NOVEMBER2015–Greetings from your communications team. This edition of Grapevinehas been compiled by David Green. Please email items for inclusion to by the20th of the monthbefore the month of publication.
2,000 help shape our priorities so far – but have you had your say in the Common Purpose survey?
Nearly 2,000 church members have already taken part in a short online survey aimed at helping shape priorities for the diocese in the coming years.
Bishop Andrew launched the survey in early October where it features on the front page of the diocesan website, encouraging as many people as possible to have their say.
“As we develop our mission priorities as a diocese, it would help us hugely if you could fill in the Common Purpose survey,” said Bishop Andrew. “It’s not very complicated and should take little more than 10 minutes to complete.”
The results of the survey will form a key part of the review of Common Purpose - our diocesan mission strategy.
A short video fronted by Bishop Andrew introduces the survey which will be closing soon, so don’t miss out on having your say online here
Christmas starts with Christ – but not for all!
According to a recent survey conducted by ComRes, 67% of people across the UK don’t believe that the birth of Jesus Christ is the main reason for celebrating Christmas, and 52% don’t feel the religious aspect of Christmas is important.
The Christmas Starts with Christ campaign aims to do something to change that by spreading the key message Christmas Starts with Christ across neighbourhoods and parishes, as well as across social media.
FREE resources – including posters, logos for service sheets and parish mags, gift tags, web banners, and radio ads - for churches and individuals to use in support of the campaign are available here
Is a local school interested in your churchyard?
A new education pack full of resources to help make churchyards even more interesting places to learn has been launched by national conservation charity, Caring for God’s Acre (CfGA).
Containing a wealth of activities and ideas, the pack aims to help teachers and youth club leaders, including Sunday Schools and Scouting or Guiding groups, to use churchyards and burial grounds to their full potential for places to learn.
The education pack includes a 72-page teacher’s guide, photographs, 32 practical worksheets and templates, with activities and learning ideas based around five themes.
Visit click on ‘Resources and Publications’ to download the appropriate materials.
Winter Wellness Toolkit useful for parishes
A Winter Wellness Toolkit from Surrey County Council’s Health and Wellbeing Surrey is helping support people to stay well this winter and could be useful for many parishes.
“This toolkit will be useful for parish teams to help consistently signposting people to the support, available to stay healthy,” says Jo Cookes, Partnership Development Co-ordinator for the diocese.
“Surrey County Council, health colleagues and other partners have published this as part of their winter wellness campaign to help residents at risk access support and information as early as possible.”
For further information please contact Jo Cookes by email to or telephone 01483 790330.
The 16-page toolkit booklet is available here
How to talk about your faith without losing your friends…
…is the working title of a training session the Parish Development and Evangelism (PDE) team is happy to run in your parish or deanery.
“The deal is this. You find a venue and at least 50 people and we will come and deliver a 90 minutes session,” says Director of PDE, Alan Hulme. “It is intended for all Christians who find talking about their faith or sharing it with others difficult and will aim to give people the confidence and vocabulary to begin.”
Please email or telephone 01483 484902 if you would like to find out more.
Journey of the Magi on tour this Advent
Running for over 30 years, Springs Dance Companyis a faith-based, professional company that delivers performances which explore faith and life issues from a Christian perspective. Journey of the Magi, which is touring the country in the run up to Christmas is also available for churches to host. The show portrays the original Christmas story whilst drawing hilarious and poignant parallels with our own preparations for Christmas day. More at
Will your parish take the Advent Sleepout Challenge 2015?
The Church Urban Fund are asking people all over England to give up a night of comfort and organise their own sponsored sleepouts with their friends, families, churches and community groups this Advent.
Christmas is a time for sharing, spreading love and showing others that we care. The Advent Sleepout Challenge will bring communities together and give hope and support to thousands of people across England. Find out more online here
Families Matter looking for help in North Leatherhead and Walton
Families Matter supports families with children 5 years and over who may be suffering isolation, poor mental health, poor child behaviour and more.
Volunteers work within the home for around an hour a week offering a befriending service of early help support – and new volunteers are wanted in the North Leatherhead and North Walton area. Please contact Kelly Hewson by phone07548962881 for further details. The next training package will run in January 2016.
Hearing Champions training and lip-reading courses available now
Details of the latest Hearing Champion training daysare available on the diocesan website here - with spaces available on the lip-reading classes in Godalming and Englefield Green.For more information contact the diocesan deaf and inclusion co-ordinator call 01483 790327 or text 07531 268476.
Trouble finding an organist? Why not train your own?
Organ Taster for Pianists - Saturday November 7, 2.30-4.30pm, St Nicolas Great Bookham, KT23 3PN.
A chance for pianists (and keyboard players) to try the organ, and learn more about the Surrey Organists' Association successful organ student scheme.
More information at - Booking advisable; no charge (donations for refreshments).
A grotto without Santa at The Education Centre from Nov 9
Do you need some inspiration for your Christmas services, children’s or youth work, school’s collective worship or prayer group?
If the answer is yes, then the Advent & Christmas Resources Grotto could be just the thing!For inspiration, ideas, and free mince pies, visit Resource Centre Manager Alison Hendy in the porta-cabin in the car park at the Education Centre, Guildford Cathedral.
Advent & Christmas Resources Grotto Opening times:
Monday 9th November 1am -5pm
Tuesday 10th November 9am -5pm
Wednesday 11th November 9am - 7.30pm- late night opening
Thursday 12th November 9am – 5.pm
Friday 13th November 9am 12pm
Pilgrims needed to progress to Paris on Nov 13-14
Could you commit to joining some of the Pilgrimage 2 Paris onNovember 13-14 (or maybe more)?
On these days, the pilgrimage passes through the east of our diocese, spending the night at Banstead church on Friday October 13. Please join to show commitment to climate change.
If you can take part (for some or all), please sign up at and let the Communications Team know on
Fit for Purpose – exploring your call today on November 14
Saturday 14th November at St George’s Christian Centre, Barnett Wood Lane, Ashtead, KT21 2DA.
‘Fit for Purpose’ is an event for all Christians to come and explore their sense of call to God’s service with other men and women who have responded to their call. Hosted by the Discipleship, Vocation and Ministry (DVM) Team.
For further information, call or email Laurence Gamlen or telephone 01932 874405.
- Saturday, 23rd January is to be a DAY of PRAYER for YOUNG VOCATIONSat Guildford Cathedral and further information will follow from the DVM team soon.
Two practical training sessions by SelfharmUK – Nov 16
Diocesan youth adviser David Welch and Christian charity project SelfharmUK are running two training sessions on Monday November 16 at The Education Centre at Guildford Cathedral. One session is aimed at church leaders and youth and children’s workers from11am-3pm and the other for parents and others interested in the issue from7.30pm-9.30pm.
“Self-harm is a problem in almost every area of society, particularly amongst young people – both outside and inside the church,” says David. “It is thought that around 13% of young people may try to hurt themselves at some point between the ages of 11 and 16.”
The day, run by Rachel Welch from SelfharmUK, will explore both the nature of the problem and how we can respond, in both theological and practical terms.
“The church can make a massive difference for the better - but we need to know how to do it,” adds David. “There will be plenty of opportunity for discussion and questions. For more information visit or please email me ”
Barnabas Fund to visit Christ Church on Nov 14
Christ Church, Christchurch Road, Virginia Water, hosts a Barnabas Fund Speaking Tour Event for Suffering Church Action Week on Saturday November 14, between 1-4pm. Find out more at
Valuing Culture and Faith with the baroness and bishop – Nov 18
6.30-9.30pm on Wednesday November 18 at the H.G. Wells Centre, Church St, Woking GU21 6HJ.Woking People of Faith present an evening with two guest speakers Baroness Warsi and Bishop Andrew on the subject of Valuing Culture and Faith - The challenges of integrating in society whilst retaining our identity.
Three course meal included with £5 ticket. Dress smart casual. More information from Pippa Ross-McCabe telephone 01932 342374. BOOKING ESSENTIAL at
Diocesan Day on Prayer 2015 –Nov 21
Dr Jane Williams, Assistant Dean and Lecturer in Systematic Theology at St Mellitus College.The Challenges of Prayer - Why pray when God knows it already?
Saturday November 21, 10am-1pmat St Paul’s, Camberley, GU15 2AD. Suggested donation £5 - pay on the day.More information from the Revd Sarah Hutton, Diocesan Spiritual Growth Facilitator,
Special needs in church: Removing the divide – Nov 26
Thursday November 26, 7.30pm at St Saviours Church, Guildford.
St Saviour’s Church, Emmaus Road Church and the Diocese of Guildford are running a training evening to equip churches to welcome and support families with children/young people with special needs into their churches.
The evening will include testimonies from families, insight and practical tips from professionals including a Speech and Language Therapist, a former Head teacher from a specialist school, and Occupational Therapists.
For more information and to book a place at this FREE event please contact
Blowing their own trumpet in Chobham – Nov 28
St Lawrence Friends Heritage Trust, in Chobham,celebrates its 20th anniversary with a gala trumpet and organ recital on Saturday, 28 November from 7.30pm.
Crispian Steele-Perkins and Ian le Grice will give a concert at St Lawrence Church to help raise funds for the repair of the tower.
Tickets are £15 - which will include a glass of wine or a soft drink during the interval. The programme will be varied, and will include music by Handel, Haydn and Mozart, as well as well-known pieces by Burt Bacharach and Howard Goodall.
Tickets and more information availablefrom Laura Chatwin
Talking Jesus training session - Dec 8
Interested in what non-Christians really think about Jesus, faith and evangelism?
Visit some new research and pencil in some training with Diocesan Mission Adviser, the Revd Preb Steve Cox, will be delivering a training session to explain the implications of the research at the Education Centre, Guildford Cathedral on Tuesday December 8 between 2 and 4pm. Email see the PDE Training Programme on the diocesan website for more details.
HMD January 27, 2016 - Don’t Stand By
Free resources to support Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) on Wednesday January 27, 2016 are now available. For further information and to register for the resource pack
- local support worker Phil Mears can be contacted for more on HMD if required by phone on 07805 725970 or email
DVM focus on Young Vocations for 2016
The Discipleship, Vocation and Ministry (DVM) team are focusing on Young Vocations in 2016 and events, publicity and information are all planned.
“So watch this space for ‘YOUNG OCCASIONAL PREACHERS’ for 16 – 25 year olds running in 2016,”says director of DVM, Hazel Whitehead. “More details on the diocesan website towards the end of 2015, but if you are clergy, LLMs, youth workers or in any other way involved with 16 – 25s, please give this some thought, talk to appropriate people and register your general interest.”
Register interest by email
- Saturday, 23rd January is to be a DAY of PRAYER for YOUNG VOCATIONSat Guildford Cathedral and further information will follow from the DVM team soon.
Occasional Preachers course in Cobham starts March 2016
The next course for Occasional Preachers will take place over three Saturdays between 10am to 4pm in spring 2016. The dates are:
- Saturday 12th March
- Saturday 16th April
- Saturday 21st May
Venue: St Andrew’s Church Centre, Downside Bridge Road, Cobham.For an application form or more information contact
Regular retreats, worship and prayer at Acorn – what’s coming up?
There’s always plenty going on at the Acorn Christian Healing Foundation in Bordon, Hampshire. More details and full course programme available here
St Columba’s House, Woking – what’s coming up?
Find out more aboutthe latest events planned atSt Columba’s House Christian Retreat and Conference Centre in Woking. November’s highlights includeIntroducing the Enneagram 8 on November 7 and Your journey into wholeness on November 14 – more online here email Caroline Lazenby at or telephone 01483 713005.
WoW bags clean up at church Christmas Fairs!
Wonders of Waste (WoW) bags is an ecological livelihood project working with poor women in the Philippines. It collects used plastic drinks cartons and recycles them into high quality bags. WoW bags are beautiful products which tell a great story, they help families in the Philippines earn a dignified living and they help reduce the amount of plastic in the environment.
Suzette Jones, diocesan health & wellbeing adviser, asks: Would your church consider hosting a stand at your Christmas Fair? Nothing needed but a table for me to display these fantastic items on and I will do the rest! All the money taken goes to the project.”
Please contact Suzette by email to find out more
German Lutheran interns looking for placements – can you help?
The Lutheran Church of Hanover,in Lower Saxony, Germany, are hoping to place members of their own church organisation programmes into Church of England churches and schools as part of an ongoing internship project, to benefit both institutions.
This is a 4-week, EU-sponsored internship at partner institutions in the Church of England, where two or three apprentices would visit at a time, with costs covered.
Internships are planned for February, July and September 2016 and February 2017. If you think your church, parish or school for example might be able to offer help for the programme please email or visit
Good people wanted – great opportunities offered…
For the latest clergy and non-clergy vacancies, in and around the diocese, please visit the new website section where you will find all the regularly updated information on parishes and benefices in vacancy within the diocese along with a selection of the latest non-clergy specific vacancies.
**PA to the Diocesan Secretary - £24,500+ - A busy role working in support of the Diocesan Secretary and as part of the Administration Team.
To act as Personal Assistant to the Diocesan Secretary, providing administrative support to the wider team and to act as Office Manager. Full time position. Closing date Monday November 9 at midday. Full details online here
**Fundraiser and treasurer required for BGF - The Bishop of Guildford’s Foundation (BGF) is seeking two volunteers, one with a financial background and the other with fundraising experience to help take the charity forward on the next stage of its journey with Bishop Andrew as its new chairman.
The BGF is an independent charity which supports churches and church-related organisations which respond to local needs by developing community projects.
Grants are made to a wide variety of causes within the diocese, including charities working with people who have disabilities, family support projects, youth and children's workers, and organisations developing employment for vulnerable and homeless people. More information about the charity can be found on its website: - For more information about either role please contact Geoff Riggs (vice-chairman) on 01252 850222 or Mary Morris (PA to Bishop Andrew) on 01483 590500.
Important dates for the 2016 clergy diary
Tuesday 9th February:Stories of Hope: Christian Discipleship in a Changing Climate
- 7.45pm – 9.45pm at Guildford Cathedral, in the Marquee.
Thursday 11th February 2016: At the End of the Day: A One Day Workshop on Ethical Issues at the End of Life, with The Rt Revd James Newcome, Bishop of Carlisle, at ChristChurch, Woking.
Tuesday 1st March 2016: Baptism Project launch
Thursday 19th May 2016: Funerals Project launch
Bishop Andrew’s Study Mornings in 2016 (all licensed clergy who are not in other paid employment are expected to attend Bishop Andrew’s study sessions):
Thursday 9th June: from 0930-1300 at ChristChurch, Woking
Tuesday 8th November:from 0930-1300 venue to be confirmed
All enquiries to
Some more useful online links…
- What’s on -
- With local school Christmas carol services and Nativity plays being planned all over the diocese, can you really afford to be without the Schools’ team’s Ten Top Tips for success?
- Church of England Weddings Project Your Church Wedding packs are still available from Diocesan House @ £3.50 with guest cards @ £3 per 100 - contact
- FirstPoint and Sight for Surrey have combined forces to provide a mobile support clinic, which tours Surrey offering advice and information and demonstrating equipment for those experiencing hearing loss, vision impairment or combined sensory loss.For more information and to find out when a clinic will be near you visit
- A variety of training courses are on offer from the PDE team covering areas of church life including: Children and Young People; Evangelism and Church Growth; Stewardship and Administration. Open to all. A booklet and more information is online here
- Prevention through Education - Learn how to take preventative measures to help mitigate the risk of crimes affecting your building with a FREE local session between November to February from Surrey Community Action. Full information online
- See the full continuing ministerial development programme for 2014/15 on the website:
- For the latest, subsidisedCofE communications training workshops– including parish communications, media interviews and social/media training by the professionals – all available at Church House in London, please contact r telephone020 7898 1459or visit
- Ecclesiastical Insurance has published a variety of 'Made Simple' guides designed to help churches understand their insurance cover. Click here to access the latest
- Surrey County Council are campaigning to identify hidden young carers – more here
And finally…