ELY Ely Cathedral SERVICES for December 17 - 23 THURSDAY: 7.40am – Morning Prayer; 8am – Holy Communion; 12.10 - Holy Communion; 5.30pm – Evensong. Friday: 7.40am – Morning Prayer; 8am – Holy Communion; 5.30pm – Evensong. Saturday: 7.40am – Morning Pra

ELY

Ely Cathedral

SERVICES for December 17 - 23

THURSDAY: 7.40am - Morning Prayer; 8am - Holy Communion; 12.10 - Holy Communion; 5.30pm - Evensong.

Friday: 7.40am - Morning Prayer; 8am - Holy Communion; 5.30pm - Evensong.

Saturday: 7.40am - Morning Prayer; 8am - Holy Communion; 12.30pm - Walsingham Cell Mass; 5.30pm - Evensong.

Sunday: 8.15am - Holy Communion; 10.30am - Sung Eucharist & Ministry of Healing; 12.15pm - Holy Baptism; 4pm - Evening Prayer; 6pm - Carol Service.

Monday: 7.40am - Morning Prayer; 8am - Holy Communion; 5.30pm - Evensong.

Tuesday: 7.40am - Morning Prayer; 8am - Holy Communion; 5.30pm - Evening Prayer; 7.30pm - Charity Christmas Carol Concert.

Wednesday: 7.40am - Morning Prayer; 8am - Holy Communion; 5.30pm - Evensong.

St Mary's Church

SUNDAY: 9am - Holy Communion (traditional) with preacher Judy Kerridge; 10.30am - Family Communion (contemporary) with preacher Judy Kerridge; 6pm - Carols by candlelight followed by mulled wine and nibbles.

Christmas Eve: 5pm - Crib Service with puppets; 11.30pm - Midnight Holy Communion.

Christmas Day: 9am - Holy Communion with preacher Alan Hulme; 10.30am - All Age Worship and Communion.

Sunday (27): 9am - Holy Communion with preacher John Dickinson; 10.30am - Family Communion with preacher John Dickinson.

INFO: www.elyparishchurch.net

St Peter's Church

SUNDAY: 9.15am - Sung Eucharist with celebrant and preacher Canon Chris Savage; 10am - Holy Communion with celebrant Rev Eric Rowland.

Methodist Church

SUNDAY'S service was led by Rev Barbara Garwood. Stewards welcomed the congregation and the music group sang a Christmas hymn. The children acted the nativity scenes with readings from the New Testament. The evening service at 6.30pm included Holy Communion with Rev Christopher Bishop. The organists were Pam Austin and Christopher Polkinghorn.

Thursday: noon to 1.30pm - Shoppers' Lunch.

Sunday: 10.30am - Morning Service with Ken Brown; 6.30pm - Christmas Carol Service with organists Donald Monk and Pam Austin.

Countess Church

SUNDAY: 10.30am - Family Service led by Andy Watson; 6pm - traditional carol service followed by refreshments. All welcome.

Last Sunday, morning service was led by Louise Lomax and Rob Booth following the theme of preparing the way for the Lord. In the afternoon Messy Church culminated with a nativity with lots of shepherds and wise men worshipping the baby Jesus.

New Connexions @ High Barns (Free Church)

LAST week we were looking at what exactly Immanuel means. The children's club had a good time with craft and stories.

As well as the Church and Children's Club on Sunday mornings we meet midweek as well, on various days, in local homes, and get involved in as many other activities in our area as we can - we were Carol Singing at the Barns Community Christmas Fayre last week.

This week is our Nativity service.

Church meets every Sunday at 10.30am at The Theatre, Ely St Mary's Junior School, High Barns.

INFO: Keith Waters on 01353 612158 or email fool@xalt.co.uk

The Olive Tree

SUNDAY morning's worship included Scripture readings and prayers. Holy Communion was celebrated. The Pastor spoke on the 21st Century relevance of the Feast of Hanukkah, which began on Friday evening.

Sunday: 10.30am - Christmas Family Service, with a mix of traditional and modern songs of celebration, with readings from the Bible's account of the nativity.

Christmas Day: 10am - short service including Holy Communion.

This Friday the Open Door Caf� will offer a pleasant setting for meeting and making friends while enjoying refreshments, between 10 and noon. All are welcome at these events.

CHETTISHAM

Parish Church

CELEBRANT and preacher at St Michael and All Angels on Sunday was Rev John Sansom. The organist was Beth Stokes. The first lesson was read by Joyce Briggs and the offertory was presented by Lee Howard.

Sunday: there will not be a morning service but a carol and Christingle will be held at 3pm. The Christmas Day service will be a Sung Eucharist at 8am.

LITTLEPORT

St John's Methodist Church

SATURDAY: 6.30pm - Alternative Carol Service with Christingle with New Life. This is also a food-giving service for Winter Comfort in Cambridge.

Sunday: 10.45am - Morning Service with Colin Nickless; 3.30pm Caf� Church; 6.30pm joint Carol Service at St George's.

Christmas Eve: Midnight Communion at St George's.

Christmas Day: 10.30am - Morning Service.

All welcome to attend services and events.

Vine Community Church

LIVELY, friendly, non-denominational Christian church meeting at the Regal in Hempfield Road.

'Expect the Unexpected' is the theme for the candlelit Carol Service on Sunday at 3.30pm. There will be no morning service. Afterwards there will be a 'bring-and-share' tea.

Tuesday (22): 6pm - Open Air Carol Service at Highfields.

Christmas Day: 11am - short service.

All welcome at Sunday services, which usually begin at 10.30am. Tea of coffee served before the service from 10.15am onwards. Cr�che for the youngest children is open from 10.15am and older children enjoy a separate meeting during the second half of the service. Afterwards, please join other members of the congregation for refreshments and a chance to chat.

INFO: Don Gee on 01353 864690 or 01353 860885 or www.thevinelittleport.org.uk

Littleport Ely and District Spiritualist (LEADS)

SERVICES held on Thursdays at the Village Hall in Victoria Street.

Doors open at 6.30pm for healing which ends at 7.20pm. This is free to all

who would like to have healing. If requiring healing please arrive

early as our healers are very busy and do not wish to disappoint those in need.

Divine Service begins at 7.30pm.

Today (17) medium, Keith Thomson will attend. This will also be the Christmas Carol Service to which all are welcome. There is a raffle and a goodwill collection, all donations welcomed. The evening is closed with tea/coffee and light refreshments.

This will be the last Service before Christmas and the next service will be held on January 7 when Keith Thompson will be the medium.

INFO: Call Wendie: 01353 667300 or email www.mjgoodall.co.uk/lead-spirit.htm

Women's Institute

MEMBERS started the seasonal celebrations with a Christmas party on December 10, inviting guests from Stuntney, Southery, Prickwillow and Ely City WIs.

They were entertained by six members of the Isle Sings, who sang a selection of seasonal songs and carols. They were thanked for their performance by Rosemary Kisby.

Everyone then enjoyed a bring-and-share buffet. To finish off the evening members took part in a Christmas Conundrum.

There were 20 entries in the competition for a Christmas table decoration.

On January 29, members who wish to attend the annual dinner at the Hare Arms need to contact Rosemary Coleman, secretary, for further details by January 14.

Next meeting will be on January 14, when Jane Harris will be demonstrating jewellery making. The competition will be your favourite piece of jewellery.

LITTLE THETFORD

St George's Church

LAST Sunday the congregation joined with friends at the Baptist Chapel for its tree service with a sermon on 'Jesus' different names.

Sunday: there will be a United Carols by Candlelight service at St George's at 3pm. All welcome.

Tuesday: 6pm-7pm - rehearsal of carols in the church.

Baptist Church

THE United Tree and Toy Service on Sunday morning was conducted by Liz Herrington. Toys were brought and placed under the tree for children living in foster homes in and around Ely. The offering amounted to �178.50 which will be donated to Highfields School for disadvantaged children. The carols were accompanied by the music group.

A Coffee morning was held on Wednesday (9).

This evening (17) at 7.30pm the Waterbeach Salvation Army will present a programme of Christmas music and songs.

There will be no service at the Chapel on Sunday as the two churches unite at St George's at 3pm for a carol service.

On Christmas Eve the Journey to Bethlehem will start at the Chapel at 6pm and journey to St George's Church for refreshments.

SOHAM

Phoenix Club

MEMBERS held their Christmas meeting at Keith Leonard House on December 9. Jannice Kinear welcomed everyone and handed round Christmas crackers. The entertainment was provided by Janet Gill who played popular songs and carols on her keyboard. A solo was sung by Gwen Bridgeman and Yvonne Long read amusing tales. A game of pass the parcel was played. Everyone joined in the singing of Christmas carols. Jill Powley thanked Janet on behalf of everyone and organised the raffle. Refreshments were served with a glass of wine.

The next meeting is on January 13 at 9.30am for 9.45am start. All welcome.

Over 60's Club

Christmas Dinner

ON December 9 the Over 60's met at Lodeside for a Christmas lunch arranged by the college. Following an enjoyable lunch, Dianne Wheeling thanked Brenda on behalf of everyone. The party then walked over to Beechurst where they were served tea or coffee by the pupils. Steven Kenna welcomed everyone and introduced a new pupil from Year 11who played a beautiful pianoforte solo. Steven organised a Christmas quiz and this was won by Ruth Ginn's team. For the remainder of the afternoon the entertainment was provided by the school choirs. Ruth Ginn gave a vote of thanks on behalf of everyone.

RUTH Ginn welcomed everyone to the meeting on December 11. Peggy Gibbon gave out the notices. Christmas carols were sung prior to the arrival of Hilary Sage and Hilary Fielding who provided an afternoon of songs and humorous tales. Ruth thanked them on behalf of the members. Refreshments were served and Vera Seal organised the raffle.

Friday's entertainment will be provided by Dick Hattley and friends from Fordham. The meeting was brought to a close with the singing of the club hymn.

WARDY HILL

Dominoes

THERE were two tables in play at the dominoes held on December 4 in the Social Club when Mrs M Dewsbery was MC. Winners were: Mrs J Hardiment, Mrs M Dewsbery and Miss G Canham. Highest halves: Mrs M White and B Copping. Consolation: F tall; Draw: Mr R Dewsbery, B Copping and Miss G Canham.

Whist Drive

THERE were three tables in play at the whist drive held on December 7 in the social club when Mrs M Dewsbery was MC. Winners were: Mrs A Houghton, Mrs E Sizer, A Bell, K Cornwell, Miss G Canham and Mrs M Dewsbery. Highest halves: Mrs D Perrin and F Tall; Most fours: R Saberton; consolation: Mrs P Jordan; draw: Miss G Canham, Miss M Murfitt and Mrs A Houghton.