Last year almost 1400 people attended, and this year there could be more. All the information you need is available from http://www.thebignightout.org.uk/ but should you need to talk to someone please contact Nigel Chapman on 01347 868287 or 07877 793179

STOP PRESS: Just a week away now! Almost 1400 tickets sold already! You can still purchase tickets at £16 each on the day in our designated picnic/concert field at LWV on Saturday from 4pm.

Why not get there early for a picnic? The leaders' lounge and exhibition marquee will also be open from 4pm so that groups can come early and make more of the evening.

If you or your church, school, club, leader - whoever, needs sight of a Risk Assessment, please find this on the Events page.

NOTE however, that the Lightwater Valley Risk Assessments for rides are not included, as this is above and beyond the scope of our responsibility. Any questions please do ask Nigel Chapman. (01347 868287 / 07877 793179).

St Nicholas Church, Dunnington, organised a village scarecrow festival over the May bank holiday weekend.

The vicar, the Revd Nick Bird said, "It's the first one that we've done and had no idea how this community event would go. However, over the weekend there were about 60 scarecrows around the village and about 1000 people came through the church to collect guide maps, see the resident scarecrow and to have refreshments. Over £900 was raised for Dunnington Cancer Support and for the church. People are already buzzing about next year!"

Reader at St Nicholas, Judith Hewitt, organised the event. She said, "It was a great weekend. It was a Village event with so many people wandering around and talking, and visiting parts of the Village they had not seen before."

Congratulations to all at Dunnington!

Charting Eden’s progress from its early origins in south Manchester 15 years ago to becoming a national network, Concrete Faith gives the inside (and inspiring) story of the highs and the lows, the lessons learned and the lives changed along the way.

‘Transforming communities from the inside out’ is Eden’s mantra and John 1:14, “The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighbourhood…” its biblical foundation. It is soon clear from reading the book that this is exactly what teams are committed to living out day by day, week by week, and year by year. The passionate commitment of Eden teams to making a real difference in the lives of lost and hurting people is clear and Concrete Faith is full of stories of hope and restoration in the lives of young people, families and communities in some of our most deprived urban areas.

Eden’s model of each team partnering with a local church, appointing a team leader and then functioning as a group of long-term ‘tent-making’ volunteers has now been replicated across the country. Here in the Diocese of York local teams in Hull and Middlesbrough are making long-term commitments to their own communities, and there are more plans for growth.

The author Matt Wilson, Eden‘s National Director, is clearly passionate about this movement for change, but equally open about its false starts and difficulties. He makes it clear that Eden teams aren’t made up of action superheroes; in fact most are just the opposite! He says, ‘what might be different about us is where and how we choose to live. Instead of looking for the best house we can find in the nicest area, we are putting roots down in areas that most people avoid. We do this because we have sensed a call from God to do something more for the young people and their families in the toughest areas.’

The Church of England’s leader of Fresh Expressions Team, Bishop Graham Cray has said about this book, ‘its special value lies in articulating the principles of urban mission which have been learned as the story has progressed. There is no triumphalism within these pages. The cost of downward mobility and incarnational mission is made clear, in testimonies as well as the main text. But here is a vision and calling that can lead to the transformation of even more of the most deprived communities in the land.’

That, in essence, is absolutely what this book is about and it is a real heart and head challenge for all those Christians that will pick it up and allow Concrete Faith to challenge and move them to action.

You can find out more about the individual teams at www.eden-network.org/teams

Concrete Faith can be ordered from www.message.org.uk/shop/concrete-faith-book-order/

Matt Wilson has been involved in Eden’s work since its inception, being one of the first team members to get involved and move into a disadvantaged council estate in south Manchester. He has been Director of the Eden Network for the last ten years.

St John's Newland in Hull have partnered with nearby Hull Community Church to offer money management advice to people struggling with debt, as well as those who are looking for ways to help them better control their finances. Jake Belder, appointed last year as Assistant Minister in charge of Community Action said, “We know that the current economic situation means that many families within the parish are struggling financially and we want to help them. People have been affected by redundancy or relationship breakdown and often have fallen victim to loan companies or to over-commitment on credit cards. We can help them stabilise their situation by negotiating with lenders on their behalf.”

Integral to the strategy are basic money management courses, which help folk keep on the right track. These have been popular with church members as well – indeed, one of the other St John's ministers testified that after attending the course their household spending patterns had been transformed!

The Newland scheme is part of the 'Community Money Advice' network, which provides training and support for local centres around the country. Advice is given freely and without any strings – there is no pressure to attend church. However, as Jake (pictured above) explained, “We want people to hear the gospel, and we want them to see how the gospel transforms everything, including how we relate to money. Our work is attached to a vibrant church with a range of gospel-centred activities where folk can experience Christian community naturally at their own pace. We trust that as we help people out of debt, they will be drawn to question our faith and motivation and then to investigate for themselves.”

How do people find out about the service? Many have come through personal recommendation or from within the churches. Leaflets are also displayed in local community centres, shops and surgeries. A recent innovation is a website (www.cmanewland.co.uk), which will hopefully reach a much broader client group as many people these days like to explore possibilities online first.

“The church has a good name in the local community so folk trust us,” added Jake, “and our shop front on Beverley Road is a real asset” (the Newland Christian Centre was opened ten years ago with this sort of work in mind). Of course, some problems require more specialist advice, and Community Money Advice Newland has access to professional services for that reason. Most problems, however, are relatively straightforward and the relief felt by clients is almost immediate. Others just need gentle guidance and the encouragement of a non-judgemental listener.

The advice service is licensed by the Office of Fair Trading and staffed by volunteer advisers from within the churches. Vicar Melvin Tinker emphasised how essential it was that such projects should have a high profile within church life and be staffed by committed church members, or there was danger of the work becoming marginalised. He said, “We looked for eighteen months for the right person to lead this work, eventually bringing Jake over from Canada. He has fitted so well into our staff team and we are now looking forward to initiating further projects within the community.”

For further details do look at the website or contact Viv Whitton, Chair of Trustees, at vivwhitton@gmail.com.

On Sunday 29th April, the 70th anniversary of the Baedeker air raid on York was commemorated with a Service of Remembrance, Peace and Reconciliation in the Church of St. Martin le Grand, Coney Street, York. During the Baedeker air raid, on the night of the 29th April 1942, more than hundred citizens lost their lives and many others were injured. Along with the nearby Guildhall, St. Martin le Grand church itself was badly destroyed during the raid.

During the Remebrance Service, the community of St Martin's Church, received a 'Cross of Nails' from the worldwide Community of the Cross of Nails, which is a network of churches and Christian organisations who, inspired by the story of Coventry Cathedral, which was also destroyed by bombs during World War 2, share a common commitment to work and pray for peace, justice and reconciliation.

Presenting the Cross of Nails to the secretary of the St Martin's Church Council, Monica Lawrence, is the Precentor of Coventry Cathedral, the Rev'd Canon Dr David Stone. Looking on is the Rev'd Jane Nattrass, Priest-in-Charge at St. Martin's. Photograph by Derek Ralphs

The courses are mainly home study with two fortnightly residentials and 24 lecture nights throughout the year which will be hosted by Christ Church using video-conferencing.

The courses are provided by Westminster Theological College and are fully accredited as degree courses by the University of Chester.

“We are delighted to be able to offer this opportunity for students of all ages to study in a relaxed, supported environment” says Andy Jefferson, a member of Christ Church staff who is overseeing the project. “The nearest centre for study is Manchester so this opens up opportunities for people in the Yorkshire and Humber region which were not there before”.

To find out more Christ Church has arranged a taster day on Saturday 26th May at Christ Church starting at 10am. Please feel free to come but let Christ Church know first for catering arrangements (404100). The taster day will be run by WTC’s Dean of Studies (Dr Lucy Peppiatt).

For more information, visit www.wtctheology.org.uk or email eastyorkshire@nwtp.org.uk

This is the Diocese's annual outdoor Xlchildren event for children (5-11s), but also for their leaders, parents and others to come and enjoy a lot of fun together in beautiful surroundings. It is a great opportunity for children to invite their friends, and for leaders to engage with parents who they might not have a lot of contact with. It is also perfect for leaders, parents and children to just have some fun together - all within the context of God's love and creation.

Remember:

1. Bring a picnic so we can all have tea together
2. It might be wet and some of the activities WILL be messy, so dress appropriately.
3. Why not invite a friend?

For more information contact Jon Steel. email: ercyas@ydbf.karoo.co.uk or phone: 07711 880042

You can download a flyer with a booking form from here. We are looking forward to seeing you there on the day.

To complete the survey online, please follow the link to the appropriate version:

Heads.

Governors.

Incumbents.

Churchgoers.

Downing Street have announced this morning that the Rt Revd Dr Martin Warner, Bishop of Whitby, is to be the next Bishop of Chichester.

Dr Warner, 53, succeeds The Right Reverend John Hind who retired last month.

The Diocese of Chichester was founded in 1070 and essentially covers the area of East and West Sussex and the City of Brighton and Hove reaching a population of over 1.5m. The Diocese has over 500 churches and enjoys overseas links with Ghana, Sierra Leone, Cameroon and Guinea (West Africa).

Bishop Martin said, "The news of my appointment as Bishop of Chichester fills me with a range of emotions.

"The appointment presents challenges and opportunities for ministry as a bishop that are formidably diverse and exciting. In this respect, the diocese of Chichester reflects the social and economic profile of the counties of East and West Sussex that it serves.

"But I am heart-broken to be leaving the North East so soon after arriving here. The priests and people of the archdeaconry of Cleveland have taught me what it means to be a bishop. They will remain in my affection and prayers as those for whose example and instruction I never cease to give thanks.

"Part of our vocation as Christians is that we are open to the unexpected demands of God’s call. The prospect of now moving to Chichester is one such demand.

"Though time in the Diocese of York has been all too short, I wish to record my thanks to the Archbishop for his unfailing support and encouragement and to the staff team with whom I have worked. In particular, I want to thank Paul Ferguson for his unfailing generosity, huge reserves of wisdom and practical knowledge, and an indispensable good humour. No one could have a better colleague.”

"‘Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.’ (2 Thessalonians 2.16-17)."

Archbishop Sentamu said, "I give thanks for the ministry Bishop Martin has shared with us, his commitment to the people of Cleveland Archdeaconry, my staff team, his Chairmanship of the Diocesan Board of Education, and portfolio holder for Social Responsibility. I give thanks to God for our partnership in the Gospel. We will certainly miss him. The short time he has been with us has been great fun and he goes with our love and prayers. As I have often said we must always expect the unexpected, for our God is a God of surprises.

Welcoming the news on behalf of the Diocese of Chichester, the Right Revd Mark Sowerby, The Acting Bishop of Chichester, said: “I am delighted that Dr Martin Warner, whom I have known for many years, is to be the new Bishop of Chichester. I believe that he will lead us with the effervescent energy and clarity that has always been distinctive of his ministry and I very much look forward to working alongside him in the service of the Church and people of Sussex.”

The Very Revd Nicholas Frayling, the Dean of Chichester, said: “These are challenging times for the Church and for its Bishops. The Dean and Chapter and all at the Cathedral look forward to welcoming Bishop Martin and assure him of our prayers and good wishes as he prepares for his new ministry in Chichester.”

The Revd Alastair Cutting, Chair of the House of Clergy, said: “We're excited to welcome Bishop Martin as our new Bishop: he brings a deep commitment to the breadth of the C of E, with a track-record of drawing together a wide spectrum of theological views and positions. He loves cinema, art, and architecture; and is a gifted communicator with dynamism and personality. He's a keen supporter of mission and community engagement; and we look forward to his leadership across the Chichester Diocese.”

Brian Hanson CBE, Chair of the House of Laity, said today: “We welcome Bishop Martin who comes with a reputation as a fine preacher and teacher of the Faith. Hisexperience, both as a canon of St Paul’s Cathedral and as a bishop of an area with large conurbations and tracts of countryside, will be a great assistance to him in his future ministry in East and West Sussex and the City of Brighton and Hove.”

Below is a video from Bishop Martin and Archbishop Sentamu.