St Michael and All Angels Houghton-le-Spring

The annual Spring clean was achieved with a small band of cleaners, polishers etc.  It is surprising where the dirt comes from but the webs and dust are no more! This year was no exception but the addition of a floor scrubbing machine added to the hustle and bustle. By 9.30am people were arriving and no time was spared as tasks were taken in hand.  There was definately a feel of our community working hand in hand, especially at coffee time, thanks to Anne’s oat goodies to eat and then pizza at lunchtime to boost the energy levels.

The journey was messy but as the day grew on we could see the reward for the efforts made and by 3.30pm our church looked spick and span to say the least and all ready for our Mother’s Day service the next day.

Today we welcomed guest preacher  The Reverend Canon Sheila Bamber, the Canon Provost of Sunderland at the Celebration Eucharist for the Feast of Bernard Gilpin.  Sheila wondered what Bernard Gilpin would have made of our celebration of his life and achievements and reflected on his view that faith and our labour are and should be intertwined.  Also exploring the role of the Church in society today in speaking out for those who are marginalized by poverty.  A thought provoking sermon.

We also welcomed a small number of additional once a month members to our choir, these numbers perhaps impacted by those busy folk working hard in the Kepier Hall preparing lunch and others down South supporting our City’s football team.  Feedback following the service was that the sound was pleasing to the ear and those who took part felt welcomed and enjoyed the experience.

After the Celebration Eucharist a delicious lunch was served in the Kepier Hall, a time for conversation, companionship and a celebration of our church community.

Gathered around Bernard Gilpin's tomb

Rev Canon Sheila Bamber, Rev Judith Howes & Rev Margaret Lee

On Saturday 25th January 2014 a good number of folk gathered in the Keipier Hall for the Parish Party organised by the very hard working Next 900 Team. The evening began with a game of pass the parcel and following the delicious hot supper there were lots of great prizes up for grabs in the raffle.  Following on from that an amusing game of bingo and then to the dancing.  The brave souls who attempted the barn dance spent a good deal of time laughing and getting rather muddled, myself included.  Then the ballroom dancers took to the floor moving around with effortless grace.  The evening was rounded off with dancing for all with the disco.  All in all it was an evening of good conversation, delicious food, a variety of games, a huge amount of laughter and some sparkling footwork on the dancefloor.

New Curate for 2014

I’m delighted to announce that we will be welcoming a new curate in June 2014.

Her name is Bryony Taylor and she is currently studying for the priesthood at Cramner Hall in Durham.  She and her husband Paul, will be moving to Houghton in June and she will be working as a full time curate after her ordination as a deacon at Petertide.  Bryony will be with us at St Michael’s for the next 3 ½ – 4 years.  Everyone who has met her is very impressed with the gifts and talents she will bring to Houghton and we are all looking forward to working with her over the next few years.

Bryony has written a bit about herself as a brief introduction.

My husband Paul describes me as ‘not a glass half-full person’ but an ‘ooh, I’ve got a glass’ person – I am a relentless optimist! A child in Leeds once described me as ‘like a clown what’s good at stuff’! 

I was brought up in sunny Southend on Sea in Essex, but went to university in Leeds (I studied Classical Civilisation) where I met Paul and we’ve lived in Yorkshire ever since spending time in Hull, Dewsbury and most recently in Pudsey near Leeds. We’re both really looking forward to moving further north and exploring a new and beautiful area.


In my working life I have done a variety of things in the education sector, the most fun of which was in museum education doing living history – so I’m very excited to be coming to such an historic church! My last job before going to theological college was working as a social media consultant – training people from sole traders to banks to churches, to use things like Twitter and Facebook for business and communications.

I enjoy working with and learning from young people. I’ve been involved with youth work for a long time, I run juggling workshops and have been a Girl Guide leader in Dewsbury for the last 10 years. I’m one of those strange people that like camping!



I love reading and before college I was in a book club (that had a good balance of wine and chat!) and I’m looking forward to reading fiction again once finishing my course. I also really enjoy live music. I’m trying to get better at playing the guitar and I also like playing the ukulele (I promise I won’t inflict that on you though). Paul and I often go to the cinema: we have eclectic taste in films although he doesn’t share my love for TV programmes like the X Factor!



I am really looking forward to getting to know the community in Houghton Le Spring and I’m already inspired by all the amazing work that is already taking place through the commitment of the congregation. Paul and I are excited about walking alongside you in the great adventure of faith in Jesus.

Best wishes

Bryony

The Christingle Service every year marks the beginning of the Christmas celebrations at St Michael’s.  This year the children and parents learnt the all about the symbols of the Christingle from Deliah the Cow ably assisted by the Rector and Margaret.  Everyone then made their own Christingle before we gathered around the Christmas tree when the candles were lit and we all sang Away in a Manger.  Always a magical moment.

Thank you to everyone one who helped and took part in this service, which as well as being very special raises much needed funds for The Children’s Society.