Andy’s next step will begin with an unusual interim arrangement as he is licensed as Assistant Curate to Howden Deanery. He will spend three months working with Permission to Officiate, primarily at St John’s, Goole, in the Diocese of Sheffield. At the beginning of Advent, he will then become Rector of Howdenshire Benefice.
Over the past two years, Bishop Eleanor and Andy have been discerning and establishing a partnership between St John’s, Goole, the Diocese of Sheffield, the Diocese of York, and Howdenshire Benefice. This partnership will aim to share the recent growth in mission and church vitality at St John’s with the Howdenshire churches and sit alongside new SMMIB-funded posts supported by the Diocese of Sheffield.
Following the retirement of the Revd James Little, Rector of Howden Minster and the surrounding parishes, it was expected that someone already known to St John’s and the Diocese of Sheffield would be appointed. But as circumstances changed, Andy sensed a clear and personal call from God to this new ministry and was later interviewed and appointed to the post.
Reflecting on his time as Archdeacon of the East Riding, Andy said: “It has been a great joy and privilege to serve as archdeacon. I have loved the variety of the churches and people across the archdeaconry, and the opportunity to serve the wider diocese. The role of archdeacon is both demanding and stimulating, and I hope, in some small way, I have supported and enabled our churches as they live Christ’s Story.
“This opportunity came unexpectedly, and I am excited about what God might do across Howdenshire. I feel very blessed to have this fresh call, and partnering with St John’s and the Diocese of Sheffield brings an extra dimension full of possibilities.”
The Rt Revd Dr Eleanor Sanderson, Bishop of Hull, said: “Our God is a God who can surprise us, which has certainly been the case in this call! Whilst I know how deeply appreciated Andy is as the Archdeacon of the East Riding, I really do celebrate his call from God to return to the grassroots of our church with all the passion and dedication I know he will give. We trust God for all that lies ahead, and I give thanks to God for Andy’s witness to us all; to never stop stepping out into fresh missional adventures with Jesus.”
The Most Revd Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, said: “I am thankful to Archdeacon Andy’s remarkable service to the East Riding in the Diocese of York. His leadership has nurtured partnerships and encouraged many to live more fully into Christ’s story. May this next adventure as Rector of Howden Minster and the Howdenshire churches be marked by the same joy, vision, and grace that Andy has so freely shared among us. We rejoice he is continuing to serve within the Diocese of York and with others, I pray he will know God’s richest blessing in all that lies ahead.”
There will be an opportunity to say farewell to Andy at a Service of Farewell and Thanksgiving at Beverley Minster on 30 June at 7.30pm. Booking details will follow soon. All are welcome.
