BROCKHOLES

The 150th anniversary celebrations of St George’s Church was launched at parish Eucharist for Advent Sunday. The Rt Rev Tony Robinson, Bishop of Pontefract was the celebrant. The service was attended by members of St Mary’s Church, Honley and the Rev Dr Lionel Wickham and the Rev Philip Moat, past clergy of the parish. The joint choirs of St George’s and St Mary’s led the singing under the direction of Verena Wood. Margaret Kenworthy read the epistle and Dean Henry Stapleton read the gospel. In his address, Bishop Tony spoke of the part each of us plays in forwarding the Kingdom of God by showing love to God and neighbour. He also invited Frederick, a young member of the congregation, to light the first Advent candle. The Revs Jenny and John Barnes assisted the bishop during communion. The organist was Dr Michael Clarke. After the service, there was an opportunity to catch up with old and new friends over a snack lunch in the village hall.

The Rev John Hardy led the sacramental service at the Methodist Church. Mrs Kate Gaukroger played the piano. The scripture was read by Mrs Jan Gaunt, who also lit the first Advent candle. Refreshments were served afterwards

HEPWORTH

Members of the Mothers Union enjoyed lunch at The Olive Tree restaurant at Totties Garden centre on Tuesday. Organised by leader Gloria Styring, eleven members attended this social gathering. The first of four weekly Soup and Bread lunches was served at Hepworth Church on Friday lunchtime between noon and 1.30pm. This simple meal of soup and bread, mince pie and tea will be served on the three Fridays leading up to Christmas and costs £2 per adult, children half price. The monthly quiz in the Sports & Social Club was held on Saturday evening and was set by Simon Cave. The winners were Mark Tibbenham and Helen and Tom Cave. Supper was served by Ann Walker. Earlier in the day, a successful Coffee Morning was held in the club to raise money for the football club. Parish Eucharist was celebrated at Holy Trinity Church on Sunday morning by the Rev Keith Griffin. At the start of the service, as the Sunday School children gathered round the Advent wreath, Florence Berkeley lit the first candle. The reader was Lorraine Pollitt; prayers were led by Jane Selkirk and the organist was Jane Robertson.

HOLMBRIDGE

Tea at Three, a gathering for the elderly, was held on Monday. Entertainment was provided by Ian Gold and food was organised by Margaret Tupling.

Midweek Holy Communion at St David’s Church was led by the Rev Nick Heaton, who also read the lessons. Monkey Business, the free lunch and the Over 60s Club were also held. Friday evening prayers were led by the Rev Geoff Bamford.

Worship Together for Advent Sunday at St David’s Church was led by the Rev Nick Heaton. The readers were Carole Heaton and Charles Cooper. Intercessions were led by Carolyn Burley and the organist was Eddie Purcell.

HOLMFIRTH

Last Sunday’s worship at Holmfirth Methodist Church began with the lighting of the first candle in the Advent ring by Martyn and Cathy Till. The service was led by Barbara Rochester supported by Margaret Heeley’s worship team. Naturally on the first Sunday in Advent the theme was “Waiting”. A short drama, performed by Jonathan, Laura, Margaret and members of the Junior Church, and a dramatic reading, read by Phil, Martin, Peter and Laura, both provided appropriate illustrations of the theme. As usual the lively singing was beautifully accompanied by Barbara at the piano. During the service members of the congregation generously donated toys that will be given to a local refuge so that the children and their mothers can receive presents at Christmas. Next Sunday there will be a performance of Handel’s Messiah at the church, starting at 6.30pm. The soloists will be Stephanie Ball (soprano), Rebecca Parr (contralto), Jonathan Wilby (tenor) and Nigel Rothery (bass); the organist will be Malcolm Hinchliffe and the conductor Geoffrey Lockwood. The Church Choir will be augmented by friends and supporters. All are welcome, either to sing with the choir or to join the congregation.

HONLEY

On Saturday St Mary’s Church held its 9th annual Street Market in Church Street. About 50 stalls including ones organised by the church and a number of charities offered a variety of food and craft goods whilst there was a continuous programme of music in church. At the same time a Christmas Tree Festival took place in Trinity Church and a Craft Fair at the Village Hall. On Sunday morning members of St Mary’s congregation attended the service at St George’s, Brockholes, to mark the beginning of celebrations for the 150th Anniversary of St.George’s Church. The service was led by the Bishop of Pontefract. On Sunday evening Parish Eucharist at St Mary’s Church was celebrated by the Rev Jenny Barnes. Shirley Turner read the lesson, the server was Huw Griffiths and Jean Cheeseman played the organ.

MELTHAM

On Sunday, the Four Church congregations which make up the Parish of Christ the King came together for a confirmation service at St Bartholomew’s Church. Rev Maureen Read led the service and welcomed the Right Rev Tony Robinson, Bishop of Pontefract, who officiated at an adult baptism, confirmed nine candidates and presided at the Eucharist. Rev Denis Shields read the Epistle and Rev John Radcliffe read the Gospel. Simon Ball was the organist and the choir sang an anthem. Rev Peter Rolls assisted with the chalice and Rev Judy Kenworthy acted as Bishop’s Chaplain. Following the service a delicious buffet was served in the church hall to help the newly confirmed and their families to celebrate this special occasion.

SCHOLES

On the first Sunday in Advent the Rev Laura Hardy led the service when Peter Lockwood welcomed everyone at the door and Christine Lockwood was the organist. Lynne Vann and Jane Trumbell led the lighting of the first Advent candle with the theme " Be not afraid a new world is coming " Coffee and biscuits were served after the service by Peter and Christine Lockwood.

UPPERTHONG

The Tuesday morning prayer breakfast was held at the home of the Dawsons. In the afternoon, the monthly Messy Church took place and was attended by a large number of children. The event ended with sandwiches, buns and soft drinks.

Holy Communion on Thursday at John’s Church was led by the Rev John Capstick, who was also the celebrant. A faith lunch followed in the meeting room.

The family service at St John’s Church was led by the Rev Di Ellerton, who spoke on the theme of Advent and Hope. The Drummond family music group accompanied the singing. Refreshments were served afterwards by Karen Beattie.

WILSHAW

Layreader Hester Deacon led a service of morning prayer at St Mary’s Church last Sunday. Peter Pearson was sidesman, Rev Judy Kenworthy read the lessons and Liz Pearson was the organist. The choir met together for a rehearsal following the service.

WOOLDALE

Sunday service at Wooldale Methodist Free Church was led by Paul Joseph assisted by Margaret Tinker and Wendy Bower. The readings were taken from Zephaniah chapter 3 verses 14 to 17, Isaiah Chapter 9 verses 2 to 7 and Luke Chapter 2 verses 1 to 7. In his sermon Paul talked of the coming of the birth of Jesus and how at this time of advent we should remember once again why we have Christmas. The first of the advent candles was lit after the first hymn. The church also dedicated the new mission praise books kindly given by Elaine Hale in memory of her uncle Fred who was a life long worshipper at the church. The organist was Colin Hudson.

Morning Advent worship at the Methodist Church was led by Trevor Jones. Nigel Morris was the organist. Refreshments were served afterwards.