On behalf of us all at St Dunstan’s we welcome you to this website and our parish church.
ANNOUNCEMENT FROM MAYFIELD & FIVE ASHES PCC (made on Sunday 15th August 2021)
The Churchwardens and PCC are delighted to announce the appointment of Fr. Michael Asquith as the new Vicar of Mayfield and Five Ashes.
Fr. Michael is currently Rector at St Margaret’s in Lowestoft, as well as Area Dean and Chaplain to the local Air Training Corps Squadron and a governor at a local primary school.
Immediately prior to 2011 Fr. Michael was the Assistant Diocesan Director of Education in the Diocese of Leicester. He has also been Rector in Corby, having completed his curacy, last century in Ashford, Kent.
Prior to ordination Fr. Michael taught Religious Education and Science in a secondary school for 11 years.
Fr. Michael is married to Jo and they have two grown up daughters.
Fr. Michael has written:
“I am really excited about coming to live and minister in Mayfield and Five Ashes.
I really enjoy both the Modern Catholic tradition and the choral tradition of the Church of England (nobody does it better) and so am looking forward to St Dunstan’s. Music, both traditional, modern and popular (‘You’ll never walk alone’ is such a wonderful song about God’s love for us) is so important; it raises us up to God in praise and worship as we celebrate and rejoice in all he does for us.
I am looking forward to working with all the local schools, with the Weald Foundation, and particularly with the church schools: Five Ashes and Mayfield Primary Schools. I am really excited at the prospect of meeting you, every member of the church, to get to know you and to explore how, together, we can grow the church.
As the next few weeks progress, we will all get to know more of the arrangements for me beginning the next phase of my ministry amongst you and I will share opportunities for us to meet each other.
Please pray for me and for Jo as we prepare to move and join you; and for Tina our daughter who will be staying with her family in Lowestoft, as we will be praying for St Dunstan’s and the people of Mayfield and Five Ashes and for our Christian witness together for the glory of God.”
Fr Michael’s Licensing will take place on Wed, 10th November at 7.30pm in St Dunstan’s.
St Dunstan’s is now open for Services at 10.15am on Sundays and 10am on Wednesdays; and is also open each day from 9am until 5pm for private prayer. In addition, a Said Eucharist takes place at the Chapel of the Good Shepherd in the Cottage Hospice in Five Ashes at 12 noon on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month.
In line with updated guidelines from both HM Government and the Church of England, the PCC has agreed new arrangements for services which will take immediate effect. Our objective is to provide a safe and secure environment for all whilst recognising we all have different appetites for risk. Our church is large well-ventilated space with ample room for people to sit as they choose.
Face masks will not be required although we recognise many will still prefer to wear them at their personal discretion.
It will no longer be necessary to register attendance for track and trace purposes.
Seating will continue to be spaced in line with our practice over the last twelve months.
Both choir and congregational singing will be permitted in church with unrestricted numbers.
Hymn books and service booklets will be in use.
Communion will remain as bread only, as agreed with our visiting clergy.
Sharing of Peace will remain as a nod and a wave.
Refreshments – coffee will be served from the back of church / outside the West door in the usual manner.
Bell ringers will no longer be subject to social distancing protocols.
It is hoped Sunday Club and Messy Church will be able to resume from the start of the Autumn term in September.
Our Newsletter is invaluable in keeping everyone up to date on church news and can be found under the ‘NEWS’ tab. If you would like to receive a copy direct by email, please contact Nicky in the Parish Office (01435 873484 or office.stdunstans@gmail.com) The Parish Office opening hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9am until 1pm.
If you are visiting or a regular member of the congregation, we look forward to welcoming you in person at one of our Church services.
Churchwardens
Steve Lawrence Stephen Blurton
If you wish to support financially our mission in Mayfield & Five Ashes you may use the donate button below
