My most recent excursion as Moderator has been to Northumberland. Fish and chips were on the menu – a welcome addition to any visit!
We met in the Dry Water Arts Centre in Amble where St Mark’s URC in Amble now worships. It was good opportunity to catch up on the activities of the churches in the town, including their involvement in an upcoming variety show.
Saturday was a day encouraging reflection. In the morning I visited St Cuthbert’s Centre on Lindisfarne and joined morning prayers led by the Revd Kay Blackwell (pictured). Among those with us were some visitors to the island and a minister staying in the Bothy, the cosy converted former vestry.
The Centre often hosts artists in residence who work with visitors to help them explore their relationship with God through art. It is easy to see why artists are attracted to spend time on Lindisfarne. We were blessed with beautiful weather, and the spread of sea, sands and land were entrancing. The Centre encourages reflection within a pilgrimage garden surrounding it, focussing on the life of St Cuthbert.
Visitors to the island are attracted to the Centre by the beautiful mosaic on an outside wall, showing the causeway leading to Lindisfarne crowned by a sun containing a St Cuthbert’s cross. I was amused by the seal’s head poking up in one corner. Although the island was quite busy while we were there, the causeway would close later in the day, giving peace and more time for solitary reflection for those who stayed. I would encourage those who are visiting Northumberland or who are looking for somewhere to spend a few days of reflection to visit the St Cuthbert’s Centre.
Back on the mainland, Wooler URC has created a labyrinth to aid those who would like to spend time focussing on their prayer. We worshipped in a short service, enjoying the sun pouring down on us, then I was able to walk the labyrinth. It gave me a time of peaceful contemplation as I wound steadily back and forth, sometimes seeming to come close to the centre, then finding myself out at the edges again.
I was then welcomed into the church for afternoon tea, and to meet church’s mascot, Wooly the Sheep.
While Sunday’s weather may not have been as sunny the previous day, the welcomes remained as warm. I was able to join the congregation of Rothbury, together with some others from the local group of churches for morning worship. The group, like many others around the country, is beginning to contemplate how they will work together with one minister and considerable distances between the churches.
My weekend was rounded off by fellowship and food at St James’ in Alnwick. An enjoyable time here ended a joyous weekend learning how the local churches are very much part of their communities. On my return home, when I mentioned to a colleague, who is not a church goer but works remotely from that area, his immediate response was to comment how active St James’ in Alnwick is.
Catriona Wheeler
Catriona is the current URC General Assembly Moderator (2025-2026). Read more on the General Assembly Moderator’s Blog.