CROSLAND HILL
Members of the Association of Christian Fellowship met in St Barnabas’ Parish Hall for their monthly meeting which was opened by the Leader Susan Tattersley with a poem by Patience Strong. After a short business session, Susan introduced the speaker Mr David Mallinson, who talked about his and his wife’s visits to New Zealand where their son lives. He particularly focused his talk on Christchurch Cathedral which was badly damaged in the recent earthquake. He passed round photos of the cathedral in all its splendour before the earthquake. Mr Mallinson also spoke about and passed round pictures of a spectacular themed garden named ‘Gethsemane’ where there is a ‘Noah's Ark’ and many other biblical features including the Lord’s Prayer printed out with shrubs, one for each letter. Brenda Whittaker thanked Mr Mallinson for a very interesting talk and the hostesses for the evening were Shirley Cliffe, Janet Haigh and Sheila Jaworski. Mr Mallinson won the raffle.
GOLCAR
Sheila Ribbons opened the meeting of the Mothers Union at St John’s Church with prayers and welcomed Gill Atkinson-Heck as the speaker. Gill gave an interesting and informative talk about her work with the chaplaincy team working in the town centre. The team support and give a listening ear to people to all faiths coping with many of life’s problems. The supper lady was Rita Sage.
The Rev Canon Stephen Henry welcomed the congregation to the parish communion service at St John’s Church and was the celebrant. The Old Testament reading from Isaiah 45 verses 1-7 was given by Margaret Henry and the New Testament reading from Thessalonians 1 verses 1-10 and the gospel reading from Matthew 22 verse 15-22 were given by the Rev Harry Gwinnett. In his address Harry invited the congregation to consider the three main reasons why they come to the church service. Prayers were led by Richard Lodge and Ann Norton was the organist. Sunday Club had talked about celebrating special days – birthdays, Christmas and Harvest – and had made crowns. Sunday Youth looked at the gospel readings about taxes and Jesus saying Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God’s.
A new service led by the Rev Harry Gwinnett named Synergy was held in St John’s Church at 5pm. Modern worship, teaching and ministry with the music from St Mark’s worship group was followed by food in the community room. The next Synergy service will be 5pm November 20 when the Wakefield Gospel Choir will lead the music and the guest speaker will be from the Hands of Hope charity.
Saturday was Family Fun Day at Golcar Baptist Church. The children enjoyed a bouncy castle, face-painting and crafts and there were various stalls and refreshments.
The Rev Chris Thompson led Sunday morning worship at the Baptist Church. Chris Woodhead played the organ and tea and coffee were served at the close.
Rev Pam Ward led the service at Providence Methodist Church, which included Holy Communion. The theme of the service was The Authority of Jesus.
At Golcar Providence Church Mr I Day read the lesson and Mrs W Ellis led the prayers. Mrs S Pearson and Mr I Day helped with communion. Mrs M Israel was the organist. Fellowship continued in the schoolroom.
Mr P Booth welcomed Rev S Day to the Men's Fellowship at Providence Methodist Church at Monday’s meeting. Rev Day talked about his life and becoming a Methodist minister.
LONGWOOD
On the 17th Sunday morning after Trinity at St Mark’s Church, the sung Eucharist Service was led by Parish Priest, the Rev Canon Martyn Crompton, with Phil Turner playing the organ for what was a modest congregation compared to last week. Martyn welcomed everyone and apologised for the shortened service which was deliberately condensed to allow more time, afterwards for the planned meeting to discus the future at St Mark’s. The first hymn Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer was followed by the Gospel and continued with his sermon. The emphasis was for everyone having faith in God’s help in planning. The offertory followed and then came the bread and wine of Communion, during which Martyn was assisted by Pat Jessop as server. After sharing The Peace, the final hymn was O Jesus I Have Promised followed by the Blessing. Light refreshments were served, and Martyn opened the third Vision Meeting, which included leaders from St Mark’s Scouts and Guides. Those present were divided into groups of eight and numerous options were discussed. There was an explanation of the purpose of the meeting by Martyn and a statement about the church finances by Treasurer Philip Turner. The results of the ballot papers, from all church family members, will now be considered by the PCC.
MARSDEN
A service of All Age Communion was held on Sunday conducted by the vicar, the Rev Geoff Garside, who also gave the children’s talk and sermon entitled Rules and Laws. The children then went into the hall and their activities were based on this theme. The lessons from Isaiah 25 and Thessalonians 1 were read by Dennis Brook. Alison Fisher offered prayers. The organist was Ian Hunt and the trumpeter was Simon Crook. Sidesmen were Bunny Lonnen and Brian Mitchell. Coffee was served in the Hall by Christine Garside, Susan Everill and Jenny Mitchell. Services continue on Tuesdays at 9.30am.
There will be a special service on Sunday October 30 at 4pm in Church for All Souls Day to remember friends and family members who are no longer with us.
The Operatic Society are presenting the musical The Full Monty from Tuesday to Saturday October 25-29 in the hall. Tickets £9 available from Duncan’s Hairdresser. Warehouse Hill, Marsden. Tel. 845311 (shop hours only).
MILNSBRIDGE
Paul Rose presided at an evening meeting, which followed tea, at Milnsbridge Christadelphians. Speaker was James Trelfer from Kettering, who gave a presentation entitled Noah – a Light-hearted Look at Some Serious Lessons. The popular coffee morning reading group met on Tuesday at 10.30am to read and discuss the Bible readings for the day: 1 Chronicles Chapter 28, Ezekiel chapter 37 and John chapters 2 and 3. The Bible class met on Tuesday evening. The president was James Walker and the speaker was Richard Jones whose subject was Jesus –The lamb of God. Last Sunday the speaker was H Shaw and his subject was What the Bible Says About the Saints.
At the Milnsbridge Christadelphians’ Sunday evening meeting Martin Spencer presided. The speaker was Harvey Shaw from Oldham, whose subject was “What the Bible says about the saints”.On Tuesday at 7.30pm, the Sisters class met. The president was Susan Hackett, who also played the organ. Kirsty Barrett was the speaker and gave a talk on Rahab. On Wednesday evening it was the annual business meeting led by Paul Rose.
The arrangements for the coming week are: on Sunday, 6pm the subject is “ Fixing a broken society.” On Wednesday evening at 7.30pm, James Walker is speaking on The Priesthood, taken from Hebrews Chapters 5,7 & 8. Visitors are most welcome to all meetings and talks.
PARKWOOD
A pleasant Wednesday afternoon meeting was held at Parkwood Methodist Church. Guest speakers were Mr and Mrs Colin Pattenden with information about Westwood Christian Centre, a place of beauty to visit to refresh and bring peace into everyone’s lives. In the chair was Jean Johnson, the pianist was Kenneth Rothery and refreshments were served by Mary Rothery, Nora Beaumont and Margaret Noble. A community breakfast was held on Saturday morning at Parkwood Methodist Church, organised by Elaine and John Oldham and Renee Wyatt, assisted by Mary Palmer and Jean Johnson.
Marion Lloyd welcomed the congregation to Parkwood Methodist Church on Sunday morning. Guest preacher was Mr David Brook, bible readers were Gareth Beaumont and Marion Lloyd. The organist was Kenneth Rothery and coffee was served after the service by Pat and Albert Battye.
SLAITHWAITE
Patricia Parkinson presided at Slaithwaite Good Companions, introducing the much looked forward to annual visit of the Mikron Theatre Group. Adrian Palmer, Nicola Redman, Sally-Ann Thornton and Daniel Wilder performed the story of the digging and opening of the Bridgewater Canal in 1716, starting with the dance of the Puddle Down and the songs of the navigators and others. The second half of the programme was Opening Time and Happy Hour. Between them, performers played 17 different instruments and also played for the weekly chorus ofHappy Birthday - this week for Christine Parkin. They were thanked by Hilary Ellis. Thanks also went to the ladies who made the lovely buns and the sandwiches for the entertainers. A top class afternoon!
St James’ Parish Church morning service saw Jean Clayton introduce Heather Croft, a church member who led the service. The lesson from Thessalonians chapter 1 – Giving things to God – was by Jean Lobley. Matthew’s Gospel chapter 22 from verse 15 – The question about paying taxes – and the address were given by Heather. She spoke of giving out thoughts to God, our actions to please him and to keep promises to family and friends and working for God. Prayers were led by Dorothy Gledhill and the organist was Alvy Whitehead.
Ann Walker was in the chair For the Women’s Fellowship Meeting which was an Own Arrangement Day. After prayers were said, Ann led the singing of old time well-known songs with Maureen Weaving on the piano. Pauline Gee then told of an Escape Day they had both enjoyed at the Briarley Centre, Ilkley on the theme Alpha and Omega. They also told of the Good Friday holiday club which they attended at Linthwaite. A bring-and-buy stall was followed by tea and 50th Anniversary cake provided by Mary Hirst, and birthday greetings were sung for Ann Walker.
Mrs Wendy Blackburn led the Sunday morning worship at the Methodist Church. The theme of her service was the Kingdom of God. Roger Mitchell read the Old Testament lesson from Isaiah 11 – The Peaceful Kingdom – and Sandra Dalton the gospel reading from Matthew 13 – Jesus explained to the crowds what the Kingdom of Heaven is like through the use of parables. The coffee morning organised by Wendy Blackburn and Barbara Svensgaard raised £390 and thanks were expressed to all who contributed in any way. The organist was Shirley Scott.
The monthly ecumenical service was held at Marsden United Church and was led by Mrs Ruth Sheldrake. The theme of the service was journeys and Ruth told of the Freetrade journey to be undertaken to India. Edward Sheldrake read a meditation on the theme and Jean Broome read from Exodus – The Journey of the Israelites through the desert. The church ladies served refreshments at the close of service.
