Welcome to the November Newsletter with lots of exciting activities to update you on as the season changes and the nights draw in… plus a sneak peak at what we have planned over Christmas!
Light Party
Before we look ahead, a quick look back at what was an incredible Light Party! This year the church was transformed into a cherry blossom filled eastern wonderland for the night. We welcomed an amazing 148 kids and 138 adults into the church. There was a real sense of wonder, of fun and of light throughout the evening and none of it would have been possible without the team of 50 helpers and all those who baked, donated, invited friends and prayed over the event – thank you to all who made this possible.
7pm Worship Night
On Sunday 9th November we will be having a time of extended sung worship in place of our usual 7pm service. Do come and join us for this if you can.
Breakfast with Dave Merrington
Join us on Saturday 15th November from 8.30am-10am where Dave Merrington, former Southampton Football Club Assistant Manager, will give a talk and testimony over breakfast. Tickets are available on our website and cost £10 which includes hot drinks and breakfast. If you are able to help out at this event, please get in contact with the office.
10:45 Service Live Streaming
The live streaming of our 10:45 service on our YouTube channel has been improved with new cameras to improve the quality and also to allow video to be shown on the TVs in church. Thank you to all the team who have worked to put these improvements in place. As before, the livestream only picks up the stage and front few rows – do look out for notices showing the “camera safe zones” for those that prefer not to be seen on camera.
We have lots on over Christmas that we would like to invite you to. More details about all our Christmas services and events can be found on our website.
Wreath Making Workshops—Our wonderful wreath making workshops are back on Tue 25th and Wed 26th of November 7:30-9pm! Expect a festive evening of music, mulled wine and sweet treats, all whilst creating your very own wreath (tuition and wreath making supplies provided). Tickets are available for £17.50 on our website, they are selling fast so please do book now to avoid missing out. If you would be willing to help out on one of these evenings either by baking cakes, serving mulled wine or helping to pack up afterwards – please do get in touch with lizi@ascensionsouthampton.co.uk – any help would be very much appreciated!
Advent Quiet Day— As we start preparing ourselves for advent, join us for a time of quiet reflection and prayer on Saturday 29th November between 10am and 3pm. Come for the whole day or just part of the day. Refreshments provided but please bring your own lunch. There is no cost, but if you can sign up via our website this will help us with our planning for the day.
Christmas Party— We love a party here at Ascension, especially at Christmas, so we would love to invite you to join us for a festive evening suitable for all ages on Saturday 6th December, 6-10pm. We’ll have canapes and drinks on arrival, a sit down two-course meal, dancing, photo opportunities and a very festive atmosphere – invite your friends and come and celebrate with us! Tickets are available on our website, with Early Bird discounted tickets available until Sunday 16th November. As with all our events, we couldn’t run them without a team of helpers – if you can help with bringing a pudding, helping to serve food or to pack away at the end of the night, then please do get in touch with Lizi, thank you.
Nativity – on 7th December we will be holding an All Age Nativity in place of our usual 10:45 service. Do come, invite your friends and explore the nativity story with us.
Messy Christingle— on Sunday 14th December there will be no 10:45 service. Instead, we will be holding a Messy Christingle for all the kids here at Ascension at 10:45. Come and explore the Christmas message through the creation of Christingles. Our 9am service of Holy Communion will be on as usual on this date for those who prefer a more traditional service.
Carols by Candlelight—Come and join us on Sunday 14th December for Carols by Candlelight. This year we will be holding two carol services, one at 4pm and one at 6:30pm. We will be serving mulled wine and refreshments after both in the Grace Hall.
Christmas at the EDGE – Join us on Saturday 20th December as we celebrate Christmas at the EDGE Hub in Townhill Park. For more details or to find out how to get involved, get in touch with sandra@ascensionsouthampton.co.uk.
Crib Service—Wednesday 24th December, 4pm. Join us for a family friendly service where we will look at the Christmas Story – the birth of Jesus. Nativity dress up welcome!
Midnight Communion—Wednesday 24th December at 11:30pm. Join us for a traditional service with holy communion.
Christmas Day Service—Thursday 25th December at 10am. Join us for a whole church celebration and communion to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ!
Please note that on Sunday 28th December, there will only be one service at 9am.
For more information about all of these events as well as all our regular events and services, do keep an eye on the events page of our website.
Finally, we want to leave with you with a couple of verses from Matthew 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