BIRDSEDGE

Sunday’s church service was taken by Matt Wright. He talked to the young people about Tithes – how we should give part of our regular income to the church to help people who don’t have enough. He read from Deuteronomy, which explained how it should be done. “We ought to give regularly nowadays”, he said, “and think more about Matthew” – Consider the Lilies . Matthew 11 v25-34 was chosen as favourites by two of the congregation. This is a ‘do not worry’ story as tomorrow will take care of itself. Finishing with Matthew 11 28-30 Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, I will give you rest...’ Next week’s service will be taken by Tony Hudson from the Christian Motorcyclists Association.

A tea dance in the village hall was a success. The film today (Saturday) is The Sound of Music, singalong version, at 6.30pm, with Monty Python’s Holy Grail in the bar. Admission is free. Refreshments will be served at half time. The Halloween Quiz will be next Friday October 30 at 8.30pm with a kids Halloween Party on the Saturday from 6pm.

CLAYTON WEST

A warm welcome was given to Tasha Abigail, her godparents, Ross, Sean and Wendy, other family members and friends on the occasion of her baptism at All Saints’ Church, Clayton West, on Sunday. Tasha’s baptism took place during the service of Parish Communion, led by the Rev Joy Cousans. Readings to celebrate Saint Luke’s Day were delivered by George Lane and Olivia England from the second letter of Paul to Timothy and the gospel of Luke respectively. The Rev Joy’s talk was based on Trust – a trust in people and a trust in God which continues to grow as problems are encountered and resolved through prayer. Jonathan Newcombe prepared and delivered prayers for the wider world. Jonathan was also the organist for the choir item during communion – Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiringby J S Bach. After the service, refreshments were prepared and served by Margaret Morris and Christine Meredith.

Morning worship at the Methodist Church was led by Peter Holt who spoke about Peace. Fred Green read from Isaiah and Les Barber read from Philippians. Jane Hobson played the organ and the stewards were Joan Bond and Maxine Lodge. The flowers for the communion table were given by Josie Jebson. After the service coffee and biscuits were served by Beryl Holt.

DENBY DALE

Zion Wesleyan Reform Chapel Denby Dale. The Circuit fellowship met on Wednesday evening when Cynthia Nuttall spoke about Heaven. On Sunday morning the members of the Sunday school enjoyed a quiz about God's creation. Jonathan Youdan from Sheffield was the preacher on Sunday evening when he spoke about the Christian's duty to provide hospitality to all in need. The pianist was Robert Nuttall. The Sunday Harvest Festival will be held tomorrow with a Family Service at 2.30pm and a traditional Thanksgiving service at 6pm. On Monday evening there will be an entertainment, produce auction and supper at 7pm.

KIRKBURTON

The Rev Graham Whitcroft led a service of Sung Eucharist in All Hallows Parish Church last Sunday. The prayers of intercession were led by churchwarden Mr John Keighley. Mrs Jean Sutcliffe gave the reading for the day from the second letter of St Paul to Timothy. Reader, Mrs Janet Roberts, read the gospel of St Luke and continued the theme in her sermon when she preached on St Luke and evangelism. Mr Ken and Mrs Joyce Harris took up the chalice and paten and pastoral minister Mr Malcolm Tibbott and Mrs Roberts, assisted at the distribution. Mrs Joy Elson and Mrs Pauline Pinder were sidesman and organised the taking of the collection. Before closing with the Benediction, Mr Whitcroft reminded worshippers that tomorrow evening there would be a special celebration of Songs of Praise. After the service members of the congregation were invited to stay for refreshments served by Mrs Margaret Beaumont and Mrs Phyllis Taylor. Mrs Doreen Barraclough was organist. In the evening the Youth Group organised a meeting of their monthly service of cafe church, Synaxis, at the Hub.

Members of the Burton Friendship Club met for their weekly meeting at The Hub on Tuesday afternoon and took a trip back in time when Mrs Jean Sutcliffe brought along a Memory Box from the Tolson Museum. This selection included items found in the kitchen, including a rubbing board, tongs, an early steam iron, butter pats, linen guest towels and various smell boxes. She also brought along a list of what rations could be had during the war years and up to 1953. Tea was served by Mesdames Calvert, Fagin and Slack.

SHELLEY

Shelley Over 60s held their weekly meeting in the Village Hall last Thursday. The bingo line was shared between Audrey Taylor and Arthur Pollard. The full house was won by Audrey Taylor. The first three numbers on one card was not won and the prize carried forward to next week. The whist high of 92 was shared by Kathleen Proctor and Margaret Haigh, and the low of 56 went to Joan Cope from seven tables. Members held a minute’s silence to mark the passing of Bessie Kilner. The club celebrated the birthdays of Susan Oldfield, Molly James, Eric Chilton, Wyn Ainley and Gordon Burgin. Members welcomed Duncan Smith as a new member. Raffle prizes were won by Mary Hobson, Kathleen Stevenson, Vera Wikinson, Margaret Laycock and Kathleen Proctor.

SKELMANTHORPE

On Sunday, the Rev David Priestnall conducted Holy Communion at Pilling Lane Methodist Church. The theme of the service was I Know and I Don’t Know?” with a powerpoint presentation given by Stuart Merry.

On Monday, Skelmanthorpe Wives’ Group enjoyed an evening of entertainment by Debbie Arnott, a teacher of the Egyptian belly-dance. She gave an interesting talk about its history explaining that belly-dance is an expression of celebration and joy and can be used to encourage confidence in women, whatever their shape or size. She also gave a demonstration of three dances and invited some members of the group to join her in the demonstration. A vote of thanks was proposed and the evening ended with supper. The Wives’ Group meets the first and third Mondays of the month at 7.30 pm at Pilling Lane, Methodist Church, Skelmanthorpe and anyone wishing join as a member will be very welcome.

STOCKSMOOR

Stocksmoor Bridge Club results. Thursday October 8: North/South – 1 C Pilling and A Stephens, 2 M Dey and R Makings, 3 J Morris and W Sharman; East/West – 1 P Turner and M Kenworthy, 2 J & M McGee, 3 J Daniel and L Mallinson. Thursday October 15: North/South – 1 M Sandell and S Hancock, 2 P Pogson and A Stephens, 3 M Hicks and J Pearson; East/West – 1 C Kaye and L Tempest, 2 T and M Hirst, 3 J and M McGee.

UPPER DENBY

Denby School children are designing Christmas cards for the Denby Churches Together competition. The infants are enjoying their African drumming lessons which have been funded by the Friends of Denby. FODS met to arrange the Christmas Fayre to be held on Saturday November 21, from 4-6pm. This should provide visitors with an opportunity to see all the building work that’s been done at the school.