Several of the stained glass windows at All Saints’ Church, Longstanton were recently restored with the aid of a grant of £3,000 provided by Cambridgeshire Historic Churches Trust (CamHCT) and £7,000 from the All Saints’ building fund. We are very grateful for the support of the Trust and the local community who contribute to the church building fund. Those of you who have been in the church recently will appreciate the lovely windows and how important it is for us to maintain the building for future generations. When you enjoy a cup of coffee at the Community Cafe, open every Wednesday morning 10-12.30, you are supporting the cost of the upkeep of the church, thank you.The Trust offers grants and loans to help congregations look after their historic places of worship. Its main source of income, apart from membership, is the annual “Ride and Stride”. Each September sponsored cyclists and walkers visit churches, chapels, and colleges throughout Cambridgeshire, sharing the money raised between the Trust and their local church. Details of the Trust’s work can be found at www.camhct.uk
In a short ceremony on Thursday, 10 July 2024, the Archdeacon of Cambridge, the Ven Alex Hughes, re-licensed Revd Jenny Hill to serve in the 5folds benefice. Jenny has already held this post since July 2023 but her licence to do so was about to run out, so this re-licensing was required. With the resignation of Revd Simon Gill as Team Rector, Jenny will continue to have the oversight of all the village parishes in the group, in Longstanton, Over, Swavesey and Willingham, but on this occasion, Jenny was licensed as 'Priest In Charge', which removes the requirement for further temporary licensing until a full time Team Rector is appointed.Jenny will continue to be assisted by Canon Jan Payne, our Licensed Lay Minister.
Announcement to be made in the Churches of the 5fold Team on 7th January 2024The Acting Bishop of Ely, Bishop Dagmar, announces the resignation of the Revd Dr Simon Gill as Team Rector of the 5Folds Benefice in the Diocese of Ely.Since his arrival in 2019, Simon has enjoyed furthering the work of the Gospel in the parishes of Longstanton, Over, Swavesey and Willingham. He has been a valued colleague within the Team and in the wider Deanery and Diocese. It is with regret that, due to ill health, Simon has found it difficult to fulfil the demands of his current appointment and, while he remains a priest, he has decided to take some time out from full-time stipendiary ministry.Simon goes with our thanks for his ministry among us and our prayers for him, Sallie and their family. Simon’s resignation took effect on 31st December, so we are now in a vacancy.
People representing all our four village churches gathered in Willingham on Saturday, 21 October to think about "Leading your church into growth". The day was led by Revd Peter Leech, Deputy Director of Mission and Outreach from the Diocese of Ely. It proved to be an inspiring day with plenty of conversation about the ideas Peter was presenting. There was a real buzz in the room as new ideas started to emerge and a number of people left saying it had given them much to think about as well as being really encouraging too. Over the coming months, further opportunities for discussion and training will continue. More details as they are known.
