Why?

St Michael’s Camberley has been a landmark in Camberley since 1851 and a place of blessing for generations – and I have the genuine pleasure of being the vicar.


It is our duty to safeguard the building and in realising the importance of doing so, we are also seeking to provide community space for the coming generations by entering into one of the most exciting projects I’ve been involved with. The key points are:

• We will replace the tired, cramped hall with a new community space that will be a blessing to all the people of Camberley, especially in the Yorktown and West Camberley area where there is a shortage. The design is innovative and respects the Victorian spirit of the existing church, while being carefully planned for the needs of the 21st century.
• The interior of the building is being enhanced - preserving the heritage and beauty, but making the church safe, easily accessed, flexible and open for all.
• The very fabric of the building – the roof, spire and stonework – all need preserving

After extensive preparation, consultation and research, planning permission has been obtained from Surrey Heath Borough Council for the renewal of St Michaels's and we are now ready to appeal for funds to make this all happen. If you would like to see the plans I will be happy to share the details with you.

Connect Counselling Service

• Connect is a registered, Christian charity providing a professional counselling service to the community, offering help and support to individuals over 18, couples and families experiencing a wide range of problems and difficulties.
• Counselling is based on listening, not giving advice and helps people find their own solutions and make their own decisions.
• Connect offers counselling to anyone, irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, religion or ethnic origin.

Last year we held 1916 sessions for people looking for a safe, non-judgmental space where they can explore problems and find their own solutions.  We see clients with various issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, the breakdown of a close relationship, bereavement, abuse or other trauma.

Our counsellors:

• have undertaken training to Diploma or Degree level in Counselling. In addition we offer placements to trainees in the final stages of their training.
• abide by the Code of Ethics and Practice of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and the Association of Christian Counsellors.
• work under regular supervision.
• are practising Christians.

There is no fixed charge for sessions but clients are asked to consider a weekly donation to help meet our costs. However, no one is refused help through lack of funds.

The current financial situation is hitting our clients hard. Client donations towards their sessions are down and this is impacting the charity.

 

Often those struggling the most are the least able to give very much, so we must find other ways to cover our costs.

I have been a trustee of Connect for over 15 years and have been thrilled to be part of this exciting project that has been a blessing to so many people. I am therefore seeking to raise funds through sponsorship and would really value your much needed support. Thank you very much.

In September 2006 I walked 410 miles from Camberley to Santiago de Compostella, a famous place of pilgrimage in north west Spain. I said at the time that it was a spiritual pilgrimage and that I was not seeking sponsorship, but I also said I’d come back when the time was right!


Now I plan to walk 350 miles from Camberley to Lindisfarne - also known as Holy Island and also a place of pilgrimage. You will find there the headquarters of the Community of Aidan and Hilda, of which I am a member. St Michael’s is only 161 years old, but this walk is a reminder of our Christian Heritage in these islands, going back at least to the seventh century. (On the way I will stop for the Guildford clergy conference held every three years in Swanwick.)


As I go, I invite you to sponsor these two important projects. I will keep in touch on Facebook and Twitter – and will hugely appreciate your encouragement, comments and support!


Revd Bruce Nicole (@StMikesOpen4All)