LINTHWAITE

Linthwaite Methodist Church welcomed Rev Ann Sherratt, the new Minister to lead the annual Covenant Service. During the service, members of the church renewed their vows to God and the church which also included a re-dedication of pastoral visitors and Sunday School teachers. Doreen Liversidge read from Jeremiah 31, verses 31-34 – ‘A New Covenant’, – and the reading from John 15, verses 1-10 – ‘Jesus the True Vine’ was read by Sue Haigh. Ann’s sermon was based on both readings as she spoke about ‘New beginnings.’ The young people of the church in their classes discussed ‘Promises.’ The Thursday fellowship meeting at Linthwaite Methodist Church, Stones Lane, Linthwaite starts on Thursday of this week at 2.30pm and is open to anyone who wishes to attend. The speaker this week will be Mike Shaw – former editor of the Colne Valley Guardian – who has entitled his talk ‘Colne Valley Curios.’

MARSDEN

A Family Service was held at St Bartholomew’s on Sunday, arranged by the All Age Worship Group and led by Alison Fisher. The reading from Hebrew 13 verses 1-8 and 15-16 was by Geoffrey Holroyd. David Fisher gave the talk relating to the lesson about ‘loving one another as brothers and sisters and to show hospitality to strangers’, also about plans and actions for life. Prayers were led by Alison Fisher. During the service the vicar, the Rev Geoff Garside, baptised baby George Peter Henstock. Musical accompaniment was by Jon Robinson, Elizabeth Foden and Richard Webb. The monthly charity collection was for a school child in South Africa. Sideswomen were Mary Horn, Joan Ladbrooke and Jean Pennington. Coffee was served by Joan Bradbury, Mabel Smithies, Evelyn Laidlaw and Glenys Ward. A service of Holy Communion was held after coffee.

Today at 9.30am a service of Holy Communion will be held in the Lady Chapel.

As from next week all Sunday services will commence at 10am.

September 14 and 15 will be Heritage Open Days and the church will be open for this national event, which is organised through English Heritage. There will be displays from the archives in the hall. Refreshments available.

Morning worship at the United Church was led by Richard Hoyle. He asked two children to help him tell a story for all ages which illustrated one of the stories of Jesus. After the children left, all the congregation joined with Mr Hoyle to read together Psalm 130 and then he led a meditation on this. Ruth Sheldrake read from Luke's Gospel and Mr Hoyle read from Hebrews and preached on the readings. Jean Cowgill led the organ. Refreshments were served in the hall afterwards by Alice Brook and Jenny Eastwood.

MILNSBRIDGE

At Milnsbridge Christadelphians’ coffee morning reading group on Tuesday, members read and discussed the Bible readings for the day.

At the Bible class on Wednesday evening , James Walker led the class and Paul Rose gave a talk on “The ears of the Lord.”

The Sunday services were led by Martin Spencer with Mike Tanner from Macclesfield as the speaker. There was a church tea followed by the evening talk which was “Lessons from Jonah’s experience.”

Meetings planned for the coming week are as follows: on Wednesday September 4 at 7.30pm the subject will be “The use of trumpets in the Bible.” On Sunday September 8 at 6pm the subject will be “Five good reasons to trust the Bible.” Visitors are always most welcome to come along to meetings and talks.

PARKWOOD

Marion Lloyd welcomed the congregation to Parkwood Methodist Church on Sunday morning. Guest preacher was Mrs Beth Richardson, assisted by church members, and pianist was Corrinne Lord. Coffee was served after the service by Margaret Noble and Andrea Hirst. A drop in lunch will be held at Parkwood Methodist Church on Wednesday, September 4.

SLAITHWAITE

At Slaithwaite Good Companions, Margaret Cook, one of the founder members of Cookadoodledoo was introduced to the group. The older girls, who now have experience, and the lady helpers provided a beautiful afternoon tea, starting with sparkling elderflower with fresh lime and mint, followed by assorted sandwiches, tiny quiche, cheese scones and an assortment of delicious cakes made by the girls. Members were entertained by Hannah Bamforth who sang before and after tea. Included were “Heaven”, “Stand by Me” and “Hallelujah”, accompanied on the piano by Evie Smith who also played during tea. They were thanked by Patricia Parkinson for a delightful afternoon. Cookadoodledoo meet during school holidays for their hobby and the older girls now help with the young ones, but have their own sessions monthly on Friday evenings, to prepare, cook and eat a three-course meal together, made from a selection of food unseen previously. The helpers give unstintingly of their time. They receive sponsorship from local businesses and Community Spirit.