Space4 Sponsored Walk 17th May 2015

Our hardy team of walkers, which included a huge age range and a four legged friend, set off from the Castle Eden Inn at 10.30am in warm sunshine.  The first part of the walk was along a disused railway track, nice and flat and sheltered from any wind by trees.  The only challenge was the near constant stream of cyclist enjoying the Sunday sunshine but we soon got into a good routine at the back shouting out a warning.  We clambered up a footbridge and over the current railway line and headed for the next stage of the walk along the coastal path.  This also lead us to our first liason with the support team and lunch.  Refreshed from a brief rest and some food we continued on our way drinking in the glorious views and the sound of the sea.  The large black cloud that we noticed at lunchtime passed us by without dropping any rain on us.  We marched down steep steps into one dene and up the otherside and then round another before heading in to Crimdon Dene to enjoy some breathtaking woodland and ancient rocks and trees.  We finally arrived back at the Castle Eden Inn a little weary but thankful for a glorious walk and some excellent company.  Big thanks to all who took part, especially the younger members of our team, big thank to Roger & Sue Elsey for finding the route and checking it out, big thanks to Anne and Sue for being the support team and many thanks to all who supported us with sponsorship._MG_0441a _MG_0449a _MG_0470a _MG_0509a_MG_0474a

Sponsor our walkers in aid of Space4

Sponsored Walk Space4 17th May

Following the success of the Black Douglas fundraising walk last year a group of us are again heading out on a walk starting at Castle Dene and taking in part of the beautiful coastline to raise money for the continued work of our community project, Space4.

To run effectively, Space4 needs £800 per month to reach out to the most needy in our community of Houghton-le-Spring. We provide a listening ear and support for people facing all kinds of issues ranging from lack of access to social services to problems with housing or simply social isolation. Space4 is becoming a core service valued by many on Newbottle Street – help us to keep offering this support and develop our services by sponsoring us on this walk.

Sponsor forms are available at the back of church and at Space4.

If you would like to take part in the walk, please contact Christine Britcliffe, Space4 Co-ordinator.

Friends of the Church weekend – 9th-11th May 2015

 

The Friends of St Michael and All Angels warmly invite you to a series of events to be held this weekend:

Coffee Morning in Church Saturday  9th May from 10am to 1pm Come and join us for coffee

 

Thanksgiving Service Sunday  10th May at 6pm The choir will be singing new music, conducted by Rev’d Frances Wilson and Dr Gordon Stewart will be at the organ.

 

AGM Sunday  10th May at 7pm The AGM follows the service

 

Organ Concert Monday  11th May at 7pm

Admission £7 at the door.

This event is being sponsored by Whitfield’s the chemist

 

A welcome return of Dr Gordon Stewart playing popular organ music. Gordon enjoys coming to St Michael’s and I know the audience which is growing year on year really enjoys his music.

If you have not ever been to a organ concert why not try it?

Friends Weekend 2015

Summer Piano Recitals with Master Musicians International

We are delighted to be partnering with Master Musicians International to offer 3 evening Summer Piano Recitals this year with internationally acclaimed musicians. Each recital is at 7.30pm at St Michael’s and admission is £8 (£5 concessions).

Tuesday 19th May – 7.30pm

Viv McClean (Australia) – playing Bach, Liszt, Chopin and Gershwin

Tuesday 9th June – 7.30pm

Dmitry Rachmanov (Russia) – playing an all-Russian programme of Tchaikovsky, Arensky, Scriabin & Rachmaninov

Thursday 9th July – 7.30pm

Mami Shikimori (Japan) – playing Beethoven, Miyoshi & Chopin

Master Musicians poster

Alleluia, Christ is Risen! Happy Easter!

Alleluia Christ is Risen!

On this Easter Day when we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, may you know and experience His redeeming love.

A very Happy Easter to you all, Rector Sue

Here are some images (click on the images to enlarge) taken by John Lambton of our Easter Vigil service at which the exsultet hymn of praise was sung by our Deacon Bryony and the Paschal Candle blessed. Many thanks to Thelma Steel for decorating our candle so beautifully.

Bryony sings the exsultet

Bryony sings the exsultet

Crowds are moved as they walk with Jesus in Houghton Passion Play

Houghton Passion Play took place on Good Friday at the evocative location of the Hillside Cemetery. Despite the rain, in great British style, a good crowd gathered to walk with Jesus through his last moments from Gethsemane to Golgotha.

Jesus dies

Jesus dies

Rector Sue Pinnington said:

“People were incredibly moved and it was almost as if in some strange way that the dark and sombre day added and heightened the tension of the story being told.

We were committed to doing it outside. There were about 150 people there. Some people brought umbrellas and in that typically British fashion just got on with it.”

A spectator, Victoria Halpin said: “It was an excellent performance. I really enjoyed it all, even in the rain!”

John Vilaseca Bruch, a trainee priest on placement with us played the role of Jesus. Rector Sue said of him: “John was superb and he really brought something very special to the portrayal. It truly brought out the nature of the suffering that Christ must have gone through.”

A choir performed the songs written by parishioner Stuart Clappison and the audience sang along with the refrain:

Help us to see that what you did long ago

was for all, you and me – that we might know

how great is your love, your mercy and grace.

Can we live in your ways ’till we meet face to face?

Help us to know that your Spirit is here.

Open our hearts and cast off all fear.

We must loosen the chains that bind us today

and carry our cross in your humble way.

A very big thank you to everyone who helped make the play such a success, from those who provided the sound, the musicians, the tents, to the council, the local police and all the wonderful volunteers who stewarded, performed and assisted in all kinds of ways. It wouldn’t have happened without everyone’s commitment, thank you.

The play has been reported on in the Northern Echo.

View the images below to follow the stations of the cross as portrayed in the Passion Play.

Final rehearsal for Houghton Passion Play – join us this Friday at 12noon

We had our final rehearsal for Houghton Passion Play which will take place this Good Friday at 12noon in the Hillside Cemetery. Be sure to get to the Broadway from 10.30am and take the free shuttle bus for this incredible unique event. The singers are sounding great and John, our student playing Jesus is praying for warmer weather!

See you on Friday!

Jesus is crucified

Jesus is crucified