Prayer and reflection at
Egglestone Abbey
More than 50 members of the circuit met among the warm stones of the abbey (despite the prevailing weather!) and afterwards, all agreed it had been a great success.
For those unable to be there, the Rev Graham Cutler created a video which was shown simultaneously at Barnard Castle Methodist Church. It perfectly captures the atmosphere of the afternoon - so enjoy watching it!
The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/zFkzHDyAHM8
The booklet which prompted prayers and reflections at the Abbey can be found here: Information leaflet 1.pdf
Come, share our Easter joy...
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Our Easter journey began on Wednesday of Holy Week with another successful Lego Church led by the Rev. Graham Cutler and our community development worker Debbie Andrew. There were sixteen youngsters and their families who took part and produced a wonderful collection of Lego models based on the Easter story.
The next evening the vicar, the Rev Alison Wallbank, led an Upper Teesdale Churches Together Maundy Thursday communion service in The Pathway, featuring material from Wild Goose Worship and Taize. On Good Friday morning, we took to the streets of Middleton-in-Teesdale handing out hot cross buns and Easter eggs - not all to the same people, if we could avoid it! The buns (carefully wrapped!) were given to shoppers, passers-by, visitors and even some local businesses. Each bun carried the message: “Good Friday is the day to remember the sadness of the Cross. But… shout with joy and celebrate Easter Day with the promise of new life and hope! Happy Easter from the Pathway.” And while that was going on, homes on several streets in the village had chocolate Easter eggs (or the occasional Easter bunny) left on their doorstep with a “happy Easter” message attached. The eggs had all been donated by Pathway members and we hope, with their continued generosity and support, to “egg” every home in the village over the next few years. And, of course, the response has made the effort really worth while with many people expressing their surprise and delight at the unexpected gifts. Our celebrations on Easter Day itself began with communion at 8am, led by the Rev John Howard, followed by a leisurely breakfast (at least for those who weren’t in the kitchen!) which also catered for the early arrivals for our 10:30am service led by our own Sheila Walton. And at the close of the service, the beautiful floral cross, which had been assembled by Anne Tallentire during worship from blooms brought by worshippers, was taken outside to decorate our noticeboard as a reminder to all passers by of the glory of the Easter message. All in all, a good Easter. Praise God. |
Just click on any of the images to enlarge them
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Who on earth...?
...well God's gift to us all, is the answer!
If you've found one of these decorated 'pebbles' somewhere around Middleton and wondered who put them there, well the answer is we did!
They're a simple link to our Christmas window display - "Jesus! The greatest gift of all," and a reminder of what it is we are actually celebrating.
If you've found one of these decorated 'pebbles' somewhere around Middleton and wondered who put them there, well the answer is we did!
They're a simple link to our Christmas window display - "Jesus! The greatest gift of all," and a reminder of what it is we are actually celebrating.
Christmas 2022
It's been a wonderful Christmas here at The Pathway packed with worship, wonder, fun and feasting - and we've loved it!
Our Toy Service, at the end of November, got things started followed by carol-singing for the lights switch-on and then, later, around the village, organising the Christmas windows displays and getting the parties under way with Chat and Play.
In the week before Christmas the church rang to the sound of children's laughter and songs when Middleton School held its carol concert and we staged our first Lego Church, followed, later in the week, by a beautiful Christingle service enjoyed by all generations.
On Christmas Eve the Christmas meal was, once again, a huge success and greatly appreciated and the evening ended with a gentle and reflective communion service leading us into the joy of worship on Christmas Day.
Sincere thanks go to all who contributed in any way to making this Christmas so special for so many.
Our Toy Service, at the end of November, got things started followed by carol-singing for the lights switch-on and then, later, around the village, organising the Christmas windows displays and getting the parties under way with Chat and Play.
In the week before Christmas the church rang to the sound of children's laughter and songs when Middleton School held its carol concert and we staged our first Lego Church, followed, later in the week, by a beautiful Christingle service enjoyed by all generations.
On Christmas Eve the Christmas meal was, once again, a huge success and greatly appreciated and the evening ended with a gentle and reflective communion service leading us into the joy of worship on Christmas Day.
Sincere thanks go to all who contributed in any way to making this Christmas so special for so many.
Christmas lunch (yeah, the real thing!)
The Christmas lunch, on Christmas Eve, was it's customary success with everyone enjoying a traditional taste of the season.
Thirty-one meals were provided and relished! Thanks to village businesses who willingly gave produce of various kinds, cooks who cooked food, and people who came to serve up, and another fantastic volunteer who came to help clear up. It’s been a poor party if there’s no clearing up to be done!
Christingle
Our Minister, the Rev Graham Cutler led a Christingle Service on 23rd December, which was an amazing success, despite the fact that another village venue threw a children’s party at the same time. Children of all ages made Christingles, we sang carols, and 'Rev G' delivered a lively message. Of course, coffee etc. had to follow - because that's the Methodist Law!
Lego Church!
Who doesn't enjoy playing with Lego? Well, almost no one it turns out - regardless or age or condition!
We held our first 'Lego Church' in the run up to Christmas and almost 40 children and adults (well 'big' children actually) had a great couple of hours hearing the nativity story and then re-creating it in everyone's favourite assembly kit.
There were the usual characters, of course, but the occasional crocodile, dinosaur and teddy bear also managed to put in an appearance.The results were outstanding and will grace our windows throughout the Christmas season.
And the afternoon was rounded off with a scrumptious Christmas tea, greatly enjoyed by all. Our thanks to Debbie and Graham and their helpers and everyone, big and small, who contributed to the food, fun and laughter.
(All photographs used with permission.)
We held our first 'Lego Church' in the run up to Christmas and almost 40 children and adults (well 'big' children actually) had a great couple of hours hearing the nativity story and then re-creating it in everyone's favourite assembly kit.
There were the usual characters, of course, but the occasional crocodile, dinosaur and teddy bear also managed to put in an appearance.The results were outstanding and will grace our windows throughout the Christmas season.
And the afternoon was rounded off with a scrumptious Christmas tea, greatly enjoyed by all. Our thanks to Debbie and Graham and their helpers and everyone, big and small, who contributed to the food, fun and laughter.
(All photographs used with permission.)
School Carol Concert
It was a joy to host the Middleton-in-Teesdale Nursery & Primary School Carol Concert this year.
More than 150 pupils, parents and staff packed the church as we enjoyed a mix of seasonal carols, songs, readings and poems.
"I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas" was particularly popular - especially when it was played (accidentally!) for a second time.
It was lovely to hear our church ringing with children's voices and we are really looking forward to your next visit! You're welcome anytime.
More than 150 pupils, parents and staff packed the church as we enjoyed a mix of seasonal carols, songs, readings and poems.
"I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas" was particularly popular - especially when it was played (accidentally!) for a second time.
It was lovely to hear our church ringing with children's voices and we are really looking forward to your next visit! You're welcome anytime.
Chat & Play party
The Chat and Play party took place on 12th December, and Santa paid a visit to hand out presents and it was amazing how much Santa knew about the children and families there. How could that have happened?!
Christmas windows
We're always involved in Middleton Christmas goings on, and organised the Christmas window displays, by inviting businesses, shops and private house dwellers to decorate their windows in a Christmas theme. The winner of the businesses was UTASS, with a huge wooden Advent Calendar which was a painted scene depicting Middleton with an amazing amount of detail. The best decorated house was Emma James’ home in Parkin Row. We joined in (as always) and decorated the entrance to the church.
Toy Service
Once again our members have responded generously to the annual Toy Service appeal.
This splendid collection of toys, along with several cash donations, went to our friends at the Salvation Army, in Stockton, to ensure children in some of the neediest households had something to enjoy on Christmas morning.
Thank you to everyone who contributed in any way.
This splendid collection of toys, along with several cash donations, went to our friends at the Salvation Army, in Stockton, to ensure children in some of the neediest households had something to enjoy on Christmas morning.
Thank you to everyone who contributed in any way.
Macmillan coffee morning
A HUGE thank you to everyone for supporting our Macmillan Coffee Morning in so many ways.
Thank you for your cakes, your donations and especially for your prayers.
We raised a FABULOUS total of £260 for Macmillan.
Thank you for your cakes, your donations and especially for your prayers.
We raised a FABULOUS total of £260 for Macmillan.
Harvest Festival
Thank you to everyone who contributed to our Harvest Festival table this year. All of the foodstuffs and other goods, along with the cash donations, have gone to our local food bank at The Well, West Auckland.
Thanks also to the Rev John Howard for an innovative and challenging service!
Thanks also to the Rev John Howard for an innovative and challenging service!
Eggleston Show 2022
Once again we were part of the Upper Teesdale Churches Together team at this year's show. Click here for our show report - and see how a great piece of public art came together!
Palm Sunday Witness
Around 40 members of Anglican and Methodist churches in Upper Teesdale came together in Eggleston for this year's Pam Sunday Walk of Witness service, led by the Rev Alison Wallbank.
Blessed with glorious sunshine, the first part of the service took place on the village green - accompanied by real donkeys! - followed by the walk up to the village hall for the remainder of the service and refreshments.Thanks to all who contributed in any way.
Blessed with glorious sunshine, the first part of the service took place on the village green - accompanied by real donkeys! - followed by the walk up to the village hall for the remainder of the service and refreshments.Thanks to all who contributed in any way.
A Prayer for Ukraine
The Methodist Church has issued this prayer in response to the developing situation in Ukraine:
Holy and Gracious God, we pray for the people of the Ukraine and the people of Russia; for their countries and their leaders.
We pray for all those who are afraid; that your everlasting arms hold them in this time of great fear.
We pray for all those who have the power over life and death; that they will choose for all people life, and life in all its fullness.
We pray for those who choose war; that they will remember that you direct your people to turn our swords into ploughshares and seek for peace.
We pray for leaders on the world stage; that they are inspired by the wisdom and courage of Christ. Above all, Lord, today we pray for peace for Ukraine.
And we ask this in the name of your blessed Son. Lord have mercy. Amen.
To download a copy, and the letter from the Rev Graham Cutler which accompanies it, click here.
Holy and Gracious God, we pray for the people of the Ukraine and the people of Russia; for their countries and their leaders.
We pray for all those who are afraid; that your everlasting arms hold them in this time of great fear.
We pray for all those who have the power over life and death; that they will choose for all people life, and life in all its fullness.
We pray for those who choose war; that they will remember that you direct your people to turn our swords into ploughshares and seek for peace.
We pray for leaders on the world stage; that they are inspired by the wisdom and courage of Christ. Above all, Lord, today we pray for peace for Ukraine.
And we ask this in the name of your blessed Son. Lord have mercy. Amen.
To download a copy, and the letter from the Rev Graham Cutler which accompanies it, click here.
Our Vigil: Over the course of the three hours more than 25 people took part and the vigil ended with some of those standing in silence at the war memorial. Thank you to everyone who contributed.
Below left: The Communion Table at the end of the Vigil.
Below left: The Communion Table at the end of the Vigil.
2021
Toy Service
Our Annual Toy Service took place a week later than planned - thanks to the power outage caused by Storm Arwen!
But in spite of the delay, there was still a wonderful selection of toys and around £200 in donations to go to our friends in the Salvation Army, in Stockton, for their magnificent work among needy families on Teeside.
So a big 'thank you' to everyone who contributed in any way - and that includes you too, Judith Tarn!
But in spite of the delay, there was still a wonderful selection of toys and around £200 in donations to go to our friends in the Salvation Army, in Stockton, for their magnificent work among needy families on Teeside.
So a big 'thank you' to everyone who contributed in any way - and that includes you too, Judith Tarn!
Pumpkin party packed out! |
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Our Pathway Pumpkin Party has been another huge success for our outreach in the community programme.
More than 20 excited children, together with their just-as-excited mums, dads, grandmas and carers, enjoyed an afternoon of fun craft activities and games all based on the ‘Pumpkin Heroes’ theme from World Vision.
And because no party would be complete without food, the afternoon was rounded off with a super tea of fish fingers, beans, pumpkin toast, jelly and cake! and a chance to watch the ‘Pumpkin Heroes’ video.
Our development worker, Debbie Andrew, who organised the party with the help of other church members, said: “It was great to see so many young people in our church enjoying themselves - but it was hard to say who had more fun, the children or the adults who came with them!”
Well done, Debbie and the team. Watch out for details of our next community events.
(All photographs used with permission)
More than 20 excited children, together with their just-as-excited mums, dads, grandmas and carers, enjoyed an afternoon of fun craft activities and games all based on the ‘Pumpkin Heroes’ theme from World Vision.
And because no party would be complete without food, the afternoon was rounded off with a super tea of fish fingers, beans, pumpkin toast, jelly and cake! and a chance to watch the ‘Pumpkin Heroes’ video.
Our development worker, Debbie Andrew, who organised the party with the help of other church members, said: “It was great to see so many young people in our church enjoying themselves - but it was hard to say who had more fun, the children or the adults who came with them!”
Well done, Debbie and the team. Watch out for details of our next community events.
(All photographs used with permission)
Success for Summer Holiday
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The Pathway has once again hosted a hugely successful “Holiday At Home” Club over the six-week summer holiday - and this one was bigger than ever.
Advertised on social media and the village school app, the club drew applications from 22 families in and around Middleton-in-Teesdale with 36 children taking part. In total, 92 family members were involved. The theme this time was ‘parables’ and each week the team provided ideas and resources for craft activities, games and songs based on a parable, along with recipes and ingredients to make a simple, healthy meal for all the family. Debbie Andrew, the Pathway's development worker, said: “The families collected their packs from The Pathway, so we were able to connect with them for a short while each week. In addition many posted photos on our Facebook group. “The club went really well and we’re especially pleased that we’re still connecting with many of the families that have joined in with this and previous Holiday at Home Clubs.” Funding came from Durham County Council, The Stephen Mitchell Memorial Shoot, and Middleton Co-op, plus donations from members of The Pathway. “We’re very grateful to everyone who helped in any way,” Debbie added. “Once again the club was really well received with lots of positive comments. When we asked what we could do better we were told: 'Do it for longer because I love it so much!’” |
Some of the things we did during the first lockdown...
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In August...
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Sunday. 3rd March 2019 Soup & Sweet Lunch to welcome to all, both members old and new and visitors.
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