CHRISTMAS PARTY SUPPORT FOR CHESS
A married couple at Chelmsford Cathedral, are opening their home to party goers in aid of those who sleep rough and to their support organisation, "CHESS" and the work of the street pastors in the town. Yvonne and John Spence plan to entertain in aid of funds by producing a Christmas party on Sun, Jan 3rd at 12.30 for 1pm. Says Mrs Spence, "To celebrate the work of our Street Pastors, and to raise funds for the scheme, we invite you to come to lunch at our home in Chelmer Village, Chelmsford We aim to create a happy, party atmosphere which both encapsulates the festive season and recognises just what an impact our street pastors are making."
Tickets at £12.50 are available from her on 01245 465108 (or by e-mail on yvonnespence@hotmail.com ) Children under 11 eat free.
CHALICE IS RESTORED
The use of the chalice at Holy Communion is now restored to communicants at Chelmsford Cathedral after a period of receiving the Communion wafer (bread) only. But if a worshipper's custom is to intinct (dipping the wafer into the chalice) this continues to be forbidden and communicants are asked to receive only the bread (wafer), in view of the Department of Health advice on the dangers of Swine 'flu.
The Dean, the Very Revd Peter Judd says that clergy, vergers and altar servers will be rubbing their hands with antibacterial gel before they prepare the vessels for use at all services of Holy Communion.
"After the Peace (when worshippers shake hands) the clergy will be rubbing antibacterial gel on their hands. And after the service, we shall be washing the vessels as we always do, in hot soapy water," says Dean Judd.
CHRISTMAS AT THE CATHEDRAL
The main services at the Cathedral are on Wed, Dec 23rd with the Nine Lessons and Carols sung by the Cathedral Choir at 6pm, and repeated again on Christmas Eve at 6pm. Also on Christmas Eve, the annual Crib Service for children and Christingle takes place at 3.30pm (Buggies to be left in the Chapter House) with Midnight Mass sung by the Cathedral Choir at 11.30pm, when the Dean will give the address.
On Christmas Day, Holy Communion is celebrated at 8am(Book of Common Prayer) and there is the Christmas Eucharist at 10am with a sermon from the Vice-dean, the Revd Canon Walter King All are welcome. (No evening service on Christmas Day). A Christmas service card is available at the Central Library and the Tourist Office.
ENDS