Parishes by the Wall - Living Faith on the Frontier
On another lovely sunny day last Saturday, St Cuthbert's Church Haydon Bridge held its church fete. There were cream teas, competitions (flowers in a jam jar, guess the weight of the cake), produce and plant stalls, a raffle and tombola, and plenty for the children to do. This was also an opportunity to check out the display board with the architect's drawings showing how the Church could be developed to provide greater amenity. God's Tent was also pitched in the churchyard, 
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In lovely warm sunshine, over 90 people were able to enjoy a visit to the garden at The Old Vicarage in Beltingham last Sunday. Threatened showers never materialised, although places as near as Slaley suffered heavy rain. Visitors could enjoy a stroll around with a glass of wine, and tea and cream scones were available once other refreshments were needed. A very successful plant stall and tombola all helped to swell the proceeds from the day, which was in aid of church funds. St Cuthbert's Church was also open, and many visitors took the opportunity to go there, including one couple who had been married there 50 years ago.
Gill Alexander, our Curate, was ordained on 1 July at St Nicholas Cathedral in Newcastle at 10 am. The Cathedral was filled to capacity, with aboiut 1000 people there. There were 13 ordinands from across the Diocese to be priested, and Gill was first in the alphabetical list. Each kneels in turn before the Bishop, who lays hands on the candidate's head. Then other supporting clergy come forward and also lay on their hands in a giant huddle, while the Bishop says "Send down the Holy Spirit on your servant Gill for the office and work of a Priest in your Church", and presents each with a Bible, saying "Receive this book as a sign of the authority given you this day to preach the gospel of Christ and to minister his holy sacraments".
At the end of the very impressive service, there is then an opportunity for the newly ordained Priests to greet their friends in the square outside the Cathedral. In lovely summer sunshine, there was a great buzz of laughter and conversation, with many able to greet friends from across the Diocese.
Gill will preside at her first Eucharist at a special service at 5 pm on Saturday 7 July at St Cuthbert's Beltingham, where the preacher will be the Rt Rev'd Dr Nicholas Chamberlain, the retired Bishop of Grantham . There will be refreshments after the service. Parking is available.
Sunday April 22nd - Fourth Sunday of Easter
There was a joyous Service of Celebration at Haydon Bridge this morning.
The children sang with great enthusiasm in their newly formed choir, accompanied and led by Stephanie Carter.
During the service there were colouring activities for the children. These two were very proud of their efforts!
