The service to mark the beginning of the York Circuit (which took place at Central on Saturday, 1st September) is the subject of a piece in the local paper, the Press.

The new York circuit of Methodist churches is now officially up and running.  Here at Central we hosted a special service on Saturday evening, 1st September, to welcome new ministers and induct Revd Philip Turner as our new superintendent minister (who has oversight over the whole circuit).

The new circuit ministers, Revd Andy Lindley, Deacon Ian Cartwright and Revd Elizabeth Cushion, on the steps outside Central before the welcome service.

Revd Stephen Burgess, the chair of the York & Hull district, preached and both he and Philip Turner gave us encouragement and words of challenge as we embark on a new phase in our work here.

Some members of the circuit leadership team on the steps outside Central before the welcome service. Central’s minister, Revd Chris Humble, is on the far right; the superintendent, Revd Philip Turner, is on the far left.

It was great to have friends from all around the York area to join in the service, including a number from other Christian traditions who came to add their voices of welcome to our new staff.

Hymn singing at the beginning of the welcome service.

The service included a ceremonial cutting of a cake, which was iced with the words YORK CIRCUIT responding to the transforming Gospel of God’s love in Christ.

The York Circuit celebratory cake.

Those who were able to stay after the service joined in fellowship over more cake in the halls.

More cake!

Fellowship in the halls.

Now the real work begins – and we look forward to welcoming and working with new friends.

As part of the heritage weekend in York, we’ll be joining other historic buildings in opening our doors so you can come and have a look around our church building, which dates from 1840.  We’ll be open between 2 and 4 pm on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th September, 2012.  All are welcome.

On previous weekends we’ve had plenty of visitors comment that they had no idea such a wonderful building was hiding in St Saviourgate: come and have a look for yourself, ask questions and take photos!

You can find more information about the building here.

Methodist churches are not independent churches: they all form part of local circuits of churches, grouped together to help in our mission. On 1st September, the Methodist churches in the York area will join together to form a new York circuit. Previously they were divided into two separate (North & South) circuits. Here at Central we’re hosting a service to celebrate the new circuit and welcome new ministers Revd Elizabeth Cushion, Revd Andy Lindley and Deacon Ian Cartwright. We will also be commissioning Revd Philip Turner as our new superintendent minister.

The service will take place at 7.30pm on Saturday, 1st September, 2012, and will be led by the chair of the York & Hull district, Revd Stephen Burgess. All are welcome.