Services and Worship at St Mary's Church

Please find below our current service times during vacancy.

Special and seasonal services will be published as necessary.

This Week's Readings

Mothering Sunday

30th March 2025

Collect

God of love,

passionate and strong,

tender and careful:

watch over us and hold us

all the days of our life;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

Exodus 2. 1-10

Now a man from the house of Levi went and married a Levite woman. The woman conceived and bore a son; and when she saw that he was a fine baby, she hid him for three months. When she could hide him no longer she got a papyrus basket for him, and plastered it with bitumen and pitch; she put the child in it and placed it among the reeds on the bank of the river. His sister stood at a distance, to see what would happen to him.

The daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river, while her attendants walked beside the river. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her maid to bring it. When she opened it, she saw the child. He was crying, and she took pity on him. ‘This must be one of the Hebrews’ children,’ she said. Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, ‘Shall I go and get you a nurse from the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?’ Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, ‘Yes.’ So the girl went and called the child’s mother. Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, ‘Take this child and nurse it for me, and I will give you your wages.’ So the woman took the child and nursed it. When the child grew up, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and she took him as her son. She named him Moses, ‘because’, she said, ‘I drew him out of the water.’

 

Colossians 3. 12 – 17

As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

 

John 19. 25-27

Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.

 

Post Communion

Loving God,

as a mother feeds her children at the breast

you feed us in this sacrament with the food and drink of eternal life:

help us who have tasted your goodness

to grow in grace within the household of faith;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Next Week's Readings

5th Sunday of Lent

6th April 2025

Collect

Gracious Father,

you gave up your Son

out of love for the world:

lead us to ponder the mysteries of his passion,

that we may know eternal peace

through the shedding of our Saviour’s blood,

Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

Isaiah 43. 16-21

Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, who brings out chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick: Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. The wild animals will honour me, the jackals and the ostriches; for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise.

 

Philippians 3. 4-14

If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.

Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have

suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on towards the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.

 

 John 12. 1-8

Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, ‘Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?’ (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, ‘Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.’

 

Post Communion

Lord Jesus Christ,

you have taught us

that what we do for the least of our brothers and sisters

we do also for you:

give us the will to be the servant of others

as you were the servant of all,

and gave up your life and died for us,

but are alive and reign, 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

https://youtu.be/C76jvUPtNOM

 

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

https://youtu.be/-5sSfYHp4uc

 

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

https://youtu.be/OqD9h8xXnrg

 

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

https://youtu.be/F7iWszaaA_s

 

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

 https://youtu.be/NTNeQUKckxI

 

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

https://youtu.be/hgXjXHZXT_k

 

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

https://youtu.be/yDnqesNVvEU

 

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

https://youtu.be/Q13P6B2czhc

 

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

https://youtu.be/VR6gzivjnro

 

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

https://youtu.be/TtZNacGXoPE

 

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 

https://youtu.be/jhJOQtmx0e8

 

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

 https://youtu.be/wysB4BdktoE

 

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

https://youtu.be/6gTo_dK5PLk

 

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

https://youtu.be/XTYgT71NaVw

 

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

https://youtu.be/duZ23i_E6DY

 

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

https://youtu.be/k4SlVcqJlj0

 

'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

https://youtu.be/TFDcjy_3avw

 

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

https://youtu.be/LxEfGc16rmU

 

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

https://youtu.be/b3Sse0lR44o

 

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

https://youtu.be/y_HNuHmn4xI

 

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

https://youtu.be/w873yLOafD0

 

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

https://youtu.be/C2pO6tGRXKQ

 

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

https://youtu.be/Nc5BJVwsiso

 

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

https://youtu.be/hMBLgD_RQQs

 

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

https://youtu.be/oDB4cFdfboQ

 

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

https://youtu.be/bCYsGmTwAbw

 

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

https://youtu.be/hMncJIx28aY

 

Follow us:

St Mary the Virgin, Church Chare, Whickham, Newcastle upon Tyne NE16 4SH

Parish Office 0191 488 1553, or 07376172181

(calls are screened and, if possible, responded to during office hours 9:00am to 12:00noon)

parishoffice@stmaryswhickham.com

Registered Charity Number: 1132270