Upper Weardale Benefice Newsletter

9 November 2025

Remembrance Sunday

Collect for Remembrance

God, our refuge and strength,

bring near the day when wars shall cease

and poverty and pain shall end,

that earth may know the peace of heaven

through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen

What’s On This Week

For Your Prayers

We keep in ourprayers all in our community who are in any kind of need.   Prayers are asked in particular for Joe Deimel

We continue to pray for peace and justice in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan.

Coming up This Week

Cowshill Christmas Fayre

Saturday 8^th November 11am-4pm – all are welcome!

Faith Through Music – Tuesday 11^th Nov

On the 11th November, 20:00 by zoom, the Faith through Music will be continuing to look at the different sorts of hymn we sing, by looking at a song that prays to the triune God’s for His protection on a particular group of people – “Eternal Father Strong to Save”.  As ever, Richard will give a quick history of the song, and then facilitate free flowing discussion, asking why we like (or dislike – that’s allowed too) the hymn, what it means to each of us and, most importantly, is it acceptable to sing a prayer like this.  Contact Richard via the newsletter for more details.

Bread Church – Friday November 14^th 6-9pm

Join us to make bread and share in a time of reflection and discussion about our faith before sharing a bread-based meal together.  All welcome.  Donations invited to cover costs

News

Dawn Walk for the Samaritans

Thanks to all who took part on October 10^th at Burnhope Reservoir.  £400 was raised in sponsorship of Richard Walsh alone, and others may well have raised money from their own sponsors. 

A total of £127k has been raised to date through the Dawn Walk initiative.

Request from Rev Rachael Farnham, Chaplain at HMP Frankland

Matt 25:36 “I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me”

“This Christmas, we invite churches and their congregations to consider donating small selection boxes for prisoners to receive on Christmas Day. A simple gift like this can bring a moment of joy and connection to those spending the season in custody, reminding them they are not forgotten. It’s a meaningful way to share Christ’s love and compassion, offering hope and dignity to individuals who may be feeling isolated. Your generosity can make a real difference in someone’s day and help foster a sense of community and care within the prison.

You may also like to write anonymous Christmas cards that we would give out Christmas day saying something like, ‘With thoughts and prayers at Christmas, from your brothers and sisters in the Upper Weardale group of churches’”

If you would like to take part, please leave your gift and/or card at church and we will make sure they get to Rev Rachael.

Recycling Scheme for Medicine Blister Packs

Reminder – the Parish of West Weardale now has an initiative to recycle empty medicine blister packs, which otherwise have to go to landfill. Empty packs can be left at St Thomas’ Heatherycleugh or St John’s in Chapel, both of which are open every day.  If other churches would like to join in, feel free to save yours up and give them to Rev Sandie when you see her!2026 Calendar

The St Thomas Stanhope 2026 calendar is now available!  A snip at £5 per copy – perfect Christmas presents for all the family. 

Photos are by 1st Stanhope cubs and scouts 

Available from Rowells , Woodhalls , The Hub Stanhope or from Anne Hodgson

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 Benefice is currently in an interregnum. Please contact Rev. Heather or Rev Michael if needed.

Associate Priest: The Rev. Heather Ross

01388 537439, 07713 388106,

Assistant Curate: The Rev. Michael Baldwin

Tel 07716065012  

Parish Safeguarding Officers:
Liz Curry 07921 176012
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