November is here which means that as well as giving you our latest news this month, it’s also time to let you know about what what we have going on here at Ascension over Christmas!
But before we move onto what’s coming up, we want to have a look back on the last month:
Light Parties
We had an amazing time at our Light Parties this year! “The best time ever” according to one child. Jo, Luke and their team transformed the church into a Land of Snow and Ice which was enjoyed by 330 people! Ruth and Sandra held our first ever Light Party at the EDGE Hub which saw over 150 people, many of whom had never been to the Hub before. Thank you so much to all that came and helped to make the events such a success – what a wonderful way to spread the love and light of Jesus into our communities as an alternative to Halloween.
Newcomers Lunch
We loved sharing a meal with some of our newer members last month. It was wonderful to get to know some of you better, thank you to all who came and to all who served too. If you haven’t been to one of our newcomers meals before, or if you are new/newish and would like to get more involved here at Ascension – we would love to meet you for a coffee and a chat – please do get in touch with lizi@ascensionsouthampton.co.uk who can arrange this.
CAP (Christians Against Poverty) Money Course, 14th and 21st November, 7-9pm
We are pleased to be running a CAP Money Course at the EDGE Hub this November. Over two evening sessions the CAP Money Course will help you transform the way you approach money. It will teach you to build a successful budget, how to keep track of your money, and how to avoid overspending and potential debt. Booking and more details available on the website or contact the office.
Christmas Events
With Christmas around the corner, we have so much planned that we would love to share with you. You can find further information about all of our Christmas events and services via our website, but here is a sneak peak for you:
Wreath Making—Wednesday 28 and Thursday 28th November
Due to popular demand we will be holding two wreath making events this year: Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th November (sold out). More information and booking for the Wednesday night is available on our website, please do book as soon as you can as we expect the event to sell out quickly. We do also have Helper Tickets available at a reduced price of £10 for church family willing to stay on and clear up for an hour after the event – get in touch with lizi@ascensionsouthampton.co.uk to book one of these.
Advent Quiet Day
We are running a Quiet day on Saturday 30th Nov from 10am to 3pm in the Ascension worship space. The theme is around ‘Preparing for Advent’ and offers an opportunity to come aside and spend time experiencing the presence of God in silence and to help mark the season of Advent. There will be prayer stations, creative opportunities and space for personal contemplation. Please do sign up via our website if you planning to attend.
Christingle, Sunday 1st December, 10:45am
There will be no 10:45 service or children’s groups on Sunday 1st December, instead we will be holding an informal Christingle for our families to enjoy together at 10:45. The 9am service will be on as usual on this date.
Carols by Candle Light, Sunday 1st December, 6pm
We look forwarding to welcoming Advent with our Carols by Candlelight Service. Join us for an evening of carols followed by festive refreshments. Please do invite your friends, family and neighbours to this event, all are so welcome.
Ascension Christmas Party – Saturday 14th Dec, 6-10pm
We would love you to join us for our Christmas Party this year! You can expect a superbly festive, extremely delicious and brilliantly fun evening suitable for all ages. We hope that the earlier start time will mean that those with children can bring them along to join in the fun! We’ll have nibbles and drinks on arrival, a sit down two-course meal to follow, dancing, photo opportunities and a very festive atmosphere – invite your friends and come and celebrate! Plus, we will have Early Bird tickets available at the amazing price of just £10 available until Sunday 10th November so do book now if you are planning on coming – we would love to see you there.
Crib Service, 24th December, 4pm
Join us for a family friendly service on Christmas Eve – Christmas jumpers and nativity themed outfits are very much encouraged,
Midnight Communion, 24th December, 11:30pm
A Traditional Service with carols and communion. A wonderful way to prepare for Christmas Day.
Christmas Day Service, 25th December, 10am
On Christmas Day we would love to invite you all to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with us. We will be holding one service for both congregations at 10am for a celebratory service with communion.
Other upcoming dates for your diary:
Morning Prayer, Every Tuesday at 12:30pm (term-time) and Wednesday at 6:30-7:30am
A time of prayer for our church and community.
Worship and Prayer evenings, Sunday 10th November and 8th December 7– 8:30pm
An informal evening time for prayer and worship together.
EDGE+, Sundays 10th & 24th November and 8th and 22nd December 4- 6pm
Friendship, support, games, craft and stories of Jesus at Townhill Park Community Centre)
Men’s Breakfast, Saturday 16th November 8.30 – 10am
A breakfast social for the men from our church and community. Tickets £5 via Ascension website.
Prayer Walks, Sundays 24th November and 15th December 7 – 8pm
Join us to pray for our parish. We will meet at 7pm outside Ascension to walk and pray together.
As you can see, there is a lot coming up, but our focus remains on the Lord, so we want to leave with you with a couple of verses from Philippians 4: 4-8
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
God bless and hope to see you soon,
The Ascension Team