Services and Worship at St Mary's Church
Please find below our current service times during vacancy.
Special and seasonal services will be published as necessary.
Sunday 19th October at 3pm
The Revd James Laurence William Scott will be licensed as Rector of Whickham and Swalwell at Whickham St Mary by The Rt Revd Sarah Clark, Bishop of Jarrow and 'Acting' Bishop of Durham, with the Venerable Katherine Bagnall in attendance. Refreshments after the service will be served in the centre. Everyone is welcome.
This Week's Readings
11th Sunday after Trinity
31st August 2025
Collect
God of glory,
the end of our searching,
help us to lay aside
all that prevents us from seeking your kingdom,
and to give all that we have
to gain the pearl beyond all price,
through our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Ecclesiasticus 10. 12-18
The beginning of human pride is to forsake the Lord; the heart has withdrawn from its Maker. 13 For the beginning of pride is sin, and the one who clings to it pours out abominations. Therefore the Lord brings upon them unheard-of calamities, and destroys them completely. 14 The Lord overthrows the thrones of rulers, and enthrones the lowly in their place. 15 The Lord plucks up the roots of the nations,[a] and plants the humble in their place. 16 The Lord lays waste the lands of the nations, and destroys them to the foundations of the earth. 17 He removes some of them and destroys them, and erases the memory of them from the earth. 18 Pride was not created for human beings, or violent anger for those born of women.
Hebrews 13. 1-8, 15-16
Let mutual love continue. 2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. 3 Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured.[a] 4 Let marriage be held in honour by all, and let the marriage bed be kept undefiled; for God will judge fornicators and adulterers. 5 Keep your lives free from the
love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’ 6 So we can say with confidence,
‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?’
7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever.
Luke 14. 1, 7-14
On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the Sabbath, they were watching him closely
7 When he noticed how the guests chose the places of honour, he told them a parable. 8 ‘When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honour, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host; 9 and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, “Give this person your place”, and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place. 10 But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, “Friend, move up higher”; then you will be honoured in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. 11 For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.’
12 He said also to the one who had invited him, ‘When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbours, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. 13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. 14 And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.’
Post Communion
Lord of all mercy,
we your faithful people have celebrated that one true sacrifice
which takes away our sins and brings pardon and peace:
by our communion
keep us firm on the foundation of the gospel
and preserve us from all sin;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Next Week's Readings
12th Sunday after Trinity (Patronal Festival)
7th September 2025
Collect
Almighty God,
Who with special grace made the Blessed Virgin Mary
To be the mother of your only Son:
By the same grace make us holy in body and soul
and ever preserve in us your gifts of humility and love;
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Isaiah 61. 10-11
I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. 11 For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.
Galatians 4. 4-7
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. 6 And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’ 7 So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.
Luke 1.46-55
6 And Mary[ said,
‘My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, 48 for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 50 His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. 52 He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; 53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 55 according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
Post Communion
God most high,
whose handmaid bore the Word made flesh:
we thank you that in this sacrament of our redemption
you visit us with your Holy Spirit
and overshadow us by your power;
strengthen us to walk with Mary the joyful path of obedience
and so to bring forth the fruits of holiness;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
What is Prayer Space?
On the 1st Saturday of each month during vacancy, between 10am -12 noon we simply open the church doors and invite people in. Tea and coffee are available. There's no service, so visitors can use the 'space' for a time of prayer and reflection, while others may enjoy exploring the building. We also play gentle music to add to the atmosphere. This 'Space' is for you, a place of peace and tranquillity.
Daily Prayer:
for each and every day
Join the Church in prayer. Here you will find the CoE services of Morning, Evening Prayer and Compline. Then services include the daily readings and audio versions can be played. Just click the link below.
https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/join-us-service-daily-prayer
The Prayer Chain:
let us carry your prayer
Prayer is a powerful help and comfort in both good and difficult times. Here at St Mary's we have a Prayer Chain led by one of our Pastoral Assistants, Joan Smith. You may wish to ask us to pray for yourself, for friends, relatives or for any given situation. The Prayer Chain is here to help you with prayerful support, especially in times of crisis or trouble. The members, or links in the chain, will, one by one, bring your prayer requests to the forefront of their prayers to God. Any calls for prayer are treated in the strictest of confidence. If you would like the Prayer Chain to offer prayers on your behalf, please make your request in the box at the back of church, or through our Parish Office on: 0191 488 1553
Archived on-line Sunday Services
We encourage all to attend our church services. However, for those who can't get to church we keep a library of pre-recorded services; simply click on the links below.
The Second Sunday of Epiphany 2022
Sermon by Anne Robertson on the theme of the Wedding at Cana. Please share the link below with your family and friends, click on below
The Second Sunday of Easter
Thank you for joining us for our Sunday Holy Communion. Today's Gospel asks us to reflect upon Thomas, his doubt and the question that led him to know and believe. Please share the link below with your family and friends, click on below
Easter Day Holy Communion
A special day and service for Easter. The promise and depth of God's love is revealed. Please share the link below with your family and friends; To view, just click on below
Vigil before Easter Day
Christian tradition encourages us to pray and reflect in the time between Good Friday and Easter at day break. This is the time we wait in hope for the Risen Jesus. The service gives readings and prayers for a vigil which might ideally be used in the hour before sunrise on Easter Day. The readings ponder God's saving action found throughout the history of his people.
Please share the link below with your family and friends; To view, just click on below
The Good Friday Liturgy
This services includes the Passion of our Lord according to Mark, veneration of the cross, solemn intercession and ends with distribution of the Holy Sacrament reserved from Maundy Thursday leading us into the desolation of Holy Saturday. A solemn and reflective worship as we move with Jesus to the foot of his cross. Please share the link below with your family and friends; To view just click the link below
Easter message for the Parochial
A short Easter message for the Parochial School Please share the link below with your family and friends; To view just click the link below
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday begins our journey in Holy Week and brings Christ's journey toward the cross into sharp focus. The service starts with the Blessing of the Palm Crosses and the triumphal entry of Christ into Jerusalem, culminating with his arrest and death. Please share the link below with your family and friends; To view just click the link below
Passion Sunday
The last two weeks of Lent are known as Passiontide. A period of reflection encouraging us to contemplate the Passion and death of Jesus as we journey spiritually with him on his way to the Cross. Our Communion, scripture, song and prayers help us to reflect on the power of God's redeeming love revealed through his Son. Please share the link below with your family and friends; To view just click the link below
Mothering Sunday
Today's Eucharist is framed by the nation's celebration of Mothering Sunday. Our readings and sermon reflects the occasion as we thank God for our own mums and recognise the wonderful job they do. We also reflect upon St Mary, the mother of our Lord, and are reminded that the Church is called to be a mother to the world. There is also a 'Mothering Sunday' card just for you! Please share the link below with your family and friends; To view just click the link below
Third Sunday in Lent
Thank you for joining with us as we continue our shared journey through Lent. Today, in our Eucharist, we consider Jesus and his actions in the Temple. We consider what changes we might make to our lives that will help build God's Kingdom. Do join us next week for Mothering Sunday. Please share the link below with your family and friends; To view just click the link below
Second Sunday in Lent
Walk with us as we accompany Jesus on his journey toward the cross. Consider your relationship with the Lord Jesus as we listen to scripture and contemplate its message to the world. Pray and seek repentance as we continue to prepare ourselves to share in his passion, death and new life.
Please share the link below with your family and friends; To view just click the link below
First Sunday in Lent
As we begin our lenten journey we hear the story of Jesus at the very start of his public ministry. Over the next forty days we walk with him toward the cross, share in his passion and ponder his death before reaching Easter to celebrate his glorious resurrection. Please share the link below with your family and friends; To view just click the link below
Ash Wednesday
We come together at the start of Lent to prepare to journey with Jesus as he moves toward the cross. The story of God's love and redemption is made real through his son. In our service we listen to God's word and take time to confess our sin and to mark ourselves with the sign of the cross, before gathering together around the Lord's table. Please share the link below with your family and friends; To view just click the link below
Valentine's Day
We bring together the joy of Sunday's worship and the celebration of St Valentine's Day as we contemplate the endless unconditional love God has for all people. There is even a Valentine's card, just for you. Please share the link below with your family and friends; To view just click the link below
Second Sunday before Lent
In our worship today we hear of God's love for the world made real in his Son Jesus. Vivid imagery, contemplative music and a chance to sing is framed by the light of scripture and its message of hope for all found in and through Christ. Please share the link below with your family and friends; To view just click the link below
Candlemas 2021
Our service focuses on the presentation of Jesus in the Temple. We ponder the words and prophecy of Simeon, and note Anna's belief that this child Jesus was the one to bring redemption. In our worship, praise and prayer, we hear Jill reveal the message of Candlemas. Join us today and please share this link with your family and friends. Click link below
'The Miracle of Cana'.
Our service draws us into the presence and life of Jesus. As we worship together in song, word and prayer, Canon Peter Waterhouse leads us in an exploration of the Sign revealed at Cana. Thank you for joining us today... please share this link with your family and friends. Click link below
Epiphany 2
Our Principal service of Holy Communion. The call of God to Samuel and all disciples through the ages. If you're at home, then thank you for joining us in worship. You'll hear God's Word and be invited to reflect upon his gift to you and for the world. Click link below
Epiphany Sunday
A service of Holy Communion, through which the story of the Magi tells of the revealing of God's one true Light given to all people for all time. We celebrate together and share our faith through word, imagery, hymns & carols as we come together in his light and presence. Available from 10am Sunday 3rd of January '20. Click link below
Christmas
The First Communion of Christmas. The underlying theme is that of the coming of the ‘Light’. The service celebrates the gift of Jesus to the world. The light of the Good News is proclaimed and made real; praised through music, scripture, carols and imagery. Merry Christmas! Click link below
Christmas Carol Service
A traditional Christmas Carol Service re-tells the joy of the Christmas Story through Readings, Music, Images plus lots of chances to sing along! A great way to celebrate Christmas. Click link below
Opening and Closing Whickham's School's
Community Christmas Carol Concert.
Once again Barry was given the privilege of being part of Whickham School's Community Christmas Carol Concert. This is a two minute film clip giving a short message and prayer, with a hint of a smile at the end! Click link below
Making a Christingle,the Fr Barry way!
A ten minute film for families. Have a go at making a Christingle and find out about it's hidden meaning. Click link below
A Service for Remembrance Sunday
Remembrance Sunday Service with Holy Communion and an Act of Worship. Vivid imagery, evocative music, a chance to sing and find true hope as we remember the 'giving and sacrifice' of men and women through the ages.
Click link below
Advent Sunday
Advent Sunday Holy Communion. The Light is coming, we look forward to the fulfilment of God's promises in the coming of his Son into the world. This is a service which involves you. Together we will sing, listen, share and be held together in the mystery of the Eucharist. Click link below
Christ the King
A service of Holy Communion for the Feast of Christ the King. The video incorporates readings, music, imagery and a homily; there is the opportunity for all to join in with the singing to give that feeling of being together in God's presence. Click link below
2nd Sunday before Advent
Join us for our worship as we come to learn from God's word, to discover new insight and to be assured of his presence with us. Come and hear our members pray, read and give testimony as together we praise God through the Holy Spirit and in Jesus' name. Click link below