There were lots of good conversations at our second session of the Alpha series in Meltham. last Wednesday. Are you still thinking of joining us? If so, come along this week – what’s more, we’re having Fish & Chips to start with – if that doesn’t tempt you to come along, then maybe nothing will! It doesn’t matter if you haven’t been yet, you can still start this week where we will start with food, then watch a film followed by a chat in small groups. Each Wednesday starting at 6:30pm in the Church Hall.
To recap on the second session, we watched the following video “Who is Jesus?” and then had a chat around these questions below. Watch the video using the link here and then think about your answers.
What do you feel about Jesus?
He’s described as the most influential person in all time – do you ageee?
How important to you is the historical evidence about Jesus?
Do you think Jesus rose from the dead?
Do you think you can have a personal relationship with Jesus?”
You’re now up to speed. See you there on Wednesday!
Join us for our Harvest Festivals across the Parish either this Sunday (5th October) or next Sunday (12th October)
Sunday 5th October: 10.00am St James’ – MELTHAM MILLS – joint service with friends from St Bartholomew’s
Sunday 12th October: 11.15am St Mary’s – WILSHAW – joint service with friends from Helme.
We shall be collecting items for the Meltham Crossroads Food Bank – items can be brought to either of the Harvest Festivals at each church or the Crossroads centre.
All donations will be gratefully received though they have especially asked for donations of tinned meat meals, tinned fruit, tuna, pasta and sauce, soup, long-life milk, coffee and biscuits. Cash donations are also welcome.
The food bank is open Mon-Fri, 10am – 12pm.
Please share widely! It’s also the Season of Invitation so please join us and do invite all your family, friends and neighbours too!
Over 30 people came to our first Alpha session in Meltham last Wednesday. It doesn’t matter if you didn’t come along then, you can still start this week where we will start with food, then watch a film “Who is Jesus?” followed by a chat in small groups. Each Wednesday starting at 6:30pm in the Church Hall.
To recap on the first session, we started with some delightful food including desert and then watched the following video and then had a chat around these questions below. Watch the video using the link here and then think about your answers.
If there was one question you’d like answering by the end of the Course, what would it be?
What makes you happy?
We are going through some really challenging times at the moment – at home and abroad. Up to now, if you have thought about life’s big questions, where did you go for the answers? Partner/family/friend/within yourself/church?
Is this it? Do you ever think – there’s got to be more to life than this?
There’s a point in the Video where Dr Francis Collins is asked by a patient “What do you believe Doctor?” Have you ever been asked that? How would you answer?
Is faith a crutch? What does that mean?
One of the key messages is that we are known, and that we are loved by God regardless, that we are forgiven – does this make any sense to you? Is this important to you?
You’re now up to speed. See you there on Wednesday!
If you’ve been thinking whether or not to come along and try Alpha – then please do – you’re invited!
Starting this week in Meltham Church Hall on Wednesday at 6:30pm – don’t worry if you can’t make all the sessions – come along and give it a try. Each session will start with food. If you don’t want to come alone, invite a friend to join you.
Councillor Ann Jurczyszyn – Town Mayor of Meltham invites you all to the Civic Parade and Celebration Service.
ST BARTHOLOMEW’S CHURCH, MELTHAM – SUNDAY 14th September 2025
We shall be welcoming Ann as Mayor of Meltham and celebrate all the organisations that make Meltham so great. Parade leaves the Carlile Institute at 10.30am led by Meltham & Meltham Mills band. Service begins at St Bartholomew’s Church once the parade arrives and everyone is seated inside. All welcome to join the parade or meet at the church.
Please note there will be none of the usual services at the other churches in the parish as we all join together and celebrate at St Bart’s for the Civic Service. There will however be a short service of Holy Communion at 9am at St Bartholomew’s.
Ann is a former nursery nurse and worked for Tameside Social Services. Ann is a ‘comer-inner’, she moved to Meltham with her husband Chesh in 2000 and became a volunteer walk leader, helping to establish Meltham as a Walkers are Welcome Town. She has since become a trustee and volunteer of the Carlile Institute and also volunteers in the Meltham Pleasure Grounds, Meltham Greenway and helps organise the popular Light Up The Pleasure Grounds event, Meltham Community Day, Beer Festival and the Meltham Community Quilt and Flower Bomb projects.
Ann has been a member of Meltham Town Council since 2022 and is looking forward to her year as Mayor, continuing to support the Council with interesting initiatives planned for the forthcoming year. She said “The current members of the Council are an enthusiastic team and committed to helping community groups and projects, such as the ongoing development of Robert Ashton Memorial Park. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve the fabulous Meltham community.”
We would like to invite all those who care about Christ Church Helme to a community meeting on Thursday 18th of September at 6:30pm to discuss the future of our church building.
As many of you know, we have recently had to make the difficult decision to suspend regular Sunday morning services at Helme. This has not been done lightly but reflects the challenges we face: a congregation regularly under 10 people, with no churchwardens for several years, and the growing costs for maintaining the building.
Christ Church Helme is not yet scheduled for formal closure however. The building remains open for weddings, funerals, school events and occasional services. The churchyard continues to be and will remain accessible for visiting loved ones or quiet reflection.
However, we must be honest about the challenges we face. A church is more than just a building – it is a community of faith serving its parish. We need to find sustainable ways for this beautiful church to continue serving its community.
This meeting is an opportunity for everyone – regular worshippers, occasional visitors, and the wider community – to come together, share ideas, and explore possible futures for Christ Church Helme. If the church is to continue as a place of worship, we will need more people to attend services regularly and to step forward into volunteer roles. We may need to consider alternative community uses for the building or potentially accept that its current form is no longer sustainable for our community.
If, despite our best efforts, we eventually need to consider formal closure, this would involve a lengthy statutory process with full public consultation under the Mission and Pastoral Measure. But our hope is that, together, we might find a way forward.
Please join us as we consider how best to secure the future of this cherished place.
Reverend John Dracup (Vicar of the parish of Christ the King, Meltham)
The Toddler Church starts back this week on Tuesday 9th September at St Bart’s Church in the centre of #Meltham. We welcome pre-school aged children with their parents, grandparents or carers every Tuesday, 9am – 11am (during term-time only).
If you’ve not been before or are not sure, then why not come along and give it a go? We are a friendly group and you will receive a very warm welcome. Drop in at any time.
Regarding bad weather during the winter, if the C of E school is open, then we shall also be.
You’ve probably heard of the Alpha course but have you ever considered attending?
Whether you’re a long established churchgoer or are new to Christianity, anyone curious about the faith, or wanting to explore your faith further, our Alpha course offers you a chance to take some time out to explore the big questions of life, faith and meaning.
Why should I try the Alpha Course?
The Alpha Course is ideal for people of all ages exploring faith and offers a fun, open and judgement-free space to talk through some of your big questions with other people like you and me.
Alpha is for you if you:
have no defined faith but have always wondered what Christians believe and why it matters;
have had a Christian faith in the past and would like to explore returning to it;
have a Christian faith now but would like to deepen your understanding or have issues or questions with some of the teachings e.g. Why did Jesus die? Did he really rise again? Does prayer work?
have some tough “Life” questions to ask e.g. Why does God allow suffering? What is the point of praying? Why doesn’t God punish bad people? Why doesn’t God prove he exists?
have heard from a friend about Alpha and thought you would like to give it a go;
have attended church for many years, and wondered what Alpha is all about;
want to talk about God / Christian Spirituality with open minded people, and discuss your thoughts.
Alpha is suitable for anyone – no matter where you are in your faith journey.
When and where are the sessions?
Every Wednesday evening starting 17th September at 6:30pm in Meltham Church Hall. We’ll start with some food so don’t worry about missing your evening meal! Following this, we’ll watch some great video content to get the conversation started and then a chance to discuss what you’ve heard and explore what you think or just to listen to others discuss their thoughts. There’s no obligation to speak or contribute!
Anything else I should know?
It’s Free There’s no charge for Alpha; it’s completely free.
There’s no pressure There’s no pressure and no followup. Come for the first week for a taster.
Everyone’s welcome Alpha is for anyone who’s curious to explore the Christian faith.
How do I sign up?
There’s no need to sign up – you can just come along, though it will help us with catering if we have a rough idea of numbers. If you can, please drop us an email to mailto:melthamparish@outlook.com
Alternatively, if you’re as Facebook user, you can mark yourself as ‘Going’ on our event here: https://fb.me/e/aaZdOUltW and you can also share it on your feed or invite your friends to come along with you if you wish.
I echo the words I said in last month’s edition, that life in the vicarage has been very busy recently and I have tried my best. You may notice that this edition is a bit thinner on the ground than usual. This is because it’s holiday season and people haven’t been as forthcoming as usual with their submissions. However enjoy what we have!
There have been lots going on in the parish with various services (Pg12) So don’t miss out and keep up with where the weekly services are on page 13.
Finally Wilshaw has been busy so keep up with all that’s been happening on page 17. Thank you to Rev Judy for your continued support.
There is an overwhelming sense of powerlessness about the current situation in Gaza.
On Tuesday night, 29th July, between 6.30 and 7.30 at St Bartholomew’s Church Meltham, a Silent Prayer Vigil for Gaza will be held.
The purpose is to give the people in Meltham, whether of faith or no faith at all, the opportunity of coming, having a time of reflection and, if appropriate for them, to pray and to light a candle symbolizing a hope of light in this current appalling darkness.
It may seem a very small symbolic gesture in the face of all that is happening.
It is an issue very close to the heart of many in Meltham. All will be very welcome.
