ELY Ely Cathedral SERVICES for November 27 – December 3 THURSDAY: 7.40am – Morning Prayer; 8am – Holy Communion; midday – Quiet Hour; 12.10pm – Holy Communion; 5.30pm – Evensong. Friday: 7.40am – Morning Prayer; 8am – Holy Communion; midday – Quiet Hour

ELY

Ely Cathedral

SERVICES for November 27 - December 3

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

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

Saturday: 7.40am - Morning Prayer; 8am - Holy Communion; 11.30am - Wedding; 5.30pm - Evensong.

Sunday: 8.15am - Holy Communion; 10.30am - Sung Eucharist; 4.00pm - Evening Prayer; 5.30pm - Advent Procession.

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

Tuesday: 7.40am - Morning Prayer; 8am - Holy Communion; midday - Quiet Hour; 5.30pm - Evensong; 9.00pm - Advent Candlelit Compline.

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

St Peter's Church

ON Sunday, there will be a Sung Eucharist for wholeness and healing at 9.15 am. The celebrant and preacher will be the Rev Alan Partridge.

Wednesday: the first of four Wednesday lunchtime services entitled, 'stations of the nativity', followed by a bring-and-share lunch at St Peter's House, starts 1pm.

The Olive Tree

WE began Sunday morning worship with song and that is just how we continued! Holy Communion drew our thoughts together. Michael Davis-Bater spoke on hope - how we get it, what we are to do with it, and how God responds to it.

Sunday: worship this week begins at 9am as our Christmas Fair will already have opened before the usual time.

Friday: from 10 until noon, the Open Door Café will offer refreshments as usual, but in the rooms to the rear of the church, as the Christmas Fair will be in the main hall.

The Olive Tree's Christmas Fair will be open at the church (in Silver Street) from 10am until 4pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, offering a range of beautiful Christmas gifts and cards, hand-made by local artists and crafts people. Refreshments will also be available. Entry £1. Proceeds will go to supporting Jimmy's Night Shelter in Cambridge, and the Send a Cow charity.

New Connexions @ High Barns (Free Church)

WE thought we'd cheer ourselves up this week by looking at the subject of "the end of the world", thankfully, it was more fun than you might think, we squeezed in some comedy and light-hearted discussion as well. The children's club had a good time with games, craft and stories following their theme of surprises.

As well as the church and Children's Club on Sunday mornings we meet midweek as well, on Wednesday evenings, in a local home, and get involved in as many other activities in our area as we can.

On Friday, a number of our church will be joining the other churches in Ely at the Christmas Lights Switch On - we're very excited about seeing the real camels in the living nativity. Why not come along and have a look, or come along on Sunday and see what we're about?

Next week we will be asking, "Advent - Just Chocolate Calendars?"

Every Sunday at 10.30am at The Theatre at Ely St Mary's Junior School High Barns - call or email Keith Waters if you want to know more. Tel: 01353 612158 or email: fool@xalt.co.uk

Countess Freechurch

A FAMILY Service was held on Sunday morning. A group from Grimsby led the service with the help of hand-made puppets. The hymns and sketches were all relevant to Biblical readings and Christian songs. After lunch, the children had various craft and activity sessions.

The 5.30pm prayer meeting was a time of thanks-giving and intercessory prayers for needs within the city and the wider world. The worship session was based on the theme 'a chosen people'. Pastor Lowman's message was from Exodus.

On Tuesday evening a meeting was held at St Peter's House to discuss the carol singing and candle preparation.

The Wednesday evening Prayer Meeting in the hall focused on Christmas services and outreach.

Thursday: the elders and deacons meet for their monthly church matters and future plans discussion.

Friday: at 4pm, the Christians from the churches will participate in the living nativity at the Ely Christmas lights switch-on.

Pastor Lowman will speak on The Golden Calf from Exodus at the Sunday morning service. Various toys will be collected from the congregation for the under privileged children in Cambridgeshire, which members of the Salvation Army will distribute. At 5pm, a fellowship tea will be held, followed by a service led by Louise Lomax.

City of Ely Flower Club

SPECIAL Christmas meeting to be held on December 11 at Needhams Hall in the City of Ely College, Downham Road at 6.45pm. National demonstrator Ian Buxton will be the special guest and will speak on the theme 'Christmas comes'. Tickets cost £9.50 in advance and £11 on the door. Price includes light refreshments.

INFO: Contact Grace on 01353 661457.

CHETTISHAM

Parish Church

THE Communion service at St Michael's and All Angels on Sunday was led by the Rev Alan Partridge and the preacher was the Rev Alan Hulme. The organist was Angus Gilcrist. The first lesson was read by Robin Aylott and the offertory was presented by Michael Richer.

This Sunday, Sung Eucharist will be held at 9.15am.

HADDENHAM

Baptist Chapel

THE Sunday morning service was conducted by the minister the Rev Jim Mullin. David gave out the notices and Jim asked the congregation to pray for Bob who has had a stroke and is now paralysed down one side. This was followed by songs and prayers. Steve told about his forthcoming journey to help poverty stricken people in India. Eileen presented Daniel, Rachel and Nathaniel with a Bible. Philip and Daniel took up the offering. Jim prayed for the Christians world-wide whose houses and churches have been destroyed. This was followed by a Bible reading from Matthew 25, v. 31 to 46 and prayers. His sermon concerned Barnabas Suffering Church. The service closed with Holy Communion, remembering the Suffering Church with prayers. Next Sunday's service will be taken by the Rev Jim Mullin.

LITTLEPORT

St George's Church

THE vicar presided and preached at Holy Communion and Parish Eucharist when Jane Harris delivered the sermon. We were joined by our friends and preacher Rev Edwin Myers from St John's Methodist Church for Evensong.

Saturday: Crib Festival, from 10am till 6pm.

Sunday: The vicar will preside and preach at the 8am Holy Communion and preside at the 10am Parish Eucharist at which John Marshall will preach. Our advent Carol Service will be at 6.30pm.

Monday through to Friday we will have Evening Prayer at 5pm.

Tuesday: Pram Service for all pre-school toddlers and their parents/carers at 1.45pm.

Wednesday: Holy Communion at 9.30am.

Advent Course commences on December 2 for three weeks. Our regular trip to our friends in Schnaitheim is scheduled for May 2009, more details later.

Littleport, Ely and District Spiritual Church

WE would like thank mediums Colin Anderson and Joanne Oxley for their evening of clairvoyance at our service last week. We would like to thank Colin and Joanne for the many messages that they were able to give last week.

Joanne is new to platform work and proved to be excellent. Well done Joanne.

A Divine Service is held every Thursday evening at Littleport Village Hall, Main Street Littleport. Doors open at 6.40pm for spiritual healing which takes place until 7.20pm for which there is no charge. This is followed by the service at 7.30pm.

This week, we have guest medium Steve Newton to take the service for us.

There is no charge for admittance to church and everyone is welcome.

Please feel welcome to join us with an open mind and to be with like-minded people, sharing light refreshments which are served free and to chat amongst yourselves to bring the meeting to a happy close for the evening.

An Awareness Course is run on the first Monday of each month in the hall and for those interested in taking part in this course please contact Wendie as places are limited. There is a small charge of £2.50 to cover the hall costs.

We have a raffle for which small donated prizes are always welcomed. Thank you to all who donated prizes last week.

On December 4, we welcome back Barbara Price as our medium for the evening.

INFO: www.mjgoodall/lead-spirit.htm.

Alternatively contact Wendie on 01353 667300.

Littleport Flower Arrangement Club

WE were delighted to welcome many members and 100 guests to our annual Christmas open meeting on November 21 . Ian Lloyd, a florist and national demonstrator from Cheshire, produced a fabulous, colourful display of Christmas arrangements, all incorporating candles. His range of flowers included beautiful gloriosa lilies, anthuriums, red roses, orchids and glittered gypsophila.

Ian was a very entertaining and inspiring demonstrator and the evening was enjoyed by all. Refreshments were served before the raffle was drawn and some lucky people took home the magnificent flowers. The vote of thanks was given by Alayne Saville.

The next meeting on December 19 and will be a practical evening, where you can make your own arrangements for Christmas.

INFO: contact 01353 860102 or 01353 863421 for details.

LITTLE THETFORD

St George's Church

MORNING Praise on Sunday was conducted by Scott Eversman. The subject was serving Christ as we serve others far less fortunate than ourselves. The visiting preacher next Sunday at 9.30am will be David Noble. The result of the Christmas Fayre on Saturday amounted to £808.

Baptist Church

LIZ Herrington was the preacher at the service on Sunday afternoon with the subject 'facing the music', which was based on Paul's letter to the people at Corinth, to get their life in order to serve Christ.

Sunday: at 3pm the visiting preacher will be Brian Mizon.

The Girls' Brigade will meet at 6pm on Friday. On Tuesday, there will be a special coffee morning for Christmas in aid of the Friends of Princess of Wales Hospital, which starts at 10am.

LITTLE DOWNHAM

St Leonard's Church

A SERVICE of Parish Communion was held on Sunday morning and Richard Dean led us in our thoughts about the Kingship of Christ.

Sunday: Advent Sunday, our morning service is Parish Communion (Methodist tradition) with Sunday Club for the children at 11am, which will be led by the Rev Pauline Scott and based on 'looking to the future'. After the service there will be a bring-and-share lunch. Our under-5s group, Jellytots, is on Tuesday afternoon in the Community Rooms between 1.30 and 3pm. From Friday, December 5, there will be a second Friday session in the week. On Saturday, December 6, between 10am and noon we have a Christmas coffee morning in church with Father Christmas, books, gifts, cakes, Christmas cards and children's lucky dip. Proceeds towards our Spend-a-Penny Appeal.

SOHAM

Methodists News

CAROL Gilbey welcomed everyone to the meeting of the Wives Group on November 19. She then gave out the announcements before handing over to Geoffrey Heathcock from the R.N.L.I. Geoffrey told members how he became involved with the work of the Lifeboat Institution and this was followed by an informative illustrated talk on the work of the R.N.L.I. Members were invited to ask questions. Carol thanked him for coming to the meeting. Arlene king gave the epilogue and members joined in the singing of the Vespa.Refreshments were served and carol organised the raffle. The next meeting is on Wednesday, December 17 at 8pm.

Over 60's Club

ON Friday, members of the club enjoyed a fashion show by the Edinburgh Woollen Mill in Ely. Christine Peachey described the items the models were wearing. Modelling the clothes were; Dot Galbraeth, Eileen Pick, Ruth Ginn,Shirley Sizer, Mary Heeps and Ann Willett. They were thanked by Christine. Refreshments were served and Vera Seal organised the raffle. The speaker on Friday will be Christine Hunt. The meeting closed with the singing of the club hymn.

Phoenix Club

VIV Hancock welcomed everyone to the meeting in Keith Leonard House. The speaker was Cllr Susan Normington who spoke on the life of Caroline Lamb.Viv thanked her on behalf of everyone. Fees for the outing to Norwich were collected, refreshments were served and Jill Powley organised the raffle. Janet Gill brought the meeting to a close with the reading of some poems.

Soham Methodist Church

WORSHIP on Sunday Morning at 10am was led by David Middleton.

Sunday: Morning Worship at 10am will led by our minister the Rev Edwin Myers, and at 3pm we have our Christingle Service which will be led by Elsie Salmon. Tea and mince pies will be served afterwards.

Friday: Ann and Sarah Willett have another of their coffee mornings at Byways, Barcham Road, Soham. Everyone welcome to come along and have a chat with friends, enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, a lovely home-made cake all for £1. A raffle ticket is also included.

Wednesday, December 3: prayer meeting in vestibule at 10.30am.

STRETHAM

St James' Church

A FAMILY service was held on Sunday morning; led by the Rev Pauline Scott.

On Monday, we welcomed the Rt Revd Dr David Thomson, the Bishop of Huntingdon, for a service of Celebration and Re-dedication after extensive building work in the church.

Saturday: Christmas Fair in church with Father Christmas and lots of stalls and games for the whole family, from 2pm until 4pm.

Sunday: Morning service is Parish Communion (Methodist tradition) with Sunday Club for the children at 9.30am led by the Rev Pauline Scott and based on 'looking to the future'. At 6.30pm, there is Advent Songs of Praise at which the team rector, the Rev Alan Hulme, will preach.

Monday: Little Bears, for babies, small children and their mums and carers will begin in the church, from 10am till 11.30am.

Over 60's Club

TWENTY-nine members were present at the meeting held in the church hall on November 19. There was a quiz which was enjoyed by all and won by Dot Pink. Tea and biscuits were served by Louise Lewin, Daphne Ellwood and Dorothy Perry.

The usual raffle took place and the meeting closed with the club hymn.

SUTTON

Photographic Group

THE meeting for November followed the AGM where Mick Dolphin was succeeded by Andre Needham as chairman. He outlined the ideas for the coming year, in which it is hoped the club can expand its horizons and capabilities. This was followed by a practical session on Photoshop.

The December meeting is a Christmas meal and names should be given to Mick Dolphin by the end of this week.

The first new year meeting will be held on January 8.

WARDY HILL

Dominoes

THERE were four tables in play at the dominoes held on November 14 in the social club when Mrs M Dewsbery was MC. Winners were: F Tall, Mrs N Bean, Mrs G Faux, Mrs M Dewsbery, J Hines, Mrs O Goodjohn and Miss M Murfitt; Highest Halves: Mrs L Dewsbery and A Bell; Consolation: B Copping; Draw: Mrs G Faux, J Hines, F Tall and Miss M Murfitt.

WITCHFORD

St Andrew's Church

THE celebrant on Sunday was the Rev Teresa Dixon and preacher Carol Taylor. During the service, a beautiful triumph crucifix was blessed, having been commissioned by a parishioner in memory of her husband and carved by a local craftsman.

120 people attended the annual church dinner on Saturday. On Advent Sunday. there will be Holy Communion at 10.30am and Evensong at 6pm.

Monday: St Andrew's Day Eucharist at 7.30pm.

A Christmas tree competition commences on November 28, and the church will be open from 3pm till 5pm for daily for viewing, until December 7.