REGULAR church services will make a welcome return for the Bonnie Doon community at the Anglican Church, High Street this Sunday at 11.30am.

Dorothy Haensel, a lay preacher, will conduct this service in the absence of Father Chris Huxtable and the Reverend Charles Sundaresan.

However, starting from this Sunday ecumenical services will be held on the second and fourth Sundays of each month, alternating between the Uniting and Anglican churches.

The services return after the local community rallied to save the historic churches, which weren’t being regularly used and were being considered for possible sale.

After consultation it was decided that ecumenical services would be conducted catering for a wider community although it was understood that some people would prefer a traditional, formal service.

As children are expected to be in attendance, a special child-friendly story activity will be included in the services.

The Australian Hymn Book will be used in both churches and local Uniting Church member Jean Shannon will play the organs for services in both churches when available.

On Sunday, January 18 a baptism will be held during the Uniting Church service.