August brings us a gentle nudge to celebrate joy in all its forms as Happiness Happens Month. It’s a time to pause, reflect, and remember that happiness doesn't always come in grand gestures—it often hides in the laughter shared over tea, a kind smile exchanged on the street, or a heartfelt prayer whispered in peace.

As part of Ashtead PCC’s commitment to net carbon zero, St George’s Church has recently undergone some exciting maintenance work. Not only was the roof space above the dais surveyed as part of our sustainability strategy, but—with a little ingenuity and a towering scaffold—the church bell was lovingly restored to working order for the first time in several years.

In a world facing deep challenges—poverty, violence, division, and injustice—friendship may seem like a small thing. But it is, in fact, a powerful force for peace, healing, and unity.

Late last month, 28 individuals—including 19 women—were ordained at Guildford Cathedral, marking a significant milestone in their journey of faith and ministry. Among them were our very own curates, Alison Anderson and Matt Regan, who both had an enjoyable and memorable day. The annual ordination services welcomed 15 new priests and 13 new deacons from diverse backgrounds. Some have overcome personal challenges, making their calling even more powerful. It was a joyful celebration of God’s call and a reminder for us all to reflect on how the Holy Spirit might be speaking to us.

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.

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.

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.

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.