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.
It was lovely to welcome adults and children to our Christingle service held on Sunday, 10 December in church. Thanks to the "back room" efforts of quite a number of people, bags containing the items needed to make a Christingle were handed out as people arrive.During the service, led by Canon Jan Payne (Licensed Lay Minister, 5folds), the meaning behind each symbol was explained and Christingles were assembled. Towards the end of the service, a large circle formed round the inside of the church, the candles in the Christingles were lit, the church lights were turned off and and we sang two songs. It is always a special moment in this service.Afterwards, Christingles already constructed were placed carefully back into the bags to travel home and some spares were taken for other members of the family, friends, neighbours and so on. A collection was taken for the work of the Children's Society and the church.Our thanks to everyone who came to support this service.
Despite some unhelpful weather conditions, the pre-Christmas sale of cakes, pastries and preserves was another hit with a steady stream of customers supporting the fund raising effort towards refurbishing the kitchen in the Octagon Hall. We thank everyone who came along.A separate fund-raising effort for Ukraine was also successful, raising just over £100 for relief aid.
