CLAYTON WEST

Morning worship at the Methodist Church for Pentecost was led by Frank Lukey from Penistone. He spoke of the different gifts we are all given and that God wants us to ask, seek and find through the gift of the Holy Spirit his plans for us. The greatest is the gift of love. Jane Woodcock read from gospel of John about the gift of the Holy Spirit, and Beryl Holt read from letter to Corinthians about the gift of faith, hope and most important, love. The stewards were Diana Hunt and Maxine Lodge, and a gift of flowers for the communion table was from Beryl Holt. After the service everyone enjoyed coffee, homemade scones and biscuits served by Jane Woodcock.

DENBY DALE

The prayer and Bible fellowship met in Monday evening led by Robert Nuttall at Zion Wesleyan Reform Chapel. The Sunday school celebrated Pentecost with a Quiz, Crafts, stories; songs and refreshments. On Sunday evening a Pentecost Praise Service was led by Robert Nuttall. The singing was led by Hobson's Chorus conducted by Jane Hobson. The Bible was read by Margaret Cocking and Mike Hopcroft. Refreshments were served after the service. Xylosound will be visiting Zion Chapel on Friday June 15at 1.30pm and everyone is invited to this concert.

EMLEY

An empty glass, a flat bicycle tyre and an electric drill with no power source – those were the visual aids used by the Rev John Marsh at St Michael’s Church to show that many tasks and experiences are dependent on secondary resources, in this case water, air and power, provided for Christians by the Holy Spirit. It was an interesting interpretation of the Pentecost story, where the early Christians were massively inspired by the wind, fire and power of the Holy Spirit promised and sent by Jesus, so much so that onlookers thought they were drunk at half past nine in the morning! There was no evening service last week.

The social event, the Singathon, was much enjoyed by those who came. A variety of songs and hymns, modern and traditional, had been sponsored by friends and members of the congregation and these were played alongside others to provide a banquet of singing and worshipping. St Michael’s Church Choir sang two pieces, which were well-received and led into a group of traditional hymns. The words, and some of the music, were computer-generated on the “big screen” and three organists took turns in accompanying the singers. Several people explained the reasons for their choices of music and the refreshments which were available gave a welcome break.” This was a really enjoyable sing and raised over £78 towards church funds.

On Saturday June 2 from 2pm the church is holding a family fun afternoon to celebrate the Jubilee and hope family groups will come and enjoy games, a quiz and a treasure hunt, weather permitting out on the grassed area of the churchyard. No unaccompanied children please.

At the end of June, Emley will again open some fifteen of its gardens to the public to raise money for the church – more details soon.

The morning service on Sunday June 3 is a First Sunday Worship for All service at 10.45 am followed by a Worship service at 6pm. Everyone welcome!

SHELLEY

Jubilee events in Shelley. Thursday, May 31: Community Dinner and Barbecue at Armitage’s – nearly sold out! Friday, June 1: Shelley First School procession round village 9.30 to 10.30am. Sat, June 2. Eve Charity Auction, at Flying Ferret. Sun, 3 June: United Service at Shelley Village Hall followed by a Bring and Share lunch – everyone welcome. Mon, June 4: 11am – 5pm Hog Roast and Family Fun Day with stalls, face painting at Flying Ferret. Thurs, June 7: 5.15pm Children’s Street Party at Armitage’s. Childrens tea served ‘street party’ style, fancy dress, and treasure hunt. Tickets £6 from Armitage’s or 01484 609032. Fri/Sat, June 22 and 23: Jubilee Art Exhibition, Emmanuel Church – details 01484 604486.

Shelley over 60s held their meeting last Thursday in the Village Hall. The bingo line was won by Bessie Usher and the full house was shared between Jo Morrison and John Walker. No-one had the first three numbers on one card so the prize was carried to next week. The whist high of 92 was won by Joan Cope and Bessie Usher and the low of 66 went to Audrey Taylor from seven tables. Before playing bingo members held a minute’s silence in respect for Dorothy Greensmith who passed away recently. There were four birthdays to celebrate this week – Lorna McDonald, Ken Cassinelli, Granville Woodhead and John Cook, and Margaret Dickenson was welcomed as a new member. Raffle prizes were won by Sylvia Stevenson, Bessie Usher, Walter Astin, Fred Huddle and Linda Brauner.

SKELMANTHORPE

On Friday evening at Skelmanthorpe Methodist Church, Skelmanthorpe Male Voice Choir hosted a concert, conducted by Jane Hobson, accompanied by Gryff Jones and Craig Schofield. Guests were Skelmanthorpe First and Nursery School Choir, directed by Amanda Murfin and accompanied by Cath Williams.

Skelmanthorpe Churches Together Choir performed Saints Alive, a musical about Pentecost, on Saturday evening at St Aidan’s Church. The director was Chris Ward, accompanist Jonathan Woodcock.

Skelmanthorpe Methodist Church hosted a village Pentecost service on Sunday. Stewart Merry was the preacher. A music group accompanied him. Jonathon Woodcock was organist.