Pentecost-Plenty-cost-Nothing-Party!

A fantastic time was had by all at the Churches Together celebration of pentecost, the birthday of the church.  We hosted a "plenty-costs-nothing" party at the Ash cente, offering free refreshments, fun and games to all our friends and neighbours. 

The Mothers Union were fantastic ase ever, keeping everyone supplied with free drinks and cakes.  Many thanks must also go to the generous people who baked cakes and cookies for the occasion.  Delicious!

This year, thanks to Sue and her team, we added music to the itinerary and were delighted to welcome the singers from Shawfields school, members of St Mary's Music group & choir and our local play ranger & artist to take the stage.  Well done, you were fabulous, let's do this again next year!

Crafts & arts this year included face painting, kite making and a prayer tree, which were all very popular and over 40 kites were made.  Thank you to all who helped to make this happen! 

Outside we had kite flying, bouncy castle, a chill out zone and a very exciting visit from th elocal play rangers, who provided a sand pit, den building, tug of war and an obstacle course.  The dens were very popular and very creative!  Did you have a go at the wellie game?  Running around with water-filled wellies was an ideal way to cool down.  It was entertaining to watch too! 

Huge thanks to the St Johns Ambulance team who supported the event and even gave us some demonstrations and a look inside the ambulance. 

All in all a great time was had by all.  See you again next year!

Good Friday 2010 at the CHAPEL

It was a rather cold, wet and windy day for the Walk of Witness on Friday, but the Christians were out in their enthusiastic droves nonetheless!  People from St Peter's, St Mary's, Holy Angels, and our friends from as far as Mytchett (let me know if you came further!) carried their crosses from different ends of the parish to meet outside Bridges (thank you as ever for your help with the sound system!) for an open air service, followed by much needed tea, coffee and hot cross buns served at the CHAPEL. Many thanks to all the helpers who prepared, provided, served, washed up and cleared up!

Can you believe it?  It was one year ago that the CHAPEL was first re-opened for hot cross buns for Good Friday 2009!  Thanks for your prayers, donations, help and support. It has been wonderful... long may it continue! 

Collect for 22 / 24 / 26 feb 2010

Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ fasted fourty days in the
wilderness, and was tempted as we are, yet without sin: give us grace
to discipline ourselves in obedience to your Spirit; and, as you know
our weakness, so may we know your power to save; through Jesus Christ
your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of
the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Collect for 8th Feb 2010
Almighty God, you have created the heavens and the earth and made us in your own image: teach us to discern your hands in all your works and your likeness in all your children; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who with You and the Holy Spirit reigns supreme over all things, now and forever.

Good morning folks!

We have a new Justgiving page for the CHAPEL project, which is great news.  We receive Gift Aid on all donations, which will be a great top-up!  The donations wil be used to keep the project going and make sure that we can run some fab creativity, hospitality and worship events.

http://www.justgiving.com/CHAPEL-Ash-Vale

Collect for Dec 15th/17th/19th

God for whom we watch and wait,
You sent John the Baptist to prepare the way for your Son;
Give us courage to speak the truth,
To hunger for justice,
And to suffer for the cause of right,
With Jesus Christ our Lord.

Collect for 14th Dec / 16th Dec / 18th Dec

O Lord Jesus Christ, who at your first coming sent your messenger to
prepare your way before you: grant that the ministers and stewards of
your mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready your way by
turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, that
at your second coming to judge the world we may be found an acceptable
people in your sight; for you are alive and reign with the Father in
the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Collect for 8th/10th/12th Dec 2010

Almighty God, purify our hearts and minds, that when your Son Jesus
Christ comes again as judge and saviour we may be ready to receive
him, who is our Lord and our God.

If you would like to join the Chapel Team in their daily reading &
prayer, ask at the Friday cafe or have a look online at http://www.dailyprayer.org.uk

 Advent Prayer

In this advent season Lord, I find it difficult to wait,

to wait for your coming.

Like a little child waiting for Father Christmas to come

I am impatient,

waiting for the day to arrive,

waiting for your kingdom to finally come on earth.

But then I am reminded that it is already here.

In a friendly word from a friend,

in the hug of my children

in the beauty of the frost on a chilly morning,

I see your hand, I see a glimpse of your kingdom.

But most of all I see it in the service of your people.

As they care for each other.

As they care for those around them.

As they cry at the evil in the world

and as they give their time and their money and their hearts

I see your kingdom, already here on earth

and it reminds me that we can have hope,

that no matter how depressing the world can seem at times

you are there

and you are involved in our lives.

You are on the journey with us

and no matter where we go you will be with us.

Help us to always have hope Lord,

and as we wait, help us to bring your kingdom values into play in our lives,

now,

today.

Amen

(Thank you to Rev Rachael H. for sharing this Advent Prayer with us all)

2nd/4th & 6th Nov:

Almighty and eternal God, you have kindled the flame of love in the hearts of the saints: grant to us the same faith and power of love, that, as we rejoice in their triumphs, we may be sustained by their example and fellowship; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

3rd/5th & 7th Nov:

God of glory, touch our lips with the fire of your Spirit, that we with all creation may rejoice to sing your praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord

Daily Collect:  28th September, 30th September & 2nd October 2009

O Lord, we beseech you mercifully to hear the prayers of your people who call upon you;  ad grant that they may both perceive and know what things they ought to do, and also may have grace an power faithfully to fulfil them; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

(Some members of the CHAPEL team are reading the "reflections for daily prayer" series.  If you would like to know more please have a look at the link:  http://www.dailyprayer.org.uk )

Collect for 26th September 2009

Lord God, defend your Church from all false teaching and give to your people knowledge of your truth, that we may enjoy eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord. 

(Some of the members of the CHAPEL team are reading the "reflections for daily prayer" series.  If you would like to know more please have a look at the link:  http://www.dailyprayer.org.uk )

God, who in generous mercy sent the Holy Spirit upon your Church in the burning fire of your love: grant that your people may be fervent in the fellowship of the gospel that, always abiding in you, they may be found steadfast in faith and active in service; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.