GOLCAR

Golcar Baptist Church Ladies’ Forum met for their monthly meeting. The chair was taken by Connie Pearson, the pianist was Audrey Stott and the speaker was Betty France who talked about her visit to China ten years ago. The tour was part Britain and part American and most of it was inclusive with a limit put on spending money of £50. The Sunday Service was a celebration of the Sunday School anniversary. It was led by the Rev Christ Thompson, the pianist was Chris Woodhead and both members of the congregation and the children enacted the healing of Jairus' daughter. Later in the service everybody made cut outs of little people and made various letters which were placed on the board to say Jesus loves everyone. Tea or coffee were served afterwards. The community cafe will be open on Saturday from 10.30am until 2pm.

Members of the Friendship Group welcomed the congregation of Parkwood and Providence to the service at Golcar Providence Methodist Church on Sunday. John and Sharon from the Gideons led the service and told about the work of the Gideons all over the world giving out Bibles. Lynn Blackburn was the organist and Sheila Pearson was the Duty Steward. Fellowship continued in the schoolroom where literature about Gideons was on display.

The Rev Harry Gwynett welcomed the congregation and led the family communion service at St John’s Church. During the service Harry baptised James Timothy Lewis, a reading was given by Karen Locke. Helen Batley gave the address based on the baptism of John the Baptist and Betty Taylor led the prayers. Ann Norton was the organist. Sunday Club and Sunday Youth text was Jesus Calms the storm – both at sea and in his teachers.

The Modern Worship service Synergy was held in church at 5pm. The Rev Harry Gwynett welcomed Grace Fellowship who led the music and singing. Afterwards prayers for healing were offered and refreshments were served in the community room.

LINTHWAITE

Linthwaite Methodist Church celebrated the 21st Anniversary of the Church Centre, when Rev David Bidnell led worship. He spoke to the young people prior to them leaving the service to go to Junior Church. The readings taken from John 21 verses 1-19, were read by Sue Howard and Sue Haigh, and told the story of ‘Jesus and the Miraculous catch of fish.’ In his sermon David referred to the reading and told the congregation that “Discipleship is about leading as well as following.” The service concluded with the congregation singing Harvest Gladness, known locally as The Drop. Coffee and birthday cake were served after the service.

MARSDEN

Holy Communion on Sunday at St Bartholomew’s was a service to celebrate the birth of John the Baptist. Friends from the United Church joined in worship. The service was led by the Rev Mike Gartland, who also preached the sermon. Readings from Job chapter 38 verses 1-11 and 2 Corinthians chapter six, verses 1-13 were read by Carolyn Hansom. Joan Biggs read the Gospel from Mark chapter four, verse 35-end and also offered prayers. The organist was Clive Pearson. The Junior Church were led by David Fisher and the theme was Belief and Prayer. The Junior Choir, led by Simon Crook, sang during Communion. Sidesmen were Joan Bradbury and Susan Everill. Coffee was served by Susan Everill and Christine Garside.

On Sunday there will be a family service at 10am and, from 2.30-4.30pm , afternoon tea will be held at Crow Hill, Carrs Road, Marsden. There will be tours of the house and croquet and boules on the lawn, weather permitting. Tickets at £9 (concessions £7 and children £5) are available from Pat Burgess by phoning 647815.

The concert by Brighouse and Rastrick Band on Saturday is cancelled. On Sunday July 15 there will be an Open Gardens event. More details later.

MILNSBRIDGE

Milnsbridge Christadelphians’ coffee morning reading group met at 10.30am on Tuesday morning to read and discuss the Bible readings for the day. On Wednesday evening at the Bible class Adam and Jesus, was the subject looked at by John Murgatroyd from Heckmondwike. The Sunday services were led by Pete Barrett. Grant Ramsden from Wardley was the speaker. His subject at the evening lecture was Jesus and his Bible, looking at instances when Jesus in his actions and teachings used quotations from the Old Testament. He also illustrated the level of influence that the Old Testament had on Jesus. Talks scheduled for this week are: Tomorrow 7.30pm, “Men of influence: Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus, Pontius Pilate;” then on Sunday July 1 at 6pm “The Devil in the Mirror,” is the subject title. Anyone interested in the teachings of the Bible tare welcome to come along to any of the services and meetings.

SLAITHWAITE

Members of Colne Valley Lions Club held their annual mid-summer concert at Slaithwaite Parish Church, compered by Lion member Russell Parkinson and sponsored by Community Spirit. Entertaining this year werethe Colne Valley Male Voice Choir, with the audience joining in the warm up. Items included The Lion Sleeps Tonight, Jailhouse Rock, Hey Jude and other songs. The choir is now growing in numbers and enjoying their singing. Conductor was Thom Meredith and Chris was the pianist. This was followed by Golcar Band conducted at the last minute by Denise Dransfield. A varied programme included the Lion King, Cornet Calypso with Charles Parker and Jason Fox soloists. Other soloists were Peter Briars and John Trueman on euphoniums and there was a varied programme with rousing pieces. After the interval the Colne Valley Male Voice Choir, now in their 90th year included Every Time I Hear the Spirit and soloists were David Hirst, Matt Houston and Raymond Ellis. This was followed by the Eriskay Love Lilt and various numbers, closing with the Irish Blessing. Again conducted by Thom Meredith and pianist was Philip Baxter. The weather improved, providing a lovely summer’s evening and another concert to remember.

Slaithwaite Good companions were invited to Wilberlee Junior and Infant School. Head mistress Mrs Crowther introduced the children. Alice Dalton, one of the older pupils, led the music of their various instruments. There were two poems written by those who read them and Rosanna sang a solo then the younger children sang sea songs, including Barnacle Bill with members joining in the actions. Happy Birthday was sung for Hilda Haigh and the children served tea and cakes. Wendy Blackburn thanked them for a lovely afternoon and presented them with a huge cake with an Olympic theme and Maureen Weaving gave a donation for school funds.

St James Parish Church Holy Communion service was led by Rev Robin Townsend, assisted by Raymond Denton. The Lesson part of Psalm 107 In Praise of God’s Goodness was read by Elaine Bradley. The Holy Gospel from St Mark, chapter 4 verses 35-41 and the address – Facing the Storms of Life – was given by Rev Robin. Prayers were led by Margaret Ingham and the organist was Alvi Whitehead.

The Methodist Film club met on Tuesday Evening and watched Seven Years in Tibet starring Brad Pitt as Heinrich Harrer and his experiences in the city of Lhasa. The arrangements had been made by Jennifer Twycross.

Maureen Weaving was in the chair and was the pianist for the Women’s Fellowship meeting on Tuesday afternoon. She opened the meeting with two poems – Sunflower and An Early Summers Day – followed by prayers. The speaker was Naomi Sharpe, a lay worker at Mount Church, who spoke of her years in Cambodia as a tutor of the French Horn and her student who now leads the Christian centre she helped to create. It was a very interesting and informative afternoon.

Sunday morning worship at the Methodist Church was led by the Rev Jo Archer Siddal. It was the third service in her series on Kingdom Principles and was based on Childlikeness. Sandra Dalton read from Matthew 18 and the organist was Shirley Scott.