Brockholes WI met in the Methodist Church parlour last Tuesday when speaker was Brian Curran, Yorkshire area fund-raiser manager for Marie Curie Cancer Care. Brian gave information about the various ways funds were raised and also spoke about how Marie Curie works with PCTs and its hospices, and how the organisation first started. Edith Johnston proposed a vote of thanks and Elizabeth Mosley won the competition for a bookmark.
Mr Paul Joseph led worship at the Methodist Church when the readers were Mr Michael Pears and Mrs Jan Gaunt. Mr Noel Clark was the organist.
GATEHEAD
Gatehead Methodist Church anniversary service took place last Sunday afternoon, led by minister, the Rev Tim Moore. Singers from Holmfirth and Shepley churches performed several items, accompanied by Helen Johnson. Afterwards, refreshments were served, along with a special birthday cake – brought by the Rev Tim. Grateful thanks go to churches in the Holmfirth circuit for their support.
HOLMBRIDGE
Members of Holmbridge Women’s Institute met on Monday for Falconry Adventures.
On Tuesday, members of St David’s Church met with the Quakers at the Friends Meeting House in Wooldale.
Midweek Holy Communion at St David’s Church was led by the Rev Geoff Bamford when lessons were read by Ian Gold. Meetings of the Monkey Business, Over 60s and Tumble Tots groups were held during the week. On Friday evening, members of St David’s attended the team annual meeting at Choppards. The meeting was chaired by the Rev Sean Robertshaw. Ian Gold led Friday evening prayers. As part of Holmfirth Arts Festival, a concert was given by duo Arrin at St David’s Church.
Parish eucharist at St David’s Church was conducted by the Rev Keith Griffin. Lessons were read by Glynis Askew and Judi Bamford. Ian Gold led intercessions and administered the chalice. The creche and junior church were led by Judith Roberts and Kathryn Kingdon. The organist was Jean Chadwick.
HOLMFIRTH
Holmfirth Christian Centre’s Sunday morning service started with a real life testimony from Jen Gooch about her quite time with God. She said she sensed the greatness of Him and how small she is but that He still was interested in her. Praise and worship was led by Pastor Ian Gooch with Elyjoy and Becky supporting. The bible reading continued from the book of Ephesians and was read by Carole Paxman. Ian Gooch delivered God’s message, saying that the second ingredient for a stronger faith walk was Our Testimony. Kathryn Jackson led the children’s group, Xplorers. They were looking at gifts and talents, reading from Corinthians and Romans. They were each were given a sheet of paper with information on it and they had to write what they thought others’ gifts we're and something they liked about one another.
Wednesday evening was Open the Book praise and worship led by Elyjoy and the word was preached by Pastor Ian Gooch, followed by refreshments.
Sunday worship at Holmfirth Methodist Church was led by minister, the Rev Charlotte Lorimer, assisted by Kath Beetlestone, Barbara Rochester, Michael Tolson and Helen Johnson. It was MHA Sunday (housing and care for older people) and was a chance to support this charitable organisation by donations and prayer. It exists to improve the quality of life for older people, inspire by Christian concern. he children’s talk was given by Kath Beetlestone and children were encouraged to think about all the good and fun things that happen in their lives and all the lovely things around them that have been made by God – the weather, the countryside etc. They were then asked to think of one good thing from the past week and talk to one another about it – in the same way that we talk to God. After the children left for their groups, the service continued with bible readings from Genesis (Jacob’s dream at Bethel) and St John’s Gospel (Jesus praying with disciples). The main feature of faith should be worship and prayer – a theme prevalent in the message given by Charlotte. In the light of this message, there is always a prayer team willing to prayer for everyone’s needs at the end of the service on Sunday. The church is open Monday to Friday (12.15-1.45pm) for prayers or as an area for quiet contemplation. Names can be put in a book in the foyer for the prayer circle which goes around each Monday. All prayers shared are strictly confidential.
The First Sunday after Trinity was celebrated at Holy Trinity with 8am Holy Communion led by the Rev John Capstick and 10.30 Upper Room Service which was led by Captain Mike Smithers. Ann Holmes and Elizabeth Sheard served coffee after the service. There was also a 3pm service at Choppards Mission. This week the service is 10.30 Parish Eucharist.
HONLEY
Parish eucharist at St Mary’s Church was celebrated by the Rev David Barnes. Shirley Turner read the lesson. Jane and Graham Wardman led intercessions and the organist was Jean Cheeseman.
UPPERTHONG
Midweek communion at St John’s Church was led by the Rev Keith Griffin, who was also celebrant. Lunch followed in the meeting room. Family communion was conducted by the Rev Di Ellerton, who read the gospel and was celebrant. Her sermon was based on the theme of Transformational Planning and outlined short, medium and long-term plans for St John’s Church. The readers were David Steele and Karen Beattie. Les Hopkins led prayers and Philip Broadbent assisted with the chalice. The organist was Ian Greenhalgh. Refreshments were served afterwards by Sue Dawson.
During Sunday afternoon, a cheese and wine party was held at the home of Pat and Beverley Whitworth to raise £200 for St John’s Church funds.
WOOLDALE
The service on Sunday at Wooldale Methodist Free Church was led by Mr Roy Horn. His reading was taken from Daniel, the story of the three friends being thrown into the fiery furnace and the Lord saving them from death. His theme for the service was How We Have To Have Faith To Live Life. The organist was Peter Coldwell.
On Sunday the church will mark the Sunday school anniversary with a service led by Tony Hudson. Afterwards there will be coffee and cakes in the Sunday school.
Morning worship at the Methodist Church was conducted by the Rev Laura Hardy. Sacrament was taken and the organist was Nigel Morris.
