Christmas Services

St Hilda's services over Christmas are as follows. You would be very welcome to join us.

• Tuesday 19 December: 

9.15am Morning Prayer

10.00am Eucharist

11.15am informal prayer

• Thursday 21 December

We welcome Southlands School for

Christmas Carols and celebration

Christmas Eve 24 December

9.15am Holy Eucharist

6.00pm Crib Service

A cheerful and enthusiastic re-telling of the Christmas story, 

with all parts played by members of the Youth Club

11.30pm Midnight Mass

A quiet and reflective said service, with hymns, to welcome the birth of the Saviour

Christmas Day 25 December

9.15am Christmas Communion

• Wednesday 27 December: No Service.

Happy Christmas

Happy

Christmas

Christmas Lunch at Shepherd's Dene

We like our food at St Hilda's.  No sooner was one Christmas meal digested than we were off for another, this time at Shepherd's Dene,

We'd made our choice of menu some time ago and, of course, I couldn't remember.

But Ann Brown, who organised the trip, had it all down to a fine art: when we got on the bus she gave us all a note of what we'd ordered along with a quiz and a raffle ticket.

I had pate, turkey and crumble and all were excellent.

I managed a few quiz questions, but mostly I sat and relaxed after a large lunch.

Shepherd's Dene is the Newcastle Diocese retreat house. Its 2015 programme is here (.pdf) or see their events page

The staff were pleasant and efficient, the setting was delightful, and a very good time was had by all.

Paul Bagshaw

Monkhouse School - La Nativité

We were delighted to welcome Monkhouse Primary School to St Hilda's Church for their Christmas nativity.

Children, staff, parents, grandparents and supporters packed the church and joined in with singing some of the carols.

The children were the stars. They sang tunefully and enthusiastically. They spoke with confidence and clarity. They all seemed to have enjoyed themselves as they told the  Christmas story.

And they did this all in French, as befits a school building international links and perspective.

Christmas Dinner

Enjoying a dance

Christmas dinner at St Hilda's was a wonderful evening.

We - about 65 of us - had an excellent roast turkey dinner with sprouts and carrots, sausage, stuffing and roast potatoes all supplied by Charles Nicholson's of Whitley Bay, and followed by individual trifles made by one of the church members.

Tucking in, and entertained by

Entertainment was provided by Glen Courtney from Durham who sang a range of popular songs from past decades. We joined in with some, danced to others, and listened to them all.

(He was very good, but I couldn't see any page to link to - if you know a relevant link for him I'd be happy to include it.)

Some of the workers ready and waiting for the crowd

Lottery prizes were won and distributed during the evening - including the very tasteful table decorations. Crackers were pulled, paper hats were worn, dreadful jokes were explained and everyone went home happy and full.

Thanks to all those who worked hard to who prepare everything and who cleared up afterwards - their labours were much appreciated.