Services and Worship at St Mary's Church
Please find below our current service times during vacancy.
Please note: there is no Evensong at St Mary's on the 29th December and also no Evensong at Gibside Chapel on the 5th January.
On the 26th January instead of Evensong there will be a service of readings, and music for Candlemas.
Special and seasonal services will be published as necessary.
This Week's Readings
3rd Sunday of Epiphany
26th January 2025
Collect
God of all mercy,
your Son proclaimed good news to the poor,
release to the captives,
and freedom to the oppressed:
anoint us with your Holy Spirit
and set all your people free
to praise you in Christ our Lord.
Nehemiah 8. 1-3, 5-6, 8-10
All the people came together as one in the square before the Water Gate. They told Ezra the teacher of the Law to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded for Israel. 2 So on the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand. 3 He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law. 5 Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up. 6 Ezra praised the LORD, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, “Amen! Amen!” Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. 8 They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read. 9 Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. 10 Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
1. Corinthians 12. 12-31a
Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15 Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honourable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honour to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues ? Do all interpret? 31 Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way.
Luke 4. 14-21
Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. 15 He was teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised him. 16 He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, 17 and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” 20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21 He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
Post Communion
Almighty Father,
whose Son our Saviour Jesus Christ is the light of the world:
may your people,
illumined by your word and sacraments,
shine with the radiance of his glory,
that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed
to the ends of the earth;
for he is alive and reigns, now and for ever.
Next Week's Readings
Candlemas
2nd February 2025
Collect
Lord Jesus Christ,
light of the nations and glory of Israel:
make your home among us,
and present us pure and holy
to your heavenly Father,
your God, and our God.
Malachi 3. 1-5
“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the LORD Almighty. 2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. 3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the LORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness, 4 and the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable to the LORD, as in days gone by, as in former years. 5 “So I will come to put you on trial. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud labourers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive the foreigners among you of justice, but do not fear me,” says the LORD Almighty.
Hebrews 2. 14-end
Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. 17 For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who
are being tempted.
Luke 2. 22-40
When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord” ), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” 33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” 36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. 39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.
Post Communion
Lord, you fulfilled the hope of Simeon and Anna,
who lived to welcome the Messiah:
may we, who have received these gifts beyond words,
prepare to meet Christ Jesus when he comes
to bring us to eternal life;
for he is alive and reigns, now and for ever.
What is Prayer Space?
On the 1st Saturday of each month during vacancy, between 10am -12 noon we simply open the church doors and invite people in. Tea and coffee are available. There's no service, so visitors can use the 'space' for a time of prayer and reflection, while others may enjoy exploring the building. We also play gentle music to add to the atmosphere. This 'Space' is for you, a place of peace and tranquillity.
Daily Prayer:
for each and every day
Join the Church in prayer. Here you will find the CoE services of Morning, Evening Prayer and Compline. Then services include the daily readings and audio versions can be played. Just click the link below.
https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/join-us-service-daily-prayer
The Prayer Chain:
let us carry your prayer
Prayer is a powerful help and comfort in both good and difficult times. Here at St Mary's we have a Prayer Chain led by one of our Pastoral Assistants, Joan Smith. You may wish to ask us to pray for yourself, for friends, relatives or for any given situation. The Prayer Chain is here to help you with prayerful support, especially in times of crisis or trouble. The members, or links in the chain, will, one by one, bring your prayer requests to the forefront of their prayers to God. Any calls for prayer are treated in the strictest of confidence. If you would like the Prayer Chain to offer prayers on your behalf, please make your request in the box at the back of church, or through our Parish Office on: 0191 488 1553
Archived on-line Sunday Services
We encourage all to attend our church services. However, for those who can't get to church we keep a library of pre-recorded services; simply click on the links below.
The Second Sunday of Epiphany 2022
Sermon by Anne Robertson on the theme of the Wedding at Cana. Please share the link below with your family and friends, click on below
The Second Sunday of Easter
Thank you for joining us for our Sunday Holy Communion. Today's Gospel asks us to reflect upon Thomas, his doubt and the question that led him to know and believe. Please share the link below with your family and friends, click on below
Easter Day Holy Communion
A special day and service for Easter. The promise and depth of God's love is revealed. Please share the link below with your family and friends; To view, just click on below
Vigil before Easter Day
Christian tradition encourages us to pray and reflect in the time between Good Friday and Easter at day break. This is the time we wait in hope for the Risen Jesus. The service gives readings and prayers for a vigil which might ideally be used in the hour before sunrise on Easter Day. The readings ponder God's saving action found throughout the history of his people.
Please share the link below with your family and friends; To view, just click on below
The Good Friday Liturgy
This services includes the Passion of our Lord according to Mark, veneration of the cross, solemn intercession and ends with distribution of the Holy Sacrament reserved from Maundy Thursday leading us into the desolation of Holy Saturday. A solemn and reflective worship as we move with Jesus to the foot of his cross. Please share the link below with your family and friends; To view just click the link below
Easter message for the Parochial
A short Easter message for the Parochial School Please share the link below with your family and friends; To view just click the link below
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday begins our journey in Holy Week and brings Christ's journey toward the cross into sharp focus. The service starts with the Blessing of the Palm Crosses and the triumphal entry of Christ into Jerusalem, culminating with his arrest and death. Please share the link below with your family and friends; To view just click the link below
Passion Sunday
The last two weeks of Lent are known as Passiontide. A period of reflection encouraging us to contemplate the Passion and death of Jesus as we journey spiritually with him on his way to the Cross. Our Communion, scripture, song and prayers help us to reflect on the power of God's redeeming love revealed through his Son. Please share the link below with your family and friends; To view just click the link below
Mothering Sunday
Today's Eucharist is framed by the nation's celebration of Mothering Sunday. Our readings and sermon reflects the occasion as we thank God for our own mums and recognise the wonderful job they do. We also reflect upon St Mary, the mother of our Lord, and are reminded that the Church is called to be a mother to the world. There is also a 'Mothering Sunday' card just for you! Please share the link below with your family and friends; To view just click the link below
Third Sunday in Lent
Thank you for joining with us as we continue our shared journey through Lent. Today, in our Eucharist, we consider Jesus and his actions in the Temple. We consider what changes we might make to our lives that will help build God's Kingdom. Do join us next week for Mothering Sunday. Please share the link below with your family and friends; To view just click the link below
Second Sunday in Lent
Walk with us as we accompany Jesus on his journey toward the cross. Consider your relationship with the Lord Jesus as we listen to scripture and contemplate its message to the world. Pray and seek repentance as we continue to prepare ourselves to share in his passion, death and new life.
Please share the link below with your family and friends; To view just click the link below
First Sunday in Lent
As we begin our lenten journey we hear the story of Jesus at the very start of his public ministry. Over the next forty days we walk with him toward the cross, share in his passion and ponder his death before reaching Easter to celebrate his glorious resurrection. Please share the link below with your family and friends; To view just click the link below
Ash Wednesday
We come together at the start of Lent to prepare to journey with Jesus as he moves toward the cross. The story of God's love and redemption is made real through his son. In our service we listen to God's word and take time to confess our sin and to mark ourselves with the sign of the cross, before gathering together around the Lord's table. Please share the link below with your family and friends; To view just click the link below
Valentine's Day
We bring together the joy of Sunday's worship and the celebration of St Valentine's Day as we contemplate the endless unconditional love God has for all people. There is even a Valentine's card, just for you. Please share the link below with your family and friends; To view just click the link below
Second Sunday before Lent
In our worship today we hear of God's love for the world made real in his Son Jesus. Vivid imagery, contemplative music and a chance to sing is framed by the light of scripture and its message of hope for all found in and through Christ. Please share the link below with your family and friends; To view just click the link below
Candlemas 2021
Our service focuses on the presentation of Jesus in the Temple. We ponder the words and prophecy of Simeon, and note Anna's belief that this child Jesus was the one to bring redemption. In our worship, praise and prayer, we hear Jill reveal the message of Candlemas. Join us today and please share this link with your family and friends. Click link below
'The Miracle of Cana'.
Our service draws us into the presence and life of Jesus. As we worship together in song, word and prayer, Canon Peter Waterhouse leads us in an exploration of the Sign revealed at Cana. Thank you for joining us today... please share this link with your family and friends. Click link below
Epiphany 2
Our Principal service of Holy Communion. The call of God to Samuel and all disciples through the ages. If you're at home, then thank you for joining us in worship. You'll hear God's Word and be invited to reflect upon his gift to you and for the world. Click link below
Epiphany Sunday
A service of Holy Communion, through which the story of the Magi tells of the revealing of God's one true Light given to all people for all time. We celebrate together and share our faith through word, imagery, hymns & carols as we come together in his light and presence. Available from 10am Sunday 3rd of January '20. Click link below
Christmas
The First Communion of Christmas. The underlying theme is that of the coming of the ‘Light’. The service celebrates the gift of Jesus to the world. The light of the Good News is proclaimed and made real; praised through music, scripture, carols and imagery. Merry Christmas! Click link below
Christmas Carol Service
A traditional Christmas Carol Service re-tells the joy of the Christmas Story through Readings, Music, Images plus lots of chances to sing along! A great way to celebrate Christmas. Click link below
Opening and Closing Whickham's School's
Community Christmas Carol Concert.
Once again Barry was given the privilege of being part of Whickham School's Community Christmas Carol Concert. This is a two minute film clip giving a short message and prayer, with a hint of a smile at the end! Click link below
Making a Christingle,the Fr Barry way!
A ten minute film for families. Have a go at making a Christingle and find out about it's hidden meaning. Click link below
A Service for Remembrance Sunday
Remembrance Sunday Service with Holy Communion and an Act of Worship. Vivid imagery, evocative music, a chance to sing and find true hope as we remember the 'giving and sacrifice' of men and women through the ages.
Click link below
Advent Sunday
Advent Sunday Holy Communion. The Light is coming, we look forward to the fulfilment of God's promises in the coming of his Son into the world. This is a service which involves you. Together we will sing, listen, share and be held together in the mystery of the Eucharist. Click link below
Christ the King
A service of Holy Communion for the Feast of Christ the King. The video incorporates readings, music, imagery and a homily; there is the opportunity for all to join in with the singing to give that feeling of being together in God's presence. Click link below
2nd Sunday before Advent
Join us for our worship as we come to learn from God's word, to discover new insight and to be assured of his presence with us. Come and hear our members pray, read and give testimony as together we praise God through the Holy Spirit and in Jesus' name. Click link below