Ryton Methodist Church

Here's Liz and the warehouse team in the  foodbank warehouse in Swalwell, where your donations go for distribution. It's an impressivly efficient system - ask her to tell you all about it! and keep your donations coming in to fill those shelves. So many families in Gateshead still depend on this endeavour.

Our Victorian organ is being restored to its full glory at the moment. And while it's out of action, we've been treated to a rare glimpse of a window normally hidden from view. Take a look and ask Dave or Ron (pictured here) how it came to be there!

Here is a glimpse of the fun had at last month's Messy Church. The theme was Light and be thought about how Jesus is light of the world. Activies included making torches, decorating tea light holders, colouring stain glass windows, a messy experiment and designing edible scrolls. 

Our next session is on Saturday 26th November, 4-6pm. The theme will be Advent and during the meal time will be having a Christmas party. Don't forget Messy Church is free and for all ages. We will look forward to seeing you there and always welcome new people. 

We had a lovely time together, with all ages within our church, from the youngest to the oldest, represented. We enjoyed family fun on the evenings courtesy to Helen, Leonarda and Sam, good food organised by Alison and Lyn, lovely weather, nice walks, shopping(!) and fellowship.

In our periods of devotions we lookedat the story of Joseph and all that he went through in his life, and the weekend was capped off by attending Keswick Methodist Church on the Sunday. See the photo gallery for more.

Over the summer, with the help of many people, we transformed our church hall. We held a special thanksgiving and dedication service to mark this, followed by a Bring and Share lunch. Local Traidcraft rep Gemma joined us with lots of tempting Christmas gifts to buy - pictured with our Minister, Janet.

See more pictures in our Photo Gallery.

David Stoddart gives a judges' eye view of a great morning last Saturday.

'14 competitors vied to see who could make the best scones, with everyone using the same recipe.

Jean Yielder was our very own ‘Mary Berry’ whilst I took on Paul Hollywood role.

The competition was very stiff – fortunately the scones weren’t! The standard was excellent and even the ones that didn’t look good tasted good.

It was also good to be able to go and offer them for free to the local residents of Ryton - Served with jam and cream.

It was good fun and everyone entered into it in that spirit, including our new minister Janet.'

The winner was Anne Stoddart, with Kathleen Breen second and Lyn Cookson third. And the children's winner was Alice Garner. Well done to all!

You'll find more photos in our Harvest photo album.

See what went on at our holiday club. Here's a slideshow of some of the best pictures, to the soundtrack of our theme tune. For more fun, join us at Messy Church on Saturday 24th September.

David Thomson, who died on 29th August after battling heroically with a devastating illness, was a wonderful pastor to our fellowship and a good friend to us all. In the days ahead we will be remembering him in our hearts and praying for Fiona and the family.

Our schoolroom has been given a bright and fresh makeover alongside the refurbished kitchen. Huge thanks are due to Tina Jones and David Stoddart who are manging the project. And of course to hard workers like these removal men!

The new paintwork emphaises the beauty of the stained glass window.

Some satisfied customers at the library's Books and Play session