News in brief

Solemn Evensong and Benediction

We have now embarked upon the process of meeting to practice the plainsong for Solemn Evensong and Benediction once a month (on average) and then singing the office at 4pm on the Sunday.  This has really borne fruit and raised our game considerably.  An encouraging number of people have supported this enterprise, but there is always room for more at this benefice activity.

Toy Café incorporation

The Toy Café has now become and unincorporated association, will soon become and company and after that a charity.  The organisation is working well under the leadership of Richard Evans and we should be glad to be part of these developments.

The Parish Office

It is planned that the Parish Office will be inaugurated during April.  More volunteers are needed to ensure that it is not too heavy a burden on a few shoulders.  Little by little, various aspects of our administration will be moved to the Parish Office (located in the room behind the kitchen in the Hall).

Blessing of new frontal

On Passion Sunday, we blessed the new purple frontal for S Augustine’s Altar, purchased in memory of the late Ron and Audrey Bell.  People are generally very positive about this acquisition and it was good to have members of Ron’s family with us as it was blessed.

Reflection on Suffering and Hope

We were fortunate indeed to welcome the Northern Singers (under the direction of Howard Layfield) and Hugh Morris, the assistant organist at Hexham Abbey, for a musical reflexion on the eve of Palm Sunday.  It was an highly professional production and those who missed it, were deprived of a rare opportunity at S Matthew’s.

Holy Week and Easter

Some fifteen hours of sung liturgy for Holy Week this year underpinned our progress through the central events of our faith.  The attendance was encouraging at the services and the hard work of some was tremendous.  Thank you.

Home page: http://stmatthewsnewcastle.org.uk/