22nd February 2026
First Sunday of Lent
Collect
Heavenly Father,
your Son battled with the powers of darkness,
and grew closer to you in the desert:
help us to use these days to grow in wisdom and prayer
that we may witness to your saving love
in 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 pray for Rev Graeme and his wife Carol as they settle in to life in Upper Weardale.
We pray for Archdeacon Rick Simpson as he prepares to take up the role of Bishop of Durham, and for Bishop Sarah as she prepares to become the Bishop of Ely.
What’s On This Week
| Sunday 22nd February | Lent 1 | 10am | Heatherycleugh | Eucharist |
| 10am | Stanhope-Hall | Eucharist | ||
| Mon 23rd February | 9.30am | Stanhope – Hall | Morning Prayer | |
| Tue 24th February | 8pm | Zoom | Faith Through Music | |
| Weds 25th February | 10am | Stanhope – Hall | Eucharist | |
| Thur 26th February | 9.30am | Stanhope – Hall | Morning Prayer | |
| Sunday 1st March | Lent 2 | 10am | St John’s Chapel | Eucharist |
| 10am | Stanhope-Hall | Eucharist |
News
Rev Graeme’s Licensing
It was a joy to welcome Rev Graeme and Carol last Tuesday, together with friends, family and former parishioners at a licensing service in St John’s Chapel, followed by a faith supper. We look forward to his guidance in our mission as churches over the coming years!
Archdeacon Rick to be Bishop of Durham
No sooner had he finished presiding over Rev Graeme’s licencing, than we heard the exciting news that the Venerable Rick Simpson is to be the next Bishop of Durham. It will be wonderful to have a Bishop who already knows, understands and loves Co. Durham so well. He is expected to take up the post in the summer.
Ian Hedley: Rest in Peace
Ian was a very well-known and much loved figure in the Dale, and a committed member of the St John the Baptist church in West Weardale parish where he was churchwarden for 10 years. Last year he was the recipient of Maundy money from HM the King in recognition of his faithful service. We take comfort in knowing that he is reunited with his beloved wife Dorothy. Ian’s funeral will be held on March 10th 12 noon at St John’s Chapel.
This Week:
Faith Through Music over Lent
The Faith through Music discussion group will, over Lent, be looking at songs based on the Songs of Ascent, Psalms 120-134. Our first meeting in the series will be, via Zoom, at 20:00 on Tuesday 24th February and will look at “God of Grace and God of Glory,” which is loosely based around Psalm 120 (and can be found as number 174 in the Green Hymnbook used by the Anglican Congregation).
The meeting will start with Richard giving a brief overview of the hymn, its author and the circumstances of its composition, and then chair a free-flowing discussion, addressing question such as “Why do we like/dislike the hymn?” (both are allowed), “What does the hymn say to us?” and even “Is the hymn faithful to the psalm?” – so it might be an idea to have a read of the psalm as well.
Richard will also have some Difficult Questions prepared, should the discussion dry up. We’ll certainly be finished by 21:00.
We’re a welcoming and friendly group, with representatives from many of the churches in The Dale, and we always enjoy an open productive discussion, learning from and about one another. Richard will send a zoom link, as well as a Youtube link to the song to all regular attendees and anyone else who contacts him (via the newsletter) asking to join.
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Climate Stewards – Carbon Fast For Lent
Although Lent is already underway, there is still time to take part in the ‘Carbon Fast’ organised by Climate Stewards. A different challenge is issued for each week. A poster with more details is attached. If you sign up you will receive a new challenge each week by email. Just click on this link: Carbon Fast for Lent or scan the QR code on the attached poster.
Coming Soon …
World Day of Prayer – March 6th
All are welcome to take part in the World Day of Prayer service at 2pm on Friday 6th 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 6th 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 7th 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 8th.
Save the Date – Easter Fayre
An Easter Fayre is planned for Saturday March 28th 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
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
