O For The Wings Of A Dove

From St. Andrew's Church to Houghall College and then Beamish Museum last year, the night skies have been kind to us till now as we joined about 80 others participating in the Centrepoint Sleepout at the Aircraft Museum in Washington on November 6th, writes John Pattinson.

It was a time to meet up with fellow "sufferers" and meet up with some from previous years as we gathered under heavy skies once again to show our solidarity with those who have so little, those for whom life has been dealt cruel blows of misfortune and reflect during a cold wet night on the "pint of life" that positively overflows, the good fortune that my life has been. Not a time to let the discomfort of a restless night take away from the positive and wonderful work that God is doing through the work of Centrepoint, the charity focussed on the homeless and disadvantaged young people in society, not least in Sunderland and the North East.

Lights around the aircraft hangar greeted us as Dick, Ralph and myself arrived to be greeted by laughter and happy faces bustling around to build shelters for the night out of cardboard boxes, string and tape. A competition for the best shelter though our efforts under an aircraft wing, held together by string did not withstand the rigours of a windy night. But food and hot drinks and a trip around the aircraft museum filled in the time as well as listening to the performance of a live band, their musical extravaganza booming and echoing around the hangar for all to hear.

Time to bed down for the night, a chilling thought as we gazed at our ruined cardboard shelter and headed down in the pitch black to sleep underneath the wings of the vulcan bomber. Dick and Ralph bedded down well under the wing on the hard ground while I moved nearer the edge, the ground seemed a bit softer, kinder on the back, so I thought. So there we were wrapped up in sleeping bags and inside the Centrepoint's own paper bags, hoping morning would not be too far away.

It was not too cold a night as one reflected upon the "mad" things one does in life. I was reminded in the night hour of Mendelssohn's famous prayer, "O for the wings of a dove." Words that seemed appropriate to the situation one found oneself in. "Far away would I rove! In the wilderness build me a nest, And remain there forever at rest." Our nest was a sleeping bag, our rest a few hours of fitful sleep till the light of the new day dawned. Under the wings of an aircraft, the wings of the dove of God's love surrounded us and kept us safe as if under the shadow of his wing.

Yet the image of the dove soaring high, for me is a symbol of the transformative and life changing work that happens on our doorstep, in Dundas Street in our parish, as the work of Centrepoint continues day by day. It was time to reflect on how these young people and the Centrepoint staff have enriched our lives through the last 12 months. From their involvement in the crib service last Christmas to the North East Passion televised event last Good Friday. The "Centrepoint's Got Talent" night in the Priestman hall and many areas of parish life through which we are truly blessed.

I woke at 5.30 a.m.to be greeted by the noise of the wind howling through the trees, not the rector snoring as I first thought, and the drip, drip, drip of the rain cascading off the wing on to my sleeping bag. Time to move further under the wing and a bit more shelter and then to leave after another hour of fitful sleep. 

 

I enjoyed and appreciated my cosy bed the next night though thoughts went out to the homeless enduring what I had endured but for them every night. May I thank everyone in the parish who has contributed financially to this sponsored Centrepoint event. It is much appreciated. Thankyou.

 

To donate to Centrepoint's Christmas Appeal, visit http://www.centrepoint.org.uk/news-events/our-appeals/christmas-appeal

John Pattinson LIVE - not to be missed!

Here We Go Again

(c) John Pattinson 2014

The sun is shining, the scaffolding reaching heavenwards, and a smile of happiness permeates from an inner joy within myself, writes John Pattinson. Perhaps I am the only person delighting in the sight before me as I am greeted with, "not more scaffolding" from onlookers beside me. It has been a blissful summer without scaffolding both inside and outside the church as the last project of window replacement fades in the memory, as if consumed by the warmth of days gone by.

Now the next phase of work is beginning, a process that has taken much planning since early last year to reach this point of a new beginning. So many people involved from architect and contractors, Durham Advisory Committee and Registry, not least the support and help from Heritage Lottery Fund, various trust funds and the church congregation. A wonderful example of many gifts coming to fruition to achieve much needed restoration work.

The south transept "Lady Chapel" window will be the first work to be done. The aim is to renew the stained glass window protection which is in a sorry, dangerous state. Alas, the scaffolding in the Lady Chapel will put it out of action until Christmas. The church has suffered badly from water ingress over the years and new wider rainwater pipes will be added to the south transept and pointing work to the roof. Hopefully by Christmas the first phase of work will be complete.

(c) John Pattinson 2014

March next year will see work recommence and continue into the summer. The last two windows in the church on the south nave will be renewed, alas a process which will cause more disruption to church life as we have experienced in the past. There will also be a new ladder from the tower for easier roof access, pointing work to north parapets and transepts, new rainwater pipes and drainage and new roof walkboards to complete the work.

Once this work has been completed then an industrial clean of the church is envisaged. A much needed project for the many in church who have endured the sight of the clouds of dust enveloping the church interior. At this point in time the restoration of the William Morris carpet will take place.

Much work has been achieved in the last few years which largely has been to restore  the nave, chancel and transepts of the church. Restoration that has produces a new brightness and quality of light to the church interior. A ray of light illuminating the lives of all who enter this sacred space, visitors and worshippers alike, caught up in the glory of that which greets the eye and like the scaffolding pointing heavenwards. As we are reminded by those "hidden" words of invitation, (to the right of the main entrance); "Whosoever thou art that enterest this church, leave it not without one prayer to God, for thyself, & for those who worship here."

 A further application for funding will be made for work on the tower which if successful will take place in 2016. But for now we are thankful to all who have contributed to this project.

 

 

Local Illustrator Set For First Solo Exhibition

St. Andrew's own Gill Gill is set to take Durham by storm with her first solo exhibition this summer.

 

The freelance illustrator, who designed the Parish logo and is renowned for her stunning Northern landscapes and seascapes, will be displaying her work at The Café on The Green, Durham City, from 1st to the 31st August.

 

Below are just a few examples of her amazing work, and more can be found on her website - http://www.gillgillillustration.co.uk/

 

Durham Cloisters (c) Gill Gill



Puffin Watch (c) Gill Gill



Berneray Sands (c) Gill Gill

Roll out the Red Carpet

Well maybe not quite a red carpet, but good news concerning the carpet that adorns the
chancel in St. Andrew's church.

A carpet that has beckoned over a century of worshippers to the high altar in communion with one another at the Lord's table. I am of course referring to the William Morris carpet, a masterpiece of the Arts and Craft movement, from a textile designer who saw carpet weaving as a fine art to produce a carpet with its rich gradations of colour and text.

If only a carpet could reveal its footprints over time, from hobnail boots to the latest high heels of fashion and a few giggles from choirboys, as on bended knee someone forgot to remove the price tag from their latest acquisition. The young and the old of each generation, winter and summer having trod upon the carpet on that same faithful pathway to share in the heavenly feast.

It's remarkable how the carpet has stood up to the test of time but like human ageing it can become a bit frayed at the edges. Some unique woven patterns now threadbare at the edges, alas even a hole punctuating its woven beauty, just like our lives are woven into the fabric of God's creation in need of healing and repair.

A well known figure, a few years ago, stood upon that carpet looking round at the wonder and beauty of that which adorns the church, a cathedral to the Arts and Craft movement. He commented on his own William Morris carpet in his home. And now almost full circle that person has agreed to fund the repair of the carpet.

As a church we are thankful to the work of the Church Building Trust and Anne Sloman and Pedro Gaspar in particular who have successfully found funding for the carpet repair. The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation has agreed to provide those funds.

Our thanks to all concerned as we look forward to the rolling out of the red carpet when all the dust has settled on window repair, a carpet of exquisite fine art but more importantly its place in the chancel of praise to the wonder and beauty of our God, Jesus Christ, our Superstar.


John Pattinson

For more information on the Andrew Lloyd Webber Trust, visit http://www.andrewlloydwebber.com/

 

Bishop boots up to combat poverty

The Right Revd Paul Butler, Bishop of Durham has put his boots on to combat poverty and tread in pilgrim’s footsteps, walking the historic Bede Way in support of Christian Aid today (Saturday 14th June) writes Keith Blundy.



(c) Keith Blundy

Bishop Paul with Christian Aid supporters boot up to combat poverty.

Bishop Paul along with a large group of other Christian Aid supporters and the Revd Leo Osborn, Chair of Newcastle Methodist District set out on the route between the Anglo-Saxon twin monastic sites of St Peter’s, Monkwearmouth, and St Paul’s, Jarrow to raise money in the fight against global poverty.


Bishop Paul said: “I have always been an active supporter of Christian Aid, so when they asked me to take part in the Bede’s Way Sponsored Walk I was delighted to accept. Over the last few years, I have been doing prayer walks… taking part in the Christian Aid Bede’s Way Walk will be my own prayer walk and I am really looking forward to it.”

The twelve mile route follows the route between the two monasteries that the Venerable Bede once described as ‘One monastery in two place’ back in the 7th Century, for many this pilgrim trail is equal significance to those in the North and South.

Benedict Biscop, a Northumbrian noble, founded the monastery of St Peter in 674 and its twin house of St Paul was begun eight years later.

For more news from the Diocese of Durham, visit their Newsroom.

"Into The Woods" A Triumph!

St. Andrew's Church Wednesday June 4th

I was young once, full of youthful energy and vitality. Well that's what the memory cells tell me, though perhaps distorted over time a few decades later. Yet it was the exuberant youthfulness of the cast of performers who descended upon St. Andrew's last Wednesday morning that will live in the memory. Sunderland university students, many studying performing arts degrees, who enriched the worship space in the church through their performance of Stephen Sondheim's musical "Into the Woods."

Informed sources describe the musical as one of the most difficult of musicals to master and perform well, not least having to adapt to the space within the church. A musical of characters from Little Red Riding Hood to Jack and the Beanstalk. From the baker to the wicked witch and Rapunzel dominating the pulpit, in the fantasy world of Grimm's fairytale characters brought to life in word and song, to the triumph of good over evil. Perhaps a poignant time as the church moves from the triumph of Jesus' resurrection to empowering of God's goodness at Pentecost, the coming of God's Holy Spirit upon the first disciples and to us today.

One can only describe our engagement with the university students as a triumph, not least the relationships being built up with them and Professor Graeme Danby their musical director, an international opera singer. The quality of performance was mind blowing in the God given abilities in these young people performing at the highest level with an exuberance and maturity beyond their years.

Not only the performances but in the many conversations, listening and engaging with them was a positive experience for the church. The many questions asked about the church, of our faith and belief, to their hopes and aspirations for what the future may bring. For many it was a bitter-sweet moment, emotions were running high, as for many the curtain was coming down on their time at university, a new phase of life yet to begin. Not least the fact that their performances were being marked as part of their university degree courses.

There has been much positive feedback from the students as well as those who attended the performances, not least to our lives being enriched through their presence in church. I bumped into Paul, one of the cast, on the Metro yesterday and his parting word to me was "Thankyou," one small word that means so much.

We look forward to the return of Graeme and his students who will perform a Christmas concert in the church in December.

From one, young at heart.

John Pattinson

For more pictures, click here!

Parish Joy At Fundraising Success

Members of Monkwearmouth Parish dug deep at short notice to raise £1,050.53 on behalf of Christian Aid last month.

During a busy Christian Aid week, members of the congregations pulled together to stage such events as cake selling & wine tasting at Bede's Bakehouse, soup being sold from people's houses & a Spring Fair in the grounds of St. Andrew's. Not to be outdone, Team Rector Dick Bradshaw weighed in to the action by Sumo Wrestling Assistant Curate Paul Child & taking part in a 'Fastest Lap Challenge,' driving a Ferrari around Croft against the clock.

Dick said "This is a fantastic achievement, considering everything was pulled together at such short notice. It gives us a great platform to build on for next year."

 

Jean Rutter, Christian Aid co-ordinator for the Parish, added "The generosity of the congregations of the three churches has been truly wonderful."

 

For more information on the work of Christian Aid, click here.
  

Parish use Spring Fair to fight injustice

The May sunshine brought fun & fundraising to Monkwearmouth Parish yesterday (Saturday 17th). 

 
Organised at short notice by an enthusiastic team of volunteers, a Christian Aid Spring Fair was held in the grounds of St. Andrew's. Highlights included spectacular views for those who braved the heights of the church tower tours, gorgeous items from PodaiBoo crafts, a large array of delicious homemade cakes and the unforgettable sight of Team Rector Dick Bradshaw and Assistant Curate Paul Child grappling in a few bouts of Inflatable Sumo Wrestling.

Later the same evening a caleigh in the vast Priestman Hall delighted those in attendance, adding more much-needed money to the Christian Aid pot.

 

The events of Saturday were the culmination of a busy Christian Aid week, involving cake selling & wine tasting at Bede's Bakehouse and even people opening their homes to sell soup.

More pictures can be found on our Facebook page - just click here to see them!
 

Into The Woods

Stephen Sondheim's "Into the Woods" is being performed by the University of Sunderland Music and Performing Arts Department in St. Andrew's Church on Wednesday 4th June at

2 p.m. & 7p.m.

 

It's director  is  Graeme  Danby,  international  opera  singer  and  professor  of  music  at  the university, who most recently worked with St. Andrew's on preparing a musical piece for The Great North Passion.

 

The musical intertwines the plots of several Brothers Grimm fairy tales and follows them to explore the consequences of the characters' wishes and quests. The main characters are taken  from  "Little  Red  Riding  Hood",  "Jack  and  the  Beanstalk",  "Rapunzel",  and "Cinderella", as well as several others. The tale is tied together by an original story involving a childless baker and his wife and their quest to begin a family, their interaction with a witch who has placed a curse on them, and their interaction with other storybook characters on their journey. 

 

With a large cast & beautifully orchestrated music, it's a musical that will appeal to both children and adults alike - especially when performed inside St. Andrew's, seen by many to be "the cathedral of the Arts & Crafts movement."

 

Tickets are just £2 for children & £5 for adults, & are available from Val in the the parish office - call 0191 5160135 or email monkwearmouth.parish@durham.anglican.org

 

Look forward to seeing you there!

UPDATE

This Sunday (25th May) the cast of "Into The Woods," including director Graeme Danby, will be visiting St. Andrew's after the Eucharist. Come & find out more about them & their production or just hang out & have a coffee - it would be great to see you!

Free buns cause a stir in Monkwearmouth

Shoppers in Sea Road, Sunderland, were left stunned, confused and delighted when clergy from the Monkwearmouth Team arrived on Holy Saturday to give away free hot cross buns.

 

The brainchild of Rev Andrew Watson, passers by & local businesses were offered a bun and a 'Happy Easter' as they went about their morning tasks.

“It was interesting to see how many people couldn't believe they were really free,” said Andrew, who had been offered the individually-wrapped buns by the local Tesco store he has been building links with.

“Some went in their pockets to make a donation, some avoided us at first then came back when they saw there was no charge, but the usual response was 'Free – are you sure?!'”

The event was part of St. Andrew's, St. Peter's & All Saints continuing efforts to show the love of Jesus to the communities they serve. Recently this has included forging close links with the homeless charity Centrepoint, starting a lunch club in association with Age UK and working with the Sunderland Health Trainer Scheme to help bring life in all it's fullness to the people of Monkwearmouth Parish.

More Than A Book Scheme

We've just signed up to the Bible Society's "More Than A Book" scheme - a loyalty programme that provides cash-back, no strings attached.

Here's the deal. Whenever we as a church or you as an individual need Bible resources, see if they are available via the Bible Society shop - https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/products/  – and every time you order the Parish will get 10% of the value.

It's a simple process - at the checkout, before payment the "More Than A Book" page comes up. The first drop-down box is for "county," so select "Tyne & Wear." Then click on the "church" drop-down, and select "St. Andrews" (the reference number is 10728).

 

Don't worry if you usually attend All Saints or St. Peter's - they've used St. Andrew's as the umbrella for the whole parish! Then finish purchasing your books as you normally would, and twice a year they send us the money. It costs you nothing extra, but earns that little bit more for our mission work.

Orders can be placed by individuals or we can appoint an 'agent' to gather group orders - either way there are no ties and we are free to order as and when we like. The more purchases we make the more money we earn for the parish, so it's well worth checking out their range before going via Amazon, etc!

If you are unsure what to do, or want to know more, contact Rev Paul Child at revpaulchild@gmail.com, or connect with the parish via Facebook or Twitter!

Nuns return to Damascus

A friend of the Parish, currently located in Syria, has asked us to give thanks for the safe return of a group of Greek Orthodox nuns, who have been freed after being kidnapped by rebels.

The sisters were held for three months after being taken from their convent in Maaloula last December, and were freed as part of a prisoner exchange involving some 150 women and children held by the Syrian government.

Mother Pelagia Sayyaf, head of the Mar Takla monastery in Maaloula, said the nuns had been treated well.

The nuns' plight highlighted the delicate position of Syria's Christians.When the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad erupted in March 2011, many Christians were cautious and tried to avoid taking sides. However, as the crackdown by security forces intensified and opposition supporters took up arms, they were gradually drawn into the conflict.



(c) Monkwearmouth Parish 2014

Many fear that if the secular government is overthrown, they will be targeted by jihadist rebels calling for an Islamic state and that Christian communities will be destroyed, as they have been in Iraq since 2003.

For example, recent news reports have indicated an ultimatum, allegedly from a jihadist group, has demanded that Syrian Christians live as “dhimmis,” low-status subjects who must pay protection money and obey strict restrictions on their religious practice.



The statement, which has been condemened by many Syrians and Islamic scholars, particularly concerns Christians in the northern Syrian city of Raqqa, the first provincial capital to come under complete rebel control after the Syrian conflict began in March 2011.



(c) Monkwearmouth Parish

Christians who reject conversion to Islam or the restrictive conditions “are subject to being legitimate targets, and nothing will remain between them and ISIS other than the sword,” said the online statement reputedly from the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIS), the BBC reports.

The statement orders Christians to pay about half an ounce of pure gold in exchange for their safety, the BBC says. Christians are barred from renovating churches and displaying crosses or other religious symbols outside churches. They may not ring church bells or pray in public.

We have been urged to pray for "Damascus and Syria and all Christians and the people of Syria of all faiths." 

The Bishop of Coventry, the Rt Revd Dr Christopher Cocksworth, who led the House of Lords in a debate in November 2013 on the humanitarian consequences of the conflict in Syria, recently issued the following statement:

"The scenes of destruction and suffering from Syria point to an apocalyptic disaster and yet the massacre in Syria continues unchecked. How many more harrowing scenes of exhausted families crossing the borders from Syria must we bear witness to before world leaders take the necessary steps to resolve this conflict?

For how long must we hear the heartbreaking stories of hungry crying children from besieged cities in Syria before we secure unfettered humanitarian access to those most in need?

We can remain silent no more. The world can ill-afford another anniversary for Syria marked by bloodshed. This week the Church stands with others in shining a light in solidarity with the people of Syria and as a demonstration to our own government, and others, that they must intensify their efforts to end the bloodshed and to get aid to all those in need."

Latest UN Statistics highlight that three years of crisis in Syria has resulted in over 2.5 million refugees, 9.3 million people in need of Humanitarian Assistance in Syria and over 6.5 million Internally Displaced Persons. There are over twice as many Syrian refugees than there were Rwandan refugees during the 1994 genocide. The number of Syrian refugees also exceeds the number of refugees during all the Yugoslav wars between 1991 and 1997.

A Prayer for the Victims of the Syrian conflict

We pray for those damaged by the fighting in Syria.

To the wounded and injured:

Come Lord Jesus.

To the terrified who are living in shock:

Come Lord Jesus

To the hungry and homeless, refugee and exile:

Come Lord Jesus

To those bringing humanitarian aid:

Give protection Lord Jesus

To those administering medical assistance:

Give protection Lord Jesus.

To those offering counsel and care:

Give protection Lord Jesus.

For all making the sacrifice of love:

Give the strength of your Spirit

and the joy of your comfort.

In the hope of Christ we pray. Amen.

For more information on a global vigil for Syria, visit http://www.with-syria.org/en

Additional reporting from the BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-26510202), 

the Catholic News Agency (http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/report-syrian-rebel-group-makes-christians-low-status-subjects/)

and Al-Shorfa (http://al-shorfa.com/en_GB/articles/meii/features/2014/03/04/feature-01)

 

Your Chance To Make HIStory!

Following on from the success of visit on the 20th February, renowned professional opera singer Graeme Danby and composer Will Todd will be visiting St. Andrew's to continue the preparations for The Great North Passion.

Graeme & Will be with us on the following dates:

27th Feb 3-6pm        28th Feb 2-5pm

10th March 2-5pm    11 March 2-5pm

All are welcome to come for an hour or two, or stay for the whole session - it's up to you!

 

Our task? To help them create a song for The Great North Passion, which will  be performed to the 4,000 strong audience, as well as those watching live on the BBC!

 

This is a fantastic opportunity to experience professional guidance and insight into singing and voice projection, and be part of a national TV event. So if you're young or not so young, love singing in public, only dare in the shower, or simply think you couldn't carry a tune in a bucket, this is for you! Previous experience is definitely not necessary -  this is all about enjoyment and discovering your gifts and skills.

We've  more details on The Great North Passion, available on the website - http://monkwearmouthcofe.com/the-great-north-passion.html

Look forward to seeing you there!

Opera star Springs into St. Andrew's

On Thursday 20th February at 17:00 renowned professional opera singer Graeme Danby will be visiting St. Andrew's to meet with the community.

Originally from Consett, Co. Durham, Graeme has performed at several of the world’s leading opera houses, notably the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden and the English National Opera. He is known for his strong, dramatic portrayals of characters in the basso profondo repertoire, and is currently an active tutor in the performing arts department at the University of Sunderland.

The event is in held conjunction with our friends from Cultural Spring - a major Arts Council backed initiative to encourage locally based discovery and development of the Arts of all kinds across Sunderland and South Tyneside - and marks the beginning of a series of workshops, "tasters" and other events which St Andrew's will be hosting in partnership with them.

Graeme and composer Will Todd will work with us to create a piece that will be performed to a 4,000 strong audience on Good Friday, so please come along for the opportunity to experience professional guidance and insight into singing and voice projection. If you're young or not so young, love singing in public, only dare in the shower, or simply think you couldn't carry a tune in a bucket, this is for you! Previous experience is definitely not necessary -  this is all about enjoyment and discovering your gifts and skills.

For more information about Cultural Spring, visit http://www.theculturalspring.org.uk/

Look forward to seeing you there!

Heritage Heaven

It was once said that, "to sit still is to watch decay." And so it has proved in the life of St. Andrew's Church, Parish of Monkwearmouth The ravages of time and the north east coastal weather has certainly taken its toll on this important and magnificent grade 1 listed church with its unique style of architecture. A building but a few years after its centenary celebrations in need of urgent and emergency work to maintain it as a place fit to worship our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

It is that vision of "decaying stone" being turned into" living stones" fit for worship that has been the driving force for change, not just to preserve a beautiful building but in the building of God's Kingdom. The task God has set before us, daunting though that might be.

Through 2011/12 emergency work to the stained glass east window, repair of roof parapets on the south side, paths, lightning conductor and much other work was completed. The major work of the restoration of two north nave windows was completed by the summer of 2012. This work was largely financed by legacy money together with several trust fund grants. Our grateful thanks to those with that vision of thankfulness before God of the importance they attached to a church at the heart of their spiritual lives.

To continue the work a grant application was made to English Heritage in 2012 for further funding to replace five windows in the church. The success of this application is now evident with the sight of scaffolding "adorning" the chancel. This work on the two chancel, two north nave and one south nave windows is due to be completed by mid July this year.

A further application was made to the Heritage Lottery Fund last year and I am pleased to announce that this application has now been successful. This will allow the church to replace the three remaining windows and complete the repair work to the nave and transept roof areas, including parapets, guttering, rain water pipes and drainage.

Much work still to be undertaken, amidst the noise of hammer and drill, though the refreshing sights and sounds of human activity pointing to renewal and restoration and a future hope of the hand of God at work amongst us. From visitor to regular member, memories of past connection or the joy of future worship that draws our joint experience of God together through a building of human offering to the glory of God.

So much to be thankful for as the work which will continue for some time to come. Thankfulness to the Heritage Lottery Fund, English Heritage, Priestman Trust, Northumbria Historic Churches Trust and Durham Diocese, John Barnes (architect), Chris Chesney (Iona Glass), several contractors and not least yourselves who have contributed so much through the "Pane Appeal" to this important work.

John Pattinson                                January 2014

The John McManus Lecture

On 18th January 2014, the ever popular Rev'd John McManus will be returning to St. Peter's to deliver one of his scintillating lectures.

Entitled "The Influence of Wearmouth-Jarrow on Biblical Scholarship" it promises to be a fascinating look at the importance of our region in the development of Christianity across the UK and beyond.

The lecture itself begins at 11am, with nibbles and conversation following at 12 noon. Immediately preceding the lecture is a short Eucharistic service, which begins at 10:30am.

All are welcome to attend any part of the day's activities.

For help finding to St. Peter's Church, go to http://monkwearmouthcofe.com/where-we-are.html