Churches

Hello, I’m Father Shaun Purdy. I am the newly appointed Parish Priest of St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Church, Longhorsley. I officially took up my appointment on Easter Monday after the retirement of Father Ian on Easter Sunday.

Because of the current situation we find ourselves in, I was dispensed by Bishop Robert Byrne CO, of the formal induction Mass. I instead met with the dean, Father Peter Stott, to make the Profession of Faith, Oath of Fidelity and Oath for Administrators.

Unlike Father Ian who was Parish Priest here in Longhorsley, I am also the Parish Priest of St Aidan’s in Ashington. So, although I may be twelve miles away, I am always available to offer support to those who need it and to get to know the village better.

I was ordained Priest in 2014 - I am the youngest Parish Priest in the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle! I served for three years as assistant priest at St Mary’s Cathedral, Newcastle. As well as being Parish Priest, I am also Vocations Promoter for those contemplating a vocation to Priesthood and part of the Ongoing Formation Team for Clergy in the Diocese.

I very much look forward to getting to know you and look forward to working with the other local churches in the area.

God bless, Father Shaun Purdy

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Mission Free Church

Sunday morning services continue at the Mission at 11am.

You are reminded that you must not attend if you have any of the symptoms of Covid-19.

Please remember to comply with social distancing rules and wear a face covering.

No further services or activities are planned at present.

Contact Ian Pagan 788263 idpagan@waitrose.com

Website: www.longhorsleymission.org.uk

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Thought for the Month - A Unique Family Tree!

Summer 2019 – yes, aeons ago! - saw my wife and I heading gently to Bellingham along the Military Road. Approaching Heavenfield, workmen were removing temporary traffic lights. Getting nearer to St Oswald’s Church we decided to take a look at the large wooden cross we’d noticed in passing previously. Then surprise - a security guard came up to the car before we’d even opened the door. “You can go up to the church now, but you’re too late”. “For what?” we asked. “Filming’s ended and she’s gone” he replied. And so we learned that DCI Vera Stanhope, with Aiden and cast had just left the church, after filming for a series 10 episode.

We watched that actual episode called ‘Parent Not Expected’ recently.

In case you haven’t, I won’t spoil the suspense for you. All I’ll say is that it revolves around a late teenage lad who explores his family tree making a surprising discovery, from which flow some very unexpected and dire consequences.

Family trees have probably kept several of us occupied in lockdown. Ours, on Ancestry, began long ago but winter days saw many revisits. After his first wife died, my grandfather remarried, my father becoming the eldest son of that second marriage. Now an interesting new ‘hint’ offered fresh information. The eldest daughter of the first marriage spent her closing years in Gosforth! I contacted the person who had produced that information to discover she is my cousin once removed. We have much family history to share!

Our family trees are like real trees; branches everywhere with so many generations. Great & Great-Great Grandparents, Grandparents, Parents, children - so many levels, vertical and horizontal. But there is one unique Family Tree - God’s!!

When anyone comes to believe in God for themselves, discovering that on that first Good Friday their sins were paid for by Jesus Christ as he died nailed to his cross, they become a child - son or daughter – of God. And He becomes their Father. So God’s Family Tree only has two vertical levels, Himself and his children. We must be ever thankful for the good influence of our parents and grandparents but what they believe is not transferable to us! God has no grandchildren. The Bible says “To all who received Him, ….who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God.” We can only believe for ourselves. Have you?

David Marlow, Longhorsley Mission

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