Category Archives: Transforming Central

Lent on Central’s Facebook page

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We have a Facebook page, where we normally post details of our services alongside any other relevant from our city and the world of Methodism. You can find it here: https://www.facebook.com/CentralMethodistChurchYork/  Make sure you ‘Like’ and ‘Follow’ to keep up-to-date.

The hymns that we sing are an important influence on our theology and hence the way we lead our lives. Singing has been at the heart of the Methodist story since it’s beginnings. The preface to the hymn book states “Singing hymns in worship assists us in meeting with the living God and helps us to grow in faith, discipleship and fellowship.” The same can be applied to using the words of hymns in personal reflection and prayer.

During Lent we’re going to be adding in a devotional and reflective element to our posts. Each day we’ll be posting the words of a hymn verse from our normal Hymn book,  Singing the Faith. If you have a favourite hymn, or have spotted something that particularly speaks to you, or something that helps you during Lent, then let us know and we’ll include it. There’s 40 days to fill!

Please get in touch with your suggestions using the comments form below.

New ministerial team at Central

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Deacon Judith Stoddart and Revd Rory Dalgliesh

On September 3rd 2017, Deacon Judith Stoddart (along with other new circuit staff) was welcomed to the York circuit at Acomb Methodist church. The annual welcome service marks the start of the Methodist year.

Judith will be serving  a Probationer Deacon at Central and working across the city centre. She was born in Neston, Cheshire but grew up in the North East of England. She worked in the insurance industry for twenty years before
sensing God was calling her to something else. This was
initially as a youth and family worker in a Methodist church, followed by a
surprising, compelling call into Diaconal Ministry.

We also welcome Rory as our new Presbyter Minster. Originally hailing from South Africa, Rory has worked for the last 11 years as Chaplain to the University of York. He’ll also have pastoral charge of Haxby and Wiggington Methodist Church.

In the picture above, Rory and Judith are holding a huge paper bag containing pieces of rock, with ‘Growing in Christ’ running through. We look forward to growing in Christ alongside them.

‘Growing in Christ’ Rock.

 

All change

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After ten years of faithful service in the York circuit, this summer Revd Chris Humble will be leaving Central for County Durham.

Chris’s final service as minister at Central will be held on Sunday 9th July at 6:30pm, at which we’ll be joined by many of Chris’s ecumenical colleagues. Refreshments will be served after the service, and we’d be very pleased if as many people as possible were able to share in this event as we give thanks for Chris’s ministry.

From September (the start of the Methodist year), our minister will be Revd Rory Dalgleish (previously chaplain to the University of York). We’ll also be welcoming Judith Stoddart, who takes up a new role as city centre deacon based at Central.

The changes are exciting for Central, our city, and circuit. We will continue to keep Chris, Rory, Judith and their families in our prayers as they make their transitions.

 

 

 

 

 

Roof works at Central

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Work starts at Central Methodist Church in St Saviourgate York to address urgent roof repairs.

Last year, Central Methodist Church successfully applied for the grant through the Government-funded Listed Places of Worship: Roof Repair Fund. Further funding was obtained from the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme and the wider Methodist Church. Work begins by local firms JMark Construction and Mass architects to put the plans into action on Monday 13th March, to be complete by early June.

It is hoped that the repairs grade 2* listed chapel will make the roof water tight and prevent further water damage. At the same time the ornate ceiling will be strengthened to preserve it for future generations.  In the meantime the church and halls remain open for bookings six days a week, as well as continuing our traditional Sunday morning and evening services to which all are welcome.

Over the last three years Central Methodist Church has invested over £200,000 of its own funds seeking to find new ways of conserving and adapting the city centre church and its ancillary buildings for the continuing benefit and welfare of the community of the city and its visitors.

Angie Creswick, York Methodist circuit resources manager said “’The outcome of the project is to secure this important 1840 Grade II* listed building from further water ingress and stabilise the highly ornamented plaster ceiling pending the development of future conservation projects. The chapel includes a balcony and seats over 1000 people with original box pews and a large historic pipe organ.”

The congregation meets weekly for worship and the building provides spaces for several local charities and community events. Carecent, a charity providing breakfast for homeless people, has been based at the church for over 30 years.

What’s in a name?

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As our programme of becoming a community venue goes from strength to strength, we’d like to find a name under which to operate.

Our congregation will continue to be ‘Central Methodist Church York’, but we’re considering using a different name for our premises. It needs to reflect what our premises can offer more accurately, we’re not just a chapel building, we have halls, offices, a promising garden space and more.

We’d like the new name to reflect our Central location, to be easy to remember and short enough to ‘trip off the tongue’. Ideally it will be distinct from other venues and projects, and easy to find on the internet.

We’ve been trying to think of something suitable for a few weeks, and now we thought we’d ask our community for ideas! Please leave comments below or on our Facebook page.