Claire Honess
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revclaireh.bsky.social
Claire Honess
@revclaireh.bsky.social
36 followers 26 following 81 posts
Vicar of St Mary's Whitkirk in the Diocese of Leeds, linguist, Dantist, dog-lover, Cornishwoman. Still working out how this place works!
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revclaireh.bsky.social
It was good to be joined by our local MP and councillors, as well as Guides, Brownies, Rainbows, representatives of the emergency services, the St John's Ambulance, and other local groups for today's Act of Remenbrance. @whitkirkchurch.org.uk @leeds.anglican.org
richardburgon.bsky.social Richard Burgon MP @richardburgon.bsky.social · 6d
Today I joined the moving Remembrance Sunday service at Whitkirk Cenotaph.

I laid a wreath for all those from East Leeds who lost their lives in war. We remember them, the grief of their loved ones, and continue to seek a world of peace, free from the pain and horror of war.
November 10, 2025 at 12:00 AM
revclaireh.bsky.social
Parish Pilgrimage to Ripon Cathedral. Treasures Untold... architectural, human, and spiritual. Thank you to all at Ripon Cathedral for your hospitality. @whitkirkchurch.org.uk on tour! @leeds.anglican.org
The picture shows a group of people standing in front of an altar with an elaborate reredos. There is a huge stained glass window behind the altar. To the rear of the picture are members of the choir, dressed in red cassocks. In front of them are the serving team, wearing white albs. At the front are (left to right) the deacon, president, and subdeacon, wearing gold Eucharistic vestments.
November 1, 2025 at 8:29 PM
revclaireh.bsky.social
I love Sacred Space at @whitkirkchurch.org.uk @leeds.anglican.org: peace, space, candlelight, gentle music, prayer, no words...
A tea light burns in a darkened church.
October 30, 2025 at 9:46 PM
revclaireh.bsky.social
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Candles burn after our memorial service today, each one a loved-one remembered. @whitkirkchurch.org.uk @leeds.anglican.org
In a darkened church, a number of tea lights burn on an altar, flanked by altar candles. In the background a stained glass window is visible.
October 26, 2025 at 6:58 PM
revclaireh.bsky.social
Pilgrims in the Park. Walking and talking and praying and thinking about how we can be light in the darker days ahead, as the clocks go back tonight. @whitkirkchurch.org.uk @leeds.anglican.org
A blackboard, flanked by two blue plastic chairs, reads "Pilgrims in the Park". Behind it a ray of sunshine cuts across an avenue of trees whose leaves range from green to gold. Temple Newsam House is silhouetted in the background of the picture. The sky is blue and the sun is directly above the house. In the foreground, a tree has lost most of its leaves, but those still on the branches glow golden in the sunlight.
October 25, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Reposted by Claire Honess
dennisonshelly.bsky.social
Excellent open letter from @inclusivechurch.bsky.social re LLF. I've signed, please do the same if you can.

www.inclusive-church.org/llf-open-let...
LLF Open Letter – Inclusive Church
www.inclusive-church.org
October 23, 2025 at 2:52 PM
revclaireh.bsky.social
A joyous and Spirit-filled celebration of faith, as we welcomed Bishop Arun to Whitkirk to confirm 10 candidates. In a powerful sermon, Bishop Arun reminded us of God's call to be radical welcomers, creators of a kingdom where there are no outsiders. @whitkirkchurch.org.uk @leeds.anglican.org
12 people stand in a church. Fourth from the left is Claire, a vicar, wearing a red chasuble. On the far right of the picture Bishop Arun wears a gold cope and mitre. He holds an Episcopal staff in his left hand. Everyone is happy and smiling.
October 19, 2025 at 7:14 PM
revclaireh.bsky.social
Vicaring jobs that weren't in the role description #3,487,923: bathing the playmats.
Claire, a vicar, stands next to a bathtub full of wet, brightly coloured children's playmats. She is laughing!
October 3, 2025 at 3:18 PM
revclaireh.bsky.social
Mmm... sloe gin!
A sloe bush with many fat sloes on it against a blue sky.
September 22, 2025 at 1:03 PM
revclaireh.bsky.social
It has been a 'never (for which, read "always") work with children and animals' kind of a weekend. What fun!
Claire, dressed in a red chasuble, introduces the Peace. Glenn holds her book. She is flanked by four adult servers, an LLM in a blue scarf and seven children/young people. Ten humans, nine dogs and an iguana in front of an altar.
September 21, 2025 at 8:42 PM
revclaireh.bsky.social
Things they don't teach you at theological college #3,426,798: blessing an iguana!
Amandine holds Peppermint, a large iguana, while Claire prays a blessing on the relationship between human and pet.
September 20, 2025 at 3:45 PM
revclaireh.bsky.social
If you haven't been to @whitkirkchurch.org.uk before and are wondering if you'd be welcome and what to expect, we've added a helpful guide to our website.
whitkirkchurch.org.uk/welcome/
What to expect when you visit St Mary's
If you are new to church, or haven’t been to church for a long time, you may be wondering what to expect at one of our services. Here is a handy guide.Above all, please don’t be nervous. If you are cu...
whitkirkchurch.org.uk
September 20, 2025 at 11:15 AM
Reposted by Claire Honess
whitkirkchurch.org.uk
Excellent words here from Bishop Arun.

At St Mary's, we proudly fly the flag of St George from our flagpole beside Selby Road.

We are the Church of England: here for everyone in England, regardless of background.
✝️
September 18, 2025 at 3:02 PM
revclaireh.bsky.social
Pilgrims in the Park. Launched today at Temple Newsam. A simple service with prayers and a reflection, followed by a walk and a cuppa in the café.
An A-frame blackboard with the words "Pilgrims in the Park" written on it. It is standing on grass and there is a small box of orders of service leaning against one of its legs. A group of people are seated at a cafe table under a green parasol. Teapots and coffee mugs are visible on the table. A group of 9 people stands on a bridge. They are smiling. One wears a clerical collar and a "Pilgrims in the Park" t-shirt. A group of 10 people gathers in a park setting. Four are seated on chairs, one on the floor on a blue blanket, and the rest stand. The vicar, on the left of the picture wears jeans and a black "Pilgrims in the Park" T-shirt with a clerical collar.
July 26, 2025 at 5:37 PM
revclaireh.bsky.social
Going to this on Saturday. Who's coming?
An advertisement for a service to celebrate Leeds Pride. Saturday 19th July at 4pm at Leeds Minster.
July 15, 2025 at 1:11 PM
revclaireh.bsky.social
Day off joy!
A shot of beach huts taken through the windows of their porches to give a frame effect in many bright colours.
July 7, 2025 at 4:59 PM
revclaireh.bsky.social
Excited to launch "Sanctuary" with a special service for Pentecost this Thursday.
whitkirkchurch.org.uk St Mary’s Church, Whitkirk @whitkirkchurch.org.uk · Jun 10
We're launching a new service this Thursday, 12th June.

"Sanctuary" is a contemplative Eucharist with space for reflection and prayer, using fewer words, more silence, and gentle music.

Need space to reflect and breathe? "Sanctuary" could be for you.

Every second Thursday of the month, 6.30pm. ✝️
A poster for Sanctuary Contemplative Eucharist. Every 2nd Thursday of the month. St Mary's, Whitkirk, 6:30pm. A Eucharist with space to reflect. All always welcome! The poster is white text on a black background, accompanied by an image of a priest's hands holding some broken bread above a silver patten.
June 10, 2025 at 1:15 PM
revclaireh.bsky.social
This was such a joyful service! I am so lucky to minister in this wonderful place, among these fabulous people...❤️🔥🕊️❤️
whitkirkchurch.org.uk St Mary’s Church, Whitkirk @whitkirkchurch.org.uk · Jun 9
Congratulations to Emily, baptised at yesterday's Pentecost Eucharist. Come, Holy Spirit! ✝️
Our vicar, Rev. Claire Honess, is embraced by Emily next to the medieval stone font of St Mary's Church Whitkirk, moments after baptsing her. Resting on the rim of the font is the scallop shell used in baptism.
June 9, 2025 at 8:37 PM
revclaireh.bsky.social
It's grim up north!
A beach with clouds reflected in the shallow water. A headland juts out in the background and a groyne is visible in the foreground. It's sunny.
June 2, 2025 at 11:18 AM
revclaireh.bsky.social
Back from a wonderful few days at #OFMonsite2025 and already looking forward to next year's conference. Catholic, charismatic, inclusive, fun... If those things sound like your kinds of things, why not come along next time?
May 3, 2025 at 11:49 PM
revclaireh.bsky.social
I have had the BEST time at #OFMonsite2025 and it was a privilege and a joy to preach at the closing Eucharist today. #PilgrimPeople
onfiremission.bsky.social On Fire Mission @onfiremission.bsky.social · May 1
At our final eucharist Claire Honess preaches about the importance of clothing ourselves with love. #OFMonsite2025 #PilgrimPeople
A priest stands at a lectern preaching, with other ministers and artwork in the background.
May 1, 2025 at 8:31 PM
revclaireh.bsky.social
Blessed to be at #OFMonsite2025 #PilgrimPeople.
A cross is covered in fairy lights and draped with gold fabric, with the word "Blessed" illuminated at its centre. A small cairn of stones stands at its foot.
April 28, 2025 at 9:44 PM
Reposted by Claire Honess
onfiremission.bsky.social
Just a few more days until we gather for #OFMonsite2025 #PilgrimPeople! Do pray for the team as we sort out the last few practicalities (alongside busy day jobs and/or post-Easter tiredness). It will all be well worth it! And if you're coming along, feel free to say hi on here...
An altar illuminated with many candles for Benediction, with people kneeling in front.
April 24, 2025 at 5:34 PM
revclaireh.bsky.social
Happy Easter! May you be touched today and always by the light of the Resurrection....
Light enters a church from high south windows. Beams are visible in the incense-filled air. One beam alights directly onto a banner that proclaim the Resurrection, reading "He is risen".
April 21, 2025 at 8:54 AM
revclaireh.bsky.social
"It is finished." On this day we remember how Jesus died on the Cross. And then we wait... This is not the end of the story. But it needs to feel like the end...
@whitkirkchurch.org.uk @leeds.anglican.org
April 18, 2025 at 4:12 PM