Upper Weardale Benefice Newsletter

30^th November 2025

Advent Sunday

Collect

Almighty God,

as your kingdom dawns,

turn us from the darkness of sin to the light of holiness,

that we may be ready to meet you

in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.  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 Village Hall Assoc. & All Saints’ Churchhristmas Tree Festival Party 29^th Nov

Please note that the Church Christmas Tree Festival Party for children is ticket-only and is now full – however all are welcome to the parade, fireworks and Christmas lights turn-on.

Eastgate Church Christmas Tree Festival

Faith Through Music – Tuesdays through December

The Faith through Music discussion group is having a bit of a departure over Advent.  Instead of looking at popular hymns or Christmas Carols, we’ll be looking at songs (with an explicit biblical content) that made it to the coveted “Christmas Number One Slot” in the UK Singles Chart, so:

• 1976 – Jonny Mathis – When a Child is Born – Tuesday 2nd December
• 1990 – Cliff Richard – Saviour’s Day – Tuesday 9th December
• 1995 – Michael Jackson – Earth’s Sons – Tuesday 16th December
• 2008 – Alexandra Burke – Hallelujah – Tuesday 23rd December

We’ll be thinking about questions like “How does this song inform our own faith?”, “Can we use this song in our corporate or personal worship?” and “What do these songs say about the place of Christianity in the UK over the last 50 years?”

We always enjoy a lively discussion at these zoomed discussions, and we’d be glad to welcome anyone to join us.  Please contact Richard Walsh (via the newsletter) to receive a zoom invite

Season’s Greetings – Stanhope Church Hall Dec 6^th

An evening of festive cheer with actors Helen Longworth and Peter Rylands, with pieces from Dickens and Hardy to Pam Ayres and Victoria Wood, alongside traditional carols and festive favourites. 

• Saturday Dec 6^th 7pm. 
• Tickets £15 or £10 for concessions. 
• More details on attached poster.

News

St Thomas’ Stanhope Closure

St Thomas’ Stanhope will be undergoing major reordering work from 12 January and lasting several months. The church will be CLOSED from 29 DECEMBER while we prepare.  Most services will be in the hall.  Posters will be displayed to keep the community informed and one is attached here if you are able to display it.

Special Collection for Christian Aid

Christian Aid celebrates its 80th birthday this year! Up the Dale we always support Christian Aid Week in May but how about holding an Advent collection to mark their 80 years of helping poor communities help themselves and bringing relief to refugees and victims of war?

Sarah Stancliffe is collecting from the Stanhope congregation through the weeks of Advent and would be happy to pool contributions from others up the Dale. For those happy- and savvy enough – to pay online you can just scan the QR code below with your smart phone camera to be taken to a secure payment area.

Alternatively contact Sarah Stancliffe 01388 526912

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

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