The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu is taking part in a packed weekend of mission in the Derwent deanery from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 October which will include cheering on those taking part in the fifth Yorkshire Marathon.
The Archbishop said, “As the marathon runners take part in the race on Sunday, I am reminded of the fact that we are all running the race of life now, every day of our lives. We are not in training - this is the real thing! My appeal to all is to come and find out from the mission, how Jesus Christ can come and walk beside us so that we can know his love for us and share it with those around us. Come on Yorkshire!”
On Friday morning, the Archbishop will visit Osbaldwick and Wheldrake with Thorganby Primary Schools before joining staff and students at Barlby High School for Q&A. At 2pm he will give a talk at Naburn Primary School’s Harvest Service which is to be held at St Matthew’s Church in the village.
At 7pm, groups associated with the Selby Association Voluntary Service will be showing what work they do and will be taking part in a service with the Archbishop and the Bishop of Selby at St Mary’s Church, Hemingbrough - all are warmly welcome to attend.
On Saturday at 9.30am there will be a short service of Morning Prayer in Riccall Church – all are welcome. After this, the Archbishop and Bishop John Thomson will be dropping in on the Bus Stop Project where young people can drop by to use a double decker bus as a place to meet others - this will be parked at the Riccall Village Institute.
The Archbishop and Bishop John will then visit the Auction Livestock Centre in Murton. James Stephenson, Auctioneer and owner of the York Auction Centre said, “We are all looking forward to the Archbishop’s visit at our 31st Annual Show & Sale of Rare Breeds. He will be asked to present trophies to the winners out of the 100 native cattle on show; no doubt to sort the goats from the 550 sheep that are to sell; and perhaps even bless our largest flock of the day, over 2000 spectacular poultry and waterfowl. Everyone is welcome to join in.”
At 3pm, the Archbishop will join in Messy Harvest at Skipwith Chapel with craft activities and then will take a short walk for a service at St Helen’s Church – all are welcome. There will be a Quiz Night at Lower Derwent Sports and Social Club in Elvington at 6.30pm where the Archbishop will also give a talk and Q&A.
On Sunday morning, join the Archbishop for a short service at 10.30am at St Nicholas’ Church Dunnington before the Archbishop joins supporters of the Yorkshire Marathon on Stamford Bridge Road. Spectators will be able to meet and speak with the Archbishop whilst the runners pass by.
The marathon mission weekend finishes with a Gospel Praise Service at 3pm at St Helen’s Church in Escrick – all are warmly welcome to attend.