We’re looking for a new rector

The hunt is still on for a new rector of the Parish of Badshot Lea and Hale.

We haven’t had any suitable applicants yet so we are still advertising and an advertisement is currently in The Church Times. If you know someone who might be interested please point them in our direction.

The advert states:

Badshot Lea and Hale is an inclusive parish in north Farnham with three churches and congregations who enjoy their differences and celebrate their unity.  We are looking for a rector who is kind, easy-going, approachable and fun and who will encourage us on our continuing journey with God.

We want to be a parish that:

  • has a deeper connection with God, our community and one another
  • welcomes all ages and local schools into our churches
  • develops our existing culture of vocation
  • uses our buildings for the benefit of the whole parish

We are praying for a Rector who is:

  • a collaborative leader, capable of delegation
  • able to help us grow younger and increase congregation numbers
  • sensitive to different styles of worship
  • dedicated to inclusion

We offer:

  • welcoming congregations
  • administrative support and a spacious house
  • a thriving town with a lively arts scene

To find out more, click on the parish profile here: 

Clothes and equipment needed for refugees

There will be a collection for refugees run by Farnham Help for Refugees, at William Cobbett Primary School, Weybourne Road, Farnham, GU9 9ER, on Friday, March 22nd, 4.30-7pm.

The following items are needed:

CLOTHING
(Good condition only)

  • SUMMER CLOTHES
    For men – sizes S, M, L only
    For women, teens, children – all sizes
  • BRAND NEW UNDERWEAR & SOCKS
  • WALKING SHOES & TRAINERS
  • ADULT FOOTBALL KIT
    (no formal clothes)

SPECIFIC CLOTHING

  • Men’s clothing is specifically needed
  • Mid- & long-length women’s cardigans [all sizes]
  • Women’s jumpers, size 20
  • Babygros, size 12-18m, 18-24m
  • Trainers for men, women, children [good
    condition please]

TOYS & GAMES

  • ‘That’s not my…’ books
  • Shape sorters
  • Stacking rings
  • Mega blocks / stickle bricks / duplo
  • Lego
  • Orchard toy games
  • Connect 4
  • Guess Who
  • Chess, Backgammon

    OTHER
  • Suitcases
  • Large holdalls & rucksacks
  • Sleeping bags
  • Small tents [1-4 man]

Please do not bring items outside this list and please do not bring dirty or damaged items.

PLEASE SORT ALL CLOTHES INTO SEPARATE, LABELLED BAGS, FOR:
Men; Women; Children; Shoes; Football kit.

Thank you!

If you can spare an hour or two to help on the day between 4.30 and 10pm, or want further information, contact farnhamhelpforrefugees@gmail.com or find them on Facebook : farnhamhelpforrefugees

Easter Craft Market

We’ll be holding our Easter Craft Market on Saturday, March 16th, at St Mark’s Church, Alma Lane, from 10am-2pm.

There will be loads of lovely stalls – from candles to clocks, jumpers to jewels, cards to crafty bits – along with refreshments, live music and an Easter Egg hunt!

If you are a crafter who wants to sell your work, please get in touch as we have a few spaces left. Tables are just £12.50 each. You can find out more here or email craft@badshotleaandhale.org or call us on 07842761919.

Mothering Sunday

Sunday, March 10th is Mothering Sunday and there will be special services in all of the churches:

9.30am: St John’s, Hale;
10am: St George’s, Badshot Lea;
11am: St Mark’s, Upper Hale.

Everyone is welcome as we give thanks for all those who care and protect us.  There will be refreshments and posies for everyone.

The day dates back to medieval England, and was once the time when people returned to their ‘mother church’ in their hometown during Lent. This allowed people to reconnect with their families and take a break from their daily routines. The idea was to encourage family connections and encourage them to focus on God during this time. Over time, Mothering Sunday became intertwined with the Christian liturgical calendar, and it was seen as a day to honour the Virgin Mary, often referred to as the ‘Mother of the Church’, recognising her role as Christ’s mother and a symbol of divine compassion and grace.

In modern times, Mothering Sunday in the Church of England is a time for congregations to express gratitude for the love and care provided by mothers and others who care and to recognise that God is both mother and father.

The Farnham Poetry Competition Awards Evening

Did you enter the Farnham Poetry Competition? If so, come to the awards evening on March 9th to find out if you have won. And even if you didn’t enter, come to hear some great poems from the winners, shortlisted poets and others who just fancy a go during our ‘open mic’ session. You can also hear our judges, Linda Daruvala and Coral Rumble perform their poetry.

The theme of this year’s competition was friendship and the awards evening will take place at St Mark’s, Upper Hale, from 5pm on 9th, with the under-16s’ awards being presented first so that children can leave early if they wish.

There will be an interval with refreshments and it will be a fun, stimulating evening.

Find out more at farnhamliteraryfestival.co.uk/event/farnham-poetry-competition-awards-evening and join us there.

A March hare and a March magazine

The March parish magazine is out now and you can download it below.

The last day of the month is Easter Sunday so the magazine contains all our Lent, Holy Week and Easter details, as well as information on other events such as the Farnham Poetry Competition Awards Evening (March 9th), Mothering Sunday (10th), the Easter Craft Market (16th), a collection for refugees (22nd), Unseen Artists (23rd-24th) and many more.

The Badshot Leader takes up the middle six pages with information about the village past and present, including what’s on and planning issues, plus a piece on ‘Badshot Lea’s forgotten hero, William Crumplin.

Elsewhere, there’s a report on Lesley and Alan’s farewell and a thank-you from them; thoughts from Lesley Shatwell, who has just retired; prayer; pictures of events which took place in the parish last month and lots more.

Happy reading and happy Easter!

Serving the Villages North of Farnham: Badshot Lea, Hale, Heath End & Weybourne