RUAN MINOR: Methodist Chapel: The Bible Sunday Service was led by Mr. Donald Hearn, the organ was played by Mrs. Iris Langford and the offering was collected by Di Fleetwood and Evelyn MackIntosh.

Mr Hearn spoke of the importance of the Bible in our everyday lives. He said the Bible is to teach us about Jesus, to help us to know God better, to learn about ourselves and to warn us about the dangers and temptations we will face.

Above all, the Bible teaches us that God will look after us if we follow his guidance. As the Gospel says: "People need more than bread to stay alive - they must feed on the word of God."

On Sunday, the service will be led by Mr Chris Smith.

MANACCAN women's institute: Members of Manaccan WI have been visiting during the last month. Three members attended the Cornwall Federation of Women's Institutes Annual Council Meeting held in Truro on October 16, where they were pleased to hear both the resolutions discussed at their last meeting, the abandonment of babies being decriminalised, and cardiac screening for young people, being passed. They enjoyed the excellent organisation and timing of the day and the entertaining talk by Bishop Bill Ind.

On October 24, several members attended the group meeting at St Keverne, where they heard an informative talk by Nigel Pascoe, the horticulture manager from Flambards, They were also entertained by the Cober Valley Accordion Band, and enjoyed a delicious buffet.

The October monthly meeting on October 25 at Manaccan commenced with the president, Dr Kate Gearing, dispatching the usual business, which included notice of several social events in the coming weeks. She then introduced Miranda Peacock and Aline Turner, the speakers for the evening, who gave an entertaining and informative presentation, entitled "Knicker Shocker Story".

This lighthearted talk took the audience through the history of underwear and how it has affected costume over the ages. The story started in 1600 BC, and until the 18th century AD underwear didn't feature in records, so much was speculation. However, knickers, apparently, were not worn until the 19th century! The fascinating pictures showed how the style of women's clothes has altered to emphasise different parts of the anatomy, hips one century, waists in another and bosoms in another, and that the vagaries of changing fashion we see in the 21st century is nothing new.

The vote of thanks was given by Dot Spragg. The competition for an unusual item of underwear was won by jointly by Sandy Pulfrey and Elga Gordon, and the flower of the month contest was won by Wendy Bailey.

The next meeting of Manaccan WI is on Thursday, November 22, at 7.30pm and will be a talk on Wine Making by Lloyd Jones. The competition will be a funny wine stopper and there will be a trading stall and the usual flower of the month competition. New members are always very welcome and should contact Dr Kate Gearing 231310 or Marcia Williams 280322.

CURY: METHODIST CHURCH: At Cury chapel on Sunday, Pene Oates conducted the Fellowship Service. Sybil Benney and Don Bettle read lessons, and Josie Trounson led the prayers.

A letter had been received from Adrian Hendy, who is in Zambia, telling us of his arrival there and the work he has started to carry out during his time there. Christopher Trounson took up the offering. The organist was David Lugg and the flowers were provided by Marian Jennings.

The Christmas coffee morning is taking place at the village hall from 9am to 11am on Thursday, December 6, when we hope to have some lovely Christmas goodies for sale.

The annual Christmas lunch is on Sunday, December 23, also at the hall, following the carol service in the chapel at 11am.

MAWGAN: PARISH CHURCH: The regular congregation was congratulated by the Rector, the Rev Lesley Walker, for braving the appalling weather on Sunday to attend the Eucharist Service at St Mawgan in Meneage Parish Church.

On the day celebrating St Simon and St Jude, two relatively unknown disciples, the Rector talked of how all Christians faced persecution from the Romans for proclaiming their faith. People today are still suspicious of what they don't understand, particularly some of the rituals connected with the church, and although today's Christians are unlikely to face persecution, they still need to bear witness and combat lack of understanding with inner confidence.

The communion elements were presented by the churchwardens Alan Webster and Tom Roberts, the lessons were read by Lindsay Hockley and Mary Wood, and the organ was played by Rachel Cook.

Next Sunday's Family Service at 11.15am will be taken by the Rev David Miller.

There will be a quiz evening at Mawgan Recreation Hall on Wednesday, November 7, at 7.30pm in aid of the Merlin Project and Mawgan Church. Everyone is welcome and teams can be made up on the night. Entry is £1.50 per person.