1st February 2026
Presentation of
Christ in the Temple
(Candlemas)
Collect
Lord Jesus Christ,
light of the nations and glory of Israel:
make your home among us,
and present us pure and holy
to your heavenly Father,
your God and our God. 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 pray for our curate Michael as he embarks on a new chapter of his life and ministry.
We pray for Rev Graeme Holdsworth as he prepares to join us in Upper Weardale.
We pray for Bishop Sarah as she contemplates a move to Ely, and for the new Bishop of Durham as we await news of an appointment.
What’s On This Week
| Sunday 1st February | Presentation of Christ in the Temple (Candlemas) | 10am | St John’s Chapel | Joint Eucharist |
| 3pm | Stanhope-Hall | Informal Worship | ||
| Mon 2nd February | 9am | Stanhope – Hall | Morning Prayer | |
| Weds 4th February | 10am | Stanhope – Hall | Eucharist | |
| Thur 5th February | 9am | Stanhope – Hall | Morning Prayer | |
| Sunday 8th February | 2 Before Lent | 10am | Heatherycleugh | Eucharist |
| 10am | Stanhope-Hall | Eucharist |
Events Coming Up
Arrangements for Rev Graeme’s Licensing
Rev Graeme Holdsworth will be licensed at St John’s Chapel on February 17th at 7pm. The service will be followed by a faith supper in the town hall. Please bring offerings of food to the town hall before the service. The Barrington Hall will be used for clergy to robe.
Rev Brenda Bloomfield
Most of us will have heard by now the sad news that Rev Brenda passed away on 15th January. We give thanks for her years of faithful service and for the fact that she is safe with Jesus now – but we will all miss her very much. Her funeral will take place on Thursday February 19th at 11.30am at St John the Baptist, St John’s Chapel.
Faith Through Music over Lent
Over Lent, Faith through Music will be looking at songs based (loosely) on the “Songs of Ascent” – Psalms 120 to 134. These psalms reflect a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, and since Lent is often considered a period of spiritual pilgrimage (and, of course, Richard is involved in planning the new “Way of Hope” pilgrimage route in Weardale), this ties in well.
Richard has picked songs that we could use in our own personal or corporate worship, and can be mostly found in the green hymn books used by the Anglican congregations.
So the plan is (not starting on pancake day, because we’ll all be busy welcoming The Reverend Holdsworth):
As always, Richard will give a brief introduction to the background to the hymn, and then chair a freeflowing discussion, covering questions such as “do we like this
song,” “how does the song speak to us” and even “does this song accurately capture the spirit of the psalm.” So it probably wouldn’t do any harm to read the psalms before we get going.
The folk who come to the Faith through Music discussion group have a varied church background, and we always enjoy learning from one another in friendly, fruitful and
open discussions. It would be great to welcome more people to these zoom meetings, which last for about 45 minutes, and start at eight o’clock in the evening.
If you want to join the fun, please contact Richard via the newsletter
An Evening of Philip Greenhalgh Weaving Stories and Baskets
The Friends of St Thomas’ Stanhope invite you to what is sure to be a special evening. Friday 6th March 7pm in St Thomas’ Church Hall. £5 entry to include tea/coffee and cake. Poster attached
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 8th.
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
