Barry Hill

A pile of prosecco corks

The ministry team all robed up

A wonderful, uplifting evening as Sarah Cliff is inducted as the new Vicar of Great Ayton & Newton Under Roseberry. A lovely turn out from the deanery, packed church, bubbles and a buffet that still looked as large after we'd eaten as before! Here with the benefice ministry team. God's faithfulness.

Alison, Archdeacon Amanda and me standing smiling

Such an encouraging afternoon celebrating God at work as children from the five primary schools across Guisborough united into a joint choir and joined with community leaders in a service of thanksgiving for @alisonphil.bsky.social as she 'retires'.

A welcome from Barry Hill, Bishop of Whitby “I was delighted to hear that Councillor Ian Hart has been appointed the next mayor of Redcar and Cleveland. Having grown up in Middlesbrough and served in a range of civic and church roles, including Tower Captain and Church Council member at St Cuthbert's Church in Ormesby, Ian brings a wide range of experiences and breadth of understanding to this important role. Please accept my apologies that a prior engagement means I am unable to be with you in person for this service of thanksgiving and blessing but be assured of my prayers for the new Mayor, Council and its staff, St Cuthbert’s and our wider community across Teesside. The word Mayor has its origins in the Latin adjective "major," meaning "greater”. As the Bible reminds us, the greatness of God is most readily observed in God ‘lifting up the lowly’, giving a voice to the voiceless, serving those in need and in showing those who feel unseen and overlooked that God sees them and is with them. I know this is the spirit in which Mayor Hart has taken on these new responsibilities so may we pray for him as the weight and demands of the role, as well as its opportunities, will undoubtedly at times weigh heavy. God of hope, we pray for our brother Ian especially during his term as Mayor, may he know your favour and fruit, your blessings and protection. As he advocates for others, may he know you holding the weight of this office such that he is able to do that which otherwise is not possible in human strength. We pray for all who serve across Redcar and Cleveland, those elected and appointed, employed and volunteers, together may we cultivate a world closer to how you made it to be, where all are known and needed and the hope of Jesus is tangible. We ask in the name of Christ our Lord, Amen.”

Whilst disappointed not to be able to join Councillor Hart in a special service of commissioning this afternoon following his appointment as Mayor of Redcar & Cleveland @redcarclevelandbc.bsky.social, delighted to offer these words for the service booklet reflecting on the nature of public service:

An article in the Sunday Times entitled 'We found God' with an image of the big bang

Fascinating from today’s @thetimes.com on a new book by scientists claiming a Creator was responsible for the Big Bang (and I’d add the intentional creation and encouragement of science & scientists too).

Far more interesting though than the 'what' is the why' and even the 'who'…

The front cover of the programme for Aaron Sorkin's new version of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird at Leeds Play House

Superb. Challenging. Inspiring. Sadly still worryingly relevant. Well worth a watch if you can...

Almighty and everlasting God, the only worker of great marvels, send down upon your servant Sarah, called to be Archbishop of Canterbury, and all who are committed to her care, the spirit of your saving grace, and that they may truly please you, pour upon them the continual dew of your blessing. Grant this, O Lord, for the honour of our advocate and mediator, Jesus Christ. Amen.

A prayer for the next Archbishop of Canterbury. 🙏

Alleluia! What gift to have Bishop Sarah's prayerful leadership and wisdom as we serve our nation and witness to the hope we enjoy in the risen Christ. Fabulous news.

A large group of robed clergy and lay ministers standing by the font

Much joy in Baldersby, Dalton and Topcliffe @dioceseofyork.bsky.social as Dawn Ward is licensed there this evening. Fab deanery turnout and a lovely God-centred, encouraging feel in the air.

As we mark the start of #BlackHistoryMonth, may we recall as Christians we are not following secular society but the other way round! The scriptures are clear: God has designed a world with racial diversity as gift to make the world & Church better now, and a foretaste of what heaven will be like.

Rest assured, you won't see me tomorrow!

Fr Glyn in black robes with red canons piping holding a knife pointing at a cake

Apologies for the photo (best I had) but quite the afternoon as church, civic & community leaders from across the region gathered to mark Fr Glyn's retirement, 30yrs to the day since he was asked to be Priest at All Saints, Middlesbrough: a leader in regeneration of the town, pastoral care & witness

Fr John, Reader David and me all robed in front of the altar

A joy to spend this morning with @frjohnswinhoe.bsky.social & the community in North Thornaby and to reflect, as part of their 'purpose of the Church' series, on the story of Lazarus and the 'rich man'. Good too to lead the community in praying for newly licensed Reader, David.

Welcome to Middlesbrough. Lovely community, most affordable residential postcode in country (TS1), money can be transferred to other dioceses tariff free.

This is such an amazing opportunity to minister in a significant parish #ministrywithfamilies

Congratulations to the Red Roses of England #RugbyWorldCup2025

The front cover of the lay ministry service sheet

Alleluia! What a wonderful morning as 77 people were admitted, authorised or licensed to new lay ministry's across @dioceseofyork.bsky.social (plus 3 Reader's transferring) @yorkminster.bsky.social

God calls. The Church prays. People say yes. The faithfulness and provision of God writ large.

Grateful to God for your ministry and very much looking forward to being with you and the parish tomorrow

@dioceseofyork.bsky.social

Katy and i outside a sign that says Welcome to the Barry

A screenshot of the Brighton crowd, with 6-0 scoreline

Taking full advantage of a cancelled meeting and Brighton playing at Barnsley to enjoy a cracking cup tie last night. Grateful for the personalised welcome! #bhafc

A deeply encouraging first day of two in Stokesley deanery - so many stories of God at work from meeting with clergy & lay ministers. Blessed to meet 1-1 with others and to spend time walking around the estate at Hemlington meeting wonderful people & hearing more of the reality & need of life.

The church in Sneaton from the outside in sun and cloud

Today at St Hilda's in Sneaton for baptism + confirmation with seven candidates, spanning five decades from the Middle Esk & Lower Esk benefices.

Amazing stories of God at work, led by beautiful lay and ordained ministry. It was so long since the last one that one church has no register! Alleluia!

As heartbreaking stories and scenes of utter devastation risk becoming the norm, as children starve and hostages remain held, may we join in an Ecumenical Day of Prayer for Peace in the Middle East #LordHaveMercy

One for @yorkminster.bsky.social tripadvisor reviews...

The Great Hall at Lambeth Palace full of people sitting around tables talking

Good to gather with @churchofengland.org children & youth leads, directors of education, bishops, diocesan secretaries, strategy leads & national team to hear and share learning around ministry with children, young people and families. Lots of encouragements alongside quite a few helpful challenges

Heartbreaking to hear reports of a new outbreak of Ebola in the DRC. May we hold all those directly affected in our prayers. #LordHaveMercy

Alleluia! What a fabulous day to mark the start of a no doubt fruitful ministry.

The main campus

The flyer saying for all staff and students at the uni 15-19th Sept 1-4pm

With thousands of students coming to Middlesbrough for freshers week, good to visit The Globe Cafe. Right by campus at the Salvation Army on Southfield Road and hosted by the churches of the town, it's open all all afternoon this week with drinks & cake to welcome students from around the world...

Good to join the Chapter of Priests of the Society of the Holy Cross for exposition, mass, food and to discuss the vision of @dioceseofyork.bsky.social through the lens of the incarnation.

100 hotdogs, a banoffee pie, choc bread and butter pudding, and a jelly later... Wonderful and inspiring to host @dioceseofyork.bsky.social GROW Youth Ambassadors for the afternoon midway through their discipleship year. A wonderful group led by the fabulous @alegnaremyrb.bsky.social

Five candidates of a wide range of ages standing around a cake being cut with Vicar Ben and me in robes

Deeply moving to hear five candidates be interviewed as to why they want to be baptised and confirmed. Real, gritty, hopeful, Jesus-centred, Spirit-filled inspiring full-fat faith!

Also, the first confirmations in Stokesley Parish Church @dioceseofyork.bsky.social for 23 years!

#GodIsOnTheMove...