ARMITAGE BRIDGE

St Paul’s Church hosted a Remembrance Day service. The lessons were read by Melody Hirst and Louise Wilkinson. Catherine Day led a Reflection on Remembrance using correspondence from the front in World War I written by a Holme Valley relative. Following the service an Act of Remembrance was held in the churchyard. Patrick Addinall played the Last Post on the bugle.

BROCKHOLES

Parish communion at St George’s Church was celebrated by the Rev John Barnes, whose theme was The Real Thing. Sue Clay read the lesson and Roger Kenworthy was the server. The organist was Verena Wood.

The Rev Laura Hardy led the service at the Methodist Church when sacrament was taken. Mrs Kath Gaukroger played the piano and Mrs Eileen Littlewood was the reader. Refreshments were served afterwards.

HEPWORTH

The village hall was heaving with people on Saturday for the Christmas Market organised by Hepworth Church. The church ladies were kept busy selling goods from the stalls whilst the men were rushed off their feet serving hot and cold food, to eat in or take away, at the Pop In Cafe. At the end of the day, a substantial amount was raised for church funds. Parish Eucharist was celebrated by the Reverend Keith Griffin at Holy Trinity Church on Sunday morning. The reader was Louise Vigor, prayers were led by Lorraine Pollitt and the organist was Jane Robertson.

HOLMBRIDGE

Midweek Holy Communion at St David’s Church was led by the Rev Geoff Bamford. 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.

Early communion on Sunday at St David’s Church was conducted by the Rev Geoff Bamford. Parish eucharist with creche and young people’s group was led by the Rev Nick Heaton when lessons were read by Margaret Tupling and Judi Bamford. Intercessions were led by Carolyn Burley and the chalice was administered by Dorothy Parker. The organist was Eddie Purcell.

HOLMFIRTH

The Rev Laura Hardy led morning service of Remembrance at Holmfirth Methodist Church on Sunday November 11. Worship was opened with the first few lines of Psalm 46: ‘God is out refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear’. Later Carol Roberts read the entire passage which continues to describe God as a never-failing presence. The whole church was stilled as Barbara Verity played the Last Post on the organ. The two minutes’ silence followed the call: ‘we will remember them’. It was broken by the Reveille and words delivered by a young member of the congregation: ‘for your tomorrow we gave our today’. The address reflected on the need to honour the fallen by not squandering the achievements earned through so much sacrifice. Laura urged everyone to remember this and explained how individual searches for harmony with God would always fall short if we failed to peruse harmony with one another. The young people echoed the theme as they made crosses adorned with poppies and the words of Christ: ‘By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.’ Prayers were said for those who have served, and those who continue to serve, in the quest for justice and peace. Holy Communion followed. The service closed with a moving contemporary recording of the classic Wesleyan hymn, ‘Amazing love; how can it be, that thou my God should die for me?’

The evening service was one of Remembrance and Thanksgiving for all those who have died. The congregation joined one another in hymns, prayers and quiet reflection. The names of the departed were shared and candles were available to light in their memory. Afterwards, tea and biscuits were served.

HONLEY

Family communion at St Mary’s Church was led by the Rev John Barnes, whose address was on the theme of Advertising. Charles Kaye read the lesson and intercessions were led by Pat and Cliff Green. John Adams was the server. Clive Waind assisted with the chalice and the organist was Vernon Briggs.

UPPERTHONG

The Tuesday morning prayer breakfast was held at the home of the Dawsons. In the evening, the singing group and choral speaking group met to arrange the Christmas carol service.

Holy communion on Thursday at St John’s Church was led by the Rev Val Clarke, who was also celebrant. The reader was Hilary Broadbent. Sue Dawson led prayers and Philip Broadbent assisted with the chalice. A faith lunch followed in the meeting room afterwards.

Family communion on Sunday at St John’s Church was celebrated by the Rev Di Ellerton, who gave the sermon and was celebrant. The readers were Hilary Broadbent and Graham Dawson. Val Shuttleworth gave prayers and Philip Broadbent assisted with the chalice. Peter Travis was the organist. Refreshments were served afterwards by Sue Dawson.

WILSHAW

Last Sunday was St Mary’s Gift Day. An all day worship service was held in the Church during which gifts were presented and blessed. Rev Judy Kenworthy led the service, and spoke about our most generous God, and about true generosity. Liz Pearson played the organ and read the lessons and John Andrews took the collection. Following the service a three course meal was held in Wilshaw Village Hall for church members and guests. Our thanks go to all those who planned and prepared for the event, helped on the day, and to all who provided donations of food.

WOOLDALE

Morning worship at the Methodist Church was led by Trevor Jones. The organist was Sue Ogden and refreshments were served afterwards.