St Michael and All Angels Houghton-le-Spring

On Sunday 17th March at 3.00 pm the Church was packed with John’s family and friends, members of his now old Parish, fellow Priests and the wonderful people of our Parish. We were all there to celebrate John’s Licensing. The service was a lovely blend of traditional Oaths and blessings with a great mix of hymns – the Anthem sung by the Choir was a particular highlight. The wonderful Sermon from the Bishop of Durham, Rt Reverend Paul Butler, reminded us to serve and be served, and to look not inwardly but towards those who need help. The service ended with some quick notices from John and then we all headed up to the Kepier Hall for the bun fight!

Our thanks go out to all the people who made Sunday such a success, to those making the pies, buttering the sandwiches, getting us all seated, serving the tea, proof reading the service sheet, providing the beautiful music – and for everything else that goes on behind the scenes.

We look forward to journeying with John on his new phase of Ministry and wish him well!

After the Christmas Morning Eucharist Rev Judith Howes rushed along to Space4 to prepare a Christmas lunch for some of those from out community who would otherwise have been on their own.  Assisted by Simon Hardy and David Hann the group was served a hot lunch and enjoyed some much needed social time together.  Once again Easington Lane Community Transport provided their minibus to pick up and drop off the party goers.  Huge thanks to everyone who gave so generously of their time and talents.

Over fifty children and some of their adults attended this free Christmas Party, a collaboration between Space4 and the Kepier Hall.  Everyone enjoyed the talents of Tony Junior who had everyone up on their feet joining in some fantastic games.  There was a delicious buffet tea, a visit from Santa and a selection box for every child.  Thank you to all the hard work of the volunteers involved and to a Community Chest Grant for making this happen.

On Sunday 16th December at 3pm we had a wonderful Christingle service in church.  Lots of families joined us to make a Christingle and share in the lead up to Christmas.

Then our evening service was ENGAGE with Christingle so the adults all had a chance to construct and learn about the meaning behind this lovely tradition.

As is the tradition St Michael’s ended Feast week with a fabulous evening of entertainment, fellowship and fun. Bobby Thompson tribute act Tony Washington played to a packed church who had enjoyed a hotpot super. It’s always amazing to see the church building transformed for other uses and there has been a lot of furniture shifting this week! Huge thanks to the wonderful Next 900 team for all their hard work.