Past Events

Entering into the Christmas story - December 2009

The children of New Life Baptist Church helped the congregation to take a fresh look at the Christmas story. Focussing on the Three Kings and their journey to see the baby Jesus, a blend of carols, drama and prayers enabled everyone to appreciate and understand what had taken place.

Bulb planting at local schools - November 2009

Kate Whiting has been helping to plant spring time bulbs provided by New Life, at Northmead Junior School, Stoughton Infant School and Wood Street Infant School.

Men in Northern Ireland - November 2009

Some of the men from the Church, including Rob Beaumont, spent the weekend of 14/15 in Northern Ireland. Based at the Wilkinsons’ cottage near Ballymena, the men spent Saturday at a men’s conference in Belfast, and the following day undertook an energetic walk to the Giant’s Causeway.

Light in Stoughton - October 2009

The Light Party that took place on 31 October was attended by about 90 children aged between 4 and 11. They participated in craft activities, enjoyed games and enthusiastically sung worship songs.

Return to Italy - October 2009

Rick Farquhar and Marcus Bill paid a return visit to the church at Verbania, Italy, over the weekend of 24-26 October 2009. They shared in the church services and encouraged the congregation.

Community Fun Afternoon - September 2009

The sun shone, everyone was involved – and ice cream was available for purchase – for the Community Fun Afternoon on 27 September. A number of visitors came and joined in, and the event was graced by the presence of the Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Pauline Searle. Speaking to NEW LIFE NEWS, she said, “I really appreciate being at an event such as this”. The Mayor took time to look at the various craft and games activities.

Baptism - September 2009

John and Su Pickerill were baptised at Westborough Church on 26 September. The ceremony was attended by a number of New Life people.

Plenty of praise at the Pentecost Party – May 2009

BIG Ministries from Birmingham led an exuberant group of children at the Pentecost Party on Whit Saturday, 30 May. Lively songs, entertaining stories, puppet sketches and some vigorous games all contributed to sharing the message that God is with us. On the following day, the BIG Team led the Whit Sunday morning service at St Peter’s Church, Bellfields, in a joint family time shared with New Life Baptist. Through songs and sketches the knowledge of God’s powerful presence being with us was clearly presented, a message understood by children of all ages.

Ready4Action – May 2009

A goodly number of young – and some not so young – people from across Guildford shared in this year’s "Ready4Action" activities in Park Barn, Westborough and Slyfield over the May Day Public Holiday weekend.

Geoff Gardiner was involved, along with about 130 other helpers. Four room makeovers were achieved and 70 gardens were tidied up and had fencing renewed over the weekend.

Visit to Verbania – May 2009

Viv and Rob Beaumont visited Verbania in Northern Italy to continue building the relationship with the church and to encourage the pastor Donato and his wife Antonietta. Rob ministered during the Saturday and Sunday services. Rob told NEW LIFE NEWS: "On Saturday, the Lord confirmed the same message Donato had ministered to the church the previous Sunday (different text). In both services the Holy Spirit was powerfully at work and on Sunday His presence was tangible and many received prayer ministry. To God be the Glory! We hope to follow up with a visit in September but in the meantime have committed our Church to pray faithfully for the ministry of the Italian church."

International visitors attend New Life service – April 2009

The morning service on Sunday 5 April provided an opportunity to develop the relationship with Friends International. Guests from a number of countries, including India, China and Singapore, joined New Life’s family – which also has its own international representatives – in learning more about Jesus. After the service there were opportunities to chat with the visitors over lunch.

Skittles at Ewhurst – March 2009

A new social activity for New Life was shared by a group of folk on 21 March. An exciting evening of traditional skittles enabled the players to demonstrate skills of bowling prowess – and it was possible to knock down all nine skittles with one ball. The competing teams, led by Rob Beaumont, Geoff Gardiner and James Jones, had an enjoyable contest, with Geoff’s team winning the contest and Geoff accumulating the highest individual aggregate score. A pleasant meal was shared during the course of the evening.

Every penny counts for Quisley House Trust – March 2009

Children attending New Life Baptist Church have been busy collecting pennies to contribute to a gift to Quisley House Trust, the charity supported by New Life that works with an orphanage in Mbale, Uganda. A total of over £55 has been passed on to the Trust.

Meeting the world over a cup of tea - February 2009

Over 100 parents and children form at least 10 different countries enjoyed an family event on 7 February 2009 organised by Friends International, hosted by New Life Baptist Church at Emmanuel Church, Stoughton.

While parents and friends chatted together, the children took part in a number of activities including face painting, crafts and the energetic use of a “bouncy castle”.

Ruth Archer, a member of Guildford Baptist Church and local co-ordinator for Friends International, expressed her appreciation of the commitment of New Life to the event and thanked the Church for its participation.

Light Party - October 2008

An excited crowd of 135 children aged between 6 and 11, overseen by 50 adults, shared in the Light Party at Emmanuel Church on 31 October. Featuring a group from BIG Ministries, Birmingham, a mixture of music, games and crafts enabled the children to understand more about Jesus being the Light of the World. The event was reported in the "Baptist Times".

Marcus and Rick visit Verbania - October 2008

Marcus Bill and Rick Farquhar visited the church at Verbania, in Northern Italy, from 19 to 21 October 2008. The church is being supported by New Life Baptist Church. Marcus and Rick led teaching and training sessions, took part in the church’s services and spent time with the pastor and his family. They had a very encouraging time and the pastor was very appreciative of the interest given and the action taken by New Life.

Hunger lunch feeds Ugandan orphans – June 2008

A simple meal of soup (with some "extras" for the children) was enjoyed by number of New Life families on 30 June. Hosted by the Mole family, the lunch provided an opportunity to collect money contributions to pass on to Quisley House Trust, the charity linked with care of orphans in Uganda that is supported by the Church. The sum of £102 was raised.

Clean cars help Ugandan charity – May 2008

The cars of New Life Baptist Church’s members received a special wash and clean on Sunday 25 May by the Church’s children, who raised £118 for Quisley House Trust, the charity supporting orphans in Uganda. "Everyone had a good time", reported Kate Whiting, "though some of the children ended up as wet as the cars!"

Children enjoy family fun at Emmanuel Church – April 2008

There was a good attendance at the Family Fun Morning on 12 April at Emmanuel Church. 58 children came along and took part in a variety of games and craft activities. "There were more children than I had expected", commented Kate Whiting, "but we had a great time!"

Tasty support for Uganda – April 2008

A cake sale by New Life’s children was a tasty way to raise money for Quisley House Trust, the organisation supported by the Church that links with Impact Child-Care in Uganda. The sale produced £40, which the Trust passed on to enable food, clothing and other needs of orphans looked after by Impact Child-Care to be met.

Friends International afternoon event a success – February 2008

The afternoon family time for Friends International on 9 February at Emmanuel Church was a great success. Over 100 people representing 14 nations came along. There were fun and games for the children, while the adults were able to chat together freely. Ruth Archer, from Guildford Baptist Church and one of the organisers of the event, reported, "Many of those who came were surprised at the openness of the church and were impressed by the friendliness we showed – this changed their impression of Christians! They were also amazed at being able to enjoy free food!"

Home Groups engage in Local Mission - 2007 to 2008

Inspired by the experiences of a church in Adelaide, Australia, the leadership at New Life Baptist Church gave each of their home groups £100, preached a sermon on the 'Parable of the Talents' and encouraged them to set about using the funds to benefit and bless either an individual, a family or a charity in the locality. This is what they got up to with the money...

Rick, Jon and Sue's group felt called by God to focus on the theme of widows and orphans. This led them to support folk in the church and local community who found themselves in difficult circumstances. The Lord provided opportunities for them to help in a number of ways, both financially and practically. This included using the funding to send one young lad on an adventure holiday with the local YMCA.

Geoff Gardiner and Andy Roger's group have spent a day clearing and tidying the grounds, hedges and pond at the Stoughton Cub Hut (on the Stoughton Road). It was hard work but extremely good fun.

Duane, Lynne and Liz's group have hosted a seventies and eighties "Skool Disco", using their funds to book a DJ. Proceeds of this fundraiser (which included a school dinner) amounted to over £1200. The funds went to support the work done in our local secondary schools by the Relational Youth Workers who are employed through The Matrix Trust.

Nicky Bill's group "adopted" an overseas family through the church's links with Friends International (also see Local Mission for further information). The group have also supported various other Friend's International events.

Janet Wilkinson's ladies group persuaded a number of eating establishments in and around Guildford to donate vouchers for meals. These were raffled at the annual church Bar–B–Que and £750 was raised to support Guildford Action, a local charity that runs an open door drop–in service for homeless people, families in need and those with mental health problems.