Last night we were pleased to host the circuit welcome service at Central. Methodist churches are arranged in groups, called circuits, and ministers are appointed to serve in a particular circuit. Yesterday we welcomed two new ministers to the York circuit, Revd Leslie Newton (who will be our new superintendent minister) and Revd Julia Skitt, who comes to us from college as a probationer minister.

The service was led by our Chair of District, Revd Stephen Burgess. Revd Helen Cameron, from our ministerial training college in Birmingham, preached. It was good too to have guests from other local churches as well as the Lord Mayor of York and our local MP who welcomed Julia and Leslie on behalf of the local community.

Gathering for the welcome service

Revd Leslie Newton and Revd Julia Skitt on the steps at Central before the welcome service. Behind is Revd Helen Cameron.

There’s an article in the Guardian newspaper today about how local agencies are trying to alleviate poverty in York. Poverty is perhaps less obvious in York than in many other places but it is still a grim reality for too many folk. The Carecent project, based here at Central, is included in the report. You can read the piece here.

In case you haven’t noticed, the city of York is welcoming riders and spectators on the Tour de France this year. On Sunday the 6th of July the city is expected to be very busy with people celebrating this unique event.

To allow our congregation to take part (all spectating – no riders as far as we know!), and recognising that it will be very difficult to get to Central on Sunday morning, there will be no service on 6th July.

Other churches in the Methodist circuit are holding services (and special events). The evening service will be a joint service at Clifton Methodist church, so again no service at Central.

We’re pleased to be able to welcome a Norwegian youth choir who’ll be joining us for morning worship at 10.30 on Sunday, 22nd June. Nittedal Barne og Ungdomskor will sing during and after the service. Come along for a musical treat!

The 2014 lunchtime organ recital series continues at York Central Methodist on Thursday 19 June at 12:30pm with a recital by Keith Dale.

Keith has chosen an all English programme – perfect for this large romantic instrument! We look forward to hearing it.

Fanfare – Healey Willan (1880-1968)

Prelude on ‘East Acklam’ – Francis Jackson (b. 1917)

Plymouth Suite – Percy Whitlock (1903-1946)

• Allegro risoluto
• Lantana
• Chanty
• Salix
• Toccata

Larghetto in F sharp minor – S.S. Wesley (1810-1876)

Tuba Tune – Norman Cocker (1889-1953)

Free admission – retiring collection