BIRDSEDGE

Graham Evans took Sunday’s church service, telling an anecdote of a gentleman having his hair cut. The barber said he did not believe in God because of all the terrible things that were going on in the world. On leaving the shop the customer saw a man with long straggly hair and beard. He went back into the shop to get the barber to look. ‘This man with lots of hair shows that barbers don’t exist?’ he asked. ‘No, that just means he hasn’t been to me’ was the barber’s reply. ‘Exactly’ the customer said. From Matthew 21 v33-43 he explained the Parable of the Tenants when servants sent to collect the landowner’s fruit were the early prophets. The son and heir was foretelling Jesus’ death. ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone, the Lord has done this, and it is marvellous in our eyes.’ John Blamires will take the next service.

The Village Hall Lunch Club on Thursday September 19 will be serving meat and potato pie followed by fruit flan.

The monthly quiz will be held on Friday September 27 at 8pm. Curry or pie and peas are on the menu with sticky toffee pudding or lemon meringue pie and bar throughout. For information about events at the Hall see the web site www.birdsedgevillagehall.co.uk or ring 604289.

A family Hospice support group Beetle Night will be held on Saturday September 21 6.30pm in the village hall. The entry charge includes a light supper at half time and the bar will be available. Adults £2 and 12 years and under £1.

CLAYTON WEST

Morning worship at the Methodist Church was led by Lucie Froggatt, a church member and reader. Her theme was trusting God to help us start again when things go wrong. Jane Hobson read the story of Ruth and Peter Holt the reading about the prodigal son's return to his family. Stewards were Betty Booth and Maxine Lodge. Jane Hobson was the pianist, and Gary Firth gave the gift of flowers for the communion table. After the service coffee and biscuits were served by Wendy Barber, during which congratulations were given to Beryl Holt and Peter Holt who were celebrating their golden wedding. A cake made by Jane Woodcock was cut and served, a gift from church members was given, it was a very happy occasion.

EMLEY

Have you ever been lost? Or lost something special? The congregation at St Michael’s remembered the emotions and feelings created by such events and focused on how, as God’s people, we are never lost, never alone. Two very small youngsters created woolly sheep masks, as the lost and found sheep, whilst three adults, wearing oilskins, sou’westers and wellies and carrying nets and ropes, enacted a Woman Overboard sketch, with the relief when the overboard crew member was saved. Some modern and traditional worship surrounded our communion service, with an opportunity for private prayer ministry, and all left with many ideas to consider.

The evening service was dedicated to the Christians in Syria – church on its knees. The variety of prayer, worship, film and video clips and reflection was enhanced by lit candles spelling out “Syria” and by opportunities to read about Syria and pray quietly. This was a very thought-provoking, moving and carefully prepared service, which more people would have appreciated. Many of the materials are available from Open Doors – a group who dedicate themselves to focussing on the persecuted churches of the world – and could be used in a variety of group meetings.

Regular services continue this week, with Holy Communion at 7pm on Tuesday; Holy Communion on Wednesday at 9am followed by coffee in church; with “Tuesday @ 2” for babies, toddlers and their carers.

The Men’s Breakfast on Saturday with guest speaker, MP Simon Reevell was not as well attended as had been hoped, but was enjoyed by those who attended – good company, excellent food and a very interesting speaker. The next meeting will be on October 12.

Youth Groups activities will start on September 19 with a variety of activities for youngsters from 5pm onwards.

As the church waits for funding for necessary repairs to the historical building, there is still a need to improve mission and raise much-needed funds to help with the running costs of the church and to add to the building and restoration fund. There are now plans and pictures of the proposed building works displayed in the church. Contrary to common belief, the church gets no funds from the government and has to pay into the diocesan funds, so depend on the generosity of congregations and on social events to ensure the church can survive at the heart of the village.

Next Sunday there will be a service of Holy Communion at 9.15am with no evening service.

SHELLEY

ShelleyOver 60s met at the village hall last Thursday. The whist high of 95 went to Harold Gummerson and the low of 66 to Bessie Usher from eight tables. The bingo line went to Ken Cassinelli and the full hose was shared between Jean Eskrett and Audrey Taylor. Birthday greetings were sent to Ian Slater, Kate Brady, Granville Fry, Sue Jennings, Muriel Myres and Willie Meech. Raffle prizes went to Jo Morrison, Margaret Schofield, Harold Gummerson, Sylvia Stevenson,Christine Kent and Edna Glover.

SHEPLEY

Shepley Band presents..."Shepley Band's Got Talent!" a charity concert in aid of the refurbishments needed at St Paul's Church Hall. Come along and listen to this popular local wind band and their guests playing lots of your favourite music. The concert is at 7.30pm on Tuesday, September 24 at St. Paul's Church, Shepley. Tickets are £6 each, available at the door. Come early to avoid disappointment. For more information about Shepley Band visit www.shepleyband.co.uk

STOCKSMOOR

Stocksmoor Bridge Club results for Thursday September 5. North/South: 1 M Dey and D Cliff, 2 M Sandell and S Hancock, 3 M Bailey and A Mitchell; East/West: 1 C and A Barnett, 2 M and L Cooper, 3 M Barrow and C Brett.

Thursday September 12. North/South: 1 E Pearson and K Morely, 2 W Sharman and C Wilkinson, 3 P Pogson and A Stephens; East/West: 1 L Mallinson and L Cooper, 2 C and A Barnett, 3 L Tempest and S Barrett.