BETCHWORTH’S THIRD ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL 30TH NOVEMBER – 1ST DECEMBER 2019
Another wonderful weekend of creativity, happiness and community spirit took place in St Michael’s on the weekend of Advent Sunday. 21 local organisations provided a tree, the rule being as usual ‘make it out of anything but a tree’. The ideas behind them were full of inspiration, and ranged from thoughtful to wacky! At the centre stands our latest knitted Christmas tree, created by a community of knitters from cot blankets and comfort squares for premature babies.. Pam Armitage describes this year’s theme: ” The blankets are for premature babies in three neonatal units [two local, at East Surrey and Epsom Hospitals, and one in Manchester where there is a growing number of refugee families]. Each blanket is teamed with two small ‘comfort’ squares. The mother keeps the squares close to her skin for a while, then one square is placed in the incubator with the premature baby and the other the mother keeps close, then the squares are swopped. This way although the mother cannot be in close contact, the baby can get the scent of mum all the time. This apparently is a great comfort to the little ones. The blankets are something very special to take home to remind the family of just how special their little one is.”
On the morning of Advent Sunday, 1st December, we were privileged to welcome the Rt Rev Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Southwark, to preside and preach at a Family Parish Communion.
Bishop Christopher later ‘tweeted’ his enjoyment and appreciation of the day:
Later on Sunday, at an informal act of worship, the two trees that had gained the most votes were announced:
Adults’ winner: Brockham Bonfire Committee (their first appearance at the festival).
Children’s winner: Brockham Cub Scouts.
NEW RECTOR
Our new Rector, the Rev’d Anna Moore, was inducted and licensed by the Bishop of Croydon, Jonathan Clark, on the 10th April at St Michael’s Betchworth as Rector of the United Benefice of Betchworth and Buckland. It was a lovely occasion with a full church including members of Anna’s family, friends from St Marks Reigate where she was the curate, many members of both congregation and local civic dignitaries including Nigel Husband chairman of Buckland Council who formally welcomed her on behalf of the Parish Council. She lives in the Rectory Betchworth, and we are looking forward to a new page in the church’s life in Buckland and integration with the village.
Linda & Bernard, Churchwardens
On the 12th June 2016 a special Matins Service was held at St Michael’s in Betchworth to mark the 90th Birthday of Her Majesty The Queen.
Below, please find the service sheet as well as the sermon by Reverend Canon David Eaton for the 90th Birthday Celebration of Her Majesty The Queen.
St Michael's Church Betchworth 