NOTICES FOR THE WEEK COMMENCING SUNDAY 18 JANUARY 2026
SUNDAY 18 JANUARY
Important – Please note:- The decision was taken last week to forego the planned ‘Local Arrangement’ service this morning. Instead, all are invited to the service below:-
4.00pm To mark the beginning of the “Week of Prayer for Christian Unity” we are invited to a special service in the Church Hall at St Oswin’s on behalf of the Wylam and District Churches.
Refreshments will be available following this service.
WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY
7.30 to 9.00pm The Wednesday Fellowship meetings continue this evening, when the group will be continuing a bible study based on the book of Colossians – this second week focusses on chapter 1 verse 24 to chapter 2 verse 15 with the title “Meditating on Colossians”. As always, these meetings are open to anyone, from any church or none. Just come along and you will find a warm welcome.
THURSDAY 22 JANUARY
9.15 to 11.30am “Soft Play” for pre-school children, accompanied by a parent or guardian, continues in the hall today. Just £3 per family. Come at any time and for as long as you like.
12 noon As part of the “Week of Prayer for Christian Unity” all are invited to a time of prayer in the foyer here, which will be led by Rev Fiona Calverey.
FRIDAY 23 JANUARY
5.30 to 7.30pm Although a week earlier than usual this month, all who are interested are invited to Horsley Village Church Hall for another of their “Get Together”, drop-in sessions. Come when you like within these times. Drinks and nibbles and a chance to chat with friends. Everyone, and all ages, welcome.
SATURDAY 24 JANUARY
7.00 to 9.00pm The Wylam and District Churches Youth Club and Gathering continueshere this evening. From 7.00 to 8.00pm, it’s a more traditional youth club with a wide variety of games including board games, pool, table tennis and badminton and then, from 8.00pm, for all who wish to stay, The Gathering will take place with some food, perhaps a more quiet game and some chat and discussion about Christian faith and life issues – or if you wish you can just come at 8.00pm for this session. Anyone from school year 6 and above is welcome and there’s no need to book. Weekly sub. remains at £1.
SUNDAY 25 JANUARY
10.30am Please note the time and that there will not be a service here this morning.
Along with the congregation from Prudhoe Methodist Church we are all invited to the Joint Service being held this morning at Stocksfield Methodist Church, to be led by our Minister, Rev Fiona Calverey.
It is hoped that as many as possible will be able to attend and if you require a lift, please make that known.
COMING SOON
Saturday 31 January 8.30am The next Perspectives Men’s Breakfast will be held in the Hexham Abbey Priory Buildings, when the after-breakfast speaker is to be John McCabe with a talk titled “From Rocket Scientist to Northern Saint”.John was Professor of Materials Science at Newcastle University, specialising in materials used in medicine and dentistry, and he has been involved in several aspects of related research and supervision and will speak about this and his personal faith.
Sunday 1 February 10.45am Our worship here is to be led by our Minister, Rev Fiona Calverey, and will include Holy Communion.
Following this service there will be a meeting of our Church Council, which is of course open to all of our congregation. Please make a note of this date, when it is hoped you will be able to attend.
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OUR FRAGILE EARTH (retrospective) With apologies from the compiler of these notes – this is something omitted in error several weeks ago:-
During the above weekend event, donations came in for refreshments and also the soup lunch. As a result, £100 was sent to Solar Aid and £150 to Fareshare North East. The latter donation was doubled as it came in during their campaign week during which a philanthropist matched the money received. Thank you to everyone who gave and also for your support during the weekend. Hilary Johnson
BIG GARDEN BIRDWATCH 2026 If you have never completed this before, why not have a go this year? It’s a great way to spend an hour over the weekend of 23-25 January. You can do it online or, if you register, you can obtain a paper copy. Just go onto the RSPB website and look for Big Garden Birdwatch 2026. If you need some help let me know and I can register for you. I am also obtaining one paper copy which I am happy to give out to whoever asks first. Completing this will help the RSPB gather data for our garden birds and assess the impact of climate change. Many thanks. Hilary Johnson
RADIO MICROPHONE Although a rather ‘domestic’ issue please note the following information. It has become necessary to replace the radio microphone we use in the church and foyer due to significant interference noted in recent weeks. The cause is identified as a damaged cable which a local sound engineer says is almost certainly due to the lead being frequently twisted or folded when handled or being packed away. Consideration is being given to finding a less restrictive box in which to keep the device but in the meantime please bear this in mind if you are using or handling the equipment.
FOOD BANK Please remember that gifts of non-perishable items for the West Northumberland Food Bank are always welcome. The need does not diminish. Boxes to receive donations are located in the atrium to the left of the doors as you leave.
PRAYER FOOTNOTE A prayer for this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity:-
Heavenly Father, you have called us in the body of your Son Jesus Christ to continue his work of reconciliation and reveal you to the world. Forgive us the sins which tear us apart; give us the courage to overcome our fears and to seek that unity which is your gift and your will; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen Anon
Information to be circulated? You can contact Brian Japes Tel:- 01661 852151 or email brian@japesfamily.co.uk