We hope you were able to take some time out over the Summer and enjoy some of the sunshine while it lasted. Our prayers, this month, are with all those who are starting something new this September. Here at Ascension, we are restarting our usual service calendar along with other events that were paused over the Summer. As always, we have lots of exciting news and updates for you:
The 7pm is back
This autumn, we’re restarting our 7pm evening service – a mix of worship, Bible reflection, and conversations about living out our faith. Each week will bring something a little different, but at the heart of it all is the chance to draw closer to God and to one another. Whether you come every week or just now and again, you’ll find a warm welcome, space to pause before the start of the week, and encouragement for the journey of faith.
24/7 Prayer Day
This Saturday (6th September), join us as we pray with churches around the world to lift up our communities and our world in prayer. The Youth Space will be open for prayer from 8am to 8pm, and you are welcome to join us for a few minutes or a few hours—do pop in at any time or signup to a time using this link: 24-7 Prayer International – Sign-Up
Rocket Day
The count-down is on for Rocket Day as this is your last week to book your rocket kits! We will be heading to Wilverley Plain on 14th September from 2-5pm for an afternoon of great company, friendly competition and rocket blasting. Bring a team of family or friends and design a rocket using our kit and instructions. There will be prizes for the rocket that launches the highest, the furthest and for the most creative design. You will need to sign up in advance for this event, kits cost £10 per team and can be booked on our website until 7th September. Don’t forget to bring a picnic tea to enjoy together afterwards.
Newcomers’ Meal
As we start a new term, we would love to extend an invitation to all those who have joined Ascension over the last year to come and share a meal with us after the 10.45 am service on Sunday 12th October. The meal will be an opportunity to get to know each other and find out more about what goes on here at Ascension. There is no cost involved, but please do sign up using this link so we know how many to cater for. We would love to see you there.
Ride & Stride
Ride & Stride is back for 2025! This event encourages people to walk, run, or cycle to visit as many churches across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight as they can. The event will be taking place on Saturday 13th September 10am-6pm. The money raised from sponsorship will be divided between the HIHC Trust and the church of your choice. Ascension’s Cobden Avenue entrance will be open to welcome visitors, click here to find out more about taking part.
Creation Sunday
On Sunday 14th September our Sunday we are excited to have Sam Scott from the Diocese join s at Ascension. He will be speaking at both services around Creation Care: Celebrating God’s creation and how to care for it.
Feedback from Townhill Park week of Creativity
We saw lots of new families joining in with all the events in Townhill Park over the summer ending with the wonderful Cowboy hoe-down on the green. It was wonderful to serve over 200 people and see the community coming together to celebrate and have some family fun. Some feedback: “I can’t get over this all being free, makes so much difference knowing the kids can join in without worrying about the cost” and “There was nothing like the Hub where we used to live, it’s brilliant and we’ve come every day since we found you!” Thank you to all those who attended and helped out at these events.
Upcoming regular events
More information on all our events are available on our website
Tuesday Prayers – Every Tuesday 12:30-1:00pm
We meet in the Ascension worship space during the term-time to pray for our church and community.
Morning Prayer – Every Wednesday 6:30-7:30am
A time of morning prayer and worship for our city. Hosted by Ascension but open to all.
Dad’s Lego Breakfast – Saturday 6th Sept 10am-12pm
A time for dads and male carers to connect and spend quality time with their kids with lots of Lego. £1 entry per person which includes a bacon roll and a drink.
Men’s Breakfast – Saturday 20th Sept, 8.30-10am
A breakfast social for the men from our church and community. Tickets £5 via Ascension website.
Ascension Ladies Group – 5th and 19th Sept: 2-3:30pm
A social group for ladies in our community, please contact office for more details.
Finally, we want to leave with you with a verse from Isaiah 43:18-19 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
God Bless,
Ascension Staff Team