The Rt Revd Bill Godfrey, Priest in Charge of Christ Church said: “Jesus must be at the heart of the village of Appleton le Moors. Having only recently arrived in this benefice I can see that people are committed to serving their community, caring for those in need, and sharing the love of God with everyone. We are looking forward to welcoming Archbishop Sentamu to celebrate with us 150 years after his predecessor consecrated the church.”

150 years ago the then Archbishop of York Dr William Thompson, visited Appleton le Moors village to consecrate the new church built by Mary Shepherd in memory of her husband. The Most Reverend Lord Coggan joined a service of thanksgiving and prayer in 1966 and Archbishop Sentamu, is to lead and preach as congregation and villagers celebrate 150 years of the church’s consecration.

Archbishop Sentamu said: “It is fantastic to join in the celebrations of 150 years of Christian witness and worship in the parish of Appleton le Moors. In dedicating the church – its people and this special place that God has given us – we should continue to reach out to those around us for the next 150 years. God’s Good News is not for the chosen few, it is for everybody – let us go out and be the Good News of God in Christ to everyone”.

The 150 Anniversary celebrations will start the day before the Archbishop’s Service with coffee and chat in the Church from 10.30 to 12.00 noon on Saturday 23 July and continue at 7.00pm on the evening of 23 July with a concert by the world famous Cellist Jamie Walton, who will play Bach suites for solo cello by Candlelight.

The celebrations will continue the following week end 30/31 July between 10.00am and 4.00pm each day when the medieval village of Appleton-le-Moors will turn back the clock for a weekend packed with demonstrations, displays, activities, talks, walks, a medieval café, baking, music, a hog roast, dressing up, Gus the Knight, spinning, weaving, dyeing, felting, pottery, blacksmithing, carpentry, archery, a working horse, old remedies, frescoes, medieval vegetables, produce and crafts, corn dollies, preserves, gifts, cards, games, photo opportunities, stocks, birds of prey and so much more! Admission to the village is free, but there will be a charge for various activities and a programme of events. Most places have disabled access. Village toilets available. Free parking. Suitable for all ages.

This weekend is in conjunction with Jorvik Medieval Summer / York Archaeological Trust / Church Explorers / Events@yorkdiocese.org