This years service will take place at 3pm on Sunday 5th November 2023.
A service of remembrance for loved ones we no longer see whether that loss was recent or long ago. To support bereaved families whether they have had a Church of England led funeral or not.
From the Archbishop of York and the Bishops of Whitby, Selby and Hull; Please circulate and publish this message widely within your church and the wider community.
16th October 2023
Dear Sisters and Brothers
A Joint Statement on Violence in Israel and Gaza
We watch with grief and horror as the violence in Israel and Gaza intensifies, following the dreadful terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas. We remember that all people are created in the image of God, and therefore deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, to live lives free of fear and violence.
As the archbishops said in their joint statement last week:
“We are grieved and deeply concerned at the violence in Israel and Gaza, and we unequivocally condemn the attacks by Hamas. We pray for those who are mourning, those who are injured, and all those fearing for their safety. We pray for restraint on all sides, and renewed efforts towards a just peace for all. The way forward must be for both sides to build confidence in a secure future through which Israel and its people can live in security within its internationally recognised borders, and Palestinians have their own state and live in their lands in security, and with peace and justice.”
We condemn the acts of violence, particularly those that are targeting innocent civilians – men, women and children who are killed and held hostage while simply trying to live. We ask that leaders seek a way forward that ends the vicious cycles of violence and finds a way to build peace among peoples and nations, in which everyone can flourish and prosper.
We pray that the peace of God will reign; that justice and mercy will bring an end to war and terror. We pray for the freedom of all peoples, that they may live in unity with their neighbours, that their humanity may be respected and that they may live without fear.
We pray too for an end to violence in this country, particularly for an end to antisemitic violence; our Jewish brothers and sisters deserve to live lives free from fear. No school should have to close because of security threats; places of worship should not need security guards to keep worshippers safe. We stand in solidarity with those in our communities who may not feel welcomed and respected. Prejudice has no place in our society, whether anti-Jewish or anti-Muslim, and the war between Hamas and Israel must not be used to demonise whole communities and destabilise the peace that we so value in our cities and towns.
Finally, we send this email today inviting the parishes of the Diocese of York to do all that they can at such short notice to support the call from Archbishop Hosam, the Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem, that Tuesday, 17 October be a day of Fasting and Prayer for peace, reconciliation and an end to war. We encourage you and your worshipping community to join in as far as possible (you can read the letter in full here via the Anglican Communion News Service: Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem calls for global prayer following eruption of violence).
In the words of Archbishop Hosam, with people around the world, we pray:
O God of all justice and peace we cry out to you in the midst of the pain and trauma of violence and fear which prevails in the Holy Land. Be with those who need you in these days of suffering; we pray for people of all faiths – Jews, Muslims and Christians and for all people of the land. While we pray to you, O Lord, for an end to violence and the establishment of peace, we also call for you to bring justice and equity to the peoples. Guide us into your kingdom where all people are treated with dignity and honour as your children for, to all of us, you are our Heavenly Father. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
The York Diocesan Board of Finance is a company limited by guarantee (Company Registration : 225234) Charity Registration (England & Wales) : 244976. Registered address as above.
Everyone welcome at our Harvest Festival Service at 10am on Sunday 8th October 2023. Non-perishable items only, which are being donated to a local food bank.
There will be a Dementia Friendly Family Service at St Mary’s RC Cathedral, Coulby Newham at 3pm on Sunday 24th September 2023. It is open to all, dementia sufferers, their carers and members of the public.
Refreshments available after the service in the Hall. Infomation for those living with dementia and their carers will also be available.
There will be a book sale of local history books on the 17th June 2023 at St Cuthberts Parish Church, Church Lane, Ormesby in aid of repairs to the church tower.
Larry Bruce wrote on Ormesby Good Neighbours Facebook page.
St Cuthbert’s Church Ormesby will be open on Saturday 17th June from 10am-4.00pm to coincide with Love Local at Ormesby Hall. There will be a booksale of local history books in the Church. They will all be very reasonably priced. So come and buy into your Teesside history and at the same time absorb the beauty and quiet of this Church of ancient heritage.
All proceeds from the booksale will go to help fund the necessary repairs to the Church Tower.