At the Methodist Church afternoon fellowship, Mrs Janet Gaunt welcomed speaker Mr Simon Hollingworth, aided by his father Mr Neil Hollingworth, who spoke on the subject “My Life in a Wheelchair”. Mrs Margaret Miller was the pianist.
Sunday worship at the Methodist Church was led by Mr Granville Dews. The organist was Mr Michael Brown.
Lay reader Jean Barnes at St George’s Church. Lessons were read by Kate Drake and Verena Wood was the organist.
HELME
The service on Sunday at Christ Church was Holy Communion, taken by the Rev Dennis Shields, who was also the celebrant, assisted at the altar rail by Shirley Watson. The Rev Dennis also gave the address on the theme Both Stephen and God are Faithful Shirley offered the prayers of intercession, and a special prayer for Mary Ashton who died on Friday, who had been churchwarden for many years. The gospel was read by Mildred Peace. The elements were taken up to the altar by Ken and Jean Gooden. Jenny Brook, Sheila Sinclair and Shirley took the offertory up to the altar. During the service Rev Dennis baptised baby Emily Jade Lowther who was carried around the church. A lighted candle was presented to her god-parents. The organist was Lynne Blackburn. Refreshments were served after the service in the community area.
HOLMBRIDGE
Holmbridge Women’s Institute met chaired by Barbara Newman. Mr R Duncomb gave a talk entitled “Curtain Up”.
The Women’s Institute hosted an evening with Joe Maiden, the Radio Leeds gardening presenter.
Midweek communion at St David’s Church was led by the Rev Geoff banks. Ian Gold read the lesson. The evening discussion group 2008 met under the leadership by the Rev Roger Nelson. Meetings of the Monkey Business, the Over 60’s Club and Tumble Tots held meeti8ngs during the week.
A open evening at church was led by the Rev Geoff Banks to discuss the parish Eucharist service. Friday evening prayers were led by the Rev Geoff Bamford. The Camera Club held its annual dinner and presentation of trophies at Meltham Golf Club.
Early communion at St David’s Church was led by the Rev Geoff Bamford. Parish Eucharist included the baptism of Harriet Woods and Alfie Mark George Burgess. The Rev Geoff Banks led the service and Alison Wise read the lesson. Ian Macdonald administered the chalice. Ben and Helen Cooper led the crèche and junior church. Eddie Purcell played the organ.
HOLMFIRTH
Elijoy and the band led lively praise and worship at Holmfirth Christian Centre’s Sunday morning service held at the Phoenix Centre. Pastor Ian Gooch spoke on Personalising the purpose of God for our lives, outlining that we are all part of God’s family, and that God has a purpose driven life plan for all of us. Explorers, the Sunday school group, was taught by Denyse Rourke, and the youngsters looked at the topic of jealousy illustrated by the story of Joseph where jealousy overtook brotherly love. They were encouraged to think about how Joseph must have felt in the situation he found himself in. They also looked at the biblical definition of love. On Sunday evening Justified, the church youth group, staged a film presentation called Flywheel, telling the story of a Christian businessman who became ruthless before seeing the light and handing his life over to God. Tuesday evening saw Pastor Ian Gooch and the band lead praise and worship on stage at Holmfirth Methodist Church. The congregation comprised groups from local churches including the Christian Centre and everyone enjoyed fellowship over tea and coffee afterwards.
“Living in God’s Love” was the theme of Holmfirth Methodist Church’s most recent event, which a large number of members and friends attended last weekend. A team of eleven visitors from the Lay Witness Movement, who came from a wide area of the north of England were ably led by David Beresford. They took the church on a journey of discovery, encouraging and supporting each individual participant to explore what it might mean for him or her to live in God’s Love.
After a pizza supper on Friday evening David opened the event by emphasising that he and his team would pose many questions, but would provide no easy answers. Different people would take away different insights and challenges from the weekend. Saturday was spent sharing fellowship informally at the meal table and in more structured discussion groups held both in the church and in the homes of members of the congregation. Discussion was stimulated and supported by Bible readings, worship and prayer, all of which gave ample opportunity to explore and reflect on the theme of God’s love for His world. Saturday’s final session encouraged those taking part to look at the practical steps which they could take in their own lives to make God’s love a reality for others. The event was concluded at Sunday morning’s worship. The congregation was led through song, prayer, and shared experience to consider how, by valuing both themselves and others, they might be inspired by and respond to God’s love as shown in Jesus. Thanks are due to the Lay Witness team who led the event, to Helen Johnson and the many volunteers from the Church and the Holme Valley Methodist Circuit who organised the event, and catered so splendidly for the large number of people who took part.
The sixth Sunday of Easter was celebrated at Holy Trinity Church with 10.30am Parish Eucharist, led by the Rev Keith Griffin. Katie Jones read from Acts, Sue Winter led the intercessions and Stanley Benn assisted with the chalice. The Gospel reading was from John: “In my father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?" We all need space to grow and time on our own but this is an invitation from Jesus to share his space. Keith, Barbara, Pippa, Katie and Alex served coffee after the service. This Sunday services are: 8am Holy Communion and 10.30am morning prayer.
HONLEY
Honley Probus Club held its annual meeting in the community centre. Sixty-two members were present. Members stood to observe a silence in memory of Dennis Bradley, who died during the previous week. Retiring chairman Les Hobson gave a brief summary of group activities during the previous 12 months. Treasurer Cyril Minett and auditor John Boothroyd presented the accounts for the year. The following officers were elected, chairman Viv Flynn, vice-chairman- Martin Dive, treasurer - Cyril Minett, secretary - Cliff Green, speaker finder - Bill Sewell, speaker Coordinator - Richard Hay. Jim Taylor, John Lawton and Ray Hobson were elected to the committee. Thanks were expressed to Alan Skinner, who was retiring after 18 months as speaker finder and John Boothroyd, who resigned after being auditor for 15 years in the past. Since this was the 25th AGM, the business meeting was followed by a celebratory buffet. Coffee was provided by Hirst Robinson, in celebration of his 80th birthday.
Family Eucharist at St Mary’s Church was celebrated by the Rev David Barnes. Shirley Turner read the lesson and intercessions were led by Diana and Huw Griffiths. Following the service, St Mary’s AGM was held in the church. Secretary Cliff Green gave the annual report. Treasurer Ian Walter presented the financial statement. Reports were also received from the church wardens, church organisations and the outreach committee. John Ambler, Clive Waind were re-elected churchwardens. Jean Cheeseman and Kevin Radford will once again be their deputies. The vicar expressed thanks to everyone who has contributed to church life and was thanked in turn by John Ambler.
On Sunday afternoon the Rev David Barnes baptised Anya Ruth Sykes, daughter of Nicola and Peter, and Jaxon Jay Donkersley, son of Jayne and Jay. Pat Green read the lesson and the organist for the day was Jean Chadwick.
MELTHAM
Thirty-eight members and friends of the Methodist church went by coach to the Oban Hotel in Eastbourne, visiting Beachy Head, the Bluebell Steam Railway in Canterbury and the Bentley Motor Museum. Jack Read and Ken Eastwood, who both have mobility problems, enjoyed riding on motor scooters. The group also visited a wild fowl centre and the weather was good. Thanks went to Jack Yates for organising the trip. On Thursday May 1 in the Methodist church hall a coffee evening will be held and photos of the trip will be on show. There will also be chance to book next year’s trip to Llandudno.
On Wednesday in the church hall Meltham Gilbert and Sullivan Society hosted a fashion show presented by Labels. Models were members of the society and friends. The proceeds will go towards financing the Spring Show next Friday and Saturday and the main show The Pirates of Penzance on November 18-22.
The Rev John Radcliffe welcomed the congregation to Sunday morning Family Communion at St Bartholomew’s Church, gave out notices and read the Collect. He asked Claire from the congregation to light the Baptism candle. The Rev John offered the prayers of intercession especially for a new incumbent for the parish of Christ the King and the gospel was read by Gordon Sanderson. The Rev John gave the address on the theme of the service which was The Way the Truth and The Life and he was also the celebrant assisted at the altar by Gordon Sanderson, Enid Radcliffe and Alan Ball. The choir sang two anthems. During the service the Rev John baptised mother Rebecca and baby daughter Amelia. Organist was Simon Ball and refreshments were served after the service in the church hall.
MELTHAM MILLS
Sunday morning Holy Communion at St James’ was led by layreader Nigel Priestley on the theme of St John. Prayers were offered by Daphne Green. The lessons were read by churchwarden Richard Walker. The Rev Peter Rolls was the celebrant. Steve Aspland and Jonathan and Jan Sambrook led the congregation and the music group. Afterwards refreshments were served in the hall where Traidcraft goods were on sale.
NETHERTHONG
The Senior Citizens Group me tin the church meeting room for games by whist and dominoes. Refreshments were served by committee members.
The Rev G Bamford led parish eucharist at All Saints Church. He was assisted by John Garrard. Bible readings were given by Chris and Bob Whitehead. Prayers were led by Tim Keys. The organist was Geoffrey Byram.
UPPERTHONG
Midweek communion at St John’s Church was conducted by the Rev Geoff Banks. Lunch was served in the meeting room afterwards.
Family communion at St John’s Church was led by the Rev Geoff Banks, who read the gospel, preached the sermon and was the celebrant. The readers were Pat Dixon and Richard Haslam, Val Shuttleworth led prayers and Philip Broadbent assisted with the chalice. Peter Travis played the organ. Refreshments were provided by Val Shuttleworth to celebrate her birthday.
WILSHAW
Sunday morning Holy Communion at St Mary’s Church was taken by the Rev Judy Kenworthy who welcomed everyone, offered the prayers and gave the address on the theme of Faithfulness. She was the celebrant, assisted at the altar rail by churchwarden Raymond Dyson. Lessons were read by Elizabeth Pearson, who was also the organist, and Masie Taylor took up the offertory.
WOOLDALE
The service at Wooldale Methodist Free Church on Sunday was led by Mr David Johnson who took his readings from Proverbs 4 verses 1 to 18 and from John 14 verses 1 to 11. In his sermon he spoke of the word of God being like a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, that whatever our needs are in life we will find the way to go from the written word of God in the best book we will ever read the bible.Organist was Mr Peter Coldwell.
Morning worship at the Methodist Church was led by Brian Williams. Nigel Morris was the organist. The evening service was led by Jo Rand. The organist was Sue Ogden.
The monthly social event was a talk entitled “In the Christian Bookshop” by Judith Robinson.
