Harvest Festival, All Saints, All Souls, Quiz Night, Giving
October Sunday Services at a glance
Sunday 4th October
Harvest Festival
8am Eucharist
9am Bubble Church
10am Sung Eucharist with Junior Church and Crèche
Sunday 11th October
The Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity
8am Eucharist
10am Sung Eucharist with Junior Church and Crèche
Sunday 18th October
Luke the Evangelist
8am Eucharist
9am Bubble Church
10am Sung Eucharist with Junior Church and Crèche
Sunday 25th October
Festival of the Dedication of the Church
8am Eucharist
10am Sung Eucharist with Junior Church and Crèche
Harvest Festival
Our Harvest Festival celebration will be held on 4th October.
As part of our thankgiving for the Harvest and God's good provision, we offer food to those more in need. This year we will once again be supporting The People's Kitchen and The Bay Foodbank.
If you can, please bring in items to give.
They are looking for:
Tinned meat, pies, hot dogs and meatballs; tinned fish; tinned fruit and vegetables; soup; tinned pasta and potatoes; pasta, noodles and rice; cooking sauces; stock and gravy; lentils and spices; flour, sugar and other baking ingredients; cooking oil; UHT milk; rice pudding, custard and jelly; tea, coffee, hot chocolate, juice and squash; crisps and savoury snacks; biscuits, chocolate, sweets and cereal bars; jam and spreads; baby food; toiletries; washing-up liquid and washing powder; pet food; sleeping bags, rucksacks, handwarmers and flasks; and clean, good-quality clothing.
Thank you!
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.
Other Upcoming Services
St Bartholomew's is an ancient church, but it was re-built and re-dedicated on 2nd November 1791. At our Dedication Festival we give thanks for our church building and, more importantly, for the living Church gathered within it. It is a chance to celebrate all that St Bartholomew’s has been, is now, and is still becoming, and to give thanks for the generations who have worshipped here before us.
All Saints’ Day is one of the great festivals of the Church year, when we give thanks for all the saints: those known and unknown whose lives have shown something of the love and holiness of God. It is a joyful celebration of our calling to share in that same life of faith.
At All Souls we remember before God those whom we have loved and see no longer. Our Requiem Eucharist is a quiet and prayerful service in which we name the departed, commend them to God’s mercy, and find hope in the promise of resurrection and eternal life.
September Re-cap
September was a month of new beginnings at St Bart’s.
One of the biggest moments of the month was the reopening of The Basement Project after several years. The Basement is once again welcoming high-school-age young people on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, giving them a safe and relaxed place to meet friends, play games, eat, do homework or simply spend time together. It has been wonderful to see this part of our church life beginning again, and we are very grateful to everyone who has helped get it back up and running.
September also saw St Bart’s take part in Heritage Open Days, with displays and activities encouraging visitors and members of the congregation alike to look again at the history, architecture and beauty of our church. We had visitors from the United States and as afar away as New Zealand!
Our Eco Church team had a particularly busy month. Members of the church joined Forest Hall councillors for a Community Litter Pick, helping to care for our local area, and the following day we held our Eco Event in the Church Hall. North Tyneside Council joined us with information about recycling, reuse and repair, alongside a clothes swap, recycling collections, Fairtrade refreshments and plenty of practical ideas for living more sustainably. It was an excellent weekend. Thank you for your support.
Thank you to everyone who helped make September such a lively and encouraging month at St Bart’s. There has been a real sense of things beginning again, of new people becoming involved, and of our church life continuing to grow in all sorts of ways.
GNR Thanks
A huge well done to Paul and Andrew, who both completed the Great North Run in September in support of Newcastle Hospitals Charity and in thanksgiving for Colby starting school.
Andrew writes:
“Thank you to everyone at church who helped my brother and me raise funds for Newcastle Hospitals Charity. We both finished the run and, at the time of writing, have raised an amazing £1,440 for the charity. Our original target was £600, so the generosity shown has gone far beyond anything we expected. Thank you for the part St Bart’s has played in helping us give something back to a place that has been so important to our family.”
Congratulations to them both, and thank you to everyone who supported their fundraising.
Placement Student
On Sunday 4th October we will welcome Rowland Linder who will be joining us from Cranmer Hall. Rowland is a first year ordinand and she will be with us from October until March. During her time with us Rowland will experience different kinds of ministry which will help her formation as a deacon and a priest.
Rowland writes:
Currently, I am training for ordination at Cranmer Hall, Durham. Originally, I’m from the United States, but I’ve spent the last several years working as a pastoral assistant at two Anglo-Catholic churches in West London. As an American, I felt called to explore a new part of the country while training for ministry, and I’m really happy to have ended up in the northeast.
Before I moved to England, I was a student in Chicago, studying Religious Studies and Biology. I grew up in Texas, with two atheist parents, and I came to faith while at university, where I found my home in the Anglican church and fell in love with ritual and liturgy.
Due to my own experiences as a convert, one of the joys I find in working in the church is in watching people come to and deepen their faith. I also love to talk about theology, religious practice, and liturgy. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, especially Italian food, alongside reading, knitting, and swing dancing.
I really look forward to meeting you all soon!
Concert at St Mary Magdalene
St Mary Magdalene are hosting a wonderful evening of a capella music. Tyneside A Cappella and Compass A Cappella, two local choirs join forces to sing a huge repertoire including pop favourites and songs from the shows. The concert is 'pay as you feel' and 100% of the ticket sales goes to St Mary Magdalene. Please do come and support them.
Quiz Night
There will be a Quiz night held in the Church Hall on Friday 23rd October starting at 7pm.
Tickets are £5 each and teams must not consist of more than 6 members.
Refreshments will be available.
Giving at St Bart's
Thank you for the generosity which sustains so much of our life together. This autumn we are asking everyone to review their giving and, where possible, consider increasing it. If you do not yet give regularly, we warmly invite you to consider beginning through the Parish Giving Scheme.
Click below to give a one-off or regular gift to St Bart's via the Parish Giving Scheme
Flowers in Church in memoriam
Due to the current price of flowers a pedestal can now only be provided by St Bart's Flower Fellowship at a minimum of £30. We can provide a smaller arrangement at the collection plate at the back of church for £15. Contact Pat Black or the Parish Office to organise flowers in memory of a loved one.
Panto
Preparations for the Little Red Riding Hood 'Panto' are well under way. If you would like to be involved or have some time to offer 'backstage' then please get in touch with Bill.
Tuesday Eucharist
There will be no Eucharist on Tuesday 13th or Tuesday 20th October.
Toilet Twinning - Spend a Penny with us
St Bart's is hoping to twin our Church toilets. So what is toilet twinning you might ask? Toilet Twinning funds global water, sanitation and hygiene programmes run by Tearfund. Did you know that about 1.5 billion people still do not have basic sanitation services and 1000 children die every day from diseases related to poor sanitation, unhealthy hygiene or unsafe drinking water. By twinning a toilet we can help a family living in poverty in Africa or India to access safe water, sustainable sanitation and hygiene projects.
So if you have any pennies burning a whole in your pocket, why not spend it with us! Any donation, large or small, will be very gratefully received. If you would like more information, please do speak to a member of the Eco Group or check out the Tearfund website at Toilet Twinning - Find your toilet’s other half
St Bart's Eco Church: You Ask, We Answer
Here are the answers to several recent recycling questions we have been asked:
Q. Can I recycle asthma inhalers at home?
A. No. Do not place in your general waste or recycling bin as, even though the canisters may look empty, they contain residual propellant gases that act as powerful greenhouse gases if sent to landfill. Return used, unwanted, or expired inhalers to your local pharmacy.
Q. Where can I recycle old spectacles?
A. You can recycle old spectacles and their cases in participating Specsavers stores. Locally both Killingworth and Wallsend stores are part of the scheme. Please note that the Eldon Square store in Newcastle will not take your old frames. ASDA opticians will recycle unwanted spectacles but not the cases.
Q. Is it possible to recycle contact lenses anywhere?
A. Yes, it is. Specsavers will also recycle your used contact lenses and associated plastic packaging. Any cardboard packaging and standard plastic solution bottles, however, should be placed in your household recycling bin.
Q. Can I recycle an old calculator?
A. Yes you can, but not at home. Recycle at your local small electricals drop off point. If it contains removable batteries, please remove those first and place in a dedicated batteries recycling bin.
Eco Tips for October
As the leaves begin to fall and the days grow shorter, here are a few suggestions to sustain yourself and the planet:
Autumn is a season of rich, comforting food. Incorporate root vegetables into your diet. They are filled with nutrients to support your immune system through the colder months.
If you fancy a warming cuppa while out and about, take a reusable cup with you. Save money and the planet.
If you can get out into your garden, why not create a sanctuary for wildlife. By stacking up logs and fallen branches in a corner of your garden you will provide a safe haven for wildlife to hibernate in. They will be snug as a bug in a rug.
Gather up fallen leaves and turn them into leaf mulch. As the leaves break down they will provide essential nutrients to your earth.
Plan ahead and plant your Spring bulbs, and sprinkle some wildflower seeds where you have space to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies next Spring.
Christmas is coming to your Fairtrade Stall
We know it is early and we have just celebrated Fairtrade Fortnight, but it is October and that is when we always bring out the Christmas cards. They will be on sale each month until Christmas along with Advent Calendars and other Christmas items and gifts (as long as stocks last). Do come and check out what we have at the next stall on Sunday, 11th October. This year we are adding in something new. A Christmas jumper and pyjamas swap! if you have a Christmas jumper or other Christmas-themed clothing (child or adults) that is in good condition and you would like to swap or donate, do bring it along to our sustainable Christmas clothing swap on11th October.
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
Basement Project is back
The Basement is a FREE 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.
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. 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
Little Saints Toddler Group
Little Saints is a church-run groups for parents, babies and toddlers. It is at St Mary Magdalene on Tuesdays in term time from 9.15a until 11.15am. It costs £2 for the first child. Speak to a member of clergy to know more, or just turn up!
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 in October:
5th - Tracey and Eddie
12th - Jean Mawer on 'Along the River Tyne'
19st - Mike Greatbatch on 'A crowded district'
26th - Yvone Young tbc.
Art Group
Our friendly Art Group is now meeting at a slightly earlier time. Whether you’re an experienced artist or simply fancy having a go, you’ll be very welcome. Get in touch with Frances for more info.
Every other Wednesday
11am–1.30pm
Church Hall
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!