Community News
The Worship for All service with Holy Communion at St Michael The Archangel Church focussed on Mary, mother of Jesus, the implications for her as a person, a young unmarried mother, and for Joseph, her betrothed. With the additional stress of the census and the potential reactions of their neighbours, this would not have been an easy time. Clips from the TV version of ‘The Nativity’ gave one possible interpretation of the story, and Reverend Doctor John Marsh commented further on its significance. In the afternoon there was a celebration with Christmas carols and readings, beginning with a candlelit procession by the choir and with solo items presented by Rachel Evans. The service was well-attended and afterwards people gathered for refreshments including mulled wine. Midweek Holy Communion services continued this week on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning, but there will be no midweek services between Christmas and the New Year. The Tuesday@2 meetings will not be held until January 3. The Youth Group will NOT be meeting again until Thursday, January 12 2017. On Thursday afternoon, volunteers were needed to assemble 500 Christingle oranges for the two Christingle services. Friday cleaning started as usual with a brief prayer time. The Christingle Service will be held today, December 24, at 5.30pm. The Midnight Service will be at Flockton Church, starting at 11.30pm, with the Christmas celebration at 10am at St Michael’s Church, Emley. The Posada figures of Mary and Joseph, which have been visiting a different home each night as they journey towards Christmas and the birth of Jesus, will be presented at the Midnight Service. ■■The next service at Savile Court Flats, led by members of Emley Methodist Church and St Michael’s, will be on Wednesday, January 4 2017 at 2pm. All are welcome to join the informal service of carols, songs, readings and prayers, celebrating the New year and Epiphany – traditionally the arrival of the Wise Men to visit Jesus.
The Over 60s Club held their annual Christmas Party at the village hall on Thursday, December 15. Members were treated to a festive feast and a visit from Father Christmas. Entertainment was also provided from the club bell ringers, ukulele group and choir. An extraordinary 22 members will celebrate birthdays over the Christmas period. Congratulations went to Jean Ord, Ivy Kirby, Jean Sutcliffe, Shirley Wilden, Carol Hirst, Brian Richards, Chris Sharp, Carole Wilson, Brenda Robshaw, Jaqueline Lister (90), Elizabeth Hoyle, Dora Mettrick, Barry Sheffield, Duncan Smith, Monica Taylor, Pat Shaw, Joan Parker, James Cockerill, Margaret Slater, Brenda Wilkinson, and Margaret Vickers. The bingo line was won by Sheila Morris and the full house by Brenda Robson. The afternoon was concluded with a selection of singalong Christmas songs from the New Wayfarers. Members note the next meeting will be Thursday, January 5 2017. Happy New Year. service at the Methodist Church was led by Barbara Casson and the Sunday Club children. The nativity story was read by Eve and Emma from the Lion Bible for children. Christine Senior accompanied the carols on the organ with help from players of various percussion instruments. The meaning of Christmas from the Christian point of view was looked at, alongside the frantic time it has become for many people. Refreshments were served and enjoyed together at the end of the service. On Sunday the Christmas Day service will be led by Stuart Merry at 10.30am.
Stocksmoor Bridge Club results: Thursday December 8: North/South - 1st P Polden M Buckeridge 2nd E Pearson K Morley 3rd J Smith A Stephens. East/West - 1st J Shaw E Tullie 2nd D Cliff S Hirst 3rd P Turner T Hirst. Thursday December 15: North/South - 1st M Sandell S Hancock 2nd A Stephens E Pearson D Ford J Thornton, East/West - 1st T&M Hirst 2nd L Kilner L Tempest 3rd M Dey P Polden.