NEW: Bishop Mark to take on role of Warden of Readers

A message from Bishop Helen-Ann

I am pleased to announce that Bishop Mark will be taking on the role of Warden of Readers from the 1st of September. This was part of his role description when he was appointed Bishop of Berwick, and Bishop Stephen Platten very helpfully agreed to take on the role on a temporary basis during the episcopal vacancy when Bishop Mark was Acting Bishop of Newcastle. I am grateful to Bishop Stephen for all that he has done as Warden of Readers.

I know that his ministry in this role has been very much appreciated by Readers and also by Bishop Mark and the senior staff team. There will be an opportunity to show our appreciation at the AGM in Newcastle Cathedral in October.

Please pray for Bishop Mark as he prepares to take up this ministry, and for all of those who serve our parishes through Reader ministry.

NEW: Petertide Ordinations 2023

Congratulations to our nine ordinands who will become deacons and priests this Petertide.

During the weekend of 1 and 2 July, three people will be ordained as deacons and six as priests. Their names are as follows...

Deacons:

Alex FirmanHannah MalcolmMairi Howell

Priests:

Nathanael HaylerLinda HunterPaul KnoxMiriam JonesRyan McKeonHelen Young

You can view personal introductions from each of the ordinands, including where they are serving, here.

NEW: Thy Kingdom Come Feedback

TKC team want to hear from you! They are keen to know how this year's Thy Kingdom Come was for you - what worked and what could be improved as well as stories and testimonies from this year.

Please do feel free to share by filling in this short survey

REMINDER: The Rural Church And Pilgrimage - A Rural Faith And Theology workshop

The Rural Strategy Group are holding a workshop; 'The Rural Church and Pilgrimage', taking place on Thursday 29 June, 10am - 4pm at Shilbottle Village Hall.

This is the first in a series of opportunities for people to learn more about the future and sustainability of the rural church, and to work together to learn how this could shape future ministry. You can book your place here.

NEW: The Revd Keith Ward RIPThe Revd Keith Ward died on 9 June. Keith served all of his ministry in Newcastle Diocese. He was ordained deacon in 1965, and served curacies at St Luke’s, Wallsend, and at Wooler, before serving as Vicar at St Matthew’s, Dinnington; St Cuthbert’s, Bedlington; and St Mary’s, Stannington, before retiring in 1999 with Permission to Officiate. His funeral will be at St Cuthbert’s, Bedlington, on 26 June at 11am. Please pray for Keith’s widow, Sheila, and for their family and friends. NEW: Nominations open for the National Church AwardsChurches have an amazing story to tell – from their beautiful buildings to the dedicated volunteers who keep them open and serving local people – but they need help. With the future of many churches uncertain and under threat, there has never been a more important time to celebrate the UK’s churches and their importance to communities.

Nominations will close on July 23, 2023, with judging then taking place by church and heritage experts.

To find out what awards are available for nomination, please click here.

NEW: Durham Diocese announces new Dean of Durham CathedralDurham Diocese has today announced that Dr Philip Plyming will be installed as the next Dean of Durham.

Dr Plyming succeeds the Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett, who was appointed Dean of St Paul’s in London last year, and has been Warden of Cranmer Hall, the theological college within St John’s College, Durham, since 2017.

Commenting on his appointment, Philip said: “I thank God for the honour of being appointed to be the next Dean of Durham.

“Inspired by the Christ-like example of St Cuthbert and the Northern saints, I look forward to leading the Cathedral’s life and mission in the years to come, so that in its worship and hospitality it continues to be a place of prayer, pilgrimage and proclamation. I also look forward to working with all the Chapter, staff and volunteers as together we live out the Cathedral’s historic vocation.”

To learn more, please click here.

REMINDER: Unwanted psalters needed

St Lawrences, Warkworth is currently seeking unwanted psalters for their choir. Please see the image for the version they are after.

Please contact Sheila at [email protected] for more information.

NEW: Bubble Church
Launched in October 2020, Bubble Church is an exciting and innovative way to engage with children and young people. Funded by an Innovation Grant from the Church of England, it includes action songs, a Bible story, puppets and a simple activity in a 30 minute service.

It started at Ascension Balham, where attendance has grown from zero to over 100 parents/carers and children attending on a Sunday - and many stay on for the 10:30 service. Find out how you can host Bubble Church, or watch the video below to find out more.

NEW: An update on the National Estate Churches Network Annual Conference 2023

National Estate Churches Network’s annual conference this year is focusing on lived experience with estate practitioners sharing their wisdom. God with Us: Sharing our journey seeks to explore aspects of ministering in social housing estates and disadvantaged communities.

You will hear from the experience, wisdom and stories of practitioners, engage in workshops and network with many organisations and resources who aim to reach, support and encourage those in disadvantaged communities.

To learn more about the event(s), including dates and prices, please click here.