Brockholes

Holy communion at St George’s was led by the Rev Liam Beadle. The pianist was Roger Kenworthy, who also read the lesson. The sidespeople were Beth and Martin Dove.

A readers’ service was held at the Methodist Church when members of the congregation read a given Scripture from Central Office in London – when a preacher cannot be arranged. Mrs Jan Gaunt led the service and Mrs Kath Gaukroger played the piano. Mr Michael Pears, Mr Graham Nicholson and Mrs Eileen Littlewood read the three passages of Scripture. Mr Nicholson welcomed the congregation and Mrs Grant provided refreshments.

HEPWORTH

Last Wednesday, as part of Holmfirth Arts Festival, a concert with the Heath Quartet, an original voice on the international chamber music scene, was held in church.

Hepworth J&I School held their Summer Fair, organised by Friends of Hepworth School.

On Sunday morning, the sixth Hepworth Dryad Race was held. This popular five-mile charity run was well supported.

Parish Eucharist was celebrated on Sunday by the Rev Keith Griffin. The reader was Louise Vigor, prayers were led by Lorraine Pollitt and organist was Jane Robertson.

HOLMBRIDGE

Midweek Holy Communion at St David’s was conducted by the Rev Nick Heaton when lessons were read by Ian Gold. The Monkey Business group the free lunch and Over 60s Club were also held. Friday evening prayers were led by Ian Gold.

On Saturday, members attended the ordination service for Ailsa Brooke at Christ Church, New Mill, by Bishop Stephen.

Parish Eucharist on Sunday was led by the Rev Nick Heaton. Lessons were read by Ben Cooper and Ian Gold, who also led intercessions. The chalice was administered by Ian Macdonald. The organist was Jean Chadwick.

HOLMFIRTH

The Fathers’ Day service at Holmfirth Methodist Church was led by Rev John Hardy, with help from Sheila Talbot's Worship Team. The theme was that we cannot be justified simply being 'good' people, or by blindly following laws and rules. We can only be justified by faith in the Grace of God. The readings came from the first book of Kings (Chapter 21, v 1-21), the Gospel according to Luke (Chapter 7, v 37-50) and Galatians (Chapter 2, v 15-21).

Sunday morning’s worship at the Methodist Church was led by Margaret Heeley. She was assisted by Jean Shaw and Shirley Backhouse who read reflections on Acts 16:1-5. Valerie Schofield read the lesson from 2 Timothy 1: 1-16 and Barbara Verity led the intercessions. The sermon was given by Margaret Heeley based on Timothy’s conversion, calling and ministry under the guidance of Paul. It encouraged Christians not to feel ashamed of faith in Jesus Christ, but to be bold and start changing the world by first changing individually.

HONLEY

Michael Eley, son of Claire and Stephen Eley, was baptised at the service on Sunday, June 9. The service was conducted by the minister, Rev Tim Moore at an All Age Worship service in which all the children took part by making sponge lollipops and covering them in sweets.

Harry Jackson spoke on the history of Bomber Command at a meeting of the Probus Club. Introduced by chairman Alec Wallace, Mr Jackson, who was making his return visit to the club, gave a detailed account of Bomber Command from formation between the wars and the end of World War Two. Leslie Chadwick proposed the vote of thanks.

Parish eucharist at St Mary's was led by the Rev Liam Beadle. Lessons were read by Shirley Turner. Clive Waind led the intercessions and Laurence Jones was server. John Dean assisted with chalice and organist was Jean Cheeseman.

SCHOLES

On Sunday Barbara Rochester led the worship at the Methodist Church, Christine and Peter Lockwood welcomed the congregation and Carole Quarmby played the organ . Barbara Horn read the Old Testament 1 Kings 3 v4-12 and the New Testament Matthew 13 v31-33 and v44-52 . These were the theme of the sermon Parable of the Mustard Seed, the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl and the Parable of the Net. Coffee and biscuits were served after the service by the Lockwood family

UPPERTHONG

Holy communion on Thursday at St John’s Church was led by the Rev Nick Heaton, who was also the celebrant. Lunch followed in the meeting room. Family communion on Sunday was celebrated by the Rev Di Ellerton, who was also the celebrant. The readers were Les Hopkins and David Steele. Capt Mike Smithers, of the Church Army, preached the sermon, which was his last in the Upper Holme Valley before he takes up a post in Kent. Prayers were led by Val Shuttleworth, who also assisted with the chalice. John Orton was the organist and refreshments were served by Sue Legge.

WILSHAW

On Thursday Meltham Friend to Friend local history group visited St Mary’s to see a display of photographs, information boards and newspaper cuttings recording the history of Wilshaw Village, its church built 150 years ago and its benefactors. The Rev Maureen Read welcomed the group and spoke about the church’s founders, Joseph and Eleanor Hirst. The Rev Judy Kenworthy and Kim Howes spoke about the school, almshouses and mill.

The service of evening prayer was held at St Mary’s last Sunday at 4pm, led by the Rev Judy Kenworthy who welcomed those who find it difficult to attend services in the morning as well as regular worshippers and it is hoped to make this a monthly event. Clive Pearson played the organ, Louise Brook read the lessons and Kim Howe was sidesperson. Madeleine Francsca and Ellie sold buns and cakes in aid of Kirkwood Hospice and Martin House Hospice.

WOOLDALE

The service on Sunday at the Methodist Free Church was led by Roy Horn. He talked about doubting Thomas and the fishermen casting their nets. His reading was taken from Job. Next Sunday the church will celebrate Sunday School Anniversary when the service will be led by Janet Blackshaw. Lunch will be provided by the ladies. The organist on Sunday was Peter Coldwell.

Morning worship at the Methodist Church was led by the Rev John Hardy. The organist was Sue Ogden and refreshments were served. The monthly women’s fellowship group held a trip to Sheffield Winter Gardens and Millennium gallery organised by Dorothy Foster.