Welcome to S. James' The Church Of England In Coundon & Leeholme

Welcome to S. James' The Church Of England In Coundon & Leeholme Welcome to S. James' The Church Of England In Coundon & Leeholme Welcome to S. James' The Church Of England In Coundon & Leeholme

A 'Forward in Faith' Parish 

under the Pastoral Care of 

+Stephen Race, Bishop Of Beverley 


Get in Touch

Welcome to S. James' The Church Of England In Coundon & Leeholme

Welcome to S. James' The Church Of England In Coundon & Leeholme Welcome to S. James' The Church Of England In Coundon & Leeholme Welcome to S. James' The Church Of England In Coundon & Leeholme

A 'Forward in Faith' Parish 

under the Pastoral Care of 

+Stephen Race, Bishop Of Beverley 


Get in Touch

Everyone Welcome

Opening times: 

Sunday:

10am Parish Mass (1 Hour Service)

Wednesday:

9.15am Low Mass (30 Minute Service)

9-10 am Private Prayer & Devotion

(Pop In & Out As You Wish - Light A Candle)

Saints Days & Holy Days

As Announced In 'Notices'


We Take Safeguarding Seriously Please Click Here For Details 

Church Notices & Events - Quick Click Here
Baptisms/ Christenings - QUICK CLICK HERE

Contact Us

Contact Us

Better yet, see us in person! But you can still drop us a line or call...

Church Warden's Ronnie & Denise denisemaudron@gmail.com

Parish Priest: Fr. Gary

(01388) 603312 frgary@hotmail.com

Drop us a line!

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About Us

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


  • 10.00am Sundays
  • 9.15am Wednesdays and Saints Days & Holy Days
  • 6.00pm Sunday Evening Worship (Temporarily Postponed)
  • 1st Sunday of the month - 10.00am Family Eucharist

Our Church

The church is the most beautiful building in the village

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.

Services & Events

Mid-Week Services & Events Coming Up Commencing 05th May

Mid-Week Services & Events Coming Up Commencing 05th May

Wednesday: 07th  April - 9.15am Low Mass 

(Church will be Open Between 9am & 10am If You Simply Wish To Pop In & Light A Candle



































This Week - 04th April -

Mid-Week Services & Events Coming Up Commencing 05th May

10am Confirmation Service & First Communion With Pontifical Sung Mass Followed By Celebratory Buffet In 

'The Pilgrim Suite' (See Below)

 




  



























Coming Soon

Children @ S. James'

Children are always welcome at any of our services.

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.

Baptisms

Baptisms or Christenings - It Means The Same

  • We don't have hard and fast requirements regarding Baptisms, but we do have a general Baptismal Policy that has grown from our experience of what works best for all concerned - but we can't please all people all the time - but we do want to welcome you to your church and make the event as special and Holy as we are able. 


  • We Baptize all age groups - Babies, Teens or Adults 

               (Sometimes a parent will be Christened with their child).


  • There is no Fee for a Baptism But A Collection Will Be Taken At The Service. If You Would Like A Certificate To Mark The Occasion They Are Available At £18.00. 

When?

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!

What Time?

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.

What To Expect

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.

How Long Is The Service?

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.

Respect

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. 

Up & Coming Baptisms & Available Dates - Scroll Down


Baptisms Can Be Arranged Up To 2 Months In Advance Only


(Sometimes We Will Publish Dates Further In Advance If Possible)


We Don't Normally Do Baptisms On Consecutive Sundays So Please Check


Though We Do Try & Update Slots Regularly


Next Baptism Booked In Is:- June 29 - Romi


Available Dates: May: 18 June: 08,15 July: 13,20,27


Our Family

Fr. Gary Nicholson B.A, Dip. HE

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!).

Our regular congregation (Some Of Whom No Longer With Us)

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

Our Church Warden's

Ronnie & Denise

Photo Gallery

    Safeguarding

    We at S. James' Church take our responsibility for each other's care very seriously along with responsibility of all with whom we have contact, not least the most vulnerable among us. We have a dedicated local Safeguarding Officer: Mrs. Denise Stewart (01388) 605884 who can be contacted should you have any concerns. Further information is provided on this site and can be accessed by pressing the Tab to view the documents. 

    Should you feel you  need to go beyond Parish boundaries with any Safeguarding concerns please follow this advice:


     

    Reporting Abuse

    If you have information about a safeguarding situation where a child or adult is in immediate danger or requires immediate medical attention, call 999.

    If you do not think there is a risk of immediate danger, but you are concerned that a child or vulnerable adult is at risk of harm, or you want to report abuse whether it is currently happening or happened some time ago, do not hesitate to contact the 

    Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser for advice and support. 

    As with S. James' Parish, The Diocese of Durham is committed to responding to safeguarding concerns, providing advice, and supporting survivors. We are not able to offer an emergency or 24-hour response. 

    Contact details for the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser:

    Beth Miller - Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser
    Address: Cuthbert House, Stonebridge, Durham DH1 3RY
    Email: beth@bethmillerisw.co.uk | beth.miller@durham.anglican.org
    Mobile: 07968034075
    or contact your local police force by dialling 101 or your local children’s or adult services.


     

    Complaints about how a safeguarding matter has been dealt with

    If you are not happy about how a safeguarding matter has been dealt with and you cannot resolve the issue or concern with the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser, you should, in the first instance, contact the Independent Chair of the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Group:

    Mark Gurney – (Independent Chair of Safeguarding Advisory Panel)
    Address: Cuthbert House, Stonebridge, Durham DH1 3RY

    You may also report any concerns using the Diocese’s Whistleblowing policy.

    Durham Diocesan Safeguarding Poilicy (pdf)Download
    Parish_safeguarding_policy (pdf)Download
    Safeguarding_policy_promoting_a_safer_church (pdf)Download
    St_James_Coundon_Church_Safeguarding (pdf)Download

    Organisations We Support

    We have events and collections throughout the year to help and support others in need.

    This past year we have collected and made donations to ‘Shelter’ – A Charity For The Homeless.

    We raised money by members hosting Frugal Lunches in their own homes and inviting friends and neighbours. It is a good way to bring people together as well as helping those in need.

    We have also raised collections for ‘The Leprosy Mission’ along with many other charitable organisations and causes.

    We are not a wealthy parish but we are faithful to our calling to give to the poor and to those in need

    Contact Us

    Better come and see us in person!

    Collingwood Street Coundon, Bishop Auckland County Durham, DL14 8LG



    Church Warden's Ronnie & Denise Stewart:  denisemaudron@gmail.com

    T. 01388 605884

    Parish Priest: frgary@hotmail.com

    T: 01388 603312

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