METHODISTS turned out to thank three ministers retiring from service in the York Circuit.

Lidgett Methodist Church, in Acomb, was full for Sunday's York Circuit service, themed on “passing on the baton” and “new beginnings”.

Deacon Ian Cartwright, who has been involved in the work of Lidgett, Acomb and Copmanthorpe Methodist Churches for the past four years, is retiring due to ill health.

Also retiring were Deacon Cedric May and the Rev David Priestnall, who both came out of retirement a year earlier to look after Trinity Methodist Church, in Monkgate and Clifton Methodist Church when the circuit was unable to find a successor for the Rev David Godfrey, now superintendent of the Thirsk and Northallerton Circuit.

York Press:

Mr Cartwright was praised for the way he used his expertise to help churches see the needs of their communities and develop a strategy.

For example, there was now a thriving community café at Lidgett which had helped to take down boundaries between church and community.

There was also praise from Lidgett Church Steward Jean Stubbington for his enthusiasm for retelling Bible stories, Mr May and Mr Priestnall were both praised for giving more time to Trinity and Clifton than had been asked of them. Judy Paylor (Clifton) was especially appreciative of all the pastoral visitation work carried out by Mr Priestnall.

All three men were thanked by York superintendent minister Leslie Newton and senior circuit steward Christine Stephenson for their contributions to the life of the circuit.

The preacher was the Rev Graham Carter who said Jesus demonstrated that there are no boundaries to God’s love. For the Jews of his day that meant a major change in attitude to the Gentiles. The church through history had struggled with this thought.

Speaking as a member of the church at Lidgett, he said Ian had helped them to see there is no such thing as “them and us”.

On Sunday, September 4, there will be another York Circuit service at 3.00 pm at Clifton Methodist Church to formally welcome the Rev John Schofield to the circuit where, as a probationer minister, he will have pastoral oversight of Clifton and Trinity.