A SINGALONG, a visit from the Archbishop of York and a gospel choir concert are just a few of the events taking place at a York church this year, to celebrate its 150th anniversary.
Clifton Parish Church, which opened in 1867, is preparing to hold a variety of activities over the coming months to mark the milestone anniversary.
To launch the celebrations, there will be a Winter Warmer Weekend from next Friday to Sunday, featuring a tea party, a singalong to the Mamma Mia film and a Family Bouncy Bonanza, with five bouncy castles to be set up inside the church.
Speaking about the fun-packed weekend, the Reverend David Casswell, vicar of the church, said: “We feel that the church is here to bless the community. We thought how can we demonstrate that at the beginning of this year.
“We thought these events would be good to bless a whole age range of people.”
The Extravagant Elderberries Tea Party will take place at the church on Friday, from 3.30pm to 5pm, for seniors only.
The event is free to attend, but tickets are required to enter and are available from the church office, phone 01904 628552 or email cliftonchurchoffice@gmail.com
The singalong to Mamma Mia will be held next Saturday, from 7pm. This is also a free ticketed event and tickets are available from the church office or by visiting https://mammamiaclifton.eventbrite.com
The Family Bouncy Bonanza will take place next Sunday, from 3.30pm to 5pm. Families with babies, toddlers and primary school children are invited with their parents or carers.
Later this year, the church will welcome the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, as part of its anniversary celebrations.
The Archbishop will pay a visit on May 7 at 10.30am for a special service and lunch.
The church’s strap line for its landmark year is ‘150 years making Jesus known in Clifton.’ Rev Casswell added: “When the church was planted, Clifton was known as a village outside York. A lot has changed in that time, but some things don’t change, people are looking for peace and purpose.
"The church is not the building, it is the people who meet in the building.
"This year we hope many will join us to celebrate and discover a new joy.”
Visit http://clifton150.weebly.com/ for more information about events at the church this year.
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