ELY Ely Cathedral SERVICES for November 20 - 26 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; 4.30pm

ELY

Ely Cathedral

SERVICES for November 20 - 26

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; 4.30pm - King's School Scholars Admission Service; 5.30pm - Evensong.

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

Sunday: 8.15am - Holy Communion; 10.30am - Sung Eucharist; 4pm - Evensong.

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

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

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

Countess Freechurch

SUNDAY morning's service began with a time of praise, worship and thanks-giving led by Laine Lomax, the musicians and lady singers. Laine based the children's talk on forgiveness. The message given by the pastor was based on Matthew.

The 5.30pm prayer meeting focused on the activities and meetings of the church people in the week ahead. The pastor gave a message from Exodus. Holy Communion closed the service with a time at the end of quietness.

On Monday morning, the Jabez Group met in the church hall, when ladies from the CTIE worshipped and prayed for the ongoing work within each church and the community. Then on Wednesday afternoon, Mrs Johnson spoke at the Fellowship Hour. The theme of the session was 'choices'.

Friday evening we meet with others from the CTIE for a 'living nativity rehearsal' in St Mary's Church.

Sunday morning's family service will be led by 'puppet power' from Grimsby Baptist Church. After a bring-and-share lunch there will be a puppet workshop session in the church hall. The evening service will continue with Pastor Lowman and Exodus.

Methodist Church

LAST Sunday's prayers and notices were read before the morning service at 11am, led by the Rev Richard Prior. Holy Communion was celebrated and prayers and hymns were sung. The first reading was from Judges. The congregation brought shoe boxes as Christmas parcels for children in need in other countries who are less well off. They were blessed by the Rev Prior. The sermon was taken from Lady Debra in the book of Judges.

The evening service, at 6.30pm, was led by Rev Christopher Bishop and was based on Prison Week. Musicians were Pam Austin and Alan Bulley.

THURSDAY: Shoppers' Lunch from noon-1pm.

SUNDAY: Youth Sunday. Morning Service at 11am led by Iain Ballard. Rev Barbara Garwood will take the evening service at 6.30pm, when Holy Communion will be celebrated.

St Peter's Church

On Sunday: the celebrant and preacher at the 9.15am Sung Eucharist will be Canon Chris Barber, and the St Peter's Singers will lead the singing.

Wednesday: there will be a lunchtime service at 1pm, followed by a bring-and-share lunch at St Peter's House.

St Mary's Church

SERVICES for Sunday, November 23: 8am - Holy Communion with preacher Jane Hulme; 10.30am - Family Communion with preacher Jane Hulme; 6.30pm - Evening Praise with preacher Piers Coutts.

INFO: for details of other services or events go to the website at: www.elyparishchurch.net or call us on 01353 659550.

New Connexions @ High Barns (Free Church)

THIS week we kicked off with a spot of conjuring before moving on to look at one of the more difficult subjects we've tackled so far - the occult. It might have been a dark subject, but we had a great time discussing it, looking at what some famous people had to say about it and checking out what the Bible has to say.

Are you still reading our weekly reports and thinking, 'what kind of church is this'? well why not pop along, have a coffee with us and see for yourself.

We're not just a church for adults, our Children's Club runs alongside and is open to children of all ages, it's run by a qualified children's worker and includes games, craft and plenty of fun. And if children want something safe and different to do on a Sunday morning, but you don't necessarily want to stay, that's fine, send them along or drop them off for an hour or so, though we'd love to see you as well.

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

The Olive Tree

SUNDAY morning's worship expressed our desire to see the glory of God in our lives and community as well as in our church. We were also made deeply aware of the extravagant love of our Father in heaven. Eric Hallsworth's address drew several thoughts from John Chapter 21, with an underlying challenge as to just how we love our Lord.

Sunday: worship at 10.30am, including Holy Communion. The speaker will be Michael Davis-Bater. Crèche and Sunday School will be provided as usual. On Friday from 10am until noon the Open Door Café will offer a friendly setting in which to enjoy refreshments and good company. All are welcome.

Ely Northwold WI

Report of the meeting held on November 12.

ROSEMARY Green was re-elected president at the annual meeting of Ely Northwold WI. The committee was also re-elected with the exception of Cecilia Cooper who decided to stand down and June Bevan was elected in her place.

The speaker for the evening cancelled due to ill health and one of our members Wendy Barnes took her place. Her most interesting and informative talk was on 'family history'. She was thanked by Rosemary and presented with a gift.

The competition this month' A collection of autumn leaves' was won jointly by Rose-Marie Lawrence and Lia Conder.

Draw prize winners were: Meg Murray, Chris Cheale, Rose-Marie Lawrence and Ann Williams. The next meeting will be on December 10 at the Old Dispensary, St Mary's Street at 7.15pm when the demonstrator will be Pam Soul.

HADDENHAM

Baptist Chapel

THE morning service was conducted by the Rev Jim Mullin. David gave out the notices and informed the congregation that Enid had sadly passed away. The musicians were June, Alan and Eddie. Jim welcomed everyone and read from Psalm 33. Happy Birthday was sung to Lynn and Daniel.

Philip prayed for world peace and Jim prayed for Christians world-wide, followed by more songs and prayers. The service closed with hymns and prayers.

Sunday: the Rev Jim Mullin will conduct the service, followed by Holy Communion.

LITTLEPORT

St George's Church

THE organ concert was a tremendous success, and very well attended. The two organists had devised a varied and enjoyable programme, assisted in their efforts by the choir. The vicar presided and preached at Holy Communion, and officiated and preached at the family service and baptism.

Sunday: Holy Communion - 8am; Parish Eucharist - 10am; Evensong - 6.30pm, when we will be joined by our friends and a preacher from St John's Methodist Church.

Monday through to Friday; evening prayer service at 5pm.

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

Wednesday: Holy Communion at 9.30am.

Saturday, November 29: St George's Crib Festival, a display of nativity scenes set up by the parishioners.

Saturday, December 13: Christmas Fair in the church, with stalls and refreshments.

Littleport Ely and District Spiritualist Church

WE would like thank medium Colin Anderson who stepped in when Jaqueline Lesley was unable to make last week. A Divine Service is held on Thursday evenings at Littleport Village Hall. 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 Joanne Oxley to take the service for us. Joanne is new to our church and will be supported by Colin Anderson so please come along and give her your support. 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 among yourselves to bring the meeting to a close for the evening. It has been very encouraging to see younger people joining us and their return to church has been very welcome. Also, a very warm welcome to the newcomers last week.

There is an Awareness Course, which will run monthly on the first Monday evening of the month in the hall and for those interested in taking part in this course should contact Wendie as places are limited. There is a small charge of £2.50 to cover the hall costs.

For anyone interested in a day time course this could also be a possibility.

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

On November 27 we welcome back Steve Newton as our medium for the evening.

INFO: visit our website at: www.mjgoodall/lead-spirit.htm or contact Wendie on 01353 667300.

The Vine Community Church

We are a lively non-denominational church which meets in The Regal on Hempfield Road in Littleport.

Sunday: the service is at 10.30am with contemporary music worship and a sermon by pastor Don Gee. We are also happy to announce that our crèche is now open and is available throughout the service. Youth and children's Sunday School is also provided.

After the service, you are welcome to stay for tea and coffee. There is an Alpha Course at The Regal on November 26 at 7.30pm. Next week, small groups will be meeting for fellowship.

INFO: Pastor Don Gee on 01353 860885 or 01638 780457.

LITTLEPORT

St John's Methodist Church

REV Barbara Garwood, the Superintendent Minister from Ely, led the morning worship. Ian and Janice Weatherall read the lessons and Peter Kirby was the pianist. Rev Garwood preached on the parable of the talents and there was also a small drama presentation given by members of St John's.

Rev June Mallabon led a healing service in the evening and the preacher was Rev Graham Thompson, Chairman of the East Anglia District. Pat Hodson was the pianist.

This Sunday, Rev Mallabon will lead the morning service, which will be a Giving Service for Jimmy's night shelter and will also include the celebration of Holy Communion at 10.45am.

The evening service will be led by Rev Edwin Myers from Soham, at 6.30pm.

Please note: the St John's Christmas Fair will be held on November 29 from 10am to noon.

All welcome to join in services and events.

Women's Institute

THERE were 43 ladies present at the Littleport WI's AGM. Maureen Fresco started by reading out the federation Newsletter and correspondence. Maggie McGowan showed two crib scenes, made for the Crib Festival to be held at St George's Church on December 15. Five ladies received birthday gifts, and Maureen received her competition mug.

The Barn Dance raised £730 for Cancer Research.

Travel arrangements for the Prickwillow Christmas party on December 8 at 7.15pm, were discussed.

A Christmas Extravaganza was held on November 18 to raise money for alterations to the village hall.

Maureen reported on the autumn council meeting where DS Parker spoke about 'violence against women', and Mrs Dibnah gave a humorous talk about life with her husband Fred Dibnah. Then Rosemary Green, the Federation Chairman, opened the voting for committee members. There were 19 nominations for 14 places. After the votes were counted, Littleport WI has two new members - Maggie McGowan and Monica Dennis - to join the 12 current committee members. There were three nominations for chairman, but Linda Harvey was the winner and is president again for another year. Rosemary Green was presented with a gift for her part in counting the votes.

A representative from Julian Graves, then gave a talk on the healthy properties of various nuts and dried fruits. Her donation will be given to the Cats' Protection League. Maggie McGowan gave the vote of thanks. Mrs Bates then judged the 17 competition entries of a necklace of sweets and nuts.

The meeting ended with a three prize raffle.

The next meeting is the Christmas party at the village hall on December 11, when the competition will be to make a fairy from a toilet roll inner.

LITTLE THETFORD

Baptist Church

AN inspiring and challenging message was delivered by Keith Rawlinson on Sunday afternoon as he spoke on the parable of the talents. The Girls' Brigade will meet on Friday, and on Sunday the preacher will be Liz Herrington and the subject will be 'facing the music'.

St George's Church

OUR morning service of Holy Communion was taken by the Rev Pauline Scott with a very thoughtful sermon.

Sunday: our service of Morning Praise will be led by Scott Eversman and starts at 9.30am.

Saturday: noon till 4pm at the Village Hall we have our Christmas Fayre, stalls, games, visit from Santa, refreshments etc. All welcome.

SOHAM

Soham Methodist Church

MORNING Worship on Sunday, December 16 at 10am was led by THE Rev Edwin Myers. George Ginn led our evening service at 6.30PM.

On Saturday there was a successful coffee morning/Christmas Fayre in the schoolroom, which raised £262 for renovation funds. Thank you to all who supported the event and to everyone who helped in any way.

Sunday: (November 23) morning worship is at 10am and will be led by David Middleton. There is no evening worship.

Tuesday: Midweek Worship in the schoolroom at 7.30pm. Our Christingle Service is on Sunday, November 30 at 3pm

SUTTON

Garden Club

MEMBERS were welcomed to our November meeting by chairman John Groves. He gave out a few announcements and told us that Mary Leggett has a lot of flower pots she wishes to get rid of. John then introduced the speaker for the evening, Alan Moores with his wife Jane at the projector, his subject this time was 'green in the Pyrenees'.

Our next meeting is on Wednesday, December 10 in the Brooklands Centre village hall in Sutton at 7.45pm when we welcome the return of Geoff Hale. This time he is coming to do Christmas readings and there will be mulled wine and mince pies, so come and join us and get in the festive spirit. Non-members are most welcome.

STRETHAM

Women's Institute

MEMBERS and guests were welcomed to the November meeting by president Joy Smith. This was the Annual General Meeting so there was a certain amount of business to be gone through.

Treasurer Jean Wakefield gave a summary of our finances. Secretary Pat Plumb ran through the many activities that we had enjoyed this year. Special mention was made of the embroidered cloth that now graces our meetings.

On a sad note, we remembered Robbie Rawlinson and Gladys Lowe, both faithful WI members who died this year. Joy thanked the retiring committee for their work during 2008 and voting for a new committee took place. Joy was re-elected as president and Maureen Lee was co-opted onto the committee.

We then had line dancing, led by Ann Few, and circle dancing led by Liz Roman. Everyone joined in, had fun and warmed up on a chilly night. A big vote of thanks to Ann and Liz.

The Christmas dinner will be held on December 9. Please bring your own cutlery, plate, dish, wine and a wrapped present.

WARDY HILL

Dominoes

THERE were five tables in play at the dominoes held on November 7 in the social club when Mrs M Dewsbery was MC. Winners were: Mrs M White, F Tall, Mrs G Faux, R Dewsbery, J Hines, Mrs D Perrin and B Copping; Highest Halves: Mrs L Dewsbery and Mrs M Dewsbery; Consolation: Mrs E Tillyard; Draw: Mrs J Hardiment, Mrs S Saberton, A Bell and R Dewsbery.

Whist Drive

THERE were four tables in play at the whist drive held on November 10 in the social club when Mrs M Dewsbery was MC. Winners were: R Saberton, Mrs P Brand, K Cornwell, Miss M Murfitt, Mrs B Synejko, B Copping and Mrs M Dewsbery; Highest Halves: Mrs N Bean and F Tall; Most Sixes: Mrs D Perrin; Consolation: Mrs P Jordan; Draw: Mrs P Jordan, Mrs P Brand, R Saberton and Mrs E Sizer.