CLAYTON WEST

Morning Worship was held at All Saints’ Church, Clayton West, when an Ionian service was led by Kath McDaid and the speaker was Cathy Reardon. Readings from Acts 1 and Gospel of John were delivered by Jean Newby and Kath McDaid respectively. Cathy took as her theme ‘politics’ in the Bible and today. The forthcoming elections give all people, of every persuasion in our society, an opportunity to make a difference to our country; the event should not be ignored, she said. Prayers for the wider world were written and delivered by Jonathan Newcombe who was also the organist. Refreshments were served after the service by Marianne Taylor. Parishioners are reminded that this coming Sunday service s a joint service at St. Augustine’s, Scissett.

Morning Worship for Wesley Day at the Methodist Church was led by Les Barber, who spoke about the conversion of Methodism’s founder John Wesley on May 24, 1738, and also about the Ascension of Jesus and sending out of the disciples into the world. Lessons were read from John by Joan Bond and Acts by Lucie Froggatt. Stewards were Betty Booth and Joan Bond. The communion table flowers were a gift from Dorothy Fretwell. Coffee was served after the service.

The Tuesday afternoon fellowship met last week when the speaker was Adrian Lindley. He spoke about poetry and read poems, some of which were his own. Everyone enjoyed the meeting. Refreshments were served afterwards.

DENBY DALE

On Wednesday evening at Zion Wesleyan Reform Chapel, Denby Dale, First Impressions of Denby Dale gave a very successful fashion show for chapel funds. Supper was served and over £200 raised for chapel funds.

The Children's Club was held on Friday evening.

The Sunday School met on Sunday morning with stories and activities connected with the return of Jesus to heaven. Robert Nuttall was the preacher at the evening service when he spoke about Telling Others About Jesus.

Emley

Sunday after Ascension was celebrated with Holy Communion bythe Rev John Marsh at Emley Parish Church. Shelley Wild led the service, John Ryder and Carol Clough read the Bible, Dennis Roughsedge led prayers and Malcolm Jessop played the organ. In his sermon Mr Marsh highlighted how the disciples after Jesus’ ascension had to change their lives, embracing all people and carrying out his work. Today’s Christians do not have the influence on people’s lives they enjoyed in the past and so need to think of new ways of spreading Jesus’ work and love. Refreshments were provided. Tomorrow Pentecost will be celebrated jointly at St James, Flockton, at 10am.

KIRKBURTON

Curate, the Rev Robert Chambers led a special celebration of Sung Eucharist with Baptism in All Hallows Parish Church for the seventh Sunday after Easter. In his sermon he took for his theme Love One Another. Mrs Doreen Slater gave readings from the first chapter of the Acts of the Apostle and Mr Chambers 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St John. During the service, Mr Chambers baptised and welcomed into the fellowship of the Church, Oliver Bolton, Gracie Town and Sarah Hakier. Mr and Mrs Geoff Slater took up the chalice and paten and pastoral ministers Mrs Mary Chambers and Mr Malcolm Tibbott assisted with the distribution of the Sacrament. Mrs Joanne, Elizabeth and Megan Smith were sidesmen and took up the collection.Š Mrs Doreen Barraclough was the organist and after the service the worshippers enjoyed refreshments.

SHELLEY

Shelley Over 60s Club held their meeting in the village hall last Thursday. The bingo line was won by Audrey Taylor and the full house by Vera Rothson. The first three numbers on one card were not claimed and the prize carried over. The whist high of 90 was won by Vera Wilkinson and the low of 66 went to Edith Brookes from eight tables. Members sang a happy birthday to Ken Cassinelli. Raffle prizes were won by Joan Parker, Bessie Usher, Eunice Ramsden and Joyce Tyas.

SKELMANTHORPE

The preacher at the service at Skelmanthorpe Wesleyan Reform Church was Barry Parker, who spoke on the theme of Love. The reading was taken from John: 15 and the organist was John Orton. We have been asked to point out that a coffee morning held last week raised funds for Christian Aid, not for the church as reported.

UPPER DENBY

A recent meeting of Upper Denby Women’s Institute discussed the resolution: ‘The Government should do more to assist research into the disease and decline of bee colonies in this country.’ There was a yes vote to present at the National Federation Women’s Institute’s (NFWI) annual meeting in London in June. The competition for a small flower arrangement produced joint winners in K Fletcher and B Mosley. The next meeting, including lunch, will be on Tuesday June 9.