A free theatrical event you won’t want to miss this Good Friday in Houghton-le-Spring

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This Good Friday 14th April at 12noon will see the churchyard of St Michael and All Angels Church, Houghton-le-Spring become the setting of Jesus’ last hours. Crucifixion is a modern passion play performed by local people outside. The play uses music written and composed by Stuart Clappison and spectators walk with Jesus and become part of the crowd as he journeys to the cross.

In 2015 (when it was last staged) spectator Victoria Halpin said ‘It was an excellent performance. I really enjoyed it all’.

William Stott (22) who is playing Jesus this year said ‘I’m looking forward to literally walking in the footsteps of Jesus – I’m sure it’s going to be an amazing experience’.

All are invited to attend this free event. Gather at the archway of the church on the Broadway (opposite Rectory Park) in Houghton-le-Spring just before 12noon and come and walk with us to experience first-hand the greatest story ever told!

Here are some images from the last performance in 2015:

Jesus falls for the third time

Palm Sunday procession – photo gallery

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We celebrated Palm Sunday in our usual style and were joined by two beautiful donkeys along with the fantastic Houghton Youth Brass band as we processed together from Rectory Park into church.

Sometimes they strew his way,
and his strong praises sing,
resounding all the day
hosannas to their King.
Then “Crucify!”
is all their breath,
and for his death
they thirst and cry.

Here might I stay and sing,
no story so divine:
never was love, dear King,
never was grief like thine.
This is my friend,
in whose sweet praise
I all my days
could gladly spend.

Many thanks to all those that made today happen and to John Lambton for the photos.

See you for our other services this Holy Week.


Crucifixion – a modern Passion Play for our times Good Friday 12noon – St Michael & All Angels Houghton-le-Spring

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This Good Friday come and witness the greatest story ever told here in the grounds of St Michael and All Angels Church. Follow the story of Christ’s passion from his arrest through to his crucifixion in this unique, immersive experience. The performance begins at 12noon and is free admission.

Holy Week and Easter services in Houghton-le-Spring 2017

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We are delighted that we will be joined this Holy Week by Bishop John Packer for a series of talks journeying through Jesus’ Passion.

 

The week begins with Palm Sunday 9th April – we will process as usual from Rectory Park (get there about 9.45am) into church along with a donkey.

From Monday to Wednesday there will be a Eucharist at 7pm with a talk by Bishop John.

Maundy Thursday there will be a Eucharist at 10am and at 7.30pm followed by the Watch (silent prayer and meditation) and ending with Compline (Night Prayer) at 10pm.

Good Friday – come and see our Crucifixion Play at 12noon in the church grounds then at 3pm we have the traditional Good Friday Liturgy in church.

Easter Vigil – the first service of Easter will be at 7.30pm on Holy Saturday with fire and the lighting of the Paschal Candle.

Easter Sunday – join us for our celebration Eucharists at 8.30am and 10am. Then come and Engage with the Resurrection at 6pm.

Come along to Open Table – a service for everyone Sunday 2nd April 7pm @space4hls #lgbtqia

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After our launch in March our first regular gathering of Open Table – our inclusive service open to all is on Sunday 2nd April at 7 for a 7.30pm start at Space4 – ground floor Houghton Library (postcode DH4 4GB – park behind Houghton Library for free).

This month we are looking at the Last Supper through different eyes. Please share this with your friends. We look forward to seeing you!

 

Gilpin 500 Tudor Family Fun Day – part of Talking Jesus – picture gallery

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On Saturday 4th March the doors of St Michael and All Angels church were opened to the public to step back into the time of Bernard Gilpin whose 500th anniversary we are celebrating this year. Visitors were treated to storytelling from the Bible (Gilpin was famous for his Bible teaching), Tudor cookery demonstrations – including a chance to taste the kind of food eaten at the time of Gilpin, learning to spin wool on a spinning wheel or drop spindle, lots of crafts and much more.

A big thank you to Dignity Funeral Directors for providing a musical accompaniment to the day with their charity Gavioli Organ.

Also a big thank you to all who helped to make the day such a great success – including all our visitors! Browse our photos below – taken by John Lambton.

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Ashes to Go 2017 in Houghton-le-Spring – picture gallery

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What began as an experience of our Rector Sue whilst on sabbatical in Washington DC in 2014 has now become an annual tradition here at St Michael’s. Once again we brought part of the Ash Wednesday service out onto the streets of Houghton-le-Spring – the opportunity to receive prayer and be ashed on the forehead with the sign of the cross – a reminder of our own mortality and the overwhelming love and forgiveness of God.

Why not take the opportunity this Lent for a fresh start with God? Have you been thinking of coming back to church? Come and join us, there will be a warm welcome.

As James writes in his letter: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8)

 

Thank you to all who took part from chatting to people, asking for prayers and making the tea and coffee.

Below are some images from the day taken by Jorgie Carmichael – click on an image to enlarge it.

View a video of the day here:

 

Launching Open Table North East – safe sacred space for LGBTQIA+ Christians

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You are warmly invited to be part of

Open Table North East.

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Open Table is a safe sacred space for LGBTQIA+ Christians & all who believe in an inclusive Church.

Open Table aims to create a safe sacred space for you to explore your faith and what it means for you. Whoever you are, wherever you come from, you are welcome here.

Open Table shouldn’t need to exist.  Our vision is of a world where LGBTQIA+ people are fully included within our church traditions and communities. Until then, we will continue to nurture safe, sacred, inclusive space where LGBTQIA+ Christians can ‘come as you are’.

The first Open Table gathering will take place on Thursday 2nd March at 7 for 7.30pm at Space4, Ground Floor of Houghton Library, Newbottle Street, Houghton-le-Spring, DH4 4GB.

Thereafter Open Table North East will meet on the first Sunday of the Month at 7pm – more details to follow. Find out more about the Open Table movement on the website here.

Please join our group on Facebook to stay in touch and find out more:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/opentableNE/

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Part of the Talking Jesus Durham events:

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