Bishop Jonathan joins Bishops of the North for Crossroads Mission
A cycle tour round Doncaster, pool and darts evenings, pop up churches in market places and on the buses, bingo, real ale pubs, school visits and a brass band are just some of the events planned by the Bishops of the North when they travel to the Diocese of Sheffield this week in a unique mission.
Called the Crossroads Mission, the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu will lead a team of 20 bishops – including our very own Bishop Jonathan of Huddersfield, the first female bishop to be installed, Bishop Libby Lane, and the Bishop of Sheffield, the Rt Revd Steve Croft – for four days to sow the gospel in as many different places across the diocese as possible.
The event – the first of its kind – will start with a commissioning service in Sheffield Cathedral this Thursday when the Archbishop will send out his bishops to take part in hundreds of events across the diocese and will join Christian churches on Saturday on a pilgrimage of prayer and healing at six prayer stations across the city centre.
Bishop Jonathan will be based in Snaith and Hatfield with the Bishop of Sherwood, the Rt Revd Tony Porter. His day will start with three school visits, include a trip to a homeless centre in Goole and see him with a pint in his hand at one of CAMRA’s award winning pubs answering those thorny faith questions from fellow card carrying CAMRA members.
Said Bishop Jonathan: “This is a great opportunity to get out on the streets and talk about the reality of God instead of spending time in an office or in committee meetings.
“I am really excited to be part of something so vibrant, so vital - this is what the church is really about; helping people to connect with God,” he said
The Archbishop hopes that through Crossroads many people will join enquirers courses in the autumn and come to a living faith.
Bishop Libby said: “Prayer helps us know God better. And shows us how close God is to us already. It is a great joy and privilege to hear people’s stories and pray with them. I hope we will get the chance to talk and pray with you. Do come and join us, as The Cross or at any of the Prayer Stations around the city centre.”
For more details on the Crossroads Mission, please visit: http://www.sheffield.anglican.org/crossroads-mission