BIRDSEDGE

Lesley Sullivan stepped in at the last minute to take Sunday morning service at Birdsedge Church. She spoke to the children about Samuel and how obedient his mother had been when she promised to hand her baby over to God. Samuel was also obedient when God spoke to him and became a great prophet. She read from Matthew when the children had gone out to junior church. She spoke of the time after the birth of Jesus when an angel told them to avoid Herod by going into Egypt. When Herod died another angel told them to go to Nazareth – to fulfil the ancient scriptures. This was a time not often talked about, the part between his birth and baptism. The service next week will be taken by Paul Nocton.

The Beetle Drive was well supported, and a good evening was enjoyed by all ages and raised £60 for the Hospice. The next event will be a coffee morning with lunches in the church school room on Saturday April 18.

Today (Saturday) from 10.30am there will be a coffee morning with lunches in the church hall to raise money for the new fixtures and fittings in the refurbished village hall.

DENBY DALE

On Monday Robert and Cynthia Nuttall attended the half yearly meetings of the Wesleyan Reform Union of Churches held in the Ashby Circuit. On Sunday morning the theme of the Zion Wesleyan Reform Chapel Sunday School was stories that Jesus told with the story being about the wise and foolish builders. Beryl Holt from Clayton West was the preacher at the evening service when she spoke about how Jesus taught his followers the way they should behave in a Godly way. The Pianist was Robert Nuttall. Next Sunday the boys and girls of the Sunday School will prepare for the Mother’s Day family service.

KIRKBURTON

There were two services in All Hallows Parish Church on the second Sunday in Lent. In the morning, reader Janet Roberts welcomed the children with their parents and friends to the monthly family service of Church 4 All. She took for her theme, Growing in Faith. Richard Metcalf told the story of Nicodemus from the Gospel according to St John and during the service, curate, the Rev Robert Chambers, led a special Thanksgiving for Adam Metcalf. Doreen and Geoff Slater performed the duties of sidesmen and took up the collection. The singing was accompanied by the church music group. After the service, Joanne Smith and Jean Sutcliffe served refreshments.

In the evening, Mr Chambers led a service of Holy Communion and took for his theme, Faith alone leads to the Father. Pastoral minister Betty Cross led the prayers of intercession and Beryl Hunt and Mr Chambers gave the readings from Romans and the Gospel according to St Mark. Pastoral minister Mary Chambers assisted at the distribution and Doreen Barraclough was the organist.

The Burton Friendship Group met for their weekly meeting at the Hub and enjoyed a DVD Quiz on Yorkshire. Birthday greetings were sung for Betty Wragg and the raffle prize was was won by Mrs K Fagin. Tea and biscuits were served by Mesdames Calvert, Ellis and Ramsay.

SHELLEY

Shelley Over 60s met at the Village Hall last Thursday. The club’s oldest member, Fred Huddle, celebrated his 97th birthday and provided everyone with cake and sherry. Birthday greetings were also given to Gladys Stringer and Fran Fieldsend. The whist high of 92 was won by Gordon Burgin and the low of 61 by Arthur Pollard from nine tables. The bingo line was won by Betty Cassinelli and the full house was shared by Gordon Burgin and Kathleen Code. Raffle prizes went to Sylvia Stevenson, Vera Rothson, Edith Brookes, Arthur Pollard, Joan Cope and Rene Biggin.

The Women’s World Day of Prayer service was held on Friday at the Wesleyan Reform Church. Mrs M Stonehewer of Chesterfield was speaker. Carol Senior was leader. Christine Senior played the organ. Refreshments were served afterwards. On Sunday Mrs M Fossey of Dalton was preacher. Her bible reading was from Mark. Organist was John Orton.

STOCKSMOOR

Stocksmoor Bridge Club results for Thursday February 26 are: North/South –1 D Cliff and C Bolland, 2 J and M Mcgee, 3 M Bailey and A Mitchell; East/West –1 M Russell and E Covell, 2 M Dey and R Makins, 3 J McCartney and G Wimpenny. Thursday March 5: North/South – 1 M Bailey and A Mitchell, 2 M Sandell and K Charlesworth, 3 J and M Mcgee; East/West: 1 J McCartney and G.Wimpenny, 2 W and A Dowlen, 3 M and L Cooper.

BROCKHOLES

Parish communion at St George's Church was celebrated by the Rev David barnes, who spoke about making choices. Jean Spencer read the lesson and the server was Rosalind Watt.

The vicar also led evensong at St George's Church when he spoke about faith. Rosalind Watt was the reader and the organist for the day was Verena Wood.

Joan Oldfield organised a coffee morning at her home to raise £180 for church funds.

The Rev Laura Hardy led worship at the Methodist Church and also administered the sacrament. The second symbol was laid on the Lenten Cross and the organist was Mr Noel Clarke.

HEPWORTH

Parish Eucharist was celebrated at Holy Trinity Church on Sunday. The service was led by the Rev Keith Griffin and prayers, accompanied by music on the organ by Jane Robertson, were led by Stella Southam. At the close of the service, the vicar led straight into the church’s annual meetings.

At the Annual Meeting of Parishioners, Sheena Blunden and Richard Southam were appointed churchwardens for the coming twelve months. At the Annual Parochial Church Meeting, the business matters finances of the church were reported on and the election of new PCC took place. Afterwards, everyone adjourned to the meeting room for coffee and cakes.

HOLMBRIDGE

Members of the Camera Club held a restricted entry competition. The winner was Tony Butterworth with Derek Hudson in second place and Melvyn Gibson third.

Midweek communion at St David's Church was led by the Rev Geoff Banks. Ian Gold read the lesson. During the week. members of the Monkey Business, Over 60s and Tumble Tots groups held their meetings. Ian Gold chaired a meeting of the parochial church council. Friday evening prayers were led by Ian Gold.

More than 200 people attended the Going Bananas event at St David's Church in aid of Fairtrade. The event was organised by Sandy Wise and Elisabeth Bounds.

Parish eucharist at St David's Church was conducted by the Rev Geoff Bamford. Lessons were read by Judi Bamford and Ian Gold. Intercessions were led by Thelma Nelson and the chalice was administered by Ian Gold. The creche and junior church were led by Dale and Helen Woods and the organist was Jean Chadwick. During the afternoon, a meeting of the Gathering for nine to 14-year-olds was led by Mike Smithers, Carolyn Burley and Matthew Norton.

HOLMFIRTH

The Second Sunday of Lent was celebrated at Holy Trinity with 8am Communion led by the Rev Keith Griffin and 10.30am Parish Eucharist led by the Rev John Sausby. Linda Smithers assisted with the chalice, Brian Shaw led the Intercessions and Chris Headley read from Genesis. The choir sang the anthem Lord, For Thy Tender Mercy’s (Farrant).

The Rev Sausby spoke about Abraham and Sarah. God made an everlasting covenant with Abraham and his offsprings throughout their generations. Linda and Mike Smithers served coffee after the service. The Church Annual Meeting will be held after this weekend’s 10.30 service.

A reading group with a difference is being formed at Holmfirth Library, with fiction and non-fiction will be discussed in relation to faith. The group is open to people from any faith or none and books will be chosen in turn by the group members. Meet the third Wednesday of every odd month, 6-7.30pm at Holmfirth library. Attendance is free and the first meeting will be held on Wednesday March 18 to discuss The Shack, Where Tragedy Confronts Eternity, by Wm Paul Young.

Paul Rand made his first visit to Holmfirth to lead morning worship at the Methodist Church on Sunday. He was assisted by Betty Donellan’s worship team. At the start of the service, the congregation continued the practice during Lent of ‘dressing’ a rough wooden cross with symbols of the events leading up to Christ’s crucifixion – in this case a bowl and towel were placed to signify how Jesus washed his disciples’ feet. Later in the service Kimm Brook read the account of this event from Mark’s Gospel. In his address to the young people Paul talked about the meaning of our names to show how Abraham, through his faith, became the ‘father of many nations’, which is what the name means. Laura Nunez-Mulder read part of the story of Abraham from Genesis. Bob Rudd read the explanation from Paul’s Letter to the Romans of how all Christians share in the inheritance of Abraham’s faith. Paul then used the story of Abraham to illustrate the importance of passing on our faith to our children and enabling each new generation to find its own commitment. The service concluded with the hymn, Lord For The Years Thy Hand Has Kept And Guided.

Holmfirth Christian Centre's praise and worship was led by Elyjoy and the worship team, who sang about God’s goodness and greatness. The theme was growing closer to God. Carole Paxman spoke on Spending Time With Jesus. We can get so wrapped up in our busy schedule that we forget to be still and linger in God's presence, she said. The reading was from Luke and was the story of Martha and Mary. Martha was so absorbed in her work that she forgot what was important – to spend time with Jesus. Her sister Mary sat at His feet and listened. Children’s group,Explorers, was led by Janet Sharland, who spoke on how God hears their prayers. They then made their own prayer books and prayed for one another. The early-evening group was led by Ian Sharland and visited Park Ridings to bless the residents, sing and give Bible readings. Ian Sharland read from the book of Psalms and Paul Jackson led worship. Wendy King gave a small testimony on her partial knee replacement and how God had blessed her by taking the pain away when she prayed. The evening ended with a chat with residents over tea and coffee.

A Fellowship Evening was held on Wednesday over hot drinks and a buffet. A DVD of Bobby Ball sharing his testimony was shown.

HONLEY

Members of the Probus Club observed a silence as a mark of respcet for founder member Douglas Booth and honorary member John Sherman, who both died recently. The club's meeting tool the form of a show of holiday slides relating to the Isle of Wight, Norfolk and Italy, given by member John Dean. Cyril Minett proposed the vote of thanks.

Parish eucharist at St Mary's Church was celebrated by the Rev David Barnes. Shirley Turner read the lesson and intercessions were led by Jane and Graham Wardman. The organist was Jean Cheeseman.

The Rev David Barnes led the first in a series of Lent meetings on the theme of Transforming Lives.

UPPERTHONG

Members of St John's Church attended the team Lent group at Holmfirth Church, which was led by the Rev Keith Griffin. Midweek communion at St John's Church was led by the Rev Geoff Banks who was also celebrant. Lunch followed in the meeting room. On Saturday afternoon, a concert was given in the church by New Mill Male Voice Choir.

The eucharist service at St John's Church was led by the Rev Geoff Banks, who read the gospel, preached the sermon and was celebrant. The readers were Hilary Broadbent and Graham Dawson. Sue Dawson led intercessions and assisted with the chalice. Hazel Thompson was the organist. Following the service, the annual parochial church council meeting was chaired by the Rev Geoff Banks and included the election of the churchwardens, PCC members, team council members and the secretary and treasurer.

WOOLDALE

The service on Sunday at Wooldale Methodist Free Church was taken by Anne Leigh, whose readings were from Exodus. In her talk, parts of which were based on the Women’s World Day of Prayer leaflet, she talked about being ready and how God equips us to do the things we can to share our faith, talents and time with others. The organist was Peter Coldwell.

Morning worship at the Methodist Church was led by Trevor Jones. The organist was Hazel Booth. In the evening, members attended the united service at Scholes.

GOLCAR

On Friday all the churches of Golcar combined for the Women’s World Day of Prayer. The service compiled by the women of Papua New Guinea and speaker was Frances Brown and the offering amounted to £136 for the Women’s World Day of Prayer effort. The Sunday service at Golcar Baptist Church was conducted by the Rev Chris Thompson, the organist was Calinda Stockhill and the pianist was Chris Woodhead. On Tuesday a funeral service took place for Mrs Thelma Woodhead.

Margaret Laycock welcomed the congregation to the worship in today's world service at St John's Church. A reading was given by Kathryn Sykes about the parable of the Rich Fool from Luke, Chapter 12. Chris Bamford, with the help of the Sunday Club children, illustrated with a role play "The Explorer", the difference between the important every-day needs of life and the wants of what is not really necessary. Vanessa and Glen Stewart, volunteers from CART, the Christian African Relief Trust, spoke first to the children then to the adults about the work of the charity, which was formed 25 years ago. From collecting almost anything from pencils to computers and financing many projects, CART sent containers to 15 countries where the need is great. Helen Davies led the intercession prayers. Sunday Club rejoined the congregation showing a huge rainbow they had painted while listening to the story of Noah. Ann Norton was pianist and Helen Davies played the guitar.

At the Providence Church Bright Hour meeting the chairlady was Barbara Hallas, one of the members spoke and sung about kindness and Frank Meadows was the pianist.

Gillian Beever was the chairlady at the Providence Church Friendship Group, and the speaker was Margaret Rose who spoke about embroidery. Nancy Meadows was the pianist and also served supper with Sheila Pearson. Coffee morning was held in the school room with cake stalls and mystery parcels, this was arranged by the choir and £118 was raised towards the gift day.

Sunday morning worship at Golcar Providence Church was led by Richard Hoyle. Susan Brown read the lesson and David Hollngworth was the organist.

LINTHWAITE

At Christ Church, an all age service of worship was led by the Rev Julian Perkins who preached and celebrated holy communion and gave a blessing. Prayers were led by Rev Jenni Honeyman. Baptism candles were received by Lola Eve Marshall and Kian Jay Bezzard and the pianist was Kathryn Longbottom. The evensong service was led by the Rev Julian Perkins who also gave a blessing. Lessons were read by Ann Leigh and Rev Jenni Honeyman, Margaret McQuillan preached and prayed and the organist was Rhona Jepson. This coming Saturday there will be a bookstall and coffee morning at 10am at Christ Church, Linthwaite.

The well-attended meeting of Linthwaite Methodist Thursday Fellowship was led by Mrs Jackie Calverley and Mrs Jennifer Baxter played the piano. Graham Hirst showed photographs and gave an amusing talk about Alfred Wainwright’s famous Coast to Coast walk of over 190 miles, which Graham completed in early September 2007. This meeting is held once a fortnight at 2.30pm and is open to everyone. The next meeting will be held on Thursday March 19, and the speaker is Ian Spencer who will talk about the work of the volunteer Street Angels.

Members of the church attended the Women’s World Day of Prayer at St James’ Church, Slaithwaite on Friday afternoon. The service this year was prepared by the Christian Women in Papua New Guinea, and was used throughout the world on Friday March 6. The Colne Valley Service was led by minister, the Rev Jo Archer-Siddall and Mrs Lesley Baxter, Mrs Margaret Moriarty and Mrs Maureen Stead represented the Church by taking part in the readings.

The Sunday morning service at the Methodist Church was led by Mrs Judith Robinson, who preached about our perceptions of the cross. Mrs Linda Nuttall was the organist and Sue Howard and Mairi MacKay read from the New Testament. After the service the Sunday School Children sold iced buns with red noses to raise funds for Comic Relief.

MARSDEN

On Thursday some nine members of the church led by Rev Jo Archer-Siddall read the bible for an hour as part of a Big continuos bible read organised by the United Reformed Church in Yorkshire. EAch participating church agreed to read the bible for an hour starting where the last church had left off, churches rang the next one by mobile phone to tell them where to start. Marsden started at Psalm 120 and read through Proverbs Chapter 8. The arrangements had been made by Jean Broome. On Saturday there was the annual Spring Fair, it started in the morning when coffee and home-made cakes were sold, entertainment was kindly provided by Marsden Junior Brass Band, musical director Brian Boothroyd, and also the Training Band. There was a variety of stalls, cooked lunches were served and the proceeds amounted to over £900. Morning worship on Sunday was led by Mr Brian I Evans, the readers were Margaret Casson and Barrie Biltcliffe, the organist was Mr Chris Cook.

MILNSBRIDGE

The midweek Bible class at Milnsbridge Christadelphian's Mr A Walker from Milnsbridge gave a talk entitled An Introduction to Second Corinthians. On Sunday evening Mr M Ashton from Shirley gave a talk entitled Bible Teaching about Grace.

OUTLANE

Outlane Toddler Group are holding a Toy Sale with Mothers’ Day crafts for children at the Methodist Church on Saturday March 21 from 1pm to 4pm.

PARKWOOD

Parkwood Community Services group organised the annual senior citizen’s party at Parkwood Methodist Church on Saturday, proving transport, tea and musical entertainment in the evening by Gareth and Sharmaine Beaumont, Jane Flaherty, Janet and Ruth Oakley, pianist Kenneth Rothery, and the Wayfarers Revival Trio sing-a-long to end the evening. Marion Lloyd welcomed the congregation to Parkwood Methodist Church on Sunday morning, guest preacher Mr John Mason, reader Ann Ivy, the symbols for Lent of a towel and bowl of water were placed by the cross. Coffee was served after the service by Elaine Oldham assisted by ladies of the church. A community breakfast will be held on Saturday, March 21, 9am-12noon at Parkwood Methodist Church.

SLAITHWAITE

On Friday the Women World Day for Prayer Service was held at St James Parish Church, Readers from six Colne Valley Churches took part in the service which had been prepared by the women of Papa New Guinea. It was led by Rev Joanne Archer-Siddal and the speaker was Mrs Irene Mee. The pianist as Christine Gledhill and ladies of St James served refreshment after the service.

Ladies Sunday was celebrated at the Methodist Church and was led by the Rev Joanne Archer-Siddal. The Lenten reading was by Betty Robshaw and the towel and bowl was offered to the cross by Beryl Smith. Ann Walker read from Acts and Betty Whitwam read from Palm 22. The Rev Joanne spoke of four women whose lives had been an inspiration to others. Mrs Barbara Brook of Golcar sang three beautiful solos and was accompanied by Margaret Stephenson. Lunch for members and friends was enjoyed after the service.