The summer heat is really upon us but our magazine is full of cool news and events. Read about Rev’d Lexi, our new rector, meet her dog Bugsy and see what the Church Cat has to say about them. There’s a report on our fete, news of family workshops at the churches courtesy of Farnham Maltings, and yet another dog – Lilli, the Maltese, who is bringing her human, Jenny, to St John’s for a Regency evening of Pugs and Prejudice.
That’s just a brief glance at some of what you can read if you click below. And check out our advertisers too!
There’s a new rector in town. After 16 months with no-one in post, the parish has welcomed Rev’d Alexa (Lexi) Russell as its new rector.
Rev’d Lexi was installed as Rector at a service at St George’s Church on Monday, June 2, attended by parish members, visiting clergy, councillors and other community representatives.
Rt Rev’d Paul Davies (Bishop of Dorking) installed Lexi as Rector, while other parts of the ceremony were conducted by Rev’d Robert Jenkins, Assistant Archdeacon of Surrey, and Rev’d Tara Hellings, Assistant Area Dean.
Lexi was Assistant Curate in the Wythenshawe Team in Manchester Diocese. She is in a civil partnership with Johanna, a doctor, and they have a nine-month-old son Leo.
Lexi said: “What a welcome we have had. I am incredibly grateful to all those who took the time to welcome us into the parish. The lead up to this moment has been immense not just for the parish but also for me, and I’m incredibly excited to see what God has planned for us all.”
Monday’s service had its origins far back in the history of the Church of England and involved giving Lexi the ‘cure of souls’ – the spiritual responsibility for the parish – and the ‘temporalities’ of the parish, that is, the physical buildings and their contents. Lexi was also led round the church in a symbolic series of acts which included having her hand placed on the door and receiving the keys, then tolling a bell; being seated in a chair (the ‘stall of the priest’); pouring water into the font; receiving a large Bible; and placing bread and wine on the altar.
The service was followed by a party with a celebration cake.
Lexi will preside at her first service in the parish at St Mark’s, Upper Hale, on Sunday, June 8, at 11am. All are welcome.
Pictured above from left: Churchwarden Pamela Marsham, Rev’d Robert Jenkins, Rev’d Alexa Russell, Rt Rev’d Paul Davies, churchwarden Kris Lawrence
Pictured below: Lexi and Johanna; Lexi cuts the celebration cake,
Welcome to your June magazine and a host of events, articles, news reports, thoughts and comments. Plus the Church Cat’s annual report and the approach of a Church Dog. Click on the link below to download it.
Our Annual Meeting of Parishioners, for anyone living in the parish, takes place on Sunday, May 18th, at 11.15am at St George’s. This is the meeting at which churchwardens are elected. This will be followed immediately by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) which is for those on the parish electoral roll.
Before the Annual Meeting there will be a combined service starting at 10am. The APCM will be followed by a bring-and-share lunch.
Spring is here and so is the April parish magazine.
Check inside for information about Holy Week and Easter, plus the results of the Farnham Poetry Competition, news from Badshot Lea, the Church Cat and much more.
Join us on Saturday, March 8th at 7pm, for the top 10 hymns/worship songs. as voted for by the parish.
On Saturday evening we will reveal the parish’s favourite hymns and Christian songs and have a good time singing them. People across the three churches voted for their favourites and everyone is welcome to join in singing them.
Did you know there is a Valentine’s Waltz? It’s a bit staid compared with what we have in store for you this February 14th – none other than a barn dance!
The Valentine’s Day Barn Dance will take place at St George’s, Badshot Lea, on Friday, February 14th, starting at 7pm. Kris Lawrence will be the caller and take us all through our paces as we dance to the music of Dragon Scales. Don’t worry – Kris is an expert caller and always explains clearly what we have to do.
If you don’t want to dance, that is OK too. Just enjoy the atmosphere, the music and the sight of everyone else making fools of themselves, er, dancing perfectly!
Entry to the barn dance is free, though donations are appreciated, and there will be a raffle. Bring your own snacks and drinks.
Serving the Villages North of Farnham: Badshot Lea, Hale, Heath End & Weybourne
The Parish of Badshot Lea and Hale 