Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Barry Hill @bishopbarry.bsky.social · 14h

Fabulous to see how God's faithfulness at harvest is being celebrated across the area with such creativity, prayer and hope.

Anthony Bennett @antrbennett.bsky.social · 17h

Wow, more amazing harvest displays, now at St Hilda's in Egton! Join us this month as we continue our Harvest Festival across our communities Thanks so much for all the hard work that goes into keeping our church buildings open and beautifully decorated.
Reverend Anthony.

Barry Hill @bishopbarry.bsky.social · 16h

Why not make yourself a cuppa and watch this hugely encouraging and uplifting new video of the story of a new church on the south side of Middlesbrough :
vimeo.com/1121101628?f...

FAMILY CHURCH AT FOUR

Music Licenses: Audiio Artist Name: Juniper Vale Song Name: Unchangeable Love (Instrumental) License #: 6413445905 Artist Name: Juniper Vale Song Name: Unchangeable…

vimeo.com

Barry Hill @bishopbarry.bsky.social · 1d

A wonderful, uplifting evening as Sarah Cliff is inducted as the new Vicar of Great Ayton & Newton Under Roseberry. A lovely turn out from the deanery, packed church, bubbles and a buffet that still looked as large after we'd eaten as before! Here with the benefice ministry team. God's faithfulness.

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Barry Hill @bishopbarry.bsky.social · 2d

Such an encouraging afternoon celebrating God at work as children from the five primary schools across Guisborough united into a joint choir and joined with community leaders in a service of thanksgiving for @alisonphil.bsky.social as she 'retires'.

Alison, Archdeacon Amanda and me standing smiling

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Barry Hill @bishopbarry.bsky.social · 3d

Whilst disappointed not to be able to join Councillor Hart in a special service of commissioning this afternoon following his appointment as Mayor of Redcar & Cleveland @redcarclevelandbc.bsky.social, delighted to offer these words for the service booklet reflecting on the nature of public service:

A welcome from Barry Hill, Bishop of Whitby

“I was delighted to hear that Councillor Ian Hart has been appointed the next mayor of Redcar and Cleveland. Having grown up in Middlesbrough and served in a range of civic and church roles, including Tower Captain and Church Council member at St Cuthbert's Church in Ormesby, Ian brings a wide range of experiences and breadth of understanding to this important role.

Please accept my apologies that a prior engagement means I am unable to be with you in person for this service of thanksgiving and blessing but be assured of my prayers for the new Mayor, Council and its staff, St Cuthbert’s and our wider community across Teesside.

The word Mayor has its origins in the Latin adjective "major," meaning "greater”. As the Bible reminds us, the greatness of God is most readily observed in God ‘lifting up the lowly’, giving a voice to the voiceless, serving those in need and in showing those who feel unseen and overlooked that God sees them and is with them. I know this is the spirit in which Mayor Hart has taken on these new responsibilities so may we pray for him as the weight and demands of the role, as well as its opportunities, will undoubtedly at times weigh heavy.

God of hope,
we pray for our brother Ian especially during his term as Mayor,
may he know your favour and fruit, your blessings and protection.
As he advocates for others, may he know you holding the weight of this office
such that he is able to do that which otherwise is not possible in human strength.
We pray for all who serve across Redcar and Cleveland,
those elected and appointed, employed and volunteers,
together may we cultivate a world closer to how you made it to be,
where all are known and needed and the hope of Jesus is tangible.
We ask in the name of Christ our Lord,
Amen.”

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Barry Hill @bishopbarry.bsky.social · 3d

Fascinating from today’s @thetimes.com on a new book by scientists claiming a Creator was responsible for the Big Bang (and I’d add the intentional creation and encouragement of science & scientists too).

Far more interesting though than the 'what' is the why' and even the 'who'…

An article in the Sunday Times entitled 'We found God' with an image of the big bang

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Barry Hill @bishopbarry.bsky.social · 4d

Superb. Challenging. Inspiring. Sadly still worryingly relevant. Well worth a watch if you can...

The front cover of the programme for Aaron Sorkin's new version of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird at Leeds Play House

Reposted by Barry Hill

The Church of England @churchofengland.org · 5d

A prayer for the next Archbishop of Canterbury. 🙏

Almighty and everlasting God,
the only worker of great marvels,
send down upon your servant Sarah,
called to be Archbishop of Canterbury,
and all who are committed to her care,
the spirit of your saving grace,
and that they may truly please you,
pour upon them the continual dew of your blessing.
Grant this, O Lord,
for the honour of our advocate and mediator,
Jesus Christ.
Amen.

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Barry Hill @bishopbarry.bsky.social · 5d

Alleluia! What gift to have Bishop Sarah's prayerful leadership and wisdom as we serve our nation and witness to the hope we enjoy in the risen Christ. Fabulous news.

churchtimes.bsky.social @churchtimes.bsky.social · 5d

BREAKING: The next Archbishop of Canterbury is to be the Rt Revd Sarah Mullally, the Bishop of London since 2018, Downing Street has announced. She is to be the first woman to hold the post

#archbishopofcanterbury #nextABC #Archbishop106

www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/202...

First woman appointed to be the next Archbishop of Canterbury

The Bishop of London, the Rt Revd Sarah Mullally, has been announced as the next Primate of All England

www.churchtimes.co.uk

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Barry Hill @bishopbarry.bsky.social · 7d

Much joy in Baldersby, Dalton and Topcliffe @dioceseofyork.bsky.social as Dawn Ward is licensed there this evening. Fab deanery turnout and a lovely God-centred, encouraging feel in the air.

A large group of robed clergy and lay ministers standing by the font

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Barry Hill @bishopbarry.bsky.social · 7d

As we mark the start of #BlackHistoryMonth, may we recall as Christians we are not following secular society but the other way round! The scriptures are clear: God has designed a world with racial diversity as gift to make the world & Church better now, and a foretaste of what heaven will be like.

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Barry Hill @bishopbarry.bsky.social · 10d

Rest assured, you won't see me tomorrow!

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Barry Hill @bishopbarry.bsky.social · 10d

Apologies for the photo (best I had) but quite the afternoon as church, civic & community leaders from across the region gathered to mark Fr Glyn's retirement, 30yrs to the day since he was asked to be Priest at All Saints, Middlesbrough: a leader in regeneration of the town, pastoral care & witness

Fr Glyn in black robes with red canons piping holding a knife pointing at a cake

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Barry Hill @bishopbarry.bsky.social · 10d

A joy to spend this morning with @frjohnswinhoe.bsky.social & the community in North Thornaby and to reflect, as part of their 'purpose of the Church' series, on the story of Lazarus and the 'rich man'. Good too to lead the community in praying for newly licensed Reader, David.

Fr John, Reader David and me all robed in front of the altar

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Barry Hill @bishopbarry.bsky.social · 11d

Welcome to Middlesbrough. Lovely community, most affordable residential postcode in country (TS1), money can be transferred to other dioceses tariff free.

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Reposted by Barry Hill

Angela Brymer @alegnaremyrb.bsky.social · 11d

This is such an amazing opportunity to minister in a significant parish #ministrywithfamilies

Barry Hill @bishopbarry.bsky.social · 29d

Is God be calling you to be the next Priest-in-Charge of North Ormesby in Middlesbrough?

Prophetic joy, vocations & a v significant community hub (in what is financially the 3rd poorest parish in the country).

Opportunities like this don't come round everyday!

www.cofepathways.org/members/modu...

An introduction from Barry, the Bishop of Whitby

I am delighted you are exploring applying for this hugely significant role as Priest in Charge of North Ormesby with Brambles Farm, serving the most beautiful community in part of north Middlesbrough. Be assured of my prayers and those of Archdeacon Amanda and our colleagues as you do.

In my many interactions with the parishes since arriving last Autumn, I have got to know communities full of faith, hope and life. These are not glossy magazine parishes where all appears well but beneath the surface is a different story – they are real, honest, gritty communities reflecting God’s love in all the seasons of life (the 3rd and 11th financially poorest parishes of the 12,500 nationally). Such honesty appears a fruitful seedbed for the things of the Kingdom!

I’ve seen prophetic joy, a hat full of new vocations, and baptised and confirmed new Christians. I’ve seen church at the heart of community, with wide arms reaching far beyond what one might imagine humanly possible. What a wonderful opportunity for the person God is calling to be part of this!

Across Middlesbrough town this vacancy comes at an exciting time, as we are in the middle of discerning how the Spirit of God is calling us over the coming years. This vacancy is deliberately brief (the previous Vicar retired in July) to ensure ongoing support for lay leaders and so that the new Priest-in-Charge can be involved in discerning what could be. As a diocese, and with the encouragement of the national church, we intend later in 2026 to seek significant new investment from the national church to support these plans.

For the rest ofthe letter which is too long to fit here please contact me

The worshipping community at Holy Trinity. A wonderfully diverse, intercultural group of all ages

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Reposted by Barry Hill

Malcolm Chamberlain @malchamb.bsky.social · 11d

Congratulations to the Red Roses of England #RugbyWorldCup2025

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Barry Hill @bishopbarry.bsky.social · 11d

Alleluia! What a wonderful morning as 77 people were admitted, authorised or licensed to new lay ministry's across @dioceseofyork.bsky.social (plus 3 Reader's transferring) @yorkminster.bsky.social

God calls. The Church prays. People say yes. The faithfulness and provision of God writ large.

The front cover of the lay ministry service sheet

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Barry Hill @bishopbarry.bsky.social · 11d

Grateful to God for your ministry and very much looking forward to being with you and the parish tomorrow

Reposted by Barry Hill

frjohnswinhoe.bsky.social @frjohnswinhoe.bsky.social · 14d

@dioceseofyork.bsky.social

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Barry Hill @bishopbarry.bsky.social · 14d

Taking full advantage of a cancelled meeting and Brighton playing at Barnsley to enjoy a cracking cup tie last night. Grateful for the personalised welcome! #bhafc

Katy and i outside a sign that says Welcome to the Barry

A screenshot of the Brighton crowd, with 6-0 scoreline

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Barry Hill @bishopbarry.bsky.social · 16d

A deeply encouraging first day of two in Stokesley deanery - so many stories of God at work from meeting with clergy & lay ministers. Blessed to meet 1-1 with others and to spend time walking around the estate at Hemlington meeting wonderful people & hearing more of the reality & need of life.

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Barry Hill @bishopbarry.bsky.social · 17d

Today at St Hilda's in Sneaton for baptism + confirmation with seven candidates, spanning five decades from the Middle Esk & Lower Esk benefices.

Amazing stories of God at work, led by beautiful lay and ordained ministry. It was so long since the last one that one church has no register! Alleluia!

The church in Sneaton from the outside in sun and cloud

Barry Hill @bishopbarry.bsky.social · 17d

As heartbreaking stories and scenes of utter devastation risk becoming the norm, as children starve and hostages remain held, may we join in an Ecumenical Day of Prayer for Peace in the Middle East #LordHaveMercy

Barry Hill @bishopbarry.bsky.social · 18d

One for @yorkminster.bsky.social tripadvisor reviews...

The Guardian @theguardian.com · 18d

Huge crater under North Sea was created by asteroid impact, scientists say

Silverpit crater off Yorkshire coast was caused by cathedral-sized asteroid that set off 100-metre tsunami 43m years ago Deep below the seabed, 80 miles off the coast of Yorkshire, is a remarkable crater that has divided scientists – was it, thrillingly, created by an asteroid crash? Or more mundanely was it the result of geological salt movements? Today, the decades-long scientific debate can be settled. The Silverpit crater 700 metres below the seabed under the North Sea was in all likelihood created by a direct hit from an asteroid or comet about the size of York Minster that hurtled towards the Earth more than 43m years ago. Continue reading...

www.theguardian.com

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