Category: Parishioner

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Christmas Foodbank Appeal 2024

It’s nearly time for our lovely team at the #AshVillagesFoodParcelsProject to pack the Christmas parcels and take some festive cheer to local people in need. Your help and support with donations, funds, prayers and sharing this appeal far and wide would be greatly appreciated!

If you would like to donate food, toys or gifts , please bring your donations in by the 15th December. You can come to The Chapel (Wharf rd) on Wednesday or Monday 9am-2:30pm or pop in to St Mary’s (Vale Rd) on Friday or Sunday 10:00-13:00. There is a live list of what’s most needed on the App ‘Bank the Food’ if you need inspiration, or simply bring something Christmassy! We love to be able to give out all the Christmas classics from Turkey and parsnips to mince pies, pudding and custard. We also give our presents of sweets, chocolates, winter warmers, new toys, hot water bottles, socks etc, nice toiletries, … all much needed please!

If you would prefer to give funds towards the food that we buy in (fresh veg, turkey, milk, pasta, fruit, tins etc) you can donate online here: https://givealittle.co/c/3ijYS6zC4gbOGqwer2tmdY

We also need volunteers, for gift wrapping and deliveries 16th-20th. If you are interested please contact us on 07730609446 for more details.

Thank you for supporting us in whatever way you can. It really does make all the difference! Let’s bless our neighbours in need in Ash, Ash Vale, Ash Green and Tongham this Christmas.

PS – if you are based locally and need a foodbank referral please contact your local Citizens Advice, GP, school, local churches, social worker, health visitor and other agencies who can refer you to us. We cover Ash, Ash Vale, Ash Green and Tongham. Referrals must be in by 15th December for Christmas, We are closed 25-27 Dec while our volunteers take a well deserved break.

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Wet weather plan for St Nicholas today!

Ladies and gents we are invoking the wet weather plan! No walk outside, but come directly to St Mary’s for a party and to meet Santa. (St Mary’s Church, Vale Road GU12 5JE)

1) arrive in the foyer and collect your lantern between 4:30 and 5:30pm

2) walk through the church with your lantern to meet St Nicholas by the Christmas tree

3) Advent crafts will be available to enjoy (snowman biscuits, tree decorating etc)

4) Party time with burgers and hot chocolate in the small hall ☕️✨🍔

Come and join the party! 🌟💕🙏🎅🏻✨#StNicholasLanternWalk#StNicholas#CommunityParty#StMarysAshVale

Meet Saint Nicholas at St Mary’s church, Ash Vale GU12 5JE

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St Nicholas lantern walk and bonfire party – 7th Dec (booking now open!)

You are invited! Sat 7th Dec 2024
For the annual St Nicholas Lantern Walk! 🌟🎄🎅🏻✨🏮✨
Join us for a lantern lit walk from The Chapel (wharf rd) to St Mary’s (vale rd), and a bonfire party in the garden with St Nic! Bring your Christmas lanterns to light your way or use one of ours. (Dress for the weather!)

we have 3 time slots this year: 4:30/5:00/5:30 setting off from the Chapel. Text to book so you can be sure of a little gift from St Nicholas! Book your start time by text / WhatsApp on 07730 609446
By donation / give what you can, no set fee. All welcome, come and join the fun!
#StNicholasLanternWalk

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Thank you to the Cubs!

The foodbank team would like to say a very big thank you to the local Cub Scouts who visited tonight. They brought some wonderful, thoughtful donations, decorated our Foodbank Christmas tree and came up with some super ideas for a foodbank recipe book.
You are very welcome to pop back to the Chapel for the Christmas Fair on Saturday so you can show your families your handiwork! It was lovely to see you all, come back again soon.


#Foodbank #AshVillagesFoodParcelsProject #CubScouts #1stAshValeCubs

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Transforming Young Lives: Join MCR Pathways as a Volunteer Mentor

(by Liz G from MCR Pathways)

MCR Pathways, an award-winning charity dedicated to transforming the lives of young people through mentorship, is looking for volunteer mentors to support a young person throughout their education.

The charity addresses the widening gap in educational and employment outcomes between care-experienced young people and their peers. Research shows that those who do not receive MCR Pathways mentorship are 23% less likely to progress to college, university, or employment compared to their mentored peers. By connecting young people with caring mentors, MCR Pathways helps bridge the gap between aspiration and achievement.

Mentors meet with their mentees for just one hour each week in school. This consistent interaction provides a valuable opportunity for young people to focus on their future, discuss any concerns, and share their thoughts and experiences in a safe and supportive environment. Research shows that even one hour a week with a caring adult can significantly boost a young person’s confidence, improve academic performance, and open doors to a brighter future.

Since its founding in 2007, MCR Pathways has made a significant impact, launching its programme in Surrey in 2021 and establishing partnerships with seven schools across the county. With the growing demand for mentors, MCR Pathways is actively seeking new volunteers in Banstead, Epsom, and Tadworth. If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact in your community, find a school near you by visiting mcrpathways.org/school-locator.

To find out more about the programme and to register, head to mcrpathways.org/whats-stopping-you or for any enquiries about becoming a mentor, please reach out to Liz Grace, MCR Pathways’ Surrey Volunteer Recruitment Manager, at liz.grace@mcrpathways.org or call 07483 390702. Together, we can help create a future where every young person has the opportunity to thrive. Join MCR Pathways today and be the change in a young person’s life!

Where to find us online:

mcrpathways.org

https://www.facebook.com/mcrpathways

https://www.instagram.com/mcrpathways

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Christmas events 2024

Christmas Invitation from St Mary’s 2024 You’re invited!

Saturday 30th Nov—Christmas at The Chapel (Wharf Rd) 14:00-16:30 Join us for festive fun, cake sale, hotdogs, raffle, free kids craft, toys, tombola, books, and more.

Saturday 7th December St Nicholas Day Lantern Walk (time slots 16:30 / 17:00 / 17:30): An atmospheric lantern walk from The Chapel on Wharf Rd to St Mary’s on Vale Rd, finishing with a bonfire party, hot chocolate and sweets from St Nicholas! Booking essential to see St Nic: Text / Phone / WhatsApp to book: 07730 609446

Wednesday 18th Dec Carols at the Train Station 18:15-19:15 Join the Ash Vale Village Singers, Ash Vale Station Gardeners, and St Mary’s Choir for a mince pie and a sing!

Sunday 22nd December Carols by Candlelight 18.30: Come and share the joy of singing our favourite Christmas Carols by candlelight at this very special service at St Mary’s, followed by mulled wine / cuppa and a mince pie. Let’s rejoice together.

Christmas Eve 24th Dec Christingle Journey (time slots from 3pm): Make a Christingle, visit the Innkeeper for a drink, see the Wise Men, stoke the shepherd’s bonfire, and see baby Jesus! Not forgetting Revd Neil’s amazing food! A Christmas adventure in aid of the Children’s Society. Text to book 07730 609446

Christmas Eve 24th Dec Midnight Mass 23:30 Come and celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and the first communion of Christmas.

Christmas Day 25th Dec: Christmas Service 10:30 Join us to celebrate our Lord Jesus’ birth. Children welcome, bring along your favourite gift to show & tell!

Christmas Generosity: This year we are asking for donations of Christmas treats & gifts for local food bank parcels please, we are also fundraising to support vulnerable women in Uganda, and collecting funds to bring some Christmas cheer to local refugees. To donate items for any of our projects you can bring things in when we are open, or contact us to make arrangements. To donate funds you can follow our donations link and select a project to support by donation, or pop in any time to donate. Thank you for your support! (Project Manager contact number: 07730 609446)
Have a blessed and peaceful Christmas!
Donations link https://givealittle.co/c/75npOYB3aZl4vFFBN2Ve3p

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Remembrance Sunday 2024

As this weekend is Remembrance Sunday, the Church service at St Mary’s will start an hour earlier at 9.30am and will be followed by the Civic service in the village. The Parade leaves the Ash Centre 10:40 am and walks up the hill to the War Memorial at the top of Ash Hill Road. Churches together organise a service, which includes a two-minute silence at 11 am. Tea and coffee served in the Ash Centre afterwards. #Remembrance

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Donations Links

Happy half term everyone! We hope you have enjoyed all our groups, events and services this half term. Here’s the donations link if you would like to chip in! Thank you for helping us to keep the doors open so we can serve our community. 💕  https://givealittle.co/c/75npOYB3aZl4vFFBN2Ve3p

You can also donate at our events and services if you prefer not to give online.

Thank you for your support!

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Local Event – The Longest Yarn at Aldershot Garrison Church

“The Longest Yarn” is coming to Aldershot!

This is an 80m 3D depiction of that fateful day – 6 June 1944, in wool art.  With 80 displays (each measuring 1 metre in length, depicting scenes of the world’s largest amphibious invasion is something quite unique and not to be missed.

The Longest Yarn will be on display at the Royal Garrison Church of All Saints from 1-18 November (closed 6 November).  Parking (for blue badge holders) will be available Duke of Wellington statue, Claycart Road, Aldershot GU11 1SQ and Bourley Road, Aldershot, GU11 1PT.

Opening times:

0900-1600  Weekdays.

0900-1700  Weekends.