13/10 Bishop Auckland & Shildon

Bishop Auckland and Shildon has a new circuit website!
Report to Spring Synod 2019
We continue to maintain regular worship in all churches across the circuit, with circuit and section services once a quarter. Members get the chance to visit churches in the circuit they have not been in before and worshiping with a few more voices than they may have in their regular place of worship. A young person on the ONE Opportunity, contributes through assisting in children's ministry and youth work and in worship through her use of music. Another young person helps with computer images, and these words and images will become a regular feature on the new Circuit Website.

Opportunities to get involved in many areas of learning are available within the circuit, with Bible study groups, Dementia awareness sessions, craft groups etc. These groups often have a caring and service element to them as church and community members find time for fellowship and to offer a listening ear. Conversation and laughter over tea and cake, at drop-in centres or cafes, often linked to craft groups and book clubs. Numerous community groups meet on church premises. Care and support are available to those in need though food banks, crisis support, furniture project, Contact Centre and other appropriate services.

Evangelism gently explores the place of faith in peoples lives as informal contacts lead to an invitation to come along to a café worship. Creating the situation in many of our churches, where new-comers to the area, will drop by and find a friendly welcome. Children & young people have activities at several of our churches. We have been able to access a grant from the Methodist Opportunities for the Disabled fund, which has enabled one young person to develop her gifts in artwork and faith.

Andy Bryer
Superintendent