GOLCAR
The Friendship group welcomed the congregation to the morning worship at Golcar Providence Methodist Church. Rev Pam Ward led the service which included Holy Communion, on the theme of The Kingdom Seeds. Mrs N Meadows and Mr Ian Day read lessons. Afterwards the fellowship continued in the schoolroom.
The ladies of Golcar Baptist Tuesday Forum held their annual gift day at the home of Connie Pearson. They enjoyed tea and cake and the proceeds amounted to £100.
Sunday morning worship was led by members of the Grace Fellowship. Paul McLaughlin gave the address and spoke about Faith For The Future.
The Rev Canon Stephen Henry welcomed the congregation to the family communion service at St John's Church Golcar and was the celebrant. Roger Hanson gave the Gospel reading from Matthew 13 v 31 - 33 and 44 - 52 on which Canon Martyn Crompton based his address. Jeremy Cuss led intercession prayers. As part of the service Martyn baptised Janet Huggan Porter Hoyle, Meckenzie Mitchell Ryan, Megan Ella Ryan, Thomas Samuel Kaye and Eleanor Beatrice Kaye and welcomed them all into the church family. Ann Norton was the organist. The Sunday Club and Sunday Youth looked at Psalm 119 V 129 - 136 and presented Martyn with a cake to celebrate his birthday.
LINTHWAITE
Morning service at Christ Church was led by Ian Blakeley who preached and prayed and the Rev Jenni Honeyman who celebrated Holy Communion and gave a blessing. Lessons were read by Sheila Bottomley and Derek Horne. Junior Church learned the story of Samson and Delilah and the organist was Rhona Jepson. The evening service was led by the Rev Jenni Honeyman, who preached and prayed and gave a blessing. Lessons were read by Margaret McQuillan and the organist was Derek Horne.
Morning worship at Linthwaite Methodist Church was led by Rev Cyril Blount. Mr Rodney Pearson was the organist and Mr Peter Stead operated the audio visual equipment. Rev Blount spoke to the children about 'being inspired to do something to help someone else' before they left to go to Junior Church with their leaders Ed Archer-Siddall, Joanna Ambler and Diane Loftus. The readings were taken from Romans 8 verses 26-30 and Matthew 13 verses 31-33 and verses 44-52 – The Parables – and it was from the last reading that Cyril took the text for his inspirational sermon ‘ ... is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old,’ linking it to a recent paper written by the General Secretary of the Methodist Church entitled ‘Contemporary Methodism: a discipleship movement shaped for mission.’
LONGWOOD
On the fifth Sunday morning after Trinity at St Mark’s Church, the Family Worship Service was led by the Rev Harry Gwinnett. The service sheet was projected on to the large screen, using a power-point programme which included four songs of worship with words, video and singers. The guest speaker was David Carrins from Gideon’s International. David spoke about the Gideon Society and its aims and objectives, including their provision of millions of bibles to hotel guests throughout the world. The Gospel was read by Pamela Carrins. The congregation was fewer than normal and consisted only of adults. There was no Sunday School, this week, and no children attended the service, which only lasted for one hour on this occasion.
MARSDEN
On Sunday, the service at the United Church Marsden was led by Rev. Jo Archer-Siddall; the service included Holy Communion. The organist was Marjorie Boothroyd. The theme of the service was centred around the parables of the 'Hidden Treasure' and 'The Pearl' from the Gospel of Matthew and were read by Rev Jo. Also during the service, the wardens Carole and Colin from the Westwood Christian Centre, Golcar, spoke of the work and facilities of the centre. Refreshments were served after the service by members of the congregation. In the Church notices, it was announced that Carrie Hackett would be taking up the post of Church Secretary for the United Church.
St Bartholomew’s Church service of Holy Communion was led by the Vicar, the Rev Geoff Garside, who also preached. Alison Gibson read the lessons, taken from 1 Kings 3, verses 5-12 and from Romans 8 verses 26-end. The Gospel, read by the Vicar, was from Matthew 13, verses 31-33 and 44-52. David Fisher offered prayers and Ian Hunt was the organist. Sidesmen were Bunny Lonnon and Margaret Dale. Coffee and biscuits were served in the hall by David Corps and Alan Davies.
Services continue on Tuesdays at 9.30am in the Lady Chapel and the church will be open from 10am-3pm during August for visitors to look around, listen to readings and music or enjoy quiet meditation or a chat and refreshments.
MILNSBRIDGE
At the Milnsbridge Christadelphians on Sunday evening Martin Spencer presided. “God’s care for you” was the title of the talk given by Ben Staples of Middlesbrough.
On Wednesday evening James Walker led the Daily Readings discussion group. The readings from the Bible discussed were 2 Samuel chapter 13, Jeremiah chapter 16 and Matthew chapter 28. On Wednesday August 3 at 7.30pm Kevin Waterhouse is to give a talk entitled “ The brightness and express image of God.” Next Sunday July 31 at 6pm the subject is “ Prophecy is accurate.” Visitors are very welcome to attend services and talks.
PARKWOOD
A social Brownie evening was held on Tuesday at Parkwood Methodist church with a beetle drive and bingo and refreshments by the Brownies. Badges were presented and two brownies enrolled. Proceeds from the evening were donated to CART.
Marion Lloyd welcomed the congregation to Parkwood Methodist Church on Sunday morning to a worship leaders service with Sandra McSweeney, Freda Lloyd and Barbara Rushforth, church members, leading the service. Pianist was Rhianydd Booth. Coffee was served after the service by Pat and Albert Battye.
SLAITHWAITE
St James Parish Church Holy Communion Service was led by Rev Robin Townsend, assisted by Raymond Denton. The lesson from Romans 11 “God’s Mercy on Israel”, was read by Alison Parkinson. The Holy Gospel, Matthew 13 from verse 40 was read by Rev Robin and his address “God’s Promise Love and Purpose”. Prayers were led by Margaret Ingham and the organist was Alvi Whitehead.
The July Women’s Institute on Wednesday at the Community Centre took the form of an informal get-together. Members were invited to bring a guest to a strawberries and cream evening that included a quiz and a bring-and-buy stall. The evening had been organised by the ladies and it is hoped more members will be encouraged to join the group.
The monthly Ecumenical service, bringing the churches of the Colne Valley together, was held at St James’ Church and was led by the Rev Robin Townsend. Open prayers were said for the people of the valley followed by refreshments, served by church ladies.
Sunday morning worship at the Methodist Church was led by John Mason of Marsh. Before the service commenced, steward John Scott lit a candle for the people who lost their lives and those who had been affected by the shooting and explosion in Norway. The theme of John’s sermon was Faith, assisted by readings from the Old and New Testaments by Hilton Crowther and Pauline Gee. Organist was Shirley Scott.
