Dear Friends,
I’m really excited to tell you about all that is going on this Christmas. We have so many opportunities to bring our friends and neighbours along, and to share the glorious good news of Jesus! Here is a sneak peak at the Christmas Card soon to be delivered around the Parish.
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.
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
This Sunday we are meeting to worship God and to study His word. Our passage this Sunday comes with a warning. It is Genesis chapter 22 and the story of Abraham and Issac and the sacrifice on Mount Moriah. It is a deep and wonderful story, which can also be troubling and upsetting. My prayer is that we will handle it (and one another) with gentleness and understanding.
8:30am | Loxwood | BCP Holy Communion.
10:00am | Loxwood | Family Worship | with children’s groups, and refreshments afterwards.
Everyone is welcome & we’d love to see you there!
With love in Christ,
Revd. James Forward
Read on Below the Line!
Men’s Brekkie
We are delighted to have Richard Everett as our guest speaker. In the words of the Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt Revd James Jones, Richard is 'a playwright with a calling, a wordsmith whose art explores the boundary of life and faith'.
Richard will bring his warmth, humour and faith together as he shares time with us over breakfast.
When. Sat 14th Nov
Where. Onslow Arms
Time. 8.30 for 9am breakfast, 10am finish
Cost £12
Please sign up 'in church' or drop Andy a note at andy@alflox.org
Scratch Choir
Have you got a good singing voice? Have you got a bad one? We need you to join our Scratch Choir! All you need is enthusiasm!
What? To lend an enthusiastic lead at our Traditional Reading & Carols Services.
When? 6.30pm Sunday 13th Dec in Loxwood. 6.30pm Sunday 20th Dec in Alfold. We will meet at 5.15pm for a brief rehearsal on the 14th and at 5.45pm for rehearsal on the 21st.
How? Get in touch with Emily Cross to let her know if you're keen. office@alflox.org
Who? Everyone!
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.
George’s Baptism
We are delighted to say that George Blacklidge has made the decision to be baptised! We are going to baptise him on Sunday 13th December with the help of our friends at Alfold Chapel.
We will meet as normal on Sunday 13th at 10am in St Nicholas Alfold for worship, and then after the service we are going to walk, en-masse, up to Alfold Chapel (3 mins) who have kindly allowed us to use their baptistry. James Forward is not in charge of the immersion heater this time!
Please do be there to support George, and to pray for him as he starts out in the Christian life. We will have tea and coffee with Alfold Chapel afterwards, but if a few people would be willing to bake for the celebration, please could you let Emily know. office@alflox.org
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 2nd 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.
Loxwood Church-yard Working Party
Every now and then our wonderful churchyards need a bit of extra TLC. So on Saturday 28th Nov from 10am to about 2pm we’re going to get together to give Loxwood Church-yard a bit of a clean up. The Rectory will provide bacon sandwiches at lunchtime!
If you’re able to help please bring your gardening gloves, and whatever tools you have handy. And if you could let Trev know at churchwarden@alflox.org
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 |
Kids & Youth Pastor
We are hiring for a new Kids & Youth Pastor! 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.
