Welcome Friends
Join us this week for our services for the second Sunday of Epiphany
Lord, help us to come with open hearts and minds, eager to spend time with you, longing to learn more about you, wanting to take more of who you are out to the world – until everyone has come to you. Amen.
As usual If you have any items which you would like included in the newsletter, please email newsletter@ssaparish.org
1. Sunday services
Sunday 18th January
9.15am Creative Worship [St Michael's Church Hall]
10.30am Holy Communion [St Michael's Church]
Readings: Isaiah 49.1–7 and John 1.29–42
- Leading: Rev Tansley Jordan
- Preaching: Rev Tansley Jordan
- CW on duty: Octavia O'Donoghue
- Organist: Joe Adams
- Intercessions: Geoff New
- Reader one: Kate Bolsover
- Reader two: Mike Cross
- Sidesmen: Alan and Judith Buttigieg
- Coffee: Elaine Knowles and Geoff Donovan
10.30am Cafe Church [All Souls Church]
Readings: Ephesians 4. 1-6 and John 1.29-42
- Leading: Nicola Shaw
- Preaching: Nicola Shaw
- Organist: Judith Usher
- CW on duty: Liz Moore
- Prayers: Jane Norton
- Reader one: Frances Moore
- Reader two: Liz Moore
Your Parish team
The Church office is closed on Monday 19th and Tuesday 20th January, reopening on Wednesday 21st January at 9am. Rev Tansley and the Churchwardens are available during this period.
- 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. Parish News
- Olivia Brady: We are deeply saddened to share the news that Olivia Brady has passed away. Her passing was unexpected and a great shock to all. Olivia was actively involved in both churches and for many years. She was a long term member of St Michael's Choir, attended Ladies fellowship and many classes at All Souls'. She was of such sunny nature. We extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers to her family and friends. We have no further details of any service as yet, but will keep you informed.
- Rachel Macdonald: The memorial service for Rachel Macdonald is being held at St Michael's Church on Thursday 22nd January at 11am.
"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. Mondays Nights at the Vicarage
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. 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
5. 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
6. 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
7. 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