GOLCAR

The Rev Harry Gwynett led the parish communion service at St John’s Church and was the celebrant. The guest speaker was Andy from CAP (Christians Against Poverty) who spoke about the needs and financial problems many people have.

Sunday Club had made candles so that the light of Jesus could shine on everyone. Sunday Youth followed with a box Love Machine – by looking into it everything was lovely and colourful. Margaret Laycock was the pianist.

LINTHWAITE

The speakers at this week’s Thursday Fellowship meeting at Linthwaite Methodist Church were introduced as Pat and Ange - otherwise known as Pat Bohdan and Ange Dews. They spoke with enthusiasm and encouragement about how they set up and organise their Meals on Wheels operation in Slaithwaite. There were many questions from the floor before Beryl Woodward and Alice Mowbray served tea and biscuits. Chairman Jackie Calverley read the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand from the Bible and led prayers. Jenny Baxter was the pianist. The speaker next week is Ian Baxter who will show More Moving Images.

There Are Rocks Everywhere, was the theme of worship at Linthwaite Methodist Church when the Rev Jo Archer-Siddall led worship. The Rev Jo read excerpts from Exodus 17 – Water From The Rock - and Corinthians 10, which talks about warnings from Israel’s history and ‘for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ.’

MARSDEN

A service of Sung Eucharist was held at St Bartholomew’s on Sunday January 27, led by the vicar, the Rev Geoff Garside, who also preached the sermon. The readings from Isaiah 41v21-31 and 1 Corinthians 9v26-33 were read by Alison Gibson. Geoffrey Holroyd read the Gospel from Mark 1v29-39. The Junior Church's activities were a continuation on the theme of Prayer in their lives. Prayers were offered by David Corps. The organist was Jon Robinson. Sideswomen were Joan Bradbury and Alison Gibson. Coffee was served by Christine Garside and Jenny Mitchell. Tickets are still available for the Yorkshire Avalanche Dodgers’ pantomime Up Spartacus. Adults £8.50 Conc. £7.50 from Duncan, Hairdresser, Warehouse Hill, Marsden. Tel 845311(shop hours only).

Morning Worship at the United Church Marsden on Sunday February 3 was led by Mrs Judith Robinson. Her theme was Christian Love. The Bible reading from Luke’s Gospel, Chapter 4 was read by Ruth Sheldrake and Edward Sheldrake read from 1 Corinthians Chapter 13. Mrs Marjorie Boothroyd was the organist. After the service refreshments were served in the Hall by Jean Broome and Iris Galloway.

Family Service for Candlemas at St Bartholomew’s was led by Alison Fisher. On the first Sunday of each month a collection is taken for a chosen charity. Last Sunday it was Holly Bank School at Mirfield. Alison Gibson, who works at the school, gave a talk about the aims and the work of the school. The Gospel from Luke 2v22-40 The Presentation Of Jesus In The Temple was read by Audrey Armitage. This was followed by a talk by David Fisher relating to the Gospel. Prayers were led by Alison Gibson. Music was provided by Jon Robinson, Richard Meade and Elizabeth Foden. Sideswomen were Jean Pennington and Audrey Armitage. Coffee was served by Joan Bradbury, Mabel Smithies, Evelyn Laidlaw and Glenys Ward. A service of Holy Communion then followed. Today Holy Communion will be held in the Lady Chapel at 9.30am.

MILNSBRIDGE

Milnsbridge Christadelphians’ coffee morning reading group met last Tuesday to discuss the Bible readings for the day.

On Wednesday evening at the Bible class, Giovanni Marsella led the meeting, when James Walker gave the first in a series of talks on the tribes of Israel. The first talk was Ephraim – Who Turned Back.

The Sunday services were led by Jez Kirby. The speaker for the day was Roger Eglen from Halifax Balmoral Place. There was a family church tea, which was followed by the evening Bible talk – Fascinating Facts About The Jews. The subject for the Bible class tomorrow evening at 7.30pm will be Delivered Unto Satan. This Sunday at 6pm, the lecture will be Climate Change For Good.

PARKWOOD

Marion Lloyd welcomed the congregation to Parkwood Methodist Church on Sunday morning. Preacher was the Rev Pam Ward, pianist Niomi Sharp, Bible readers Jill Ritchie and Freda Lloyd, visual aids Joe Lloyd and steward Gareth Beaumont. Coffee was served after the service by Pat and Albert Battye.

SLAITHWAITE

Slaithwaite Good Companions had a good attendance after last week’s awful weather. Margaret Cook had arranged Hoy Bingo. Winners were Pauline Gee, Edith Gaunt, Betty Sykes and Betty Whitham. Margaret also celebrated a special birthday and provided an afternoon tea. She was also the pianist and was thanked by Patricia Parkinson. Tribute was paid to a much loved member Madge Joy whose funeral it was that day. Several members attended.

St James’ Parish Church held a service to celebrate Candlemas, led by the Rev Robin Townsend, assisted by Raymond Denton. The Paschal Candle was lit. The reading from St Luke’s Chapter 2 vs 22-40 Jesus Is Presented In The Temple was by Cynthia Hooper. The address Shedding Light On Candlemas was given by the Rev Robin who then blessed the candles. Six people who celebrate birthdays this month received cards and blessings. Prayers were led by Jenny Schofield. The Candlemas prayer was read by Hannah Parkinson. Organist was Clive Pearson. After the coffee break a short service of Holy Communion was celebrated.

Mr Keith Barber gave a trip down memory lane as he entertained the Ladies Fellowship on Tuesday afternoon last week. Maureen Weaving opened the meeting with the poem I Remember before leading prayers. Keith gave a slide presentation of 40s, 50s and 60s nostalgia which was enjoyed by all. His talks are sponsored by the Slaithwaite Funeral Home.

The Rev Jo Archer-Siddal was the preacher for Sunday morning worship at Slaithwaite Methodist Church. Her sermon was based on verses from Isaiah and Corinthians, Moses Strikes The Rock. Margaret Stephenson accompanied the hymns on the piano.