Welcome Friends
If you have any items which you would like included in the newsletter, please email newsletter@ssaparish.org
1. Sunday services
Sunday 8th February
9.15am Creative Worship Service [St Michael's Church Hall]
10.30am Mattins [St Michael's Church]
Readings: Romans 8.18–25 and Matthew 6.25–34
- Leading: Mike Francescon
- Preaching: Mike Francescon
- CW on duty: Geoff Donovan
- Organist: Joe Adams
- Intercessions: Amy Hammond
- Reader one: Pami Cross
- Reader two: Geoff Donovan
- Sidesmen: Ian and Karen Reid
- Coffee: Diny Lawman and Nina Burgess
10.30am Holy Communion [All Souls' Church]
Readings: Genesis 1.1 - 2.3 and Matthew 6.25-end
- Leading: Rev Tansley Jordan
- Preaching: Nicola Shaw
- CW on duty: Liz Moore
- Organist: Juidth Usher
- Chalice: Sue Humphrey
- Prayers: Liz Moore
- Reader one: Aled Jones
- Reader two: Crispin Elliott
Your Parish team
- 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
- Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (18th February).
- Magazine error: The Easter Day service is 10.45am at St Michael's Church not the 11.45am as stated. Apologies for any confusion.
Upcoming life services in the parish
- Funerals/Memorials
- Dr James Foster - Monday 9th February 2026 [StM] at 1pm.
- Olivia Brady - Tuesday 10th February 2026 at 2pm [StM]. All are welcome to attend this service. The family welcome flowers and have kindly suggested that any monetary donations be made to St Michael's Church.
"Dear Lord, we entrust our dear friends into Your loving arms. May Jesus Christ welcome them into the promise of heaven, where there is no more pain of loss, only the love of God. Grant them eternal rest, O God, and let Your perpetual light shine upon them. Amen."
3. Monday Nights at the Vicarage
Next meeting is: Monday 9th February
Where and when: Monday evenings from 7.00pm to 8.30pm at The Vicarage, Church Lane, Sunninghill. What: Come explore your faith and meet others who are also asking life’s big questions. How do I join: Please contact Nicola in the office on admin@ssaparish.org January - May:
- Back to the Basics
- Learn about Christian beliefs, history, and what it is we do at church. Perfect whether you’ve been attending church for a few weeks or many decades.
4. Let's Build a Lighthouse Together!
Sunday 15th February, 4pm, at Easthampstead Parish Church
🌟 Come and Find Out More! A Deanery Adventure: Let’s Build a Lighthouse Together! 🌟 This summer, our deanery is dreaming big — and we want you to be part of it. We’re exploring the exciting possibility of launching our very own Lighthouse: a joyful, faith-filled, community‑powered holiday club running for one brilliant week in the summer holidays (www.lighthousecentral.org). Imagine a space buzzing with laughter, creativity, games, music, friendship, and the kind of energy that only children in summertime can generate. Now imagine being part of the team that makes that happen. 🌈 Why Come Along? Because this is more than a project — it’s a chance to shape something life‑giving for families across Bracknell. Whether you love crafts, drama, tech, small‑group leading, sports, storytelling, snacks, admin, or simply cheering others on, there’s a place for you in the Lighthouse family. 🔍 What’s Happening? We’re hosting a “Come and Find Out More” gathering where you can:
- Hear the vision for our deanery Lighthouse
- Discover the roles and opportunities available
- Ask questions, share ideas, and explore how your gifts might shine
- Meet others who are excited about building something joyful and hope‑filled
🎉 Who’s It For? Absolutely anyone with a heart for children, community, and fun. No experience needed — just enthusiasm and a willingness to be part of something bigger than any one parish. ☀️ Why Lighthouse? Because it’s:
- Joyful
- Creative
- Rooted in faith and community
- Powered by volunteers who want to make a difference
And because children remember Lighthouse weeks for years — and so do the adults who help make them happen.
5. Pastoral Care Team
Pastoral Care Team – Could This Be for You?
We’re starting a new Pastoral Care Team in the parish to offer listening, prayer, and companionship to those who may be going through a difficult time or feeling a bit isolated. It’s a quiet, behind-the-scenes ministry, but one that can make a real difference. You don’t need any special qualifications—just a caring heart, the ability to listen well, discretion, and a willingness to be part of a team. Training, support, and safeguarding will all be in place. If you’re curious to know more, or wondering whether this might be something God is nudging you towards, please speak to Tansley, or one of the church wardens, or pick up a leaflet the back of each church (or available on the website). Because of the nature of this work with people who are potentially quite vulnerable, it is important that we follow the Church of England’s policies for ‘safer recruiting’, so anyone interested will need to complete a short application form, and will need a DBS check.
N.B - We’re planning to have a training afternoon for our first set of volunteers on Sunday 8th March from 2-5:30pm
Please keep this new ministry in your prayers.
6.Art Class at All Souls'
Join us every Tuesday between 10am and 12 noon, for a free art class in All Souls' Church. We explore a range of mediums; from watercolours, acrylics, charcoal and pencil focusing on a different theme each week. All abilities welcome. A wonderful excuse to meet new people, be creative and have chat over coffee and cake. No need to book - just turn up.
7. Volunteer Roles
The time you give really does make such a big difference.
Church Roles: We are seeking volunteers to become chalice bearers for Holy Communion services, to lead prayers and to verge at life services. All training will be given. If you think you are able to fulfil any of these roles, please let Nicola in the office know.
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
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
8. 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
9. Regular Groups
All Souls' Church Coffee Shop:
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:
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:
- 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:
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:
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
10. 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: sach@warrenproperty.co.uk