Church Services
At Ashleigh, we celebrate significant moments in the Christian calendar through special services, which are usually held at Holy Trinity Church. Families are warmly invited to join us as our Ethos Team leads these meaningful occasions. Services often include a retelling of a Bible story, hymns and songs, readings, and prayers, providing opportunities for reflection, worship and community togetherness. These events play an important role in strengthening our shared values and celebrating our Christian ethos.
Harvest
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Acts 20:35 (NIV)
Each year, we come together as a school community to celebrate Harvest, usually at the end of September or the beginning of October. This special occasion provides an opportunity for children to reflect on the importance of thankfulness, generosity and sharing with others.
As part of our Harvest celebrations, we collect donations for either the Northern Devon Foodbank or the Freedom Centre Barnstaple, supporting local families and individuals in need. During our worship and learning, children explore themes of gratitude and compassion through discussion, reflection and stories from the Bible that help us understand how we can care for others in our community.
Harvest Service 2026 - Wednesday 30th September
This year, our Harvest Service centred on the theme "Sharing Hands, Thankful Hearts." Through the Bible story of Elijah and the Widow, the children reflected on the widow's decision to share what little she had and her trust that God would provide enough. Together, we explored the lessons this story teaches us about generosity, faith and caring for others, even when it may feel difficult to do so.
“For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.’”
1 Kings 17:14 (NIV)
As part of our worship, we also took time to give thanks for the hardworking farmers across the South West and throughout the country. Through prayers, songs and reflection, the children considered the dedication and effort involved in producing the food we enjoy every day, and expressed gratitude for all those who help provide for our communities.
We were delighted to support the Freedom Centre Barnstaple through our Harvest collection this year. A huge thank you to all of our families for their generosity. Your donations will help the Freedom Centre continue its vital work of providing meals and hygiene bags for people in need within our local community.
We were also incredibly grateful for the donations of fresh produce, which helped to make the hall look vibrant and welcoming for our Harvest celebration. A special thank you goes to Duffy Class for creating their amazing Harvest loaf, which was a wonderful addition to the display and helped make the occasion even more memorable.
Christmas
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.”
Luke 2:14 (NIV)
At Ashleigh, we celebrate the Christmas story through two special services each year. Children in Nursery to Year 2 take part in a joyful Christingle Service, while our Key Stage Two children lead a more traditional Carol Service, creating beautiful clay candle holders to accompany the occasion.
Held during the first two weeks of December, these services provide an opportunity for children, staff and families to come together in celebration and reflection. Filled with music, candlelight and the spirit of the season, they are truly magical events and a highlight of the school year.
EYFS/KS1 Christingle 2026 - Wednesday 2nd December
Carol Service 2026 - Wednesday 6th December
Easter
“He is not here; he has risen!”
Luke 24:6 (NIV)
Easter is one of the most significant and important festivals in the Christian calendar. It tells the story of Jesus' death and resurrection: a story that begins with sadness but ends with hope and joy. For Christians, Easter marks the foundation of the Christian faith and the beginning of the story of Christianity.
At Ashleigh, we mark the start of the Easter season by retelling this important story and reflecting on its meaning. Through worship, discussion and reflection, children explore themes such as sacrifice, love, forgiveness and hope, helping them to understand why Easter remains so important to Christians around the world today.
Easter Service 2027 - Wednesday 24th March
Pentecost
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses...”
Acts 1:8 (NIV)
Pentecost is our final church service of the school year and marks the conclusion of the Easter story. It commemorates the coming of the Holy Spirit to Jesus' followers and celebrates the beginning of the Christian Church.
Often referred to as the "birthday of the Church," Pentecost is a joyful occasion filled with celebration, reflection and hope. At Ashleigh, children learn about the gift of the Holy Spirit and explore themes of courage, guidance and community. It is also a valuable opportunity to think about embracing change, looking ahead to new challenges and celebrating the journeys that lie before us. As we come together to mark Pentecost, we reflect on the year that has passed and look forward with confidence and optimism to the future.
Pentecost Service 2027 - Wednesday 26th May