BROCKHOLES
The Rev Charlotte Lorimer led worship at the Methodist Church when Mr Paul Grant read the lesson. The sixth symbol was laid on the Lenten Cross and palm crosses were handed to members of the congregation. Mr Keith Garside was the organist.
Parish communion at St George's Church was celebrated by the Rev David Barnes. Following a procession around the church, special readings were given by John Roberts, Paul Coleman and Roger Kenworthy as well as the vicar. In his address, he spoke about the "rollercoaster" of Holy Week. The server was Rosalind Watt and the organist was Verena Wood.
HOLMBRIDGE
Members of the Camera Club held an open digital competition. Gill Sharp came first and third with Geoff France in second place.
Tea at Three, a meeting for the elderly, was organised by Ian Gold. Refreshments were arranged by Margaret Tupling.
Midweek communion at St David's Church was led by the Rev Geoff Banks when Ian Gold was the reader. Meetings of the Tumble Tots, Over 60s and Monkey Business groups were held during the week and Friday evening prayers were led by the Rev Geoff Bamford.
Parish Eucharist for Palm Sunday at St David's Church was conducted by the Rev Geoff Banks. The service included a procession of palms from the parish hall to the church. Alison Wise read the lesson. A dramatic reading of the Passion Story was given by Ian Gold as the narrator and John Parker as Jesus with other parts read by the Rev Geoff Banks and the Rev Geoff Bamford, Ian Macdonald and Thelma Nelson. The chalice was administered by Ian Gold, who also led intercessions. The creche and junior church were led by Sandie Wise and Becky Burdon. The organist was Eddie Purcell. Evensong was led by the Rev Martin Woodhead, when the organist was Audrey Brook.
HOLMFIRTH
At a great palm Sunday morning service at Holmfirth Christian Centre, praise and worship was led by Elyjoy and the celebration team.g Jesus and his goodness and greatness. A scripture reading by Ian Sharland was Psalm 16. God's word was delivered by Carole Paxman entitled A call to Honour. reading from 1 Peter 2 :17, showing respect and honouring everyone. Everything flowing from Love and we never really comprend the sacrifice that Jesus and others may have made for us. That God honours us for our obedience to him and that we will live a blessed life, for doing all he asks of us especially if we honour our Father's and Mother's a commandment that is backed up in the old and new testament.
The centre’s children's group Explorers was led by Janet Sharland and they looked at Palm Sunday and the celebratory entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and the sacrifice that he was going to make for all of us. They then had their own mini production, like of making little bunny boxes filled with sweet as Easter gifts for everyone in church. They had lots of fun while learning a very powerful message.
Wednesday was a study night entitled Open the Book looking again how important it is to have a close relationship with God it was a great powerful The evening concluded with tea and coffee and fellowship.
Palm Sunday was celebrated at Holmfirth Holy Trinity with 10.30 Parish Eucharist when the Rev Keith Griffin officiated. He was assisted with the chalice by Carlton Tinsdeall The Passion reading was read by Mr Griffin. There was also a 3pm service at Choppards Mission. The church was open this week as part of the Upper Holme Valley Church Trail. Tomorrow, Easter Sunday, there will be 8am and 10.30am services.
HONLEY
The family service for Palm Sunday at St Mary's Church was led by the Rev David Barnes. The congregation processed with palms around the outside the church. John Adams read the lesson and intercessions were led by Jayne and Graham Wardman. Singing was accompanied by the music group.
On Sunday evening, the Rev David Barnes celebrated parish Eucharist when Pauline Adams read the lesson and the organist was Jean Chadwick. During the service, the new forward altar and communion rail were used for the first time.
The last of the Transforming Lives Lent meetings were held during the week, on Thursday, Lent lunches were served in the parish room.
NEW MILL
New Mill Probus Club elected a new chairman at its AGM on Tuesday April 7. After two years at the helm Mr DC Skells stepped down and was replaced by Gordon Wilkinson from Holmfirth. The club also presented the New Mill Club with six folding catering tables for community use. A sandwich lunch followed the presentation.
UPPERTHONG
Midweek communion at St John's Church was conducted by the Rev Geoff Banks. A faith lunch followed in the meeting room.
Early communion was led by the Rev Di Ellerton, who also led the ‘All Age’ family worship for Palm Sunday. The service began with a processions from Upperthong Village Hall accompanied by Bruno the donkey with stops on the way to church to release doves, sing hymns and hear readings. The service culminated with a shortened version of the Eucharist. Refreshments were served afterwards by Pat Dixon.
WOOLDALE
The Palm Sunday and Family Service at the Methodist Church was led by Trevor Jones. The organist was Due Ogden. Coffee and biscuits were served afterwards. The Sunday school performed a short drama on Jesus' journey into Jerusalem.
GOLCAR
The Sunday service at Golcar Baptist was conducted by the Rev Chris Thompson and the organist was Calinda Stockhill.
The Friendship Group at Golcar Providence Church was led by Margaret Brook who spoke about her sponsored Great Wall of China trek for Kirkwood Hospice. Barbara Armitage was the chairman, Nancy Meadows was the pianist and the supper ladies were Alice Illingworth and Pat Smith. On Saturday, a coffee day was held at Holmfirth Parish Church. Lunches and afternoon teas were served and the stalls included cakes, tombola, bric-a-brac and books. £723 was raised for Providence Church funds. On Sunday there was a joint Palm Sunday service with St John’s held at Providence Church led by Liz Bishop. The readings were Gillian Beever, Beryl Taylor-Wilkinson and Peter Bishop. Everyone made their own palm cross with instructions given by the Rev Pam Ward. The address was given by the Rev Brenda Mitchell. Margaret Israel was the organist and refreshments were served later in the schoolroom.
LINTHWAITE
Morning service at Christ Church, Linthwaite, was led by the Rev David Wilding who preached, prayed, celebrated holy communion and gave a blessing. Lessons were read by Sheila Bottomley and the Rev Jennie Honeyman. The choir read St Mark’s Passion. The organist was Derek Horne. The evening service was led by Ann Leigh, who also read a lesson. A lesson was read by Derek Horne. Margaret McQuillan preached and prayed. The organist was Rhona Jepson.
LONGWOOD
The Longwood Village Group held a coffee morning on the first Saturday in April and Parkwood Methodist Church have joined the IT Community by launching their own Web page on the Internet.
Palm Sunday morning sung Eucharist, at St Mark’s Church, was conducted by parish priest the Rev Jim Hunt. The organist was Philip Turner. The service began with everyone holding palm crosses high to be blessed and then the vicar led the choir and members of the congregation in a procession around the outside of the church to the singing of the first hymn. The young church, with their leaders Joan Morton, Debbie Yates and Charles Ross, processed down the centre aisle with the rainbow which they made during previous weeks at Sunday school. Several children described the meaning of the various colours and the display remained at the front for the remainder of the service. Following the rainbow episode a dramatic rendering of The Passion was performed with Jim introducing the chapters which were read by Anne Stephenson, Dilys Eastwood, Janet Watson, Phyllis Kaye, Janet Clarkson, Jane Venables, Dorothy Heads and Olive Houghton. Jim followed with Intercession prayers and then the peace ceremony. Communion was conducted by Jim, assisted by David Verlander as server. Notices about special Easter events – including Wednesday evening service and Mary’s Diary, Maundy Thursday evening service, to include the washing of feet and stripping of the altar, leading up to stations of the cross on Good Friday afternoon and the floral decorating of church on Saturday, before the Easter Day Family service. The final hymn was followed by Jim giving the blessing to conclude the morning service.
MARSDEN
The service began in the car park on Sunday morning at Marsden United Church were the Rev Jo Archer-Siddal led in Molly the donkey and the first hymn was sung in the car park. Worship continued inside where the Rev Jo Archer-Siddal was assisted by the Rainbows. The lesson was read by Edward Archer-Siddal, Christine Gledhill played the organ, and at the end of the service palm crosses were distributed to the congregation. Refreshments were served after the service in the hall.
A Palm Sunday family service at St Bartholomew's, with a procession and the blessing of palms, was conducted by the Rev G Clay. The organist was Dennis Brook, sidesmen were Audrey Armitage, Jean Pennington and Elsie Lingard. Coffee was served by Jenny Mitchell, Bunnie Lonan and Margaret Hall. There was a taize service at 6.30pm led by Geoff Clay. This week Monday to Friday, 7am was morning prayer; evening prayer was on Monday and Tuesday, 7.30pm; on Wednesday it was Stations of The Cross, 7.30pm; Maundy Thursday was Holy Communion and Vigil; Good Friday, 12noon to 2pm was quiet time in church and 2-3pm an hour at the cross. Tomorrow, Easter Sunday, 5am it is Easter Vigil and celebration of sunrise; 9.30am is Easter Celebration when everyone is welcome. On May 2, there is a concert with Marsden Silver Prize Band in church at 7.30pm. Admission is £6 on the door.
MILNSBRIDGE
At Milnsbridge Christadelphian's’ Midweek Bible class Mr K Charlesworth from Milnsbridge led a discussion on the Bible readings for the day. On Sunday evening, Mr F Bhatoy from Halifax, gave a talk on the subject Details around the Crucifixion.
At Milnsbridge Over 60’s Mrs Richardson and Mrs Bush called the bingo, and the raffle prizes were won by Mrs Agnus Barker, Mrs Irene Bone and Mrs Joan Greenwood.
PARKWOOD
A drop-in lunch was held at Parkwood Methodist Church on Wednesday, when the menu was fish pie and mixed vegetables, parsley sauce, syrup sponge, apple crumble, lemon sponge, custard or cream, tea or coffee, which was organised by Sheila and Robin, assisted by ladies of the church. Marion Lloyd welcomed people to a communion service on Palm Sunday at Parkwood Methodist Church with a palm cross. The preacher was the Rev Peter Bedford, assisted by Ann Ivy. The communion stewards were Reene Wyatt and Audrey Holdsworth, and the organist was Kenneth Rothery. The symbol of palm leaves and a text were placed on the Lenten Cross. Coffee was served after the service by ladies of the church. A community breakfast will be held at Parkwood Methodist Church on Saturday, April 18, 9am-12noon.
SLAITHWAITE
Slaithwaite Good Companions met last Thursday when Pauline Ayre introduced John Lewis, a deacon at Lockwood Baptist Church, his theme was Life is a Love Story telling of his days in various children’s homes, his work and his marriage. In each phase of his life there was always someone to guide and care about him, in turn he created a loving and caring family. He was thanked by Pauline Ayre who was also the pianist.
St James’ Parish Church Mother’s Union met last Wednesday and held their annual spring lunch at the Rose and Crown at Cop Hill.
St James’ Parish Church family service was led by the Rev Robin Townsend, assisted by Jeanette Seed, the layreader, the lesson was read by Raymond Denton and prayers by Jeanette Seed. The children distributed palm crosses to the congregation. The pianist was Hiroko Townsend. A short communion service was held after the coffee break.
Mrs Judith Robinson of Taylor Hill was the preacher at Palm Sunday Service at the Methodist Church. Palm leaves were laid on the cross and the Lenten readings were by Shirley and John Scott. The theme of Judith's sermon was The Journey and Hilton Crowther read from Mark Chapter 14, firstly Jesus is anointed at Bethany and Jesus eats the passover meal with his disciples. The organist was Shirley Scott .
ALMONDBURY
Palm Sunday was a busy day for members of All Hallows, Almondbury. The 10am service saw a packed church celebrate Christ’s entry into Jerusalem with a procession moving out from the church hall, through the churchyard into the church carrying their traditional palm crosses. During the service the curate introduced his sermon by teaching a new chorus accompanied by guitar and saxaphone, a first for All Hallows. Coffee was enjoyed after the service and Happy Birthday sung to Rita Chambers much to her surprise and a little embarassment. The Fairtrade stall did outstanding trading.
In the afternoon 19 people from across the team parish enjoyed a walk in glorious sunshine starting at Farnley Tyas Recreation Ground, across fields to Farnley Hey and then over to the outskirts of Brockholes before climbing the hill back to Farnley Tyas. Many of the walkers were pretty tired at the end but not the four dogs who had accompanied them.
The day ended on a thoughtful note at an Almondbury Churches Together service, led by the Methodist minister in St John’s Methodist Church Almondbury when he provided some thought provoking ideas about the meaning of Palm Sunday and the days which followed 2000 years ago.
BIRDSEDGE
Birdsedge Church’s Spring Fair was held on Saturday and a packed Sunday school enjoyed their lunches, bought lots of home produce and won on the tombola. This all helped raise £420 towards maintenance. Lesley Sullivan took the Palm Sunday service, reading from Matthew, The triumphal entry into Jerusalem. She spoke of how God has plans for everything, things don’t just happen randomly. ‘See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey’ was written by Zechariah many years before Jesus. We are never in the wrong place at the wrong time as there is usually a reason for this which we understand after the event. We need to be spiritually ready now – before it’s too late.
The Kirkwood Hospice Support Group paid in £1,131 to the hospice as the first quarter’s money raised. This is a very good start to 2009 fundraising thanks to very generous supporters and the efforts of Fairleigh Farm. The group will be serving home produce, lunches and refreshments in the Church Hall on May Day Monday May 4 from 11 am.
CLAYTON WEST
Clayton West WI held their monthly meeting on Wednesday April 1. They were entertained by the Batley Film Group who showed them a range of films, interesting, informative and ending with humour. The evening was greatly enjoyed by all the members and a raffle and refreshments followed. The next meeting will be ‘The Resolutions’ on Wednesday May 6 at the United Reformed Church, in the village.
Palm Sunday worship at the village Methodist Church was led by Jean Heath, a member of the church. She spoke about the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem riding on a donkey, and the joyfil welcome of the people who would later cry 'Crucify'. Everyon received the gift of a palm cross. Joan Bond and Diana Hunt were stewards and the lesson from Philippians was read by Maxine Lodge. Flowers for the communion table were a gift from Wendy Barber and coffee after the service was served by Beryl Holt.
DENBY DALE
At the annual church meeting at the Zion Wesleyan Reform Chapel, all Officers were thanked and relected. Everyone agreed that the centenary year had been a great success and a wonderful year with great blessings to all.
EMLEY
A lively active Worship for All was led by Rev John Marsh on Palm Sunday morning. The congregation went on a journey, processing outside waving palm crosses and singing All Glory Lord and Honour to Thee Redeemer King. Evelyn Barrow gave the talk involving the children, highlighting Jesus’ journey into Jerusalem. Gill Marsh led prayers and Malcolm Jessop played the organ. Later three baptisms were celebrated by Rev Chris Bullimore, Edward Barcley Skol, son of Mark and Katherine; Taylor Gray Torbett-Robinson, son of Ryan and Laura; and Rhys William Blackburn, son of James and Natalie. In the evening a Communion service was held. On Easter morning a sunrise service will be held at 6.15am at High Hoyland Church followed by breakfast at St Michael’s. A service at 9.30am will be held in Emley.
KIRKBURTON
There were two services in All Hallows Parish Church for the last Sunday in Lent, Palm Sunday. The congregation were welcomed by Mrs Meg Tibbott to the morning Sung Eucharist which was led by the Rev Roger Nelson. As they entered the church the sidesmen, Mrs Janet Jessop and Mrs Rachael Atkinson gave each worshipper a traditional palm cross. This year they came from a village in Zululand, South Africa. Pastoral minister Mr Malcolm Tibbott led the prayers of intercession and Mrs Gwen Lodge gave the reading for the day from St Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Mr Nelson told the story of the trial and crucifixion of Christ from the fifteenth chapter of St Mark’s Gospel. Mr Nelson preached his sermon on the theme Palm Sunday. Mrs Joyce and Mr Ken Harris took-up the chalice and paten for the celebration of the communion and Mr Nelson was assisted at the distribution by the Rev Robert Chambers and pastoral minister, Mrs Betty Cross. Music for the service was provided by Mrs Doreen Barraclough and, after the service, refreshments were served by Mrs Margaret Beaumont and Mrs Phyll Taylor.
In the evening, pastoral minister Mrs Betty Cross led a service of Evensong and gave the talk on Jesus’ Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem. Palm crosses were again given to the worshippers. Mr Tibbott led the Prayers of Intercession The reading from Philippians was given by organist, Mrs Doreen Barraclough and Mrs Pauline Pinder read about the first Palm Sunday from St Mark. The sidesmen were Mr Mike Steele and churchwarden Mr Glyn Phillips.
Mrs Hazel Ramsay was the leader when the Burton Friendship Club met for their meeting at The Hub on Tuesday afternoon. Assisted by Miss Sandra Spivey and Mrs Stella Ellis she challenged members to identify three types of water and three sorts of bread, including sun dried tomato, and three flavours of crisps – including squirrel. The raffle was won by Miss N Heeley and tea and biscuits were served by Mesdames Calvert and Ellis.
SHELLEY
Shelley Over 60s Club held their meeting in the village hall last Thursday. The bingo line was won by Vera Rothson and the full house by Ruth Sheffield. The first three numbers on one card was not won and the prize carried over. The whist high of 90 was won by Margaret Laycock and the low of 64 went to Joan Small from eight tables. Birthday wishes were sent to Barbara Wadsworth, Sylviane Martin Hirsch, Dora Sanders and Dorothy Ramsden. The group welcomed Kath Oldroyd, Vicki Heywood and Maureen Eastwood as new members. Raffle prizes were won by Molly James, Dorothy Jessop, Robin Small, Vera Rothson, Kathleen Proctor and Kathleen Code.
SKELMANTHORPE
The preacher at Skelmanthorpe Wesleyan Reform Church on Sunday morning was Mr Robert Booth of Dalton. The Bible reading was from Mark. During the service palm crosses were given out to members of the congregation. Holy Communion was held and the steward was Carol Senior.
