Community News
UICC Campaign for People-Centred Cancer Care
The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) has launched a new global campaign, "United by Unique," aimed at fundamentally shifting cancer care towards a people-centred approach. The campaign, which will run from 2025 to 2027, emphasises the importance of recognising and addressing the unique needs, perspectives, and stories of individuals affected by cancer.
Dancing to a ‘Tea’
Last Saturday afternoon saw a great flurry of activity at St George’s Christian Centre. People swapped their trainers for sparkly heels and soft leather pumps and danced the afternoon away in support of Christian Aid at our very popular Tea Dance.
Service That Leaves a Lasting Smile
If you have visited St George’s Café, then you have not only enjoyed delicious food freshly prepared on the premises, but also impeccable service from one of our dedicated volunteer servers. Service with a smile that you are unlikely to forget in a hurry!
Blessings from Besom
When we meet as volunteers for Besom, we always pray and remind ourselves that we carry the presence of God with us. During the year we deliver good quality donated furniture and household essentials to nearly 200 families referred to us. At Christmas we deliver donated Christmas Hampers of food and gifts to more than 70 of those we have helped during the year.
All Things Nice
Some impressive creations from our Gingerbread decorating afternoon held on Sunday 8 December, as families gathered at The Dell to get creative.
Festive Fun for Kingfishers Group
The Kingfishers Group gathered at St George’s on 30 November for some festive fun with flowers. Together the team supported a number of disabled adults in preparing some beautiful Christmas Table decorations. Thank you to Dee Peck and her team for organising this fun social event.
And the Winner is…
Last Friday night 10 teams assembled in the Dell Centre for a chance to win the coveted SGSG Quiz Trophy. The room was filled with laughter and brain challenging questions ranging from the missing dwarf from Snow White to the year Chaucer was born.
Time for a Stir
Stir-up Sunday is a centuries-old annual tradition where home-cooks spend the last Sunday before Advent ‘stirring up’ their Christmas pudding. That means it’s not on the same date each year and falls somewhere at the end of November before Advent begins.
Speak Up Against Gender-Based Violence – White Ribbon Day, 25 November
25 November marks White Ribbon Day, a globally recognised symbol to end men’s violence against women and girls. It is also the start of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, a campaign launched by the United Nations to end violence against women and girls.
Welcoming our New Facilities Manager
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Jeremy Pearson as our new Facilities Manager. Jeremy brings a wealth of experience from banking and civil service roles. He is currently an Assistant Verger for St Giles’ and is looking forward to being involved more deeply across the parish. His skills and knowledge will be invaluable as we continue to enhance both our facilities and welcome to the community.
OH Come… To sing at Ashtead Village Night on 3rd December
Calling All Singers! There will be an opportunity to raise the roofs in Ashtead Village, whilst raising some money for Christian Aid -not to mention raising the profile of our church - at Ashtead Village night on Tuesday 3rd December. There will be an Ashtead Churches Together group gathering outside M&S at 5pm to sing for just an hour. All welcome!
World Kindness Day - 13 November
Being kind to others matters to God. Every kind act, even the smallest one, has the power to create a ripple effect. That’s why The World Kindness Movement are encouraging us all to be kind to others, whether that be at home, work, school, or just out in public.
Organ & Scholarship Scheme Announcement
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Joshua Galipeau (Downsend School), Jocelyn and Zoë Bates (Rosebery School) to our new organ and choral scholarship scheme. Jocelyn holds an organ scholarship; Zoë is a choral scholar and Joshua is combining the two awards - both singing with the choir and playing the organ.
Supporting the Bereaved
Bereavement is something that all of us will experience at some point in our lives as sadly, losing loved ones is a very painful part of living. As a church, we aim to reach out and support people in their bereavement. This can be something that happens quite discreetly, whether by organising a funeral or interment of ashes via the Parish Office, or a member of our pastoral team spending time just ‘listening’ to someone, or visiting them at home.
WhatsApp’ening in Ashtead Parish
Keep up to date on everything you need to or would like to know about your church. From the next Alpha Course dates to worship events, the latest special on the St George’s Coffee Menu to road closures that could affect your journey to church this morning!
Inspiring Church Growth
The ministry team and a number of our volunteers attended this year’s Church Growth Conference hosted by St Paul’s Howell Hill earlier this month to enjoy wisdom shared by a host of speakers on going deeper in discipleship.
New Service Patterns for 2025
New Service Patterns for St Giles’ & St George’s beginning 12 January 2025.
‘Bryn-ging’ Hope to Prisons and the Homeless
The legendary slide guitarist, Bryn Haworth gave a performance of songs from his albums and shared stories with more than 150 at St George’s Church last weekend, raising more than £2000 for The Music in Ministry Trust.
Creation Still Matters
2024’s theme for Recycle Week (14-20th October) is ‘Rescue Me’, focusing on rescuing recyclable items from the rubbish bin. The Recycle Now web site has an excellent Recycling Locator, which allows you to discover what recycling facilities you have access to locally.