Parishes by the Wall - Living Faith on the Frontier

A Christingle Service was held at St.Cuthbert's Church, Haydon Bridge on Sunday 26th January 2020. The candles of the Christingle were lit during the service.

A Christingle consists of an orange representing the world and is pierced with four sticks representing either the four corners of the earth or the four seasons of the year. A red band around the centre, being the colour of blood, reminds us that Christ died for us.

In one of the reflections during the service the Vicar spoke about the recent pitching of God's Tent. The children had created a spark which generated a flame. It proved easy to generate the flame but more difficult to keep it burning just as the flame of our faith can be readily generated but due to the challenges of life may, at times, prove harder to sustain and begin to flicker.

The children learnt that in order to keep their flames burning thay needed to share ideas, work together as a team and support one another, a very valuable life lesson.

Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Tuesday 3rd December 2019

A quiet day led by Rev. Gill Alexander was held at Shepherds Dene. The day focused on the theme of Advent. The group shared prayers and refections and spent time in the peaceful grounds of Shepherds Dene on what turned out to be a beautiful winter day with sunshine and a clear blue sky. Gill gave an introduction to the principles of the Benedictine tradition. Advent candles prepared during the day were lit during Evening Prayer held in the Chapel.

Childrens' Christmas Party

December commenced with the Messy Church Christmas Party held in the Village Hall. The children enjoyed a lunch prepared by the helpers of Messy Church. After lunch they expended lots of energy playing games before walking to the Village Green for the switching on of the Christmas tree lights. Hot chocolate was served but due to the inclement weather everyone adjourned to The Bowes Hotel to sing carols led by Rev'd Benjamin Carter.. Santa Claus arrived ending a very happy afternoon for the children.   

Village Carol Service

This was held at All Hallows' Church, Henshaw on Sunday 15th December. A service of carols and readings opened with a solo of the first verse of Once in Royal David's City given by a member of the choir. There were several further contributions by the choir and the readings were given by representatives of various sections of the community including Messy Church , Mothers' Union, Parish Council , Parochial Church Council, Womens' Institute, the History Society and Henshaw Church of England Primary School.

Crib Service

A service of carols and readings, the crib service was held on Christmas Eve at All Hallows' Church, Henshaw. The children followed the Christmas story of the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem as they helped to prepare the crib for the birth of Jesus. All the readings were given by the children.

Santa Claus took a break from his busy schedule to visit the children at the end of the service

Light hearted readings and carols

This service was held at St Cuthbert's Church Beltingham on Friday 27th December. A varied selection of light hearted readings were given with the highlight of the service being a solo given by our vicar Rev'd Dr Benjamin Carter, who sang the Nation's Favourite Carol, 'O Holy Night'

Refeshments afterwards concluded a very enjoyable afternoon. 

Thanks are due to all those who have contributed in so many different ways over this Christmas period but particularly to our vicar Rev'd Dr Benjamin Carter, our curate Rev'd Gill Alexander, our organists for the wonderful music and the Churchwardens who have worked so hard in preparing our churches.

THANK YOU

..

Sunday 10th November 2019

The Parish Eucharist at 9.30am, held at All Hallows' Church, Henshaw was followed by a Service of Remembrance at the War Memorial led by Rev.Dr Benjamin Carter.

In addition to the traditional red poppies, purple poppies were included in the display, in memory of the animals who lost their lives during the wars.Stones with a poppy on  and inscribed with the name of a soldier were secreted arond the village for the children to find and then place on the War Memorial.

Thanks , once again, are due to the ladies of the WI who worked so hard creating the wonderful display of poppies.

IN FLANDERS FIELDS

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses row on row

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below

JOHN McCRAE 1915