We are in the midst of our three APCM meetings. One for West Weardale, one for Eastgate, and another for Stanhope. Although I’m only six weeks into my role, I wanted to write a forward looking report for the church community. This is different to a letter in the Weardale Gazette as it is directly addressed to the Church of England. However, I’m sharing it publically because others may be interested.
Vicar’s APCM Report
Upper Weardale Benefice – April 2026
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
The welcome I have received to the Diocese of Durham and the Benefice of Upper Weardale has been wonderful. As I write this report, I am six weeks into my new combined role as Interim Priest-in-charge, and Rural Mission Lead for the Diocese of Durham. During this time, I have begun to explore our communities; the cafes, shops, pubs and events that make up village life. I have also begun to see a rhythm to church life and the way you share your Christian life with the world around you. I have cycled and walked into the hills and moorland – and I have been blown by the wind, drenched by the rain and warmed in the sunshine. At a surface level I feel I’m beginning to get to know Weardale, but I can see that there is a depth which will take a lifetime to truly know. I feel genuinely blessed to be among you.
My post is for three years. Beyond that we do not know what God has in store for us. There is a challenge facing the Church of England, and Weardale is not immune to the national changes that are happening. There was a problem with clergy recruitment in the past, so there are going to be fewer clergy in the future. The figures are staggering; today there are about 7,500 clergy serving 12,500 parishes, but by 2030 there will be only 6,500 clergy. The good news for Weardale is that my calling as Interim Priest-in-charge is to help Upper Weardale prepare for this national trend.
We are the Church of England, and we have a unique place in the life of England. It has been said that the church is an organisation which exists for others, not for itself. This is so true of the Church of England, because we have the care of souls for every person in England whether they come to church or not. Everyone in every parish has a legal right to a Christening, Marriage or Funeral in their Church of England church. This is our duty. However, each of us is called to grow in the knowledge and love of God: serving those in need, generously supporting this ministry through our financial giving, and always trusting in God’s goodness. Our duty becomes our blessing: that through our mutual flourishing, we become God’s blessing in the world.
How will we face the dual challenge of ensuring ongoing Christian ministry here in Upper Weardale, while also creating space for our churches to flourish? Thankfully, we are not starting from scratch. Each of our churches have a calendar full of wonderful out-reach activities, fairs, cafes, open days, and musical events. We have people who are deeply committed to our churches and people of deep Christian faith. We are in a good place to face up to the future – and we can be boldly confident that God is at work among us.
Over the next twelve months I would like to explore vocation with those who feel they might be called to a sacramental life. The Reverend Heather Ross is a model of self-supporting ministry that is rooted in our land but finds purpose in God’s calling. I believe that there are others among our church community who may feel the nudge of God’s calling to minister in the apostolic, pastoral, prophetic, preaching and/or teaching ministries of ordination. I would love to encourage, support and enable your calling. If you feel nudged this way, please speak to me sooner rather than later.
Additionally, there are those among our church community who have a calling to different vocations. I have a sense that we could see someone with a musical calling leading a Christian Choir in the dale. There are those with a head for figures that could prepare to manage our finances for the next generation. Churchwardens are amazing and live at the heart of church life. We will need more Churchwardens to share the future with those who serve us today. Safeguarding is critical to the life of the church – God is unlikely to bring people into our midst unless we can ensure their safety. I know that there are people who, like me, are passionate about our churches being places where we all feel safe and would like to work alongside our existing Parish Safeguarding Officers in this important and Godly task.
There are some simply practical steps we can also take to help our churches grow. May I commend the opening introduction to the book “How Village Churches Thrive”. There are many simple actions like having a welcome team on a Sunday, opening our church buildings through the week, and having electronic giving stations in open churches, which makes it easier for visitors to show their thanks for being open.
To conclude; my first impression of the Church of England in Upper Weardale is that we have a deep faith, a commitment to our shared church life, an enthusiasm to share our faith and welcome people into our church buildings, a determination to help those in need, and a passion for Weardale. It is my joy to encourage you that God is very present, hears our prayers, and is most clearly at work in our lives. So, please join with me in praying – every day – that God will make his glory seen in the lives of his children here in Upper Weardale.
Every blessing, The Reverend Graeme Holdsworth