The Benefice of Upper Weardale

The Benefice of Upper Weardale comprises four parishes stretching across Weardale in County Durham from Frosterley to Killhope and Rookhope, with historic churches at Stanhope, Eastgate, St. John's Chapel and Cowshill. Regular Sunday Eucharist services happen weekly in Stanhope and on alternate weeks in either St. John's Chapel or Cowshill. Choose Services and Events in the menu for exact dates and times of these and other services.

To visit the individual page for any of our parishes choose "See List" in the purple "Our churches" block below, then select the church whose page you wish to visit.

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Phone us: 07713 388106‬

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Sunday Holy Communion in Stanhope

Every First, Second, Third, Fourth Wednesday and Sunday at for 1 hour
St Thomas the Apostle, Stanhope
Stanhope Bishop Auckland, DL13 2YZ, United Kingdom

A Eucharist Service takes place every Sunday at 10am. In addition on the first Sunday of the month there is also a lay led service in the Church Hall at 3pm (DL13 2UE). On fifth Sundays, we worship jointly with the Methodists in different locations throughout the Benefice. The next of these services will take place at Pentecost, 19th May 2024, 10.30am at All Saints Church, Eastgate.

More info

Sunday Morning Eucharist in St. John's Chapel

Monthly. Every First, Third Sunday at for 1 hour
St John the Baptist, St. Johns Chapel
Hood St St John's Chapel Bishop Auckland, DL13 1QQ, United Kingdom

A Traditional Eucharist service takes place Sunday mornings alternating between the two churches at the head of the dale, St. John the Baptist in St. John's Chapel and St. Thomas Heatherycleugh in Cowshill. The service takes place at St. John's Chapel on the first and third Sundays of each month and at Cowshill on the second and fourth Sundays. When there is a fifth Sunday in a month the service is a joint service of all parishes in the Benefice and rotates amongst the churches. The services start at 10:00 am and are followed by coffee and fellowship in their respective halls.

Church Hall Service of Praise

Monthly. Every First Sunday at for 1 hour
St Thomas Church Hall
40 - 42 Front Street Stanhope Weardale Co Durham, DL13 2UE, United Kingdom

This is a lay led service held in the Church hall. The hall is more accessible than the Church and allows an opportunity for frail elderly and disabled congregation members to meet in comfort. We share worship together and then have tea. Everybody takes a part and it means that congregation members who struggle to get up the church path continue to be a part of our worshipping community.

More info
Our churches

Safeguarding

The Benefice of Upper Weardale 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(s), PSOs. The Diocese of Durham’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our PSOs.

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.

For information or to discuss any matter relating to safeguarding please contact the Benefice Safeguarding Office Ms Liz Walsh: [email protected] or the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser Ms Beth Miller: 07968 034075 [email protected].

For further information click here to see the Diocese of Durham safeguarding pages