ALMONDBURY
A full church at All Hallows enjoyed a Mothering Sunday service in which the children played a large part, leading the prayers and reading lessons. They enjoyed listening to the story told by the curate, Mark Watkins, about a strange creature with a shell hard like a turtle’s and a face like a ‘person-creature’ which felt unloved but came to accept himself and be accepted by others when a young girl befriended and grew to love him The congregation joined in, unbidden, the strange song sung by the creature at intervals during the story.Bunches of daffodils were distributed by the children to all the carers, mums, dads and others in them congregation.
At sung Evensong, organist John Foster gave the inaugural performance of a moving Elegy, written by Robert Cockcroft, in memory of Bob Hallsworth and Brian Jenkinson, both stalwarts of Almondbury Church Choir, who had both died in 2008.
CLAYTON WEST
Churches Together in Clayton West and Scissett met for morning worship at the Methodist Church. The service of Holy Communion was led by the Rev David Priestnall. Stewards were Betty Booth and Maxine Lodge, who also assisted at communion. The organist was Jane Hobson. Readings for Lent from Lamentations and the gospel of Mark were given by Les Barber and Peter Holt. A dialogue reflecting on the last journey of Jesus and its influence on our lives was led by Lucie Froggatt and Beryl Holt. Prayers of intercession were given by Wendy Barber.Flowers were a gift from Anne Crowe. After the service everyone enjoyed fellowship, and coffee was served by Rosalyn Beevers.
DENBY DALE
The Churches Together Lent Meeting was held at Zion Wesleyan Reform Chapel on Monday evening and the leader was Irene Richardson.The children’s Friday club met on Friday Evening.
On Sunday morning the members of the Sunday School started their preparations for the special Easter Sunday Family Service.
Phil Hartshorne from Dodworth was the preacher on Sunday evening. He spoke about prayer and being ourselves when talking to God. The pianist was Robert Nuttall.
The Spring Fair will be held on Saturday from 10.30am to 1.30pm. There will be stalls, refreshments and light lunches.
EMLEY
Passion Sunday was enjoyed by members of St James’, Flockton and St Michael’s with a joint Communion Service on Sunday morning in Emley Parish Church.Š The Rev Chris Bullimore led the service, Sophie Ryder and Michael Clough read the Bible, Malcolm Jessop played the organ, Dennis Roughsedge led prayers and Malcolm Tracey gave the sermon. Coffee was served at the end of the service.
KIRKBURTON
There were two services in All Hallows Parish Church last Sunday –Š Passion Sunday. Mrs Phyllis Taylor and Mrs Margaret Beaumont welcomed the congregation to Sung Eucharist led by the curate, the Rev Robert Chambers. Mrs Joanne Smith gave the reading from St Paul’s letter to the Hebrews. Mr Chambers read from the Gospel according to St John. Mr Chambers baptised Elena Mae Green and Joseph Barraclough and,Šin his sermon, he took for his theme, Baptism and The Cross. The chalice and paten were taken to the altar by Mrs Sandra Delamere and Mrs Alex Bintcliffe. Mr Chambers was assisted at the distribution of the sacrament by Mr Tibbott and readers, Mrs Janet Roberts. Mrs Rachel Atkinson and Mrs Janet Jessop were sidesmen taking up the collection. Worshippers then enjoyed refreshments served by Mrs Pauline Pinder and Mrs Christine Rangeley. Evensong was led by pastoral minister Mr Malcolm Tibbott.Š His theme wasThe Last Supper. Mrs Dot Ward read from the Gospel according to St Matthew and Mrs Beryl Hunt read from St John. Mrs Doreen Barraclough was organist for the day.
Members of Burton Friendship Club met in The Hub, the former Salvation Army Hall, for an informal afternoon and played Card Bingo organised by Mrs Hazel Ramsay. Raffle prizewinner was Mrs Betty Gosney. Refreshments were served by Miss Sandra Spivey and Mrs R Healey.
SHELLEY
Shelley Over 60s Club held their meeting in the village hall last Thursday. The bingo line was won by Lilian Armitage and the full house by Audrey Taylor. The first three numbers on one card was won by Rose Colburn who received the princely sum of £2. The whist high of 92 was won by Gordon Burgin and the low of 67 went to Wally Usher. Members wished a happy birthday to Kathleen Code and welcomed Marion Swift as a new member. Raffle prizes went to Colin Littlewood, Kathleen Stevenson, Harry Rose, Ted Blythe, Audrey Taylor and Amy Wormesley.The winner of the monthly minibus draw was no 142 – Joan Horne. There will be a concert on Monday April 6 at Shelley Parish Church, between 12.30pm and 1.30pm, by the U3A Ladies’ Choir. Admission is £2.
