HELMSLEY DEANERY NEWSLETTER

March 2008

 

 

Deanery Synod

 

The February Synod meeting was held in Lastingham Village Hall and began with refreshments and prayers. The main business was an update on the need for a revision of the Diocesan Structure in the light of current circumstances and the probable future trends. Deanery Synods have a key part to play in setting up these changes.

As mentioned in the March newsletter, we have to find ways to maintain worship and effective ministry with a smaller number of clergy. A Deanery working group had been set up and it was clear that the lay members of the church would have to do more than has been customary in the past - both in the administration of the parishes and in pastoral care within them. The skills of administration by Churchwardens, Treasurers and others were also seen to be gifts of the Holy Spirit.

An increasing number of lay people are becoming involved in leading worship and more will be needed.

The meeting divided into groups to discuss how we saw the future role of the clergy. In addition to the traditional duties, team building was seen as an increasing aspect for the future. This would involve discovering, encouraging and supporting team members and worship leaders. The Diocese can help with local training where required, but much individual support would remain with the local clergy. The existing team of Readers would be an essential part of the future ministry and more should be encouraged to train for this role.

 

Pancakes and Praise

St Hildaπs at Beadlam had a successful Lent Event with 21 children making pancakes with the vicar. Also team games, crafts and a party tea together with parents. The event concluded with worship in which some of the children acted out the story of the Good Samaritan -- watch out for similar events in the future.

 

All Saints Kirkbymoorside Mothers Union raised £216 in their Lent Lunches, which went to support Overseas Charities including those suffering from a famine in Madagascar

On Palm Sunday, All Saints also had an impressive performance of The Passion, by Heinrich Schutz, conducted by Fred Dennis

 

The Good Friday morning walk at Oswaldkirk rejoiced in sunshine and shelter from the North wind. About 40 people of all ages and traditions followed the cross, sang, read the Passion story and prayed together.

 

Easter Morning was celebrated at 5:30am at Helmsley Bank top, north of the Baxtons, by 8 worshippers from Helmsley All Saints. Most went by 4x4, but guess who cycled. Candles were lit (and stayed lit). The Easter Story was read and Hymns sung. The snow added a spectacular dimension.

 

Dates for the diary

Saturday 12th April at 7:30pm at St Maryπs Lastingham

            Jill Crossland (piano) playing music by Bach, Handel, Mozart, Beethoven and Chopin in aid of the Lastingham Organ Project

            Tickets £8. (Concs £6) Enquiries 01751 417344

 

Saturday April 19th 7:30 - 11.00pm Step into Spring.

            A disco for all ages at Oswaldkirk Village Hall

            £5 in aid of St Oswaldπs Church - Contact 01439 788941

 

Sunday 27th April at 11.00am All Saints Nunnington.

            A Rogation Sunday Service with a procession in the churchyard and blessing of the farms        

 

Ascension Day - Thursday May 1st at 7:00 AM

            ≥Hail the day that sees Him rise≤ will be sung from Helmsley

            All Saints Church TOWER, with cornet accompaniment

 

Sunday 11th May at 5:00pm St Chadπs Sproxton - light classical music by St Martinπs Ampleforth. Wine and nibbles. £5

            Booking essential. Ring Keith Elliot on 01439 771866

 

Wednesday 21st May at 7.00pm The Ryedale Christian Council is holding an Ecumenical Service at St John the Baptist church,                 Pockley                      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taste and See: a day of ≥Bite Size Spirituality ≥

            on Saturday 26th April

An opportunity not to be missed, to discover the riches of our Spiritual heritage - in digestible bites.

The day will start at 10:15am in York Minster (registration from 9:30) followed by 20 workshops in the York City Centre churches. Just a few of the topics:

            How does prayer connect with Peace and Justice ?

            How can Icons help us to worship God ?

            Circle Dancing - celebrating community and praying together

            Praying in a Labyrinth ( you cannot get lost in a Labyrinth ! )

            Working with the deaf

            Praying with Scripture - Lectio Divina

            When God goes missing - prayer in the desert

            Taize prayer.

It is possible to attend two of the workshops and the day will conclude with a gathering at All Saints, Pavement at 3:45pm, ending at 4:00pm

For bookings and more details please contact Revd Ann Coleman on

01723 859270 or annvc@tiscali.co.uk