As the year draws to a close, we’re excited to share the latest updates in our December newsletter… starting, of course, with Christmas!
Christmas at Ascension
Advent Quiet Day— The church will be open tomorrow (Saturday) from 10-3pm for quiet reflection and prayer as we enter the season of Advent. All are welcome and we would love to encourage you to make time in your day for this if you can.
Christmas Party— This weekend is your last chance to sign up to our Christmas Party! We would love to you come and join us for a festive evening of food and fun – suitable for all ages on Saturday 6th December 6-10pm. Tickets available on our website or get in touch with the office.
Nativity – Sunday 7th December – 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. 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—Sunday 14th December. 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.
Christmas at the EDGE – Join us on the new date of Sunday 21st 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. 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. A traditional service with holy communion.
Christmas Day Service—Thursday 25th December at 10am. 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.
A Greener Christmas
Get ready for Christmas AND care for the earth: GrACE will post a weekly item on their Facebook page over Advent, with tips and suggestions about being kind to our purses and planet in our Christmas preparations. GrACE have also organised a display board in the worship space on which you are welcome to pin up a greeting card to all the Church members, to both save paper and to bless those who may not receive greetings.
Evening Services over December
Our 7PM service will be paused over December and restarting up again in January.
Day of Fasting
Everyone at Ascension is invited to join together in a day of fasting and praying for the church on Tuesday 16th December. Your fast could take different forms, such as abstaining from all food or meat or rich food, or even a social media or digital fast. While fasting, you may want to join us in praying for Christmas events at Ascension and the Alpha Course in January.
Christmas In the Triangle
Saturday 20th December 1pm-8pm. The community will be holding the annual event in the Bitterne Triangle, more details can be found on their website. We will have a craft stand so do look out for us! We have also been asked to provide some items for the tombola – if you have any suitable items you would be happy to donate, then please drop them into the office. Also note there will be road closures on that day.
Prayer Days in January
We are holding 4 prayer days in January to Encounter God, Reflect, Pray & Refresh:
Tuesday 6th – 7:30pm – 9:30pm
Wednesday 7th – 12:30pm – 2:30pm // 7:30pm – 9:30pm
Thursday 8th – 12:30pm – 2:30pm // 7:30pm – 9:30pm
Saturday 10th – 8am – 2pm
Alpha Course
We are holding an 8 week Alpha course starting on the 14th January. Please do pray about who you could invite to this. Signup on the website or contact the church office.
Winter Youth Fest
The young people from churches across the city will meet for games, worship, and lots of pizza at Winter Youth Fest 2026! We will be meeting at Central Hall on the 23rd of January from 7pm – 9:30pm. All young people in years 6-13 are welcome, please signup on our website or contact Luke for more information.
100 year Anniversary
Our wonderful church building will be 100 years old in February 2026, and we are looking to celebrate this anniversary with a series of services and events. As part of our celebrations we will be putting together an exhibition of the history of Ascension, so if you have any stories, specific memories or photos we would love you to share them with the church office.
Finally, we want to leave with you with a verse from Isaiah 9:6: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. God Bless,
Ascension Staff Team