COLNE VALLEY/LONGWOOD; HUDDERSFIELD DISTRICT.

One of the most popular events of the St Mark's Church calendar took place on the on the Friday evening before Christmas when the seventh "Carols by Candlelight" service was attended by a full church congregation. Led by the welcome return of parish priest the Rev Jim Hunt the service flowed smoothly with instructions displayed on a large screen from a laptop computer controlled by PCC secretary Nikki Gaukroger. Carols and readings were interspersed with an imaginary series of interviews with numerous people allegedly on the walk to Bethlehem more than 2,000 years ago. These included a Roman, a shepherd, a wise man and two children of today brought everything up to date. All characters were played by members of the church family. Music was provided by church organist Philip Turner who also played the piano and keyboard with his group of musicians and singers. Bible readings were by Anne Stephenson, David Verlander and Phyllis Kaye. The interviewer was Dilys Eastwood and prayers were led by Jim Hunt.

Craig Watson was the soloist in When a child is Born the choir performed descants where appropriate and the final carol was Hark the Herald Angels Sing. The Service ended with The Blessing and Dismissal and this was followed by mulled wine, apple juice and mince pies.

Before the Sung Eucharist, on Sunday morning, the Fourth in Lent, the Rev Jim Hunt thanked everyone who attended and was involved in Carols by Candlelight. Donations had exceeded pounds 800 and a congregation estimated between 300 and 350 people took part. Jim then introduced guest celebrant the Rev Stephen Henry.

Server was Chris Jones and organist Philip Turner. Bible readings were by Phyllis Kaye and Janet Watson. In his sermon Stephen contrasted the feelings of fear in darkness with the happiness associated with light. Intercession Prayers were presented by Margaret Haigh.Notices included Christingle service at 6pm on Christmas Eve and Midnight Mass at 11.30pm Christmas Day at 10.30am Eucharist with Carols. Mothers' Union members were reminded that subscriptions were now due.

The annual Christingle Service, at St Mark's Church, took place on Christmas Eve. This year the proceeds were in aid of The Children's Society. The service was conducted by the wife of the parish priest, Carol Hunt. The church was full of children and their parents. Popular carolsweresung tothe organaccompaniment by Philip Turner. Children performed a Nativity Play and Carol explained the story of Christingle with the aid of a large model orange. After distributing Christingle oranges the candles were lit, church lights were dimmed for the procession around church. The service ended with the popular Graham Kendrick Hymn Shine, Jesus Shine.Later on Christmas Eve Midnight Mass was celebrated with a much smaller congregation, less than 50. The sung Eucharist was led by guest celebrant Richard Burge, diocesan youth and children's officer co-ordinator. Server was David Verlander. Bible readings were by Judith Pearson and Margaret Haigh. Richard lit the fifth and final candle on the Advent wreath. In his Sermon Richard related an amusing story about a magic trick and compared this to the wonder expressed by the shepherds who witnessed the arrival of baby Jesus. Intercession prayers were prepared and presented by Judith Pearson and the dismissal and blessings included appropriate Christmas greetings.

Christmas Day Eucharist with carols was the occasion for the parish priest the Rev Jim Hunt to lead the service as an introduction to his work after many weeks enforced absence due to ill health.