More than 180 volunteers from St George's and St Giles' churches joined us for a special Afternoon Tea at the Rectory, where the staff team had the privilege of serving those who give so much throughout the year.

The Evergreen Summertime Social was held over three days from 11^th – 13^th August at St George’s church, was a great success, welcoming more than 70 local elderly people for days filled with laughter, friendship and entertainment.

The Raspberry Tea, held at The Dell Centre on 7 August, was a wonderful success, serving up scones and smiles for another year whilst raising more than £1,500 for Christian Aid.

Earlier this summer, 86 people from St Giles’ and St George’s attended all or part of New Wine, joining thousands of Christians from across the UK for a week of worship, teaching, ministry and community at the Bath & West Showground in Somerset.

Last Sunday’s Community Picnic was a wonderful success, with members of our church family and the wider community gathering on Ashtead Recreation Ground to enjoy fellowship in the summer sunshine.

Godparents' Day, celebrated on the third Sunday in July, is an opportunity to thank those who play a vital role in nurturing faith across generations. In the Church of England, godparents make a lifelong commitment at baptism to pray for, encourage and support their godchildren in their Christian journey. This special day celebrates their dedication while also reminding godparents of the promises they have made—to be faithful role models, trusted companions and witnesses to God's love throughout a child's life.

Love Your Burial Ground Week (6–14 June), led by Caring for God’s Acre, invites us to celebrate and appreciate the special places our churchyards are. At St Giles, our five-acre churchyard is cared for in a natural, wildlife-friendly way, offering beauty, peace, and a place for remembrance. Supported by a dedicated team of volunteers, it remains both welcoming and well maintained. This article highlights the vital work of our working party and the unique role the churchyard plays in our community. 

Volunteers’ Week celebrates those who give their time to serve—and invites us to consider how we might do the same. Serving brings deep joy and purpose as we step into the unique part God has for each of us. From behind-the-scenes roles to practical acts of care in the community, every contribution matters and helps others feel welcomed, supported and connected.

Mental Health Awareness Week reminds us that caring for our wellbeing is essential. With 1 in 4 people experiencing a mental health issue, this week encourages open conversations, reduces stigma and helps us support one another. As a church community, we’re called to “cast all our anxiety on him because he cares for us” (1 Peter 5:7) and to look after ourselves and each other. Read on to discover how we can take action together.

This month we celebrate 10 years of the Dell Centre, a milestone made possible by the dedication and generosity of so many within our church family. What began as a bold vision to replace the ageing St Giles’ Hall became a remarkable community effort, shaped by committed volunteers, generous bequests and the faith of those who believed Ashtead needed a space worthy of its growing ministries.

April is Stress Awareness Month, a time to recognise how stress affects our lives and to learn simple ways to support our wellbeing.

It’s been so good sharing the Story of Easter with over 200 children from our local schools this week at “Stepping into Easter”

It’s been so good sharing the Story of Easter with over 200 children from our local schools this week at “Stepping into Easter”

On 24 February, many organisations will mark Emotional Health Day, created by the Centre for Emotional Health to encourage people to pause and reflect on their emotional wellbeing. It’s a reminder that emotional health is not a luxury or an optional extra — it is part of how God has created us, and it affects how we relate to Him, to ourselves and to one another.

Last Saturday, St George’s Church was delighted to be one of the host venues for RESET: New Wine Women’s Day 2026, welcoming 300 + women from across our region. What a privilege to be part of a nationwide gathering that brought together over 2,500 women across nine locations, all seeking rest, renewal and a fresh encounter with Jesus.

Care Day, observed every year on 15 February, is a wonderful reminder of the importance of kindness, empathy and compassion in our communities. It highlights how transformative it can be when we show care for one another—simple gestures that uplift, encourage and remind us that every person is valued. As Scripture teaches us, “Serve one another humbly in love” (Galatians 5:13). Care Day offers us a moment to reflect on what this looks like in practice.

Each year on 14 February, people around the world celebrate International Book Giving Day — a simple yet beautiful initiative encouraging us to share books and spark a love of reading. While many will give storybooks or novels, we as a church family have a unique opportunity to share a book that brings life, hope and good news.