June is here, and as ever, we have lots of news to bring you from us here at Ascension:
Quiz & Chips – Youth Takeover
A big thank you to all those who attended our Quiz and Chips fundraiser last month – it was a brilliant evening! Well done to our amazing Youth Team who helped plan and run the event, which raised over £600 for Aggie’s, a wonderful charity providing pastoral and practical support to service personnel and the families of those serving in the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, and Royal Fleet Auxiliary. Please contact the office if you would still like to donate towards this fundraiser.
Ascension Art Group
As some of you may be aware, Ascension has hosted a community-run art group called Windows for many years, faithfully led by Dave and Jenny Hewett. Sadly, Dave passed away earlier this year, so this group has now come to a close. From this month, we will be starting a new art group for anyone who would like to explore their creative side – The Ascension Art Group, which will meet weekly on Tuesdays in the café at 10am. For more information, please contact the church office at office@ascensionsouthampton.co.uk.
Just Money Talk
On Tuesday 9th June at 7pm, we will be hosting an evening with the organisation Just Money, who will speak about current economic systems from a faith perspective and how we can use our spending power to reduce environmental harm and social inequalities. This will be followed by a discussion panel. Refreshments will be provided, so please do sign up on the website or via the church office so we know how many to cater for.
YouthFest
From 19th–21st June, young people from different churches will come together for a weekend of fun, games, and incredible teaching and worship. Please pray for all our young people who have booked to go – for safety, fun, fellowship, and genuine encounters with God. We are still in need of a few more helpers to support the event. If you could spare some time that weekend, please get in touch with luke@ascensionsouthampton.co.uk.
Ordinations
A reminder about some special ordinations happening this month:
- James is being ordained Priest on Saturday 27th June at 4pm at Winchester Cathedral.
- Lucy and Bev are being ordained Deacons on Sunday 28th June at 10am at Winchester Cathedral.
Everyone is welcome to attend. There is no need to book – just arrive 30 minutes beforehand to secure a seat. We hope to see some of you there.
Hall Hiring
As you may know, we have a wonderful building with a variety of rooms for hire. We are keen to increase our income from hall hiring, so please do let your friends, colleagues, and community groups know that our hall, café, and meeting rooms are available for events, gatherings, and meetings. Charities and church family receive a generous discount. Get in touch with Tim in the office to find out more.
Simon’s Study Leave
Our vicar Simon will be taking an extended period of study leave from July to September this year. We will miss him dearly, but across the staff team we will share the load and continue everything as normal. Please pray for Simon during his time away.
Market Place – Volunteers Needed Over the Summer
The Market Place has a few dates over the summer where volunteers are needed. Market Place runs each Thursday morning from 9:30am to 12pm. Please contact the office if you are interested or would like more details.
Finally, we want to leave you with a verse from Galatians 5:22–23:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
God bless,
The Ascension Staff Team