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Welcome to S. James' Church Of England

Welcome to S. James' Church Of England Welcome to S. James' Church Of England Welcome to S. James' Church Of England

A 'Forward in Faith' Parish 

under the pastoral care of 

Bishop Glyn - The Bishop Of Bewerley

Welcome to S. James' Church Of England

Welcome to S. James' Church Of England Welcome to S. James' Church Of England Welcome to S. James' Church Of England

A 'Forward in Faith' Parish 

under the pastoral care of 

Bishop Glyn - The Bishop Of Bewerley

Church Open For Private Prayer & Devotion

Everyone Welcome

Opening times: 

Sunday 11am untill Noon

Wednesday 10am - 11am


Please Clean your Hands On Entry & Keep Your Distance

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Lent

"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



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"Apart from the cross, there is no other ladder by which we may go to heaven."


S. Rose of Lima





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"God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking his mercy."


Pope Francis






Church Reopens for Public Worships

Churches May Open For Limited Public Worship

In the ever changing guidelines, we have now been informed Churches may (where appropriate) begin to open for Public Worship. It has been made clear that this is not compulsory and may not be right for every church. Some churches will not yet be doing so.


. What About Us Here At S. James’? 

After a detailed meeting with the Standing Committee we felt our church to bewell positioned to take some initial steps at beginning to open up.


When Can I Come To Church?

It was agreed that from Sunday 05th July we can start. It will be the usual time of 10am and will last about 30 minutes.


What Service Will It Be?

We’ll be able to gather together for a Said Mass. This will be very familiar to those who attend Low Mass on Wednesdays & Saints Days. We will use the Green Mass Book which you’ll be invited to take home with you and keep as your personal copy to bring along each week.


Can I receive the Sacraments?

You will receive the Sacred Body in the usual way but we are not yet able to partake of the Precious Blood.


Can We Sing?

Though we can’t have any hymns or sing any of the service there will be music played and there will be a lovely ambience for the setting of our service. The worship will be different in the sense that it will be quieter and more reflective as opposed to the more celebratory atmosphere of our usual Church Family Gathering.


Can I Light A Candle?

Yes - You can still light a candle & leave a Gift offering 


Can I sit In My Usual Seat?

Probably, but because of Social Distancing you may need to move to another pew. People who live together can of course sit together. We are a fairly small Sunday Morning Congregation so there shouldn’t be too much disruption. Everything is clearly marked out to guide you without confusion.


Is It Safe?

We’ve taken great care here at S. James’ to ensure that all procedures are strictly followed. All measures regarding Hygiene are strictly adhered to also and you’ll probably be safer coming to church than the supermarket. If you’d like to wear a face mask please do, though it’s not compulsory. We can safely chat afterwards but no refreshments - sorry. The main thing is to use Common Sense: Clean your Hands & Keep Your Distance. But...


If You Feel You Are Vulnerable Or Have Any Symptoms Or Don’t Yet Feel Ready - Regardless Of Your Age Please Do Not Feel Obliged To Attend We Need To Look After You & Keep Each Other Safe & Feel Comfortable.


What About Any Other Services?

We’ve made the decision to take this very slowly with Small Baby Steps so for now we’ll only gather for the Sunday Morning Mass - Not Wednesday or Holy Days yet. Small Funerals will take place along with restricted Baptisms & Weddings if desired & by agreement with the P.C.C & Warden’s. 


Additionally The Church Will Continue To Open For Private Prayer On Sunday & Wednesday Mornings For Those Who Want To Pop In Then


Opening Times - Public Worship:

Sunday’s 10am - Said Mass

Opening Times - Private Prayer:

Sunday Between 11am - 12 Noon

& Wednesday Between 10am - 11am


For Private Devotion On A Sunday The Holy Sacrament will be Exposed On The Altar.

That is The Consecrated Sacred Body Of Our Lord - The Host

This is an opportunity to sit quietly & reverently before Our Lord & spend some time with Him in The Real Presence.

About Us

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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.

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Mass

( All The Worships has been cancelled during Covid 19 Quarantine!)


  • 10.00am Sundays
  • 9.15am Wednesdays and all Holy Days
  • 6.00pm Sunday Evening Worship
  • 1st Sunday of the month - 10.00am Family Eucharist Service

Events

Our Church

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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.

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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.

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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.

Life events

Weddings

Weddings

Weddings

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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

Funerals

Weddings

Weddings

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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 -

Baptism

All Soul's Service

All Soul's Service

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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!

All Soul's Service

All Soul's Service

All Soul's Service

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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.

Children @ S. James'

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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.

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Chaplaincy

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.

Our Team

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Fr. Gary Nicholson

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.

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Church wardens/ choir

From left: 

Christine Johnson, Veronica Featherstone, Fr Gary Nicholson, Leo Johnson, Matthew Leybourne, Ronnie & Denise Stewart

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Our regular congregation

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

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 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. 

diocesan_safeguarding_policy (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 Village, Coundon, County Durham, DL14 8LG, United Kingdom DL14 8LH

frgary@hotmail.com

T: 01388 603312

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