Upper Weardale Benefice Newsletter

22^nd March 2026

Lent 5

Collect

Gracious Father,

you gave up your Son

out of love for the world:

lead us to ponder the mysteries of his passion,

that we may know eternal peace

through the shedding of our saviour’s blood,

Jesus Christ our Lord

Amen

For Your Prayers

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

We continue to pray for the end of war in and around Iran, in Ukraine and in Gaza.  We ask that peace will come speedily and that justice will abound. 

We pray for all those who are anxious about rising prices arising from the war in the Middle East, that they might know the peace of trusting in God.

What’s On This Week

More about this week …

Wear’d Aliens Unplugged – 22^nd March

 Wear’d Aliens is a Youth Folk band established in 2019,  championing the long-lost traditional music of Upper Weardale, bringing new life and new sounds to “The Collingwood Collection” – 188 musical manuscripts from the 1800’s from a family farm in Rookhope.  This is sure to be a good evening – Entry £7/£5  See attached poster.

Faith Through Music – 24^th March

The Faith through Music discussion group will be continuing it’s canter through songs based on the biblical “Songs of Ascent” – Psalms 120 – 134, by looking at the hymn “Christ is Made the Sure Foundation”, at 20:00 on Tuesday 24th March.  The song is loosely based around Psalm 132 (and which can be found as hymn number 76 in the green book the Anglicans use),  

As ever, the discussion will take place over zoom, and will begin with our reading of the psalm, followed by Richard giving a quick overview of the song, and the history of its composition.  Richard will then chair a free-flowing discussion, addressing questions such has “do we like/dislike the hymn”, “how does the song speak to us” and “how faithful are the words to the words of the Psalm”

We always enjoy a friendly and fruitful discussion, and would welcome more members.  Please contact Richard via the newsletter for more detail

Easter Fair – 28^th March

There will be an Easter Fair at Heatherycleugh starting at 11.30am, with lots of stalls, crafts and refreshments.  All very welcome.

Looking Further Ahead:

Holy Week and Easter

Details of all services, and invitation cards will be available next week.

Behind Enemy Lines

Another production is planned from the Highlights Rural Touring Scheme.  Friday April 24^th in St Thomas’ Church Hall.  Full details on the attached poster

News

Isabel – missing dog

I have been asked to share details of a missing dog, which was lost  or possibly stolen on January 19^th in the Tow Law area; Please keep an eye out for her as it’s thought to be possible that she may have been brought as far as Upper Weardale  She is 5 years old chipped and spayed. She is a small Jack Russell mix, black and white with a bit of tan on her face.  A reward is offered for her safe return. 

See attached poster.

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.

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