pause and reflect on the present

AS THE SEASONS CHANGE, SO WE ARE CALLED TO:

REMEMBER & GIVE THANKS FOR WHAT HAS BEEN

PAUSE AND REFLECT ON THE PRESENT

CELEBRATE AND LOOK TO THE FUTURE

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND LIGHT YOUR PATH INTO 2022

ASH AND RIDLEY

CHURCH NEWS

NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2021

Remembrance Sunday - 14th November

On Sunday 14th November we will be joined by members of the Ash Green Scout Troop for a

Remembrance Sunday Service, starting at 10 a.m. in church, and ending at the war memorial

for the Act of Remembrance at 11 a.m. Alternatively, you can remain in church for a short

communion service followed by the Act of Remembrance at 11 a.m. In the evening,

beginning at 7 p.m., Friends of Ash Church will be hosting their annual ‘Reflections on

Remembrance’ evening of words and music read, sung and played by local people.

2.

SERVICES AT ST. PETER & ST. PAUL’S ASH

Time Type of Service When 8.00 a.m. Holy Communion(BCP) 2nd & 4th Sunday in the month 8.00 a.m. Morning Prayer(BCP) 1st & 3rd Sundays 9.00 a.m. Morning Prayer Every Tuesday & Thursday 10.00 a.m. Holy Communion (CW) 2nd & 4th Sundays 10.00 a.m. Morning Prayer (CW) 1st Sunday in the month 10.00 a.m. ‘All Together’ service 3rd Sunday in the month 10.00 a.m. Morning Prayer (CW) 5th Sunday in the month

SERVICES AT ST. PETER’S RIDLEY

Time Type of Service When 9.00 a.m. Holy Communion (CW) 3rd Sunday in the month 9.00 a.m. Morning Prayer (CW) 1st, 2nd & 4th Sunday in the month 9.00 a.m. Special Service 5th Sunday in the month 9.00 a.m. Time for Prayer Every Friday

Ash Church Lament Tree “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me….”

The opening words of Psalm 22; the cry of Jesus as he was dying on the cross.

Even Christ had a moment when he felt he had been abandoned, and he cried out

in lament to God in the words of the Psalm.

A cry of lament is more than just a cry of anguish and complaint, it is an appeal to

God for help, based on confidence in His character.

The last 18 months have tested all of us in some way or another, in ways we have

never experienced before.

Please join with us by adding your prayers to our prayer tree which is in the Lady

Chapel, as we ask God’s loving guidance, strength and support as we all find our

way through the times ahead. …… Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you

From St Paul’s letter to the Philippians 4 : 6 – 9

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3 : 22 - 23

3.

All Souls’ Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving

On the afternoon of Sunday 31st October, a Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving was

held in Ash Church, where people had the opportunity to remember departed loved ones, and

to light a candle in their memory. I am grateful to Debbie Nurdin for these images captured

after the service.

4.

Bat survey in Ash Church

Did you know that bats are mentioned in the bible three times within the book of Isaiah

as well as in Deuteronomy and Leviticus?

In March 2020 following an article in the Diocesan Together magazine about bats in

church, I volunteered to follow this up and set the survey in motion in our church. In

registering our interest I discovered that our church was not included in the National

Bats in Churches Study. However I liaised with Claire Boothby, the Training and Survey

Officer, and Paul and I did two training courses on Zoom in May and June 2020, and

became Church Bat Detectives.

Due to Covid restrictions it was decided to postpone the survey until 2021.

In July this year we surveyed the church. We were looking for signs of bats by searching

the church thoroughly for bat droppings and traces of urine or damage caused by it. We

were asked to take specific photographs of the church both inside and out and photos of

any evidence.

We certainly found plenty of evidence of droppings, which we crumbled to make sure

that they belonged to bats, and looked for signs of entry point with our

trusty binoculars.

It seemed to us that we might have a large colony of bats in church, so we decided on

one evening at twilight that we would observe any bat movements around the outside

of the church. Binoculars again at the ready, we sat and waited. It was a bit of a

disappointment as we only saw two bats. Either the others kept away or the two that

we saw needed to see a vet because they certainly left plenty of evidence of their

presence!

We then logged our survey, along with the photographs, online.

Thanks to Colin for completing the questionnaire about the structure of the church

building which we also logged.

As we were not part of the priority churches study we were not provided with the

necessary equipment to help identify the type of bats we have in church. However when

the entire study is analysed it is hoped to learn much more about where bats choose to

live. We have received a letter of thanks from the project and they have confirmed that

we have bats in the Nave and Chancel.

It really was a very interesting project to be part of.

Rhian Rutland

5.

St Peter & St Paul, Ash is an ECO CHURCH

Creation Care Challenge of the Month

CARING FOR THE BIRDS

Put up new bird boxes soon. Clean out any boxes you already have

6.

https://ecochurch.arocha.org.uk/

We Need Your Help!

Having been granted planning permission to extend our hub, we now need community

support to achieve our goal.

Our tiny little garage will be extended by 25 square metres to increase storage and working

areas. This will provide us with the space needed to meet the increasing demands on our

service.

Within our premises, we not only store the supplies but also compile the support parcels,

which are then distributed to our users.

The new and improved hub will incorporate a welcome area where users will be greeted with

a smile, additional storage areas for supplies, and an office area, which will also be available

to our partner agencies to use when privacy is required.

What we'll deliver:

• A larger premises to continue increased distribution of food and grocery aid.

• A safe and confidential space for signposting services to be provided.

• A platform for community involvement.

Donations can be made via:

https://www.spacehive.com/communitycupboardfoodbankextension

7.

https://www.spacehive.com/communitycupboardfoodbankextension

CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL

St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Ash, TN15 7HD

Saturday 11th December

10.00am – 5.00pm

Sunday 12th 10.00am – 4.00pm.

FREE ENTRY

Donations welcome

Come and vote for your favourite tree at this popular

event. Refreshments available

To enter a tree contact [email protected]

10.

mailto:[email protected]

Ash Church Christmas Tree

Festival 2021 - December 11th/12th

YOU CAN ENTER AS A FAMILY for £5

ORGANISATION OR CHARITY for £5

NAG NEIGHBOURHOODS for £10

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS for £10

LET’S MAKE THIS A REALLY GOOD YEAR.

Details from [email protected]

Trees can be real or artificial - no more than 2’ wide. Lights need to be battery

operated.

PRIZES AWARDED FOR THE VARIOUS CATEGORIES

11.

Ash Village Hall in November

Two exciting community events coming up:

Friday 19th November : folk@ash presents Martyn Wyndham-read , internationally known

Folk Singer plus supporting spots from Allan Richardson and Joe Whittaker.

Wednesday 24th November : Curzon Country Cinema presents DREAM HORSE – a

feel good movie based on a true story.

CAR PARKING NOW ON BOTH SIDES OF THE HALL! Thanks to our neighbour

Danny and his team. Looking forward to seeing you.

Iris and the Village Hall team

13.

Kent Chamber Choir Concert

On Saturday 11th December in Ash Church, beginning at 8 p.m., Kent Chamber Choir

will be giving a concert of music and readings for Advent and Christmas. Musical items

will include a new setting by musical director Alan Vincent of the carol ‘A Spotless Rose’

which is dedicated to the memory of John Harding, who was a longstanding member of

the Kent Chamber Choir. Tickets and more details available from Jean Bentley

A Seasonal Teaser - Answers

You were asked 8 questions the answers to which all contained words connected

with the current season:

1) The first name of the former wife of Peter Phillips, the Queen’s eldest

grandson. Answer: Autumn

2) What is the connection between Victoria, Angel and Horseshoe?

Answer: They are all falls

15.

FROM THE REGISTERS

BAPTISMS

Sophia Grace Hill 5th September Amelia Elsa Nell Howes 10th October Isabel Ivy Wills 17th October Daya-Rose Elizabeth Bonner 24th October William and Edward Pender 31st October

WEDDINGS Burak Ucurel & Sara Elizabeth Martin 28th August Carl David Roy Mercer & Tanya Nicole Elcombe 23rd October

FUNERALS

Roger James Perrin Baker 20th September Rev. Michael Howard Shaw 24th September

3) The Hunt for - -‘, a Tom Clancy novel of 1984 – later a film starring Sean

Connery. Answer: Red October

4) 1773 comedy by Oliver Goldsmith, featuring the characters Tony Lumpkin and

Kate Hardcastle. Answer: She Stoops to Conquer (Conker – this is the one

where I took a slight liberty with the spelling!)

5) Spoof soap opera featured on the Victoria Wood Show, and starring Julie

Walters as Mrs.Overall. Answer: Acorn Antiques

6) Musical suite composed by George Frederic Handel to celebrate the Treaty of

Aix-la-Chapelle in 1748. Answer: Music for the Royal Fireworks

7) ‘- Wine’, a Joanne Harris novel of 2000, the second in her ‘food’ trilogy

following ‘Chocolat’ Answer: Blackberry

8) Kurt Weill song which begins with the line ‘ Oh it’s a long, long while from May to December’ Answer: September Song

Find the Number!

The answers to this issue’s quiz all include a number between 1 and 10 (each

number used only once).

1) The pink ball in snooker is worth this number of points.

2) Popular nursery song concerning visually challenged rodents.

3) Series of chalk cliffs on the English Channel coast in East Sussex – part of

the eroded section of the South Downs.

4) Beverage-related song of 1924 by Vincent Youmans, first heard in the

musical ‘No,No, Nanette’.

5) Well-known counting song concerning items of coloured glass.

16.

6) War and Pestilence are two of the things represented by this group of

equestrians.

7) Silver coins minted during the heyday of the 16th century Spanish Empire,

and known alternatively as Spanish dollars.

8) Boy band formed in 2010 of which Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson are

two of the members

9) 1934 novel by Dorothy L. Sayers – the title refers to the number of strokes

of a bell which announce a man’s death.

10) Jazz standard by Paul Desmond which became famous in a recording by

the Dave Brubeck Quartet

Answers as ever will be revealed in the next issue. Happy quizzing!

17.

A final word from the editor

As I write, the clocks have been put back a few days ago, and the nights are drawing in as we begin the approach to winter. It is good that we can look forward to a more ‘normal’ Christmas than we had last year, and I hope that, as the evenings grow longer you will find much in these pages to entertain and inform you. The next edition of Church News will be published in mid-December and will cover the Christmas and New Year period. Please send any items for inclusion to [email protected] by Sunday 5th December latest. Happy Advent, everyone.

ASH CHURCH PRIVACY POLICY

Ash Church PCC have agreed a Privacy Policy in light of the new General Data Protection

Regulations (GDPR) and these can be found on the church website: http://www.ash-church.org.uk

If you no longer wish to be contacted by Ash Church by email or other means please contact Ian Nurdin ([email protected]) and request that your contact details are deleted and removed.

18.


http://www.ash-church.org.uk/

Who to contact at Ash & Ridley

Positions

Rector Rev Helen Reeves

01474 872209

[email protected]

SSM Associate Priest Rev Elizabeth Robertson

871637 [email protected]

Group Curate Rev Jayne Shillito 708696 [email protected]

Ordinand Carol Bridge 07979 146332

[email protected]

Churchwardens - Ash

Colin Irving 879500 [email protected]

Ian Nurdin 873414 [email protected]

Churchwardens – Ridley

Tricia Carr 873647 [email protected]

Alistair Davidson 871932 [email protected]

Licensed Lay Ministers Alison Harding 874770 [email protected]

Susan Heads 873777 [email protected]

Sacristan Bryan Parlett 873655 [email protected]

Parish Safeguarding Officer - Ash

Rhian Rutland 831216 [email protected]

Parish Safeguarding Officer - Ridley

Rhian Rutland 831216 [email protected]

Choir Master Nick Noakes 874122 [email protected]

Committees

PCC - Ash

Rev Helen Reeves - Chair


Cameron Clark (Secretary)


Sue Werlemann (Treasurer)


PCC - Ridley

Rev Helen Reeves - Chair


Ian Paddy (Secretary)


John Airey (Treasurer)

01732 822418

[email protected]

Premises Committee

TBA (Chairman)

TBA (Vice-Chairman)

Ministry Team

Rev Helen Reeves


Rev Elizabeth Robertson


Rev Jayne Shillito 708696 [email protected]

Carol Bridge

07979 146332

[email protected]

Alison Harding 874770 [email protected]

Susan Heads 873777 [email protected]

Deanery Synod Cameron Clark 874526 [email protected]






















Website: http://www.ash-church.org.uk

Groups - Ash Ash Saplings

Rev Helen Reeves


Junior Church TBA

Anna Chaplain Rev Elizabeth Robertson


Bell ringing Sue Fever 874611 [email protected]

Social Committee - Ash Marion Simmons 872363 [email protected]

Flowers Jean Bentley 872333 [email protected]

Healing Ministry

Julia Kilfoyle (Leader)


Jane Davison (Secretary)


Friends of Ash Church Mike Rose 873445 [email protected]

Bryan Parlett 873655 [email protected]

Rotas - Ash Master Rotas



Servers Bryan Parlett 873655 [email protected]

Sidesmen and Welcomers



Bible readings and Intercessions



Transport and Refreshments



Brass cleaning George Mills 872455

Church cleaning Joan Mills 872455

Keeping in Touch - who to contact Church News

Nick Noakes 874122 [email protected]


Publicity and PR

Jean Bentley 872333 [email protected]

Baptisms

Rev Helen Reeves 872209 [email protected]

Website - Ash Colin Irving 879500 [email protected]

Weddings Jan Kennedy 873675 [email protected]

Pew sheets TBA

Fete Management Committee - Ash

TBA

http://www.ash-church.org.uk/













pause and reflect on the present

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