Basement Project, Litter Pick, Confirmation classes, Eco Event, Panto, Open Days
Updated: Sep 5
September Sunday Services at a glance
Sunday 6th September
The Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity
8am Eucharist
9am Bubble Church
10am Sung Eucharist with Junior Church and Crèche
12pm Baptism Service
Sunday 13th September
The Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity
8am Eucharist
10am Sung Eucharist with Junior Church and Crèche
Sunday 20th September
The Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity
8am Eucharist
9am Bubble Church
10am Sung Eucharist with Junior Church and Crèche
Sunday 27th September
The Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity
8am Eucharist
10am Sung Eucharist with Junior Church and Crèche
August Re-cap
What a month August was at St Bartholomew’s!
We celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Mothers’ Union with a special service, welcoming Pat Halliday and Joan Wilson as new members, followed by cake, bubbly and anniversary displays in the hall.
Our Junior Church headed to Tynemouth for a brilliant day exploring the Priory, enjoying the beach and, of course, finishing with ice-creams. The children also loved learning about the bees.
At Hymns & Pimm’s, we managed an impressive 21 hymns, all chosen by those who came along.
Our St Bartholomew’s Day Raffle raised more than £400 for the church lighting fund, with congratulations to Clare M, Brian E and grand prize winner Pat B.
And we rounded off the month with our first Board Game Afternoon, bringing together players aged 4 to 60 for games, laughter, new discoveries and more fundraising for the lighting fund.
Back to Church this September
September often feels like a fresh start. Schools return, routines begin again, and after the holidays life settles back into its usual rhythm. It’s a good time to come back to church too.
If you’ve been away over the summer, haven’t been for a while, or simply want to begin again, you’ll be very welcome. There’s no special “Back to Church Sunday”, just the usual invitation, every Sunday: come and join us.
We Believe: For enquirers and those wanting to be baptised and/or confirmed
This is a 5 or 6 part course for those who are new to faith and are wanting to know more, and also for those who are seeking baptism and confirmation. The groups will be inspired by the Nicene Creed, our statement of faith, which begins "We believe". There will be a preliminary session (on 2nd) followed by 5 sessions about what we believe.
These groups offer a time to connect or reconnect with faith, in a safe and non-judgmental space; to ask those questions you might normally be embarrassed to ask; or to brush up on things that you think you’re meant to know already.
This is a no-obligation, no-commitment time to engage with faith.
For those who are not confirmed (or even baptised), this course is very much to be encouraged.
Wednesday 2nd September: Session for Enquirers
Wednesday 9th September onwards: Main sessions.
We are holding additional classes for younger people seeking confirmation. These will be Thursdays after school (4.30pm-5.20pm) starting on 17th September. Email Katherine asap if your child wishes to do this.
Church Cleaning
Church cleaning returns after the summer break. Meeting on the first Saturday of the month at 9am in church. There are always a few regualars, and often the Air Cadets too, but extra pairs of hands always welcome! Thank you for keeping our church looking beautiful.
Church Cleaning
Saturday 6th September, 9am.
Colby’s Milestone Fundraiser for Newcastle Hospitals Charity
September 2026 will mark an important milestone for Colby - he will be starting Reception Class. To commemorate this his dad, Paul, and one of his uncles, Andrew, will be participating in the Great North Run in support of the Newcastle Hospitals Charity. You can find out more about Colby's journey and the race by clicking below.
Spotlight
Spotlight is a monthly informal gathering where we can take a closer look at areas of scripture, theology, faith or church life.
This Spotlight session is about the history of the church, and will explore the Oxford Movement, the nineteenth-century movement which sought to recover holiness in the Church of England. We will meet figures such as John Keble, Edward Pusey and John Henry Newman, and discover how their ideas shaped the Church of England we know today.
Spotlight on the Oxford Movement
Monday 7th September
7.30pm
The Basement
Basement Project is back
We are delighted that The Basement Project will launch on Tuesday 8 September, meeting every Tuesday and Thursday after school until 6pm.
The Basement is a welcoming and inclusive 'third space' for high-school-age young people to relax, meet friends, eat food, play games, do homework, or just hang out. It is a place to belong, build confidence and simply enjoy being together.
Please spread the word!
We are also looking for a few adult helpers. We are delighted to be supported by the Longbenton Youth Project, but a few extra occasional helpers would be great. We are conscious of the huge effort the Basement was back in the day, and we hope to make it more sustainable. Please speak to Fr Mark if you'd like to know more about what's involved.
The Basement Project
Tuesdays and Thursdays during term time
after School until 6pm
in the Basement
Ushaw Flower festival
Four members of our flower team are also members of Wallsend floral art club. This year they are doing a floral display at Ushaw Flower festival, Ushaw Historic House, Chapel and Gardens. The theme throughout is to display the rich musical heritage of the North east. Our team display is ‘dedicated to the colliery mines brass bands of Northumberland and Durham’
The festival runs from Thursday 10th September - Sunday 13th September, 11.00-16.00
Learn more here: https://ushaw.org/whatson/flower-festival-26/
Community Litter Pick
St Bartholomew’s Eco Church are hosting a Community Litter Pick with Forest Hall Councillors. Saturday 19th September 2026. 10.15am to 11.30am. Please come along and support us, if you are able. The litter picks in Forest Hall are usually on a Sunday so this is a rare chance for us to join in and make a difference to our community.
Heritage Open Days
Heritage Open Days occur every year in September and showcase heritage buildings all across the UK. The event runs from 11th - 20th September. St Bart's will be open as usual during the day, (and on Saturday too) and there will be a display at the back of church, plus activities for adults and children alike to encourage viewing the church with fresh eyes. How often do we become blind to things we see all the time. Why not pop into church as a 'tourist' and experience the church again!
HOD
11th - 20th September 2026
Bubble Church is a Sunday church service especially for babies, toddlers, and young families. It's a puppet-packed, Jesus-centred, coffee-and-food-fuelled, 30 minute kids and families adventure.
Even if you regularly attend, please do sign up. It really helps us to prepare.
Remember our fun and informal Junior Church and Crèche run alongside our 10am Service, so children are very welcome to stay for that too, or come along on a week when Bubble Church isn't running.
Pantomime
Bill Tarpy writes:
A long time ago, in a land far, far away, St Bartholomew’s had a tradition of putting on an annual pantomime. Oh yes it did!
Many thanks to all the folks who have contacted me and volunteered to help with the Pantomime. I’d like to have a first get together on
Sunday 27th September, 3pm
in the Church Hall
We might even read through some of the script which – spoiler alert – is Little Red Riding Hood. If you haven’t contacted me yet don’t worry - just come along on the 27th. We still need people to help in front and behind the stage, and everyone is expected to sing in the chorus. If you are interested but can’t make that date let me know.
I’m planning to do some rehearsals in October, but the majority of rehearsals will be in November and a reminder the date of the show is Friday 20 and Sat 21 November. Many thanks Bill. (email Bill)
St Bart's Eco Event
Eco Church is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, marking a decade of environmental action and creation care across England and Wales since its launch by A Rocha in 2016. St Bartholomew's Church will be celebrating this event and its successes at our Eco event on Sunday 20th September. Following the 10am service, join us in the Church Hall for Fairtrade refreshments.
North Tyneside Officers will be on hand to provide information on existing waste and recycling services, the new reuse and repair services and events. They will also bring a rail of sustainable clothing, including school uniform, for visitors to take or swap. Please bring any clothing items you would like to donate or swap.
At the Fairtrade and Eco products stall, you can hand in the following items for recycling - medicine foils, printer cartridges, postage stamps, batteries and small electricals. To take away your recycling, we would be grateful for any small donations in support of Eco Group projects.
Fairtrade Fortnight 2026 also runs from 21st September to 4th October
Exploring Baptism is short session for parents/carers to explore Baptism in the Church of England for their children.
This session will explore and explain Baptism in the Church of England at St Bart's.
The session will include:
What Baptism services there are
What it all means
Choosing godparents
Christian life
Answering your questions
This is essential information for anyone considering or preparing for Baptism.
Exploring Baptism
Sunday 20th September
5pm
Thank you to those who have already supported our appeal. Please do continue to spread the word, and encourage others to give. This will make such a difference.
Lighting Appeal
We have been exploring how to improve accessibility to church. In the evenings and winter months it is very dark outside the church, and it can be difficult, even unsafe, using the paths. A proposal has been approved by the PCC improve the lighting in different stages:
Replace and add to the lighting affixed to the outside of the church.
Replace the lamp post at the bottom of the path by the car park.
Light the path from the car-park to the church hall door (with lights affixed to the handrail).
Replace and add to the lighting outside the Basement doors.
Replace and add to the high-level uplighters and spotlights in the church.
The estimated cost is £22,000. We will be exploring any possible grant funding, but we really do need your support to be able to afford this. When these proposals come to fruition it will make such a big difference to how we can use our church!
Click below to give a one-off or regular gift to St Bart's via the Parish Giving Scheme
Eco Tips of the Month
Sustainable September - Practical Ways to Live Greener without spending more
Sustainable September is a month-long campaign across the UK that encourages people to take small, meaningful steps toward greener living such as cutting down on waste and supporting local businesses. Here are some ways you could do this.
Shop smarter - shop second-hand. Pledge to buy no new clothes for the month. Check out your local charity shops or online sites like Vinted. Do come and have a look at our clothes swap rail on 20th September.
Support local growers and makers
Avoid impulse buys
Choose products with less packaging
Use loyalty schemes wisely
Plan your meals to reduce food waste. Use up or freeze leftovers.
Try plant based meals
Buy what's in season
Reduce food waste. Apps like Too Good To Go and Olio offer surplus food from shops and neighbours.
Compost food scraps (or place in your food waste bin)
Switch to LED bulbs
Turn appliances off at the wall
Wash clothes at 30°C
Shorten your showers and save water
Use a clothes airer in place of a tumble dryer
The Monday Club is a friendly and welcoming group open to everyone, with a special focus on providing fellowship and community. Each week we enjoy refreshments, conversation, and the chance to catch up with friends old and new. Each session costs £3 (refreshments and raffle ticket included). Starts at 1.30pm.
Upcoming events and Speakers:
7th - Social afternoon
14th - Margaret Bozic on 'Tyne and Wear in 10 remarkable buildings'
21st - A & P Porrett on 'The Canadian Rockies'
28th - Anthony Atkinson on 'Thomas Bewick
Art Group
Our friendly Art Group returns after its summer break on 9th September, now meeting at a slightly earlier time. Whether you’re an experienced artist or simply fancy having a go, you’ll be very welcome.
Every other Wednesday
11am–1.30pm
Church Hall
St Bart's Honey
Our church honey has proved very popular and has now completely sold out! Thank you to everyone who bought a jar. It was absolutely delicious, and we’re very grateful to our hardworking bees (and Graham, Nigel and Sally)
The good news is that the bees are busy making more, so we hope to have another batch available later in the year. Watch this space!
Easy Fundraising
Easy Fundraising is a website which gives the church (or any charitable cause) free money. Businesses like Tesco, Argos, and Marks and Spencer pay Easy Fundraising a small commission when they direct you to their website to spend money. They forward that money onto us.
For example, if you buy your groceries online from Morrisons, go to Easy Fundraising first, and click on Morrisons. Then when you checkout, Morrisons gives us £1.30 as a thank you. You will need to make an account and select St Bartholomew's as your cause.
It may sound complicated, but once it's set up it's free money for the church!
Evergreens Care Home Service
Our short praise service at Evergreens Care Home in Forest Hall has moved to the last Wednesday of every month at 2pm. If you are interesting in joining this, please contact Fr Mark.
Craft Club
The Craft club is held every Thursday at 1pm in the Choir Vestry. All are welcome to bring along whatever they are working on or just drop in for a coffee and a chat.
Speak to Ann Luckley for more information.
REMINDERS
Did you know that you can contact the Parish Office via WhatsApp?
Add us:
01912662015
Are you new to church?
Thinking of coming along for the first time? Just go for it!
We know it can feel intimidating not knowing what to do or where to go, but here you’ll find a warm welcome on the door and someone ready to help with everything you need. Our main Sunday services are at 8am (quiet) and 10am (with music), with midweek Holy Communion on Tuesdays at 6:30pm and Wednesdays at 10am, and daily prayer at 9am and 5:30pm. Plus the church is often open for you to sit and pray during the day.
Children are always welcome: we have Junior Church and a crèche at the 10am service, plus Bubble Church for toddlers and young children. We’re fully accessible, and everything in our services is explained; there’s no need to worry about when to sit, stand, or join in, and a friendly neighbour will always be glad to help.
Regularly hearing God's word, praying, praising, and receiving communion will change your life for the better. And we'd love to welcome you.
Morning and Evening Prayer
The Daily Offices (Morning and Evening Prayer) are the Church’s ancient pattern of prayer that punctuates the day with praise, intercession, and reflection on Scripture. From the earliest centuries, Christians gathered at set hours to pray on behalf of all creation and for the salvation of the world, with morning and evening soon becoming the principal times of prayer.
This tradition continues at St Bart's.
9am Morning Prayer
5:30pm Evening Prayer
These services weave together psalms, Bible readings, and prayers in a rhythm that unites individuals, congregations, and religious communities across time and place.
Whether prayed alone or together with others, the Offices give shape to the day, ensuring that, echoing George Herbert’s words: “seven whole days, not one in seven” are given to the praise of God and the forming of God’s people through word and prayer.
Come along and try it.
NB There are usually no services on Fridays.
Everyday Faith App
Everyday Faith is the daily devotional app from the Church of England designed to inspire, equip and encourage you in your faith every day of the week. The app will provide you with carefully curated daily reflections, including selected Bible readings, a simple prayer to prepare you for the day ahead, and thoughts based on that week’s theme.
Search for "Everyday Faith" on your phone's app store, or click Download for iOS or Download for Android.
Home Communion
There are some permanently housebound members of our congregation who are taken Holy Communion to their home. This is bread (and wine) which has been consecrated by a priest at church, and then taken by a member of the Home Communion team to be distributed at home or hospital.
But this is not just available to those who cannot come to church at all. If you have been unwell or for any reason unable to attend for a couple of weeks, get in touch! We will visit you and bring you the sacrament.
Also, if you are unwell, or would like to be added to our prayer list, please tell us. Do not assume we know!