Ruth Harley
@ruthh.bsky.social
Vicar in Newcastle. PhD student at York St John: feminist ecclesiology and women's vocations. Apparently I'm "surprisingly orthodox"!
Concussed by a seagull.
It flew hard into the side of my head, and snatched my ice cream.
It flew hard into the side of my head, and snatched my ice cream.
What's the most ridiculous way you ever hurt yourself? I got out of the tub, skidded in water and tripped over the toilet. Ankle sprain.
😅
😅
January 5, 2026 at 9:51 PM
Concussed by a seagull.
It flew hard into the side of my head, and snatched my ice cream.
It flew hard into the side of my head, and snatched my ice cream.
Very understandable level of hilarity at Ephiphany service after I underestimated the height of the door (and/or overestimated the height of the vicar) and had to send the churchwarden back in for a chair to stand on after the step-stool proved comically insufficient to reach to chalk a blessing 🤣
January 4, 2026 at 2:21 PM
Very understandable level of hilarity at Ephiphany service after I underestimated the height of the door (and/or overestimated the height of the vicar) and had to send the churchwarden back in for a chair to stand on after the step-stool proved comically insufficient to reach to chalk a blessing 🤣
The Sound of Music is on the telly, my Winnie the Pooh mug (which I chose when I was 3) is in my hand, and there's a dog resting against my leg... this could be any Christmas at my Dad's house in the last 35 years. #TinyJoys
January 1, 2026 at 4:09 PM
The Sound of Music is on the telly, my Winnie the Pooh mug (which I chose when I was 3) is in my hand, and there's a dog resting against my leg... this could be any Christmas at my Dad's house in the last 35 years. #TinyJoys
Traditional family NYE: staying up till midnight so we can be loud enough to drown out the fireworks so the dog doesn't freak out too much. The dog is currently pretty chilled:
December 31, 2025 at 10:02 PM
Traditional family NYE: staying up till midnight so we can be loud enough to drown out the fireworks so the dog doesn't freak out too much. The dog is currently pretty chilled:
At my Dad's for post-Christmas break, which means Tuesday night is quiz show night... and tonight we're watching @revrachelmann.bsky.social on University Challenge. My step-mum is texting the family group chat: "Ruth's friend is on the telly!"
December 30, 2025 at 8:43 PM
At my Dad's for post-Christmas break, which means Tuesday night is quiz show night... and tonight we're watching @revrachelmann.bsky.social on University Challenge. My step-mum is texting the family group chat: "Ruth's friend is on the telly!"
Finished my Christmas knitting project! Yarn is handspun Shetland wool and silk, very soft and cosy. The Christmas book pile might take a little longer... (this is very much not a complaint) 📚📚📚😃
December 29, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Finished my Christmas knitting project! Yarn is handspun Shetland wool and silk, very soft and cosy. The Christmas book pile might take a little longer... (this is very much not a complaint) 📚📚📚😃
My best Christmas present, a thread:
64 years ago, my Granny received this cookery book for Christmas. Her 6 year old daughter, who was just learning about keeping things a surprise, handed it over with the words: "you'll never guess what it is, it's definitely not a Gas Radition Cookery Book" 😂
64 years ago, my Granny received this cookery book for Christmas. Her 6 year old daughter, who was just learning about keeping things a surprise, handed it over with the words: "you'll never guess what it is, it's definitely not a Gas Radition Cookery Book" 😂
December 27, 2025 at 5:24 PM
My best Christmas present, a thread:
64 years ago, my Granny received this cookery book for Christmas. Her 6 year old daughter, who was just learning about keeping things a surprise, handed it over with the words: "you'll never guess what it is, it's definitely not a Gas Radition Cookery Book" 😂
64 years ago, my Granny received this cookery book for Christmas. Her 6 year old daughter, who was just learning about keeping things a surprise, handed it over with the words: "you'll never guess what it is, it's definitely not a Gas Radition Cookery Book" 😂
Reposted by Ruth Harley
My Christmas message in the Newcastle Chronicle with thanks to @ruthh.bsky.social for the #tinyjoys inspiration 🙏🎄 www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-e...
Look for 'tiny joys' in the midst of life's challenges, Bishop of Newcastle says
The Bishop of Newcastle, the Right Reverend Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, has shared her Christmas message
www.chroniclelive.co.uk
December 26, 2025 at 4:29 PM
My Christmas message in the Newcastle Chronicle with thanks to @ruthh.bsky.social for the #tinyjoys inspiration 🙏🎄 www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-e...
We don't buy the cats Christmas presents, we just let them take their pick from the boxes and wrapping paper. Here they are enjoying some of their favourites from today.
December 25, 2025 at 9:52 PM
We don't buy the cats Christmas presents, we just let them take their pick from the boxes and wrapping paper. Here they are enjoying some of their favourites from today.
Es ist ein Ros entsprungen!
Impeccable timing by the churchyard roses. Happy Christmas! 🌹✨️
"A Spotless Rose is blowing,
Sprung from a tender root,
Of ancient seers' foreshowing,
Of Jesse promised fruit;
Its fairest bud unfolds to light
Amid the cold, cold winter,
And in the dark midnight."
Impeccable timing by the churchyard roses. Happy Christmas! 🌹✨️
"A Spotless Rose is blowing,
Sprung from a tender root,
Of ancient seers' foreshowing,
Of Jesse promised fruit;
Its fairest bud unfolds to light
Amid the cold, cold winter,
And in the dark midnight."
December 25, 2025 at 8:43 AM
Es ist ein Ros entsprungen!
Impeccable timing by the churchyard roses. Happy Christmas! 🌹✨️
"A Spotless Rose is blowing,
Sprung from a tender root,
Of ancient seers' foreshowing,
Of Jesse promised fruit;
Its fairest bud unfolds to light
Amid the cold, cold winter,
And in the dark midnight."
Impeccable timing by the churchyard roses. Happy Christmas! 🌹✨️
"A Spotless Rose is blowing,
Sprung from a tender root,
Of ancient seers' foreshowing,
Of Jesse promised fruit;
Its fairest bud unfolds to light
Amid the cold, cold winter,
And in the dark midnight."
What are your favourite small Christmas rituals/traditions? The ones that might not look like anything much, but matter to you?
Mine is Christmas breakfast. I have had the same breakfast - on the same plate! - every Christmas day since I was 3.
#JoinIn
Mine is Christmas breakfast. I have had the same breakfast - on the same plate! - every Christmas day since I was 3.
#JoinIn
December 25, 2025 at 7:20 AM
What are your favourite small Christmas rituals/traditions? The ones that might not look like anything much, but matter to you?
Mine is Christmas breakfast. I have had the same breakfast - on the same plate! - every Christmas day since I was 3.
#JoinIn
Mine is Christmas breakfast. I have had the same breakfast - on the same plate! - every Christmas day since I was 3.
#JoinIn
Kneeling in front of the Crib with two little girls who were serving at the altar in PJs and fluffy dressing gowns for Midnight Mass, surrounded by congregation singing unaccompanied: "Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing..." Christmas doesn't get much better than that! #TinyJoys
December 25, 2025 at 1:13 AM
Kneeling in front of the Crib with two little girls who were serving at the altar in PJs and fluffy dressing gowns for Midnight Mass, surrounded by congregation singing unaccompanied: "Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing..." Christmas doesn't get much better than that! #TinyJoys
Cheers, #ClergyMaltClub! G&T here, after a slightly chaotic but altogether glorious midnight mass.
December 25, 2025 at 1:02 AM
Cheers, #ClergyMaltClub! G&T here, after a slightly chaotic but altogether glorious midnight mass.
I wonder if @rhodri.biz realises how many clergy scroll through #DuvetKnowItsChristmas to help keep us awake until Midnight Mass. I know from talking to colleagues that it's definitely not just me.
December 24, 2025 at 8:13 PM
I wonder if @rhodri.biz realises how many clergy scroll through #DuvetKnowItsChristmas to help keep us awake until Midnight Mass. I know from talking to colleagues that it's definitely not just me.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
5pm Carols Around the Crib at St Wilfrid’s, Newbiggin Hall.
11.30pm Midnight Mass at St Peter's, Cowgate.
10am Christmas Eucharists at both churches.
Enthusiastic carol singing at all services!
Everyone welcome, always.
#Christmas
#Newcastle
5pm Carols Around the Crib at St Wilfrid’s, Newbiggin Hall.
11.30pm Midnight Mass at St Peter's, Cowgate.
10am Christmas Eucharists at both churches.
Enthusiastic carol singing at all services!
Everyone welcome, always.
#Christmas
#Newcastle
December 24, 2025 at 8:38 AM
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
5pm Carols Around the Crib at St Wilfrid’s, Newbiggin Hall.
11.30pm Midnight Mass at St Peter's, Cowgate.
10am Christmas Eucharists at both churches.
Enthusiastic carol singing at all services!
Everyone welcome, always.
#Christmas
#Newcastle
5pm Carols Around the Crib at St Wilfrid’s, Newbiggin Hall.
11.30pm Midnight Mass at St Peter's, Cowgate.
10am Christmas Eucharists at both churches.
Enthusiastic carol singing at all services!
Everyone welcome, always.
#Christmas
#Newcastle
I do enjoy the random things you find in the vestry at this time of year. This morning the photocopier was adorned with a festive flower arrangement. (The teatowel on the photocopier is a year-round feature.)
December 21, 2025 at 2:38 PM
I do enjoy the random things you find in the vestry at this time of year. This morning the photocopier was adorned with a festive flower arrangement. (The teatowel on the photocopier is a year-round feature.)
3 sermons written, assorted pastoral situations dealt with, sloe gin bottled. That'll do for today!
A modest batch of sloe gin from the Vicarage this year (one for us, and one will be my Reader's Christmas present) but it is *very* delicious. #TinyJoys
December 20, 2025 at 6:46 PM
3 sermons written, assorted pastoral situations dealt with, sloe gin bottled. That'll do for today!
A modest batch of sloe gin from the Vicarage this year (one for us, and one will be my Reader's Christmas present) but it is *very* delicious. #TinyJoys
December 20, 2025 at 6:12 PM
A modest batch of sloe gin from the Vicarage this year (one for us, and one will be my Reader's Christmas present) but it is *very* delicious. #TinyJoys
Last year's crib service: 10 adults, 0 children. I asked those who came to commit to praying throughout the year for opportunities for us to engage with children and families.
This year's crib service: 11 adults, 12 children.
#TinyJoys
This year's crib service: 11 adults, 12 children.
#TinyJoys
December 18, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Last year's crib service: 10 adults, 0 children. I asked those who came to commit to praying throughout the year for opportunities for us to engage with children and families.
This year's crib service: 11 adults, 12 children.
#TinyJoys
This year's crib service: 11 adults, 12 children.
#TinyJoys
Engaged in a sympathetic conversation with the person on the till about working over Christmas, when I realise the child who left her coat at church is behind me in the queue, so then I'm also sorting out with her nan how to get it back to her. All while packing my shopping. Clergy multi-tasking!
December 17, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Engaged in a sympathetic conversation with the person on the till about working over Christmas, when I realise the child who left her coat at church is behind me in the queue, so then I'm also sorting out with her nan how to get it back to her. All while packing my shopping. Clergy multi-tasking!
Trees are up in both churches! Fair to say our style is, um... maximalist. But a lot of fun had by all in the process, including kids from the youth group which meets in our hall who came over to help. #TinyJoys
December 16, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Trees are up in both churches! Fair to say our style is, um... maximalist. But a lot of fun had by all in the process, including kids from the youth group which meets in our hall who came over to help. #TinyJoys
Final session of this year's Advent course ready to go (for tomorrow morning... I do need a deadline!).
I love being the vicar of parishes where people want to contemplate scripture and poetry and art together, and engage in deep and thoughtful conversation. It feeds me as much as anyone.
I love being the vicar of parishes where people want to contemplate scripture and poetry and art together, and engage in deep and thoughtful conversation. It feeds me as much as anyone.
December 15, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Final session of this year's Advent course ready to go (for tomorrow morning... I do need a deadline!).
I love being the vicar of parishes where people want to contemplate scripture and poetry and art together, and engage in deep and thoughtful conversation. It feeds me as much as anyone.
I love being the vicar of parishes where people want to contemplate scripture and poetry and art together, and engage in deep and thoughtful conversation. It feeds me as much as anyone.
Overheard at church this morning:
"I do like your trousers. Did you wear them specially for Gaudete Sunday?"
"I did! Thank you for noticing."
"Well, if you've got rose trousers... why would you not?!"
#Gaudete
"I do like your trousers. Did you wear them specially for Gaudete Sunday?"
"I did! Thank you for noticing."
"Well, if you've got rose trousers... why would you not?!"
#Gaudete
December 14, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Overheard at church this morning:
"I do like your trousers. Did you wear them specially for Gaudete Sunday?"
"I did! Thank you for noticing."
"Well, if you've got rose trousers... why would you not?!"
#Gaudete
"I do like your trousers. Did you wear them specially for Gaudete Sunday?"
"I did! Thank you for noticing."
"Well, if you've got rose trousers... why would you not?!"
#Gaudete
Passed the regular small gathering in town of people waving flags, and today they were singing Christmas songs. Specifically, as I passed, "feed the world, let them know it's Christmas time". Oh, the cognitive dissonance!
December 13, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Passed the regular small gathering in town of people waving flags, and today they were singing Christmas songs. Specifically, as I passed, "feed the world, let them know it's Christmas time". Oh, the cognitive dissonance!
One of the things about being the Vicar is that I rarely get to hear anyone preach... because it's always me. So I am immensely blessed by the ministry of our Reader, who has recently returned to regular preaching after a break, and preached an absolute cracker of a sermon this morning. ✝️🕯️⚓
December 7, 2025 at 6:28 PM
One of the things about being the Vicar is that I rarely get to hear anyone preach... because it's always me. So I am immensely blessed by the ministry of our Reader, who has recently returned to regular preaching after a break, and preached an absolute cracker of a sermon this morning. ✝️🕯️⚓