A Message from Revd Andrew Birks After much prayer and reflection, I want to share with you that I have accepted the role of Senior Chaplain to the Bishop of Peterborough, and will therefore be stepping down as Vicar of Melbourn and Meldreth later this spring. This has not been an easy decision. Serving these parishes has been one of the great joys and privileges of my ministry. You have welcomed me into your lives, trusted me with your stories, and worked with such generosity and imagination to help our churches grow in faith, hope, and love. I will always be grateful for the kindness, humour, and resilience that define these communities. The new role will involve supporting the Bishop in pastoral, liturgical, and strategic ministry across the Diocese of Peterborough. It is a calling that has emerged over time, and one that I approach with both excitement and humility. Yet leaving Melbourn and Meldreth will be deeply bittersweet, and I will carry you with me in prayer as I take this next step. Details about my final Sunday and opportunities for us to say our goodbyes will be shared soon. In the meantime, please keep the parishes, the Churchwardens, and all who will guide the vacancy process in your prayers. Thank you — for everything we have shared, for all we have built together, and for the countless ways you have shaped my ministry. It has been an honour to serve among you. However, until I leave, it is very much ‘business as usual’, and a commitment from me that I will help to prepare the Benefice as much as I am able for the time when I have moved on. Andrew+
Notice of a Meeting of the Parishioners for the Election of Churchwardens.A meeting of parishioners will take place on 8th February 2026 at 11.30 am in All Saints' Community Hall for the purpose of electing our Churchwardens following the death of Churchwarden Mrs Mary Bailey last year.All residents of the parish whose names are on the civil electoral roll, together with those on the Church Electoral Roll, are warmly invited to attend and take part in this important moment in our shared life.We are grateful to all who offer themselves for this ministry of service and leadership within our parish community.
Something wonderful is about to happen. The Saviour of the world is about to be born. But the grumpy owl who lives in the barn just wants to be left alone... Will the animals help our owl to discover the Joy of Christmas? You're invited to find the joy of Christmas, too. Learn about the story of Jesus' birth and what this can mean for you today. There are thousands of local Advent and Christmas services and events at AChurchNearYou.com.
From Ely Cathedral:It is with great sadness that we share the news of Canon Jim Garrard who died unexpectedly on Monday 8 December.Jim had been the Canon Precentor at Ely Cathedral since 2008. He will be sorely missed by all the staff, the choirs and the wider Cathedral community.Further details regarding funeral arrangements will be shared in due course. Please do keep Ros, Richard, Sophia, members of Jim’s family and friends in your prayers at this time.If you wish to send cards or messages, please address them to the Chapter House at Ely Cathedral and they will be passed on to Jim’s family.May he rest in peace and rise in glory.The Very Revd Mark Bonney, Dean of Ely
