Dear Friends,

What does it look like when Jesus is at work among his people?

This Sunday we’ll be continuing in Acts, looking at Acts 4:32–5:16. It’s a striking passage. We see the beauty of the early church’s shared life: generosity, unity, courage, and love. But we also see the seriousness of belonging to the living God. The church is not just a friendly community or social club. It is the people of the risen Lord Jesus, gathered by his grace, filled with his Spirit, and called to live for him.

In the early chapters of Acts we’ve see thousands of people being added to their number each day through baptism. We can’t quite boast those numbers! But wonderfully, this Sunday we’ll also be baptising little Luca Hawkins. Baptism is a beautiful sign of God’s grace and welcome, and a reminder to all of us of the promises of the gospel and the joy of belonging to Christ and his church.

So please do come along as we gather to hear God’s word, pray, sing, encourage one another, and welcome Luca and his family.

We meet twice this coming Sunday in St John the Baptist Loxwood, where Andy Beattie will be preaching on Acts 4:32-5:16. Please do have a read in advance.

8:30am | BCP Holy Communion
10am | Family Worship with the Baptism of Luca Hawkins | with groups for the kids & coffee afterwards.

I won’t be with you this Sunday morning, but please pray for me as I preach at Alfold Chapel. Pray that I would ‘speak God’s word with boldness’ Acts 4:29. And for growing partnership in the gospel in Alfold.

Everyone is welcome & we’d love to see you there!

With love in Christ,

Revd. James Forward

Read on Below the Line!

Bishop of Guildford - Diocesan Consultation

Guildford Diocese are asking for your help to identify the next Bishop of Guildford. They want to hear your views as to the qualities and gifts you believe are most important in our next bishop, as well as the opportunities and challenges facing the Diocese.

You can help by filling out this survey by 8am on Monday 20th July. It will only take a few minutes, and it’s a great way for us each to contribute to the process.

Book for the Summer - God’s Big Picture

As in previous years, Pilgrim Groups are going to take a pause over the Summer Holidays. Instead we are going to recommend a book for us all to read together.

This year it’s God’s Big Picture, by Vaughn Roberts. Reading and understanding the Bible as a whole.

The books will be available to pick up at the back of church on Sunday for £7 each.

Little Angels

Our group for parents and toddlers to learn and play is taking a break over the summer. We start back up again on Thursday 10th of August 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 5th August. We will meet in Alfold 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.