Due to the current Covid restrictions, the annual Carols in the Park cannot go ahead with the usual format – however, we’re pleased to announce that a Drive-In Carols in the Car Park will take place instead at Morrisons on Sunday 20th December at 5pm.

Please note that places are limited and must be pre-booked – do it now to avoid missing out! Attendance is by car only, or you can also watch online via YouTube. You can find further details and book via the website http://www.meltham.org

There is also an option to make a donation to the ‘Simon on the Streets’ charity which supports the homeless and vulnerable. https://simononthestreets.co.uk/

Thanks go to Meltham Crossroads, the Town Council and of course Morrisons who are supporting us with this event.

Happy Christmas!
Welcome to the Christmas edition of the #Meltham parish magazine. This month we have included things to lift your spirits and enter into the festivities with lots of Christmas cheer! Due to ongoing Covid 19 a lot of the usual Christmas events have had to be cancelled and those already planned may have to be at the last minute. However it’s not all bad; we still will have the Christmas Day services and not forgetting Christmas Jumper Sunday!

A Christmas message for all Melthamers from our Mayor – Councillor Kate Buchanan and our Vicar – Rev’d John Dracup.

It’s the 2nd Sunday of Advent. Join us in church or online for a service of Holy Communion led by Rev’d Dennis Shields from St Bartholomew’s at 9:30am.

The link can be found here: https://youtu.be/Tr6tni7rZg0

It’s the first Sunday of Advent. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel!
Join Rev’d John as he takes us on a journey around the Parish of #Meltham for our joint online Parish Communion service. The service is scheduled for 10:30am but can be viewed any time afterwards.
https://youtu.be/wDna3ZyFr-8

Today in #Meltham we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King which is also the name of our joint Parish of 4 churches which also includes Helme, Meltham Mills and Wilshaw.

Normally we would meet together at Christ Church, Helme to celebrate this our special Patronal Festival which marks the end of the Church year and reminds us that Christ is our Lord and glorified King.

Join us for a special online service of celebration led by Rev’d John Dracup at 10:30am. The link can be found here:
https://youtu.be/c4rB0rZfuiE

In years gone by, this day would also be called ‘Stir up Sunday’ because of the Post Communion collect – this would also be a reminder to start baking your Christmas cakes and pudding!

Stir up, O Lord,
the wills of your faithful people;
that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works,
may by you be plenteously rewarded;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Due to the current restrictions of the 2nd national lockdown, our church buildings are currently closed – consequently there are no services taking place for the live stream. A service of Holy Communion from Christ Church – Helme has been prepared by Rev’d John and can be viewed here from 10:30am:
https://youtu.be/bR2l5RxlmJw

The planned work on the Church Grounds for Sat 14th and Sat 28th November by the Vicar and his band of merry helpers has been postponed due to the current Covid lockdown restrictions. New dates will be announced in due course. Thanks for your help!

The names of the fallen heroes from #Meltham can be heard read out from the Remembrance Service which took place last Sunday. Today, as we remember, you may want to listen to them from the Act of Remembrance part of the service using this link: https://youtu.be/oC7RthCCDfM?t=595

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

You can also listen to the whole service using this link:
https://youtu.be/oC7RthCCDfM?t=185

When you go home, tell them of us and say,
For your tomorrow, we gave our today.

An eight week journey that will help you and your community to grow and deepen your prayer life.

Join us for a series of 1 hour sessions each Thursday at 8pm on Zoom as we embark on a journey through the Lord’s Prayer. Starting Thursday 12th November.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84173108829?pwd=M1R1Q25iTzcrZGpWSWp6YVZiQXF1UT09

Meeting ID: 841 7310 8829
Passcode: 772492

More info can be found here:
https://prayercourse.org/