GOLCAR

Betty Taylor welcomed the congregation and led the Worship in Today’s World service at St John’s Church. The theme of the service was look for the silver lining or seeking the good wherever it may be, on which Maggie Cuss based her address. Bible readings were given by Andrea France and Anne Crosland read a poem. Helen Davis led the prayers. Sunday Club gave a role play on the same theme. Ann Norton was the pianist.

LINTHWAITE

Elaine Nixon led worship at Linthwaite Methodist Church on the theme for the day – Covenant Sunday ‘God’s Promise. Elaine read from Isaiah 43 verses 1-4 – God’s Message and Margaret Moriarty read from Luke 3 verses 15-18 and 21-22 – John the Baptist answers.

A new luncheon club, open to everybody aged 70 and over who lives in Linthwaite will serve their first meals on Thursday January 31 at Linthwaite Methodist Church, Stones Lane. The meal will comprise of two courses and a hot drink for £4, and will commence at noon to eat at 12.30pm. Organised by Linda Nuttall and Hilary Baxter, it is hoped that there will be enough demand that the club will meet throughout the year on a fortnightly basis. For more information or to book, please phone Hilary on 842589 or Linda on 842626.

M@ARSDEN

Morning Worship at the United Church Marsden on Sunday was led by Rev Ann Sherratt. Marjorie and Brian Boothroyd shared Bible readings from Isaiah, Acts of the Apostles and Luke’s Gospel. Chris Cook was the organist. After the service a faith lunch was served in the hall and Rev Ann Sherratt chaired the Annual Church Meeting.

Holy Communion at St Bartholomew’s was celebrated by the vicar, the Rev Geoff Garside. At the beginning of the service the vicar talked to the children about Epiphany and the figures of the Magi were carried from the high altar in the East to the crib in the West end of the church to denote their journey to Bethlehem. At the end of the service the children led by Alison Gibson spoke about their activities on Baptism. The lessons from Isaiah 43 verses 1-7 and Acts 8 verses 14-17 were read by Betty Hollinbery. The Gospel from Luke 3 verses 15-17, 21 and 22 was read by Geoffrey Holroyd. Prayers were offered by Alison Fisher. John Wilson was the organist. Sideswomen were Susan Everill and Jean Pennington. Coffee was served by David Corps.

Today at 9.30am a service of Holy Communion will be held in the Lady Chapel.

M@ILNSBRIDGE

Kevin Waterhouse gave a talk on "The brazen serpent" at the Wednesday evening Bible class at Milnsbridge Christadelphians.

The Sunday services were led by Kevin Waterhouse. The speaker for the day was Richard Instone from Blackburn. His subject at the evening lecture was "Living in the Kingdom of God."

The meetings planned for the coming week include a coffee morning Bible reading group on Tuesday at 10.30am. On Wednesday at 7.30pm it will be the quarterly business meeting. The seminar group is to meet at 7pm on Thursday, to continue their study of the old testament book of Ruth.

The subject for the Bible talk on Sunday January 20 at 6pm will be " What will happen to you when Jesus returns?" Visitors are most welcome to come along to the meetings and services.

P@ARKWOOD

Marion Lloyd welcomed the congregation to the covenant service at Parkwood Methodist church on Sunday morning. Preacher and pianist was Rev Pamela Ward, assisted by Reene Wyatt and Audrey Holdsworth. Bible reader was Jill Ritchie, with visual aids by Joe Lloyd. Coffee was served after the service by Margaret Noble, Christine and Liam.

S@LAITHWAITE

Slaithwaite Good Companions met again after the Christmas break, when the speaker was member Wendy Blackburn, who gave a series of readings and humorous poems, some with a Christmas theme. Members learned that Christian Awake was written by John Byrom for his young daughter, Dolly, who asked for a poem for Christmas. It was later put to music by a friend. She was thanked by Bessie Whitwam and the pianist was Maureen Weaving.

St James’ Parish Church Holy Communion service was led by Rev Robin Townsend, assisted by Raymond Denton. The lesson from Psalm 36, was read by Raymond. The Holy Gospel, St John chapter 2 verses 1-12, "Jesus Performs his First Miracle at the Wedding of Canaa. The address was entitled The Reason We Marry. Prayers were led by Sara Brown, and the organist was Alvi Whithead.