Dear Friends,

Two exciting bits of news to tell you about! And two things you need to do… ‍

One… Tickets for Beer and Carols 2026 are now live! Book them here.

As in years gone by, we’re at Firebird Brewery on the 8th & 15th December, to sing some great carols, taste some great beers, and celebrate the great new of Christmas.

It’s a terrific event, and a brilliant thing to invite our non-Christian friends along to. Tickets always sell out fast, and so this is what I’m asking you to do…

Tell your friends, and get your tickets booked in the next two weeks.‍ ‍

We don’t run this for a jolly (although it is very jolly). We run it because we want people to hear the life-changing, good news of Jesus. And so please be thinking, praying and inviting those friends who need to hear about Him.

Secondly, our search for a full-time Kid’s & Youth Pastor is now live!

You can see our job advert here.

Please could I ask you to send the advert on to anyone who might be interested? And to pray non-stop between now and the 20th November (closing date), that this advert would find itself in front of the exact person of God’s choosing.

This Sunday we’re continuing in Genesis 18, where Abraham stands before God and pleads for the wicked city of Sodom. It is the first extended prayer in the Bible, but it is more than prayer: Abraham is acting as a priest, standing between the judge and the accused, asking whether the righteousness of a few could cover the wickedness of many. It is a remarkable glimpse of God’s mercy and justice.

But Abraham’s prayer stops short. He gets down to ten righteous people and then goes home. And that leaves us longing for a greater priest: one who will not stop pleading, one who will give his life for the people he represents, and one whose perfect righteousness really can cover the wickedness of many. This Sunday we’ll see how Abraham points us to Jesus, our great high priest, who saves us for his sake.

We meet twice this coming Sunday morning in St Nicholas Alfold.

8.30am | BCP Morning Prayer |
10am | Holy Communion | with groups for the kids and coffee afterwards.

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

With love in Christ,

Revd. James Forward

Read on Below the Line!

Women’s Breakfast

Our next women’s Breakfast is Saturday 17 October, Loxwood Church, 9.00 – 10.30am, where we will be joined by Rebecca Hunt, a leading barrister whose legal work supports Christians who suffer at work because of their faith. Rebecca will be talking about “Law and Faith”, what it’s like to be a Christian lawyer and her role as both barrister and manager of the charity, Christian Legal Centre.

For £7 you will receive a wonderful breakfast with lots of fresh fruit, granola and croissants, with coffee and tea throughout the morning, a stimulating speaker to listen to and the chance to mix and socialise with both new and old friends. For catering numbers, it is very helpful if you sign up for the event at www.alflox.org/womens-breakfasts Or email alflox.womensbreakfast@gmail.com

Alpha Jan 27

There’s a seat for you on Alpha.

Starting on Monday Jan 4th from 7.15pm for 7.30pm to 9pm in St John’s Loxwood. Sign up on-line on www.alflox.org/explore-faith.

Little Angels

Our Thursday morning toddler group, Little Angels, is back this week!

Little Angels is a relaxed and friendly group for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, parents, grandparents, and carers. There’s plenty of time to play, chat, enjoy refreshments, and get to know other local families. Each week we also have a short Bible story, some singing, and a simple reminder of God’s love for us and our little ones.

We meet on Thursdays at 10am at Loxwood Church.

Whether you come every week or have never been before, you would be so welcome. Do invite friends, neighbours, children, grandchildren, or anyone you know who might enjoy coming along.

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 November. 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.