helper’ and ‘We will’. Thank you very much, Nick and Romey (and also Assistant Churchwardens, Clare Curran and Catherine Clark), for your servant-heartedness. In return, let us each encourage our wardens and pray for them.
The God Story
This Sunday we shall be giving our ongoing sermon series on The God Story a rest as none of the regular team are around. Instead, we are blessed that Revd Canon Robert Jenkins is taking our services as well as preaching. In addition we are so grateful to neighbouring Rector, Revd Leah Bates from St Mary's, Fetcham, who will be taking our Thursday service of Holy Communion. The God Story will return the following Sunday when our theme will be The Birth of a Nation – an epic tale of redemption and liberation!
Jim Watts remembered with affection
We were saddened to learn of the death of Jim Watts last Saturday. Jim was a good friend to many, always personable, and very much up for an engaging conversation. This week we have been praying for his widow Julia, their children, Nick and Sarah, as well as all impacted by Jim’s death. Details of a Service of Thanksgiving will follow in due course.
Do pray for Tristan
Many will remember Tristan Stone, a member of our church family for several years along with his wife, Laura, and daughter, Hattie. Tristan left our church to take up a paid position at Leatherhead Parish Church. This Sunday Tristan will be ordained deacon in Guildford Cathedral before beginning his curacy at St Peter’s, Hersham. Tristan’s story, along with all the other stories of those due to be ordained deacon and priest this week, may be found here.
Brick Church went well
Yesterday we offered Brick Church for the second time. Nine children attended - a real increase on last time. We give thanks for this new venture and pray for its flourishing in the months to come.
Introducing ‘Termly Gatherings’
Termly Gatherings are a response to what you said the church could do or do better to help you take the next step on your journey of faith. We hope that you have been inspired by initiatives that the Next Steps team have taken over the past 18 months and that the Termly Gatherings will be a further help on your own journey of faith. Principally, they are an opportunity to learn from one another’s experience of their faith journey, the first one providing an opportunity to share with one another favourite aids that have helped us grow in faith. You have a choice of two dates in September: 2pm on Tuesday 15 or Sunday 20. Do put these dates in your diary now and think about what you would want to contribute to each session.
Contributing to the Vacancy in See – Diocesan Consultation
As the process of discerning who God may be calling to be our next Bishop of Guildford begins, you are warmly invited you to share your views as part of an important diocesan consultation. You can share your views here. Please note that this survey will close at 8am on 20 July.
Keeping up to date
Our weekly notice sheet is available both online (click here) and in church. Don’t forget the Churchyard Working Party taking place this coming Saturday 9.30am till noon. Your help for even an hour would make such a difference. Refreshments are provided. Excerpts from our 10 o’clock service last Sunday, including the latest sermon in The God Story series, are available here.
And finally…
As we know, Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation on Monday. Not intended as a party-political point, I am one among many who are concerned at the rate at which we are getting through Prime Ministers. And so I found a brief online article yesterday from Premier Christianity, Keir Starmer’s resignation says more about us than him, thought-provoking and helpful. Here is the link should you wish to have a read.
Wishing you much grace and peace.
Alan
Alan Jenkins
Rector
