COMMUNITY NEWS: What’s going on in and around Ely

James Pearson and Polly Gibbons performing. (Image: Archant)

Ely Amnesty Group

Despite a heavy cloud burst before the concert and a rather damp first half, James Pearson and Polly Gibbons gave the audience a memorable afternoon and we raised over £2,000 for Amnesty International.

Ely Art Society

We are once again exhibiting at the Hayward Theatre after a difficult year of raising enough funds and new members to keep the Ely Art Society going for another year.

We are holding an open event on Saturday August 12 with demonstrations and refreshments.

The annual exhibition runs from August 9 to 20 and is open from 10am to 5pm.

Ely Methodist Church

Rev. Joanne Sherwood led both services on Sunday.

In the morning she explored the meaning for us of the parable of the yeast and the mustard seed, that even the most insignificant can make a difference, and encouraged us to treasure what really matters.

In the evening she explored the Lord’s Prayer as a template for prayer as well as words to be repeated in prayer.

Prayer Group and Coffee Club met during the week. There is no Thursday Lunch during August.

Sunday August 6, 10.30am: moring worship led by Tony Murfitt. 6.30pm: discussion service led by the worship leaders.

St Mary’s Church

Today (Thursday August 3), 9.30am: market day communion, 9.15am – 11.15am: coffee morning in the church hall. All welcome to join us for refreshment on market day.

Saturday, August 5, 11am – 3pm: Prayer tent and refreshments. All welcome for prayer, conversation and refreshment.

Sunday August 6, 9am: Holy Communion, a traditional service with hymns and prayer. 10.30am: All Age Worship, a contemporary family friendly service with singing, prayer and children’s activities.

Monday August 7, 8am: Monday morning prayers. All welcome to join in and start the week with prayer.

New Connexions Church

We began rejoicing together in worship as we remembered how we have the victory in the name of Jesus. Our sermon on just one verse of Colossians, Chapter 2 verse 15 with only 22 words, continued this theme of Jesus having the victory on the cross over Satan, publicly shaming him in the resurrection and the celebration of this victory.

We must continually watch and pray to equip ourselves in life’s daily battles wearing God’s armour He provides for us and immersing ourselves in God’s written word, the bible. Using a video clip we were also reminded that Christ is our captain, a good leader who motivates and encourages us, just like a sporting captain leading a team.

The youth and children have begun their holiday time environment focus today looking at signs through the story of Joseph who was given signs in the form of a dream. Sophie designed a warning sign with a whirlwind on it.

Today’s sermon and the Colossians summer series is online at www.newconnexionschurch.co.uk where you will also find details about our church and prayer groups this week. Contact our Pastor: keith@newconnexionschurch.org.uk.

We will be meeting next Sunday at 10.30am in The Theatre, St Mary’s Junior School, High Barns Ely continuing our series on the book of Colossians. We would love you to join with us. Lots going on for youth and children too.

Littleport

Littleport Methodist Church

Saturday, August 5: coffee morning from 10am to 12noon.

Sunday, August 6: morning worship at 10.45am, preacher Mr Simon Wynn. No evening service.

August 12: prayer meeting in the vestry at 9.30am.

August 13: morning worship at 10.45am, preacher Rev Joanne Sherwood, including the celebration of Holy Communion. 6.30pm: united evening service. A warm welcome awaits you at any of our services or events.

Littleport Women’s Institute

In the last four months we have been entertained by various speakers.

In April, we had a very interesting illustrated talk from Tabbi Smith about the history and importance of the National Stud at Newmarket, a brilliant speaker and lovely slides of the stallions and mares.

In May, Pat Bernacki showed us how to make cakes in the microwave using a cup, very interesting and tasty too!!!

In June, an informative talk from Helen Ackroyd on Anglesey Abbey and Lord Fairhaven, with slides giving us a view and the history of the interior and contents of the house. Very enlightening, a great speaker.

In July, the illustrated talk by Fran Saltmarsh, together with exhibits, was entitled Corsets, Crinolines and Camisoles. It was interesting, educational and humorous about the history of underwear and how fashion dictated what we wore under our clothes!!! Most of the early items were hand sewn and superbly executed.

Due to Littleport Village Hall being refurbished, our August meeting on Tuesday 8 will be a social evening in St. George’s Church parish room at 7.15pm.

Vine Community Church

The family service at 10.30am on Sunday, August 6, will be an unusual one; it will be on the theme of ‘Memories’, with several members of the congregation contributing.

A celebration of communion will be included in the service, after which tea and coffee will be served in the schoolroom as usual.

There are no separate children’s groups on Sunday mornings until the beginning of September. There will be activities at the back of the church to keep them occupied when they are not directly involved in the worship.

Most weekly groups will not be meeting during the school summer holidays, but the Friday prayer meeting will continue throughout the summer, from 7-8pm, and some of the house groups plan to continue to meet, in people’s homes or in the church, on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.

A children’s holiday club has been organised for the mornings of Monday 7 and Tuesday 8 August, from 9.30am to 12noon. This is for children aged from five to eight.

An exciting mix of stories, videos, games, songs, cooking and craft activities is planned, with a snack halfway through, all for just £1 for each session.

Places will be limited, so advance booking is advised - contact Julie by email on julieannehodgkinson@gmail.com or call Nigel Ovens on 01353 968810, Arthur Bartram on 01353 860070, or Ken and Angela Hobday on 01366 501504.

Soham

Heartbeat Health Walk

David Clarke was the leader for the three-mile walk around Soham, with Chris Robertson and Liz Gwinnett centre and Laurie Budd at the back. On this occasion their walk took them from the church, down Churchgate Street, Station Road, Gooseberry Arcade, along the Berrycroft allotments to Mereside, Clarke’s Drove to Smith’s Farm, along the river Lode, under the cattle creek to Angle Common, Mill Corner, Lines Close, Clay Street and High Street.

Refreshment was enjoyed at the local eateries.

Over 60s Club.

On Friday July 21 members and friends of the over 60s club enjoyed an outing to Lowestoft. The weather was fine and warm - ideal for a browse around the shops before enjoying lunch. On the journey home Richard Badcock thanked Sheila Knight on behalf of everyone, for organising a lovely day out.

On Friday July 28, Ruth Ginn welcomed everyone. Members took part in a quiz on a variety of subjects with Ruth and Diane. Ruth read out a letter from Debbie Bullman thanking the club for the donation in memory of Colin. The ladies served refreshments and Sheila Knight organised the raffle. The meeting closed with the singing of the club hymn.

Methodists News

On Wednesday July 28, Ann and Sarah Willett held their annual coffee morning in the Methodists Hall. A very successful event attracting many people to purchase from a wide variety of stalls. Lots of tasty pastries and cakes to enjoy with tea or coffee and a ploughman’s lunch available from 12noon. Ann and Sarah extend sincere thanks to everyone for there support. All proceeds go to the Methodists Church funds.

Salvation Army Hall

Saturday, August 5, from 10am: Coffee morning. Everyone welcome and donations appreciated

We hold a coffee morning every first Saturday of the month. Lots of handmade cakes to buy as well.

Contact Ashley on 01438 866081.

Scrabble Club

On Thursday 27 July 12 members of the club met in the Soham library for games of scrabble. Refreshments were served during the afternoon. The next meeting is on Thursday August 10 from 2.30 to 4.30pm; £1 entry includes refreshment.