Wedding blessing - Louise and Mark Walsh - August 13

Mark Walsh, our LLM and safeguarding officer, married Louise in June last year but Covid restrictions meant only 30 people attended in person. They are having a thanksgiving for their marriage next Saturday (13 August) at
St Andrew’s, Isleham at 3:30pm and everyone is welcome to join them for the service, which will be led by Rev. Mike Banyard.

Anna and Neil were overwhelmed by last week’s joint service and all the messages and gifts that followed. Thank you all for these and so much else these past three years. Please do keep in touch (Anna will be keeping her same phone number and email address: 07751 032166; revdannajones@gmail.com), and call in if you are in Cambridge (the churchwardens have their new address).

Revd Anna has been appointed as Chaplain at Queens’ College Cambridge from September, and so will be leaving the parishes in early August. 

Please pray for Anna and Neil as they prepare to move and begin this new chapter, and as they will surely be praying for you.

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.

Foodbank -update

The Ark Church runs the Isleham Community Pantry which now collects and distrubutes donations of food made in Co-op stores in Isleham and Fordham. There is also always a need for toiletries - soap, shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste and so on - and pet food.

They supply those in need, and will deliver, in Isleham and Fordham.

Alternatively you may prefer to donate money to he Trusell Trust Ely Food Bank. You can donate either by cheque made payable to:
"Ely Foodbank" and sent to 10 Chapel Street, Ely, Cambs, CB6 1AD. 

Or if you prefer to donate online: https://localgiving.org/charity/elyfoodbank/ 

Thank you.

A message for August 7 - Trinity 8

Collect

Creator God, you made us all in your image: may we discern you in all that we see, and serve you in all that we
do; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Post Communion prayer

Lord God, whose Son is the true vine and the source of life, ever giving himself that the world may live: may we so receive within ourselves the power of his death and passion that, in his saving cup, we may share his glory and be made perfect in his love; for he is alive and reigns, now and for ever.

Amen.

Ministry News

During this period of reflection to consider a new parish profile for the post of Rector for the Group, the parish representatives will be glad to hear your views to feed into the process. 

Please do be in touch with the reps for your church if you have thoughts and ideas.

• Chippenham = Paul Mangell and Peter Maxwell

• Fordham = Trevor Hill and Sally Parr

• Isleham = Stuart Haggett and Tricia Harrison;

•  Kennett = Robin Swanson

• Snailwell = Muriel Hood and Michael Wallis.

Meanwhile, Revd Anna has been appointed as Chaplain at Queens’ College Cambridge from September, and so will be leaving the parishes in early August. 

Please pray for Anna and Neil as they prepare to move and begin this new chapter, and as they will surely be praying for you.

A prayer to use during the vacancy

God our Father, help us to put our trust in you to send your chosen person to lead us on to where you would have us to be. 

Amen 

Ordinand progress - Virginia Moggridge

Virginia Moggridge will be attached to the parishes of Fen Ditton, Horningsea & Teversham for the second and final year of her ordination training through the Eastern Region Ministry Course. 

She will be a loss to us in the Three Rivers Group as she has served us well in a number of ways, and particularly her home parish of Snailwell, but we wish her all the very best as she goes out to experience and serve the wider church. 

Please continue to pray for her and for Peter through this next stage and beyond. 

Virginia’s last Sunday in the parishes will be 7 August, when she will lead Morning Praise/Prayer at Snailwell and Fordham.

Intercessions

Baptism: 

• Sunday 14 August 14, at 1pm, at Fordham: Isaac Murphy

Weddings:

Saturday August 6, at 2pm, at Snailwell; David Hyde & Linsey Summerfield

Friday August 12, at 1.30pm, at Chippenham; Owen Paynter & Catherine Russell

Friday August 12, at 4pm, at Isleham; Dean McConnell & Ewa Starzyk

Services in the Three Rivers Group on Sunday - August 7 - Trinity 8

• 9.30am Isleham – Eucharist
   
• 9.30am Snailwell – Morning Praise
   
• 11am Chippenham – BCP Communion 
   
• 11am Fordham – Morning Prayer

All the orders of service can be found on our website at www.threeriversgroup.co.uk

Services in the Three Rivers Group on Sunday - August 14 - Trinity 9

• 9.30am Isleham – Morning Praise
   
• 9.30am Snailwell – BCP Communion
   
• 11am Chippenham – Morning Prayer
   
• 11am Fordham – Eucharist

All the orders of service can be found on our website at www.threeriversgroup.co.uk

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.

Isleham Coffee Morning -Tuesdays 10am-12noon 

The Tuesday morning coffee and bacon butty crew will be back at the St Andrew’s Social Centre from 11 Jan, from 10am-12 noon.  All welcome.

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 very own David Poulter playing J.S. Bach’s ‘Fugue’ in C major (BWV 545)

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

Godly Play - 4th Sunday of the month at Fordham - suspended until further notice

Carol Taylor is going to start offering Godly Play sessions on the 4th Sunday of the month at the 11am Eucharist at Fordham. Children from 3 upwards welcome. The children will rejoin us to receive communion or a blessing. www.godlyplay.uk

The Monday  Prayer Group - suspended until further notice

The prayer group meets at 1.30pm on Mondays for an hour of prayer. We meet at 1 West Street, Isleham. 

Fordham Day  Centre Lunch Club - suspended until further notice

Fordham Day Centre is a lunch club for older people and meets on the 1st and 4th Wednesday of each month from 10.30am to 2.30pm.

We meet at Withers’ Place community room for company, chat and food. Coffee and tea are provided on arrival, then lunch and a cup of tea before you leave.

We have a “mobility” taxi available, if needed, for transport to and from the meetings. The Day Centre is run by volunteers (not carers) who cook and look after the members.

Mums+ - suspended for the time being

Mums+ is a monthly coffee morning for fun, conversation and sharing our questions of life, faith and parenthood – all ages welcome. For more details contact Laura Cox-Watson 01638 724839.

Upcoming dates - Meet at Scotsdales in Fordham at the Sunflower Café 9.15-10.45am   

TBA.

Contact: Laura Cox-Watson on 01638-724839 for more information.

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 Mike.

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.

Duty rotas 

The normal duty rota is suspended due to the coronavirus epidemic.

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 

Andrew Stephens -41 The Causeway- 780229  Andrew (mobile) 07709872831 

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