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.
🧸🍕🥪🍹🧸🍕🥪🍹🧸🍕🥪🍹🧸🍕🥪🍹🧸🍕🥪🍹🧸🍕🥪🍹 Join us at St James’ Church (by the park) for a fun Sunday Morning on 3rd August from 10:00am.
We’ll be starting in church with a Family Celebration Service and following this, there will be family games and the opportunity for your Teddy to go on an adventure and ZIP WIRE from the church tower! Bring your own Picnic, stay, relax and play as long as you like. Hot/cold drinks provided.
HEY! DON’T FORGET TO BRING YOUR FAVOURITE TEDDY – OTHERWISE THEY’LL MISS OUT!
Join us on Sunday morning for our monthly fun and engaging ALL AGE WORSHIP service. This month, we are playing A CHRISTIAN GAME OF LIFE and there will also be an opportunity to join THE ROYAL PRAYER FORCE!
If you’re intrigued to find out more, come along to St James’ Church (by the park) at 10:00am on Sunday 6th July.
Hello! Ok, Ok I know I missed June… Sorry!…but life in the vicarage has been very busy and I have tried my best, that’s all I can say. Summer has arrived in the Parish as you can see from the front cover! There has been lots going on especially with Teams 4 U.
There’s a BIG event happening on 3rd Aug so don’t go on holiday just yet or you may have some disappointed Teddies! Finally let Denis put a smile on your face on Pg 21 he needs some encouragement!
Thank you for those who continue to support me and the magazine by sending submissions in.
The deadline of the Aug / Sept magazine will be: Monday 21st July 2025 Please send submissions via email to: melthamparishmagazine@gmail.com or via the vicarage letterbox (150 Huddersfield Rd, HD9 4AL).
Join us for our Joint Parish Communion where we shall be welcoming our special guests, Rosie and Stu Bayford who will sharing their story about working in Brazil with the Church Mission Society.
It would be lovely if you would join us to meet them in person to hear about their work and show our support – Sunday 29th June 10:30am at St Bartholomew’s Church, Meltham. Note no other services in the parish today.
ALL AGE WORSHIP – Sunday 4th May – 10:00am at St James’ Meltham Mills (the church by the park)
Join us on Sunday morning for our monthly ALL AGE SERVICE which is suitable for all the family. 4th May – 10:00am at St James’ Meltham Mills (the church by the park).
ALL WELCOME – YOUNG, OLD and those INBETWEEN – every first Sunday of the month at 10am.
Note, this will be a joint service – no service at St Bartholomew’s Church this week.
