Bishops out and about in Retford in run-up to Easter

Some 63 special events organised by churches in the Retford area will be held  over the next 10 days leading up to Easter celebrations in the town.  

The Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham, the Rt Revd George Cassidy, will be spending much of the week involved in various events in the area. He said: "I am looking forward immensely to taking part with my wife Jane in the Mission during Holy Week in Retford.  There is an exciting programme of visits and services which will enable us to focus our minds on the most important events in the Christian calendar, leading up to Easter.  It is my hope that through the activities and ministry of the Mission Team many in the Retford area will hear the good news of the Risen Christ. "

The week will begin on Sunday ( April 9th) with an opportunity for churches to quiz the Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham on how to manage a church without a vicar. The special meeting at St John the Baptist Church, East Markham, at 6pm will look at the subject of ‘Ministry without a Minister.’

Children have a number of fun events during the week to choose from at East Markham on Monday (10th) from 10-12noon; at North Wheatley on Wednesday (12th) from 10-12noon; at the Chapter House, St Michael’s Church on Good Friday ( 14th) from 2-4pm.

Other unusual activities, events and photo opportunities include:

Tuesday  (11th)  – An opportunity to meet Alyn Haskey – evangelist and author, now a clergyman in Nottingham who preaches and leads services from his wheelchair. Alyn will be at St Stephen’s House, Retford from 2-3.30pm.

The new Bishop of Sherwood, the Rt Revd Tony Porter, will be talking about ‘Football – A matter of Life and death’ with members of Retford United’s youth section and their parents at 7.30pm at the football ground.

Wednesday (12th) – A family craft event will offer fun for all the family from 10-3.30pm at South Leverton Memorial Hall. Canon Missioner Mark Brown gives some food for thought after One Act plays at The Little theatre, Retford at 7.30pm.  

Thursday (13th) – the Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham, the Rt Revd George Cassidy ,  goes on a farm visit to Sturton High House farm with local children from 3-4.30pm. This is followed by the traditional Holy Communion and Maundy Thursday foot washing ceremony at St Swithun’s Church, East Retford at 7.30pm.

Friday  (14th) -  The Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham and representatives from all the local churches join together for the Good Friday procession through Retford town centre, followed by an act of worship. This processions start at 12.15pm.

Saturday (15th) – The Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham joins shoppers and traders at Retford’s Farmer’s Market, at 11am, where he will be giving out free Hot Cross buns,  before meeting with local councillors.

Sunday (16th) – joint celebration with some 500 worshippers expected to join together for the East morning service at Grove Street Methodist Church at 10.30am. The preacher will be the Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham.

Area Dean of Retford and Rector of Retford Team Ministry, the Revd Canon Tony Walker said: "I'm really excited that both the Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham and the Bishop of Sherwood will be getting out and about in Retford and the surrounding villages in the week leading up to Easter. All too often Christians seem to get stuck in churches. It's good to see church leaders in the community. “

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