Enjoy this service, especially for toddlers.
Category Archives: Children and Youth
November Toddler Service
Enjoy this service, especially for toddlers.
October Toddler Service
Enjoy this service, especially for toddlers.
All God’s Creatures got a Place in the Choir
There were barks, there was a lot of laughter, there may have been a couple of small accidents, and there was a lot of celebration and blessing at our three Pet Services on Sunday, October 3rd.
Thank you to everyone who came and brought their dogs, their pictures of pets and their cuddly toys, or even dressed in leopard print with a unicorn horn. There was a noticeable, but eminently sensible, lack of cats, but people brought photos of pets who really wouldn’t have dealt well with the dogs.
There was barking, wagging and a lot of enjoyment of pet treats and all the dogs, pictures and cuddly toys came forward for a blessing.
This was also a celebration of the blessings that pets can bring to us and an acknowledgement that God is the God of all – scaly, furry, smooth, two-, three-, four-, five-, six-, eight, 10-, many- and, yes, one-legged things. Snails are God’s creatures too!
As the hymn we sang says:
“All God’s creatures got a place in the choir
Some sing low and some sing higher,
Some sing out loud on a telephone wire,
Some just clap their hands, or paws, or anything they’ve got now”.
Thanks again to Castle Vets for sponsoring the services.
Woof!
Your October magazine is out!
The latest parish magazine is out, full of information about what is going on in your community here in North Farnham, and reflections on life and faith.
This month we consider generosity, particularly generosity of spirit, and celebrate the joy of the recent Confirmation service in the parish. There’s a collection of clothing and other items for refugees, a campaign for a new cancer centre, the return of Messy Church, an invitation to take part in the Big Draw and in a pet service and a reflection on the fact that pets are good for us. All these, along with local community news, local businesses and ideas, prayer and reflection, if you click below:
New Youth Minister in the Parish
We have a new Youth Minister—Michelle Chapman.
Michelle will be a familiar face to the St George’s congregation, to those who attend Bible Book Club, or watch the Toddler services. She joined the parish just before lockdown and has become a key member already. Now she is stepping up her involvement by taking on the role of volunteer Youth Minister.
Over to Michelle for more:
My role as a youth minister
Having worked most of my adult life with children and youth why stop?
I love being a part of the lives of all children and young people. The work is challenging at times, but everyday is different and learning for me never stops. I am constantly learning new vocabulary and I have had my share of explaining some new words to some very elderly ladies, thinking ‘arrrgh, just how do I explain that one?’. One in particular sticks in my mind; do ask me when you see me. If you embarrass easily, then think beforehand!
I am very excited to be appointed as Youth Minister and have already enjoyed leading (with the help of many volunteers over the weeks; thank you to all) the communion-before-confirmation classes and confirmation classes. It great to see our young people develop their faith and discuss the big questions even though we don’t have the answers. It’s a privilege to see our young people progress onto the next part of their Christian journey.
My role will also involve developing the church school links, finding out what the church can do for the schools in the parish. It is a great opportunity to make a difference to the lives of young people within the parish.
The Youth Minister role cannot work without volunteers, so please do get involved where you can. We will be re-starting Messy Church in October and there is an exciting plan in the pipeline for a school-church link which will also involve volunteers during the school day. If you would like to get involved and make a difference to the young people within the parish, please do make contact and keep an eye open on the newssheet.
Every so often I will send out a plea, and even though this is my first write up, today is no exception: Please can you wash and save your single portion yoghurt pots and any glass jars big enough for a battery operated tealight.
Many thanks
Michelle Chapman
To contact Michelle, email michelle.chapman@ntlworld.com or call 07876115458.
The September Magazine is Out
Our September magazine has just been published full of plenty to read and discover for this coming month.
We kick off with the Autumn Fayre (on Saturday, September 4, at St John’s Church, 12-4pm) then take a look at our new monthly craft market, get ready for Harvest, meet our new Youth Minister, have a think about Living in Love and Faith, and look forward to the Confirmation service on September 19. There’s a message from Anne Young in Cornwall, a huge thank-you to Wendy Edwards who is retiring, some thoughts on the changes ahead from the Church Cat and lots more, including local businesses who advertise and support us in our work.
To read all about it, download your copy below, or if you would prefer a printed version email the editor, Stella Wiseman.
JuLY Toddler Service
Enjoy this service, especially for toddlers.
Come to the Community Fete
We are very excited to be able to host the Badshot Lea Community Fete on 3rd July at St. George’s from 12-4pm.
We will be having a barbecue and refreshments, including cream teas. Due to the restrictions still in place, everyone eating or drinking will need to be seated – so it is lucky we have lots of lawn. It should be a lovely atmosphere on the beautiful summer grass.
Sadly, the restrictions mean that the children of Badshot Lea Village School are unable to perform for us but hopefully this will not stop them coming along and enjoying everything on offer. We are delighted to have partnered with the Tice’s Meadow Birders group, who will have an exhibition, Badshot Bloomers, with their exciting news about a new Community Garden and the Community Association. The Sea Cadets will be present and letting people know what goes on in their organisation and the Working Men’s Club will also be represented. Nibbs Gin are producing flyers which will include interesting discounts.
As a new incentive this year, we have invited small businesses to hire a spot in the car park to sell their wares – so there will artists, wax melts, Usborne Books, bath bombs, hand and face creams, children’s bits and bobs, fudge, calligraphy, craft items, our very own ‘Home Produce’ and a good-as-new toy stall. We also have a children’s ‘Tea Cup’ ride.
Don’t forget our Summer Grand Draw with a first prize of £100; tickets are already on sale. We are also running a bottle tombola and a more general tombola. (Any donations gratefully received).
We are all looking forward to a great afternoon of eating, having fun in the sun and coming together as a community.
Looking forward to seeing you all.
The next stage for funding the Youth Hub
We’re delighted to say that we made our initial crowdfunding target of £4,000 for the new St John’s drop-in Youth Hub.
Thanks to everyone who gave so generously we actually raised £4,580 + an estimated £840 in gift aid from 28 supporters over 42 days.
This will enable us to make the north aisle into a good space for the Youth Hub – we will clear the pews, make the floor level and purchase equipment. You can see more here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/st-johns-project
We are now raising money to fund a community youth worker, so we can provide high quality youth work Monday to Friday each week.
To give to this project please consider:
- info@parishgiving.org.uk or call 0333 002 1260
- Or through Sum Up: https://badshotleaandhale.org/2020/05/28/please-give-generously/
- More options here: https://badshotleaandhale.org/how-can-i-give/
To find out more, please get in touch with us – admin@badshotleaandhale.org or revd.lesley@badshotleaandhale.org or call Lesley on 01252 820537.
Many thanks to everyone for your support!
The Parish of Badshot Lea and Hale 