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S P A N
JUNE 2019
GODALMING UNITED CHURCH
(Methodist and United Reformed)
MINISTER: Rev. Paul Hulme
www.guc.org.uk
2
Godalming United Church is a local Church of the Methodist Church in Great Britain,
and of the United Reform Church in the United Kingdom. We belong to the Wey Valley
Methodist Circuit and Western Area of the Methodist South East District and the United
Reformed Church Wessex Synod. We have signed a local covenant with the Anglican
Farncombe and Godalming Group Ministry. Our Sponsoring Body is Churches together
in Surrey and we are also part of churches together in Godalming & district.
SPAN
The Magazine of Godalming United Church, Bridge Road, Godalming,
Surrey GU7 3DU (Charity 1128613)
OUR AIM IS TO WORSHIP, WITNESS AND SERVE,
AND TO GROW IN FAITH
MONDAY
8.00pm Monday Evening Group
(1st Monday)
Eileen
Sue
420459
421342
TUESDAY
2.45pm
5.00pm
Ladies Fellowship 1st & 3rd in month (In River Room)
Brownies
Mary
Alison
420340
422841
WEDNESDAY
10.00am
Godaltots (Large Hall)
Jacky
423768
THURSDAY
4.30pm
6.00pm
7.30pm
Rainbows (Large Hall)
4th Godalming Cubs ([email protected])
Scouts (Large hall & River Room)
Julie
Fiona
428701
429866
FRIDAY
12-1.30pm
2.00pm
Friday Lunches (River room)
Hobbies Group (2nd & 4th in month)
Alison
Barbara
423872
415600
6.00-6.45pm
Music Kids for 5-14 years
Barbara
421268
REGULAR CHURCH ACTIVITIES
3
I cannot believe that we are coming to Paul’s last service. Be There because I am sure the church will be full.
Yes we will miss you Paul, but we all wish you well in your next stage of your life and hope that you work at your bucket list.
Urgent: 9th June Church Anniversary , when the preacher will be Revd John Walker. Good to see him again. Please sign up for the Church Anniversary BBQ. Tickets from Maggie.
Nancy needs more help with Messy Church
and visit her Art exhibition .
More people are wanted for the Church Concert. Speak to Keith Nye.
Keep sorting and collecting for Whitechapel
Spread the word to neighbours and friends.
Congratulations to John Goatley who will be 90 years this month and will have been in the ministry for 60 years.
Congratulations also go to Maureen and Norman Edsall on celebrating their Golden Wedding. Both John and the Edsalls have much to celebrate. Well Done.
There is so much in this edition which is worth reading. Thank you to all who contribute and if I miss anything please let me know. The next edition will be for July and August so start thinking now.
Thank You. Ed
Next Month’s Span;
July and August for 30th June
Last date for contributions: 27th June
01483 273291 - Jenny
This months’ contributions.
Paul’s letter
Hobbies
Events Questionnaire
Messy Church
Panto 2020
Musical Concert
Christian Aid
Flowers
Ladies Fellowship
Nancy the Artist
Qui
Monday Group
Whitechapel Collection
Talk on Dementia
Fellowship Lunch
“Our Church” play at Guildford URC
Lammas Ringers invite
Christmas Boxes
Chaplain’s Assistant reqd.
Thy Kingdome Come — Cathedral
Prayers and CTiGD Breakfast
Please note: next Church
Congregational Meeting is on
7th July , 12.00
4
The Manse, June, 2019
My Dear Friends,
Writing this letter feels like a surreal experience, simply because
it’s the last letter I will write to you as your Minister, before
retiring from the active work. The seven years I have spent among you have
gone by all too quickly. I fell in love with Godalming and its environs the first day
I came here. It is place of great beauty and fascinating history, and I am so glad
that in retirement I will still be resident in the county of Surrey, albeit in the
London Borough of Croydon.
It just doesn’t seem possible that when I leave you at the end of this month, I
will have completed 52 years in the Ministry. After six years as a probationer, in
another old market town called Bungay, on the Norfolk Suffolk border. It was
much smaller than Godalming in those days just three and half thousand
people, but like Godalming, it had a sense of history and community. You
couldn’t walk down the High Street without meeting half of your congregation!
There's one word that sums up my feelings at the moment, (which is a mixture
of uncertainty and hope): the word is Gratitude, and it’s an overwhelming
feeling. Grateful that I was ever called to the Ministry in the first place. Grateful
for the trust that people place in you. Grateful for the immense privilege of
sharing some of life’s most meaningful moments, literally life and death
moments, with some remarkable people. Grateful for the awesome privilege of
preaching, Sunday by Sunday. And of offering bread and wine to outstretched
hands, when we gather at the Table of the Lord. And not least in those sacred
pastoral moments, by a hospital bed, or in someone’s home.
One of the peculiarities of Methodism, and there are a few, is that when the day
comes for retirement, we must seek permission from the Synod and conference
of the Methodist Church, to “sit down”. I now have that privilege. But the
thought of sitting down for the rest of my life fills me with gloom! I want to
remain actively useful, and I’ve quietly learned how to do that from observing
many of you! Some of you are older than I am but you lead perfectly fulfilling
and active lives, often in activities that are community based.
5
Page 2
Thanks for teaching me that lesson, and I hope I may be able to
follow your example for many years to come.
The late Lord Soper had a profound impact upon my life, as a
wise counsellor and Father in God to me for many years. Here are some words
from a sermon he preached at an Ordination Service: ‘I bid you in the name of
Christ take the situation in which you will be put down and learn it and know it,
and by a strange alchemy God will give you the love and understanding you
require. It is only in the physical and mental contact that you and I can make
with the people that we come to love them’
Thank you for all that you have taught me, through many experiences that we
have shared together, but most of all thank you for your kindness and support ,
which has sustained me throughout my time with you. I will continue to
remember you in my prayers, as you continue to be a United Church,
combining Methodists, Congregationalists, United Reformed and Salvation
Army, and may God bless and guide you in the coming days.
Most sincerely yours,
Paul Hulme
HOBBIES
Fridays 2.00-4.00pm in the River Room @
GUC. 14th and 28th June
Are you creative? Speak to Barbara
tel: 415600
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RESULTS OF THE QUESTIONNAIRE
Of 150 questionnaires sent out in April, only 15 were completed and returned!
From that these are the main results:
Times— Saturday evening : 7-9 pm
Quiz night : which will be held on 12th October as Harvest Supper
Entertainment with a Fish and Chip Supper. Put it in your diary
Skittles Evening : which will be held next year.
My favourite only had 3 yeses. That was a Safari supper.
Thank you very much to all who completed the form. - Events.
****************************************************************
EVENTS are also planning a
Cream tea on afternoon of 6th July, 2.30—4.30pm
Please put this date in your diary and please try to come along.
Last year’s effort was marred by the Football world cup, this time it will be the
Tennis, but for those not interested in either sports the opportunity is your to
come and join us. I am sure that the sun will shine.
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Please remember in your prayers:
All those taking important exams. We wish them every success after their hard work.In
our pastoral prayers hold Margaret and Barry. Also remembering in our prayers all
those who have come to our church during the They Kingdom Come weekend and have
asked for prayer.
Advance Notice for 2020 PANTOMIME 2020
I’m really excited to tell those who would like to be in our next Pantomime that it is going to be a Panto version of THE WIZARD OF OZ. Josh Dixon has written, especially for us, a great script with lots of Characters and some great musical numbers. There will of course be the usual characters – Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Munchkins, Witches, Aunt Em (Panto Dame) plus lots of other roles.
If you would like to be involved please note the following dates:
Sunday 15th September Read-through
Sunday 29th September First Rehearsal
Saturday 8th February Two Performances
ALL AT SEA !
SAT JUNE 15th 3-5pm
Family fun for all ages
Messy Church logo © The Bible Reading Fellowship 2019 www.messychurch.org.uk Jesus calms the storm. Helpers – and ideas – welcome!
We especially need - paddling pools, small plastic or foil containers (one/two person size), small plastic bottles with lids (max 500ml), and cardboard rolls. Can anyone lend a “parachute”? Collecting boxes in church porch & foyer.
Thanks, Nancy : 414778
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FUN MUSICAL CONCERT
Performed on SATURDAY 13TH JULY AT
7.30 PM
At Godalming United Church
We’re having a FUN MUSIC CONCERT ON
SATURDAY 13TH JULY for singers (Adults and Young
People) to enjoy singing their favourite songs. We
expect to perform some Classical songs, songs from Films, Pop Songs and even
songs from previous Pantomimes!
The idea is to enjoy performing our favourites as a CHOIR with some Duets and Solos
thrown in. No need to learn by heart – just come along to as many of the four
rehearsals we’ll be having as you can 6.00pm to 8.00pm on Saturdays 15th June,
22nd June, 29th June and 6th July and enjoy yourself.
If you want to choose a song, let Keith Nye know what you’d like included before the
end of May and we’ll try to work it in. For children 5-8 years we will teach some easier
songs.
We’ll have a LIVE BAND providing the backing!
Please contact Keith on [email protected] or call on 07968 562129 or Barbara on
[email protected] or 07506 719046 if you’re interested.
Bring along your friends! All welcome!
HAVE YOU PUT YOURSELF FORWARD
DUCK RACE – GUC Stall
You could say: ‘it was nice weather for ducks!’ because there were certainly a few showers on this occasion, but we had a successful day raising awareness of GUC and some of the activities we do. The children certainly enjoyed the ‘Hook a Duck’ game which also raised more funds for the Gambian Ophthalmic Project.
Many thanks to everyone who helped -either by providing children’s prizes or for helping on the stall.
9
Christian Aid Week 12th – 18th May 2018:
Many thanks for all your support during Christian Aid Week this year. We had an excellent result.
The CA lunch was a pleasant social occasion. The lunch and sale of preserves and produce raised £306 of which £195 was gift aided. The Church CA Collection amounted to £433.50 of which £355 was gift aided. This was an amazing amount following on so soon after the Lent and Cyclone Idai Appeals.
Four people did House to House collecting raising a further £809 + Gift Aid on £694.91.
The Christian Aid street collection on Godalming High Street by Churches Together in Godalming raised £621.70 over two and a half days. Many thanks to those who helped.
Please support the mass lobby on climate action on 26th June in London.See below.
Muriel Clark
The Time Is Now
Join the mass lobby and be part of a summer of climate action. On 26 June,
thousands of us will come together in London’s Westminster to celebrate our
faith in action, lobby our political representatives, pray together and energise
one another for the challenges to come.
You can help ensure every single MP hears the message loud and clear: that
the time for action on climate change is now.
Sign up today and join thousands of other concerned citizens and people of
faith for this unforgettable day of action.
Go to the web site for more details.
www.christianaid.org.uk/campaigns/climate-change/join-climate-lobby
10
LADIES FELLOWSHIP
During the summer the Fellowship meets only on
the third Tuesday in each month, starting on
18th June
with Mandy Griffith describing her work as a
Lengthsperson on the River Wey from Guildford to
Godalming
Future date for the diary 16th July and 20th August
These meetings are open to all who are interested. Minimum Subscription £1.00. 2.45pm in River Room.
For more information please contact Mary Bellwood: Tel 420340
2nd June The Goatley Family celebrating John’s 90th Birthday and
60 years of Ministry, arr by Wendy
9th June Maureen and Norman Edsall celebrating their Golden Wedding
Arr by Maureen
16th June Annette McEneaney –daughter of Audrey and Alan Corden
Remembering her Mum and Dad, arr by Wendy
22nd June Maggie Maile and Wendy Weston remembering the birthday’s of
Ray and Keith, arr by Wendy
30th June Peter Radcliffe—for a reliable friend, senior mentor and former
executive office of the Church of England in South Africa.
“He left this world a better place for having been in it.”
Wendy would like it to be known that anyone who wants to celebrate, remember, or just because, to donate flowers for the Sunday please contact her on 414143. She will be pleased to hear from you.
11
QUI
This informal group will meet
Friday 21st June , 2.15 for 2.30pm start.
To Discuss anything you want.
GODALMING: AROUND AND ABOUT
Pastel paintings and cards at Godalming Museum June 18th – July 6th
(10-5 Tues-Sat)
Nancy Wilks
Drop in & meet the artist over cake and a cuppa Tues June 18th 10-2, Tues July 2nd 2-4 Supporting Godalming Museum & Milford Clockhouse
The Monday evening discussion group will meet in the
Chancel room on Monday 24th June at 7.30 .We are listening
to and reading about how various religions understand the
world we live in. For example: how
do Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism,
Islam and other major religions
understand Beginnings, Suffering,
Hospitality and other issues. You
are all very welcome
Contact Eileen for more details :
Tel: 420459
Or Sue : 421342
12
WHITECHAPEL MISSION COLLECTION 2019
The trailer for the Whitechapel Collection of Men’s clothing, Breakfast Foods and Toiletries will be at GUC between 29th June and 8th July 2019.
So it’s time to check your wardrobes and cupboards for suitable items – you can do your spring-clean and help someone in need at the same time!
Leaflets detailing specific needs are in the Church Foyer and also on the Whitechapel website: www.whitechapel.org.uk
Please take some extra leaflets and give to your neighbours, friends and work colleagues to make sure we fill the trailer and make as great an impact as possible.
We also need volunteers to be at GUC to receive items and put them in the trailer. Please let Janet Shaw know if you can help on one of the collection slots . Tel: 527670
LIVING WELL WITH DEMENTIA -UNDERSTANDING
AND
MANAGING DIFFERENT BEHAVIOURS
Led by Penny Giles from the Surrey Dementia Navigator
Service
Wednesday 12th June 2019 from 10 am - midday at Godalming Baptist Church,
Queen Street, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1BA
As well as a brief overview of Dementia, this year's session will focus on understanding, managing and discussing solutions for
behaviours that both those with Dementia, and their carers, find challenging. For instance, looking for "home", refusal to go
somewhere, shadowing the main carer or spouse, struggling with
personal care, etc.
To reserve a place (£6) by Wednesday 5th June 2019, please contact
Sally Pollard, email: [email protected], Janet Fry: [email protected], or the Church Office, 01483 422105 on Mon, Wed,
or Fri mornings, [email protected]
13
LUNCH FELLOWSHIP DATE:
The next lunch fellowship will be at the
Jack Phillips,Godalming High Street on
Wednesday 12th June, 2019
12.15-12.30
Do come and join in. The fellowship is great.
On tour from The Watermill Theatre, Newbury, a new play “Our Church” is coming to
Guildford United Reformed Church on
Tuesday 2 July 7.30pm.
A powerful and captivating new drama that explores, from multiple points of view, what it means to live a haunted life. Should a convicted sex offender be given a second chance?
Advance booking £10 (Under 18s £5) Tickets on the door £12 (£6).
Box office 01483 458689 or
email [email protected] More information on www.guildfordurc.org.uk
More information about “Our Church”
: https://www.watermill.org.uk/on_tour_our_church#home-ttab
All venues and dates: https://www.watermill.org.uk/
on_tour_our_church#dates-ttab
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The Lammas Ringers
would like to invite you to a
Summer Soirée & Supper
at 7.00 pm on Friday, 26th July
in The Octagon,
Ss Peter & Paul Parish Church,
Church Street, Godalming GU7 1ES
Tickets £10 including a 2-course supper
Available from Jacky 01483-415702
or Barbara 01483-415600
ADVANCE NOTICE
LADIES FELLOWSHIP
AND THE CELLAR CHRISTMAS BOXES 2019
Yes, I know, it is a long time until Christmas but some people collect items for the Christmas
Boxes, which are distributed by The Cellar, throughout the year. In consultation with Debbie,
the Manager at The Cellar, it has been decided to change the format. We will fill boxes with
toiletries, suitable for different age groups and including toothbrush and toothpaste, soap,
deodorant, flannel, body spray, shaving items and maybe some makeup. Moisturiser and
handcream, shampoo, hairspray, hairbrush and comb and hair fastenings are all items which
are most welcome.
In addition we will try to give gift tokens so the recipients can choose what they would like. It is
possible to buy gift tokens from Sainsbury, Waitrose, Boots, WH Smith, Edinburgh Woollen
Mill and Superdrug. We are happy to collect money and
purchase tokens near Christmas or donors to buy tokens
themselves. It is important to check if there is an expiry date for
their use.
All our contributions are very gratefully received and Debbie
ensures they go to the people who need them most.
Mary Bellwood
15
Vacancy for part-time volunteer Chaplain’s Assistant at HMP Send
Have you ever been challenged to find God in the unfamiliar? Have you ever considered prison ministry? Being the Free Church Chaplain’s assistant for the last 6 years and helping on courses for 2 years before that has been an enormous privilege and a great blessing to me. The ladies themselves, in all their diversity, are open, genuine and pragmatic in a way that is both humbling and inspirational. To share faith and worship with them is uplifting in a way that is rarely found in churches “outside”. One of the privileges of chaplaincy is being asked to pray with someone. A particular form of prayer, introduced by St Ignatias, has enabled the most un-churched ladies to meet Christ, and even to follow him. This has now been developed by the Free Church Chaplain as “Taketime” (www.taketime.org.uk). HMP Send is a lady’s training prison with around 260 residents. The multi-faith chaplaincy is co-ordinated by the Anglican Chaplain, Rev Lesley Mason. There are part-time chaplains for all the mainstream faiths and Christian denominations. The Chaplaincy has won several awards thanks to the leadership of Rev Lesley Mason. The Free Church Chaplain is a Methodist minister, Rev Clive McKie. His duties are Thursdays 12-8pm and one Sunday service/month. His assistant supports his pastoral work, and is involved with courses and evening activities on Thursdays. The post is voluntary and one is a member of a team of around 20 Christians from a variety of denominations. Most belong to the Prison Fellowship which provides material and training for the Restorative Justice course. There is a local Prison Fellowship monthly prayer meeting organised by Pauline Mitchell ([email protected]; 01483 576922, 07428509974). if you are thinking of volunteering in this way and would like to know more contact Clive: [email protected]; myself: [email protected]; or my predecessor Margaret Ireland: [email protected]. Kathryn Cutler ([email protected]) is a course organiser and happy to be contacted. Alternatively come to a Prison Fellowship Prayer meeting, or arrange to shadow Clive. You can come into the prison 4 times on basic security details. The post is available from September so there is plenty of time. My introduction to Send was to “find God in the unfamiliar” and that as certainly been my experience. Everyone feels privileged and blessed to be part of the work. Susan Snashall.
16
Thy Kingdom Come, the global prayer movement Being held again at Guildford Cathedral 9th June, 2019
Time Table 16:00 - 18:00: Festival! An opportunity to gather outside the Cathedral for a picnic. Food stalls will be available, and entertainment will be on offer in the form of live music from Red House Blues, Motivation by Music Gospel Choir and a live theatrical production from Manna Ministries. 18:00 - 19:00: Contemporary Worship Led by the soon-to-be Bishop of Southampton, Debbie Sellin, we will gather together in praise for a time of contemporary worship with a talk by Pete Greig. 19:00 - 23:00: Prayer Vigil From 19:00, there will be an opportunity to join in prayer led by the Bishops of Guildford and Dorking with space for some creative responses. More information about the festival can be found at: cofeguildford.org.uk/tkc. A flyer for the festival to be displayed in churches is attached and some suggested wording for an announcement in a service or newsletter is also enclosed below. You can also view a news story about the event, which can be shared on social media, at: https://www.cofeguildford.org.uk/whats-on/news/detail/2019/05/10/hundreds-to-gather-at-guildford-cathedral-to-celebrate-the-finale-of-global-prayer-movement No need to book – just show up for as much as you would like!
17
June Prayers
June 2nd A prayer from the Joint Public Issues Team, Churches working for peace and justice, for after the two elections which we have experienced: For those who are now taking public office, that in serving our communities and national life- truth, justice, peace and wellbeing might become priorities for all. For those for whom these results mean significant change- that they might find grace and wisdom for the way ahead. That those with leadership and influence will act wisely and in the interests of all people- seeking stability and justice for our world. That as Christian citizens in society, regardless of whether we currently face the prospect with relish or trepidation, we will have wisdom and courage to seek God's Kingdom and pursue his purpose in the emerging political landscape. For those whose Christian identity has inspired them to serve in public life- that they might act as faithful followers of Jesus in every circumstance they face. Amen . June 9 On our Church Anniversary, a prayer of hope: God of our present and our future, as we gather here today we look for hope. The future is uncertain, we wonder what it will bring. Fill us with a vision for what we could be. Give us hope for our congregation and our community. Help us find the choices that lead to life in abundance. God of hope, in a time of uncertainty we so often fall into fear and worry. Show us the opportunities in our chaotic world, remind us to consider seriously where our priorities and loyalties lie, push us to see how our choices matter, and then fill us with hope in a new heaven and a new earth. God of our future, may we walk boldly into what may come, as people, not only of faith, but of hope. May we share your hope and promise with the world in which we live. Amen. June 16 Today is a family and Parade Service. We pray for our uniformed organisations of which Rainbows are the youngest and remember their promise: "I promise that I will do my best, to think about my beliefs and to be kind and helpful". June 23 Daniel and Grace join us for our service today, as they prepare to move to Rome. A prayer of Cardinal Martini, Archbishop of Milan from 1980- 2002 that is relevant to Daniel's ministry: We pray for a Europe capable of ethnic and ecumenical reconciliations, ready to welcome the stranger, respectful of each person's dignity. Grant that we assume our duty with hope to inspire and promote an understanding among peoples which ensures in all the continents, justice and bread, freedom and peace. Amen
2nd June 10.30am Revd Keith Beckingham Morning Service
9th June 10.30am Revd John Walker Church Anniversary
BBQ and entertainment
16th June 10.30 Revd Paul Hulme Family and Parade Service
22nd June 10.30am Revd Daniel Pratt
Morris- Chapman and
Revd Paul Hulme
Holy Communion
30th June 10.30am Revd Paul
Hulme
Paul’s Farewell Service
CHURCH TOGETHER IN GODALMING AND DISTRICT
ECUMENICAL PRAYER BREAKFAST
on SATURDAY 22nd June
8.30am at The Old Rectory behind Busbridge Church
Hambledon Road
With Revd Margot Spencer
Final prayer for June: June 30 On Paul's retirement, a traditional Gaelic Blessing: May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; The rains fall soft upon your fields And until we meet again, May God hold you In the palm of His hand. Amen
19
MINISTER REV PAUL HULME 01483 414709
SENIOR STEWARD ALAN 01483 860683
CHURCH SECRETARY SYLVIA 01483 423261
EMAIL: [email protected]
PASTORAL ASSISTANT EILEEN 01483 420459
TREASURER RICHARD 01483 423048
ORGANIST
FLOWERS WENDY 01483 414143
LETTINGS JENNIFER 01483 420025
Web site address: www.guc.org.uk *****
TRINITY TRUST YOUTH ACTIVITIES IN GODALMING The Trinity Trust Team aims to serve young people in the Godalming area
through witnessing, nurturing and mentoring.
Monday
Wowza! After school club for school years 3-6 @ Godalming Junior School 3-4pm
Loseley Fields Youth café for age 11+ @ Loseley Fields Children Centre 7-8.45pm
Tuesday
Little Noise Faith Exploration for ages 11+ @ St John’s Church, Farncombe 4-5.30pm
Wednesday
Fuse Discipleship Group for ages 13+ @ Godalming Baptist Church 8-9.30pm
Thursday
Christian Union @ Broadwater School in Room 3 12.20-1.00pm
Alpha @ Rodborough School in Room 304 12.35-1.30pm
Friday
Wowza! After school Club for school years 3-6 @ St Edmund’s School 3.30-4.30pm
Youth Group/ Outreach for ages 11+ @ Above Godalming Library 7-9.00pm
Contact Andy * For Trinity Trust Activities. 07876 142197
Matt Blake : 07955 555633
Sunday, 9th June (following the morning service)
including a Bouncy Castle, Games, Quizzes,
and entertainment by the Music Kids.
Adults: £6.00 Children (under 14 years): £4.00.
(Last date for booking 2nd June 2019)
Tickets available from: M. Maile, Valley View, Filmer Grove,
Godalming, GU7 3AB, email [email protected]
or after the Sunday Morning Services
Godalming United Church Anniversary
Bar-Be-Cue
