Church News

MELBOURN’S CHURCHES TOGETHER

URC News

Brownie Parade / Christingle Service

Sunday 6th December saw us welcome the Brownies to our Christingle Service. Christingles had been prepared before the service and Duncan took us through the meaning of each of the elements (helpfully described on the back of the Order of Service so that some of us could appear more knowledgeable than we might otherwise have done!) Every member of the congregation was presented with a Christingle to take home.

Watchnight & Christmas Morning Services

Our Watchnight (11:30pm) and Christmas morning (8:30am) services were both led by Duncan. Both services were attended by approaching 20 worshippers with the Watchnight Service being lit by candles and giving those attending the first opportunity of singing all the verses of “O come, all ye faithful….” and lighting the central white candle of our Advent Ring.

Churches Together

Carol Singing at The Black Horse

On the evening of Wednesday 9th December we (Melbourn & Meldreth Churches Together) gathered at The Black Horse to sing carols. The bar was packed and swelled by a good representation from all the three churches in the village. All three ministers were there and Duncan led us on his cornet. Everyone either joined in or at least seemed to enjoy the occasion and we collected £84.84 for Chernobyl’s Children – nearly double what we collected at last year’s similar event. Renee and Bryan from the Black Horse commented that everyone had enjoyed it and had said that they’ll be back next year!

Carols at the Cross

A somewhat cold but dry Saturday morning, 19th December, saw a small band with representatives from all the Churches singing carols at the Cross in Melbourn. Again, we were led by Duncan on his cornet. We started outside Leeches and then moved across to outside the Co-op who were kind enough to supply us with some mince pies. However, we missed the surprising warmth (relatively speaking!) of the sunshine outside Leeches and returned there for a couple more carols before going to the “Coffee Stop” in the new Village Hall for yet more carols. We collected a further £60.40 for Chernobyl’s Children.

More Carol Singing!

Sunday afternoon 20th December saw (and heard!) members of MMCT visit both Moorlands Court and Southwell Court to bring the Christmas message to their residents. The short service at Moorlands was led by our friends from the Baptist Church whilst Duncan led that at Southwell Court.

SOAS Notices

On Saturday 24th April SOAS will hold a Thrift Sale of unworn/ hardly worn/quality clothing in All Saints Community Hall. We invite you to bring along to All Saints’ Community Hall any unwanted articles of unworn/hardly worn good quality clothing on Friday evening 23rd April between 7–6.30 pm or to Coffee Stop on the Saturday morning. The sale will take place in the hall between 12.30 and 3 pm.

Please ring a committee member, shown below, and tell them what items you will bring. They will give you a number for each, which you must write on a label, together with the price you require. The proceeds will be split 75% to you and 25% to SOAS. Doreen Johnston 2200197 Angela Leach 202793 Anne Ford 260661 Ann Sherwen 260070

SOAS Melbourn Open Gardens this year will be on Sunday 13th June from 1.30 – 5.30 pm We will shortly contact all previous garden hosts but would always welcome suggestions of ‘new’ gardens.

SOAS 100 Club

The November draw was made by Rev Andrew O’Brien on 2nd December. There were 66 members. First prize of £22

The texts below have been taken from posters seen outside churches in the US.

Happy Easter to our Christian Friends Happy Passover to our Jewish Friends To our atheist Friends … Good Luck.

As you pass this little church, be sure to plan a visit, so when at last you’re carried in, God won’t ask “Who is it?”

Can’t sleep? Don’t Count Sheep Talk to the Shepherd!

God is perfect … Only man makes misteaks

Adam blamed Eve Eve blamed the snake And the snake didn’t have a leg to stand on.

There are some questions that can’t be answered by Google.

Down in the mouth? Come in for a faith lift.

We are the SOUL Agents in this area!

The Meek … shall inherit the earth If it’s alright with you! went to Ann Perry (62) at 9 Cross Lane and the second of £11 to Zena Hawkin (59) at 21 Greenbanks.

The December draw was made by Rev Andrew O’Brien on 31st December. There were 66 members. First prize of £22 went to Eric Johnston (11) of 92 High Street and the second of £11 to Helena Ellis (37) of 11 Mortlock Street.

The January draw was made by Mr Mike Rawlings on 30th January. There were 75 members. First prize of £25 went to Mary Purdy (74) at 4 Chapel Lane and the second of £12.50 to Shaun Coles (28) of 50a Orchard Road.

The SOAS Winter Quiz

The 1st prize of £10 was won by Pat Saunders of 31a Orchard Road with a score of 74/75, and the 2nd prize of £5 was won by Barbara Harding of 39 Medcalfe Way.

All Saints’ Community Hall

Please note that bookings for the Community Hall may now be made by contacting Colin Limming, 4 Chapmans Close, Melbourn, SG8 6AH. Tel 01763 260072 e-mail colin.limming@btinternet.com

SOAS

(Supporters of All Saints’ Melbourn)

What is SOAS

SOAS is a nondenominational charity and aims to enlist the support of the Melbourn Community to preserve the village character and heritage. Funds raised by SOAS through membership contributions and cultural events are spent on the upkeep of All Saints’ Church building. Membership subscriptions are discretionary with a minimum of £3 per person or £5 per family per year. Application and/or Banker’s order forms can be obtained by telephoning Shaun Coles on 260327.

The Word of God from David Burbridge

The Lord hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. By lying, and killing, and stealing and committing adultery they break out. Therefore shall the land mourn, and everyone that dwelleth therein shall languish. Seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. Hosea4 verses 1 to 3 and 6