BROCKHOLES

Members of the Methodist Church celebrated its chapel anniversary on Sunday when the preacher was Mrs Jean Barrowclough, of Crosland Moor. The readers were Mrs Jan Gaunt and Mr Michael Pears and the pianist was Mrs Kath Gaukroger. Lunch was served afterwards.

Family communion at St George’s Church was celebrated by the Rev David Barnes. The server was Mrs R Watts and Mrs Joan Oldfield read the first lesson. The vicar delivered the gospel and in his sermon referred to Wise Words. The organist was Verena Wood, who also played the piano for hymns accompanied by Mrs and Mrs Warton on guitar and mandolin and by Noel Clarke on the recorder. Mrs Joan Oldfield and Mrs Helen Dickinson were the sidesmen and refreshments were served afterwards. During the afternoon, members of the choir and congregation attended a patronal service at St Mary's Church, Honley, celebrated by the Bishop of Pontefract the Ret Rev Tony Robinson.

HOLMBRIDGE

Three's Company, a gathering for retired people, was organised by John and Dorothy Parker. It included table-top games and light refreshments.

Ian Gold chaired a meeting of the parochial church council on Tuesday and also led Friday prayers. Meetings of the Monkey Business, Over 60s club and Tumble Tots were held during the week.

Parish Eucharist at St David’s Church was led by the Rev Roger Nelson when lessons were read by Ian Gold and Judi Bamford. Carolyn Burley led intercessions and the chalice was administered by Ian Gold. Joyce Smith led the crèche and junior church and the organist was Eddie Purcell.

The Rev Roger Nelson conducted evensong when Thelma Nelson read the lesson and the pianist was Audrey Brooke.

HOLMFIRTH

Today Is The Day was one of Holmfirth Christian Centre’s songs celebrating being back at the newly-refurbished Phoenix Centre. It was great to be back and the atmosphere was one of excitement and thanksgiving to God. Pastor Ian Gooch brought God’s word – A People of Life – bringing the gospel to the world, being positive, happy, worshipping, giving and Kingdom people. Becky Gooch brought the word to the young children and youth through Bible stories, games and song.

HONLEY

Members of the Probus Club observed a silence as a mark of respect for John Boothroyd, who had died the previous day. Ann Littlewood spoke on her 32 years as a psychiatric nurse, working mainly at Storthes Hall Hospital, Kirkburton. She gave an account of the hospital from its opening in 1904 to its closure in 1991, including an explanation of changing attitudes to mental illness over the years. Norman Buckley proposed the vote of thanks.

The family service at St Mary’s Church was led by the Rev David Barnes when John Adams read the lesson and intercessions were led by Jane and Graham Wardman. Music for the service was provided by the music group.

The Rt Rev Tony Robinson, Bishop of Pontefract, celebrated a Patronal service at St Mary’s Church on Sunday evening. John Ambler read the lesson and the gospel reading was given by Dean Henry Stapleton. During the service, the choir sang the anthem He Came Singing Love by Colin Gibson. The organist was Jean Chadwick.

St Mary’s Mothers’ Union held a coffee morning in the parish room with the proceeds going to the Mothers’ Union overseas. Before the event, members took part in a Wave of Prayer organised by the Wakefield diocese.

MELTHAM

Members of Meltham St Bartholomew's Church held their biannual Art Exhibition and Sale in The Parish Church Hall , Greens End Road over the Bank Holiday weekend (August 28-31). In addition, artwork done by children from the three local primary schools of Meltham, Meltham Moor and Helme was displayed in the church. The weekend was a big success with about 430 people attending over the four days and £10,300 of paintings being sold. The event helped to bring together church, school and community and 54 people from within and outside the church assisted in stewarding and on the catering side over the four days. Three hundred paintings by local professional and amateur artists were on sale and 54 were sold. The weekend realised a profit of £4,563 for church funds made up of proceeds from art sales, catering and a raffle.

UPPERTHONG

Members of the Mothers’ Union at St John’s and All Saints’ churches, Netherthong, held a Wave of Prayer at St John’s Church. The event was followed by a faith lunch.

Midweek communion at St John’s Church was led by the Rev Di Ellerton, who was also celebrant. Lunch followed in the meeting room afterwards.

On Friday evening, a concert was held at St John’s Church featuring New Mill Male Voice Choir, members of Holmfirth Boys' Choir, singer Abbie Rose and saxophonist Eliot McGuire, who was accompanied by Elizabeth Hambleton. Proceeds were shared between New Mill choir and St John’s Church.

Early communion at St John’s Church was conducted by the Rev Di Ellerton, who also led family worship when the readers were Les Hopkins and Sarah Drummond. The organist was Adam Greenhalgh. Coffee and biscuits were served afterwards by Sue Dawson.

WOOLDALE

The service on Sunday at Wooldale Methodist Free Church was led by Mr Robert Booth who took his readings from Joshua and from John. His message was ‘Be ready always to serve the Lord your God’. The organist was Mr Peter Coldwell.

Sunday worship at Wooldale Methodist Church was led by Verena Wood. Nigel Morris was the organist.