S. James' Church Coundon is a small friendly church in the
Anglo Catholic Tradition of the Church Of England.
We celebrate all the major feasts and festivals. Full vestments are worn along with 'Bells & Smells' & we aim to present a high standard in Worship & Liturgy without being overly stuffy & precious.
Over recent years the church has undergone a major re-ordering programme at the cost of over £400,000.00! A great achievement for a small poor parish (no money is owed on the project).
The church is spectacularly lit to enhance the beauty of the building and even changes colour according to the liturgical season or event!
We actively welcome people of all abilities and aim to cater for the needs of all who visit - please let us know if you have any particular requirement and we'll do our level best to accommodate
(if we don't already).
We are LGBTQI+ affirming and welcoming
We are non judgemental.
The church contains the famous "Learning Porch" - a unique project housed within the building for heritage, cultural, educational use for people of all ages.
For Social Gatherings & Events we also have
'The Pilgrim Suite' - housed behind the beautiful glazed arches of the side aisle.
We are an open, family friendly church who also embrace those who don't fit into any particular pattern or shape!
Although we are only a small congregation
a big warm welcome awaits you.
Mass
The spire on Saint James' Church can be seen for miles around. It points upwards and reminds us to 'look up to God'.
The bell tells parishioners that the service is about to begin and is also rung for special occasions such as weddings or funerals.
The wonderful domed ceiling covered with gold stars makes this church very beautiful and special.
The altar is the most important part of the church. At the east end of the building, it is the centre of worship and where the priest gives the people bread and wine at the service of Eucharist. The colours of the altar are changed at different times of the year. They can be green, red, purple or black.
The lactern is a special reading desk on which a large Bible rests. It is made of brass and carved in the shape of an eagle, the symbol of John the Evangelist.
At the front of the church is the pulpit, where the priest stands to talk to the people.
The font is the special stone bowl used to hold the water for baptism. It is near the church door to show that those who are baptised are 'entering' the church.
The pictures in the stained glass windows are telling the stories from Bible. They also are making church colourful and beautiful.
The candle corner is designated for those who wants to say a special prayer for someone they care for. Candles also shows that the Jesus is the 'light of the world'.
The Lady chapel is a small corner inside the church which is dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus. It is used as a place for quite prayers and services.
Wednesday: 07th April - 9.15am Low Mass
(Church will be Open Between 9am & 10am If You Simply Wish To Pop In & Light A Candle
10am Confirmation Service & First Communion With Pontifical Sung Mass Followed By Celebratory Buffet In
'The Pilgrim Suite' (See Below)
We have a dedicated children’s area with books, colouring materials and other activities.
We have a Family Service on the First Sunday of every month at 10am which is suitable for all ages and specifically presented with children in mind.
We have named members of our church who are CRB checked to work with children.
The environment is child friendly and very safe and colourful.
Most of our seasonal events are also child friendly – we always try to cater for the whole family. We have special events throughout the year: Teddy Bear’s Picnic, Pancake Night, Easter Fayre,Pirates Picnic and Garden Parties.
(Sometimes a parent will be Christened with their child).
You can have a Baptism on any Sunday - as long as it's available.
We arrange our diary every couple of months so we don't accept bookings outside of that period. .Within the two months simply get in touch to ask about availability and/or to book an appointment with the Priest to arrange.
We try not to hold Baptisms on consecutive Sundays (that is - we like a gap in between) so as not to overwhelm our small congregation, who, although are very welcoming, can't be expected to have a Baptism every Sunday!
We always conduct Baptism services at 10am on a Sunday - which is always part of our main Parish Mass. We feel Baptism is mainly a Public Service to be celebrated and affirmed by the whole congregation in public.
The service always takes place in the context of a 'Family Service' and is aimed at all age groups. it's a simple service which is easy to follow (Sometimes Projected Onto The TV Screen).
It is in the main Sunday Mass so we have (a shortened) Communion Service where we receive the Sacred Mysteries of the Body & Blood of Jesus (the Bread & Wine) or a simple Blessing if you are not confirmed; all as part of the Baptism. We'll sing some songs and say our prayers.
Although there's no fee for a Baptism, we will take a collection .
You can take photo's or video at any point and we always try and involve children in the service so everyone feels part of it.
We serve drinks and biscuits afterwards that you're welcome to.
The service is part of our main Sunday Morning Service and you can expect it to last up to
(but no more than) 1 hour. It's expected you'll want to bring younger members of the family along and this is welcomed & encouraged- just be prepared to have them bring something to play with if they find it hard to concentrate (we have some books, crayons etc. in church (though many kids would prefer their own electronic screen stuff).
If you have any special needs or requirements please inform us so we can welcome you fully.
S. James' Church is Fully Accessible - We Have Large Print Services Available & A Hearing Loop Sound System. If you have any particular need, please inform us and we will always try to accommodate (if we don't already do so).
We welcome guests of all faiths and non.
We are LGBTQI+ affirming and accepting.
The Baptism takes place in the main Sunday Service in a Holy Place that is sacred and special to many in our villages - we know that you'll show proper respect throughout. That doesn't mean we can't laugh and participate or move around and feel at ease if we need to; it simply means being aware of & sensitive to those around us who may have different needs or expectations to our own - particularly those who either worship in this Holy House On The Hill regularly or may be visiting to light a candle because they are ill or bereaved.
Unacceptable or disruptive behaviour is not tolerated and the service may be stopped.
Sometimes, these days, a great number of folk turn out for a Christening - and why not - it is a party after all!
While we want to welcome all to God's House, we understand not everyone has a shared understanding of expectations of behaviour in a public space - not least a Sacred Space - this may be the case for some of your guests.
Consider suggesting to some of your guests who may not be into the 'Religious' aspect of it all that it's alright for them to simply join you afterwards at the 'Do' and not feel obliged to attend the Place Of Worship bit - better that, than for them to feel uncomfortable and get agitated and spoil the lovely atmosphere for your family and others on this most special occasion.
We promise to fulfil our Safeguarding responsibilities so you & your guests know you are welcomed - assured in the knowledge that you and your family and friends are safe, secure and respected throughout your visit.
Our expectation of you and your guests is that this is reciprocated.
If you have more questions or would like to discuss further ways in which we can help you plan this special occasion, please get in touch and we would be happy to assist in any way we can.
Fr. Gary Nicholson is the Parish Priest of S.James' Church .
He is a local - being born in Sunniside near Tow Law in Weardale and served as an altar boy in S. Catherine's Church in Crook, Co. Durham.
He obtained a B.A. in Psychology at Durham and worked as a Personal Tutor To Disordered Adolescents at Aycliffe Centre For Children - Nr. Durham (Under the leadership of the world renowned
Dr. Masud Hoghughi); before going on to train for the Priesthood in Durham (later non residential) before serving his first curacy in Spennymoor Group and has been at S James' now for over 25 years.
Fr. Gary is socially active Priest, He enjoys Walking
(in our local beautiful countryside), Swimming, Theatre and The Arts.
Although he tends to walk everywhere in the Parish, for many years he rode a motorbike until passing his test and can now be seen zipping around in his Red 4 wheeled motor, Kazee , (though still more likely seen regularly around the villages on foot - so please stop & chat -
(He's the one in the Cassock & Collar!).
From left:
Enid Blood, (Sofia), (Mathew Leybourne), Denise & Ronnie Stewart, Veronica Featherstone, Edith Raine, Fr Gary Nicholson,
(Reg Featherstone), Carolyn Liddle, Ethel Howe, Glennis Alonze,
Mary Goundry, Brian Blood
Ronnie & Denise