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Pausing for Thought
Last January we changed our service pattern and Sunday night youthwork provision. This has brought clear benefits, especially for the St George’s morning congregations and our younger youth. However, we are mindful that a missing element is an evening service shaped more intentionally around older youth and young adults, for whom this is very much our ‘shop window’ service.
Thy Kingdom Come at 10
Thy Kingdom Come (TKC) is a worldwide ecumenical prayer movement that encourages Christians globally to pray from Ascension to Pentecost for the Holy Spirit to draw more people into faith.
Choosing more sustainable holidays
We all have a unique perspective of what makes a good holiday. Discovering something new and inspiring, a different culture and cuisine, a change of climate or the opportunity to meet new people. Whatever you like to do, there may be ways to achieve it with less of an impact on the environment, and more benefit to the local economy.
Remembering Ashtead’s Fallen
8 May will mark the 80th anniversaries of VE Day (Victory in Europe Day). It is an opportunity for the nation to come together to honour and pay tribute to the Second World War generation from across the UK and Commonwealth.
Journey to Net Zero - Solar Panels Update
It’s now over 15 months since our solar panels were installed on the St George’s roofs. When I look up at them from the car park, I still feel very proud of what we have achieved to reduce our Carbon Footprint, through the hard work and generosity of so many church members.
Emotional Health Matters
Emotional Health Day is an annual observance on 24 February dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and promoting emotional well-being. Emotional health is a vital aspect of our overall well-being. It influences how we think, feel, and act in our daily lives. Good emotional health helps us cope with stress, build strong relationships, and recover from setbacks. Taking care of emotional health is not only important for our personal well-being but also aligns with our faith and values.
And The Silver Goes To…
We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded the Silver Eco-church award for Ashtead Parish.
The Power of Storytelling
28 January – 4 February is National Storytelling week, a week chosen by the Story Telling Society to encourage communities to create connections through storytelling. In the fabric of Christianity, stories hold a place of immense significance. From the parables of Jesus to the life-changing testimonies shared in modern churches, storytelling is a powerful tool which we could all use to convey divine truths, inspire faith, and foster community.
Sustainable Christmas
Celebrating Christmas is great! However we do need to think about how we can both enjoy celebrating Christmas AND ensure we care for God’s creation. So here are 12 tips for celebrating Christmas sustainably...
Celebrating St Giles’ Trees
23 – 30 November marks National Tree Week. A special week chosen by The Tree Council to celebrate trees and raise awareness around their conservation and care. We are very fortunate in the Parish of Ashtead to have two Churches, accompanying halls and other facilities. St Giles’ Church is of significant historical interest, as a 12th century building with a Churchyard, drive and grounds of approximately 5 acres.
Giving the Homeless a HEAD Start
Mission Partner, Leatherhead Start (LS) were established in 1977 by the Leatherhead Council of Churches. The team work hard to provide emergency short-term accommodation for homeless men and women in the Mole Valley area.
Welcoming Tom
This September marks a major milestone in the continued ministry of St Giles’ and St George’s to the people of Ashtead and beyond, as the staff, volunteers and congregations busy themselves with the preparations for the coming of a new Rector.
A Farewell from Sharon
As I leave my employed role in the parish after 23 years, I find myself reflecting on all that has happened.
Mission Partner Focus: ALDAG
ALDAG stands for Always Learning Developing And Growing, which is important for people with learning disabilities, who are often marginalised in today’s society. Our Vision is for the social inclusion of people with learning disabilities within our community life, and we work towards this by providing local social opportunities and volunteering/employment pathways.
Mission Partner Focus: Karen Border Ministries
As June begins, so does the new academic year at Noh Bo Academy (NBA), our Mission Partners on the north western border of Thailand. The rainy season is upon them, which brings respite from the relentless heat of the hot season.
Empowering Young Voices Across Ashtead
Ashtead Youth Choir had its debut performance at Dorking Halls as the guest choir in the Surrey primary schools’ singing festival.
Introducing Reverend Tom Darwent
“It is a privilege and a joy to have been appointed to this role” says Tom, “I first felt God laying Ashtead on my heart some time ago. It is a church with wonderful people, a rich heritage and incredible resources.”
Pushing Back Against Poverty
“Driven by hope, faith and the love of her children, Aline sought help from Christian Aid. They helped with training and support so she was able to start a small business, start to grow nutritious food, build a home and return her children to her side.”
Envision, Equip, Engage
“Interserve works alongside the church in nations across Asia and the Arab world, wherever there are opportunities to share the love of Jesus with Asian and Arab peoples. Their partners seek to bring about meaningful and lasting transformations in the people they work with through Jesus. ”
He is not here for He has risen
“We are an Easter people and alleluia is our song” – words of St Augustine, many years ago. Times may have changed over the centuries, but it is still true – we are an Easter people! So, the challenge we face as Christians today is to ask, “What might this look like in today’s world?”