There were special celebrations at two Craven churches last weekend when a much-loved member of the clergy was ordained as a priest.The Reverend Emma Halliwell has served as curate in the joint benefice of Christ Church, Skipton and St Mary’s Carleton for the last 12 months.She was one of four deacons ordained priests at a ceremony at Ripon Cathedral on Saturday, June 22nd, presided over by the Bishop of Ripon, the Right Reverend Anna Eltringham.The following day Emma presided over her first eucharist services at Christ Church and St Mary’s.The services were followed by a celebration lunch attended by Emma’s family and members of both congregations.Emma will continue to work alongside the vicar of the joint benefice, the Reverend Canon Kathia Shoesmith, as a Self-Supporting Minister (SSM). This means that she is in full-time employment and her work in the benefice will be on a part-time basis. She will live in her own home in Ilkley with her husband, Simon, and daughter, Esme.Emma trained for ordination part-time at St Hild College, where she read for an MA in Theology, Ministry and Mission, and also served at the national chair of the Ordinands’ Association.While serving the churches, Emma has continued to work as a Senior University Lecturer specialising in property law and art law, having previously qualified as a solicitor.In her spare time she enjoys being with family and friends, walking with (and trying to train) their puppy, improving her French, cooking, creating, listening to all kinds of music and reading detective novels.Emma is particularly interested in choral music as a form of mission, as well as encouraging whole-life discipleship that helps people to see God at work in all parts of their lives.The photograph shows Emma with her husband, Simon, and daughter, Esme, outside Ripon Cathedral after the ceremony.
We are delighted to announce the appointment of The Reverend Emma Halliwell as our new curate.Emma was ordained Deacon on Saturday, July 1st, at Bradford Cathedral, and attended her first services at Christ Church and St Mary’s, Carleton, on Sunday, July 2nd.The joint benefice held a barbecue on Sunday afternoon to welcome Emma and her family to our churches.Emma will be a Self-Supporting (SSM) Curate. This means that she is in full-time employment and her curacy in the benefice will be on a part-time basis. She will live in her own home in Ilkley with her husband, Simon, and daughter, Esme.Emma trained for ordination part-time at St Hild College, where she read for an MA in Theology, Ministry and Mission, and also served at the national chair of the Ordinands’ Association.While training Emma continued to work as a Senior University Lecturer specialising in property law and art law, having previously qualified as a solicitor.In her spare time she enjoys being with family and friends, walking with (and trying to train) their puppy, improving her French, cooking, creating, listening to all kinds of music and reading detective novels.Emma is particularly interested in choral music as a form of mission, as well as encouraging whole-life discipleship that helps people to see God at work in all parts of their lives.
Passers-by in Skipton could have been forgiven for thinking Spiderman had played a visit to the town this week as nimble figures could be spotted clambering over the roof of Christ Church and abseiling down the church tower.In fact they were members of a team of specialist roofers who have been contracted to carry out repairs to the Grade ll* listed Victorian building in Cross Street.Instead of using expensive scaffolding the team from Vertex Specialist Roofing, based in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, use ropes and harnesses, and the sort of skills more usually associated with the sport of rock climbing, to repair difficult to access roofs.They are carrying out necessary repairs to the slates, downpipes and guttering on the church.The church has a good claim to be the world’s first Victorian building. At a ceremony to lay the foundation stone in June 1837 news came through that King William lV had died, and Queen Victoria had ascended the throne, and the last verse of the National Anthem was quickly altered to “God save our gracious Queen”.The church congregation offers a warm welcome to locals and visitors alike, with two 9.30am Eucharist services on Wednesdays and Sundays.The congregation is currently raising money to preserve this splendid building and any contributions would be greatly appreciated.Picture Credit: Enid Pyrah
Following the announcement this evening of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, Christ Church, Skipton will be opening its doors at 10am tomorrow, September 9, for prayer, thanksgiving and reflection.Special prayers will be said, led by Reverend Lynne Connolly, a book of condolence will be available to sign, and the church bell will be tolled at 12 noon.All are welcome to join us. A prayer on the death of Her Majesty The QueenGracious God, we give thanks for the life of your servant Queen Elizabeth, for her faith and her dedication of duty.Bless our nation as we mourn her death and may her example continue to inspire us; through Jesus Christ our LordAmen
