It won’t be long until the schools break up for the summer and things get a bit quieter around Ascension for August. There’s still lots happening this month though that we want to share with you.
Youth Takeover and Baptisms
What a joy it was to have our 10:45 service “taken over” by our amazing kids and youth last Sunday! Plus we celebrated the baptisms of not one but three of our young people! A special day indeed. Thank you to all those young people who read, led worship and spoke to us last Sunday. We hope you found the service as encouraging and uplifting as we did.
YouthFest—Feedback from Jo/Luke
We had a fantastic weekend at Youth Fest in July, where our young people joined other young people from 7 other churches across the city. We had over 150 young people get involved in playing games, attending seminars, and worshipping God. The topic was listening to God and we’ve had some amazing stories of how God spoke to our young people. We can’t wait to see how he will continue to move in their lives!
Thank you BBQ
We are so thankful to all of you who serve here at Ascension. From AV and worship to hospitality and gardening—we couldn’t do what we do without you all! As a gesture of our gratitude, we would love to invite everyone who serves on a team (or is interested in doing so) to a BBQ on Saturday 6th July from 12:30-2pm. There is no need to bring anything, but please do let us know if you are coming (and any dietary requirements) by Thursday 4th July so that we can make sure we have catered for everyone. Book your place here or get in touch with lizi@ascensionsouthampton.co.uk / 02380 559074.
Church Picnic in Riverside Park
We love spending time together and eating together and we would love to do more of it over the summer! Weather permitting, on Sunday 14th July, we will be heading to Riverside Park after the 10:45 service (from about 12.30 pm) to enjoy a picnic and social time together. Bring your own food and drink and aim for the big field space beside Cobden bridge. We are also planning 2 more dates for similar picnics on August 4th and August 18th so we hope you can make at least one, if not all, of these dates.
Church Life Survey
We believe that a thriving church community is built on the active participation and spiritual growth of each member. Your experiences, insights, and suggestions are invaluable to us. Therefore, we would like to invite you to take part in this quick survey which aims to gather your thoughts on various aspects of our church life. Your feedback will help us understand how we can better support each other on our faith journeys and enhance our communal worship experience.
Activities in Townhill Park this summer
EDGE+ is a fortnightly gathering on Sunday evenings, usually at the community centre. All are welcome. The EDGE Hub is our community drop in at 121-123 Meggeson Avenue. Come and join us for a cuppa and a chat!
EDGE+ Summer Party
Our last EDGE+ before the summer holidays begin will be on Sunday 21st July (usual timings of 4.00 – 6.00 pm), so we are going to have a summer party! We’d love some helpers please to make this event possible. Please speak to Ruth if you can support this. (Tel: 07484 617871)
EDGE+ on the field
In August, we are hoping that the weather will allow us to meet outside for our EDGE+ Sunday gatherings (4 – 6pm on Sundays 4th and 18th August). You will find us on the field opposite Townhill Community Centre for our time together. We hope you can join us!
The EDGE Hub
During the summer holidays The EDGE Hub will be open Monday – Thursday 10.00 – 12.00, with crafts and games for kids, we would love to see you!
EDGE+ Summer Fun
Our Summer Fun pop up event will be back on Tuesday 28th and Wednesday 29th August. This was a very special event last year and a real treat for many people living nearby. Please get in touch with Ruth if you can help.
Other dates for your diary:
Sunday 14th July, 7.00 – 8.30 pm – Worship and Prayer An informal evening time for prayer and worship together.
Saturday 20th July, 08.30 – 10.00 am – Men’s Breakfast – Breakfast social for the men from our church and community. Tickets £5,please book via our website.
Sunday 21st July, 7.00 pm – Prayer Walk Join us to walk and pray around our Parish. Meet outside Ascension at 7pm.
Sunday 11th August (both services) – Rescheduled visit from Bishop Geoff Annas
Sunday 17th – Sunday 25th August – Art Exhibition in Ascension Church
Finally…As you can see, there is lots going on this month… but as we enter into the summer, we recognise that this is often a time of recreation or re-creation, where we can take time out of our usual schedules for holidays and other events that help us to reflect, rest and re-cooperate for the year ahead. We are reminded of Mathew 11, 28-30:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
God Bless,
Ascension Staff Team