GOLCAR
Mrs S Pearson welcomed the Rev P Ward who led the service at Golcar Providence Methodist Church. The theme was God of Surprises. Mrs Pearson read from John chapter 2 verses 1-11. The organist was Mrs M Israel.
The Rev Harry Gwinett chaired the AGM of the Mother’s Union at St John’s Church on January 15. Sheila Ribbons gave the reports on last year’s activities, and Dorothy Holden gave the treasurer’s report. Betty Booth is the new speaker’s secretary. Afterwards refreshments were served.
The Rev Harry Gwinett led the family communion service at St John’s Church. Sue Balder gave the gospel reading from Luke chapter 3, verses 15-17 and verses 21-22 – John the Baptist Baptises Jesus. In his address Harry spoke about the spiritual gifts which we are given and can be used to help others. Prayers were led by Betty Taylor and Anne Norton was the organist. Sunday Club demonstrated their talents by singing, dancing, art work and sport. At a service in the afternoon the Rev Harry welcomed the family and friends of Oliver Ian Mallinson, who was baptised into the church family.
LINTHWAITE
A small hardy band gathered for Worship at Linthwaite Methodist Church where the day’s theme of Uncharted Territory seemed appropriate. The Rev Jo Archer-Siddall preached from Luke 8, read by Graham Hirst, reminding us all that 2013 was uncharted territory and who did God want us to speak to during this new year. After a short communion service coffee was served. The preacher this coming Sunday will be Barry Lee.
On a cold January day Linthwaite Methodist Church Thursday Fellowship met for their second meeting of the year. The speaker was Naomi Sharp and her subject was Faith And Music. Illustrating her talk with various musical tracks, she spoke of her widening musical knowledge and how she put this to good effect while working for 10 years in a school in Cambodia, Naomi now operates as a lay worker in the Huddersfield Circuit of the Methodist Church. She was thanked by Chairman Margaret Tennant whose husband Henry operated the musical equipment. Refreshments were served by Jan Widdop and Jennifer Hirst. The Fellowship speakers on Thursday, January 31, will be two women from Slaithwaite Meals on Wheels, revealing how they set up their service several months ago. All are welcome.
Before the next meeting in two weeks’ time members over 70 will be able to enjoy lunch at the first meeting of a new luncheon club being set up for the local community by Hilary Baxter and Linda Nuttall. The price of the two course lunch will be £4. The intention is to meet fortnightly on the second and fourth Thursdays – the opposite weeks to the regular winter meetings of the Fellowship. The second lunch will therefore be on Valentine’s Day February 14 at Linthwaite Methodist Church in Stones Lane. Lunch will be served at 12. 30pm
MARSDEN
Morning Worship at the United Church Marsden on Sunday was a United Service when members from St Bartholomew's Church joined in. The service included Holy Communion and was led by the Rev Ann Sherratt, church minister, and the vicar, the Rev Geoff Garside, preached. Bible readings were by Bryan Cowgill, 1 Corinthians 12 and Peter Hirst, John 2. After the service refreshments were served in the hall by members of the Scout group. Next Saturday there will be a coffee morning with a home-made cake stall and raffle at The United Church Marsden from 9.30 to 11.30am to raise money for church funds.
The congregation of St Bartholomew's Church, Marsden, visited the United Church for a joint service of Holy Communion where they were welcomed by Ruth and Edward Sheldrake. The Rev Ann Sherratt led the service and read from Psalm 36 – The Goodness Of God. The lesson from St Paul 12 was read by Brian Cowgill and the Gospel from John 3 – The Marriage At Cana – was read by Peter Hirst. The sermon was preached by the Rev Geoff Garside on Jewish Weddings In Jesus' Time and the Importance Of The Wine. The organist was Marjorie Boothroyd. Refreshments were served by the Scout Group. Today at St. Bartholomew's there is a service of Holy Communion at 9.30am.
The Yorkshire Avalanche Dodgers’ annual pantomime Up Spartacus will be held in Marsden Parochial Church Hall, Clough Lea, Friday and Saturday February 15 and 16 and the following week. Tickets £8.50 conc £7.50 available from Duncan, Hairdresser, Warehouse Hiil, Marsden Tel 845311(shop hours only)
MILNSBRIDGE
The quarterly business meeting of Milnsbridge Christadelphians, was held last Wednesday, led by Paul Rose. The Sunday services were led by Kevin Charlesworth. The Bible talk in the evening – What Will Happen To You When Jesus Returns? – was given by David Gore, from Rochdale. The planned meetings for this week are tomorrow when the subject at the Bible Class starting at 7.30pm, will be The Heavens Declare The Glory Of God. Next Sunday’s talk at 6pm is entitled Come And Learn About The Afterlife. Visitors are welcome to all meetings.
SLAITHWAITE
Patricia Parkinson introduced speaker Barbara Svensgaard at Slaithwaite Good Companions. She is a member of the Godly Play Religious Education Team supporting syllabus requirements for schools. Barbara gave a demonstration, kneeling on a cushion and told us the story the Parable of the Mustard Seed. The team usually visit schools and then the children go to the Methodist Church. The story-telling is done in a quiet room then the children have time for activities, painting, modelling and drawing and then enjoy fruit and drinks. Members enjoyed listening and asked many questions. She was thanked by Pat and the pianist was Maureen Weaving.
