Dear Friends
For the common good
The Apostle Paul tells us that the (Holy) Spirit gives gifts for the common good. And so we rejoice that Tristan Stone, member of St Nicolas for several years, was ordained deacon in Guildford Cathedral on Sunday 28 June. Meanwhile, Charlotte Coe, our Families and Children’s Ministry Leader, graduated from her FiM course on Monday. (The course included 180 hours of training in theology of children and families and youth ministry, coursework and a final presentation.) Huge congratulations to both. So how are using the gifts the Spirit has given you?
The God Story
This Sunday we shall be continuing with our series of sermons on The God Story. This week we’ll be reflecting on the story of The Rise and Fall of Israel, focusing particularly on how Israel’s rise and fall directly reflected the extent to which God was their priority and thereby challenges us to consider the extent to which he is our priority.
Praying for our General Synod
The General Synod of the Church of England meets 10-14 July. Let’s be praying for all who attend, not least our Guildford Team of reps. As Ruth Allan, one of our Guildford reps says, “We will miss Bishop Andrew, but we are thrilled that Bishop Paul will be reuniting with us! … An overriding prayer is to ask God to be sovereign and present in all the debates and deliberations this week. Please pray that all who speak will be filled with love and graciousness.”
Discerning God’s choice for the next Bishop of Guildford
As the process of discerning who God may be calling to be our next Bishop of Guildford begins, a reminder that you are warmly invited you to share your views here as part of an important diocesan consultation. (This survey will close at 8am on 20 July.)
Could you help our Deanery Synod?
Due to our Deanery Synod Secretary moving away, a vacancy currently exists. If you think you may be able to help, please let me know. There are three synod meetings a year plus three small preparatory meetings of the Deanery Leadership Team. Key responsibilities are circulating agendas and minutes, recording minutes, and maintaining a database of Deanery Synod members. Payment is c. £500 per year.
Men's shirts required
Charlotte is seeking long-sleeved men's shirts, preferably button-up ones, that she can use as aprons for older kids (when painting) this summer. If you are able to help, please be in touch: charlotte.coe@stnicolasbookham.org.uk.
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. Don't forget, of course, the women's Bloom Breakfast on Saturday at 9.00am in the Pastoral Centre.
And finally…
As our diocese begins to discern who may be God’s choice as the next Bishop of Guildford, here is the ‘Consultation Prayer’ offered to us: “Lord God, give us wisdom as we think about the next Bishop of Guildford. Send your Holy Spirit to help us see what is most important. Speak through all of us—young and old—and help us to listen to each other well. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.”
Wishing you much grace and peace.
Alan
Alan Jenkins
Rector
