We are pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev Keith Freeman as the new vicar of St James, Burnopfield.Fr Keith, currently team rector at All Saints Church, Castleford, West Yorkshire, has been appointed to the new benefice of Harelaw, Annfield Plain, Burnopfield and Dipton, subject to the usual checks being satisfactory.He will be licensed to the benefice in St James Church, Burnopfield, on Saturday, July 5, at a time to be confirmed.The new benefice is part of the Lanchester Deanery re-organisation and is part of the Derwentside East Group.
Next Sunday, March 30, will be our Mothering Sunday service in church. This will be a lay-led service with prayers, readings and a reflection. It will be at the usual time of 11am.Activities this week in the hall include:MondayLent Group 2pm - all welcome - each week is a standalone session lasting up to an hourScouts 7pmTuesdayPilates 6.30pmWednesdayKeep Moving exercise class 9.30amSew and Chat 1.30pmZumba 6.30pmThursdayGentle Exercise 2pmCubs 6.45pmFridayCoffee Morning 10.30am
In the church hall this week:MondayLent Group Week 2, 2pm (all welcome, each week has standalone content so no need to worry about missing a week)Scouts 7pmTuesdayPilates 6.30pmWednesdayKeep Moving 9.30amWednesday Morning Group 10.30amSew and Chat 1.30pm Zumba 6.30pmThursdayCubs 6.45pmFridayCoffee Morning 10.30am
At our Ash Wednesday service, the Rev Martin Saunders included in his sermon the following reflection on fasting from Pope Francis:Fast from hurting words and say kind wordsFast from sadness and be filled with gratitudeFast from anger and be filled with patienceFast from pessimism and be filled with hopeFast from worries and have trust in GodFast from complaints and contemplate simplicityFast from pressures and be prayerfulFast from bitterness and fill your hearts with joyFast from selfishness and be compassionate to othersFast from grudges and be reconciledFast from words and be silent so that you can listen
