About Us

Welcome to St James's Church in Riding Mill.
‘Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that, some have entertained angels without knowing it’
Letter to the Hebrews, 13.2

A warm welcome to St James's Parish Church, Riding Mill; on the banks of the beautiful River Tyne in Northumberland.

A warm welcome to the Parish Church of St James, Riding Mill; on the banks of the beautiful River Tyne in Northumberland where the Roman Dere Street crosses to link Hadrian’s Wall with the lands further South.

As beautiful and distinctive though our building is, a church is about far more than the mellow stone and vibrant stained glass of the tourist picture. It’s about weaving nets of relationship – how Christians in this place worship and serve God; how we serve our community; and how we try to put our money where our mouths are in terms of living out our faith as Jesus taught.

We believe in inclusive church – so we strive to be a church which celebrates and affirms every person and does not discriminate against people on grounds of disability, economic power, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, learning disability, mental health, neurodiversity, or sexuality.

We believe, too, in a Church which welcomes and serves all people in the name of Jesus Christ; which is scripturally faithful; which seeks to proclaim the Gospel afresh for each generation; and which, in the power of the Holy Spirit, allows all people to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Jesus Christ.

Like most churches we are very much a work in progress, and we are always learning. Like most churches we make mistakes and have our faults and foibles (for we are too human by half). Through it all, we want to be a church worthy of its founder and so we keep trying, for Jesus’ sake.

There may be many reasons why you are looking at our website. Perhaps you are looking for somewhere to arrange a baptism (christening) or a wedding? Or find out how to deal with a death. Perhaps you or someone you know needs prayer? Perhaps you want to find a place to worship and feel at home or perhaps you want to find out more about what it means to be a Christian today?

Whether you are looking for help, worship, history or salvation these pages should give you a good start. But there is no substitute for the real thing – so get in touch or just drop in to a service or event. We look forward to seeing you!

Rev'd Diana