Upper Weardale Benefice Newsletter

Weardale Gazette: Trusted source for local news, events, and community updates.

15th November 2026

2 Before Advent

Text Box: Bible Readings 
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Matthew 25:14-30

Collect

Heavenly Lord,

you long for the world’s salvation:

stir us from apathy,

restrain us from excess

and revive in us new hope

that all creation will one day be healed

in Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

What’s On This Week

Sun 15th Nov2 Before Advent10amSt John’s ChapelEucharist
10amStanhopeEucharist
Mon 16 Nov 9.30amStanhopeMorning Prayer
Weds 18  Nov 10amStanhopeEucharist
Thur 19 Nov 9.30amStanhopeMorning Prayer
7pmStanhopeFriends’ AGM
7pmStanhope Methodist HallMens’ Fellowship
Sat 21st Nov 9.30amFrosterleyBreakfast Church
Sun 22nd NovChrist the King10amCowshillEucharist
10amStanhopeEucharist

A full and up-to-date calendar of church events can be found on theBenefice website,A close-up of a candle

Description automatically generatedFor Your Prayers

Bishop Rick invites us to join with him daily using this prayer over the coming year:

Almighty God, you are calling us

as the churches of the Diocese of Durham

to renewed life, hope and vision:

take our worship and witness,

that, by the work of your Spirit,

many may come to faith in Christ

and that we would become

a church of missionary disciples.

So, may you bless our congregation,

and – through us – bless our parish,

through the love and service

of your living, growing church in this place;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

We continue to keep in ourprayers all in our community who are in any kind of need.   Our prayers are asked particularly for Kathleen Kirby. 

News

Last week Remembrance Services were held up and down the Dale.  Colin Smith recorded the piper at Stanhope.

Coming this week …

Friends of St Thomas Stanhope AGM – 19th Nov 7pm

The AGM for the Friends of St Thomas will be on November 19th at 7pm in St Thomas’ Church.  The agenda is attached.

Men’s Fellowship – 19th Nov 7pm

This month’s meeting is at 7pm in the Methodist Church Hall, and starts with a two-course meal followed by coffee and a speaker.  This month the speaker is Elizabeth Catsford on ‘Travels with a Minister’.   More info on 07783504226

General Information

To add any items of news to this newsletter please contact Sandie Barton at . Photos of church events etc. would be lovely (but do make sure any people in the photos have given their permission!)

The deadline is 3pm on Thursday for issue by email on Friday. Sandie is also happy to add people to the circulation list, on request.

Durham e-News: a regular email from the Diocese for worshippers and people with an interest in the diocese. It contains the latest news and features from the Diocese, and can be delivered directly to your inbox. To sign up simply fill in your details via this link: Diocesan newsletter.

Contacts

Priest-in-charge: The Rev Graeme Holdsworth

01388 531460   rev.holdsworth@pm.me

Associate Priest: The Rev. Heather Ross

01388 537439, 07713 388106,

Parish Safeguarding Officers:
Stanhope: Katharine Adams 07783659089

Eastgate: Liz Curry 07921 176012
West Weardale: Jan Wright 07415 046392 

To arrange a baptism, marriage or funeral please contact Rev Heather Ross as above.

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Basic information on all churches is available at www.achurchnearyou.com

Our Benefice Website can be found at