Take the plunge during bishop's visit to Teesdale

A BISHOP will be encouraging people to abseil down a Teesdale church when he and his team pay a special visit to the district.
Last year Archbishop John Sentamu decided he wanted his 25 northern bishops to visit other dioceses and parishes to spread the message of god.
Between March 2 and March 5, 2017, it will be County Durham’s turn. Teesdale will be graced by the Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Revd Julian Henderson, and his team.
A programme of events is being drawn up including church services and an abseil down St Mary’s in Gainford, when young people are being encouraged to have a go. There will be question and answer sessions and visits to community groups.
Wendy Greenfield, from Eggleston, is helping to co-ordinate the events. She said: “The bishop and his team will be doing missionary work in the diocese and talk about Jesus to people. It’s a really big thing for us.”
Members of the team will all be staying with someone from the area – with one staying in Harwood with Teesdale farmer Richard Betton to get a feel of rural life. The Rt Revd Henderson is also due to write a special Pause for Thought column in the Teesdale Mercury.
The events start with a service of welcome in Durham Cathedral at 1.30pm on Thursday, March 2, and finish with a big celebration at 3pm on Sunday, March 5, in the cathedral. Archbishop Sentamu will be speaking and there will be stories to share from across the diocese.
Meanwhile, people are being urged to sign up to abseil off St Mary’s, in Gainford, which takes place on Saturday, March 4, between 10am and 4pm.
Geoff Taylor, churchwarden, said the event is open to anyone older than nine.
He said: “Come alone or as a group of friends, or do this as a family challenge.”
To be included on the early bird list, email geoffandsue@academygardens.fsnet.co.uk. Anyone under 16 will require written permission from parents or carers.
Activities are also being organised for children 11 years and under on Friday, March 3 at St Mary’s in Gainford.
St Andrew’s Church, in Winston, is hosting a Women’s Day of Prayer in the village hall that week and clergy will also visit the Sunday School on March 5 to help and chat to the mothers.