Events 

Please note - with all events advertised below, whilst we are publicising them, the views and comments expressed are not necessarily approved by the Association - unless they have been organised specifically by the Association. 

The Nativity Journey - a play for all the family

11-16 December 2024
Wintershall (Holly Barn, Bramley, GUILDFORD, GU5 0LR)

Come and enjoy the real Christmas story at Wintershall Walk with Mary, Joseph and the donkey on the winding, steep road to Bethlehem.

Register for the census and journey with other travellers, Roman soldiers and shepherds as you enter the stable to watch the miracle unfold.

The Wintershall Nativity Journey is an unforgettable experience, bringing the true meaning of Christmas to life for the whole family.

Each performance lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Please note that some scenes are performed outside and some inside Holly Barn theatre, your visit includes a 10 minute walk up a steep hill. Limited disabled parking is available for those who need it most next to Holly Barn Theatre but this must be pre-booked by emailing admin@wintershall.org.uk 

Book tickets now on their website: www.wintershall.org.uk or call 01483 892167

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**new** Talking Jesus

Saturday 1 February 2025, 11am-3pm
Shoreham Baptist Church (Western Road, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 5WD)
Guest Speaker: Dr Rachel Jordan-Wolf (Executive Director of Hope Together - and the author of the insighful Talking Jesus report)

This event will encourage and equip you to share your faith more effectively.
Discover groundbreaking research into the state of faith in the UK and how best to Talk Jesus in today's cultural conext

The day includes:

• Q&As
• Research facts & stats
• Small group discussion
• Outreach toolds & resources
• Prayer
• Light lunch (*please inform, when booking, of any dietary requirements)

The event is free but donations are welcolme on the day!

To book your place email office.sbc1880@gmail.com - for further information, please contact David Wise. 

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Life Issues programme for 2025 (Godalming Baptist Church)

• Bullying - It's Happening Everywhere - Saturday 25 January 2025, 10am-12.30pm - led by Revd Peter Jackson
  What is bullying? What is the difference between bullying and harassment? We often associate bullying with children but many adults are bullied. In what situations does bullying happen? What are the signs that bullying might be taking place? What does it feel like to be bullied? How do we deal with bullying? Come and join us to look at some of these issues together, and find out ways of combatting bullying whether for our own preservation, or in coming alongside others who are experiencing this intimidating behaviour. The session will be free of charge, but voluntary donations are invited for The National Bullying Helpline. To help with managing numbers, please reserve a place, by Friday 10 January
• Supporting Those Living with Cancer and Beyond - from a Relative's Perspective - Saturday 15 March 2025, 10am-12.30pm - led by Daphne Bleach
  * Do you know what to say, and not to say, when someone says “I have cancer”? * How does a diagnosis of cancer affect someone? * How we can encourage someone to “live well with cancer”? * What help and support is available to patients and their relatives? * Living beyond treatment - the “elephant in the room” * Who is there for those when no further treatment is available’? Following her talk in 2024, Daphne will lead another informative and sensitive talk about how to come alongside and support those living with cancer, to help all of us make the best of the precious time we have together. Please reserve a place, with payment of £7, by Friday 28 February
• Engaging & Empowering Older People - Saturday 26 April 2025, 9.30am-1pm - led by Louise Morse
  What does life hold for us as we get older? How can we continue to make a difference, stay involved and keep well? Led by Louise Morse, a Christian Cognitive Behavioural Therapist, author, and speaker and trainer for The Pilgrims' Friends Society, the morning will cover: God's purpose for older people Faith in later life Christians supporting older people Empowering communities to care How to develop resilience in later life – physically, spiritually and psychologically Please reserve a place, with payment of £8, by Friday 11 April
• Pastoral Care in Challenging Times - Saturday 14 June 2025, 9.30am-1pm - led by Andy Peck
  In this session, we aim to step back and provide an assessment of what pastoral care is and what it isn’t, look together at our mind-sets as we face challenges, and provide a faith-filled expectant outlook that takes Romans 8:28 seriously, knowing that ‘in all things God is at work for the good of those who love him’. Areas looked at will include: • What is pastoral care according to the Bible? • What role might you play in caring for others? • Looking at the five stages of church involvement and the care needed for each • How do we understand the suffering that God allows? • How do we serve at a sustainable pace? • How do we involve others? • How might our care extend beyond the local church? The morning will be a mixture of teaching and small group discussions with time for questions, and notes will be provided. Please reserve a place, with payment of £8, by Friday 30 May
• Trauma: More relevant to every day life than we realise - Saturday 5 July 2025, 10am-12.30pm - led by Libby Williams
  Do you notice yourself or others reacting to seemingly small things in ways that seem out of proportion? Where do these (over) reactions come from? Do you find yourself struggling with certain topics of conversation - feeling like you’d like to escape or noticing you can’t concentrate or keep zoning out? What goes on inside us that makes staying present hard? Do you ever get halfway through a sentence and your mind goes blank, or have a to-dolist but find yourself feeling overwhelmed or procrastinating forevermore? What is happening inside our minds/bodies when this happens? We are familiar with trauma resulting from an accident, abuse or illness, etc. but trauma also encompasses much more. During the session we learn what trauma actually is, where it comes from, and how it is surprisingly relevant to most of our lives. Find out how it effects our bodies, minds, and behaviour, and explore what can be done to help in practical ways. Please reserve a place, with payment of £7, by Friday 20 June

For more information, or to book a place, please contact Sally Pollard pollard3@hotmail.co.uk tel. 01483 428646 

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Oasis in the Desert - Ladywell Retreat Centre Away-Day

Saturday 20 September 2025 10 am–4 pm
Ladywell Retreat Centre, Godalming, GU7 1ST
Led by Linda Chamberlain

A day of refreshment & encouragement for Ecumenical women, in the peace and beautiful surroundings of Ladywell Retreat Centre.

Who would wish to live in a desert? Such an extreme environment - vast, dangerous, lonely & barren. Is there any beauty or benefit to be found in such a harsh place? Many Christians experience 'spiritual deserts'. Let's explore together some aspects of desert life through worship, the Word, testimony & creative activities, & discover God's presence & purpose in desert times.

Cost £28 per person (to include lunch & refreshments) - please reserve your place by Friday 22 August 2025 by contacting Sally Pollard, pollard3@hotmail.co.uk, tel: 01483 428646.