BIRDSEDGE

Mike Smith talked to the young people at Sunday’s church service about money and values, which are not the same thing. Do you ever regret doing something? ‘Forgive us our trespasses’– God will if we ask him, he said. He referred to three short readings about money and coins: Luke 15 8-10, the woman who worked until she found the coin she lost rejoicing with her neighbours as God does when someone repents, Mark 12 13-17, when the Pharisees and Herodians try to trick Jesus into breaking the laws resulting into ‘Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s and Mark 12 41-42, the poor widow who gave all her money to God - 100% against other richer people who gave maybe 5%. He suggested we play by the rules of authority but live by the rules of God.

The forthcoming Family Service will be taken by Pat Wood.

The village hall Lunch Club on September 5 will be serving pork and stuffing with new potatoes and vegetables, followed by fruit salad and ice cream.

Quiz Night was won by the 3 Ps+.

Lunches will be served in the hall on Saturday September 7 from 11.30am. There will be a cake and home produce stall. Proceeds for the upkeep of the hall.

Tickets are on sale for the Comedy Night on September 14 at �15 each. The two comedians are Dom Woodward and Dave Wolfe. Food and bar will be available throughout. Ring 604289.

A Hospice Group family 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.

EMLEY

St Michael’s Worship for All service was well attended, with footprints set out on the floor to show things and people who have helped on the Christian journey; a modern interpretation of part of the “Letter to the Hebrews” about caring and sharing and a mix of modern and older songs. It was followed by a double baptism, with two families and friends filling the church, with plenty of children to see Thomas and Martha being christened. The evening service was a sung Holy Communion, with songs and hymns supporting the themes of the service. Regular services resume this week, with Holy Communion at 7pm on Tuesday; Holy Communion on Wednesday at 9am. followed by coffee in church; the Savile Flats Service is on Wednesday 4 at 2pm; Prayer in Church at 9am on Saturday September 7; with “Tuesday @ 2” for babies, toddlers and their carers. The Men’s Breakfast is on Saturday September 14 with guest speaker, Simon Reevell, MP. The Youth Groups activities will start on September 19 with a variety of activities for youngsters from 5pm onwards.

There is still opportunity to give donations for the stewardship campaign, “Growing for God”, and thanks go to those who have responded and remind everyone that the need for giving continues even though the specific campaign is over. 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 have to pay into the diocesan funds so depend on the generosity of our congregations and on social events to ensure the church can survive at the heart of the village.

On Sunday there will be a Holy Communion service at 9.15am. There will be no evening service. The social event on Saturday September 7 at 7 for 7.30pm. is a return visit of the Halifax Gilbert and Sullivan Society, who will be giving us a variety concert. Tickets are �4.50 including light refreshments and can be obtained in church or at the door on the night.

SHELLEY

Shelley Over 60s met at the village hall last Thursday. The whist high of 90 went to Elaine Shaw and the low of 63 was shared by Edna Glover and Margaret Lee from seven and a half tables. The bingo line was won by Audrey Taylor and the full house by Margaret Schofield. Birthday greetings were sent to Maureen Etchells, Vera Rothson and Margaret Dickinson. Raffle prizes were won by Madge Shaw, Linda Brauner, Francis Snowdon, Edna Glover and Dorothy Jessop. On Tuesday members held a very successful Coffee Day at the Village Hall. Thanks go to all who helped and supported this event. On Wednesday September 4 David Cockman will be giving an illustrated talk on Holmfirth and its blue plaque trail. Meet at the Methodist Hall at 7.30pm.

STOCKSMOOR

Stocksmoor Bridge Club results for ThursdayAugust 22. North/South – 1 D Cliff and C Bolland, 2 M Sandell and K Morely, 3 M Hicks and J Pearson; East/West – 1 M Dey and P Polden, 2 J and M McGee, 3 E Pearson and A Barnett.

Thursday August 29. North/South – 1 M Sandell and S Hancock, 2 P Pogson and A Stephens, 3 M Dey and P Polden; East/West – J Shaw and E Tullie, 2 C and A Barnett, 3 M Barrow and C Brett.