BBC Two will be showing the Gospelof John in three parts this Easter.Produced by the Lumo Project, thisprogramme is part of a bigger projectto create four feature-length films –one for each Gospel account – thattell the story of Jesus using theGospel texts as script.

Hannah Leader, Producer of theLumo Project said, “We use the verylatest historical research to recreatePalestine of the First Century asauthentically as possible. We breakwith the stereotypical tradition of awesternised Jesus and his life story

and present it as it really was 2000years ago.

“Never before has a publicbroadcaster shown a completeGospel on film. For many, it will bethe first time they have experiencedthe telling of the gospel story wordfor word.”

To coincide with and support thislandmark broadcast, the LumoProject have created resources forchurches and schools. Find out moreat www.lumoproject.com, and checkTV listings for programme times.

April 2015

News fromthe Church of

Englandbetween theHumber andthe Tees

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The Gospel of John on BBC Two thisEaster

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Hope as described in the Bible is nota vague wondering about what mighthappen next. It is the anticipation ofa future which is certain. As JimWallis says, “Hope is believing inspite of the evidence and watchingthe evidence change”. For faith is apermanent invitation to live beyondevery hope (Hebrews 11:1).

The House of Bishops pastoral letteron the 2015 General Election hasencouraged church members toengage in the political process aheadof the General Election; to put asideself-interest and vote for thecommon good. We hold out thehope of a better future for us in thepoliticians we elect to act on ourbehalf.

Recently, I preached at theInternational Celebration ofArchbishop Janani Luwum held inhis home village at Wii Gweng,Mucwini, in Uganda. ArchbishopLuwum was a great friend, adetermined shepherd and aremarkable leader. When I finishedmy degree in theology, I was hopingto return to Uganda and workalongside him. Sadly Janani wasbrutally murdered by Idi Amin and Iwas advised it would end in death if Ireturned to Uganda.

Archbishop Janani knew the risksthat he was taking in protestingagainst the violence and injustice ofAmin’s regime, but his certainty inthe hope of resurrection gave him

the courage to resist oppression.Knowing that he was in personaldanger through his actions he said, ‘I live as though there will be notomorrow…While the opportunity isthere, I preach the Gospel with allmy might, and my conscience is clearbefore God.’

As we prepare to rejoice in theresurrection of Jesus Christ – hisconquest over evil, sin and death –we are reminded that there isnothing that is beyond the power ofGod to make things new. Even deathhas been conquered. And whereJesus has gone, we follow the trail hehas blazed for us. His resurrectionwill one day be our resurrection. Inthis certainty lies our hope.

The Promise of Hope

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Because we have this hope, life cannever be the same again. Janani’slove of Christ should inspire us all tolive out the Good News of God inJesus Christ in our lives.

Throughout history Christians havestood firm in the face of oppressionand violence confident that in doingso they are following in the footstepsof Jesus Christ. Thankfully we donot live in a country where ourobedient following of Jesus Christwill put our own lives in danger. Yeteach of us will face challenges as weseek to follow Jesus Christ in ourdaily lives, challenges that may temptus to doubt or deny the reality of

Jesus abiding in us by the power ofthe Holy Spirit.

With the writer to the Hebrews 12.1-2, may I encourage us to ‘run withperseverance the race that is setbefore us, looking to Jesus thepioneer and perfecter of our faith,who for the sake of the joy that wasset before him endured the cross,disregarding its shame, and hastaken his seat at the right hand ofthe throne of God.’

We are an Easter People and‘Hallelujah’ is our song!

+Sentamu Eboracensis

5000 Acts 435 Gifts

Acts 435, Archbishop Sentamu’sonline giving charity, has announcedthat its 5,000th request has beengranted.

The charity puts the increase indonations down to the #anothergiftcampaign it ran over Christmas,inviting churches, schools andcommunity groups to stretch theirbudgets to buy ‘one more gift’, forsomeone in need. Acts435encouraged support for people indesperate need of items such as acooker, emergency repair work orhelp with food or clothing.

Jenny Herrera, Acts 435 ExecutiveDirector said: “I have beenoverwhelmed and humbled by thegenerosity of Acts 435 donors anddelighted that we have been able to

help people in need. To be able tomeet our 5000th request is awonderful gift for us as a charity andI would like to say a huge thank youto those who have helped to make adifference for others through us.Thank you”.

The Archbishop of York said: “Theremarkable thing is – in meetingother people’s basic human needs weourselves are blessed – for we meetJesus in others, and that changes theway we see things. In fact it changesthe way we see others too! It’sfantastic that Acts 435 is helpingindividuals to do just that”.

For more information about#anothergift or Acts435, please visit:www.acts435.org.uk.

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Normal RE lessons don’t start withbeatboxing. But then, this isn’t anormal RE lesson. Manchester-basedband Twelve24 are spending themorning at Archbishop SentamuAcademy in East Hull, taking RElessons for years 7, 8, and 9, andreturning to perform a gig in theevening. The atmosphere in theschool’s theatre is electric. Fourteenyear-old boys are dancing, girls aregiggling, and the whole year group islistening to Twelve24’s Christianmessage.

Twelve24 are made up of RyanGriggs, Christina Otoo-Anakwa, andJosh Green. Ryan, originally fromthe USA says, “We’ve been workingin schools for six years now, workingwith [Christian charity] The MessageTrust. We come in for a day, dosome lessons, and finish with aconcert. We’re challenging kids totake faith seriously. We’re not sayinganything different from regularchurches, but we’re doing it in a waythat helps young people to get themessage.”

Christina tells the story of the band’s

beginnings. “We all met at a MessageTrust Academy in 2007. I wanted todevelop my musical gifts and getdeeper into the Bible, so I signed upfor three months of youth worktraining at The Message Trust. Josh,Ryan and I didn’t know each other atthe beginning of the course, but bythe end we knew we had somethingtogether and we could do somethingmusically. The Trust said we couldstay on for another six months aspart of Hope ’08, and theneventually invited us to stay onpermanently. We didn’t imaginehow it would turn out; it just tookoff and blew us all away.”

The band were invited to ArchbishopSentamu Academy by Laura Jonesand Anna Moorhouse of the EdenPreston Road team. Laura said, “TheEden Network is also part of TheMessage Trust, so Twelve24 are likefamily. We share the same DNA formission and young people. The EdenTeam and the Academy’s Chaplainare there to follow up on Twelve24’svisit, as we work with the youngpeople day in and day out.”

Twelve24: multiplying the love

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As well as making a great connectionwith the students at the Academy theband’s music is first class, blendingdub-step, dance and old school rave.Josh says, “We want to carry on whatwe’re doing in schools, but we’regetting more interest in our music aswell. Our new video is being playedon MTV in America, and we’restarting to get more mainstreaminterest in us as a band.” Ryanagrees: “We’re starting to push themusic career of the band now as wellas the schools work. Our influencecan fade away once we’ve left theschool, but if they’re listening to ourmusic, the messages will stay withthem. A lot of what we talk about isidentity and self-esteem – if peoplekeep telling you you’re worthless overand over again, you start to believeit.”

This message of being valued is at thecore of Twelve24’s lesson for the year9s. Guest speaker Mo offers one ofthe students the chance to win £20.The lucky winner comes to the frontto collect his note, but Mo screws itup. “Do you still want that?” heasks. The boy nods. “Why?” carrieson Mo: “Because it’s got value”. Hegoes on to throw the note on thefloor, and stamp on it. Does thewinner still want his £20? Of coursehe does. Mo explains his message:“That can happen to you. Life, oryour own bad decisions, can screwyou up, throw you to the floor andstamp on you. But you still havevalue.” Mo shares with the grouphow he came to understand that we

have value because of God’sunconditional love for us, despitebad decisions that led him to takingdrugs and joining a gang while stillin his teens. The whole of the yeargroup are silent, listening to everyword.

Twelve24 finish the session withanother song. They’ll be back in theevening to perform a gig for theschool, playing songs that share theGospel message with the students.But the band know that it’s theChristian ethos of ArchbishopSentamu Academy, fulfilled byPrincipal Andrew Chubb, ChaplainAnne Richards and Eden Teammembers Anna Moorhouse andLaura Jones, that makes all thispossible. “The Christian ethos runsright through this school” says Josh.“We do the exciting stuff, butwithout the Christian investment inthe school, our messages wouldn’tstick”.

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Sweaty Church

You’ve probably heard of MessyChurch... but what’s Sweaty Church?

Sweaty Church is a vibrant monthlyservice held at St Paul’s Church,Holgate for children aged 8-12. LikeMessy Church, the kids learn aboutthe Christian faith by ‘doing’, butthe vision for Sweaty Church was forit to be built around sports, games,and activities like camping andorienteering.

Ian Mayhew, who leads SweatyChurch, says that the services aremore about getting the kids on theirfeet rather than sitting and listening.He says, “We introduce a theme likehumility, and then we have the kidsexercise humility through a game ordrama or illustration, so they’relearning as they’re playing. Thelessons are quite straightforward in

the sense that they’re simple, biblicalvalues that the kids are able to putinto practice there and then.

“We also do a carousel of activities inabout 4-6 teams. Some have a prayerelement, some have a bible element,and some have a practical element,but it’s all active and engaging.”

After the hustle and bustle of sportsand games, the kids settle down for atime of reflection, in which theleaders get them to talk about whatthey’ve learned. Having been drawingchildren in for well over three yearsnow, Sweaty Church is proving to bea very popular and relevant way to dochurch. As well as the main monthlyservice, there is also a 45-minuteweekly Wednesday service, whichhas been attracting dozens offamilies.

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What’s more, the positive influencethe services are having on the kids isresulting in many of them becomingjunior leaders. Ian says, “I want thechildren that come through SweatyChurch to learn how to carrythemselves, manage anger andcompete humbly, and we’re teachingthem how to do these things from aChristian perspective”.

Not only are the services attractingdozens of kids, but they’re alsogetting parents coming along whohave little in the way of faith. Iansays, “When the kids split for foodand drink, the parents go to a caféarea where they talk about the themeand start to ask questions.

“Many of the parents aren’tChristians, so in a way there’s alwaysan opportunity for testimony andsome things for them to thinkthrough, some biblical values. Theyseem to be fascinated by the stuffthat goes on, so we hope that theysee that the Bible has a lot ofapplication in it for them whether ornot they’re committed followers ofJesus.”

To find out if Sweaty Church couldbe run in your church, visithttps://sweatychurch.wordpress.comor email admin@sweatychurch.co.uk

Holly Grant

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Making Way: Labyrinths and SacredMomentsPraxis Yorkshire and WakefieldCathedral invite you to a day ofwalking and praying the labyrinth inand around Wakefield Cathedral andsharing ideas of creating sacredmoments, on Saturday 25 April from10.30am to 3.30 pm.

Sharing resources around thelabyrinth, workshops will includemaking our own labyrinths outsideand within restricted spaces. If theforecast isn’t too great, please bring arain-coat or brolly for the outsidework. Leave with a labyrinth to go!

Speakers include Andi Hofbauer,Canon Precentor, together withother staff of Wakefield Cathedral,

and Helen Bent, Bishop’s Adviser inMusic and Worship, SheffieldDiocese.

The cost of the day including a lightlunch is £15.00 per person. To booka place contact 01709 363850 orhelen@thebents.co.uk. Find outmore at www.praxisworship.org.uk.

Rest In PeaceIt is with regret that we report the deaths of the Revd Philip Ives Addison, theRevd Dr Quentin Wilson, and the Revd Canon Robert Gibson,

The Revd Canon Robert Gibson, who lived and served in the Dioceseincluding time as Rector and Rural Dean of Guisborough, died on 11February. Canon Gibson was 88 and is survived by his wife Mary and theirfour children.

The Revd Dr Quentin Wilson, former Priest in Charge of St Mary’s, OldMalton and Rural Dean of Southern Ryedale, died on Monday 16 February atSt Catherine’s Hospice, Scarborough. Dr Wilson is survived by his wife Anne.

The Revd Philip Ives Addison, who held the Archbishop’s Permission toOfficiate, died on 16 February 2015. Mr Addison was 85; predeceased by hiswife Bridget, he is survived by their four children.

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On the move

The Revd Julian Blakeley, (TeamRector, Eston with Normanby TeamMinistry) has been re-appointed asTeam Rector of the Benefice of Estonwith Normanby Team Ministry.

The Revd Martin Charles Doe(Senior Chaplain, ScarboroughHospital, York Teaching HospitalNHS Foundation Trust) has beenappointed as Senior Chaplain, YorkTeaching Hospital NHS FoundationTrust.

The Revd Margaret Helen Ellison,(PTO), has been appointed asAssistant Curate (SSM) of theBenefice of the Stamford BridgeGroup of Parishes with particularresponsibility for the parish ofScrayingham.

The Revd Martin Otter, (AssistantCurate SSM of the Benefice ofSherburn-in-Elmet with Saxton), hasbeen appointed as Assistant Curate(part-time stipendiary) of theBenefice of Sherburn-in-Elmet withSaxton and the Benefice of Aberfordwith Micklefield.

The Revd Simon Jonathan Smale,(Assistant Curate, Bempton withFlamborough, Reighton with Speeton(Headland Benefice) and Minister inCharge of St Max’s Fresh Expressionof Church, Bridlington) has beenappointed as Vicar of the Benefice ofFylingdales and Hawkser cumStainsacre (0.5 FTE) with additionaldeanery responsibilities.

The Revd Jacqueline Anne (Jacki)Tonkin, has been re-appointed asAssistant Curate (SSM) of theBenefices of Langtoft with Foxholes,Butterwick, Cottam and Thwing, andGreat and Little Driffeld.

The Revd Canon David W Smith,(Team Rector, Whitby withRuswarp), is retiring with effect from14 May 2015.

The Revd Richard James EdwardMajor, (Vicar, Bilton in Holderness),has resigned be Rector of theWoodhall Spa Group in the Dioceseof Lincoln.

The Revd Jeffrey William RowlandHattan, (Vicar, Hunmanby withMuston), is retiring with effect from30 April 2015.

The Revd Captain Stuart Petty(Senior Chaplain, York HospitalNHS Foundation Trust) has resignedto be Assistant Chaplain, The RoyalWolverhampton NHS Trust, NewCross Hospital in the Diocese ofLichfield.

The Revd Thomas David Putt,(Assistant Curate of the Benefice ofKirk Ella and Willerby), has resignedto be Associate Minister of St John’sChurch, Yeovil and Chaplain onYeovil FE College in the Diocese ofBath and Wells.

The Archbishop has grantedPermission to Officiate in theBenefice of Yarm to the RevdWilliam Barnes of Redcar.

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Wed 1 – Tues 7 Apr - Easter HouseParty, Holy Rood House, Thirsk.Visit www.holyroodhouse.org.uk orcontact 01845 522580 orenquiries@holyroodhouse.org.uk fordetails.

Thurs 2 - Tues 7 Apr - Easter Break atWydale Hall. You're invited toWydale Hall's Easter Break forservices, walks, egg hunt, Easterbonnets, quiz and great food in thecompany of Friends. Come and jointhe party! Visit www.wydale.org, orcontact 01723 859270 orretreat@wydale.org.

Thurs 2 Apr - Service of Blessing OfOils And Renewal Of OrdinationVows, York Minster, 11am. TheArchbishop invites all Clergy andReaders to the Service of Blessing ofOils and Renewal of OrdinationVows: the Archbishop will bepresiding and the Bishop of Whitbywill be preaching. All Clergy areasked to robe and wear white stolesor choir dress. Readers are alsoinvited to robe.

Fri 3 Apr – Good Friday.

Sat 4 – Mon 6 Apr - Flower Festival,St Oswald's Church, Flamborough.Come and look at the flowers in thechurch, then visit the church hall fora raffle and tombola, also second-hand books, bric a brac andrefreshments for sale. Come andbrowse between 10.30am and4.30pm.

Sun 5 Apr – Easter Sunday. Christ isRisen!

Sat 18 Apr - Quiet Day at WydaleHall - Where Were You? Where AreYou? Where in God's Name Are YouGoing? Using poetry, art, music andhumour, the day will be a reflectiveexploration of how the past hasmade us who we are; an opportunityto reflect on who we are now, and aprophetic look at where we are going(or being called). The cost is £25 -including refreshments and a hotand cold buffet lunch. Visitwww.wydale.org, or contact 01723859270 or retreat@wydale.org.

Weds 22 Apr - Working Together ForRural Health, Askham Bryan College,York. This is a morning event toimprove wellbeing and mentalhealth, with rural healthpractitioners and rural voluntaryorganisations. Speakers include:Professor Steve Robertson, Professorand Co-Director Centre for Men’sHealth at Leeds Beckett University;Howard Petch CBE, Farming HelpCharities and case studies speakerfrom a mental health supportcharity; Andrea Hobbs, COHambleton & Richmond Carers;Lorraine Bone, Clinical lead forCommunity Services in Hambleton& Richmondshire locality.Registration is essential for so pleasecontact Kate Dale onkated@yas.co.uk or 07912 495604

What’s On

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Sat 25 Apr - Praxis Yorkshire"Making Way: Labyrinths and SacredMoments" Wakefield Cathedral. Seepage 8.

Sat 25 Apr - Care in the CommunityExhibition, Benefice of the Forest ofGaltres, Sheriff Hutton Village Hall.Day Exhibition as an advice resourcefor carers, their families andpotential carers who might welcomeinformal advice on their current orfuture needs of older people.Contact Roy Thompson for moreinformation on 01347 878644 orthompsonroy5@gmail.com.

Tues 28 Apr – Pastoral Care/ SPIDIRDay at St Bede's Pastoral Centre,York - Discipline, artistry and a littlefoolishness – sustaining ourselvesspiritually in ministry. A day forclergy, readers and all in ministryand those giving spiritual directionto people in ministry, led by AndrewWalker, an Anglican priest, spiritualdirector and psychosynthesis trainedcounsellor and supervisor. With allthe pressures and “stuff” to do inministry how to we keep alive ourdesire for God? How do we find timeto pray? How do we nurture theresources God has given us? Book aplace by contacting Cathy Lane ontraining @yorkdiocese.org or 01904699504.

The Eight Day MarkActor John D Slater will performingthe Gospel of Mark in eight days,travelling from Withernsea toWhitby - could your church host aperformance? Bridlington basedBijou Enterprises is staging thisremarkable feat from Sunday 5th toSunday 12th July, visiting sixteenlocations along the Yorkshire coast.

Chris Scruton of Bijou Productionssaid, "The Gospel According toMark, of all the gospels, comesacross as a story telling narrative –the storyteller being Mark TheEvangelist himself. and lends itselfwell to this event. Our project seeksto emulate the idea of a travellingstory teller, as it is considered thatMark was - exchanging the coast ofSyria for the coast of Yorkshire."

If your church could host aperformance, please contact BijouEnterprises on 01262 601456 orbijou.enterprises44@gmail.com.There is no charge for involvement inthis project; churches/organisations,at their discretion, are welcome totake up freewill offerings at thepresentations.

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Diocese of York News April 2015Editor: Eleanor Course, Diocesan Communications Officer, Diocesan House,Aviator Court, Clifton Moor, York YO30 4WJ. Tel 01904 699530, Emaileleanor.course@yorkdiocese.org

Deadline to include items in the May issue is Monday 6 April.The Diocese of York News may be copied for use in Parish Magazines etc, andmay be downloaded as a pdf file from www.dioceseofyork.org.uk. Contact Eleanor Course as above to receive an e-mailed download link for eachnew issue.

Three pilgrimages from the Dioceseare now taking bookings.

York Minster Pilgrimage Groupinvites you to join their Pilgrimage tothe Cathedral of the Isles, on the Isleof Cumbrae, Scotland, from 15th to19th June 2015. The Cathedral ofthe Isles was built in 1851, and is thesmallest cathedral in Europe. It offersexcellent accommodation, and iswell-known for its hospitality andgood wholesome food. ThePilgrimage will be led by the RevdCanon Edwin Newlyn and MargaretClegg. The cost, including travel toand from York, with full board fromMonday to Friday is £380. Forfurther information contact JoHolland on 01904 470519 orMargaret Clegg on 01904 448735.

The Revd Sue Rushton, from York, isleading a pilgrimage journey “In thesteps of St Paul through Greece”from 11th - 20th May 2016. Thepilgrimage will follow St. Paul fromhis landing in Neapolis (Kavallatoday) near Philippi, south viaThessalonica, to Athens and Corinth(Acts 16, 17 and 18). Visits includeGreek Orthodox churches andmonasteries with the opportunity to

learn something of this very ancientbranch of our faith. There's moreinformation at www.mccabe-travel.co.uk or contact Sue onsusan.rushton@onetel.net or 01904410363.

St Andrews Church PilgrimageGroup, from York, invites you to jointheir Pilgrimage entitled “EnteringGod’s Rest”. The Pilgrimage will visitIona, led by Margaret Sentamu andthe Revd Joyce Watson, from 3rd to10th September 2016. The retreatwill consist of worship, talks, aconducted pilgrimage on the islandof Iona visiting the places connectedwith St Columba, as well as free timeto enjoy the island.

The theme, ‘Entering God’s Rest’,will explore how in this age offranticness and busy-ness we cantake time out, take a ‘rain check’ ofour walk with God and find a way ofresting in him “whom we havefound, who loves us, who isnear to us, who comes to us to drawus to himself” (Thomas Merton onContemplative prayer). For furtherdetails contact Tony Berry on 01904709604 or Jo Holland on 01904470519.

Pilgrimages