Dear Friends
Fun at Freestyle
Freestyle, a two-night Easter residential organised by Leatherhead Youth Project and Bookham Youth Project at Walton Firs, went fantastically well. 31 young people attended, and were treated to a mix of outdoor activities, workshops run by the youth workers, team-building games, and a fire pit on both evenings run by Charis. The workshops were themed around friendships: treating others well, handling conflict, and setting healthy boundaries.
Bringing the Good News to bear in response to the needs and concerns of our community
The first of three Specific Action Points to support the second priority of our current Church Development Plan is “To develop our understanding of the needs and concerns of our community and discern one initiative to take forward”. Concerning progress, Clare Curran writes, “We are working hard to meet this CDP priority by connecting with people who feel lonely or isolated in our community. We now have a stronger link with The Meeting Place and the Anna Chaplaincy, and we are also linking with other village groups and finding out what has worked well in other parishes.”
Going forwards from the APCM
A huge thanks to those who were able to be at our Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) last Sunday. As well as reflecting on the year past and looking ahead to the coming year, several new appointments were made. The following were elected...
Churchwardens: Nick Garrett and Romey Criswick.
Lay Members of Deanery Synod: Clare Curran, Karen Gaunt, Neil McDonald and Amanda Rowland.
Lay Members of the Parochial Church Council: Catherine Clark, Stella Davies, Ruth Dyson and Barbara Holloway.
Our heartfelt gratitude to each of the above as well as to all those who are continuing to serve on the PCC. May the Lord bless our shared labour.
Could it really be happening?!
You may already have heard the good news that it looks as if work on the new Youth & Community building is about to begin. David Cox, Chair of Bookham Youth Community Association, writes that Beard Construction Ltd will begin preparing the site on 5 May and full construction will start soon after. Beard Construction have sent a letter to residents which can be seen here. Let’s keep praying that this will successfully complete (this year!).
Be inspired to live more sustainably
The next Sustainable Bookham Fair takes place at St Nicolas 10.00am-3.00pm on Saturday 13 June 2026. Displays from Plastic Free Bookham, FAB Repair Café, HEAT (Home Energy Advice Team) and much more! Refreshments will be available. You’re warmly invited to attend at some point during the day.
Keeping up to date
Please take time to read our weekly notice sheet which is available both online (click here) and in church. In particular, in the coming week, please do remember that the Memorial Service on Sunday afternoon is a much-valued opportunity to remember those who have died as well as to process our own grief. The May magazine is also now available online (click here) and in church. Excerpts from our 10 o’clock service last Sunday are available here.
And finally…
In my sermon last Sunday, which was effectively the first part of my Rector’s report, I shared the following questions (provided by Tony Higton). In the limited space of a sermon, there may not have been much opportunity for you to ponder them. So how about making some quiet space to prayerfully consider each of them over the coming week.
Do I love God with all my heart?
Do I long to be with God?
Do I experience heartfelt adoration for God?
Do I really long to please God?
Do I pour out my heart in prayer?
Do I experience heartfelt sorrow for my sins?
Do I really long to hear from God?
Wishing you much grace and peace.
Alan
Alan Jenkins
Rector
