Tag Archives: Bishop Andrew

Cathedral, Events, Prayer, Services

Bishop Andrew’s Funeral

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The funeral of the late Rt Revd Andrew Watson, Bishop of Guildford, who died on March 3 after a short illness, will take place on Monday, March 23, in Guildford Cathedral at midday, and will be live-streamed to churches across the diocese to those who are unable to be at the cathedral.

It has become clear that the cathedral is not big enough to accommodate all those who have said they would like to attend the funeral. Priority will be given to the family and friends of Bishop Andrew; bishops with whom he served in the Church of England and further afield; clergy of the diocese; representatives of different ministries within the diocese and the UK; and representatives of the geographical area covered by the diocese.

A number of seats will be allocated to each deanery so that representatives from each parish may attend. Everyone else is invited to attend on of the live-streamings which, in this area, will be at St. Andrew’s Church in central Farnham. The live stream will be available afterwards on the diocesan website and the cathedral’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Rt Revd Paul Davies, Bishop of Dorking, who will preside at the funeral, said: “I apologise that it will be impossible for us to all gather in the cathedral, but I hope that the gift of technology will enable the next best thing as we gather for fellowship in deaneries, as satellites of the cathedral service”.

Bishop Andrew requested that donations should be made to the cathedral in lieu of flowers, and people are also welcome to sign the physical Book of Condolence at the cathedral or the online book, as well as donate to the Cathedral mission and ministry.  You may also send cheques, made payable to Guildford Cathedral, to Guildford Cathedral, Stag Hill, Guildford, GU2 7UP.

Please continue to pray for Beverly, Hannah, Sam, Joe, Lydia and the whole family and Bishop Andrew’s close friends and colleagues.

If you have been affected by this and would like to speak to someone, please contact the clergy.

Prayer, St John's Church

The death of Bishop Andrew

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It is with both shock and sadness that we announce the death of the Rt Rev’d Andrew Watson, Bishop of Guildford, who died peacefully at home on Tuesday, March 3rd, surrounded by his family, less than one month after he received a terminal diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

You can view here the official announcement made by the Rt Rev’d Paul Davies, Bishop Andrew’s friend and colleague and Bishop of Dorking.

Bishop Paul recalled that in his last email to the diocesan leadershiop team, Bishop Andrew had quoted from St Paul’s second letter to the church at Corinth:
‘So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For our slight, momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, for we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen, for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.’’ (2 Corinthians 4:16).

The text of a letter written by Bishop Paul to the whole diocese may be read here.

St John’s is open today (Wednesday) for anyone who wishes to go in, light a candle and pray, and Guildford Cathedral is open today and tomorrow for the same purpose.

Bishop Paul has written a special prayer for anyone to use:
Heavenly Father, we give you thanks for Andrew, our brother and bishop: for his faith and faithfulness to you in life and in leadership. As we mourn his death and commend him to your everlasting arms, give us the same faith, hope and love rooted in the death and resurrection of your son, Jesus.
We pray especially for Beverly, Hannah, Sam, Joe, Lydia and the whole family. Comfort them with your Holy Spirit and protect them in their grief. And bring us, at the last, with Andrew and all your children, to that eternal joy where you live and reign in glory forever, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Details of the funeral will be announced shortly. In the meantime there is an online book of condolence here and a physical book of condolences in the Cathedral.

If anyone would like to speak to a member of the clergy about Bishop Andrew’s death or anything related, details may be found by clicking here. If specific support is required, these links may be helpful: Mind  wellbeing resources; Macmillan  for information and support.

Baptism

Kazem’s baptism and confirmation

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On Easter Saturday evening (April 16) Kazem Khodamoradi, a member of the St Mark’s congregation, was formally welcomed into the church when he was baptised and confirmed at a beautiful and uplifting service at Guildford Cathedral.

Kazem was baptised by Bishop Andrew, Bishop of Guildford, and confirmed by Bishop Jo, Bishop of Dorking.

Kazem comes from Iran but was no longer safe in his homeland when he converted to Christianity so he fled and made his way to Britain. He currently lives in Hale and started attending St Mark’s towards the end of last year.

Welcome Kazem!

Pictured after the service are: Lesley Shatwell, Kazem Khodamoradi, Bob Shatwell, Alan Crawley, Jacquie Munroe, Jenny Bull, Stella Wiseman, Lesley Crawley and Bishop Jo.