On Saturday 11 May 2013, 2.30-5pm at Central Methodist Church, we held an Iona-style Big Sing with Margaret McLarty, church and community musician and former Iona Abbey musician.

We learnt songs from around the world and the Iona tradition. Much of it sung in harmony and unaccompanied – we made a glorious sound with just our voices. There was a special focus on songs appropriate for Christian Aid Week (which started on 12 May). We used some of the songs  in our Sunday morning service for Christian Aid week the following day.

Here’s the songs we sung:

You can find out more about what happened at our previous Big Sing at www.centralmethodistyork.org.uk/bigsing2012/

The Basement Central project is in today’s Press.  If you’ve ever wanted to know what a Methodist minister looks like with a dust mask on his head, read the story here.

Over the last few weeks, volunteers organised by the Belfrey have been refurbishing part of the basement here at Central with a view to providing a suitable space for work with children and young people.  Last night the group which is beginning to explore the relationship between our two churches met in the basement: here are some pictures of what it looks like now.  We at Central owe a debt of thanks to the Belfrey for all the hard work they’ve put in so far; and we rejoice in their friendship.

We’re all excited by the potential in this space and by how we can live out our Christian calling in these particular rooms.  For much more information, please go and have a look at the Basement Central blog.

Christ is risen!

This Easter time, and always, may you know life in all its fullness.

The head that once was crowned with thorns is crowned with glory now (Thomas Kelly; Singing the Faith 312)

The cross, transformed

He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

An extra treat was a basket of eggs, decorated in Romanian style.

This week in the western Christian calendar is Holy Week, when we particularly remember the journey Jesus took which led to his execution. After that we celebrate Easter, a festival which recalls the transforming new life which followed.

There is a transformation going on in the building this Easter here at Central, with the start of work on the Basement Central project downstairs. But we are also remembering our Christian stories of transformation, of that journey which Jesus took, of his public humiliation and execution – and the transformation of human life which followed. Our gathering together over the next few days will be focused on the following services:

Maundy Thursday (28th March) at 7.30pm: a contemplative service with Bible readings recalling Jesus’s last days and a symbolic putting out of candles. This service will be held in the halls rather than the main chapel – you can get in via the side door to the right of the main entrance. We will be particularly welcoming friends from St Columba’s URC at this service but (of course) anyone is welcome to come and hear the stories and reflect on what they might mean to us all today. The service will be led by Revd Graham Carter.

Good Friday (29th March) at 7.30pm: we will be joining in the united service of witness at York Minster.

Easter Day (31st March): three services to celebrate the good news of new life offered to us by God through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. There’ll be an early service at 8.30 am (led by Paul Carter), followed by breakfast together. Our normal Sunday morning service at 10.30 will be an Easter communion led by our own minister, Revd Chris Humble. There will also be an evening service at 6.30, led by Ralph Frankland. Remember that the clocks will have gone forward during the night before Easter Day!

As always, anyone is welcome to come and join us to worship, to hear the old stories and listen for good news for today, or just to see what we’re about.