GOLCAR
The Rev Canon Martyn Crompton welcomed the congregation and led the parish communion service at St John’s Church. Old Testament readings were given by Andrea France and Betty Taylor. Canon Martyn gave the gospel reading and based his address on the three readings. Anne Crosland led the prayers and Ann Norton was the organist.
Sunday service at Golcar Baptist Church was conducted by the Rev Chris Thompson, the organist was Calinda Stockhill and the pianist was Chris Woodhead.
LINTHWAITE
An All Age Eucharist service at Christ Church was led by the Rev Stephen Henry, who preached, prayed, celebrated Holy Communion and gave a blessing. A lesson was read by Peter Linsell-Fraser and the pianist was Katherine Longbottom. The evening service was led by Margaret McQuillan, who read a lesson, preached, prayed and gave a blessing. A lesson was read by Derek Horne and the organist was Rhona Jepson.
LONGWOOD
On the morning of Epiphany Sunday, at St Mark’s Church, the sung Eucharist Service was led by Curate, the Rev Harry Gwinnett. Prior to the opening prayers, churchwarden David Verlander read notices, which included the sad news of the death of long-standing church family member Mary Kenworthy on Saturday January 1. The rota sheets, for church duties, for the next three months were available from Judith Pearson and the planning meeting, for the next Family Worship to be held at Judith and Peter’s home, on Tuesday evening. The clergy procession included the curate Harry, acolytes Samantha Yates and Hannah Jones, and server Chris Jones. The organist was Phil Turner and a small choir led the singing. Following the usual format, Bible readings from Isaiah and Ephesians were by Judith Pearson and Pat Jessop. Following his reading of The Gospel, from Matthew, Harry’s sermon included a report on his recent visit to a cinema with his grandchildren for a new film based on the Chronicles of Narnia and he also commented on some writings by CS Lewis which encourage people to consider that Jesus should be thought of not simply be a figure from the past, rather someone who is available for anyone today. The Sunday school pupils, with leaders Joan Morton, Michele Gregory and Charles Ross, were present throughout the service. Following the Nicene Creed, Judith Pearson delivered intercession prayers. During Communion Harry was assisted by Chris Jones as server, and the service drew to a close with the final hymn and Harry giving the dismissal and a Blessing. The service next Sunday will be the first family service in 2011.
January events include the LVG coffee morning on January 8 from 10am until noon at the Mechanics Hall and a community breakfast at Parkwood Methodist Church will be held on January 15, 9am until noon.
MARSDEN
Morning worship at the United Church on Sunday morning was led by the Rev R Nelson. Bible readings were by Jez Hackett, the organist was Marjorie Boothroyd.
MILNSBRIDGE
At the Milnsbridge Christadelphian Hall, on Wednesday December 22, Mr Paul Rose presided at the Bible class when Mr Andrew Walker of Doncaster gave a talk on The Lamb- Genesis to Revelation. On Sunday at 6pm all present watched a DVD – Life’s Story - The One Not Being Told.
On Wednesday December 29 Mr David Turner presided and Mr David McEvoy spoke from 2nd Timothy 3 and 4 Difficult Times to Come. On Sunday January 2, following an Ecclesial Tea, Mr James Walker presided at the evening meeting, when Mr Paul Rose gave a visual presentation entitled In the Beginning. Several members from the Sunday school gave Bible readings.
PARKWOOD
Marion Lloyd welcomed the congregation to Parkwood Methodist Church on Sunday morning. The preacher was Mr David Harris, Bible reader was Iris Harris and the organist was Kenneth Rothery. Visual aids were by Anne Ivy and Joe Lloyd. Coffee was served after the service by Audrey Holdsworth and Margaret Noble.
SLAITHWAITE
St James’ Parish Church family service with baptism was led by the Rev Robin Townsend, assisted by Raymond Denton. The babies christened were the twin daughters of the Rev Robin and Hiroko Townsend. The babies were named Louisa Miyako and Charis Miyabi, sisters for Patrick Hideomi. It was the first time the Rev Robin had christened twins. Prayers were led by Patricia Parkinson and the organist was Rodney Pearson. Coffee and sherry and christening cake was served in the lounge. This was followed by a short service of Holy Communion.
Sunday morning worship at the Methodist Church was led by Mr Ieuan Jones of Mount. He preached on the wonder of the star that led the wise men to the stable. The Old Testament lesson from Jeremiah was read by Bessie Whitwam and Muriel Morrison read the gospel reading from John. The organist was Wendy Redfearn.
