Welcome Friends
Dear Friends, As the nights draw in and the year nears its close, we find ourselves once again at the heart of the Christmas story: a story of light breaking into darkness, and of hope born in the most unexpected of places. On that first Christmas night, shepherds watched over their flocks in the stillness, when suddenly the quiet skies were filled with the song of angels: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace.” The shepherds — ordinary people, living ordinary lives — were the first to hear the good news that God had come among us in Jesus, bringing light, peace and love to a troubled world. This same light still shines today. In times of uncertainty, fear or weariness, the message of Christmas calls to us afresh: that God’s love is not distant, but here, with us and for us. Whether you are full of festive joy or feeling the weight of the year, you are warmly invited to join us in celebrating this season of hope. Come and hear again the angels’ song, and let the light of Christ bring peace to your heart and home. With every blessing for a joyful and peaceful Christmas, Rev Tansley
As usual If you have any items which you would like included in the newsletter, please email newsletter@ssaparish.org
1. Sunday services
Sunday 21st December
Fourth Sunday in Advent
9.15am Creative Worship [St Michael's Church]
10.30am Holy Communion [St Michael's Church]
Readings: Isaiah 7. 10-16 and Matthew 1. 18-end
- Leading: Amanda Bourne
- Preaching: Mike Francescon
- CW on duty: Geoff Donovan
- Organist: Joe Adams
- Chalice: Elaine Finch
- Intercessions: Mike Cross
- Reader one: Stewart McNair
- Reader two: Melanie Trapnell
- Sidesmen: Kate and Andrew Vallance
- Coffee: Elaine Knowles and Geoff Donovan
10.30am Carol Service [All Souls' Church]
- Leading: Rev Tansley Jordan
- CW: Liz Moore
- Organist: Judith Usher
6.00pm The Longest Night [St Michael's Church]
Your Parish team
- The Parish Office will be closed between Monday 22nd December 2025 and Monday 5th January 2026 inclusive. No emails or voicemails will be accessed during this period.
- Rev'd Tansley will be on leave between Friday 26th December and Monday 5th January inclusive.
- Vicar: Rev Tansley Jordan: vicar@ssaparish.org (day off - Friday)
- CW: Octavia O'Donoghue: octavia.odonoghue@ssaparish.org
- CW: Liz Moore: liz.moore@ssaparish.org.
- CW: Geoff Donovan. Email to follow. Please contact the office to get in touch with Geoff.
- Treasurer: Richard Piller: treasurer@ssaparish.org
- Parish Office: Nicola Hughes: admin@ssaparish.org / 07717 477390 (Mon-Fri 9am-3pm). Please contact Nicola for all life services related questions (Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals). If you phone out of office hours, please leave a voicemail which will be picked up the next working day.
2. For your Diary
- Decorating St Michael's Church for Christmas: Saturday 20th December. We are going to be decorating St Michael's with festive flowers between 9:30am -11am, on the Saturday morning. All are welcome to come along and help. Please let Octavia know if you wish to arrange a floral display: octavia.odonoghue@ssaparish.org
- Card for Good Causes, All Souls' Church: **Closing on Friday 19th December** Thank you to everyone for your support.
- Sunday 28th December: 10.30am, Holy Communion by extension (All Souls). There are no services at St Michael's on this date.
- Prayers and Potatoes: We next meet for Prayers and Potatoes on Monday 5th January 2026, 11.30am at St Michael's Church.
3. Advent Book and Discussion Group
Next Discussion group dates: 5th January at 7pm.
This year's parish Advent book is 'Embracing Humanity' by Rev'd Doctor Isabelle Hamley. It has daily bible readings and reflections which you can use in your own devotions at home. We will also be hosting an evening discussion group based on the weekly themes in this book for those who would value journeying deeper with others - these will be held on Monday evenings at 7pm at the Vicarage. Please let Tansley or Nicola in the office, know if you would like to join us. About the book: (From the back cover) Isabelle Hamley explores what it meant for God to become flesh and how this enables us to understand what it means to be human. Seeing humanity in a new light. God became flesh at Christmas. But how does God, who created all things, live within the limitations of humanity – limitations that humanity itself often resents and tries to transcend? And what does it truly mean to be human? As contemporary society grapples with questions of identity, justice and medical ethics, Embracing Humanity deftly explores how different aspects of being human are both inhabited and transformed in the incarnation.
Isabelle Hamley is currently Principal of Ridley Hall, Cambridge. She is a theologian, writer and broadcaster and has previously been theological advisor to the House of Bishops and chaplain to the Archbishop of Canterbury as well as a parish priest, chaplain and probation officer. The book can be ordered from either of the below links: Amazon: £8.95 (Available on Prime with free delivery) Church House Book Shop: £8.99 (+£2.99 delivery)
4.Christmas Eve
There are 3 services on Wednesday 24th December. We warmly invite you to one (or all!).
5. Christmas Morning - Holy Communion
10.00am at St Michael's Church - Whole Parish service.
6. Volunteer Roles
The time you give really does make such a big difference.
South Ascot Village School: SAVS school are hearing from anyone interested in volunteering to help at their breakfast/after-school clubs. For further information please contact the school on 01344 622118 / main@southascotvillageschool.org.uk
Cards for Good Causes: Cards for Good causes are returning to All Souls' for their festive pop up card shop. A wonderful initiative, raising money for multiple different charities through the sale of Christmas and other occasion cards, gift wrap, candles and small gifts. They are looking for volunteers to help run the shop if you are able to offer some of your time, please do get in touch.
Food Share: The food share at All Souls' Church, is looking for volunteers to help with food collections (Thursday afternoons), set up (Thursday evening) and help during the actual Food share (Fridays from midday). If you're able to offer a few hours of your time, please contact Debbie: debbie@vandewaal.com
7. Parish Giving
Every day it costs almost £700 to run the parish and look after our beautiful buildings. As a charity we are completely reliant on the generosity of our congregations and visitors - we don't receive any money from the government or from the National Church.
We want to thank all of you who already give so much to support the life of our church. Your generosity helps mean that we are able to be beacons of God's love to our local communities, and ensure that our ministry here will be able to continue for future generations.
Parish Giving Scheme
If you would like to make a donation towards our work, either regular or one-off, please consider signing up to the Parish Giving Scheme. The scheme is easy to join and if you want to change the amount you give in the future, it is easy to change at any time.
Cheque or Cash
If you would prefer to give via cash (or card) there are sum-up machines in each church, and a collection is taken during services. Alternatively you are welcome to place your gift in an envelope and give them to Nicola in the parish office, who will ensure they are locked securely in the safe.
Cheques can be made payable to St Michael and All Angels PCC
(Please note - our volunteer counters meet once a month to count cash collections and donations, so it may be a few weeks before your cheque is cashed. Thank you for your patience!)
Thank you
8. Regular Groups
All Souls' Church Coffee Shop: Closed between Monday 22nd December and 2nd January.
Our coffee shop at All Souls' Church is open between 10.00am and 12.00pm each weekday. Come along and enjoy tea, coffee, homemade cake and good company.
Prayer Group: We will reconvene in January.
Our new, weekly prayer group is held in All Souls' Church every Thursday morning at 9.30am. A safe, quiet space to reflect and offer prayers. All are welcome.
Activities in All Souls' Church: Closed during the Christmas period.
- Tuesdays: Art Class [10am-12noon]. Free
- Tuesdays: Chat and Craft [2-4pm].
- Wednesdays: Seated Zumba [10.30-11.15am]. Small admission charge.
- Thursdays: Games Mornings [10am-12 noon]. Free.
Ascot Memory Group:
We are delighted to bring you details of a new monthly event at St Michael's Church Hall: 'The Ascot Memory Morning'. Held on the third Wednesday of every month - it is a relaxed, informal setting where carers and loved ones can have a coffee and a chat with others travelling a similar journey. No booking required - just turn up.
Ladies Fellowship: Ladies Fellowship will next meet in January.
A wonderful and friendly group of ladies meet at St Michael’s Church Hall every Thursday morning between 10.30am and 12 noon. Some attend St Michael’s Church, some attend All Souls’ Church, some do not attend church. It’s a glorious and inviting, free weekly get together for ladies of all ages. Please do come along - new members are always welcome (and the lemon drizzle cake is something rather special!). For more information please contact the Church Office or Pami Cross on 01344 303991
Toddler Praise:
A fun, free hour long sessions held every Tuesday 10.30am-11.30am at All Souls Church. Songs, bible stories and crafting. Ideal for pre and nursery aged children. Parents and carers can enjoy a good natter and a cup of tea/coffee. Contact Nicola Shaw for more info: nicola@allsoulsascot.org
Prayers and Potatoes: Next meeting is Monday 5th January 2026.
A simple Holy Communion service held on the first Monday of every month at 11.30am at St Michael's Church. This is followed by a jacket potato lunch in the hall. We are usually finished by 1pm. All are welcome.
Friends of St Michael's 100 Club:
The idea is to have a ‘fun’ way of raising money for both St Michael’s and All Souls. Membership has grown well with each membership undertaking to pay £10 per month on a Standing Order basis into the Club Account. A draw is held on the first Sunday in the month, in St Michael's Church hall, after the main morning service. Two-thirds of the money raised for the month is donated to the Church and one-third as prizes. Both Churches, like most, these days, badly need extra funds and if you are able help by joining the 100 Club, whether or not you attend Church, please contact David Mear on 01344 621419 or 07757 224240 or by email: davidrmear@gmail.com
9. Hire our Spaces
All Souls Church, St Michael's Church and St Michael's Church Hall are available for hire via the Parish office on 07717 477390 or email admin@ssaparish.org. There is also a booking form you can complete on our website by clicking HERE
South Ascot Church Hall is now managed by Phil Warren Property and cannot be booked through the Parish office. To enquire about booking SACH please email phil@warrenproperty.co.uk