Dear Friends
The happy couple
Charlotte and Jacob’s wedding was a fantastic day. They both looked great (as you would expect) and very happy. Charlotte’s mum took the service; I was pleased to welcome people and lead the prayers. The reception was joyful and included a fine collection of speeches; we learnt a little bit more about Charlotte and Jacob’s early years! We wish them God’s riches blessing on their marriage.
Bringing the Good News to bear in response to the needs and concerns of our community
The second of three Specific Action Points to support the second priority of our current Church Development Plan is “To provide Messy Church and identify other opportunities to encourage those who are not yet Christians to consider the Good News of Jesus.” Concerning progress, you will know that rather than develop the Messy Church model, Charlotte has trialled Brick Church – a new initiative which explores the Bible through creative Lego and Duplo brick-building. A further session is planned for Wednesday 24 June and, in due course, it is hoped that this will morph into a regular service of worship.
Afternoon Tea with The Downsmen
Enjoy a great afternoon tea with local barbershop choir, The Downsmen. Tickets are £10 and available here. All money raised will go to the Friends of St Nicolas who contribute financially to the upkeep of our beautiful village church.
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) meets this Monday
Last week the weekly email included the names of those who had been elected as churchwardens, lay members of Deanery Synod, and new members of the Parochial Church Council. Our eagle-eyed PCC Secretary spotted I had missed Sue White’s name from the latter group. I do apologise. Please do pray for the new PCC as we meet on Monday, that we would discern the Lord’s leading and build one another up.
For those not on the PCC
Bookham Baptist’s International Mission Team have planned an evening with Open Doors at 7.45pm on 11 May and they’re extending the invitation to other local churches. The evening will include Rob Stevens speaking about his visit last October with Open Doors to Asia. You’ll hear some amazing stories, enjoy some Asian snacks and be given an opportunity to pray for the persecuted church. Further information and booking is available here.
Christian Aid Week will soon be here
Our thanks to Anne Shears. As in previous years, she has just created a St Nicolas specific fundraising page for 2026 Christian Aid week which runs from 10-16 May. Please do consider whether you might support; click here to access. Anne has also ordered some envelopes so that she can accept cash donations from those of you who may find this helpful, although she cannot get the gift aid added to your donation. The Outward Giving board will also have a Christian Aid display from this week.
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 Wendy’s very helpful testimony are available here.
And finally…
“What keeps you a follower of Jesus today? This awareness is the makings of a testimony. It’s so important to have a ‘live’ testimony in our heart and on our lips because we don’t know when we will be called upon to be ‘on’. All of us our missionaries.” (Br. Curtis Almquist, Society of St John the Evangelist)
Wishing you much grace and peace.
Alan
Alan Jenkins
Rector
