Mike has been in training with Lindisfarne College and successfully graduated this year with a foundation degree in Theology. After being assessed and approved he was recommended to Bishop Sarah as suitable for appointment as an Authorised Lay Minister of the Word. This allows Mike to take services, preach and serve in the parish. Mike retired in 2023 and, after nearly 30 years worshipping at St Mary's, joined the process of discernment in 2024. After several months of examination, discussion and written work he was accepted by and commenced his degree at Lindisfarne College. The picture shows Mike with the group clergy and friends who came along to the service.
Our afternoon teas have now reached legendary standard and on a bright, hot but windy Saturday 12th July we yet again demonstrated why!40 guests were treated to possibly the best afternoon tea they had ever seen, together with proper china cups and plates. Raising a total of £687, nearly all donations which can be claimed on gift aid for the building fund.Thank you everyone who attended!(You can download additional pictures by clicking on the links)
After our roof repairs to the vestry area was completed, the work moved on to the second phase of three. This phase was at the back (west) end of the church nave where the tower joins the church. Water had been damaging several internal walls for years. Now an investigation started to discover the long term problem and identify solutions. Whilst we had expected some bad news about drains and gutters, we were shocked to discover extensive damage over decades to roof support beams as shown in the main picture. An expected outlay of around £5,500 plus scaffolding we are now looking for £35,000 - £40,000. We have had incredible support from members of our small congregation plus a wonderful grant of £10,000 from the Northumbria Churches Trust which all helps.Work is pressing ahead with fundraising and we hope to be able to cover this cost. See other news for other fundraising efforts!If there are any funds left then the next, and hopefully final, area of roof to be repaired is above the organ chamber where lead theft over years has meant the organ has had to live under sheets of plastic for years- damage is always caused between the theft and the replacement.
