Upper Weardale Benefice Newsletter

1^st March 2026

Second Sunday of Lent

Collect

Almighty God,

by the prayer and discipline of Lent

may we enter into the mystery of Christ’s sufferings,

and by following in his Way

come to share in his glory;

through Jesus Christ our Lord

Amen

For Your Prayers

We keep in ourprayers all in our community who are in any kind of need.  

We pray for peace and justice in our turbulent world.

We remember with thanksgiving the farmers in our community as the time for lambing and calving draws on, asking for strength, stamina and fair weather.

What’s On This Week

Ian Hedley

A reminder that  Ian’s funeral will be held on March 10^th 12 noon at St John’s Chapel.

This Week:

Faith Through Music

The Faith through Music group will continue our Lenten series, looking at the Songs of Ascent (Psalms 120-134) by thinking about the hymn “O God our Help in Ages Past” – number 366 in the Hymns Old and New Hymnbook used by the Anglicans.  We will start with a prayer, will read Psalm 124, and then Richard will facilitate a free discussion, looking at questions such as “do we like/dislike the hymn” and “how closely does the hymn echo the psalm,

The discussion will take place, over zoom on Tuesday 3^rd March at 20:00.  We always enjoy a friendly and helpful discussion, and would welcome new members joining us.  Please contact Richard via the newsletter for more details, the zoom link and (hopefully) a YouTube link to the hymn.

.

World Day of Prayer – March 6^th

All are welcome to take part in the World Day of Prayer service at 2pm on Friday 6^th March in Stanhope Church Hall.  This year the service has been written by the women of Nigeria and has the theme “I Will Give You Rest: Come.”

An Evening with Philip Greenhalgh:

Weaving Stories and Baskets – March 6th

The Friends of St Thomas’ Stanhope invite you to what is sure to be a special evening.  Friday 6^th March 7pm in St Thomas’ Church Hall. £5 entry to include tea/coffee and cake.  Poster attached

Folk Evening – March 7th

The next Folk Evening will take place in the Barrington Hall St John’s Chapel on Saturday March 7^th from 7.30pm.  Tea and coffee available, all welcome.

We’re Not Getting a Dog*

*A show mostly not about dogs

See the attached poster for details of this show (described as clever, moving, and true) by the Highlights Rural Touring Scheme, at St Thomas’ Church Hall Stanhope on Sunday March 8^th.

Save the Date – Easter Fayre

An Easter Fayre is planned for Saturday March 28^th in Heatherycleugh – offers of help to Rev Heather please.

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  

Associate Priest: The Rev. Heather Ross

01388 537439, 07713 388106,

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.

Facebook Weardale Parish News: to keep up to date, join

Weardale Parish News on Facebook 

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