Our Community
Our vision is to be a serving church that reaches out into the community as well as to those within the church. With open hearts and minds we welcome everyone into the Love of God through prayer and action.
We hope that you will find what you are looking for in these pages, and the correct person to contact if you want to go further.
If you are new to Squirrels Heath All Saints, we would love to get to know you, so please get in touch.
Church Flower Volunteers
The flower arrangers provide arrangements and displays each week on a rota, as well as particularly special displays for festivals and big events. No experience necessary and the arrangements and vases can be put in place in less than an hour. Please speak to Vicar Chris if you think you might be able to help.
Things to consider about prayer
- Learning to pray. To pray is to make our hearts ready to experience the love of God in Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. Praying regularly will help us to develop a spiritual rhythm. A discipline of prayer changes the way that we think about our lives, because it creates new habits of heart and mind. Prayer opens us more deeply to the transforming grace of God. We enter into God’s presence, allowing the Holy Spirit to pray in us.
- Services like Morning and Evening Prayer, Prayer during the Day, and Night Prayer are designed so that they can be said by individuals or in a group.
- But we may often wish to pray by ourselves as we try to share in Christ's prayer to his Father. Whether you are a child, young person or an adult, prayer is easier than you might imagine! Millions of people of every age pray every day.
- Remember that God hears every prayer—but not all prayers are answered in the way we might expect or desire: we don't always pray for his will to be done! Prayer is a discipline - it can be difficult at times, just like keeping fit, being on a diet, or keeping weeds down in the garden. Little and often is best, but don't give up! No prayer, however inadequate you may feel it to be, is ever wasted or of no value.
- When should I pray? Traditionally, prayer times have been morning and evening, but you can choose a time which is best for you. It helps to be somewhere quiet, where you can have some time for yourself.
- What do I need? You might like to set up a special place in which you pray regularly. You might also place an open Bible, a cross, a candle, an icon or another picture, to give the time and space special significance. You don't have to know any prayers if you want to pray - in fact, words can often get in the way. But you may wish to write down or memorise some prayers that speak to you, especially the Lord’s Prayer. You could build up a collection of favourite prayers and sayings and keep a scrapbook.
- Do I have to kneel? Kneeling is the traditional posture for penitence and standing for praise, but you can pray anywhere - walking, standing, sitting, whatever feels comfortable.
All Saints Music
Music has been offered in worship since Biblical times; this offering is vitally important, for music has the ability to transcend words; it is the language of the spirit. Music can inspire, excite, soothe, and heal; it can unite people of different backgrounds and nationalities, it can speak to people of all faiths and of none, and it can point the way to God.
The Church Choir meets on a Friday afternoon and would welcome new members to join them.
Mission & Ministry Partners
- Gidea Park, St. Michael,
- Harold Wood, St. Peter,
- Harold Hill, St. Paul and
- Noak Hill, St. Thomas
Compassion UK Child Sponsorship
Through Compassion UK, All Saints sponsors Melvine Gum who lives in Uganda. Please consider contributing towards our sponsorship, by leaving a donation using the ‘hole-in-the-wall’ at the back of Church (left side of the double doors). Many thanks, Chris.
Compassion UK web site here.
Rainham Foodbank
Please continue to donate non-perishable foodstuffs, tins, jars, packets to the Rainham Foodbank.; most needed items include tinned fish, UHT milk and sugar. On Monday evenings, I will taking these gifts to the FoodBank at 35A New Road, Rainham, RM13 8DR, where the Foodbank is open between 6-7:30pm. Foodbank is also open on Wednesdays at Holy Cross Church, Hornchurch, 11am-1pm. Chris
Unwanted Clothes
We collect unwanted clothes that are given either to “Hope4Havering” for the homeless or to the newly established “Clothes Bank” at Rainham Foodbank.
There is a green wheelie bin in the church where clothes can be left.
Latest letter from Melvine Gum
Fellowship Groups
We are a friendly group who meet for fellowship and social on a Thursday afternoon between 2-4pm.
We have a good programme of events and interesting guest speakers as well as bingo, quizzes, games and films on a regular basis. A small fee of £3 includes a cup of tea and cake. We also have occasional lunches.
We welcome new members but are happy for anyone to come and try us out.
Brownies 1st Gidea Park (All Saints)
We were the first Pack in the area, hence our name - 1st Gidea Park (All Saints’) and are still going strong!
We meet every Wednesday in the Church Hall during term-time between 6pm and 7.30pm; Brownies is for girls aged 7 to 10 years old.
Our activities include crafts, cooking, planting and growing, and working towards badges. Recently our badge activities have included trying to smash hard-boiled eggs with various objects to see which one cracks the egg; following signs and trails; making paper aeroplanes; and designing robots.
Brownies have adventures
Every year we go on Brownie Holiday (“camp”) for a weekend and spend time outdoors on toboggans, pedal-carts, singing at campfire round a real log fire, playing outside and looking after ourselves.
We are always having fun, learning new things and making friends.
Guides is for all girls aged ten to 14
In Guides you'll get out there and do something really different.
You'll create your own campaigns, learn and share new skills and fly down the occasional zip wire. You'll explore new places - Guides go on camps, holidays and trips, enjoy exciting events like our star-studded concert the “Big Gig” and our music festival, “Wellies and Wristbands.”
As you progress through Guides you'll have a chance to lead small groups and support younger girls to have fun and make friends
Guides take the lead
Through planning, communication and teamwork, you will become a role model for others and learn more about yourself.
You don't need to be loud or super-confident to lead - developing leadership skills is about growing your own confidence too. A supportive space like guiding means you have room to make mistakes, as well as celebrate your achievements. We think all girls can lead in different ways - including you.
Activities at camp
Contact:
Rev. Chris Wragg
vicar@aschornchurch.org.uk
01708 446571 / 07714507147
Squirrels Heath, All Saints (Ardleigh Green)
Ardleigh Green Rd, Hornchurch Essex. UK RM11 2LU
Sunday Services:
Our Sunday services are a mix of Family Communion, Parish Communion, Family Parade and an informal Cafe Service. All held at 10.30am. We have separate Children's Groups during most Services. Enjoy a tea or coffee and a chat after the services.
Every Sunday @ 8:30am Holy Communion (Informal said service with sermon)