Churches Together in York
Newsletter - June 2007
Publicising these organisations and events does not imply endorsement of all they do.
Articles from 'York Reform' the magazine of
St Columba's, United Reformed Church
Charles Wesley Big Sing
God of all power, and truth, and grace,
Which shall form age to age endure,
Whose word, when heaven and earth shall pass,
Remains and stands for ever sure.
Now let me gain perfection's height,
Now let me into nothing fall,
Be less than nothing in thy sight,
And feel that Christ is all in all.
Charles Wesley (1707-1788)
(from the Methodist hymnbook, hymn 726 verse 1 & 6)
A joyful noise was made to the Lord by 200 enthusiastic voices on the evening of Sunday 20 May at Central Methodist. The occasion marked the 300th anniversary of the birth of Charles Wesley, the author of every word of praise sung in this commemorative service. This prolific poet wrote an average of 50 lines of verse per day for decades, as was explained to the assembled congregation by Rev Maurice Staton of Copmanthorpe Methodist church.
Seven hymns were sung in total, most of them well known tunes like 'All praise to our redeeming Lord', 'And can it be that I should gain' and 'Love divine, all loved excelling'.
Between hymns we were educated by Rev Keith Himsworth from Southlands Methodist church, about the lives of the brothers John and Charles Wesley. The motivation for younger sibling Charles’ hymn-writing was speculated upon, and examples of original Wesleyan verses which are no longer politically correct were illuminated from a period Methodist hymnal.
A magnificent organ postlude followed by light refreshments and warm fellowship rounded off an enjoyable time of worship on a beautiful English springtime evening
Robin Bernath
Rev Sean Turner the minister of the Central Methodist church is leaving in July to find different congregations further north. Having preached at St Columba's in a couple of services it is high time for the York Reform to find out a few things about this 'American guy, with the colourful ties'.
1. How long have you been a minister at the Central Methodist Church?
Nearly five years. But at the same time I was minister at Central, I was also the minister at St George Methodist Church in Tang Hall.
2. Do you enjoy it?
Yes, most of the time.
3. Where are you going next?
To the north of Scotland, Moray Firth.
4. Are you looking forward to that?
Yes. It will be different, because I will be the minister for six churches. They will have congregations between 15 and 115 people and there will be two or three services on a Sunday.
5. What made you come to the UK?
I came for a year for the experience and never left. That was 11 years ago, so I am in my 11th year of my one-year experience. In the 'Bible Belt' part of the States there are in general too many Methodist ministers, so they're probably happy that they haven't got to place me as well.
6. Were you a minister in the USA?
Just. I came straight out of seminary to the UK, and had not taken an appointment. But I was ordained deacon.
7. Is there a difference between being a minister in the USA compared to the UK?
A huge difference. For instance in the US many Methodist congregations have several ministers, because they are so big. Here in the UK, one minister most of the time has several churches.
Also the Sunday schools are not just for children, but for everyone, adults and ministers included.
And the hymns are completely different. Even if you find a hymn that has the same words, it will have a different tune, so I am still getting used to the hymns.
And at home the church if far more involved in the community. Here in the UK society seems to have some sort of apathy towards the church. It's not that they are all atheists, but it just doesn't come into their minds to go to church on a Sunday. Such a pity.
8. Are you ever planning to go back to the USA?
I have gone through the different stages. At one point I knew I wanted to stay forever, then there was the stage that I wanted to take the next plane home. So at the moment I am just taking it one year at the time and will see where it goes.
9. Do you think it is important to have different denominations?
There will always be different ways of doing things and that is important. We need unity, but not uniformity. Certain things could be done together, because it benefits all. I am personally a Christian before a Methodist. But the distinctive aspect is vital. It's a bit like being in a house and looking out of different windows. It's the same view, but from a slightly different angle.
10. Do you think it is important that the churches of the city centre are working together?
Absolutely, very important. I am an ecumenical minded person and it would be great if we did more things together. In the States the churches are not working together very well. This is probably because each of them is large enough to survive on its own, but t is a shame.
11. Have you seen a change in the 'working together' in your time in York?
There is definitely more talk about change and talk about doing things together, so that is hopeful for the future. As for St Columba and Central working more together, that is very good. But I also look forward to the day the two really begin working together. That is a great hope to me. The combined services are so much fun.
12. Have you preached in many of the different churches in York?
In a few. Anglican as well as non-conformist churches. My experiences with preaching in the different denominations are a bit mixed. Some services were wonderful, others less so..
13. The people of St Columba's seem to remember you as 'the minister with the colourful ties.' How many colourful ties do you have?
Do they? That's great! I have about 8 or 10 colourful ties. Actually they are my version of a clerical collar, as I don't wear one of those. The ties are colourful, because life is filled with joy. Life is not always easy, but it is fun.
14. Are you planning on visiting York once you have gone?
I love York so I might. I don't know. I will be 400 miles away, but you never know what the future holds.
We wish Sean the best of luck with his new ministries in Scotland.
Maria Staal
