Upper Weardale Benefice Newsletter

31^st May 2026

Trinity Sunday

Collect

Holy God,

faithful and unchanging:

enlarge our minds with the knowledge of your truth,

and draw us more deeply into the mystery of your love,

that we may truly worship you,

Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

One God, now and forever.  Amen

For Your Prayers

We keep in ourprayers all in our community who are in any kind of need.   Our prayers are asked particularly for Kathleen Kirby.

We continue to pray for peace and reconciliation between warring countries around the world, especially remembering the innocent and vulnerable caught up in violence.

What’s On This Week

A full and up-to-date calendar of church events can be found on theBenefice website,

For Your Prayers

We keep in ourprayers all in our community who are in any kind of need.   Our prayers are asked particularly for Kathleen Kirby.

We continue to pray for peace and reconciliation between warring countries around the world, especially remembering the innocent and vulnerable caught up in violence.

News

Christian Aid Big Brekkie at Stanhope

Thanks to all who helped to make this occasion a success.  Nearly £300 was raised on the day, but further individual donations pushed this figure to nearly £700 – well done everyone!

Church in the Wild

This new initiative happened for the first time on Saturday 16^th May.  Find out more about the general idea here and read aboutone person’s reflection on their first experience here . 

The next Church in the Wild will take place this week on Saturday 6^th June – if you think it might be for you please contact Graeme well in advance for more details.

Questions About Faith

Oh God, it’s the vicar!

Graeme has been offering a series of one-night events throughout the Upper Dale for those who perhaps don’t attend church regularly but would like to know more about the Christian faith. 

Read more here, including an update on sessions in Cowshill and Eastgate

There is one final date remaining:

• 1^st June Barrington Hall, St John’s Chapel 7-8.30pm

Work Completed on Heatherycleugh Bell Tower

Churchwarden Sue Fowler writes:

Work has finally been completed on the bell tower at St Thomas Heatherycleugh in Cowshill. Lord Roofing carried out essential re pointing work and the replacement of lead flashing due to the problem of significant long term water ingress, which has affected the inside walls of the church. Re decorating however will have to wait until the walls are able to dry out sufficiently.  

Bishop of Durham

The Rt Rev Rick Simpson will be installed as Bishop of Durham next Sunday at Durham Cathedral.  At the recent Diocesan Synod he made an inspirational speech about his conviction that the Church is at a turning point.  You can find a link to a video of the speech here.  

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   rev.holdsworth@pm.me

Associate Priest: The Rev. Heather Ross

01388 537439, 07713 388106,

Parish Safeguarding Officers:
Stanhope: Katharine Adams 07783659089

Eastgate: Liz Curry 07921 176012
West Weardale: 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

Our Benefice Website can be found at