Quite a large group of volunteers assembled at Henshaw Church this morning under the leadership of Libby Scott. The task was to collect up and move the mountains of fallen leaves from the front of the Church. It was a cold and crisp morning but we were soon warmed up with our activities.
At 11 o'clock we stopped for a welcome cup of coffee in the Church Room and then we were in for a lovely surprise when our Vicar showed us an amazing copy of the Lindisfarne Gospels. He has borrowed this copy for a month to show parishioners and school children in the area. It will be displayed at our services during December.
13th Sunday after Trinity
A Benefice Holy Communion Service was held at St Cuthbert's Church, Beltingham to celebrate The Feast of the Translation of St Cuthbert, Parishioners were welcomed from Holy Cross Church, Haltwhistle and St Cuthbert's Church, Greenhead as well as Beltingham and Henshaw. Rev'd Canon Steve Wright presided.
In his address Steve continued the Old Testament Gospel readings we have looked at during the summer months and spoke about the story of Moses and the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-15) as well as looking at the life of Cuthbert. He concluded his address with a poem written by Mr Keith Brunton.
Keith, who died earlier this year was a very much respected and a valued member of our Church Community.
Over the river and under the bridge
and right by the lodge of the hall
By farm and bastle, hamlet and castle
on the road to nowhere at all
then by a green with a circle of stone,
a pleasure, a treasure appears-
a church of St Cuthbert has stood on this spot
for over a thousand years,
When Vikings came to LIndisfarne with axe and sword and fire
the bones of Holy Cuthbert were hidden in this shrine
It may only be a legend that he rested in this place
but a spirit of tranquillity and sense of love and grace
lingers in the stonework and under the ancient yew
Come and stand and feel it, the legend may be true.
Beltingham Church - Keith Brunton
Over the Wall Theatre Group
Later in the afternoon many of us enjoyed the first performance of the Over the Wall Theatre Group who presented 'Making Theatre History' by Damien Trasler, David Lovesy and Steve Clark..
A play about putting on a play. The cast comprised Rev'd Keith Teasdale, Jo Wright ( wife of Steve ), Churchwardens, Janet Lord and Adrian Storrie, Penni Routledge. James Blythe and Gill Cowell. Rev'd Canon Steve Wright was the director and Diane Storrie was the prompt..
A very successful first performance, we are promised more in October and .a very delicious cream tea was enjoyed by everyone after the performance.
Sunday 23rd July 2023
On the seventh Sunday after Trinity a service of Morning Prayer was held at All Hallows' Church led by Mrs Anne Galbraith and Mrs Carol Adams
Anne's reflection centred around 'humility' and what it means to be 'humble'. At this time when football is so topical Anne related part of her reflection to the letter of 2021 by Gareth Southgate, England National Football Team Manager, entitled 'Dear England' in which Gareth speaks of pride, privilege and humility.
Anne read a passage from this very eloquent and insightful letter:-
Only about 1,200 players have represented England at senior men's level. Ever. .
It is a profound privilege. Don't forget, many of our lads started out at Football League Clubs like Barnsley, MK Dons and Sheffield United. Their backgrounds are humble. For them to make it to this point, as one of the chosen few in history.....well it simply doesn't happen without pride.
This is a special group. Humble, proud and liberated in being their true selves.
Gareth Southgate 'Dear England' 2021
Sunday16th July 2023
Rev'd Keith Teasdale presided at the Holy Communion Service at All Hallows' Church on the 6th Sunday after Trinity.
Keith related his address closely to the Gospel Reading for the day (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23) which tells the story of the sower. As he sowed, some of the seeds fell onto the path and were eaten by the birds, others fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, they grew up quickly but became scorched by the sun and since they had no root withered away. Other seeds fell amongst thorns and the thorns grew and choked them. The seeds that fell on good ground, in good soil brought forth grain, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty ,and in another thirty.
In this busy world of constant distractions can we be like the seeds that fell on good ground? Can we grow in faith and be fed by the love of God?
Sunday 9th July 2023
The Right Reverend Mark Wroe, Bishop of Berwick, accompanied by Reverend Canon Steve Wright was welcomed to All Hallows' Church on the 5th Sunday after Trinity. Bishop Mark presided over the Holy Communion Service
The Bishop's address related closely to the Gospel reading for the day (Matthew 11: 16-19, 25-end) and centered around 'Invitation' He recounted an anecdotal story about his eldest daughter, now a teenager but always competitive, who at the age of about three was attending a 'Sunday School event' with her best friend of a similar age. Her friend announced 'I have got Jesus in my heart' whereupon his daughter announced ' I have got Santa Claus in my heart' !!!
Bishop Mark stayed for coffee after the service and chatted with parishioners.
O Come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
There is room in my heart for thee
(Thou didst leave thy throne - Emily Elizabeth Steele Elliott1836-1897)
