There are a number of services and events happening across the Diocese of Durham during Lent and Easter.
Please feel free to browse the events below. If your church is hosting an event not listed, please get in touch with our Communications Team at communications@durham.anglican.org.
Palm Sunday
Sung Eucharist with Procession of Palms and Reading of Passion at Durham Cathedral | Sunday 24 March 10.30am
Beginning outside of Palace Green, the clergy process into the Cathedral, echoing Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. Members of the congregation are given palm crosses, representing Christ’s victory over death on the cross.
Lent Talk at Durham Cathedral | Sunday 24 March 4.30pm
This talk focuses on prayer and silence, given by the Bishop of Jarrow, the Rt Revd Sarah Clark.
Palm Sunday walk to Whitworth Church | Sunday 24 March 3.30pm
Walk from Ormesby Way / Lotherton Drive in Spennymoor, DL16 7FF to Whitworth Church. The walk will start at 3.30pm and make its way to Whitworth for refreshments. Then at 4.30pm there will be an opportunity to gather for worship and pray.Everyone is welcome to join in and you can either turn up for the walk at 3.30pm, or come along between 4 and 4.30pm at Whitworth Church.
Palm Sunday Holy Communion at Whitworth Church | Sunday 24 March 9am
Palm crosses will be distributed during the service.
Palm Sunday Procession and Holy Communion at St. Paul's Spennymoor | Sunday 24 March 10.30am
Join us as we begin Holy Week with a joyful Palm Sunday procession parade from the St Paul's Centre to Church.For younger members, we also have a creche and our children's ministry group Trekkers meets for Bible stories, crafts and activities.
Palm Sunday Service at St. Stephen's Willington | Sunday 24 March 10.30am
Blessing of Palms, Procession and Holy Eucharist
Palm Sunday Service at St. Andrew's Lamesley | Sunday 24 March 11am
Procession with palms from the church hall to the church.
Palm Sunday Eucharist at St. Mary & St. Peter's Springwell | Sunday 24 March 9.30am
Join us as we begin to walk with Jesus the days of His final Journey to the Cross.We begin in the gardens for the Blessing of Palms before processing into Church for the rest of the service.
Evensong and Benediction at St. Thomas Pennywell | Sunday 24 March 6pm
Palm Sunday Service at St. Nicholas Sunderland | Sunday 24 March 10.30am
Join the palm procession as we mark the start of Holy Week at our communion service.
Palm Sunday Morning Gathering at Alive Church Gateshead | Sunday 24 March 10.30am
An informal gathering in the morning. Here we worship, share stories of what God is doing and hear from the Bible. Toady we focus on the events of the day Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey. All ages will worship together in church, with separate additional activities for children.
Palm Sunday Eucharist at St. Cuthbert's Benfieldside | Sunday 24 March 10.30am
The Blessing of Palms and Reading of the Passion begin our celebration of Holy Week. We meet in our Church Hall (opposite the church) before processing into church.
Palm Sunday Service at St. Nicholas, West Boldon | Sunday 24 March 10.30am
Come and start Holy Week with us here in the Boldons. We gather outside St Nicholas West Boldon (weather permitting) for the blessing of palm crosses, then walk around the outside of the building together as a mark of witness, remembering Jesus' journey to Jerusalem. Inside we hear the story of Christ's passion, his arrest, trial, and crucifixion, in preparation for Holy Week, before sharing Holy Communion, the meal Jesus gave us.
Palm Sunday Service at St. John The Evangelist Ingleton | Sunday 24 March 11am
Service with the Revd Canon Eileen Harrop to include the use of symbolic Palm crosses
Palm Sunday Service at St. Luke's Hartlepool | Sunday 24 March 9.15am
We begin this service in the Parish Centre with the Blessing of the Crosses, and parade around the church in order to enter, singing along the way. The service concludes with Communion with refreshments in the hall afterwards.
Palm Sunday Service at St. John the Baptist Greatham | Sunday 24 March 9.30am
Opportunity for children to learn how to make their own palm crosses.
Chrism Mass at St. Aidan's Sunderland | Sunday 24 March 6pm
The Bishop of Beverley will celebrate the Chrism Mass at St Aidan’s on Sunday 24th March at 6.00pm.
Palm Sunday Sung Eucharist with Palm Procession at St. Cuthbert's Darlington | Sunday 24 March 11am.
Join us on Palm Sunday as we meet for our usual Sung Eucharist to include a procession of palms
Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday 'Blessing of the Oils' at Durham Cathedral | Thursday 28 March 11am
During this service, three holy oils are blessed to be used throughout services in Durham Diocese for the rest of the year.
Maundy Thursday 'Stripping of the Altars' at Durham Cathedral | Thursday 28 March 7.30pm
During this service, the Minor Canon for Liturgy and Learning washes the feet of members of the community, echoing scenes from the Last Supper and performs the 'Judas Cup' Ceremony.
Maundy Thursday Holy Communion at St. Paul's Spennymoor | Thursday 28 March 7.30pm
On the eve of Good Friday we focus on The Last Supper and in a sombre act, we strip the altar in church of its coverings.
Maundy Thursday Liturgy and Watch at St. Paul's Hunwick | Thursday 28 March 7pm
The receiving of Holy Oils and Eucharist. The traditional washing of feet is replaced by a simple act of "washing" of hands. The service is followed by the stripping of the altar and then quiet contemplation before an Altar of Repose symbolising the place where Christ endured agonies prior to his arrest.
Maundy Thursday Liturgy and Watch at St. Stephen's Willington | Thursday 28 March 7pm
The Eucharist is celebrated to commemorate the initiation of the Blessed Sacrament and includes symbolic hand washing (no foot washing) followed by the stripping of the altar and a watch by the altar of repose
Foot washing & Maundy Thursday Eucharist at All Saints Parish Church Lanchester | Thursday 28 March 7pm
Maundy Thursday Meal at Hope Family Church Washington | Thursday 28 March 5.30pm
Join us for a "Bring & Share" Seder Meal on Maundy Thursday as we remember the last supper and share in communion. 🍷🍞We'll be open from 5:30pm, aiming to eat together around 6pm. Please bring some food or drink to share with the group!
Liturgy of Maundy Thursday at St. Chad's Sunderland | Thursday 28 March 7.30pm
Join us for our Liturgy of Maundy Thursday at 7:30pm on the 28th March. This a Eucharistic service with hymns, sermon and foot washing. After the service we will keep a silent watch in church until midnight.
Maundy Thursday Eucharist at St. Mary & St. Peter's Springwell | Thursday 28 March 7pm
Join us as we meet with our Lord in His Last Supper on the night he is betrayed.This service will re-present the events of that very night. Feet will be washed, Bread and Wine will be shared, we will go with our Lord to His agony, and watch and wait with Him until Midnight.
Maundy Thursday Service at St. Nicholas Sunderland | Thursday 28 March 7pm
Join us for Holy Communion at 7.00 p.m. This special service marking Jesus' 'Last Supper' with his disciples, and arrest at Gethsemane, concludes with the stripping of the altar.
Maundy Thursday Service at St. Alban Windy Nook
Join us for our Maundy Thursday service including the washing of feet.
Maundy Thursday Service at Alive Church Gateshead | Thursday 28 March 7.30pm
We will remember the last supper and break bread together in communion.
Maundy Thursday Service and Watch of the Passion at St. George East Boldon | Thursday 28 March 7.30pm
On that night Jesus gave himself in humble service, washing the feet of his friends, and we also offer the opportunity to have your feet washed, as a symbolic following of his command to serve each other. We'll share communion, the bread and wine, remembering Jesus commandment "to do this in memory of me", and then at the end of the service, the church is ceremonially stripped and we move into the chapel for the Watch of the Passion. This is a time of quiet prayer and contemplation, waiting with Jesus just as the first disciples did. You're welcome to stay for as short or as long a time as you'd like.
Maundy Thursday Holy Eucharist at St. John the Baptist Jarrow | Thursday 28 March 7pm
Traditional service with Holy Eucharist, hymns, reflection, optional foot washing and vigil.
Good Friday
Good Friday 'The Three Hours' at Durham Cathedral | Friday 29 March 12-3pm
In the Liturgy of Good Friday we mark the Death of Christ through preaching, choral music and prayer.
Good Friday Service at All Saints Langley | Friday 29 March 2pm
Good Friday Service at Alive Church Gateshead | Friday 29 March 10.30am
An hour all age gathering as we remember the story of the cross through worship, prayer, a short thought and response.There’ll be cafe including hot cross buns after the gathering.
Good Friday Service at St. Michael & All Angels Esh | Friday 29 March 10am
Good Friday Hour at the Cross at St. John's Gateshead Fell | Friday 29 March 2pm
Good Friday - Stations of the Cross on the Scotch Estate Jarrow | Friday 29 March 10am
Join us on Good Friday as we begin at 10 am from St. john the Baptist'sMary's R.C. Church on Glasgow Road and make our way to St. John the Baptist's Church on Nairn Street for the final station followed by tea, coffee and hot cross buns.
Good Friday Hour at the Cross at St. Alban Windy Nook | Friday 29 March 3pm
Easter Messy Church at St. Alban's Centre Windy Nook | Friday 29 March 10amGood Friday Service at St. Mary's West Rainton | Friday 29 March 10am
Good Friday Service at St. Andrew's Chilton Moor | Friday 29 March 12pm
Good Friday Service at Christ Church, Lumley | Friday 29 March 2pm
Good Friday Services at St. Nicholas West Boldon | Friday 29 March from 12pm
Open from 12.00pm for quiet prayer. 1.00pm Stations of the Cross, as we move around the church, following Jesus' journey from the Garden of Gethsemane to Golgotha and the cross. 2pm is the Liturgy of Good Friday, a very powerful service as we remember the sacrifice of the Son of God, made in love, for all human beings. Please feel welcome to join us for any or all of these times during the afternoon.
Holy Saturday
Messy Church Easter Special at St Nicholas Hedworth Lane | Saturday 30 March 11am
Young or young at heart, everyone is welcome to join us on Holy Saturday at our Messy Church Easter Eggstravaganza at St Nic's Hedworth Lane! There will be all the familiar favourites of Messy Church, but turned up to 11 for our Easter Festival! Crafts and games, songs and a very special story, fun, faith, family and food - and probably some tasty Easter treats!
Easter Eve Vigil Service at St Nicholas Hedworth Lane | Saturday 30 March 8pm
On this most Holy Night we gather around a bonfire outside of St Nicholas Hedworth Lane, and light our new Easter candle as we wait in the darkness for the light of Jesus' resurrection. . We move into church sharing the light of Christ between us, and begin in candlelight as we hear the story of Christ's coming from the Bible. In the middle of the service the lights come up, and the cry goes out, "Jesus is risen! Alleluia!" and we celebrate the joy of the resurrection, as death is defeated for all time. Come and worship with us as we share our Easter joy!
Easter Sunday
Easter Day - The Easter Vigil, Dawn Eucharist with Baptism and Confirmation at Durham Cathedral | Sunday 31 March 5am
Easter Sunday marks the day when Jesus rose again. Join us for a day of services as we triumph of light over dark.
Festal Eucharist at Durham Cathedral | Sunday 31 March 10am
President: The Bishop of Jarrow and Preacher: The Dean
Easter Day sunrise service at Whitworth Church | Sunday 31 March 6am
As dawn breaks, we gather in the beautiful surroundings of Whitworth Church to celebrate Easter morn.
Easter Day Worship with Holy Communion at Whitworth Church | Sunday 31 March 9am
All together Eucharist and Easter Egg Hunt at All Saints Parish Church Lanchester | Sunday 31 March 10.30am
Easter Sunday Service at St. Alban Windy Nook | Sunday 31 March 10.30am
Join us for our Intergenerational fun Easter Sunday Service followed by an Easter Egg Hunt in the churchyard.
Easter Day Worship with Holy Communion at St. Paul's Spennymoor | 31 March 10.30am
Easter Fire Sunrise Service at St. Michael's Heighington | 31 March 6am
A service to celebrate Easter, held round a brazier near the church door, shortly after sunrise. This is followed by breakfast.
Egg Rolling on the Village Green at St. Michael's Heighington | 31 March 10.45am
Easter Sunday Eucharist Service at St. Stephen's Willington | Sunday 31 March 10.30am
Easter Sunday Celebration at Hope Family Church Washington | Sunday 31 March 9am & 11am
Easter Sunday Eucharist and Easter Egg Hunt at St. Thomas Stanley | Sunday 31 March 9.45am
Easter Sunday Holy Communion at St. Gabriel's Sunderland | Sunday 31 March 10.30am
Easter Sunday Celebration at Alive Church Gateshead | Sunday 31 March 10.30am
Join us on Easter Sunday as we gather to celebrate Jesus' resurrection together. We’ve got infant and adult baptisms happening and we’re hoping to have SouL Children Gateshead lead us in a song.We’ll have decorated the church for Easter Sunday to celebrate the abundant life and joy that Jesus brings, bell ringing to celebrate the good news and epic cafe treats for after.
Easter Morning Service at St George East Boldon | Sunday 31 March 10.30am
Come and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus on the most holy day of the year! A traditional Easter Sunday service with the organ and hymns. A wonderful and joyful way to celebrate Easter.