This week has seen the Parish of the Upper Skerne - which includes Bishop Middleham, Fishburn, Sedgefield and the Trimdons - chalk up a further two ‘firsts’ for its record book.

Not only was the Stockton Deanery Synod meeting held for the first time in the parish, it also saw the recently-appointed Bishop of Jarrow, the Right Revd Sarah Clark, make her first visit to St Edmund’s Church in Sedgefield where she met church members from various parts of the Deanery.
Afterwards, the Bishop said: “I enjoyed very much making my first visit to Sedgfield and Stockton Deanery. It was especially good to see the Deanery welcome two new priests and a deacon into their midst and hear how God is calling men and women to service in the church as Durham Diocese seeks to bless all her communities in Jesus name. I look forward to my next visit.”
The Revd. Paul Neville, Area Dean, described the Synod as ‘uplifting’ and paid tribute to children in the parish for sharing their enjoyment of the 'Seeds of Hope’ programme.
The Upper Skerne Team Rector, the Revd. Geoffrey Short, commented: “It was a joy to meet Bishop Sarah as she begins her ministry in Durham Diocese. Her optimism about the Church of England and its importance in our society was very encouraging”.
Pictured at the Synod are (l-r) the Revd Geoffrey Short, Bishop Sarah Clark, the Revd. Elizabeth Bland (Team Vicar) and the Revd. Paul Neville.

Article courtesy of Ron Eyley

Page added 4th July 2019