The Chapel Team has been as busy as ever during lockdown, In fact, some of us have been busier than usual! With The Chapel events and especially our Lunch Club closed to the public, we looked at ways to make a difference in the community.
Partnering with the local Coronavirus Support Group we registered for food donations, organised a team, and together we have been collecting, packing and distributing food every week. Huge thanks to the volunteers involved and please get in touch with us if you’re a local in need.
While all this was going on, work did not stop for our Artists in Residence Jono and Debi, who have been very busy juggling family needs, managing the impacts of the crisis on their commissioned work, and keeping their wonderful workshops going using Zoom from home. The Monthly Makes have been a lovely way to get inspired to be creative at home, and fundraise for the Chapel at the same time. The ‘home made natural ink’ & mark making session was very popular. If you’re interested in joining the mailing list to be first to hear about the next Monthly Make, contact Debi for more details. debiretallick@googlemail.com
Musicians in Residence Matt and Dan have been tirelessly working throughout the pandemic too, writing, recording, editing and producing — and even found time to record a song in lockdown “There is Hope” with Resound Worship, which I’m sure all our Facebook followers will already have enjoyed online (If you missed it check the blog item on our website: www.ashvalechapel.com or do a quick search on YouTube.
ChapelKids have been zooming, twice a week—one for the grownups to chat (Mondays 11:30am) and another to interact with the little ones (Wednesdays 11:30am). Crafts at Chapel have been replaced by take-home kits, and we’ve been sharing photos on facebook. Our hero on Wednesdays is 8yo Lucy who has been helping to lead the songs and taking turns reading the story. Hats off to all the parents and carers out there! It’s a tough job at the best of times and this has certainly been extra tricky! You’re all doing such a wonderful job. The little ones always amaze us on zoom every week too, and it has been a joy to see them grow. If you’d like to join in, don’t be shy! Text Alex 07730 609446.
There’s more! Rev Neil has been running an online painting group, “San Rocco” Chapel Art Club is on Zoom on Thursdays 6pm, #tablechurch is alive and well online, Chapel Poets have zoomed, as has the Craft Group, and we have seen some beautiful creativity. Other groups including Filmshare, Chapel Greens, the gardening team, and Chapel Café are on hold for now, but watch this space! We are praying for you all and working hard to develop a safe and creative “New Normal” to welcome you all back soon!
With love to all, from
The Chapel Mission Team
07730 609446
Facebook: @AshValeChapel