In person services in church

With due consideration to national guidance from the government and the Church of England in the meantime, I'm pleased to say that we are going ahead with services in-person in church.

However, it's clear that as in all things at present, we must be careful, of ourselves and each other, and for that reason we do ask for your cooperation and understanding where modifications have been made. 

We must, of course, leave the decision whether or not to attend to you and your judgment. While it is generally good to be with other people, we realise that this is not comfortable or sensible for everyone at present, and we continue to pray for and ask God's blessing on all in our parishes, not just those we see in person. 

Two important considerations:

Firstly, in common with all public indoor spaces, we ask that you do not attend an event if you are feeling unwell or experiencing any of the recognised symptoms of COVID. 

As the virus spreads successfully between people without symptoms, please also consider taking a lateral flow test before attending a service, especially if you have been in contact with people beyond your household in recent days.

Secondly, Face coverings are no longer mandatory in public spaces, but if you are not exempt, please consider wearing one while in church to help protect others as local infection rates remain high.

We will continue to ensure good ventilation in our churches, so please come prepared for draughts.

Carol Services

• Advent Carols on Sunday December 1, at 6pm at Chippenham
   

• Festival of Light Carols on Snday December 8, at 4pm at Isleham
   

• Sunday December 15, 5.30pm at Snailwell
   

• Sunday December 21, 6pm at Fordham
   

• Sunday December 22, 3pm at Kennett with Newmarket Town Band
   

• Sunday December 24, 6pm at Chippenham

Stations of the Nativity

• Thursday December 19, at 5.30pm at Chippenham

A Quiet Christmas Service

• Friday December 20,  at 6.30pm at Snailwell

Christmas Crib Services

• Christmas Eve - Tuesday December 24, at 4pm at Isleham
   

• Christmas Eve - Tuesday December 24, at 2pm at Fordham

Christmas Services

• Midnight Mass – 24  December 24, at 11.30pm at Isleham
  

• Midnight Mass – 24 December, 11.30pm at Fordham

• Christmas Day Eucharist – December 25, 9.30am at Isleham
   

• Christmas Day Eucharist– December 25, 9.30am at Snailwell
   

• Christmas Day Eucharist– December 25, 11am at Fordham
  

• Christmas Day Eucharist– December 25, 11am at Chippenham

First post-Christmas Service

•  Whole group Worship – December 29, at 10.30am at Snailwell

Christian Aid prayer for Ukraine 

God of all peoples and nations, who created all things alive and breathing, united and whole, show us the way of peace that is your overwhelming presence. 

We hold before you the peoples of Ukraine and Russia, every child and every adult. We long for the time when weapons of war are beaten into ploughshares. When nations no longer lift up sword against nation.

We cry out to you for peace.

Protect those who only desire and deserve to live in security and safety. 

Comfort those who fear for their lives and the lives of their loved ones

Be with those who are bereaved.

Change the hearts of those set on violence and aggression and fill leaders with the wisdom that leads to peace.

Kindle again in us a love of our neighbour and a passion for justice to prevail and a renewed recognition that we all play a part in peace. 

Creator of all hear our prayer and bring us peace. Make us whole.  

Amen.

Weekly notice sheet by email  

We still distribute a copy of the weekly notice sheet by email every Sunday to those who want to keep up-to-date with what's happening in the Group, even when they can't get to church. 

Please let the Parish Administrator know if you'd like to receive a copy.

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Prayer for the Nation

If you want to continue, David came across this from the diocese of Oxford which you could read/pray at 6pm each evening:

When we are isolated and alone, we remember God is with us; we place our hands in his hands

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

When we are tired and confused…

He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters;

When we are worn out with worry

He restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.

When we are sick and afraid and if we lose those we love…

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff - they comfort me.

When we face difficulties today and we hope for a better tomorrow…

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

In the face of trouble & difficulty of all kinds, we remember Jesus’ promise of life beyond death…

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.

Voluntary suggestions

For lovers of the Anglican choral tradition and Isaiah 6: John Stainer, ‘I saw the Lord’ 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RC-vCl8Aga4

Part of the current wave of recorded musical Blessings providing comfort and inspiration from different perspectives, here’s one from Ireland, using an ancient text very apt for Trinity Sunday:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TascsWZPj8U

Early music fans with time on their hands may like to revel in the glorious sound of John Taverner’s ‘Missa Gloria Tibi Trinitas’: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNwIhVDVKDg

And another chance to hear our former organist at Fordham David Poulter playing J.S. Bach’s ‘Fugue’ in C major (BWV 545)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4Qd4wWKMpc

Dementia Friendly Village - Fordham

Fordham is working towards becoming a Dementia Friendly Village. 

Laura Cox-Watson has agreed to be our Dementia Friends Champion. and Has atteneded some training in Cambridge. and has held two sessions to share with the community what she has learned and discuss how Fordham can move forward with this. Laura is also very keen to gain insight from families who have direct experience of living with Dementia.

If anyone would like to contact Laura direct then please do so on either 
07974 409228 or laura1978watson@mac.com

Children and Holy Communion

All five PCC’s have now agreed that our church family younger children (aged 7 and above) may be admitted to Holy Communion after appropriate instruction. 

Muriel Hood and Ruth Ogden have agreed to instruct our young people. If there are young people in your family who would like to receive communion, then please do speak with them.

Is God calling you to something?

There are a few things around which it might be good for our churches to be involved with. If anyone would like to take a more active part in prayer, reading the bible, working with young people, thinking about church growth, visiting baptism families, thinking about our faith, and many other things, then please contact David if this is something God might be nudging you towards.

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Duty rotas 

The duty rota can be found on the Notice Board in the church.

Intercessions books

We have new books in each of the churches for people to write down prayer requests. Please write the name of the person who you would like us to pray for and your initials.

Please do not feel locked into this rota, but do arrange your own swaps and indicate on lists in church and the social centre.

Please inform Stuart and Rob Savage of any swaps/changes.

Note:. On Fridays, the bell ringers will lock the church and return key to you.

On Sunday evenings please check that relevant bin is ready for collection on pavement.

Any problems or concerns, please contact Stuart, as above.

Key Contacts:

Alan Ashley -14 St Andrews Close - 780742. 

Julia Brunning - 3 Little London - 780945

Sean Edwards -1 Robins Close - 780241

Mark Fletcher - The Granary- 2B Waterside - 780550 

Stuart Haggett –3 Church Lane - 781737

Richard May - 4 Elwoods Close - 780249 

Mary Wightman -3 Sun Street - 781022

Emergency lockers:

Ruth Ogden -35 Waterside -780646

Rob Savage -38 Sun Sreet - 780218

Second key holder:

Stuart Haggett. 3 Church Lane - 781737