Our Story

‘Vine Church has helped me reconnect with my faith journey… I struggled to find my place in a church community as an adult… Vine Church has created a space that not only encourages honest exploration and deeper understanding of faith, but also a strong and welcoming community. I am excited to have my son be part of this church to see how amazing a faith in God can be.’

Wynyard is a growing and vibrant place – but until recently, it had never had a church community of its own. While there’s a chapel at nearby Wynyard Hall and the village has historically been part of a larger parish, there had never been a church gathering regularly in Wynyard itself.

That began to change in 2020, when the Diocese of Durham invited Revd Emily and Revd Mark Hudghton to begin a new Church of England church for this community, based in Wynyard Primary School.

Vine Church began taking shape during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic – not the easiest time to start anything! But even through the challenges of lockdown, something began to grow. Through one-to-one conversations, Alpha courses, and partnership with the local school, a community started to form – people discovering faith, asking honest questions, and learning to follow Jesus together.

In September 2021, our first gatherings at Wynyard Primary School were launched. Since then we’ve seen God at work in amazing ways:
– People discovering a living faith for the first time
– Children and teens finding a place to belong and be themselves
– Parents growing in confidence to share faith at home
– People experiencing healing, miracles, encouragement, and renewed hope
– Friendships deepening and lives changing

Many of us hadn’t previously been to church in years… or ever! Some arrived curious and exploring; others carried questions, doubts, or past hurt. Together, we’ve created a church where questions are welcome, community is real, and the Holy Spirit is at work amongst us.

Our Rhythm

Now, as we’ve grown, we follow a monthly rhythm as a church:

First Sundays – Celebration Sunday at Wynyard Primary School
Our all-age gathering at Wynyard Primary School – relaxed worship, prayer, Bible teaching, and a warm welcome. A great first step if you’re new!

Third Sundays – Open House at the Vicarage
An informal time of friendship, conversation and shared prayer in Revd Emily and Revd Mark’s home.

Other Sundays – Vine Groups meet in homes around the area
We meet in homes around Wynyard in small, welcoming groups where faith is explored, friendships are formed, and life is shared. We’d love to help you find a good fit for you!

Whether you’re new to faith, returning after a break, or simply looking for a place to grow, there’s space for you here – to belong, to explore, and to walk with Jesus at your own pace, in the company of others.

Want to know more? Get in touch!

Why ‘Vine Church’?

It’s thought that the name Wynyard comes from the old Anglo-Saxon wīn-geard, meaning vineyard. Jesus says:

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit…” (John 15:5)

This is a beautiful picture of what church is supposed to be – rooted in Jesus, connected to one another, and bearing good fruit in our everyday lives through the Holy Spirit’s work in us. That’s the kind of church we’re learning to be together.