Upper Weardale Benefice Newsletter

16 November 2025

2 Before Advent

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

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

Eastgate Church – Wreath Making Workshop

Get festive and create your own gorgeous Christmas wreath!

All materials provided, plus fizz and nibbles!

Limited places – book now

News

Remembrance Sunday

Services were held all along the Upper Dale last Sunday at the war memorials at Copt Hill, Wearhead, Westgate, St John’s Chapel, Rookhope, Eastgate, Stanhope and Frosterley.  Pictured here is the service at St John’s Chapel.

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.

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

Looking Further Ahead…

Eastgate Village Hall Assoc. & All Saints’ Church

Church Christmas Tree Festival Party 29^th Nov

Christmas Tree Festival – Eastgate

More info on opening times to come

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