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News and Notices
St Peter's Day, Sunday 29th June was a uniquely special day in the history of Helmsley. Because on that day our very own Ben Nicholson was ordained deacon by the Archbishop of York in his Metropolitical Cathedral of St Peter, York Minster.
A coach party plus several car loads of supporters from Helmsley went to the Minster for the ordination service, a very splendid occasion.
Then it was back home for an Evensong that certainly had a celebratory feel. The bells were rung beforehand, welcoming a congregation of over a hundred. The new curate was welcomed at the start of the service with an enthusiastic round of applause. He led the prayers and David Wilbourne preached. Then the service was followed by a very happy reception in St Aelred's Chapel.
Here is the response of one who was there, "Yesterday's evensong was wonderful. I confess that I haven't been to an evensong service for many, many years - but do you know, I think you might see me there again before too long. It was wonderful to feel the warmth that Helmsley has towards Ben - he is much loved by all - and there seemed to be a very genuine delight - and pride -in his achievements."
Ben served as our churchwarden for four years before being released to train on the North East Ordination course, beginning in 2005. Through evening classes and week-end courses and summer schools, Ben has studied a range of academic and practical subjects which will equip him for ministry, as well as completing two major placements in the Upper Ryedale and Middleton parishes. He has done us proud and on St Peter's Day 2008 we could rightly celebrate.
Lucy Willshaw
The PCC has given its enthusiastic support and sponsorship to Lucy's wish to train as a Reader.
"For a while I have been considering how best I can serve God further within the Church in Helmsley. After prayerful consideration, I feel that Reader ministry is the direction in which I am being led at this point in my life. A Reader's main role being to help with teaching (leading non-Eucharistic services and preaching), I see the benefits to All Saints are that I would not only be able to assist in the leading of worship but also be in a more confident position to help with groups including SmAll Saints and Bible study groups. I believe that this type of ministry would allow me to use and improve skills that I already have, and also help me to further my own faith and understanding by deeper theological study."
Well recognised already are Lucy's skills as SmAll Saints leader and intercessor and her excellent Mothering Sunday address gave us a taste of what she has to offer as a preacher. Nevertheless, in September she embarked on a four-year course, based at St.John's College, York, involving a foundation degree in theology and ministry, as well as more practical placement-based tasks and assignments.