4th January 2026
Epiphany/
Second Sunday of Christmas
Collect
God our Father,
in love you sent your Son
that the world may have life:
lead us to seek him among the outcast
and to find him in those in need,
for Jesus Christ’s sake, Amen
What’s On This Week
| Sun 4th January | Epiphany/ Christmas 2 | 10am | St John’s Chapel | Eucharist |
| 10am | Stanhope – Hall | Eucharist | ||
| 3pm | Stanhope – Hall | Informal Worship | ||
| Mon 5th January | 9am | Stanhope | Morning Prayer | |
| Weds 7th January | 10am | Stanhope – Hall | Eucharist | |
| Thurs 8th January | 9am | Stanhope – Hall | Morning Prayer | |
| Sun 11th January | Christmas 2/ Epiphany | 10am | St John’s Chapel | Eucharist |
| 10am | Stanhope – Hall | Eucharist | ||
| 3pm | Stanhope – Hall | Informal Worship |
For Your Prayers
We keep in ourprayers all in our community who are in any kind of need.
We pray for peace in Ukraine, Gaza and Venezuela, and respite for all who suffer.
Appointment of Interim Priest-in-Charge
Most of us will have heard by now the good news that the Rev Graeme Holdsworth has been appointed to the post of Interim Priest in Charge of Upper Weardale, and Diocesan Rural Ministry Lead. This means that he will divide his time between enabling rural ministry best practice across Durham Diocese, and overseeing ministry in our benefice.
Rev Graeme comes from another post as interim priest in charge in rural Yorkshire. He will be licensed at St John’s Chapel on February 17th at 7pm. We look forward to giving him and Carol a warm Weardale welcome!
Farewell to Rev Michael
Sadly, just as we rejoice at the news of the appointment of Rev Graeme, we have also to prepare to say goodbye to our much-loved curate, Rev Michael Baldwin. Our loss is HMP Deerbolt’s gain, as Michael prepares to take up a prison chaplaincy post there in Leeds Diocese.
Michael’s last Sunday with us will be February 1st.
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.
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
Assistant Curate: The Rev. Michael Baldwin
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
