February 2012

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PULPIT  Part 2

Reminiscences of Clifford Lees from his 60 years as a local preacher

Hundreds of homeless and vulnerable people in Halifax were given food and support over the festive period.

The award winning Food and Support Drop In hands out food parcels and provides advice and support to those who need it most every Saturday morning at the Ebenezer Church on St James Road in Halifax.

On December 17, volunteers gave out a record 150 food parcels in preparation for Christmas.

Then on Christmas Eve, they gave out 125 food parcels and a further 117 on New Year’s Eve.

On Christmas Day, 51 clients sat down for dinner at the church with 22 volunteers.

The clients sat down together for a turkey dinner with vegetables.

The catering was provided by family run caterers SMiLES of Brighouse, with other donations from Sainsbury’s in Brighouse and Parfetts cash and carry.

Lisa Cox from the Food and Support Drop In, said: “People were not sure if we were going to be open over Christmas so we had a record number who came down to stock up,” she said.

“On Christmas Day it was quite chaotic but there was a really nice atmosphere and everyone was grateful,” she said.

Antony Edwards, from SMiLES, said he enjoyed Christmas Day at the church.

“It’s something we’ve wanted to do since last year,” said Antony, who runs Smiles with his wife Angie and their family.

“If anything there was a bit more pressure because we didn’t know how many we were cooking for or how demanding the people would be, but it was a very enjoyable experience,” he said.

“Almost everyone came up to us afterwards and thanked us, which you so rarely get with people who have paid hundreds of pounds for catering. It was very humbling.”

“There was a jolly atmosphere in there and we’ll definitely be doing it again next year.”

Last year the Food and Support Drop In won Charity of the Year at the Courier’s Community and Environment awards.

As well as food packages, which include essentials like tined food, pasta and sauce and toiletries, the volunteers provide advice on housing and benefits.

November 2011

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PULPIT  Part 1

Reminiscences of Clifford Lees from his 60 years as a local preacher

May 2011

Circuit Garden Party 2011
A big thank you to all those who helped make this year's circuit garden party a success.  The weather managed to behave itself and this was reflected in our takings.
The cleared profit was just over £4,200, allowing £600 to go to each of our good causes, (MHA, Action for Children, Home Missions, Overseas Missions, World Relief & Development Fund, Overgate Hospice and Teen Challenge).
Everyone worked hard to get the best out of what they were doing. Far too many to name them all, although the work of the team from Stones and the scouts, who did so much to get the gazebos up on Friday night was a key factor.   Rev. Albert Gayle, this year's committee chairman was a support throughout.
It may be that folk have suggestions for next year, and if so can we ask that you let us have these before you forget them!
Lots of the photos of this event can be seen by clicking here:
Thank you all again
Catherine & Paul Hinton

January 2011

The last sevice was held at Luddenden and Midgley Church.

Sowthowram Church ceased Worship.

September 2010

It feels like a very long time since we first began talking about ‘the new circuit’ and trying to work out what it might be, and what it might look like.  All of a sudden, we’re up and running - what was future is now present, things have changed, are changing, and we’re trying to work out how things work now.

Yes, it’s different, and sometimes that’s uncomfortable, but actually there’s a great deal about this which feels very good.  We belong to something a bit bigger than before, which means more people with different gifts and ideas.  We have a great team of staff, stewards and others.  It’s been great preaching in new places, meeting new people, as well as still working with familar friends and places.

Now we can really start discovering the riches we’ve got: things like Halifax’s Circuit Service and Upper Calder’s MMM (Music, Message and Ministry) celebrations are there for any who want to come along and join in - they’re all on the same Plan for the first time.  Let’s get out there and meet each other.  The Inaugural Service was a great start, but it was only the start.

The most important thing is that we have a job to do together.  God has called us to be disciples of Jesus, to share the good news in all our churches and communities, to join with other Christians and make a difference to everyone around us.  Everything we’ve done has been with the aim of giving ourselves a bigger and better platform for that work.  So let’s get on with the job!
Yours in Christ
Tony Buglass and Ian Coverdale
Superintendent ministers

01/09/2010 This is the Halifax Courier report of the Service of Celebration of Welcome and New Beginnings for the Methodist Church in Calderdale.