STOP PRESS. From Rev’d Diana:
In the light of the Prime Minister’s broadcast about additional precautions to combat a new strain of Covid-19, the PCC will review our precautions for weekly services and, particularly, Christmas events. I have asked that while that process is in train, we should immediately adopt two measures for our services tomorrow, Sunday 28th November, and during the following week as the new national guidelines become clear:
- Masks should be worn by all people attending the services in Church
- We will wear masks when singing. Until the situation becomes clear this will include the choir.
The current precautions around Communion in one kind only will be continued. I will, as always, take a lateral flow test before the 8am Communion.
I cannot force compliance, of course, but I strongly believe that these requests are in the spirit of what the Prime Minister is asking and, importantly, demonstrate our Christian concern for others. Within the Church we believe that everyone is known and loved individually by God and that as many members within one body we are called to be responsible to and for one another, respecting the more vulnerable whose suffering is our suffering (1 Cor 12:12-27).
Our Priest in Charge is the Reverend Diana
A short introductory note can be found on the About Us-People page
Enquiries about St James's Church should be addressed to either
The Rev'd Diana Johnson
The Vicarage, Riding Mill, Northumberland NE44 6AT
or The Churchwarden
David McKenzie 01434 682771 mckenzie.d@btinternet.com
Welcome to St James's Church in Riding Mill.
A warm welcome to the Parish Church of St James, Riding Mill; on the banks of the beautiful River Tyne in Northumberland where the Roman Dere Street crosses as it links Hadrian's Wall to the lands further South.
Although close to Newcastle and boasting a stop on the railway we are very much a village church which has always looked outwards to welcome visitors to and provided an inspirational place for village activities. The spire on the church building is a landmark from the main road and attracts many to stop, stay a while and maybe reflect a little.
Yet beautiful and distinctive though our building is, a church is about far more than mellow stone and vibrant stained glass. It's about weaving nets of relationship - how Christians in this place worship and serve God; how we serve our community; and how we try to put our money where our mouths are in terms of living out our faith as Jesus taught.
Like most churches we are very
much a work in progress and we are always learning. Like most churches we make
mistakes and have our faults and foibles (for we are too human by half).
Through it all, we want to be a church worthy of its founder and so we keep
trying, for Jesus’ sake.
There may be many reasons why you are looking at our website. Perhaps you are looking for somewhere to arrange a baptism (christening) or a wedding? Or find out how to deal with a death. Perhaps you or someone you know needs prayer? Perhaps you want to find a place to worship and feel at home or perhaps you want to find out more about what it means to be a Christian today?
Whether you are looking for help, worship, history or salvation these pages should give you a good start. But there is no substitute for the real thing – so get in touch or just drop in to a service or event. We look forward to seeing you!
Rev'd Diana
Click here to watch the Blessing for Riding Mill, written specially for St James's Church by harpist Lucy Bunce in 2021
Zoom details for the 8am and 10am Sunday services, 9.30 Wednesday service and 7pm Wednesday Prayer service all use the same link. Click on the button below:
- The wearing of a face covering and maintenance of social distancing is preferred in one part of the church, the North Nave, to respect those who wish to remain protected.
- Communion will be taken in one kind (that is, bread and not wine).
- Services at 8am and 10am Sunday, and 9.30am Wednesday, will be relayed on Zoom for those unable to attend in person.
The parish of St. James, Riding Mill is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO). The Diocese of Newcastle’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our PSO. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the DSA. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services.
St James’s Pastoral Care and Visiting
We now have an established Pastoral Care Team in the village. All the team members are DBS checked.
If you would like a member of the team to visit you, either at home or in hospital, please contact Lynda on 01661 886785.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Newcastle Diocesan Links
Churchwardens :-
David McKenzie 01434 682771 mckenzie.d@btinternet.com