Regular Activities

Alpha Course

This popular free course explores the meaning of the Christian faith in a relaxed, non-threatening, low-key way. The next course starts Wednesday, 11th January 2012. To find out more, click the Alpha 2012 button above.

Benefice Choir

A choir is born! The St Edmund Way Benefice Choir was launched in July. The aim is "harmony" both social and singing. The choir will support Benefice services, the music group, special services, and perhaps more. First service supported will be the Benefice Service on 30th October.

Choir practices are Thursdays at 7:30pm at Bradfield Combust church. Practices are scheduled for:

- December 1.

Benefice Home groups

These informal groups provide a structure in which to meet on a regular basis to listen, discuss and share the reality of living as a Christian in the world today. Groups meet once a fortnight (as shown in the table below). If you would like to join a group, contact the leader, or Rector Jayne or James Longe.

Day/Time/Venue	Leader
Tuesday mornings, 10:45 - 12:00 noon, Hawstead	Joyce Fynn (01284 388628)

Wednesday evenings, 7:30 - 9:30 pm, Stanningfield	Judith Biggs (01284 828491)
Wednesday evenings, 7:30 - 9:30 pm, Great Whelnetham	Joan Johnston (01284 386380)
Every Friday Morning (during term time), 10:15 - 12 noon, Bradfield Combust (crèche provided)	Rachel Halsey (01284 386019)

Benefice Newsletter

Distributed to every household in the six villages monthly, the newsletter includes valuable information about church and village events. The cost of production is sponsored by advertisements from useful, local businesses. We hope you will support them.

Children and Young People

Children and young people are encouraged to take an active part in worship and life of all the Churches in the Benefice. A play area and/or activity bags are available at Lawshall, Hawstead and Stanningfield. Exciting news! Watch this space for details of the shortly to be launched Godly Play activity areas at Great Whelnetham and Lawshall.

All services are "family-friendly" but there are two services each month that are specifically designed for the whole range of ages to enjoy together and which feature a crèche:

Type	Date/time/venue	Description
Family Worship	2nd Sunday of month, 11:00 am, Lawshall	An interactive service, lasting 45 minutes. It includes the all-age musical group, consisting of members from the whole community who enjoy making music! Drama is also often featured.
Family Eucharist	3rd Sunday of month, 9:30 am, Gt Whelnetham	A special service designed for all ages to gather around the Lord's Table.

Primary Schools

The Benefice takes a very active part in the two church voluntary controlled schools in Lawshall and Gt Whelnetham. Teams visit both on a monthly basis, holding "Open the Book" services, and our Rector also holds monthly topical assemblies. Our primary schools also attend special services in our churches at Easter, Harvest and Christmas.

Men's Group - "Men United"

This is now in its fourth year, and is open to all men in the Benefice. We periodically enjoy a hearty breakfast with a speaker afterwards, and also go on outings to interesting places in the area. There is also a monthly "Noggin and Natter pub night, currently on the first Wednesday of each month at 8pm at The Swan Pub in Lawshall. For more info, contact the people below

Rev James Longe	07880 893697
Ray Hayhoe	01284 752581
Derek Buckles	01284 830513
Bob Brotzman	01284 386751

Activities at Nursing Homes

Services are held at nursing and care homes in the Benefice. See the "Church Services" page of this website, or the monthly newsletter for details. In addition, private visits can be arranged for individuals for a chat, and Home Communion can also be arranged.

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