Right Reverend Andrew Watson, the Bishop of Guildford, has revealed he has been diagnosed with inoperable cancer. In a letter to people across his diocese, Watson said he had been having "a persistent band of pain" in his stomach, which left him not wanting to eat and losing weight.He said he was told last month that he had a "substantial" tumour in his pancreas, which had been "interacting" with his spinal cord and central nervous system.He added that a scan had found smaller lesions on his liver. Bishop Andrew added: "The results of further investigations - a biopsy and MRI scan - came through last Thursday, revealing both the primary tumour and the secondaries to be cancerous and inoperable."He said he expected to undergo chemotherapy "to make life a little more comfortable".Watson said: "I am hoping to be able to fulfil my responsibilities as Bishop of Guildford for a while longer (with Easter as my first landmark) whilst recognising too that any decision we make at this point is necessarily provisional."We will make alternative arrangements if I need to step back."The speed of events since the New Year had been a "severe" shock, Watson said, adding there had been "plenty" of tears."Those with great faith might wish to pray for my complete healing, and that, of course, would be wonderful," he said. "But cheerfully persisting towards a good death also bears testimony to our living Lord."Ending the missive, he said: "Whatever the future holds, I remain deeply grateful to God for the journey of the past 64 years."The Diocese of Guildford said Watson was "currently awaiting further information regarding medical options to support his comfort and care" and he had advised colleagues he hoped to continue his responsibilities "as long as his health permits".Click on the attached document to read Bishop Andrew's letter.
This Sunday (February 1st) is the Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple, commonly known as Candlemas, the end of the Christmas/Epiphany season. <br>Our special Eucharist to mark this festival will include the blessing of candles that we bring from home. These can be lit for special occasions in our own homes during the year, such as anniversaries, birthdays or religious occasions that are particularly significant for us as individuals or families.<br>If you are able to come please try to remember to bring a candle to be blessed. Any candle will do - a dinner candle, scented candle, pillar candle etc, whatever works for you!
Christian Solidarity Worldwide is a human rights charity working to protect and release all people whose religious beliefs are banned or compromised by national governments.CSW is an influential, British-based group who fight for all people denied the right to freely follow their religious beliefs. Andrew Saul, one of their key ambassador's, is visiting Cafe Church at the Winn Hall on December 8th as our guest speaker.Come along to meet Andrew and hear his riveting insight into why CSW’s work is so important and how you can help. A continental breakfast will be served from around 9.45am before we hold our relaxed service. Everyone is welcome.
The theme of our Lent course this year will be ‘Draw Near: Life-giving habits for Lent’.<br>It’s a campaign organised by the Church of England for use by the worldwide Anglican communion. In recent years we’ve held our various courses in the Sun Inn, Dunsfold and we’ll be back there for Lent 26 starting on Tuesday, February 17th and running for six weeks to March 24th. <br>We’ll start at 7pm with a simple meal and follow the lead of Jesus and his disciples by eating together and sharing fellowship.After that we’ll be watching some videos and during the course discuss sharing in worship, sharing in prayer, sharing the Scriptures, sharing communion, sharing in service and sharing the Good News.<br>Each week a specialist contributor will explore a different one of these aspects and we will also have special videos created by leading lights in the Diocese of Guildford.<br>Archbishop-elect Sarah Mullally and Archbishop Stephen Cottrell said: ”Draw Near is all about teaching us how we can cultivate the habits and practices that will draw us nearer to God. And we will find that, in doing so, God will draw nearer to us, too.”<br>To help us plan our course please email David Walker to sign up asap. He can be contacted at <u><a href="mailto:davidwalker2020@hotmail.co.uk">davidwalker2020@hotmail.co.u</a>k </u><br>Also, for many years we have staged Lent lunches in Dunsfold and Hascombe with the funds raised going towards the Bishop of Guildford’s Community Fund. We’re planning to do the same this year. The lunches are simple affairs with soup and cheese and biscuits. If you would like to stage one please contact Pam Walker on 01483-201140. She will be hosting a lunch and organising a diary of events.<br>
