"Lent is a time of going very deeply into ourselves...What is it that stands between us and God? Between us and our brothers and sisters? Between us and life, the life of the Spirit? Whatever it is, let us relentlessly tear it out, without a moment's hesitation."
Catherine Doherty
"Apart from the cross, there is no other ladder by which we may go to heaven."
S. Rose of Lima
"God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking his mercy."
Pope Francis
St. James' Church Coundon is a small friendly church in the Anglo Catholic tradition. We celebrate all the major feasts and festivals.
The church contains the famous "Learning Porch" - a unique project housed within the building for heritage, cultural, educational and social use for people of all ages. We are an open, child friendly church and a warm welcome awaits you.
Mass
( All The Worships has been cancelled during Covid 19 Quarantine!)
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.
This is always a very special time in a couple’s life and we at S. James’ want to do all we can to make it extra special for you.
From the first enquiry right through to the big day itself we will help, guide and support you both through the process to ensure your day is special.
It is never too early to plan your wedding ceremony at S. James’ – we often take bookings over two years in advance!
From helping you choose hymns, music and readings, right through to post ceremony drinks and nibbles. We can even arrange your flowers!
The Pilgrim Suite is a beautiful room behind glazed church arches which is decorated and laid out for your guests. Champagne can be served by our elegant waiting staff in glass flutes. Classical music is played while your guests mingle. Many couples find this ideal to have their guests entertained whilst wedding photographs are being taken before everyone heads off to the formal reception.
We can play a magnificent peel of Wedding Bells (Electronically) from the Church Tower. They are played for half an hour before the bride arrives and afterwards until all the guests have left. It announces to the whole village that a joyous celebration is taking place.
Wedding Fees
The basic fee for a wedding in S. James’ Church (including all the legal documents) is around £550.00 (This does not include extras such as The Pilgrim Suite, Bells, Flowers etc.)
Your first point of contact is our Priest, Fr. Gary
We are here to support you in times of loss and sadness. Once you have spoken to your undertaker, we will make personal contact with you at the very earliest opportunity.
The Priest will arrange a pastoral Visit to your home where he will help and guide you through the process of putting together a farewell service for your loved one. We will support you each step along the way, listening to your family’s needs and requests for a dignified, compassionate and caring service.
We are able to make suggestions for readings, hymns, music etc. Or you may know exactly how you would like the service presented; either way, we will endeavour to fulfil your needs in a dignified and appropriate manner.
At S. James’ we conduct every funeral very differently because each of our loved ones are unique and we feel the service should reflect this.
Great care and effort is put into the service to achieve a balance of Solemnity and Celebration – Sadness and Thanksgiving.
Funeral Fees -
Your child’s Christening is a big event and very important to us and we want to do all we can to make it a very special occasion for all your family and friends.
To book a Baptism simply ring our Priest, Fr. Gary in the first instance and he will guide you through the process. Christenings usually take place in our main service at 10am and last one hour and we work on the principle that if the date you want is available, you can book it in with us.
The Baptism is always a Family Service and we only ever cater for one family at a time – so the event is always special and unique to you.
Baptism is free of charge service!
Every November at All Soul’s Tide an invitation is sent out personally to those who have lost loved ones in the previous twelve months. This is a beautiful service – but it is not morbid.
As at the funeral, we endeavour to balance the mixed emotions we all feel – so among the tears we may smile and with the sadness we also give thanks and celebrate our loved ones. The service is Family Friendly and suitable for all ages. It is very moving and uplifting with an opportunity to have our loved ones’ names prayed aloud and to light a candle on the altar and leave a Gift Offering. This service is always well attended and always much appreciated by those who come.
If at any time during your bereavement you wish to speak personally with someone, we are here as a listening ear. Our Priest is always happy to pop in.
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.
Fr. Gary, our Priest, is also The Chaplain at the village school - Victoria Lane Academy. He attends the school at least one day each week and is always available for parents, teachers and children. He often teaches in class and presents school assembly. The school often visit the church for classes as well as attending for the major Festivals of Christmas, Easter and Harvest Festival.
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.
He trained for the Priesthood in Durham, served his first curacy in Spennymoor and have been at S. James' now for over 17 years.
Fr. Gary is socially active priest, he enjoys Walking (in our local beautiful countryside), Swimming,Theatre and The Arts.
Although he tend to walk everywhere in the Parish, for many years he ride a motorbike until recently passing his test :) and can now be seen zipping around in his electric blue Mini Cooper.
From left:
Christine Johnson, Veronica Featherstone, Fr Gary Nicholson, Leo Johnson, Matthew Leybourne, Ronnie & Denise Stewart
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