Newsletter June – August 2015
Message from our Minister
What a beautiful month May is! The changeable weather of spring gradually settles into warmer temperatures and more sunshine, the trees are freshly green and gardens are full of vibrant colour. At the end of the month, the church celebrated Pentecost and now, refreshed and renewed by the affirmation of the coming of the Holy Spirit, looks forward to a summer of inspired witness.
The church’s work continues as always without a break throughout June, July and August. Whilst it is a great strength and support to know that God is a constant and perpetual presence, mere human beings do need a change of routine occasionally! Perhaps you have holiday plans for the summer. Time away doing different things and seeing new places or spending time with family, children and grandchildren, is energising too.
The Bible does not talk of Jesus having holidays, but he certainly did have times when he broke away from his busy life to “recharge his batteries”. Sometimes he escaped the crowds on his own, taking time out to pray (Mark 6.46, 14.32) and sometimes he spent time with his family and friends (the wedding at Cana –John 2.1-2; dinner with Simon – Mark 14.3). He took care that his disciples also had time and space away from the demands of the crowds (Mark 6.30-31, Mark 9.30).
During June, July and August, Circuit staff will be involved in helping out the churches in the Woking and Walton Circuit. There will be ongoing discussions between the Circuits to explore the possibilities of further working together. These next few months may open up exciting ideas which will bring new life and energy into our churches. Whilst it will be busy for all of us, it is important that we do take time out to pray, relax and socialise.
So enjoy the summer months, whether working hard as usual, away on holiday or relaxing at home.
And whatever you are doing take a few moments to remember the words of Psalm 46.10 :
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
Claire
Family News
As I write this, it is raining, windy and definitely not 'barbecue weather'. Summer is here! Let us hope and pray for some warmer, sunnier weather soon to look forward to as we wish all who are holidaying, whether in Britain or abroad, Bon Voyage. For those staying at home, we have tennis and cricket to look forward and, hopefully, lots of happy hours in the garden.
We send our prayers and good wishes to all those taking exams at this time of year. May all their hard work be rewarded and enable them to progress to the next step in their education or out into the world of work. We pray that the anxious waiting time ahead for many brings the results that they wish for.
News from our Church family confirms that we have great cause to give thanks.
Many congratulations from us all to Rene Denew who was 99 years old on June 6th. Although she no longer attends our services she is kept updated, usually by Jane or Ruth who visit her frequently at Lime Grove. She is quite frail now, but welcomes visitors and is always keen to know what is going on. Rene, we send our love as we say "Happy Birthday" to you.
Elsie and Keith are now settled in their respective residential homes. Elsie is at Dene Place and Keith, after a spell in hospital, is being looked after in a home near to his daughter, Tina, and her family in Worthing.
Katrine has a brand new great-granddaughter named Chloe, born in early May.
Claire's husband Mark is swiftly becoming a much valued member of our church. As well as being part of the quiz team, enriching our services with his guitar playing, and helping lead our worship, he is a marvellous support for Claire in her ministry. We extend to him the warmest of welcomes as he transferred his membership to West Horsley at our service on Sunday 14th June.
Our usual social events continue to be well attended and we are very grateful to all those who work so hard to make our lunches and coffee mornings so enjoyable.
We wish everyone a peaceful, enjoyable summer.
Di
Local News
Bible Study
The group meets fortnightly, the next dates are: June 15, 29, July 13, 27, Aug 10, 24, Sept 7.
The book of Exodus will be studied, please speak to Heather if you would like to join.
House Group
The house group meets at 7.00 on the 4th Thursday of the month, usually at Di Bamber’s house. The programme for the next few months is:
25th June - Methods of Evangelism – Celia
23rd July – Miscellany of inspirational items – N.B. this meeting will be at Ruth Isaac’s house
27th August – Refugee situation in Jordan – Claire
24th September – The Call to Preach – James Clephane-Cameron
Occasional lunches
The next Occasional lunches will be held on Thursdays 23rd July and 17th September. Please sign the lists when they appear on the noticeboard in the Wesley Room, if you would like to attend.
West Horsley Fete
This will be held at Dene Place on Saturday 5th. We will have a stand and will need books in good condition, and someone to donate a (counted) jar of sweets for "guess the number of sweets in a jar" and a large doll/Teddy Bear or similar with a chosen name for "Guess the name of.......”. Please let one of the stewards know if you are able to help in any way.
Property
We have had the dehumidifier running for some weeks now, as discussed at the last Church Council. However, Bob is reassessing the rendering of the external wall. It is likely that the rendering is original, ie dating from around mid 1870s and therefore a lime mortar rather than a cement mortar. He is therefore talking to builders with knowledge and experience of such materials before recommending how we proceed. Some members may recall the appalling situation St.Mary's, West Horsley, got into some years ago when modern cements were used which caused major damp problems. Once a clear way forward is identified Bob will prepare a report for Church Council to approval.
Circuit News
Woking & Walton Circuit
As you know, our circuit staff have been asked to help the Woking and Walton Circuit cover their current shortage of ministers. At the same time, we are continuing conversations with them to explore the opportunities of working more closely with them, possibly leading to a circuit merger. You will be kept informed of how these conversations are going and fully consulted before any decision is made.
Events around the Circuit
A new Series of FACE TO FACE has been arranged for Sunday evenings at 6.30 at Godalming United Church.
28th June THE DEAN OF WESTMINSTER ABBEY
The Very Revd Dr. John Hall
4th Oct DAME PENELOPE KEITH
The Meaning of Methodism – Barrie Tabraham will be leading a short course over four evenings for those who would like to know more about how Methodism started, what we believe and how we differ from other denominations. On Wednesdays at Merrow, from 7.30 – 9.00 on June 3rd, 10th, 17th and July 1st.
An hour’s Reflection in Words, Music and Stillness at noon on 6th July and 7th Sept at St Mary’s Quarry Street. Coffee from 11.45
Effingham Methodist Church
Our friends at Effingham have got funding to start a Dementia Club where both those suffering from dementia and their carers can go for social activity and support. This will take place fortnightly on a Thursday morning, starting on June 11th. If you know of anyone who might benefit, please let Gil Walker know on 01372 456798.
WHITECHAPEL MISSION
Can you help with providing Men’s Clothing and Non-perishable Breakfast Foods?
Whitechapel Mission runs a centre for homeless men open each morning from 6am to 11am 365 days of the year. All who come – up to 300 each day – are provided with the opportunity to shower and to have a change of clothes, as well as breakfast.
Clothing needs to be appropriate for street dwellers and not in a poor condition. There is a particular need for men’s socks, underwear and trainers, as well as shirts, sweaters, jeans, trousers, and outer clothing.
If you are able to help with the provision of any of these items it will be of much benefit. A full list is inside this leaflet.
This appeal is being coordinated through the Methodist churches in the Circuit, during the period up to 12 July. Bring any items to the church before 10th July and we will take them to Godalming.
Whilst there is a high need for all items within the following categories, items that are desperately needed are highlighted in bold.
What is Needed
Breakfast Foods
Sandwich Spread Biscuits Plum Tomatoes
Pepper Baked Beans Hot Chocolate
Tinned Fruit Sugar Squash
Tinned Meat Coffee Honey
Mens Clothing and ancillaries
Winter Jackets T-shirts Jeans 28” to 36”
Winter Coats Padded Shirts Trousers 28” to 34”
Jumpers Mens underwear Rucksacks
Mens Gloves Socks Face Flannels
Black Woollen Hats Mens Trainers Hand Towels
Woollen Scarves Mens Shoes Bath Towels
Baseball caps Jogging Bottoms Sleeping Bags
Toiletries (including for ladies) & sundries
Toothbrushes Deodorant Shaving Foam
Ladies make-up Body lotion Body wash
Hand Cream Face Cream Shampoo
Soap Candles Carrier bags
35mm Film Canisters
For further information www.whitechapel.org.uk
Any queries contact Ryan Kelley 01483 423261
Harts in Australia 2015
In February we flew to Perth, Western Australia to celebrate Liz’s special birthday with our son Tim. It was great to leave the gloom and arrive to warm sunny weather. We celebrated Liz’s birthday with a BBQ with friends on the edge of the Swan River. Tim drove us down to Denmark on the south coast to a house which was surrounded by bush. It was lovely to eat all our meals outside. There are some scenic beaches nearby, where Tim & Ted snorkelled. The next day we went to Albany and up to the ANZAC monument which overlooks the spectacular estuary – very appropriate as it was the centenary last year. The next morning we were awakened by a cacophony of squawking Kookaburras, this was followed by the crashing of a thunderstorm passing over, then a chorus of frogs!! We then returned along the south coast where there had been terrible fires, which surprisingly didn’t badly effect the tree canopy. We stopped at the tree observation tree which Tim climbed (75 metres). Then off to Augusta and walks through the forest and along spectacular beaches.
Then back to Perth via a couple of wineries! We spent the weekend at Tim’s girlfriend’s parent’s sheep farm 175km north of Perth. It was very hot there. They keep alpacas that guard the sheep while they are in Perth.
The next Monday we flew to Taree via Sydney to spend 5 days with Australian friends who worked at Epsom hospital with Liz. They took us on a boat trip at Forster up the river where dolphins played in front of the boat. They then took us to a spectacular view point. After being well looked after, we flew back to Tim’s and spent most of the following week visiting Perth and Fremantle. For our last weekend we travelled south to Dunsborough, but as the weather on one day was very wet, following a cyclone, we just had to visit Margaret River area local nut and chocolate factories as well as having lunch at a winery!
Then back to Tim’s to pack up, say a sad goodbye and travel back with a 15 hr flight in the dark to a cool UK.
From the Connexion
Support the vulnerable
Leaders from four major UK Churches (including the Methodist Church) have signed an open letter to the re-appointed Prime Minister, David Cameron, encouraging him to hold ‘truth, justice, peace and wellbeing’ at the heart of the government.
With a focus on ’loving our neighbour’, the letter reminds the Prime Minister that a wholesome society should be concerned for the weakest and most vulnerable, both locally and globally.
Pray and give for Nepal
The earthquakes that have hit Nepal have caught the attention of the world. They are the worst the nation has seen for over 80 years, causing devastation in the capital city Kathmandu as well as in isolated mountainous areas of the country including Gorkha district.
The Methodist Church has approved a grant of £10,000 from the World Mission Fund to help with the United Mission to Nepal's relief work. Please continue to pray for the situation and consider donating to All We Can's Nepal Earthquake Appeal.
The Collection at the recent Circuit Service raised £151.
Congratulations to Wesley’s Chapel
Wesley’s Chapel and the Museum of Methodism have been awarded a £98,300 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund for their exciting new project, the ‘World Parish’ exhibition.
Celebrating the work of small rural churches
In July, the Arthur Rank Centre (ARC) is launching Rural Mission Sunday - an annual event celebrating the work of rural churches. The ARC has created unique materials enabling churches to run a special service on the theme of bread. The ARC aims to encourage and equip rural churches as they engage in mission, providing resources designed to bring new life to the countryside.
Dates for your Diary
June
Monday 15th 2.00 Bible study in the Vestry
Wednesday 17th 7.30 Meaning of Methodism at Merrow
Thursday 25th 7.00 House group - Methods of Evangelism at Di’s
Sunday 28th 6.30 FACE TO FACE at Godalming United Church The Dean of Westminster Abbey, The Very Revd Dr. John Hall
Monday 29th 2.00 Bible study in the Wesley Room
July
Wednesday 1st 7.30 Meaning of Methodism at Merrow
Monday 13th 2.00 Bible study in the Vestry
Monday 20th 9.30 Stewards’ Meeting in the Wesley Room
Thursday 23rd 12.15 Occasional Lunch in the Wesley Room
Thursday 23rd 7.00 House Group - Miscellany of inspirational items –at Ruth Isaac’s
Monday 27th 2.00 Bible study in the Wesley Room
August
Monday 10th 2.00 Bible study in the Vestry
Monday 24th 2.00 Bible study in the Wesley Room
Thursday 27th 7.00 House Group - Refugee situation in Jordan at Di’s
September
Saturday 5th 2.00 West Horsley Village Fete at Dene Place
Sunday 6th 6.30 Circuit Service at Cranleigh, celebrating preaching with Rev Stuart Roebuck.
AFC
Thank you to all those helping with the House-to-House Collection for AFC in June. We will be celebrating the work of AFC on Sunday 12th July with Lyn Mackay.
Diocesan Summer School
This year’s Summer School will take place between 6th and 24th July and is entitled “Finding Freedom”. It will explore the themes of freedom and service with a wide range of speakers and topics. Please see the brochure on the noticeboard.
Neighbourhood Angels
Guildford Diocese is managing a befriending scheme, funded by the Borough. Trained volunteers are being sought who can offer friendship and support in the community to lonely adults. Could you volunteer or do you know someone who might benefit from a visit? Contact Rachel Guilford on 07796 098077 or by email Rachel.Guilford@Cofeguildford.or.uk
And, Finally.............
An enormous thank you to Liz and Ted for the loving care they give to keeping our chapel gardens and tubs in such very good order. Here is the result of their latest hard work......