GOLCAR

Mrs S Pearson welcomed Rev Pam Ward and the congregation to Providence Methodist Church on Sunday. She led the service and christened Lacey May, daughter of Gareth and Lesley. Mrs G Buckle read from Mark chapter 10, verses 13-16 . The theme of the service was Doing It Right. Refreshments were served afterwards. On Saturday a Family Beetle Drive and Pancake Supper will be held at 6.30pm, adults £2.50 children £1. All welcome.

LINTHWAITE

Rev Jo Archer-Siddall led worship at Linthwaite Methodist Church using the Beatitudes as her theme. The bible reading was from Matthew 5 verses 1-20 – The Sermon on the Mount – and was read by John Morrison. Rev Jo spoke of how the Beatitudes should not be broken into verses, but taken as a whole to give it true meaning. The Junior Church was led by Diane Loftus, Andrea Morley and Ed Archer-Siddall and the young people watched a short film from Friends & Heroes and then did some work on Forgiveness.

MARSDEN

Morning Worship at The United Church Marsden on Sunday included Holy Communion and was conducted by Mr J Francis Horton. He spoke to the children before they left for Junior Church. He then read from Paul’s letter to the Galatians and preached about it – pointing out how Paul corrected those who thought observing the Jewish Law was essential and encouraging them to leave that behind and trust in Jesus as he had done. The organist was Anne Horton, Mr Horton’s wife. Refreshments were served in the hall afterwards by Alice Brook and Jean Broome.

Family Service at St Bartholomew’s on Sunday was arranged by the All Age Worship group and led by David Corps and Geoffrey Holroyd. The readings from 2 Kings 5 verses 1-14 and Luke 10 verses 1-11 were by Richard Webb. David Fisher gave a talk about Words and Deeds relating to the reading from Kings About Naaman, a commander of the army being cured of leprosy by the prophet Elisha. Prayers of intercession were led by Alison Gibson with Taize responses sung by Beth Corps and Harriet Beattie. Musical accompanist was by Jon Robinson (organist), Richard Webb and Elizabeth Foden. A collection was taken for the charity of the month The Smile Train and goods collected for the Welcome Centre in Huddersfield. Sideswomen were Mary Horn, Joan Ladbrooke and Jean Pennington. Coffee was served by Cynthia Batley, Noreen Carr and Audrey Armitage. A service of Holy Communion was then held in the Lady Chapel.

In the afternoon there was a Cream Tea in the hall and grounds organised by the Fund Raising Committee.

Today there will be a service of Holy Communion at 9.30am.

MILNSBRIDGE

Milnsbridge Christadelphians’ coffee morning reading group met on Tuesday July 2 to read and discuss Bible passages. At the Bible class on Wednesday evening, David McEvoy led the meeting with Graham Smith giving a talk on Moral Lessons From Proverbs.

Sunday services were taken by Jeremy Kirby. The talk in the afternoon was given by Pete Barrett. There was a church tea following the afternoon service. “Can there ever be peace on earth?” was the subject of the evening talk given by Martin Spencer.

Meetings and services planned for the coming week will include: Wednesday July 10, 7.30pm: a talk on Nahum; Sunday July 14, 6pm: Seven Pillars Of Belief. Visitors are very welcome to go along to meetings and services.

PARKWOOD

Marion Lloyd welcomed the congregation to Parkwood Methodist church on Sunday morning. Preacher was Mr Philip McSweeney, assisted by Sandra McSweeney, Anne Ivy accompanied the hymn singing on the saxophone. Coffee was served after the service by Renee Wyatt and Mary Palmer.

SLAITHWAITE

St James’ Parish Church Mother’s Union held a short service led by branch reader Patricia Parkinson and afterwards an extensive business meeting.

On Thursday Slaithwaite Good Companions, after a special song, paid tribute to member, Jean Hargreaves, who had passed away during the week. She had been unwell for some time. Secretary, Maureen Weaving then demonstrated the art of flower arranging – this time using bunches of supermarket flowers and some of her own green foliage. At the same time she gave members helpful hints of how to treat flowers to give them a longer life. Species including roses, carnations, sunflowers, lilies and lemons got her special treatment and the winners were Hilary Ellis, Hilda Haigh, Sheila Kaye and Betty Whittam. Maureen was having troubled nights planning a large task the next day. She was thanked by Pat. Maureen was also the pianist.

St James’ Parish Church held a floral display and afternoon tea in aid of the church tower fund. St James’ has been a main village heritage point with its tower and clock for over 200 years. Business, shops and schools sponsored the flowers. Maureen Weaving and Wendy Blackburn were the flower arrangers and they excelled. Every window was a mass of colour and beauty. Nields Infants and Junior School did their own feature – a wild flower garden around the base of the font – and it was magical. There was to be a silent auction of the arrangements. The wedding the day previously had left all their flowers on display too. An afternoon tea of sandwiches, scones and fancy cakes kept Gloria and the PCC and her willing helpers very busy throughout the afternoon. The music was by Hayley Jackson, a singer and music teacher at Salendine Nook High School, with songs from the shows. There was a raffle with excellent prizes and home-made jams were also on sale. This was a great way to spend a lovely summer afternoon. An exhibition of pictures showing the state of the tower were on display. Can you imagine the village without the church tower and clock? English Heritage considers St James Tower worth saving – generously giving a donation which the church has to match.

St James Parish Family and Holy Communion service was led by Canon Michael Storey assisted by Raymond Denton. The holy gospel from Luke 10 – “Jesus sends out the 72 and their return” – was read by Val Pimblott. The address by Canon Michael, said the 72 were representing Jesus and so are we today. He also led the prayers. This was followed by the Eucharist and a blessing. The pianist was Margaret Laycock. Birthday cards were given to those who celebrate a birthday this month. During the coffee break the congregation enjoyed wedding cake from the wedding of Fiona Swift, daughter of Barbara and Dr Tim Swift, to Shaun Gibbons.