 November arrives with a hush and a holiness all its own, the year’s turning drawing us into a gentler light, a slower pace, and a deeper awareness of God’s enduring presence. The landscape softens; fields lie resting, trees stand bare, and mists linger over the morning ground. It is a month for memory and meaning, when the Church’s calendar leads us from the radiant joy of All Saints’ Day through the solemn reflection of Remembrance, and on toward the hope-filled Sundays before Advent.
All Saints and All Souls The month begins with the twin feasts of All Saints’ Day (1 November) and All Souls’ Day (2 November), days that remind us that life in Christ spans both time and eternity. We give thanks for the great company of saints, known and unknown, who have borne witness to God’s light in their generation, and we remember in prayer those we love but see no longer at a quiet service at 5pm on Sunday 2nd, followed by the launch of CandleNights. In these early days of November, the Church seems to stand between heaven and earth, its prayers mingling memory, hope, and gratitude. A Season of Kingship and Anticipation As the weeks unfold, we draw ever nearer to Advent, preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ. The final Sunday before Advent is celebrated as the Feast of Christ the King, a day that crowns the liturgical year with the proclamation that all creation finds its meaning and fulfilment in the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Before then, the Sundays before Advent invite us to dwell in the themes of hope, watchfulness, and readiness, a spiritual deepening before the coming season of light. And we will also note the Feast of St Andrew the Apostle (30 November), that steadfast disciple who first heard the call of Christ and brought others to meet Him. His day always feels like a herald of Advent, a reminder that discipleship begins with invitation and continues in faithful following. Remembrance November also holds one of the most solemn and significant moments of our year: Remembrance Sunday. We will gather, as generations before us have done, to honour the sacrifice of those who gave their lives in conflict, to pray for peace, and to entrust all things to the mercy of God. This year we are grateful to Lesley for offering a moving reflection for our Remembrance observance — a piece that invites both memory and hope, as we seek the peace Christ promised and the world still longs for. Thanksgiving and New Beginnings This month we give heartfelt thanks to all who have supported and sustained our worship during the recent interregnum. We especially wish to thank Revd Paul Spurgeon, the clergy of Ripon Cathedral, and all those who have faithfully led services, offered pastoral care, and ensured the rhythm of prayer continued in our parish. And now, with great joy, we welcome Reverend David Paton-Williams as our new Priest. His licensing service with Bishop Anna was a truly special occasion, a moment filled with warmth, music, and prayer as we began this new chapter together. You can read more about David and his introduction here. From this month onwards, we will celebrate the Eucharist on all Sundays except the first, with our final Sunday service each month having a special focus on children’s involvement, ensuring that worship continues to be both inclusive and joyfully intergenerational. Parish Life in November Our Ordinand Juliet is currently away on placement, but we are delighted that she will be back on Wednesdays for the ever-popular “Wonderful Wednesdays” craft group — a gathering that fills our hall with creativity, laughter, and fellowship. Do look out for the special wreath-making session on the 26th, and note that Juliet’s Advent Art and Spirituality Retreat (on 3 December) is now open for booking — a beautiful opportunity to begin Advent in reflection and rest. Our bellringers have had another vibrant month, marking parish life with their joyful sound. Bridget continues her wild swimming challenge to raise funds — do read more from the Bell tower and their upcoming Gala Dinner on 28 November. Bellringing dates and updates can also be found here. Amy, Caroline, and Lucy recently attended the annual Lastingham Lectures, where Archbishop Stephen offered profound insights into faith, mission, and the renewal of the Church in our times In the church itself, our Prayer Tree stands ready — a quiet place to tie a ribbon, whisper a prayer, or leave a word of thanksgiving or remembrance. And we launch our Candlelights on the first Sunday of every month, from 5:30–7:30pm — a gentle space of music, stillness, and light. We have updates from our wonderful Holy Innocents at Copt Hewick on the blog too. A Prayer for November Loving and steadfast God, you draw us together as one community of faith and hope. Bless our homes, our church, and all who serve within it. In joy and in challenge, make us steadfast in prayer and generous in spirit. As we give thanks for new beginnings and shared labours, fill us with the strength of your love, that we may shine with the light of Christ and bring warmth to all we meet. Amen. Closing Reflection November, in all its quietness, gathers together the themes of gratitude, remembrance, and hope. It is the month when the Church’s year turns toward its close, yet it never ends in sorrow. The final word is always Christ’s kingship, and the promise that light will return. As the leaves fall and the earth rests, we too are invited to rest in God’s faithfulness, trusting that beyond every ending lies the new beginning of grace.
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We give heartfelt thanks to Reverend Paul, who has lovingly shepherded St John’s during our time without a resident priest. Many will remember him as our vicar in the late 1980s — and how fitting it has been that, all these years later, he returned once more to walk beside us in this season of waiting.
Through his gentle leadership, faithful preaching, and steadfast care, Reverend Paul has reminded us that the Church is never truly without a shepherd — for Christ himself is the Good Shepherd who guides us all. Yet, how blessed we have been to have Reverend Paul’s steady presence reflecting that divine care among us. As we look ahead with hope to the next chapter in our parish life, we give thanks for all he has given — his wisdom, humour, and prayerful devotion. Though today marks his final Sunday in this season of ministry with us, we rejoice that he will still be part of our wider family, stepping in when needed. “And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.” — Jeremiah 3:15 Thank you, Reverend Paul — for guiding, teaching, and loving this community so well. Greetings! I realise that this newsletter goes to far more people than just the congregations of St John's and Holy Innocents, so as the new House for Duty Priest, I thought it might be worth starting by saying a bit about myself and Jenny, and also what that role title means.
I was born in Hull but, from the age of five, was brought up in Lymm, Cheshire, just south west of Manchester. After leaving school at sixteen and working for Barclays Bank for three years, I returned to education, ending up at Warwick University, studying Philosophy and Sociology. While there, I met Jenny and we got married in September 1982 at St Just-in- Roseland, Cornwall, near the farm where Jenny grew up. While at Warwick, both Jenny and I returned to the Christian faith in which we had grown up and it wasn't long before I started exploring the possibility of ordination. In 1984, I began training at Ridley Hall Cambridge and was ordained in Durham Cathedral in 1987. After six years in the Durham Diocese (South Shields and Newton Aycliffe), and with our sons Ed and George, we moved south when I was appointed Chaplain of Ripon and York St John and Minor Canon at Ripon Cathedral. After further posts at Bedale, Leeming and Thornton Watlass, and St Edmund's Roundhay in Leeds, we moved to St Columba's by the Castle, Edinburgh in 2016 from where I "retired" last October. Jenny also "retired" the same time. Over the years, she has worked as a teaching assistant in a primary school and with adults with learning difficulties, though in the main she has been a mother and home maker. We have always worked together as a team in our approach to ministry and, while in Leeds, Jenny was licensed as Reader. Her ministry has been expressed predominantly in preaching, community and environmental engagement. After retiring we moved to Gloucestershire to be nearer to our sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren (who live near Watford and in Southampton). We imagined that we would never ever move again. and yet after nine months, through a strange sequence of events, it became blindingly obvious that we were being called to come back north, to take up this post. "House for Duty" is a role without a stipend but, in return for Sundays and two days a week, we are provided with a house and things like council tax, water rates, repairs etc taken care of. The main challenge of the role is going to be learning how to do ministry on a part time basis when my DNA, laid down over many years, is to do it full-time. However the gift of this role is to allow us to be part of a wonderful, inclusive, hospitable, caring and prayerful community, in a lovely parish, on the edge of a city we are very fond of, in an area of natural beauty that we love dearly. The gift also allows me time to reconnect with friends from the past spread across the region; to be a four-time grandparent (albeit with more travelling); to continue to work on my second murder mystery novel; and just to take things a bit easier as anno domini hurry by. Jenny and I are delighted to be back in North Yorkshire and are so grateful to the Diocese for their work on the house (which was in need of quite a bit of TLC) and to the people of the two churches for their warm and generous welcome. I would like to end by echoing words from Dag Hammarskjöld, one time Secretary General of the United Nations: "For all that has been "Thanks!"; to all that will be "Yes!" David
It's been an exciting time for Sharow Bellringers since the last newsletter. Joyfully, St John's bells continue to ring out on a Sunday to call to church, for services and by occasional visitors. Silent practice on a Wednesday enables Sharow Bellringers to growing in confidence and skill, all under the excellent guidance of our Ringing Master David Bell. The photo shows David silencing the bells for our practice on Wednesdays. Over the weekend of 24th - 26th October, it was a wonderful to welcome David's old band from Tysoe in Warwickshire. On Friday evening the bells were rung silently, but on Sunday 26th with the help of the extra ringers, it was possible to ring all 8 bells for call to Church. A wonderful sound. It's always good to welcome visiting bands to Sharow and on Friday 10th October St John's hosted ringers for the Wensleydale First Friday initiative. 24th September saw a visit from Sir Julian Smith our MP. He made his way up the bell tower and had a trial at chiming a bell. It was great to hear him offering to write a letter of support for Sharow Bells Restoration.  Unfortunately, the flag that's been flying since February had got rather tatty, sothis month was taken down and replaced. If you like seeing a flag flying on St John's tower and would like to help fund the replacement, please let me know. It was a great privilege for Sharow Bellringers to ring a Quarter Peal for the licencing service of Rev'd David Paton-Williams. It involved ringing no stop for 45 minutes, and was a real achievement for Wood and Charles. Many thanks to all involved. Thanks must also go to Ripon Cathedral Ringers. We're every grateful for the donated 5 replacement ropes that have been given to St John's. David and Chrales have recently been busy replacing the old ropes in the tower and adjusting the rope lengths. The old ropes will be turned into draft excluders and sold at St John's Green Fair.
Also on the fundraising front, Christmas cards featuring Queen Victoria's Memorial window, are on sale at the back of church and tickets for Sharow Bellringers Gala Dinner on 28th November are available. My Wild Swim in October at Pool Bridget Farm York was a bit chilly, but very enjoyable. The next swim will be on Tuesday 25th November in Whitby.
Coming up in November, in addition to regular ringing, there will be visitors ringing a Quarter Peal on Saturday 1st November from 11.15amtill 12noon. Before the Gala Dinner on 28th the bells will ring from 6.30pm till 7pm. Happy Listening.Bridget Taylor-Connor, Tower Correspondent, 07752981346 Give to St John's Bells - https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/appealforapeal Sharow Bellringers on Facebook - https://rb.gy/44gwkk
Lucy, Amy and Caroline went to the beautiful village of Lastingham on Sunday 26th October for Evensong, followed by a delicious afternoon tea and then listened to The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, deliver this year’s Lastingham Lecture on the life and legacy of St Cedd and how his example can teach the Church today about discipleship and mission. Speaking in the church at Lastingham, where St Cedd founded a monastery and is buried, the Archbishop reflected on Cedd’s ministry across Lindisfarne, Bradwell-on-Sea, Lastingham and Whitby. He used Cedd’s example to show how the early English Church grew through communities that grounded people in their Christian faith and inspired them to share it with others. "The monastery at Lindisfarne was not a place of retreat from the world, but a place of formation and sending,” said Archbishop Stephen. “Cedd learned there how to live the Christian life and how to share it with others — and that same calling belongs to every Christian today.” The Archbishop connected Cedd’s story with the challenges and opportunities facing the Church of England today. He spoke about the need for every church to be a school of discipleship, encouraging a renewed focus on formation, storytelling and pilgrimage as ways of sharing the Christian faith. Archbishop Stephen contributed three reflections exploring Cedd’s example to a series exploring English saints and places of pilgrimage expected to appear in the Church of England’s Everyday Faith app and print next year. One way this vision is being carried forward is through Faith in the North, a movement emerging from conversations across the Northern Province of the Church of England. Faith in the North seeks to encourage and support discipleship and prayer, to help Christians share their stories of faith and help enable growth in church planting and revitalisation, hoping to see 3,000 New Worshipping Communities across the North. Faith in the North is offering free resources for individuals, churches and schools to help them explore the Lord’s Prayer, pilgrimage, heritage and baptism over the next three years. “Cedd reminds us that to bring people to Jesus is to bring them into community,” he said. “The Church is the body of Christ — a place where we learn to live, serve, and love together for the sake of the world.” Archbishop Stephen commended St Cedd’s example of faith, humility and mission: “In every age, the Church is called to live the same story — to know and follow Jesus, to form communities of love and service, and to be sent out in his name.” *Extract from the Archbishop of York's' social media.
At the beginning of October we gathered in the village hall to celebrate the harvest What a harvest this year has been, bountiful, particularly with fruit and berries, inspite of the very dry and hot weather. (for some of us the shade of the trees was a blessed relief) So we had much to celebrate in our service. We were joined by our lovely band of musicians, who were there to accompany our harvest hymns. The produce not sold was taken to Ripon Food Bank along with over £200 raised in donations. As always it was a very joyful service of thanksgiving The little band of musicians are hopefully going to join us for carol singing in December. Watch out for the date in the next news letter The village Christmas Fair is fast approaching on Saturday the 29th November from 10.00am to 1.00pm. Lots of interesting things to see. Church will have its usual bric a brac stall if anyone has any items they are happy to donate, Judith and Lesley will be delighted to ke them of your hands!
🌿 The Prayer Tree at St John’s In the heart of our church stands something new, simple, beautiful, and full of hope — our Prayer Tree. Each ribbon tied to its branches represents a prayer — a whisper of thanks, a cry for help, a name held in love. Some are for the world, some for family, some for the quiet longings of our own hearts. Together they form a living tapestry of faith, a visible reminder that God listens, and that we are never alone. Everyone is welcome to take a moment, pause, and add their own prayer. Simply take a ribbon from the basket, offer your prayer silently or aloud, and tie your ribbon to the tree. Whether your prayer is for healing, peace, gratitude, or guidance, it becomes part of something larger — the shared prayer life of our community. As the winter sun descends, the ribbons move gently in the light — a symbol of the Spirit moving among us, carrying our prayers beyond words. Come and see. Come and pray. Our Prayer Tree is always there — waiting quietly, ready to hold whatever is on your heart.   First Sunday of every month, 5:30–7:30pm
As evening falls and the light softens, our church fills with the gentle glow of candles, quiet music, and a sense of stillness. Candlenights is a space to pause — to breathe, to pray, to reflect, and to simply be. Each first Sunday of the month, from 5:30–7:30pm, the doors of St John’s are open for anyone who wishes to step out of the noise of the week and into a place of calm. Whether you come for five minutes or stay for the whole two hours, you’re welcome just as you are. There’s no formal service, no expectation to speak or participate — simply a peaceful, sacred atmosphere shaped by candlelight, gentle music, and the quiet presence of others doing the same. Some choose to sit in stillness, others light a candle, catch up with your writing, read a book, remember loved ones, or wander quietly in the space. In the glow of many small flames, we are reminded that even the smallest light can hold back the darkness. Come as you are. Come and rest. Candlenights – the first Sunday of every month, 5:30–7:30pm at St John’s. Reflections on a visit to Tyne Cot cemetery near Passendale site of 3rd battle of Ypres July 1917 The deathly silence was broken by the roar of motorbikes Old and Young out on a Sunday morning on a breakfast run Young men out to have some fun And yet, these young men who lay here buried below Cold in their graves under the sun Young men whose lives were taken while still so young The sound of the motorbikes dissipate And the silence returns And I reflect again on those young men, On what they could have become, what potential lies buried beneath my feet And later on the same day as we attend a nightly remembrance under the Mennin Gate, the crowd becomes silent as the buglers play" The Last Post" the sound carried aloft and heavenward. So emotive, so evocative as the last note hangs in the air. The crowd dispenses in silence as they carry with themselves the memory of so many young lives lost in the futility of war Lesley Whitley August 2025  |
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