Hillside Parishes Magazine

1. Looking Back

We must thank the Dean and Chapter of York for hosting a splendid jamboree last St. Andrew's Day, November 30th. This was the day of the inauguration, or enthronement, of John Sentamu as our 97th Archbishop of York. We must also be thankful to Archbishop John for having the courage to be himself. One of the first lessons I learned, prior to ordination, was from our Army chaplain in Ireland. He was an Olympic canoeist, and he was very much himself. I experienced a ripple of laughter at my own ordination in the Minster - when all my names were read out by the Archdeacon ……….. but I was presented and ordained as "Toddy". So I have signed church documents thus since ……….. I too have a nickname for Archbishop John. In Buganda dialect I think it is "Gnoni enunu", meaning "The Big Drum". I gather, however, the family call him "little drum" - but now he has a big message to proclaim as the big drum ………………..

May his ministry and message refresh us.

2. Looking Forward.

We have the Bishop's and Archdeacon's visitation on January 14 - 15th. There are various surgeries to meet them, so do come and share what is good or bad in or about the Hillside Parishes. I have nothing to hide!

Food for Thought in Lent is looking at our interfaith dialogue, so I have a lady Muslim speaker and a Jewish speaker. I may get Fr. Timothy, the previous Abbot of Ampleforth, if he is back from Rome on his work for the Vatican on interfaith dialogue. As a way of a little light relief, we have a monologue from an ordained actress, "spilling the beans", hot from the Edinburgh Fringe. We are looking, too, for volunteers/help to cook/serve the meals each evening.

In September, if possible, I would like to encourage a Hillside Parishes "away day" at Bishopthorpe Palace, to explore some themes together on scripture, on our M.A.P. progress, on being better, friendlier churches etc. We would take a large picnic to encourage fellowship together. In the autumn, and into next Advent, Liz and I are planning an Alphastyle course. We are happy to do the input if volunteers would host 8 evenings around the parish and provide food at our various village halls if we decide to use them. (Both Boltby and Thirlby have been rejuvenated.) Depending on numbers, raw ingredients for the evening meal could be provided ……………..

Lastly there is the financial aspect. We have a large quota and it becomes a struggle to meet it, though meet it we do. Any bright ideas for fund raising, anyone, please, or extra help to make some of our parish events go with more swing - and so make a bit extra for parish funds?