Church Family News 16.11.25
Dear Friends,
In our final Sunday in Paul’s letter to the Colossians, we are going to be encouraged with Paul’s words to…
“Make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation always be full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Colossians 4:5&6
That is not always an easy thing to do. But we do have some wonderful opportunities coming up to share Christ with our friends, family and neighbours over Christmas and into the New Year. Not least with our exciting new Alpha Course starting on the 5th of Jan. Read more below the line!
We are going to have a particular focus at church this Sunday on Safeguarding. We want A&L to be a place where all can learn and grow in the knowledge and love of God in safety. Our Parish Safeguarding Officer Ruth Allan will be sharing with us how we can each play our part in making church a safer place for all.
If you ever have any safeguarding concerns. Even if something just feels a little ‘off’ and you are unsure. Please know that you can get in touch with any member of our team, or with the Guildford Diocesan Safeguarding Team and you will be listened to and taken seriously.
Ruth Allan - PSO - safeguarding@alflox.org
Richard Allan - Curate - richard@alflox.org
Andy Beattie - Curate - andy@alflox.org
James Forward - Rector - james@alflox.org
Guildford Diocese Safeguarding - safeguarding@cofeguildford.org.uk - 01483 790379
All are welcome to join us at Loxwood church on Sunday. The Bible reading will be Colossians 4:2-18.
8:30am - BCP Holy Communion.
10:00am - Safeguarding Sunday, with children’s groups, tea & coffee after.
Everyone is welcome & we’d love to see you there!
With love in Christ,
Revd. James Forward
Read on Below the Line!
Alpha
“Is there more to life than this?
What’s the meaning of life?
What am I doing here?”
Alpha is an experience that unpacks the basics of the Christian faith, in an open, friendly environment. It’s open to anyone who’s curious, no matter their beliefs….
Invite your friends who have questions! Bring them along to enjoy a meal, meet new people, watch a talk, and have an open conversation afterwards.
Try Alpha!
Monday 5th January. 7.15pm. Loxwood Church Room.
Beer and Carols
Great Carols. Great Beer. The Great News of Christmas! What’s not to like?
Come and join us for Beer and Carols on Tuesdays 9th &16th December at Firebird Brewery in Rudgwick. We’ll sing 6 of the classic carols, sample some of Firebird’s best brews and hear why Jesus coming at Christmas makes all the difference.
On the 9th December the Bishop of Guildford, Andrew Watson will be joining us. And on the 16th our Rector James Forward will be speaking.
Tickets costs £10 and the Eventbrite booking fee, and it’s a great opportunity to bring friends along.
Tickets can be book at alflox.org/beerandcarols
Pilgrim Groups
Pilgrim Groups are a place of deeper fellowship, where we support one another in prayer, and go deeper into God's word together. If you are not already in a Pilgrim Group and would like to join one, please do e-mail Richard or speak to him in church. richard@alflox.org
Prayer Central
Our 1st Wednesday of the month Prayer Meeting is coming up next on Wednesday 3rd December. We will meet in Loxwood Church Room. We meet at 7.30pm for refreshments, 8pm to sing and pray, and we always finish by 9pm. There is never an obligation to pray out loud. God hears the prayer of our hearts just as well! Please do join us.
Giving Sunday
On Sunday 23rd of November we are going to be joined by Revd. David Senior from Guildford Diocese who has oversight of Stewardship and Evangelism.
He will be preaching for us, and is going to be helping us to think about the joy of giving, and how our generosity can fund our goal to share the gospel with our villages and with the next generation.
Steven Board and I will be writing to you in the next few weeks to ask you to prayerfully consider your monthly giving.
Baptism Sunday!
Sunday 30th November is a date to keep in your diary! At the 10am ALL-AGE Service in Loxwood Angus is going to be baptised with us! We’re borrowing a pool from a local church. Please do join us for the special occasion and keep Angus in your prayers.
Year of Prayer
Psalm 127 says ‘Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain.’ Monday Morning | Alfold or Loxwood Church Room | 9am-Midday | Drop in Drop Out | Come and pray for God to build.
Discover
Have you ever taken the time to discover what Jesus actually said about himself? Come and join us in a relaxed setting as we take a closer look. We meet in the Onslow on Monday nights and look through a bit of John's Gospel (which is a biography of Jesus' life) together. No question is silly or off limits. Everyone is welcome. If this could be right for you or a friend you know, drop me an email at andy@alflox.org Every Monday Night. 7.30-9pm. The Onslow Arms.
