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.

Announcement for Sunday 6 July 2025

The Acting Bishop of Durham is delighted to announce that the Revd James Scott has been appointed as Incumbent of Whickham & Swalwell in Durham diocese. Revd James Scott final Sunday in his current parish will be 28 September, and his licensing date will be confirmed in due course. Please pray for James and his family as they prepare to move and start this new phase of life and ministry.

This Week's Readings

6th Sunday after Trinity

27th July 2025

Collect

Creator God,

you made us all in your image:

may we discern you in all that we see,

and serve you in all that we do;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

Genesis 18. 20-32

20 Then the LORD said, ‘How great is the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah and how very grave their sin! 21 I must go down and see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to me; and if not, I will know.’

22 So the men turned from there, and went towards Sodom, while Abraham remained standing before the LORD.[a] 23 Then Abraham came near and said, ‘Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? 24 Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city; will you then sweep away the place and not forgive it for the fifty righteous who are in it? 25 Far be it from you to do such a thing, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?’ 26 And the LORD said, ‘If I find at Sodom fifty righteous in the city, I will forgive the whole place for their sake.’ 27 Abraham answered, ‘Let me take it upon myself to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust and ashes. 28 Suppose five of the fifty righteous are lacking? Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five?’ And he said, ‘I will not destroy it if I find forty-five there.’ 29 Again he spoke to him, ‘Suppose forty are found there.’ He answered, ‘For the sake of forty I will not do it.’ 30 Then he said, ‘Oh do not let the Lord be angry if I speak. Suppose thirty are found there.’ He answered, ‘I will not do it, if I find thirty there.’ 31 He said, ‘Let me take it upon myself to speak to the Lord. Suppose twenty are found there.’ He answered, ‘For the sake of twenty I will not destroy it.’ 32 Then he said, ‘Oh do not let the Lord be angry if I speak just once more. Suppose ten are found there.’ He answered, ‘For the sake of ten I will not destroy it.’

 

Colossians 1. 6-19

6 that has come to you. Just as it is bearing fruit and growing in the whole world, so it has been bearing fruit among yourselves from the day you heard it and truly comprehended the grace of God. 7 This you learned from Epaphras, our beloved fellow-servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf, 8 and he has made known to us your love in the Spirit.

9 For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s[c] will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God. 11 May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled[d] you[e] to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. 13 He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.[f]15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; 16 for in[g] him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He himself is before all things, and in[h] him all things hold together. 18 He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,

 

Luke 11. 1-13

11 He was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.’ 2 He said to them, ‘When you pray, say:

Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread. 4 And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us. And do not bring us to the time of trial.’

5 And he said to them, ‘Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, “Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; 6 for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.” 7 And he answers from within, “Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.” 8 I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs.

9 ‘So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. 11 Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for[e] a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? 12 Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? 13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit[f] to those who ask him!’

 

Post Communion

God of our pilgrimage,

you have led us to the living water:

refresh and sustain us

as we go forward on our journey,

in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Next Week's Readings

7th Sunday after Trinity

3rd August 2025

Collect

Generous God,

you give us gifts and make them grow:

though our faith is small as mustard seed,

make it grow to your glory

and the flourishing of your kingdom;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

Ecclesiastes 1.2, 12-14, 2. 18-23

Vanity of vanities, says the Teacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity. I, the Teacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. I applied my mind to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven; it is an unhappy business that God has given to humans to be busy with. I saw all the deeds that are done under the sun, and see, all is vanity and a chasing after wind. I hated all my toil in which I had toiled under the sun, seeing that I must leave it to my successor, and who knows whether he will be wise or foolish? Yet he will be master of all for which I toiled and used my wisdom under the sun. This also is vanity. So I turned and gave my heart up to despair concerning all the toil of my labours under the sun, because sometimes one who has toiled with wisdom and knowledge and skill must leave all to be enjoyed by another who did not toil for it. This also is vanity and a great evil. What do mortals get from all the toil and strain with which they toil under the sun? For all their days are full of pain, and their work is a vexation; even at night their minds do not rest. This also is vanity.

 

Colossians 3. 1-11

So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever in you is earthly: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry). On account of these the wrath of God is coming on those who are disobedient. These are the ways you also once followed, when you were living that life.

But now you must get rid of all such things: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive language from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have stripped off the old self with its practices

and have clothed yourselves with the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of its creator. In that renewal there is no longer Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, enslaved and free, but Christ is all and in all!

 

Luke 12:13-21

Someone in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me." But he said to him, "Friend, who set me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?" And he said to them, "Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions." Then he told them a parable: "The land of a rich man produced abundantly. And he thought to himself, 'What should I do, for I have no place to store my crops?' Then he said, 'I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, 'Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.' But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God."

 

Post Communion

Lord God, whose Son is the true vine and the source of life,

ever giving himself that the world may live:

may we so receive within ourselves

the power of his death and passion

that, in his saving cup,

we may share his glory and be made perfect in his love;

for he is alive and reigns, now and for ever.

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

https://youtu.be/C76jvUPtNOM

 

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

https://youtu.be/-5sSfYHp4uc

 

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

https://youtu.be/OqD9h8xXnrg

 

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

https://youtu.be/F7iWszaaA_s

 

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

 https://youtu.be/NTNeQUKckxI

 

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

https://youtu.be/hgXjXHZXT_k

 

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

https://youtu.be/yDnqesNVvEU

 

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

https://youtu.be/Q13P6B2czhc

 

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

https://youtu.be/VR6gzivjnro

 

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

https://youtu.be/TtZNacGXoPE

 

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 

https://youtu.be/jhJOQtmx0e8

 

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

 https://youtu.be/wysB4BdktoE

 

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

https://youtu.be/6gTo_dK5PLk

 

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

https://youtu.be/XTYgT71NaVw

 

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

https://youtu.be/duZ23i_E6DY

 

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

https://youtu.be/k4SlVcqJlj0

 

'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

https://youtu.be/TFDcjy_3avw

 

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

https://youtu.be/LxEfGc16rmU

 

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

https://youtu.be/b3Sse0lR44o

 

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

https://youtu.be/y_HNuHmn4xI

 

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

https://youtu.be/w873yLOafD0

 

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

https://youtu.be/C2pO6tGRXKQ

 

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

https://youtu.be/Nc5BJVwsiso

 

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

https://youtu.be/hMBLgD_RQQs

 

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

https://youtu.be/oDB4cFdfboQ

 

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

https://youtu.be/bCYsGmTwAbw

 

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

https://youtu.be/hMncJIx28aY

 

Follow us:

St Mary the Virgin, Church Chare, Whickham, Newcastle upon Tyne NE16 4SH

Parish Office 0191 488 1553, or 07376172181

(calls are screened and, if possible, responded to during office hours 9:00am to 12:00noon)

parishoffice@stmaryswhickham.com

Registered Charity Number: 1132270