Sunday 10th April 2022
The Holy Communion Service on Palm Sunday held at All Hallows' Church was led by Rev'd Michael Jackson.
In his address Michael spoke about the difficult choices we are often faced with in life and the road that we choose to take.He cited the words the wonderful American singer/songwriter Tom Paxton wrote following the 9/11 disaster, in tribute to the bravery of the firemen (The Bravest)
'when the firemen were running up the stairs and we were rushing down'
As we follow the journey of Jesus to the cross we reflect on the decisions he took and the path he travelled.
We remember at this time the difficult decisions so many people in Ukraine are making, which path to take?, To travel to safety, a new life or to stay with loved ones in their own country.
Rev'd Jackson concluded his address with the poem by Robert Frost, 'The Road Not Taken' which ends as follows:.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence
Two roads diverged in a wood and I---
Took the one less traveled by
And that has made all the difference
Palm Crosses were blessed and distributed following communion.
Which path do we take?
Thursday 31st March 2022
Rev'd Stephen Wright was licensed as Priest in Charge of the Benefice of Haltwhistle and Greenhead and Assistant Curate of the Parish of Beltingham with Henshaw by The Rt Rev'd Mark Wroe, Bishop of Berwick and Acting Bishop of Newcastle with his installation by the Venerable Dr Catherine Sourbut Groves, the Archdeacon of Lindisfarne.
About 100 people gathered at Holy Cross Church in Haltwhistle to welcome Steve and his family to beginning life and ministry in Northumberland.
The service was both formal and informal creating a relaxed and joyous atmosphere with participation from the leadership team (Churchwardens and Deputies). The choir sang the anthem' Sing of the Lord's Goodness' and a sermon was given by the Bishop.
Following the service it was time to celebrate. A wonderful selction of refreshments was provided with a lovely cake to welcome Steve and Jo.
The APCM for the Parish of Beltingham with Henshaw was held at All Hallows' Church on 29th March 2022.
This annual meeting is the time when the Churchwardens are elected / re-elected, reports prepared by members of the PCC covering many aspects of church life over the last year are presented, accounts are presented and accepted and any new members to the PCC are elected.
We were very pleased to welcome our new vicar Rev'd Canon Stephen Wright to join us in attendance. Stephen's installation service will be at Holy Cross Church in Haltwhistle this coming Thursday (31st March) with his first service at All Hallows' Church on Sunday 3rd April 2022.
At the end of the meeting in recognition of the enormous amount of work our Churchwardens have carried out over the last two years, bouquets of flowers were given to Anne and Carol and a Village Shop voucher was given to Adrian. They kept us safe during Covid and have ensured that worship continued throughout the vacancy. providing some very inspiring and uplifting services. Our grateful thanks for all you do.
Sunday 27th March 2022
The Eucharist Service at All Hallows' Church on Mothering Sunday was presided over by our Associate Priest Rev'd Gill Alexander. Gill spoke about Mothering Sunday and reminded us that as well as being a day of joy and thanksgiving it is also a day of sadness and grief for many. The Mothers' Union was represented by Mrs Anne Brunton and Mrs Sheila Walker who participated in the prayers and readings. Bunches of daffodils prepared by Mrs Pauline Storey were distributed to all during the final hymn of the service. We exited to a beautiful spring day of warmth, sunshine and a clear blue sky.
Peace and blessings to all.
We were delighted to hear from Bishop Mark that a new vicar has been appointed to cover the parishes of Beltingham with Henshaw and Haltwhistle and Greenhead. Reverend Canon Stephen Wright is currently Priest in Charge of the Quidenham Group of seven parishes in South Norfolk. Stephen has previously served in Yorkshire and has spent many years abroad in Nigeria, Kuwait, Dubai and Sharjah. He and his wife Jo will be living in the Vicarage, Edens Lawn, Haltwhistle and are expected to arrive in March.
Stephen's installation will be on 31st March 2022. More information about this will be provided in due course.
We very much look forward to welcoming and supporting Stephen and his family as he begins his ministry in Northumberland.