BROCKHOLES

Parish communion at St George’s Church was celebrated by Dean Henry Stapleton, who spoke about Seeking God in the Little Things. He invited young chorister Iris to light the two Advent candles. Elizabeth Mosley read the lesson. Roger Kenworthy was the server. Verena Wood was the organist.

Sung evensong was led by the Rev Jenny Barnes, who spoke of the ministry of John the Baptist. Rosalind Watt read the lessons and Dr Paul Arthur was the organist.

Mr Steven Harvey led worship at the Methodist Church. Mr Keith Garside was the organist. The second Advent candle was lit by Mrs Janet Grant and the Bible reading was given by Mr Paul Grant.

On Sunday, there will be no 10.30am service at the Methodist Church. Instead, a carol service will be held at the church with music by Vintage Brass. All are welcome and refreshments will be available.

GATEHEAD

The annual Carol Service at the Methodist Church is on Sunday December 16 at 3pm. The guests are Skelmanthorpe Band and the service will be led by Barbara Rochester. There’s a warm welcome to all.

HEPWORTH

Looks Like Christmas – visual displays of the Nativity scene as seen through the eyes of individuals, local groups and organisations – will be shown at Hepworth Church on Saturday, 10am-noon. The musical programme will include: Margaret Battye (keyboard); 1.30pm; Scholes School Choir; 3pm-ish; The Robertson Family (organ/piano, cello, two cornets). On Sunday noon-1pm The Drummond Family (piano, cello, oboe, violin); 1pm-2pm Christine Lockwood (organ/piano); 2.30pm-3.15pm The Valley Flutes; 3.45pm Holy Trinity Singers.

Parish eucharist was celebrated at Holy Trinity Church on Sunday morning by the Rev Keith Griffin who also led the prayers. The reader was Cheryl Roberts, and John Bullimore gave the address. The organist was Jane Robertson.

During the reading of the notices, the congregation were reminded of this weekend's Looks Like Christmas exhibition in church when 25 displays depicting The Nativity Scene will be on show.

HOLMBRIDGE

The Rev Nick Heaton chaired a meeting of the parochial church council at St David’s Church on Tuesday.

The Rev Geoff Bamford led midweek Holy Communion when lessons were read by Ian Gold.

Monkey Business, the free lunch and Over 60s Club were held.

On Thursday, the Little Gang pre-school group held a Christmas service and party at the church. Friday evening prayers were led by Ian Gold.

Parish Eucharist and Advent Gift service at St David’s Church was led by the Rev Geoff Bamford. Lessons were read by Peggy Whiteley and Susan Barber. Intercessions were led by Carolyn Burley and the organist was Jean Chadwick.

In the afternoon, members of the congregation joined others at Holmfirth Parish Church for the team confirmation service at which Izzy Burdon and Joe Bounds, of St David’s, were confirmed by the Bishop of Pontefract, the Rt Rev Tony Robinson.

HONLEY

Mr Ken Kaye replaced the advertised speaker at short notice when the Probus Club met in the community centre. He gave an entertaining and informative talk illustrated by slides of old photographs on the subject of the local film industry. Pictures relating to Bamforth's Holmfirth studios were followed by views of many of the old cinemas in Huddersfield and district – most now gone or converted to other uses. Leslie Chadwick proposed the vote of thanks.

Parish eucharist at St Mary’s Church was conducted by Dean Henry Stapleton. The second Advent candle was lit by Hazel and Bill Kemp and Clive Green read the lesson. Intercessions were led by Clive Waind, who also assisted with the chalice. John Adams was the server and the organist was Jean Cheeseman.

St Mary’s Mothers’ Union held its annual party in the parish room. A hot supper was organised by Andrea Green and Pauline Adams. Alison Dean was the compere and carols were accompanied by Jenny Waind.

SCHOLES

The service at Scholes Methodist Church on Sunday, December 9 was a Readers’ Service led by Hilary Deakin, Peter Lockwood and Jane Cannon. The congregation were welcomed at the door by Lise Newsome and the organist was Julia Noble. Andrew Cannon read from Isaiah 2 verses 1-5, Romans 13 verses 8-15 and the Gospel lesson from Matthew 24 verses 36-44. Wilf Battye led the Prayer of Confession and coffee and biscuits were served by Margaret Hill, June Trott and Cynthia Osborne.

UPPERTHONG

The Tuesday morning prayer breakfast was held at the home of the Dawsons.

Holy communion on Thursday at St John’s Church was led by the Rev Geoff Banks, who read the gospel, preached the sermon and was celebrant. The reader was Hilary Broadbent. Sue Dawson led prayers and the Rev Di Ellerton assisted with the chalice. Philip Broadbent was the pianist.

A Christmas lunch was held in the meeting room afterwards, with the proceeds going to Shelter.

Family communion at St John’s Church was led by the Rev Di Ellerton, who was also the celebrant. The readers were John Ellerton and Liz Stead. Ray Thompson led prayers and assisted with the chalice. Ian Greenhalgh was the organist and refreshments were served afterwards.

On Sunday afternoon, members of St John’s Church attended the confirmation service at Holy Trinity Church, Holmfirth, to support four members of the congregation who were being confirmed by the Bishop of Pontefract, the Rt Rev Tony Robinson.

WILSHAW

A service of Holy Communion was held at St Mary’s last Sunday. Rev Judy Kenworthy led the service, and spoke about turning back to God and being forgiven. Jackie France assisted with the chalice, Louise Brook read the lessons, and Liz Pearson was the organist.

Following the service the choir met to rehearse for the carol service to be held next Sunday, December 16 at 6pm.

WOOLDALE

Morning worship at the Methodist Church was led by Mr Brian Williams. The organist was Sue Ogden and refreshments were served afterwards.