Welcome Friends
Generous June
During June we will be exploring the theme of ‘Generosity’ in all its wonderful and varied facets as we read our way through the book of Ruth. Ruth is a short book in the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) which is a beautiful account of the loyalty and kin-ship of two woman, Naomi and Ruth, a mother and daughter-in-law; and of the generosity and kindness of a wealthy land owner called Boaz. We will be hearing it chapter by chapter in our Sunday services, but If you haven’t read Ruth before I highly recommend sitting and reading it all the way through in one setting so that you can really enjoy the story! Through it we will reflect on God’s generosity and loving kindness to his people, and the different ways which we are called to show generosity in our turn. If you would like to watch something, then this Lego version of Ruth, told in verse from Go Chatter Studios is a lovely introduction and beautifully rendered;
And if you would like something a little more in-depth (but still really accessible!) that gives some more historical context and sets the story and themes in the Book of Ruth into the bigger story of God’s love and faithfulness to his people, then I highly recomend this video from The Bible Project:
If you have any items which you would like included in the newsletter, please email newsletter@ssaparish.org
1. Sunday services
Sunday 14th June
Generous June
9.15am Creative Worship [St Michael's Church Hall]
10.30am Mattins [St Michael's Church]
Readings: Ruth 2. 1-20 and Luke 12. 13-21
- Leading: Mike Francescon
- Preaching: Kate Bolsover
- CW on duty: Geoff Donovan
- Organist: Joe Adams
- Intercessions: Elizabeth Francescon
- Reading one: Pami Cross
- Reading two: Eileen Marshall
- Sidesmen: Eileen Marshall and Ann Avens
- Coffee: Verity Spencer and Richard Piller
10.30am Holy Communion [All Souls' Church]
Readings: Ruth 2.1-20 and Luke 12.13-21.
- Leading: Rev Tansley Jordan
- Preaching: Rev Tansley Jordan
- CWs on duty: Liz Moore and Catherine Armah
- Chalice: Debbie Wallace
- Prayers: Jane Norton
- Reading one: Crispin Elliott
- Reading two: Liz Moore
Your Parish team
- Vicar: Rev Tansley Jordan: vicar@ssaparish.org (day off - Friday)
- CW [StM]: Octavia O'Donoghue: octavia.odonoghue@ssaparish.org
- CW [AS]: Liz Moore: liz.moore@ssaparish.org.
- CW [StM]: Geoff Donovan. geoff.donovan@ssaparish.org
- CW [AS]: Catherine Armah (you can contact Catherine via the church office)
- Treasurer: Richard Piller: treasurer@ssaparish.org
- Parish Office, Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm: Nicola Hughes: admin@ssaparish.org / 07717 477390. Please contact Nicola for all life service related questions (Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals). If you phone out of office hours, please leave a voicemail.
2. For your diary
- Chalice Training: Saturday 13th June, 10.30am-midday.
- Parish Office: The Parish office is closed on Tuesday 16th, Wednesday 17th and Friday 19th June.
- Summer Lunch Party: Sunday 21st June
1. Chalice Bearer Training: Rev Tansley and Amanda are running an informal morning this Saturday 13th June to teach volunteers how to be chalice bearers for Holy Communion services. This includes setting up the chalice, during service and how to put it away afterwards. If you have ever been interested in doing so, but were unsure what to do, now is your chance to join our team. You'd be most welcome. [St Michael's Church, 10.30am-12noon]. 2. Parish office: The parish office is closed on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday of next week (Royal Ascot week). Nicola will be in the office on Monday and Wednesday. 3. Summer Lunch Party: We would truly appreciate any donations of bottles of wine to go towards the raffle and any help on the day (eg a salad or a pudding).
3. Monday Nights at the Vicarage
Next meeting is: The next meeting is on Monday 15th June.
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 June - July
- Faith on Film
- Explore heaven, hell, and the meaning of life through the popular TV show Good Omens.
4. Parish News
APCM Update
You will no doubt be aware that we held our APCM and APM at the end of May. It was a wonderful turn out from the congregations of both churches. We are delighted to inform you that your churchwardens elected are:
- Liz Moore (All Souls' Churchwarden)
- Catherine Armah (All Souls Church awarden)
- Octavia O'Donoghue (St Michael's Churchwarden)
- Geoff Donovan (St Michael's Churchwarden)
Liz, Octavia and Geoff have been nominated again, after all fulfilling the CW roles so brilliantly last year. A warm welcome to Catherine Armah who was voted in as the second Churchwarden for All Souls'. A huge thanks to all of them in voluteering their time for such an valuable role for our parish churches. We will let you know when their Episcopal Visitations are taking place. We also have two Deanery Synod Representatives. Pami Cross stepped back as DS representative, so we extend grateful thanks to her for being a representative. Vanessa Cummings has agreed to continue for another year and Fiona Jones has kindly offered to represent DS as well. Thank you so much to both of you. We also have some new PCC members: Rosie Allan, Paida Mataranyika and Jane Norton have all been voted on to the PCC. Thank you them for volunteering and agreeing to be nominated. As was mentioned during the APCM, Pami Cross and Arabella Cameron have stepped off the PCC after several years on the council. Welcome to our new members and grateful thanks to Pami and Arabella.
We also wanted to extend our sincere thanks to Elizabeth Francescon, who has resigned as PCC Secretary, after having fulfilled the role brilliantly for the past three years. Thank you very much to Elizabeth for her skills and time, minuting all the PCC meetings and keeping the PCC to their deadlines and meeting agendas. If, therefore, anyone wishes to volunteer as PCC secretary (you do not need be a voting member of the PCC to do so), please do get in touch with Rev Tansley or one of the churchwardens.
Parish Website (ssaparish.org)
Hopefully you have now visted our new website. There are some features we would very much like to draw your attention too; in particular the parish calendar and a new blog.
Calendar:
The calendar details all the services and events going on in both churches. This will document all Sunday services, life events (weddings etc), fundraisers, concerts and more. You can also filter your search to focus on one church at a time. You can find out what's on HERE.
Blog:
One of the lovely features of the new website is the ability to keep you up to date with extra events that have taken place, or something that members of our church family have been involved in. There is a new blog post for you to read: Just click on the button below.
5. Community News: Royal Ascot 2026
FoodShare: Due to Royal Ascot week, Foodshare is not running on Friday 19th June. They will return the following Friday, 26th June.
Cheapside School Tea Tent: The popular school fundraiser is returning this year. Open throughout all Royal Ascot Week (16th-20th June), 10am-2.30pm, the PTA Tea Tent offers a prime view to watch the Royal Family process to Ascot each day. Situated on Watersplash Lane, they offer a glorious selection of sandwiches, scones, freshly baked cakes and hot/cold drinks. Car parking available for cars (£5 each) and mini buses. All money raised goes directly back into the school. Cheapside CofE Primary school is one of the two schools linked with our parish churches, so all support is welcome. If you are unable to attend but are happy to bake them a cake to sell, please let Nicola in the office know.
Royal Ascot week (16th-20th June 2026): Here we go for 2026! Each year Royal Ascot brings some wonderful moments. It also brings a significant increase in traffic and restricted directions of travel. The one way system timings have been amended slightly this year. They have been pushed back by 30 minutes to help with the flow of traffic in the local area, recognising when local traffic increases; especially with the last race now taking place at 6.10pm and more racegoers leaving later. By moving the times by 30 minutes they hope to ease congestion on the local roads and speed up the exit process. ARRIVAL PHASE (MORNING, APPROXIMATELY 10:30 – 13:30) DEPARTURE PHASE (AFTERNOON, APPROXIMATELY 17:30 – 20:30)
6. Fundraising Festival
Over a three week period, we invite you to our parish fundraising fesitival events. There's something for everyone!
- Sunday 21st June, 12-3pm - A Summer Lunch Party 12-3pm. Tickets available from the parish office or Verity Spencer (07545 445050).
- Saturday 27th June, 7pm - An Evening of Early Music and English Folksong featuring the Berkshire Recorder Consort (St Michael's Church). Tickets available via the QR code on the poster below or HERE.
- Saturday 4th July, 7pm - Parish Summer Concert (St Michael's Church). An evening of live music, suitable for the whole family. Featuring a mixture of pop, musical theatre, classical and more. Tickets are available via the QR code on the poster below or HERE.
7. Volunteer Roles
The time you give really does make such a big difference.
Church Roles: Current vacancies include:
- PCC Secretary
- PCC members (for St Michael's and All Souls')
- Deanery Synod Representatives
- We are also seeking volunteers to become chalice bearers for Holy Communion services (see training on Sat 13th June), to lead prayers, to verge at life services and be car park attendants 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.
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
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.
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 June - July
- Faith on Film
- Explore heaven, hell, and the meaning of life through the popular TV show Good Omens.
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.
- Fridays: FoodShare [1pm-2pm]. £1 entrance donation. No FoodShare on Friday 19th June due to Royal Ascot Week.
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
French Group:
Held in St Michael's Church Hall. Our dates for June are: Monday June 8th, June 15th and June 29th at 2pm. Come along and learn some French or brush up on your existing French. Just turn up.
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