Wednesday, 5 November marks National Stress Awareness Day—a timely reminder to pause and reflect on the pressures we carry. In a world that often feels overwhelming, it's comforting to know we’re not alone in our struggles.

November is Men's Mental Health Awareness Month in the UK—a time to challenge the silence around men’s emotional struggles and promote open, honest conversations. One of the most powerful ways to do this is through fellowship: gathering with others in faith, friendship and vulnerability.

Ashtead Churches Men's Group brings together like-minded men from all the Christian churches in Ashtead who seek to deepen relationships and live out their shared faith beyond Sunday services. Fellowship isn’t just a social activity—it’s a God-given tool for encouragement, unity and growth.

In Acts 2:42, we see the early church thriving through intentional connection—learning together, praying together and sharing life. While their fellowship happened face-to-face, the heart of their community was spiritual unity and mutual care. Today, we have new tools to live out that same spirit—even when we’re apart.

St George’s Café is more than just great coffee. It’s a warm, welcoming space in the heart of Ashtead, loved by locals and commuters alike. Staffed mainly by volunteers, the café thrives on the joy of community—people giving their time simply to make others feel at home. YourLocal.Guide lists us among the best cafés in the village, thanks to our friendly team, inclusive menu and inviting atmosphere.

Our Harvest Sunday Services last weekend at St Giles’ and St George’s were a beautiful expression of gratitude and generosity. Thanks to the incredible support from all congregations, we collected a staggering 407.4kg of food—the equivalent of 10 weeks’ worth of donations in just one day!

Thank you to everyone who joined us at St George’s Café on Friday, 26 September, for our annual Macmillan Coffee Morning. It was a truly heart-warming event, filled with delicious treats, vibrant conversation and a fantastic community spirit.

‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.’ John 1:5

Traditionally a British Celtic festival marking the end of Harvest and the beginning of winter, Halloween was an evening of mischief and mayhem as folk dressed up as spirits or fairies from ‘otherworlds’ bringing fear and sorrow to whole communities.

Wednesday, 5 November marks National Stress Awareness Day—a timely reminder to pause and reflect on the pressures we carry. In a world that often feels overwhelming, it's comforting to know we’re not alone in our struggles.

Last Sunday’s pet service at St George’s Church was a roaring success, welcoming a delightful mix of two-legged and four-legged visitors alike. The reading that day was Noah’s story from Genesis, and the church was appropriately filled with a veritable ark of animals.

It’s been a joyful summer for Evergreen, our seniors’ social connect group. In early August, over 125 guests attended the popular Summer Time Social at St George’s Church, enjoying pet therapy, pampering hand massages, crafts, and a delicious three-course lunch. Entertainment ranged from cabaret singers and dancers to acoustic duos and harpists—three sun-filled days of fun and fellowship.

This summer, around 65 of from Ashtead Parish headed to the New Wine Festival for a week of worship, camping and connection—and it was unforgettable.

It’s not every day that a set of chairs tells a story. But that’s exactly what happened when Michelle, our Administration Manager here at Ashtead Parish, posted 261 of the St George’s chairs for sale on eBay.

Before training for ordination, Matt’s life looked very different. Working in a hands-on role with JCB Greenshields, he faced quite the culture shock when he returned to education nearly 30 years after leaving school at 16. Now, just weeks into his curacy in Ashtead, Matt reflects on the transformative path that brought him here.

On Sunday 7th July, the UK will unite to celebrate Thank You Day – a chance to honour the unsung heroes who’ve made a difference in our lives.

On 14 June, Ashtead was full of joy as the village came together for a truly special day. Churches Together marked its 25th anniversary with a warm and welcoming Tea Tent at the Village Day—complete with refreshments, music, Bibles, and brilliant conversations. Later, over 140 people filled St George’s for an evening Barn Dance, with laughter, lively music, and plenty of delicious food. It was a joyful reminder of the power of community—and of God’s love shared in simple, beautiful ways.