The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, is leading York Minster’s Mission Weekend from Friday 28 until Sunday 30 September.

The Mission weekend includes a Harvest service, supper and Ceilidh, a chance for people to meet the Archbishop serving as the Minster’s duty chaplain, and a very special public event: “An Audience with the Sentamus” - an evening of music, poetry, readings and conversation with John and Margaret Sentamu, hosted by BBC journalist and newsreader Huw Edwards.

The Mission weekend concludes Dr Sentamu’s marathon tour of all 21 deaneries making up the Diocese of York, encouraging people to come together to learn about the Christian faith and to talk about the big issues in life. The Archbishop has visited Christian communities across the diocese, celebrating and sharing the good news of God’s love with their friends, family, neighbours and colleagues.

The three days’ programme is as follows:

Friday 28 September

Pupils from Dunnington Primary School

52 year six students from Dunnington Primary School will hold their own Q&A with the Archbishop as part of their school visit to the Minster. The students will be given a guided tour of the Minster and will attend a short act of worship – ‘Crypt and Candles’ – before joining the Archbishop in the Learning Centre.

Prayers for the Mission Weekend

The 12.30pm service of Holy Communion will include prayers to mark the start of the Mission weekend. The Archbishop will then join York residents, workers on lunch break, visitors, staff and volunteers for a soup lunch.

Harvest Festival at the Minster School

The Archbishop will attend and preach at the Minster School’s Harvest service. There will be an opportunity for pupils, parents and staff to meet the Archbishop over refreshments after the service.

Minster Community Harvest Service, Ceilidh and Supper

Each member of the Minster’s worship community has been tasked to bring someone new to this annual, invitation-only event. The Archbishop will hold a special Q&A session during the evening.

Saturday 29 September

Discovering God’s Love with The Archbishop of York

The Archbishop will act as the Minster’s Duty Chaplain, touring the cathedral throughout the day, making himself available to pilgrims, visitors and worshippers for prayer, discussion and questions about faith, and offering pastoral care to those in need. He will spend the first part of the day greeting staff and volunteers as they arrive for their shift in the cathedral.

An Audience with the Sentamus

In a special public event, The Archbishop and his wife, Margaret, will talk about their lives, how they came to discover God’s love and how they continue to live their faith. The couple will also reveal their favourite pieces of music and readings and will take part in a question and answer session. The evening will be hosted by BBC journalist and newsreader and Huw Edwards begins at 7.30pm. This is a free event – tickets on the door.

Sunday 30 September

Sunday Eucharist with Celebration of Baptism

The final day of the Mission weekend will be an opportunity for anyone who has been baptised to come to York Minster’s regular 10.00am service to renew their Christian commitment. Margaret Sentamu will preach; all are welcome and families who have had children baptised in the Minster in recent years are encouraged to come along and join the celebrations. Coffee and cake will be served afterwards.

An invited group of young people (aged 16 – 30) and others recently confirmed into the Church, have been invited to join the Archbishop for lunch at a local cafĂ© to discuss faith and other issues of concern and importance to them.

Choral Evensong

The Mission weekend will close with a service of Choral Evensong at 4.00pm celebrating and praying for York Minster’s three charities: York Neighbours, national charity Home Start and international charity Embrace the Middle East.

Follow up

In the weeks following the Mission, York Minster will run a series of evening meetings for all who have been touched and inspired by the event to explore the Christian faith in a little more depth.

www.archbishopofyork.org.uk

www.yorkminster.org