News from the Colne Valley

Nov 21 2009 by Steve Catchpool, Hudd Sat

CROSLAND MOOR

The choir of St. Barnabas’ Church, Crosland Moor gave a concert in church for the benefit of the Church Urban Fund.

The programme consisted of both sacred and secular music and besides choir items, solos and duets were performed, by Elizabeth Jones, Rebekah Haigh, Delores Swift, Ann Wilkes, Joyce Rawlinson, Alan Haigh and the curate the Rev Jenni Honeyman. The choir director was Tim Wilkes, who also accompanied on the piano and keyboard, besides playing piano duets with Kathleen Pratt and also solo pieces. The organist was Geoffrey Hallas, who gave a solo performance as well as accompanying some of the choir items. The compère was John Wilkes senior, the concierge was Malcolm Haigh and refreshments were served during the interval by Joyce Holdsworth, Andrea Rattigan and Ann and David Bradford.

GOLCAR

Sunday service at Golcar Baptist Church was conducted by the Rev Chris Thompson, the organist was Calinda Stockhill and the pianist was Mrs Woodhead. The servers at Communion were Geoff and Anita Ramm. As it was shoebox Sunday the congregation and friends supplied 55 shoeboxes for the East European countries.

The monthly meeting of the Mothers’ Union was held in the community room at St Johns Church on November 10. Leader Dorothy Holden opened the meeting with prayers.A jacket potato and Parkin supper was served by members of the committee, followed by two quizzes organised by Sheila Ribbons.

The Rev Brenda Mitchell led the service at St John’s Church and was the celebrant for the parish communion. Readings were given by Pamela Gillet and Marion Hall. The Rev Canon Martyn Crompton gave the gospel reading and based his address on the readings which called on us to persevere with following the Christian Life. Canon Martyn also led the prayers. Sunday club and Sunday Youth had been discussing how God made each individual different and special and the children were invited to say what qualities they had which made them special. The organist for the service was Ann Norton.

At Golcar Providence Friendship Group the speaker was Joyce Worsfold who spoke about Quiet Gardens. Gillian Beever was the chairlady and Nancy Meadows was the pianist. Alice Illingworth and Pat Smith were the supper ladies. Sunday morning worship was led by Brenda Ellis, lessons were read by Gwen Iredale and Janice Swallow and the organist was Margaret Israel.

LINTHWAITE

Mrs Wendy Blackburn led the service at Linthwaite Methodist Church on Sunday morning. The theme of the service was Taking Steps for Jesus and the children’s address also followed this theme. The Bible readings were Matthew 14 v22-33 and Romans 10 v 5-15 read by Ali Dwyer and Hilary Baxter. Diane Loftus and Andrea Morley led the Sunday School session for young people. Sue Howard operated the audio visual equipment and Mrs Linda Nuttall was the organist. December 22 will see the beginning of Angel Week’ when members of the congregation draw a name of someone to whom they will be ‘an angel’ for the week. It might just be sending a card and greetings or an act of kindness towards that person.

Sunday morning service at Christ Church was led by the Rev Jenny Honeyman who preached, prayed and celebrated Holy Communion and gave a blessing. Lessons were read by Russell Wattam and Margaret McQuillan and the organist was Rhona Jebson. The evening service was led by the Rev Julian Perkins who read lessons and gave the blessing. Margaret McQuillan preached and prayed and the organist was Derek Horne.

LONGWOOD

The Christmas Fayre, last Saturday, raised approximately £1,000 for church funds.

On the second Sunday morning, before Advent, at St Mark’s Church the sung Eucharist was led by guest celebrant the Rev Robin Fletcher. The organist was Philip Turner and the clergy procession was led by Bob Simpson and the choir with Acolytes Hannah and Emily Jones. Bible readings were by Margaret Haigh and Olive Houghton from Daniel and Hebrews. Following the Gospel reading Robin delivered his sermon based on the theme of access to God being available to everyone at all times. Intercession Prayers were prepared and presented by Judith Pearson, after which the young church, with leaders Joan Morton and Charles Ross, from Sunday school in the parish centre, joined the service in time for the sharing of “The Peace”. The server during Communion was Pat Jessop. The service concluded with the recessional Hymn Fight the Good Fight followed by the Blessing by Robin. A meeting will be held, in the parish and community centre, on Wednesday evening, to plan the forthcoming Carols by Candlelight and Christingle” events in church.