GOLCAR
The Rev Harry Gwinett led the family communion service at St John’s Church and was helped by children to light the three Advent candles. A short film was shown – How The Grinch Stole Christmas. A reading was given – “John the Baptist Prepares the Way” - and Harry based his address on “Are you Ready for Christmas? Are we making the Right Decisions?” Richard Lodge led the prayers and Ann Norton was the organist. The children had made lanterns, bells and Christmas cards.
At a service in the afternoon Harry baptised Tia Grace Alara Dodson, Melanie Joanne Dodson and Milley Rose Evans. Each was welcomed into the church family.
The Carols by Candlelight Service in the evening was led by Rev Harry. Carols and readings were interspersed with poignant videos shown by Harry. The collection was for the Welcome Centre on Lord Street, Huddersfield.
On Sunday, December 23 from 10am there will be a Christingle Service and from 5pm Synergy will be held.
A Nativity service will be held on Sunday December 23 at 10.30am and the Carol Service will be at 6pm. Everyone welcome.
Mr Ian Day welcomed everyone to the Sunday morning service at Providence Methodist Church, Golcar. Mr Raymond Nichols led the service with the theme Helping People. Sheena and Ian Day lit the third Advent candle. Mr Ian Day read a lesson from Isaiah Chapter 40, verses 1-11. Mrs Barbara Armitage read from Mark Chapter 1, verses 1-8. Mr Granville Brook was the organist. Providence Methodist Church Nativity Service this Sunday will be at 10.30 am. The Carol Service will be at 6pm. Everyone welcome.
LINTHWAITE
Morning worship at Linthwaite Methodist Church was led by Liz Bishop, and the third candle on the Advent ring was lit by Sue Haigh and her granddaughters Rhiannon and Charlotte. The theme of Mrs Bishop’s service was Preparation. The readings were read by Henry and Margaret Tennant and were taken from Luke 3 v 7-18 and Philippians 4 v 4-7.
Next Sunday evening’s Carol Service at Linthwaite Methodist Church will commence at 6pm, with Linthwaite Brass Band as guests – come and be welcome.
On Christmas Eve at 6pm Linthwaite Methodist Church will hold their annual Christingle Service which will include members of the Junior Church telling a Christmas story.
MARSDEN
Margaret Brierley led worship at the United Church on Sunday morning. The theme of her address was The Good News of Advent. Norman Dias lit the third Advent candle and bible readings were given by Rex Bamforth, Kathleen Jackson and Edward Sheldrake. Refreshments afterwards were served by Christine and John Tillson.
A service of Sung Eucharist was celebrated at St Bartholomew’s on Sunday, led by the vicar, the Rev Geoff Garside.The lessons from Isaiah 12 verses 2-6 and Philippians 4 verses 4-7 were read by David Corps who also offered prayers. The Gospel from St Luke 3 verses 7-18 was read by the vicar. The Junior Church led by Alison Gibson listened to the Christmas Story and drew and painted pictures of the Shepherds and Angels. Geoffrey Holroyd, Lay Reader, preached the sermon. Sideswomen were Alison Gibson, Joan Bradbury and Jean Pennington. Coffee was served by Susan Everill and Christine Garside.
In the afternoon a service of Nine Lessons and Carols was held jointly with the United Church.
Today, Tuesday at 9.30am there will be Advent Mass and celebration of Our Lady of Walsingham. Thursday at 2pm Advent Worship. Friday 7pm Family Christmas Party in the Hall with faith supper. Saturday 7.30pm Grand Christmas Concert in Church with Marsden Silver Prize Band and Colne Valley Male Voice Choir. Soloist is Sarah Ogden (soprano) and compere Peter Armitage MBE. Tickets, priced £8 adults and £5 children are available from Duncan’s Hairdresser Warehouse Hill Marsden Tel 845311 (shop hours only) or at the door. Refreshments will be available.
MILNSBRIDGE
At the Milnsbridge Christadelphians’ Bible class on Wednesday evening a Bible readings discussion session was led by Kevin Charlesworth. The chapters studied were Job 14, Habakkuk 1 and 1 Peter 2.
The Sunday services were led by Martin Spencer with David Turner playing the organ. The speaker for the day was John Murgatroyd from Heckmondwike. His subject at the evening talk was “Do not ignore the Old Testament.”
The meetings planned for the coming week are: The coffee morning reading group will meet on Tuesday at 10.30 am. The Bible class subject on Wednesday December 19 at 7.30pm is “The signs of the times.” On Sunday evening at 6pm there is an open invitation to join in at the Carol service, for an evening of carols and Bible readings as the gift of Jesus Christ is remembered.
PARKWOOD
A Christmas lunch was held at Parkwood Methodist Church on Wednesday, organised by Barbara Rushforth, Sheila and Robin and ladies of the church. There was also a carol sing-a-long, with pianist Naomi Sharp.
A community breakfast was held on Saturday morning at the church, organised by Freda and Joe Lloyd, assisted by church members.
Marion Lloyd welcomed the congregation to a communion service at Parkwood Methodist Church on Sunday morning. Preacher was the Rev Pam Ward, assisted by Reene Wyatt. The third Advent candle ring ceremony was included during the service. Coffee was served after the service by Pat and Albert Battye.
Karaoke Carols around the Christmas Tree will be held on Saturday December 22 at Parkwood Methodist Church at 4pm. There will be Christmas crafts, mince pies and refreshments. All are welcome.
SLAITHWAITE
Slaithwaite Good Companions held their Christmas Party and enjoyed an excellent buffet meal provided by Andrea and her staff. This was followed by entertainment from The Wayfarers, featuring songs and jokes and music. Then there was a visit from Father Christmas. There was also a raffle with many prizes – sufficient for everybody to receive one. Nine members of Slaithwaite Brass Band finished off the evening, playing carols and there was a sing-a-long. They always put members in the mood for Christmas. President Patricia Parkinson proposed various votes of thanks and especially to Maureen Weaving, the secretary/treasurer who does so much for the club. Calling ladies of a certain age – if you would like to join the group, established 60 years ago, meetings are held weekly, Thursday afternoons, 2pm, Slaithwaite Civic Hall. The next meeting is on January 10.
St James’ Parish Church Holy Communion service for the third Sunday of Advent was led by Rev Robin Townsend, assisted by Raymond Denton. The lesson from Zephaniah chapter 3 verses 14-20 – A Song Of Love – was read by Patricia Parkinson. The Holy Gospel, St Luke chapter 3 from verse 1 –The Preaching of John the Baptist – and the address – Divine Opportunity– were given by Rev Robin. The prayers were led by Raymond and the organist was Alvi Whitehead.
After the coffee break members of the church went to the Wharfside Hotel to enjoy a Christmas lunch organised by Margaret Warren and Jean Lobley.
The Sunday morning service at the Methodist Church was led by the Rev Jo Archer-Siddal. The Third Advent Candle – The Candle of Joy – was lit. The Rev Jo concluded her series of talks over the past weeks as she led the congregation on a journey in the Quest for Holiness with verses from Philippians, Acts and Mark. The service included Holy Communion and the organist was Roger Mitchell.
