BIRDSEDGE
The 2012 Birdsedge Annual Festival beat the weather and was a great success. Rain throughout the week made the fields look like a quagmire but they drained well in the sun and wind and the event went ahead as planned. A big part of the festival was the opportunity for young musicians to play in front of a live audience. The Undiscovered, Jess and the Bon Bonz among others went down very well. Again the water balls were a big festival favourite along with the real ale, barbecue, Yummy Yorkshire ice cream and homemade teas and refreshments. Extra help with setting up was very much appreciated. (See pictures this page).
CLAYTON WEST
The morning service at the Methodist Church was led by Rose Merry from Skelmanthorpe, a reader in the Methodist Circuit. She spoke of how sharing our faith and supporting one another, and others in the wider world was important in our lives. Lessons were read from Deuteronomy by Beryl Holt, from Acts by Jane Hobson, and from Matthew by Wendy Barber. The stewards were Diana Hunt and Maxine Lodge. Jane Hobson played the piano. Flowers for the communion table were a gift from Emily Flack. After the service coffee and biscuits were served by Rosalyn Beevers. The monthly coffee morning for church funds was held last Saturday and included cake, Fairtrade, and book stalls. Bacon sandwiches were cooked and served by Lucie Froggatt.
EMLEY
Sunday was Good Shepherd Sunday at St Michael The Archangel, with readings and hymns relating to Jesus as the one looking after and healing people as a shepherd tends his flock. Not only does he heal those who come to him but he also cares for his disciples and expects them to go out and heal and minister, following his example. There were many people away on holiday this morning but the congregation went out to follow their call to look after their “neighbours”. There was no evening service.
On Saturday another valiant team, led by Michael Lee, turned out again and, armed with strimmers and good company, continued to tackle the overgrown churchyard, uncovering long-hidden graves and clearing paths to give better access. A light lunch was provided in church. Many thanks to all for all their hard work.
The usual midweek events, Coffee Morning and services are detailed on the notice board and the website. There is no Youth Work until September.
This Sunday’s morning service will be a joint service of Holy Communion, at 10am at St Michael’s together with the congregation from sister church, St James’ Flockton and there will be no evening service. Everyone is welcome. For more information and reviews of other events try our website: www.stmichaelsemley.org and follow the links.
SHELLEY
Members of Shelley Over 60s held their weekly meeting in the village hall last Thursday. It was a very well attended meeting. The whist high of 95 was won by Greta Hinchliffe and the low of 55 went to Lily Walker from nine tables. The bingo line was won by Pat Stephenson and the full house by Bessie Usher. There was no claim for the first three numbers on one card, so the prize carried over. There were five birthdays to celebrate this week – Les Mettrick, Alan Farrah, Peter Goodwill (70), Tessa Hawthorthwaite and Dorothy Thorpe (80). Raffle prizes were won by Jenny Rose, Wendy Kettlewell, Dorothy Jessop and Sylvia Stevenson.
SKELMANTHORPE
On Monday July 16, Skelmanthorpe Methodist Wives Group enjoyed a demonstration of card craft by Pat Smith of Denby, whose beautiful work was displayed, which included all sorts of greetings cards and paintings she had made. Pat also invited some members of the group to help to make a card, under her guidance. The hosts for the evening were Vanessa Marsden and Carole Charlesworth, who provided refreshments afterwards. Vanessa also read a short story.
On July 22, at Skelmanthorpe Methodist Church, worship was led by Mr Les Barber. The hymns, and the lessons which were read by Jean Leach and Clare Dodsley who was also the steward, supported the theme of 'The Good Shepherd'. Mr Barber introduced his talk by commenting on the different styles of shepherding around the country but emphasised that love was of prime importance in the way that God leads His people. The organist was Christine Senior.
