ELY Ely Cathedral SERVICES for December 3 - 9 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 Praye

ELY

Ely Cathedral

SERVICES for December 3 - 9

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; 5.30pm - Evensong.

Sunday: 8.15am - Holy Communion; 10.30am - Sung Eucharist & Ministry of Healing; 4.00pm - Evensong.

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

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

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

St Mary's Church

SUNDAY: 9am - Holy Communion (traditional service) with singing group and preacher Alan Hulme; 10.30am - All Age Worship; No evening service; 7pm - Advent Service at St Peter's in Broad Street.

INFO: www.elyparishchurch.net or call the church office on 01353 659550.

St Peter's Church

SUNDAY: 9.15am - Sung Eucharist with Canon Laurie Blanchard; 7pm - Advent Carol Service, featuring the St Peter's Singers, directed by Canon Chris Barber. Tuesday: 10am - Holy Communion with celebrant Canon Nigel Abbott.

Methodist Church

SUNDAY'S Morning Service at 10.30am was led by minister Katie Leonowicz. The music group opened the service with a Christmas song, followed by prayers and hymns. After the closing hymn the children handed out Christmas cards which they had made.

The evening service was united at Haddenham. The organist was Donald Monk.

The St Andrew's night meal and entertainment was held on Monday.

Thursday: noon-1.30pm - Shoppers' Lunch; 2.30pm - open fellowship Christmas cracker demonstration with Clare Johnson.

Saturday: Film night for young people.

Sunday: 10.30am - Morning Service with Ruth Arnold; 6.30pm - Evening Service with Keith Penn. Organists will be Donald Monk and Alan Bulley.

Countess Church

MORNING service was the first in Advent and Lucy Coghlan lit the first candle of Advent before Rev Gordon Lowman spoke about God as ever present with us. The children and young people brought toys and gifts for other children to be distributed by the Salvation Army and then enjoyed Sunday School and Young Peoples' Club. Cr�che ran at the same time.

In the afternoon there was tea and conversation before the evening worship held earlier for families to attend and led by Louise Lomax.

This Sunday services are at 10.30am and 6.30pm, preparing us for Christmas.

The Olive Tree

AT the Sunday morning worship we were surrounded by works of art of various kinds, as we were part way through our annual Christmas Fair. We celebrated creativity in a number of ways, and the Pastor spoke of our being made in the image of the Creator God, and therefore being creative ourselves. We ended with Holy Communion.

On Friday many were involved in the Churches Together in Ely Living Nativity. And on Sunday evening took part in the cathedral's Advent Procession with Carols.

Sunday service - 10.30am with speaker Tim Frost. Cr�che and Sunday School.

On Friday the Open Door Caf� is a pleasant setting for meeting and making friends while enjoying refreshments, between 10am and noon. All welcome.

Quakers

THE local group of Quakers will be holding meeting in the Old Dispensary, St Mary's Street, every Sunday at 10.30am from December 6.

People of all faiths or none are welcome to attend and experience a Quaker meeting for worship which is mainly held in silence.

New Connexions @ High Barns (Free Church)

THIS week the church looked at Advent.

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

Children's Club (school age) and NC Bears (pre-school) both run alongside and are open to all children run by a qualified children's worker and include games, crafts 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.

INFO: Keith Waters on 1353 612158 or email fool@xalt.co.uk

City of Ely Flower Club

AN Open Meeting will be held today (December 3) at 7.15pm at the City of Ely Community College in Downham Road. Demonstrator will be Nick Grounds with 'Christmas Carols'. Tickets: �5 members, �10 non-members.

INFO: Grace Bent on 01353 661457

CHETTISHAM

Parish Church

CELEBRANT and preacher at St Michael and All Angels on Sunday was Rev Alan Hulme. The first lesson was read by Linda Aylott and the offertory was presented by Lee Howard.

Sunday: Morning Prayer will be held at 9.15am.

HADDENHAM

Methodist Church

THE vice-president of the Methodist Conference visited Haddenham on Sunday (29) evening for the service of Advent. Rrepresentatives from the local Anglican and Baptist churches with their ministers, Rev Fiona Brampton and Rev Jim Mullen also attended and the congregation included people from as far away as Newmarket. The organist was Alan Bulley from Sutton and singing was led by New Life Band from Littleport.

Prayers were led by George Ginn from the Soham Methodist Church. Julie Day from Ely read the story of Advent entitled Cradle of Hope. Rev Barbara Garwood, superintendent minister of the Ely and Newmarket circuits, welcomed Doctor Richard Vautrey, a GP from Leeds, whose address was based on the value of being with God in all aspects of life and especially the importance of thinking of others at this time of Advent; dramatised Bible readings were given by Kenneth Riley, Janice Wetherall, Jean and Tony Murfitt. Jill and Noel Goodman from Newmarket led the prayers of intercession and the offerings in aid of Benevolent Fund for less fortunate people in the local Methodist churches was accepted by Deacon Angleena Keizer.

Both prior to the service and after it, refreshments were served by the ladies of the church and fellowship and chat was enjoyed by many folk, of all ages and denominations, attending.

Morning service on Sunday was led by Duncan Palmer from Littleport. He invited everyone to share in the service on December 19 at Littleport when a collection of food will be made for Jimmy's Night Shelter in Cambridge.

The advent candle was lit and cards were available detailing all the services coming up in the village over the Christmas period. Betty White would like to hear from anyone who can help distribute cards to each household. Greetings cards in aid of Action for Children were on sale in the hall.

LITTLEPORT

L.E.A.D.S

Littleport Ely and District Spiritualist.

OUR service is open to everyone and entry is free.

It is held at the village hall in Victora Street in Littleport on Thursdays unless stated in the newspaper or on our web site.

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 who are in need.

Our Divine Service begins at 7.30p

This week (Dec 3) we have medium, Barbara Price, who gives excellent evidence to take our service. The following week (Dec 10) there is NO SERVICE.

On December 17 we have the return of Keith Thompson to look forward to and this will also be the evening of our 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, again for which there is no charge and you are all welcome to join us for this.

There are places available for Developement and Healing Circles. An Awareness Group is held on the first Monday of the month with a small charge of �2.50. All are welcome.

To view our programme, visit our web site:

www.mjgoodall.co.uk/lead-spirit.htm

Contact Wendie: 01353 667300

St George's Church

ST GEORGE'S Christmas Fair, held last Saturday, was a great success, enjoyed by all and raising more than �2,000. Thanks to all who assisted in any way.

On Sunday the vicar presided and preached at Holy Communion. She also presided at Parish Eucharist when Carol Swain delivered the sermon. An Advent Carol Service was held, with the choir, with seasonal readings and hymns.

Sunday: 8am - Holy Communion with the vicar; 10am - Parish Eucharist presided over by the vicar; 6.30pm - the First Sunday Praise, on the feast of St Andrew, will be led by Rosemary and John Marshall.

Tuesday: 12.30pm - Daily Prayer; 1.45pm - Pram Service for all pre-school toddlers.

Wednesday: 9.30am - Holy Communion.

Friday: 6pm - Junior Choir Practice; 7.30pm - Senior Choir Practice; 9pm - Compline.

December 18: Advent Day of Reflection, 10am till 3pm, in the Parish Room.

December 20: 6.30pm - Nine Lessons and Carols.

St John's Methodist Church

SATURDAY: 9.00-11.30am - Christmas Fair.

Sunday: 10.45am - Morning Service with Duncan Palmer; 6.30pm - Evening Service with Tony Murfitt.

Sunday (13): 10.45am - Morning Service with Rev June Mallabon; 6.30pm - Carol Service led by Ian Weatherall.

All welcome.

The Vine Community Church

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

Sunday services begin at 10.30am. Refreshments served from 10.15am. 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. More refreshments after the service.

Sunday: Communion Service.

Saturday (12): 8.30am - Prayer Breakfast.

In the week, we will be meeting in small groups on a variety of days.

December 20: 3.30pm - Carol Service at the Regal followed by a 'bring-and-share' tea.

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

Flower Arrangement Club

MEMBERS and 100 guests were welcomed to the annual Christmas Open meeting on November 20. Patricia Dibben, a national demonstrator from Hillingdon, produced a fabulous, colourful display of Christmas arrangements in her demonstration entitled 'In the bleak midwinter'. Patricia 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 vice-chairman Liz Miller.

The next meeting on December 18 will be a practical evening, where people can make their own arrangements for Christmas.

INFO: (01353) 860102 or (01353) 863421.

Little Thetford

St George's Church

THE service of Morning Praise for the first Sunday in Advent was taken by Rev Margaret Harper and Steven Dowell lit the first advent candle.

Sunday: the service of Morning Praise is at 9.30am with preacher Rev Margaret Harper.

The Christmas Fayre is on Saturday (5) at the village hall from midday till 4pm. Entertainments include a raffle, Tombola, many stalls and meet Santa.

Baptist Church

SUNDAY'S morning service, the first in Advent, was conducted by Peter Cockerton. The theme was 'the God who comes' and asked the question, 'why did He come?' On Tuesday a Coffee Morning was held for the Friends of the Princess of Wales Hospital in Ely. The Girls' Brigade will meet on Friday at 6pm.

Sunday the service at 10.30am including Holy Communion will be conducted by Norman Gulliver.

SOHAM

Methodist Church

THE Methodist church celebrated the re-opening of its hall on Saturday (28) with a service at 3pm when the vice-president of the Methodist Conference, Dr Richard Vautrey, cut the ribbon. Rev Edwin Myers then welcomed everyone. Rev Barbara Garwood led in prayer. During the service the congregation joined in and sang four hymns. Bible readings were given by Ruth Ginn and Debbie Bullman.

During the service David Collingswood presented Rev Myers with a cheque for �5,000 towards the cost of the new disabled facilities, from the Cambridge Historic Churches Trust who administers grants on behalf of Waste Recycling Environmental Ltd (WREN) through the Landfill tax credit scheme.

Guest speaker Dr Richard Vautrey gave the address. His theme was 'buildings that are part of our mission and ministry'.

Rev Canon Graham Thompson, chairman of the East Anglia District, gave the formal opening and led in prayer. Rev Myers then thanked everyone who had been involved in the project.

After the service tea was served and a concert arranged by Arleen King and Greta Randall brought the day's celebrations to a close.

Sunday's service was led by George Ginn.

Sunday: Rev Bernard Arnold will conduct worship at 10am. Holy Communion will be celebrated in this service. There is no service at 5pm.

A Christmas flower arranging demonstration by Rev Alan Ashton will be held in the Berrycroft Methodists Hall on December 4 at 7.15pm. Tickets are available from Wendy or Thelma at a cost of �5.

Over 60's Club

A NATIVITY play was organised by Vera Seal for the meeting held on November 27. The players were Vera Seal, Sheila Knight, Betty Lanagan, Margaret Palmer, Barbara Reed, Ann Willett, Arlene King, Eileen Peck, Ellen Webb and Dianne Wheeling. The pianist was Greta Randal. Christmas carols were used to link together traditional biblical verses in the play and seasonal songs were added at the end. Members were reminded that Soham Village College has invited all over 60's to lunch and entertainment on December 9 at a cost of �3 including a tip.

The Christmas dinner at Brook House is booked for December 15 at a cost of �12. Members wishing to book their places for these events are asked to contact Peggy Gibbon. Vera organised the raffle and also thanked Greta Randal and the players for their time and effort. Refreshments were served and the meeting closed with the club hymn.

Royal British Legion

THE legion's Christmas Bingo will be held on December 11 at Soham Comrades' Club. Eyes down at 7.45pm. A Grand Draw will also be held. All welcome.

SUTTON

Conservation Society

THE next working party will be at Stankers Pond on December 5 starting at 10am. If you like wading in mud and eating hotdogs, then come along. On December 12 from 10am - noon there will be a field trip to Lyndford Arboretum. Contact Alan Newnum for details. Annual Quiz on December 17 will be held in the Pavilion at 8pm. Teams of six please, no charge for members, �1.50 for non-members.

INFO: Vera Wesbroom (01353) 777968.

Sutton Feast

THANKS to all who helped make the Feast week such a success again. There were many new events including a concert by Ely Sinfonia, composting and allotment demonstrations, a variety show, walks for heart and breast cancer charities, children's quiz and a Tudor banquet. The AGM was extremely well attended this year with a huge list of suggestions for new items. These will be considered at the next committee meeting in December. 2010 is the 10th anniversary of the rebirth of Sutton Feast Week so we are planning several 'time' themed events.

INFO: Brian Watson (01353) 777006 or brian@imagebus.co.uk

Priors Field Patient Participation Group

A PATIENT group was set up at the Sutton GP practice last June. Its aim is to improve communication between patients and the practice, and offer patients the opportunity to have their voice heard. The first AGM will be held on February 23, followed by the opportunity to explore healthy lifestyles.

INFO: Carol Fentimen (01353) 777203, Sheila Hoey (01353) 666740 or ask at the GP practice.

WILBURTON

St Peter's Club

MEMBERS went to a Christmas Show (The Way We Were) at Wickstead Park on November 24. They also had lunch and tea at the theatre.

The club held its Christmas bingo on November 27, followed by tea and biscuits and a raffle.

The Christmas lunch is being held on December 19 at 12.30pm for 1pm and is open to members only.

The new year party is being held on January 12 at 5.30pm and is invitation only. The AGM will be held on January 29 at St Peter's Hall.

WITCHFORD

St Andrew's Church

CANON Fiona Brampton was the celebrant at the Advent Sunday All Age Communion, and Carol Taylor led Evensong.

On Monday, St Andrew's Day, there was Holy Communion at 7pm, the judging of the Christmas Tree competition and the Grand Draw.

Sunday: family service at 10.30am. The results of the Christmass Tree competition will appear on the notice board.

Tuesday: Holy Communion at 10am.

There will be a coffee morning in the hall on December 9. To hire St Andrew's Hall email standrewswitchford@yahoo.co.uk