Here are some stories from our Parishes

~

 

20th September 2025

Order of St Richard Awards

 

Congratulations to John & Tina French who were awarded the Order of St Richard at a Choral Evensong service at Chichester Cathedral, amongst others from around the Diocese.  Bishop Martin presented them with a badge on a ribbon, and a certificate.  

The citation read out for John & Tina noted their "...tireless behind the scenes commitment to both church and village life"  and their ".. servant hearted teamwork of deep faith and commitment to others in their local rural community."

 

 

14th July 2025

Confirmation Service with Bishop Will

 

Candidates from around the Deanery came together to be confirmed by the Bishop of Lewes, Bishop Will Hazlewood at a very special service at Ashburnham Church.  There were 14 candidates for confirmation, including 2 adults who were also baptized.  It was a lovely summer evening, and the service was followed by refreshments in the Stables at Ashburnham Place - with lots of cake!

 

 

 

 

 

29th June 2025

 

Lunch for both churches, marking 25 years since Revd Gary's ordination

 

 

 

 

Following a joint service, a "bring and share" lunch was held as an occasion for the congregations of both churches to gather socially.  It also provided an opportunity to celebrate Revd Gary's 25th anniversary of ordination in Carlisle Cathedral.  An amazing cake with detailed decorations was made by Pat Tindall's daughter, Jane.  It was a very special time of enjoying one another's company and giving thanks for Gary & Julie's ministry with us.

 

 

10th May 2025

Authorised Lay Ministers commissioned at Chichester Cathedral

Keith and Sandy Tattersall were commissioned as Authorised Lay Ministers - Pastoral Care by the Bishop of Lewes, Bishop Will Hazlewood, at a service at Chichester Cathedral.  A group from Ashburnham Church went along to support them.  They will support Revd Gary in his role within the parishes.  Authorised Lay Ministers share in the public ministry of the local church, as they serve their local parishes.  ALM ministry takes many different forms depending on the parish, and there is training in Chaplaincy, Mission, Care of Creation & Eco Church, Pastoral, Preaching, Worship & Liturgy and Youth Work.  See the Chichester Diocese website for more details.

 

 

4th May 2025

ROGATION SUNDAY at Lattendens Farm and Oak Bank Farm which also included a VE 80 Commemoration.

 

We were blessed with fine weather this year, and a good number of folk of all ages from the local villages and beyond attended.  We started the service in Oak Bank Farm including the cattle shed, and then to Lattendens Farm stopping at different places to remind ourselves of the beautiful scenery and all the work that goes on in our communities, to give thanks to God and seek His blessing. 

 

There was a short commemoration to mark the 80th Anniversary of VE Day followed by refreshments in the garden and barn at Lattendens Farm.  It was a truly memorable community occasion, and thanks go to our hosts for their generous hospitality and attention to detail, and all those involved.

 

 

 

2nd February 2025

PLOUGH SUNDAY at the Village Hall followed by lunch

 

This year’s Plough Service was a wonderful celebration of our local farming community.  As well as giving thanks for the land and our farmers and decorating the plough, we heard updates from Martin & Hazel who brought Pevensey Cheese, and Helen at Fresh Meadow Farms brought sausages, alongside Court Lodge Farm yoghurts.  Gill shared how apple & pear pulp from Ringden Farm is fed to their cattle at Oakbank Farm, and Jay taught us all about grass!  Around 65 people from both churches and villages joined together and many stayed for a light lunch afterwards.  Donations of £225 were divided between R.A.B.I and F.C.N.  Thanks to all those who provided cakes and soup, and especially to Tina who brought it all together!  Please continue to pray for those in our farming communities facing many challenges currently.

 

    

17th November 2024

RECTOR OF ASHBURNHAM WITH PENHURST

 

Our churches came together on 17th November 2024 at a special service when our priest in charge, Revd Gary Cregeen, was instituted as Rector. It was a significant moment for the churches and villages and an uplifting and encouraging event.

 

Communion chalices given to both Ashburnham and Penhurst churches dating back to the 17th century were brought back from Chichester Cathedral to be used. We enjoyed a cream tea at Ashburnham Place afterwards.

 

Print | Sitemap
© Ashburnham and Penhurst Churches