BROCKHOLES

Parish communion at St George's Church was celebrated by the Rev John Barnes, who spoke of ‘The importance of saying Thank You’. During the service, he baptised Jude Michael Thomas Nasey, the son of Daniel and Joanne. Rosalind Watt read the lesson and was the server. The organist was Verena Wood.

On Thursday, ‘Music for a Summer's Evening’ was performed at St George's Church by Maxwell Kenworthy and Jonny Davies, both professional organists who showed their versatility in a varied programme ranging from organ music by JS Bach through to sonatas for violin and keyboard by Handel and Beethoven to baritone solos and jazz. The guest musicians were joined by Roger Kenworthy on the double bass. During the interval, wine, soft drinks and nibbles were served. Churchwarden Rosalind Watt thanked the performers.

The church bell was rung at 8.12am on Friday in company with bells around the country to mark the opening of the Olympic Games.

The Rev Tim Moor led worship at the Methodist Church and administered the sacrament. The readers were Mr Paul Grant and Mr Granville Dews. The organist was Mr Robert Booth.

HEPWORTH

The church bell was rung by Richard Southam for three minutes at 8.12am on Friday as part of the national bellringing initiative to welcome in the Olympic Games. Parish Eucharist was celebrated by the Rev Geoff Bamford on Sunday morning. The reader was Lorraine Pollitt, prayers were led by Simon Cave and Louise Vigor assisted with the chalice during communion. The organist was Jane Robertson.

HOLMBRIDGE

A service of family communion on Sunday at St David's Church, Holmbridge, was celebrated by the vicar, the Rev Nick Heaton. The readers were Margaret Tupling and Susan Barber. The organist was Jean Chadwick. MIdweek holy communion was also conducted by the vicar.

HONLEY

Parish Eucharist at St Mary's Church, Honley, was celebrated by the Rev John Barnes. The lesson was read by Pat Dransfield and intercessions were led by Diana Griffiths. Vernon Briggs was the organist. On Sunday evening a Taize service replaced the usual evening prayers.

MELTHAM

Last Sunday the four churches of the Parish of Christ the King, Meltham, came together to share in a united parish communion at St Bartholomew’s Church. Church members from St James’, Meltham Mills, St Mary’s, Wilshaw, Christ Church, Helme, and St Bartholomew’s, Meltham, had a good sing, led by the choir, and enjoyed the shared act of worship. The Rev Maureen Read led the service, preached and was the celebrant, assisted by the Rev John Ratcliffe, and the Rev Judy Kenworthy. The Rev Peter Rolls led the prayers, Norman Webb and Mabel Bagnall read the lessons and Jean Collison was the organist. Refreshments were served in the church hall following the service.

SCHOLES

The service at Scholes Methodist Church on July 22 was led by the Rev Helen Johnson who has recently become a minister and is taking up an appointment in Rochdale in September. The worshippers were welcomed by Edward and Amy Booth and the organist was Christine Lockwood. The theme of the service was ‘The Feeding of the 5,000’. Helen spoke to the children about miracles and the congregation of 50 shared one Cadbury's flake to symbolise the miracle. Part of Mark chapter 6 and Ephesians chapter 2 was read by Sylvia Parker. Coffee was served by Jane Trumbell and Christine Lockwood.

UPPERTHONG

The Tuesday morning prayer breakfast was held at the home of the Dawsons. Holy communion on Thursday at St John's Church, Upperthong, was led by the Rev Geoff Banks, who was also the celebrant. Lunch followed in the meeting room. Sunday morning family communion with healing was led by the Rev Di Ellerton. The readers were Graham Dawson and Karen Beattie. Prayers were led by Sue Dawson. Pat Hopkins and Val Shuttleworth administered the bread and wine. Adam Greenhalgh was the organist. Refreshments were served by Hilary Roberts and a retiring collection was held for the Hebden Bridge Flood Relief Appeal.

WILSHAW

On Sunday, July 22, the Rev Peter Rolls led a service of Holy Communion. Liz Pearson was the organist, Louise Brook read the lessons, and Kim Howe assisted with the chalice. Last Friday, July 27 the church bell was rung for three minutes from 8.12-8.15am to celebrate the opening of the London Olympic Games 2012. Madeleine and Francesca Ramsay enjoyed the chance to ring the bell on our behalf and they did a great job. Last Saturday, Ann Parker and Ian Fryer were married at St Mary’s and the congregation offer them their congratulations and best wishes for a long and happy life together. There was no service at St Mary’s on Sunday, as they shared in a United Parish communion at St Bartholomew’s, Meltham.

WOOLDALE

Morning worship at Wooldale Methodist Church was led by Trevor Jones. Nigel Morris was the organist and refreshments were served.

The service on Sunday at Wooldale Methodist Free Church was led by Mrs Margaret Tinker, who based her service on a wedding that she had attended. The readings were taken from the order of service. The church was called St Francis of Assisi, so her theme was about St Francis and his work. The service the previous Sunday, July 22, was led by Mrs Carole Senior and was about ‘Firm Foundations’. The organist for both services was Mr Peter Coldwell.