Church Family News 08.02.26
Dear Friends,
There are exciting things happening with our Parish Magazine that I want to share with you.
As you will know the Parish Mag is a long running and much loved part of village life. It has got a tremendous ‘local feel’ which means that it is read and used regularly.
Hugh and Linda Beadle have been so faithful in their roles as Editor and Advertising Secretary for the Mag. And we want to say an ENORMOUS thank you to them as they step down.
As both of our villages grow, there are two big changes to the Mag that we are going to make from the April 26 edition:
Firstly, we’re going to deliver to all 1500 homes, for free, each month.
And we are going to print professionally, with some pages in colour.
We hope to retain that same local feel. But we hope, that by going to every home, we can better share what is going on at church, and in local clubs and groups and businesses with our community. There is so much going on in our villages, and we want everyone to know about it!
But we need your help! Magazines like this are only as good as what’s inside…
If you have an article you would like to contribute, why not contact our new Editor, Iain Taylor. parish.mag.editor@alflox.org
If you know of any local businesses that might like to advertise, there is a great opportunity to reach 1500 homes each month - be in touch with our Ad Sec, Filip Wach – magazineadvertising@alflox.org
And if you fancy a nice walk once a month to deliver to your street then why not get in touch with Hazel Gravenstede for Loxwood hazel.gravenstede@gmail.com or Liz Simpson for Alfold lizsimpson2203@gmail.com
We meet twice this coming Sunday morning at St Nicholas Alfold. Where we will be in Luke 20:20-40. If you get a chance, please do have a read through beforehand.
8.30am | BCP Morning Prayer
10am | Communion Service | with Kid’s groups and followed by coffee.
N.B. As I will be on away on holiday next week, the YEAR of PRAYER Monday Prayer Meeting, will meet in Alfold Church Room from 10am-Midday this week, run by Richard Allan.
Everyone is welcome & we’d love to see you there!
With love in Christ,
Revd. James Forward
Read on Below the Line!
Lent Course - The Unfolding Story of Easter
The story of Easter is laden with meaning beyond itself. As Jesus went to His cross, He was binding together various strands of God’s salvation plan, and bringing them to a glorious conclusion!
In this season of Lent, as we prepare to worship our risen Saviour, we’re going to come together in our Pilgrim Groups to focus in on three days of Holy Week:
11th March – Maundy Thursday – The Lamb. Christ our Passover lamb.
18th March – Good Friday – The Curtain. Separation and reconciliation with God.
25th March – Easter Sunday – The Firstfruits. The offering and the promise of more.
Please do mark those dates in your diary.
And if you’d like to read the invitation letter, sent out to Pilgrim Groups, you can do so here.
Geoff Davidson Funeral
There are a few details still to be confirmed, but it is very likely that Geoff Davidson’s Funeral will be held at St Nicholas Alfold on Wednesday 25th February at 1pm. Please do put that date in your diary for now, and I will confirm more details in due course. All are welcome.
Women’s Breakfast
Saturday 28th February 09:00-10:30
Women's breakfasts take place every other month in Loxwood Church and everyone is welcome. It is a time to get together, enjoy a delicious continental breakfast with unlimited tea and coffee and listen to gifted speakers talk about a variety of different subjects.
The next breakfast will be on Saturday 28th February. We are welcoming Clare Heath-Whyte to speak about 'The Life of Elizabeth Fry' who was an inspirational Christian as part of the Quaker movement in Victorian times.
The cost is £7.00 per person. We accept cash or card payment on the door.
If you would like to come please sign up using the sign up sheets at Church during Sunday services, the online registration form (https://forms.gle/X56aDNVZRxvTLS5v6) or email alflox.womensbreakfast@gmail.com
Ash Wednesday Service
Join us for the start of Lent. Wednesday 18th Feb. 2pm. Alfold Church.
Church Weekend Away(ish)
This Summer we are going to spend a weekend away together at Loxwood’s North Hall. We will have a guest speaker, activities for young and old, a BBQ & entertainment in the evening. And most importantly of all, the chance to spend some quality time together in God’s word and with each other. For the brave there is a chance to camp on the playing field. For the formerly brave - the chance to sleep in your own bed! Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st of June. Please save the date!
‘Souper’ Saturday Open Garden
All are invited to a Souper' Saturday Open Garden event at Ewan and Rosemary’s garden in Ifold. Saturday 14th March (weather permitting) from 11.30am-3pm. To help raise funds for Little Angels toddler group. Admission is £ what you think, to include homemade soup, bread, and a drink. Parking is limited so please car share where possible. Sandalwood, The Ride, Ifold.
Alpha
The Alpha Course is well underway now. Please do keep praying for the 25 or so people signed up!
Door Knocking Team
The door knocking team are going out again to visit some of the new build homes in Alfold. We’ve found that it’s a great way to welcome new people in our villages, and let them know that they would be warmly welcomed at church. If you’d like to join, they’re meeting at Alfold Church on Saturday 7th Feb at 10am. Contact Iain if you’d like to be involved. taylor.comm@tiscali.co.uk
Little Angels
Is a group for parents and toddler to come & play, have fun, sing songs, learn about God, and make new friends. It meets every Thursday in Loxwood Church 10-11.30am. All are welcome!
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 email Richard Allan 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 4th March. 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.
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.
Giving Sunday
A big thank you to everyone who prayerfully considered their Christian giving to the work of the church back in November. The finance team are working hard to calculate the impact, and will report back to the church soon!
Full details of how to give via the Parish Giving Scheme, either to start a new regular donation, or to amend what you already give, are on our website here.
