SSA Parish News

Welcome Friends

If you have any items which you would like included in the newsletter, please email newsletter@ssaparish.org

4. Monday Nights at the Vicarage

Next meeting is: The next meeting is Monday 2nd March

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.

5. Draw near for Lent

‘Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.’ – James 4.8

The Church of England is encouraging churches to engage the Lent theme for 2026, which is Draw Near: Life-Giving Habits for Lent. This year’s resources have at their heart the theme of a ‘rhythm of life’ – habits and patterns which help us grow as disciples of Christ day by day, especially as we prepare to celebrate the great mystery of God’s saving love at Easter.  During Lent, reflections are centred around a summary of the Christian Way from Common Worship, which identifies six activities essential to our calling as disciples.  Each week a different contributor explores a different aspect of Christian discipleship – worshipping together, praying, exploring the Bible, sharing communion, offering service and sharing the good news with others. 

“Draw Near is all about teaching us how we can cultivate the habits and practices that will draw us nearer to God. And we will find that, in doing so, God will draw nearer to us, too.” – Archbishop-elect Sarah Mullally & Archbishop Stephen Cottrell

National Resourcing

• A full-colour Church House Publishing booklet, designed to be affordable for bulk purchase, with money-saving packs of 10 and 50 will be available for pre-order very soon and published by 5 January. The Everyday Faith app will carry reflections for adults every Monday to Saturday throughout Lent, based on the booklet. And, of course, the Everyday Faith app will continue to offer content into the season of Easter and beyond throughout 2026. Preview all themes and readings from the Draw Near reflections here.
• This year we’re inviting families and children to explore the life-giving habit of generosity this Lent with 40acts. Produced in partnership with 40acts (brought to you by Stewardship) (pictured above) , this 40-day challenge is designed to help families and children to join in the Draw Near journey. As well as an act of generosity, each day also offers a simple Bible verse, reflection and prayer ideal for families, children, school and church groups to do together.
• A resource for those looking to use the materials with small groups, prayer groups or as a Lent course.

Diocesan Rhythm of Life The Church of England’s Lent focus on life-giving habits speaks into so much of the culture that has been growing in the Diocese of York with the Rhythm of Life. As we grow in Becoming More Like Christ, Lent offers us a seasonal opportunity to intentionally reflect on the spiritual practices which we inhabit, and as communities, form a Rhythm of Life together. The life-giving habits of worship, prayer, scripture, communion, service, and sharing the Good News, echoes much of our own Diocesan Rhythm of Life, as well as connecting beautifully with the promises we make at baptism – as we seek to serve Christ in all people, by defending the weak, and seeking peace and justice.

6. 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 contact Nicola in the office for a form to complete: admin@ssaparish.org

  Please keep this new ministry in your prayers.

7. Mothering Sunday

Sunday 15th March.

Join us at either St Michael's or All Souls' Church to celebrate all those who play a maternal role in our lives.

8. Parish Quiz Night

We are delighted to announce our upcoming Parish Quiz Night on Friday, 27th March at All Souls' Church. It promises to be an enjoyable evening for all, and we look forward to welcoming you. Full details can be found on the event poster and tickets are £10 pp. We kindly ask that you book in advance to help us manage numbers effectively.

We are also seeking donations of raffle prizes for the evening. If you are able to contribute, please drop off your donation at the parish office or with Octavia, Geoff, or Liz.

Thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing you there.

9. Palm Sunday at Ascot Priory

THE PRIORY CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST ASCOT PRIORY SL5 8RS

PALM SUNDAY

29th MARCH 2026 6.30PM

Church choirs and music community from Ascot, Sunninghill and Sunningdale and Sunningdale welcome your support as we sing together in this Act of Devotion for Holy Week   Admission and parking free Retiring collection for church missions All welcome

10. Scouts charity bag collection

11. 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

12. 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.

• Click here for St Michael's Parish Giving Scheme
• Click here for All Soul's Parish Giving Scheme

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

13. 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.

Monday Nights at the Vicarage:

Come explore your faith and meet others who are also asking life’s big questions.  Please contact Nicola in the office on admin@ssaparish.org Throughout January - May we are looking at:

• 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.
• Hosted every Monday at The Vicarage, Sunninghill, 7-8.30pm

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 11am-12.30- 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

14. Hire our Spaces