All posts by Administrator

Justice, safeguarding

Victims of church abuse asked to speak

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Following strong criticisms of the Church of England’s record of handling abuse and safeguarding, there is a review underway in the hope that we will learn from the past and protect other people in the future.

As part of this, the Diocese of Guildford is asking victims and survivors of church-related abuse if they would be willing to come forward and speak about what has happened.

Support is available

The Diocese recognises that coming forward may be extremely difficult and dedicated support has been set up to help people in doing so. Two confidential listening services have been set up for those people who have experienced church-related abuse but who might want to talk through their experiences and feelings before taking any next step. To find out more about the support available click here.

Coming forward

Anybody who would like to give information or make disclosures about church-related abuse is asked to contact Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor, Jackie Broadfoot (jackie.broadfoot@cofeguildford.org.uk  07918 559387).

Making churches as safe as they can be

Bishop Andrew, diocesan bishop for the Diocese of Guildford, said: “It is important we do everything we can to make our churches the safest places they can be. Safe means different things to different people but this review will help us to ensure that the concerns reported to our churches have been dealt with properly, and the care taken and the support given is of the high quality that people rightly deserve.  We have learnt from a previous review that that survivors and victims’ voices are critical, and I would urge you to come forward.”

Advent, Children and Youth, Christmas, music, News Releases, Services, St George's Church, St John's Church, St Mark's Church

An Advent full of Joy

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Advent is going to be a bit different this year. Normally the four services leading up to Christmas are a little bit solemn; the church is not decorated, no baptisms happen, the hymns are in a minor key. It is all about watching and waiting and hoping.

However, not this year! Let’s be honest, ever since March we have been watching and waiting and hoping – it has been the longest Advent ever. A number of people have said they have had enough of being miserable and they would like some joy in December instead. Also, as we are not having crib services or carol services in church this year, we want to invite everyone in throughout December to hear the story of Christmas.

Consequently, all the churches will have a series of family-friendly services including drama and opportunities for craft throughout December and we will be looking at characters in the Nativity:

  • 6th December – Mary and the Archangel Gabriel
  • 13th December – Shepherds and Angels
  • 20th December – Mary and Joseph
  • 25th December – birth of Jesus
  • (no service on 27th December)
  • 4th January – Magi (or Kings)

Please let Lesley know if you are willing to take part by email revd.lesley@badshotleaandhale.org or phone 01252 820537. At each of the above services there are lots of roles for adults and children and young people to get stuck into:

  • Welcoming
  • Singing
  • Reading a prayer
  • Drama
  • Reading a poem
  • Preparing crafts

It will be lovely to see you there.

Every blessing

Lesley

Inclusion, LGBTI+, remembrance

Transgender Day of Remembrance

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Today is Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day when we remember those transgender or gender diverse people who have died because of who they are, whether through violence, suicide or medical inequality

It is estimated that at least 409 people across the world are known to have died because they were transgender or gender diverse. The youngest was just 15, the oldest 79. That is just those who are known. Countless others have been on the receiving end of violence and abuse, have been made to feel worthless and afraid.

The church is not blameless; the church has added to the transphobia which causes this violence and abuse, these murders, these suicides, these medical inequalities. I am not saying that this parish has done so, I am not accusing any one individual church, and there are hugely welcoming and affirming churches across the world. But the church as a whole has not been like this, the church continues to discriminate and preach against those who do not fit gender ‘norms’.

There are two videos here. The first is a video here is a quiet and sad reflection about these terrible facts and a call for us to see where we can bring about a change.

The second is a deeply moving and sombre service, produced by Open Table Network

For a list of those lost this year, together with some of their stories, visit https://tdor.translivesmatter.info/re… To respond to the latest consultation about the rights of trans and non-binary people in the UK, visit https://committees.parliament.uk/work…  

Here in the Parish of Badshot Lea and Hale we stand with our transgender and gender non-conforming siblings, all of us beloved by God. And we are sorry for when we have failed you.

Picture by Ted Eytan.

Giving and Fundraising

Wrap up Farnham

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Have you got an unwanted coat? It’s now easy to pass it on to someone in need, thanks to the ‘Wrap Up Farnham’ initiative just launched by Farnham Maltings.

The idea is to gather unwanted or unused coats and distribute them to those most in need.

There will be a drop-off point for donated coats at the Maltings from Wednesday, November 25 to Friday, November 27, 10am-4pm, after which volunteers will check the quality before placing them in quarantine.

Coats must:

  • be warm and good quality (no light summer jackets)  
  • be fully cleaned 
  • have all their buttons or a working zipper
  • be something that someone would want to wear  

The Maltings has linked up with a number of charities who will collect the coats and distribute them among those in need, including families, older people, those sheltering from domestic abuse and those who are homeless.

If you are a charity who would like to receive coats to pass onto someone in need then please get in touch with Erin Beesley: erin.beesley@farnhammaltings.com at the Maltings.

Further details are available here.

Christmas, News Releases

Join our online Christmas tree festival

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The Christmas lights are on in Farnham, two houses across the road from my house have their decorations up; it must be time for a Christmas Tree Festival.

This year we can’t hold or take part in standard Christmas Tree Festivals so we’ve decided to go online. We are inviting local individuals, families, groups, schools, charities, churches and businesses to take part by creating a Christmas tree and displaying it in our online Christmas Tree Festival which will be here on the website from December 1st-14th.

All you have to do is send us a picture of a Christmas tree, decorated as you wish, and include something about yourself, your school, business, organisation, charity, church – whatever or whoever your tree is representing and we will display these on our website during the first two weeks of December.

It’s free for charities, churches and schools, and there is a minimal charge for commercial businesses as we are raising funds for the church’s work in north Farnham.

It’s a perfect opportunity for you to tell people about what you do and get your message out there. Our website visitors come from both the local area and as far away as the USA and China and so far this month the website has had more than 9,000 views.

We will also promote our festival on social media through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Not sure what Christmas tree to display? We have a few you can use.

To find out more and take part, contact Stella Wiseman, news@badshotleaandhale.org

Happy Christmas Trees!

Christmas, Events, St John's Church, St Mark's Church

Light, rain and beacons of hope across town

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Eight beacons shone out through the rainy skies across Farnham tonight.

The beacons, provided by Farnham Town Council, shone from Badshot Lea, Rowledge, Wrecclesham, The Bourne, Farnham Castle, Central Farnham and Lower and Upper Hale where they were placed in the grounds of St John’s and St Mark’s.

Their lighting marked the beginning of the Christmas season in Farnham and the switching on of the Christmas lights across the town.

The beacons were warmly received across town with typical comments on social media being ‘heart-warming’, ‘beautiful’, ‘fabulous’, ‘amazing’. One man who turned up at St Mark’s took a selfie with the light and explained that he was doing so at all eight.

Towards the end the skies cleared and stars appeared and the evening felt just a little hopeful in this difficult year.

The beacon at St John’s. Top: At St Mark’s

Art, Christmas, News Releases

Art and craft fair – shop Now for Christmas Gifts

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Welcome to our online art and craft fair, displaying the talent of individuals and small businesses. There’s a huge range here, from illustrations to felt booties, cards to crochet, jewellery, candles, t-shirts, knitting, cushions, bunting, jam, decorations, flowers, ceramics, mosaics, frames, gin…

It’s an ideal way to do your Christmas shopping and support small businesses. Just browse through the pages here – click on the links to take you to the ones you want – and contact the maker direct. There are contact details on every page.

Thank you to everyone who is taking part here. Happy shopping!

Ahmadiyya Muslim Association

Gifts: candles, cards, prints, crochet and knitting

https://badshotleaandhale.org/ahmadiyya-muslim-community/

All Sorts

Gorgeous knitwear for children

https://badshotleaandhale.org/all-sorts/

Anna Londei

All that sparkles is Anna Londei with customised clothing

https://badshotleaandhale.org/anna-londei/

Ash Brockwell

Multimedia Art from transmasculine artivist Ash Brockwell

https://badshotleaandhale.org/ash-brockwell/

Aspen Crafts

Cards, coasters, bags, prints and more with an animal theme

https://badshotleaandhale.org/aspen-crafts/

Badshot Lea and Hale

The parish’s own stall with Christmas craft and tasty treats

https://badshotleaandhale.org/badshot-lea-and-hale/

Cartref Crafts

All things fabric from bags to bunting

https://badshotleaandhale.org/cartref-crafts/

Chris and Co

Mugs, coasters and greeting cards, all made locally

https://badshotleaandhale.org/chris-and-co/

Crafty Marvel Boutique

Upcycled bowling balls, mosaics and ceramics, sold for charity

https://badshotleaandhale.org/crafty-marvel-boutique/

Csilla Bedy

Crochet creations and essential oils for happiness and wellbeing

https://badshotleaandhale.org/csilla-bedy/

Dannie’s Christmas Crafts

Handmade Christmas cards and decorations plus personalised gifts

https://badshotleaandhale.org/dannies-christmas-crafts-2/

Dixie and Joy Lettering

Hand-drawn and hand-lettered cards and prints.

https://badshotleaandhale.org/dixie-and-joy-lettering/

Emily Collard Illustration

Art inspired by nature

https://badshotleaandhale.org/emily-collard-illustration/

Finn and Fern

Nordic boho-style macrame home decor and jewellery

https://badshotleaandhale.org/finn-and-fern/

Gifts with Bethany

Creativity and colour from a young Textiles graduate

https://badshotleaandhale.org/gifts-with-bethany/

Gloímoí Skin Care

A solution to dry skin with these soft, soothing creams

20% off until December 30th.

https://badshotleaandhale.org/gloimoi-skin-care/

HD Watercolour

Pet portraits, family keepsakes, lovely watercolours and acrylics.

https://badshotleaandhale.org/hd-watercolour-art/

Honey Badger Prints

Custom clothing for you and your little ones

https://badshotleaandhale.org/honey-badger-prints/

Joyful Makes

Handmade craft from recycled material. All for charity.

https://badshotleaandhale.org/joyful-makes-6/

Judith Needham

Basket-making and willow-weaving

https://badshotleaandhale.org/judith-needham/

Kat Giannini

Animal art and pet commissions, cards and bio-friendly wrapping paper.

https://badshotleaandhale.org/kat-giannini/

Kittoo Crafts

Beautiful handmade craft from Kitty.

https://badshotleaandhale.org/kittoo-crafts/

Mews Gin

Local gin distiller Mews Gin has a range of exciting new gins including London Dry, Rhubarb and Honeyberry Gin. 

https://badshotleaandhale.org/mews-gin/

Mi7

Felts and soaps and stunning creativity

https://badshotleaandhale.org/mi7/

Mind Your Bonce

Hats, made in Farnham but worn around the world

https://badshotleaandhale.org/mind-your-bonce/

Monty and the Walrus

High quality fine art prints

https://badshotleaandhale.org/monty-and-the-walrus/

Nibbs Gin

Small batch artisan gin from the Surrey/Sussex borders

https://badshotleaandhale.org/nibbs-gin/

Personalised Frames by Julie

Bespoke frames which make personalised gifts

https://badshotleaandhale.org/personalised-frames-by-julie/

Popolo Ceramico

Personalised ceramic gifts and keepsakes

https://badshotleaandhale.org/popolo-ceramico/

Pretty Practical

Personalised gifts and practical items

https://badshotleaandhale.org/pretty-practical/

Pure Glass

Handmade glass and sterling silver jewellery made in Farnham.

https://badshotleaandhale.org/pure-glass/

QF Designs

Handmade jewellery made with love, fire and a lot of hammering.

https://badshotleaandhale.org/qf-designs/

Rene’s Blankets

Not just blankets but bags, decorations and gifts, crocheted and knitted for charity

https://badshotleaandhale.org/renes-blankets/

Resin Expectations

Using the versatile material resin to decorate boxes, clocks, keyrings, and jewellery

https://badshotleaandhale.org/resin-expectations/

Sarah Metcalfe

A Minecraft duvet set to thrill any young fan

https://badshotleaandhale.org/sarah-metcalfe/

Sherlock & Sons

Artisan gins from a quintessentially English distillery

https://badshotleaandhale.org/sherlock-sons/

Shirley Watson Design

Individual pieces from a local lino printmaker

https://badshotleaandhale.org/shirley-watson-design/

The Squirrel Collective

With colourful gloves and letters from Father Christmas, Christmas is covered.

https://badshotleaandhale.org/the-squirrel-collective/

St Clare’s at the Cathedral

Beautiful gifts and cards, innovative worship resources and church supplies.

https://badshotleaandhale.org/st-clares-at-the-cathedral/

Steph Lovell Flowers

Contemporary floral designs from a young florist

https://badshotleaandhale.org/steph-lovell-flowers/

Susie Lidstone

Local scenes and floral art from one of Farnham’s most popular artists

https://badshotleaandhale.org/susie-lidstone/

Tropic

Vegan, cruelty-free make-up and skin care products which support education across the globe.

https://badshotleaandhale.org/tropic/

Usborne Books

Plenty to keep the children occupied with a huge selection of books for youngsters.

https://badshotleaandhale.org/usborne-books/

Written on my Heart

Embroidery to cheer the soul.

https://badshotleaandhale.org/written-on-my-heart/

Coronavirus, Prayer, St George's Church, St John's Church

Praying throughout Lockdown

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If you have heard the bells ringing every evening since the start of lockdown Mark Two, at St John’s, Hale, and St George’s, Badshot Lea, and have wondered what is going on, the answer is that this is part of a call to prayer.

The archbishops and bishops are calling on everyone to pray at 6pm every day throughout lockdown and churches each to ring a single bell at the same time.

The archbishops wrote: “Bearing in mind our primary vocation as the Church of Jesus Christ to pray and to serve we call upon the Church of England to make this month of lockdown a month of prayer. More than anything else, whatever the nation thinks, we know that we are in the faithful hands of the risen Christ who knows our weaknesses, tiredness and struggles and whose steadfast love endures for ever.

“Above all we recall people to some of the fundamental spiritual disciplines that shape our Christian life. How we do this is up to each congregation and clergy person. We will publish resources to support you… During the first lockdown we cheered for the NHS every Thursday. During this second lockdown we invite you to fast in a way appropriate to you as well as pray for our nation every Thursday, for its leaders, its health and essential services and all those who suffer.”

Resources can be found here and there is a printable prayer booklet available too.

St John’s is also open for private prayer on Thursdays and Sundays, and St George’s on Tuesdays and Saturdays.



Christmas, Churchyard, St John's Church, St Mark's Church

Beacons of Light and Hope

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The night sky will be lit up across Farnham this Saturday by beacons which will shine out from 5-8.30pm from eight places across the town, including St John’s and St Mark’s Churches.

The lights will sweep across the sky from Badshot Lea, Weybourne, Upper Hale, Rowledge, Wrecclesham, The Bourne, Farnham Castle and Central Farnham and will mark the beginning of the Christmas season in Farnham.

During the shining of the beacons, the switching on of the Christmas lights in the town centre and surrounding neighbourhoods, will also take place.  

The beacons are being staged by Farnham Town Council to represent the coming together of the Farnham community during 2020 and hopes for a brighter 2021. 

Councillor Alan Earwaker, the council’s lead member for tourism and events, said: “COVID may stop us inviting residents to the town centre to see an official Christmas lights switch-on this year but let us bring the lights to you. Wherever you live in Farnham or nearby villages, we hope you will be able to see at least one of our searchlights in the sky. Come out to your doorsteps to see them – and give your neighbours a wave too if you can.”

Picture by Casey Horner on Unsplash

  

Church Buildings, Coronavirus, Prayer, St George's Church, St John's Church

Churches Open for Prayer

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During this second lockdown the churches are closed for services, though you will find our services online here. However two of our churches are open for private prayer:

St George’s, Badshot Lea, is open on a Tuesday and a Saturday, and St John’s is open on a Thursday and a Sunday. Both will be open 9am-4pm.

Details of where the churches are can be found here.