The Elloe Fen Churches Magazine

December 2014

Serving the parishes of Gedney Hill With St Polycarp, Whaplode Drove, Sutton St James & Sutton St Edmund

Heavenly Father, In this season of Advent

as we prepare to celebrate the arrival of your Son,

Through whose birth and life you have made yourself known to us;

We give you thanks for our calling into your grace as his disciples and for the continued renewing of our calling through word and

sacrament;We pray that through all our challenges in

life you would be present and so be revealed

to us and through us; May we always trust that in and through

your love we can accomplish all you ask of us

and more than we could ever imagine. Through Jesus Christ our Lord

Amen.God revealed himself by becoming

incarnate, fully human and yet fully divine.

Jesus is the full and complete revelation of God’s power and love.

We cannot fully understand it with our minds,

but by the holy spirit, we can know it in our hearts.

Great is the mystery of faith!

2014 Advent Course ‘A Lifelong Journey’10.30am to 11.45am

Wednesday 3rd, 10th and 17th December

Church Hall Bells Drove Sutton St

JamesMissed the first one on the 26th November? Just come along and join in the next one because each session can be used on its own or as part of a whole. Please phone your church wardens if you need help with transport.From the Vicarage Dear friendsThe days are getting shorter, and we begin to look forward to Christmas. For a lot of people the month or two before Christmas can be a frenetic time. Shop windows are expansively decorated and Christmas lights are lit – spend and enjoy is their unsubtle message – but perhaps for a little while we do well to slow down and remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Into our human situations of conflict and confusion, of deceit and despair, God sends his son not to condemn us but so that we might be saved. We can never earn God’s love. We have to accept what God has done for us as a free gift.

Are we ready to receive? That is the real preparation required for Christmas. When Christ first came to Bethlehem he was crowded out, there was insufficient room for him in the bustle. Are we ready to make room in our crowded lives for Jesus to come and dwell?

‘The true light which enlightens every man was coming into the world. He was in the world and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not. He came to his own home and his own people received him not. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God; who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the word became flesh, and dwelt among us full of grace and truth.’ (John 1: 9 – 14)

At the end of a year when the news has so often been full of reports of grotesque cruelty, I am sure that I am not alone in feeling that the world right now is in deep need of a massive injection of grace and truth.

Yours sincerelyRichard Morrison

The Collect for AdventAlmighty God, Give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which thy Son Jesus

Christ came to visit us in great humility;that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious Majesty, to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, now and ever. Amen.

SUTTON ST JAMESDecember Church Services

Sunday 7th Morning Prayer Led by Reader Sally Clifton and CW Pauline Stebbings

Side Person Val Waters, Organist Tony Fitt Savage Readers Cherril Collins & Judith Nash

Monday 8th December Sutton St James School Christingle 6pm

Sunday 14th Holy CommunionLed by the Reverend Richard Morrison

Readers Jeanette Little & Fred Rose Sides person Jane Rose Organist Tony Fitt Savage

Friday 19th December

Carol Service

7.30pmFollowed by Christmas Celebration

& Prize DrawSides persons Val Waters and Jane Rose

Organist Tony Fitt Savage If you would like to be one of the readers at this service please contact Sally on 440168

Sunday 21st Morning PrayerLed by Reader Sally Clifton and CW Pauline Stebbings

Side Person Val Waters, Beat Box Gwen Bowker Readers Peter Simpson, Kirsty Clifton

Christmas Eve Family Holy Communion 7pm

The Revd Richard MorrisonSides person Fred & Jane Rose Organist T. Fitt Savage

Readers Fred Rose & Kirsty Clifton There is no midnight mass at this church please go to St John the Baptist at Whaplode Drove or to All Saints, Holbeach for 11.30pm services.

Sunday 28th DecemberElloe Fen Benefice Service

(w) Holy CommunionAt Holy Trinity Gedney Hill

10.30amLed by the Reverend Richard Morrison

On Saturday 15th November the PCC fundraising committee organised a Shepherd’s pie supper. Thank you to Jane and Pauline for making the very tasty Shepherds pies, to Judith and Valerie for the vegetables and Sally for the gravy. The portions were very generous but some did manage a second helping before equally delicious puddings were offered. Thank you to everyone who donated these. We are also very grateful for the help we received doing the clearing up at the end of the evening, Judith’ fur topped rubber gloves were a treat to behold!

We are very grateful to the Clarkson Singers from Wisbech who braved thick fog to entertain the diners. Back by popular demand and under the musical directorship of Loc-Mai Yuen-Brooker they sang a wonderfully mixed programme including the 13th century "Sumer Is Icumen In", Bart Howard’s 1954 ballad ‘Fly me to the moon’ and finishing with Eric Clapton’s ‘Tears in Heaven.’ The evening was rounded off by a well supported raffle. Thank you for supporting the church.

Church Christmas Coffee MorningChurch Christmas Coffee MorningSaturday 13Saturday 13thth December December

Tea Coffee Cake Raffle Last Minute GiftsTea Coffee Cake Raffle Last Minute Gifts Crafts, Cards, Home Made Cakes and Preserves Crafts, Cards, Home Made Cakes and Preserves

Calling all flower arrangers; we decorate the church with greenery, Christmas trees and candles on Saturday 6th December.

Sutton St James Village Hall

December Bingo Sessions Doors Open 6.30pm Eyes Down 7.30pm

Monday 8th December Christmas Bingo - Monday

22nd Don’t tell everyone But a certain chap Fond of the colour Red might well be

Visiting SSHHH!

SUTTON ST. JAMES

COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCH

OOL FAIR

FRIDAY 5TH

DECEMBER6pm to 8pm

LOTS OF WONDERFUL STALLS AND GREAT

GAMES TO PLAY.LOVELY REFRESHMENTS

AND SANTA IN HIS GROTTO

Sutton St James School Children from Swallows, Owls and Herons will be Carol Singing around the village on Wednesday 10th December from 5.30pm and finishing up at the Church at about 6.45pm where they will be singing around the Christmas tree and enjoying refreshments. Please come along to the church and join them.

SUTTON ST JAMES BAPTIST CHAPEL

CAROL CONCERTMonday 15th

December6pm

Sutton St James Women’s Group is rounding off a successful year of talks, activities and visits with a Christmas Meal at the Bluebell in Whaplode St Catherine. Members will enjoy a traditional Christmas Roast and each will receive a gift from the Secret Santa. They have been pleased to welcome new members this year and are always happy to meet more so if you are new to the village and would like more information please telephone Cherril Collins on 01945 440319 for a chat.

A HUGE THANK YOU message from Pauline Stebbings & Sally CliftonYour Churchwardens at Sutton St James

Thank you to all the talented ladies who decorate our church each week with flowers

Thank you to everyone who helps to keep our churchyard grass looking neat – it is probably one of the most difficult jobs because once again you’ve been up against the weather!

Thank you to the couples who clean our church every week, the bats have gone into hibernation now so it shouldn’t be so bad!

Thank you to our hardworking fund raising committee for all the wonderful food and for the brilliant cakes you supply on our coffee mornings, and to every one who helps at our flower festival for braving the summer storms that afflict us every May Bank Holiday!

Have a peaceful & joyous Christmas

CHRISTIANS IN ELLOE FENBy Stamford Marthews

I started the ‘Facebook’ page, first for Church of St Edmund and now for Christians in East Elloe Fen, because I felt there was a need for a place where without a great deal of fuss friends of the page could post details of events in various churches which might help to boost support and a place which would give an opportunity to express opinions about the church and what it is doing and saying.  

On another social media "Linked In" there is a page for the Anglican Church and for some days there has been a vigorous debate about the church's response or lack of it to the continuing evil of slavery both here and abroad. 

Today there is a request for prayers for the Christians in Pakistan beaten to death on the pretext of an insult to the Koran.

We are called to bear witness not to keep silent.  I hope as many as possible whether Christians or not will raise their voices and post.

It would be brilliant if our clergy would join in and comment in their turn. S.M.www.facebook.com/pages/Christians-in-Elloe-Fen

SUTTON ST EDMUND’S December Church Services

7th December Morning Prayer 9.15am Sides persons Readers Mrs M Norman Mr R Norman

Organist Mrs June Neale

14th December Holy Communion 9.15amSides person and Reader Mrs J Spriggs

Organist Mrs June Neale

21st December

Carol Service2.30pm

Led by the Revd Richard MorrisonOrganist Mrs June Neale

Sides person Mrs M NormanReaders will be advised nearer to the service.

Please stay after the service for mulled wine & mince pies Please Note there is no Morning Service

Joy to the World The Lord is come

Let Earth Receive Her King

Christmas Day

Family Holy Communion

9.15amLed by the Revd Richard

MorrisonOrganist Mrs June Neale

Sides person Mrs J Spriggs Reader Henry Neale

Sunday 28th DecemberElloe Fen Benefice Service (w) Holy Communion

At Holy Trinity Gedney Hill10.30am

Led by the Reverend Richard Morrison

Jane Spriggs reports that the Sutton St Edmund Patronal Festival service on the 23rd of November was well attended This service celebrated the life and work of St Edmund,

King and martyr, who died on November 20th 869. The Revd Richard Morrison led the service and preached on St Edmund. Sides person was Mrs M Norman, the reader was Mr H Neale and the organist was Mrs J Neale. After the service everyone enjoyed sherry and biscuits.

Sutton St EdmundVillage Hall Tombola

Wednesday 17th DECember The snowball is up and running!! doors open 6-45pm eyes down 7-30pm.

Refreshments available good prizesAll proceeds to the Village Hall Funds

St Edmund’s Open GuildMembers of the Open Guild had another very interesting and informative talk on the prison unit by Debbie on Tuesday 18th November. Thank you to the hostesses who were Meg and Janet. The Open Guild Christmas meeting will be held on Tuesday 16th December at 2pm please note earlier time! There will be a Bring and share buffet, with a gift for a member.

Sutton St EdmundAgricultural Discussion Group

hosted a very informative talk on all aspects of renewable energy at their Meeting on the 10th of November, which was led by Mr Sam Cooke of Prince Energy.

The next meeting will be a farm visit to ASHTREE FARM, Guanockgate on Monday 8th December. Please meet at the farm at 7.30pm.

Merry Christmas and a peaceful & Happy New Year to you all.

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT WHAPLODE DROVE

December Church Services

at St John the Baptist

Tuesday 2nd WI Carol Service 7.00pm

Sunday 7th

Holy Communion 11.00amSunday 14th

Holy Communion 8.00am

Sunday 21st

Carol ServiceWith the Whaplode Drove

Community Choir6.30pm

Followed by the Christmas tree

competition prize giving ceremony

Everyone Welcome

Christmas EveMidnight Mass11.30pm

O Come All Ye Faithful Joyful and Triumphant

Mulled wine and mince pies served at 10.45pm

Sunday 28th DecemberElloe Fen Benefice Service

(w) Holy CommunionAt Holy Trinity Gedney Hill

10.30amLed by the Reverend Richard Morrison

StJohn

the BaptistChristmas Tree

Competition, Viewingand Voting Dates are as follows;

Saturday 6th Dec 12-4pmSunday 7th Dec 1-4pm

Saturday 13th Dec 12-4pmSunday 14th Dec 1-4pm

Grand Christmas Bazaar

6th December 1pm to 4pm

Church RoomLots of lovely Christmas Stalls

Crafts Cakes & Delicious Seasonal

RefreshmentsGrand Christmas Tombola & Raffle

Friday 12th December

Carols On The Green 7pm With Whaplode Drove Community Choir (A torch might be handy) If the weather is really bad it will be held in the Church Rooms. Mulled Wine & Mince Pies will be available for a small donation which will be going to the Special Care Baby Unit at Peterborough Hospital. LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU

Keep Going – Jane’s Boozy Yule Log is coming up!

A Prayer for the third Sunday of AdventGod for whom we watch and wait,You sent John the Baptist to prepare the way of your Son:give us courage to speak the truth,to hunger for justice,and to suffer for the cause of right,with Jesus Christ our Lord Amen.

Family Brunch

Sunday 14th December @ 10.00am

Grown up’s BreakfastSausage, Bacon and Egg Rolls

Tea and CoffeeChildren’s Breakfast Brioche and Squash

Jane and Angela invite you all to join them for brunch at 10am on Sunday 14th December, to introduce you to the ‘Family Get Together.’ The children can enter a ‘make Christmas cards for Mum & Dad’ competition and a ‘decorate the gingerbread man’ competition. Grown ups can enjoy a chat in peace! All the children who have attended the ‘family get together’ this year will receive a prize.

Whaplode Drove WI enjoyed a social evening on Tuesday 4th November, with games provided by Linda Wapple. A great time was had by all if the laughter levels were anything to go by!! The Christmas celebrations will start in Whaplode Drove with the WI Carol Service on Tuesday 2nd

December in the Church at 7pm, everyone is welcome to join the ladies.

Jane’s Boozy Yule Log

4 eggs separated5oz castor sugarPinch of cream of tartar4oz plain flour1tblsn cocoa powder1tblspn of Cherry Brandy or RumBlack cherry jam to fill

Grease and line a Swiss roll tin.Whisk egg yolks and sugar together until pale and thick.

Whisk egg whites and cream of tartar together until it reaches soft peaks.Sift flour and cocoa powder together.Add half the flour to the egg yolk mix then slowly add egg white mix and remaining flour alternately, folding in gently.Very carefully stir in the cherry brandy or rumPour the mixture into the tin and bake at 180 degrees for approximately 15 minutes until it is a good colour and springy to the touch.As soon as you take it out of the oven turn it onto a sheet of baking parchment and roll it up. Leave it to cool then very gently unroll the sponge. Spread it with the jam, re roll then coat with the chocolate butter icing. Just before serving sprinkle with icing sugar.

God of compassion,Your love for humanity was revealed in Jesus,whose earthly life began in the poverty of a stableand ended in the pain and isolation of the cross:we hold before you those who are homeless and cold especially in this bitter weather.Draw near and comfort them in spiritand bless those who work to provide themwith shelter, food and friendship.We ask this in Jesus' name.Amen.

GOINGS ONIN GEDNEY HILL

December Church Services atHoly Trinity and St Polycarp’s

Sunday 7th St Polycarp's Holy Communion 9.30am

Sunday 14th Holy Trinity Evensong 4pm

Sunday 21st Holy Trinity Holy Communion 9.30am

Christmas Eve Carol Service

St Polycarp’s 4pm Everyone welcome

Collect for Christmas NightEternal God,Who made this most holy night to shine with the brightness of your one true light:Bring us, who have known the revelation of that light on earth, to see the radiance of your heavenly glory;Through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

Christmas MorningHoly Communion

At Holy Trinity10.30am

Gloria in Excelsis DeoIf you have worries or concerns for a friend or family member and you would like them to be included in the parish prayers please talk to your church wardens. Janet Coles (01406 330441) has agreed to take the names of those in especial need of our prayers in Gedney Hill and Holbeach Drove.

Lord God Your Son, Jesus Christ, understood people's fear and pain before they spoke of them, we pray for those we know and care for who are sick in mind, body or spirit, and we hold in our prayers all those known only to you.Surround the frightened With your tenderness;Give strength to those in Pain; hold the weak in your Loving arms and give hope And patience to all those

Who are recovering.We ask this through the Same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

O sweet Child of Bethlehem,grant that we may share with all our hearts in this profound mystery of Christmas.Put into the hearts of men and women this peace for which they sometimes seek so desperately and which you alone can give to them.Help them to know one another better and to live as brothers and sisters, children of the same Father.Reveal to them also your beauty, holiness and purity.Awaken in their hearts love and gratitude for your infinite goodness.Join them all together in your love.And give us your heavenly peace. Amen.

Pope John XXIII http://www.faithandworship.com/prayers_Christmas.htm#ixzz3IOE6T4Nt 

We wish you all a joyful and blessed Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

Subscriptions for 12 paper issues will be £6.50 in 2015. Please could you let Sally or Jane have the money asap. Email copies are still free!!

Parish Who’s WhoThe Revd Richard Morrison

The Vicarage, 1 Broadgate, Whaplode Drove, Spalding, Lincolnshire, PE12 OTN

01406 330392Reader

Sally Clifton, 9 Broadgate Sutton St James PE12 0EL 01945 440168

Authorised Lay MinistersJane Spriggs 01945 700004

Jane Bareham-Sivers 01406 331330Churchwardens

Sutton St EdmundJane Spriggs, ‘The Acorns’, Broadgate, 01945 700004Meg Norman, 8 Cross Road, 01945 700798Sutton St JamesPauline Stebbings, Willow Farm, Jarvisgate, 01945 440285Sally Clifton 9 Broadgate, 01945 440168Gedney HillRoy Houldershaw, 70 North Road, 01406 330981Dave Ingle, 36 North Road, 01406 330732Whaplode DroveMorris Stancer, Morvista, Avenue Farm, Dowsdale, Crowland, 01406 330544Jane Bareham-Sivers, 10 Chapelgate, 01406 331330

Village ReportersSt Edmund - Jane Spriggs

St James - Pauline StebbingsWhaplode Drove - Jane Bareham-Sivers

Gedney Hill – Janet Coles & Marilyn CollishawMagazine Editors

Jane Spriggs 01945 700004 & Sally Clifton 01945 440168

Diocesan Prayer

Almighty God, source of our hope and of all good things;you call us in love to share in the work of creation in making all things new.

Bless our diocese:may we be faithful in our worship,confident in our discipleship,and joyful in our service,

that through us, the world may catch a glimpse of the love you have for each

one of us, made known in your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen