​The Mothers' Union was delighted today to welcome the Mayor of Kirklees, Councillor Liz Smaje, to our Souls of Our Feet exhibition in the church hall at All Hallows'.

It explains the work undertaken by MU in supporting individuals who have experienced abuse which can affect any age or gender. 
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We were able to discuss our involvement in raising awareness of all forms of gender violence including FGM (Female Genital Mutilation).

,​An African diocese has written to thank St Lucius' for helping to buy sewing machines to help young people.

A Craft Fair in church in July 12 raised £750, which bought machines for the Mothers' Union Rey Sewing Project in Rorya, Tanzania. 

The Rorya diocese is led by Bishop Musa, who visited St Lucius' last September.

Moreen Nehemiah, the project's head, says in her letter: 'This project aims to equip young girls and women who have missed an opportunity to further their education or who married early. By giving them sewing skills they have the chance to earn money for living and family support. 

'Since the project started in 2020, more than 30 girls and women benefit. These new sewing machines will enable the centre to admit more girls and women in 2026. Thank you very much for this wonderful support from St. Lucius' Church. May God bless all who extended their generosity.'

The Rorya Diocese's next project is to raise money to buy sheep. In aid of this, there will be a coffee morning with Sheeple Drive eat St Lucius' on Saturday, December 13 from 10am to 12pm. Entrance – £2.50 – includes coffee and homemade biscuits. Cake stall and tombola. 

We got messy at Messy Church in All Hallows' on Saturday, October 11, when we explored the theme of Harvest. We made bugs, bead corns, thankful leaves and ...dirt cakes! All in celebration of God’s beautiful creation. The challenge is how do we continue to look after it?

Don't miss this free Accent on Song concert by All Souls' Amateur Operatic Society. It's at All Hallows' on Friday, October 10 at 7.30pm.

Grateful thanks to all who supported Evensong last night, not least our choir which – perhaps a record here – contained three priests: the Revs Rob, Anna and Lucy.

The anthem, Lead me Lord, by S S Wesley was beautifully sung and added to the meditative atmosphere of the service, led by the Vicar.

Thanks also to the kitchen and serving team for their sterling work with supper, which comprised chilli con carne, Italian vegetable casserole and apple crumble and custard.

There was particular joy to the occasion with the celebration of the 90th birthday of Dot Greenwood, a greatly loved member of our congregation, who is wonderfully described by Kath in the video, below.

The Heritage Open Day at All Hallows' was a great success. Dozens of visitors of all ages braved the atrocious weather to explore the church and inspect aspects of village history on display in the hall.

You may know the beautiful apartments in Dark Lane overlooking Farnley Line. But did you know they were, for many years, a Children's Home? The ship on this picture was built by someone who lived there as a child.

Wonderful pottery models of houses in the area, all easily recognised, were on sale. And maps galore showed the importance of Almondbury long before that upstart Huddersfield was a large commercial centre.

Tea, Coffee and luscious cakes were available to provide fuel for the journey home in the continuous rain. Proceeds from the day will be shared between the town's two hospices. So thanks to everyone who made the day a success. 

One visitor, Penny Clarkson, wrote: 'My sister and I enjoyed looking around our childhood church again, and the scones and cakes were delicious. Would love to see some of the old handbells and photos of the children who played them in the 60s and 70s."

Another, Kev Larcombe, wrote: 'It was a brilliant morning we all enjoyed it so much, thank you.'

Marsden-based Mikron Theatre packed St Lucius' last night with 'Hush, Hush' a brilliant production based on imagined activities at Bletchley Park.

In it, we entered a world of secrets, songs and cyphers as we got to know the heroes of Hut 3. This was a superb and well-received performance from these four actor/singer/instrumentalists.

Many thanks to everyone who supported this evening and to the members of the congregation who provided front-of-house services.

rA joyful service at St Lucius' was illuminated by an inspirational sermon on the theme of Creation from Bishop Smitha, who also celebrated the Eucharist. 

The church has been awarded the A Rocha Silver Eco Church Award and the Bishop, on her first visit to Farnley Tyas, helped to celebrate this project at this parish service.

She also spoke of the warmth and friendliness she felt on entering St Lucius' and that she looked forward to returning.

At the end of the service, she was shown the extensive environmental improvements in the churchyard, including a memorial garden, restored pathways, repaired graves, nesting areas and a rebuilt dry stone wall.

​Afterwards, she met members of the congregation over refreshments.

We welcome the Rt Rev Smitha Prasadam, Bishop of Huddersfield, to St Lucius’ on Sunday, September 14.

She will celebrate the Eucharist and preach at this parish service, which starts at 9.30am.

St Lucius' has been awarded the A Rocha Silver Eco Church Award and the Bishop will help us to celebrate all the wonderful work that has gone into this achievement. 

We will gather at the earlier time of 9.30am to allow her time to meet us and to view the work that has been completed in the churchyard. There will be no other services in the parish that morning, so please come and celebrate with us.