ABOUT US
Our Mission
Our aim is to worship, witness and serve; and to grow in faith and love.
We acknowledge Jesus Christ as the head of the Church and seek in all things to serve and follow him.
Our History
Godalming United Church (GUC) is situated beside the River Wey in Godalming, Surrey. Built in 1903, the premises have been continuously extended and improved, and are used throughout the week for worship and community activities. GUC was formed in 1977 through the amalgamation of the Methodist and United Reformed churches in the town.
Our Worship
Our services use a variety of music and expression to help you, whatever your age and background, to offer God your praise and thanks. Everyone is welcome to come to services and to take Holy Communion. Our worship is broadly traditional, with an emphasis on preaching, but with freedom to use contemporary music and other forms of communication. There is an opportunity to share personal joys and concerns in prayer.
Fellowship
To enhance weekly worship, fellowship is an important aspect of the life of Godalming United Church. It includes membership of organised groups, pastoral support and more informal networks.
Regular Church-linked activities include Bible Study, Prayer Fellowship, Life Groups (homegroups), Monday evening discussion group, Thursday Fellowship, and Hobbies Group. There is also the opportunity to take part in Lent Study Groups and Alpha courses run in conjunction with other Godalming churches, and other courses and workshops run by the URC Synod and the Methodist Circuit and District.
All are welcome at weekly Friday lunches and eMerge Sunday breakfasts. GUC has a Pastoral Assistant who works closely with the Minister. There is a network of Pastoral Visitors who keep in touch with members in their group. There is a Prayer Chain which functions in confidence. The Minister is always willing to make home visits where appropriate.
There are social events throughout the year, including meals, entertainments and celebrations. The annual pantomime involves a large number of children and adults from the local community and is enjoyed by many more.
See the ‘What’s On‘ page for details of upcoming activities.
Membership
All who attend worship at Godalming United Church are encouraged to become Church Members. Members have made a public commitment to follow Christ and serve within His Church. They have made promises to God and to each other. Together they will help one another to be true to the call of Jesus that we should love God wholeheartedly and our neighbours as ourselves.
When someone becomes a member of Godalming United Church they hold membership of both the Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church. Both traditions understand membership as a two-fold covenant – between each member and God and between each member and all other members.
You may have questions to ask about Church Membership. More information is available to help you make your decision to join the Church with confidence. There are ways of renewing membership that has lapsed, or transferring membership if you have moved from another place, or becoming a Church Member for the first time. Whatever your circumstances there is a way for you to belong.
If you want to know more about Church Membership please use the ‘Contact Us‘ page or email enquiries@guc.org.uk
Outreach
GUC has always been involved in charitable work and outreach in the local community, throughout the UK and abroad. Church members regularly organise fundraising events for charitable causes that reflect Christian values.
The profits from Friday lunches, where all are welcome, are given to local charities. GUC financially supports the work of the youth workers in the Godalming-based Trinity Trust Team.
Donations to charities supporting people in the UK are often made at Harvest and Christmas time, and through sponsored events such as walks.
For many years the Mission and Outreach committee has raised money and organised shipments of equipment to The Gambia and Sierra Leone and GUC members have close contacts with these countries. Church members regularly respond to appeals for disaster support by charities such as Christian Aid and Save the Children.
GUC uses Fairtrade products whenever possible, and there is a monthly Fairtrade stall on Sunday mornings. The extensive premises at GUC are used throughout the week by many community groups including Toddlers’ group, Rainbows, Brownies, Cubs, Scouts, and Al-Anon. The hall and church are used for fundraising events such as concerts and drama