A Canadian who came to the UK to coordinate the community outreach of a church in Hull is to be ordained Deacon by the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, at Selby Abbey in a service at 10.00am on Sunday 14th January 2018.
Jake Belder (pictured) will serve as Curate - an assistant minister in training – at Selby Abbey with Vicar the Revd Canon John Weetman.
Born and raised in and around Toronto, Jake studied in America where he married Robin; they have two young sons. He trained for ordination at Cranmer Hall, Durham, studying for a doctorate in theology and mission, exploring how churches can help their parishioners cultivate a theological vision of work.
Jake said, “I've been looking forward to moving to Selby and walking with people as they grow in faith, leading them into worship and serving the community with the good news of the gospel.”
During the service Dr Sentamu will also install the Revd Rachel Benson as High Steward of Selby Abbey in succession to Charles Forbes-Adam. The ceremonial role of High Steward is to help the Abbey raise its profile across a wider area. Mrs Benson is a former High Sheriff of North Yorkshire and previously served as a priest for fifteen years in the Sand Hutton group of parishes in Ryedale.
The Revd Rachel Benson said, “I am honoured to have been asked to be High Steward of Selby Abbey. I much look forward to my involvement in this ancient Abbey as it will be 950 years old in 2019.”
Mrs Margaret Sentamu will be preaching at this service.
Dr Sentamu said, “What a great day for Selby Abbey – God’s Honour and Glory is pleased to dwell in this beautiful and historic place, receiving a new Assistant Curate and a new High Steward. Praise him for the past, the present and the future!”