I’m writing while on the train to Edinburgh. Our two days in York were wonderful. We stayed at the Bronte House, a small B&B. It was in easy walking distance into the city, the room was great, the breakfast was delicious and the owners, Mick & Mandy, were delightful. We’d recommend it for anyone going to York who doesn’t mind stairs.

York is an old, interesting city. Even for those of us from New England, the experience of seeing a wall dating back to Roman times, or worshiping on a site where God’s people have lifted praises for over a thousand years gives some perspective on how young our nation really is. Although York did not offer any sites identified with “revival” as such, it has a deep Christian history spanning from medieval times to the present.

There has been a Christian presence in York since the 4^th century and several buildings have existed upon the present site of York Minster Cathedral. The word “minster” refers to churches established in the Saxon period as missionary & teaching centers. The present building dates from the 13^th – 15^th centuries (it took a long time to build one of these puppies). The Minster (as the locals call it) it the largest cathedral in northern Europe and entering it takes ones breath away.

“Awesome” is simply an understatement. We spent time wandering around trying to drink it all in and went down into the undercroft in which you could see the various levels of civilization, (Roman, Saxon, Norman) that it was built upon. I regret that because of a funeral earlier in the day, we did not have time to climb the 275 steps to the top of the central tower (Melissa didn’t regret it one bit.) We also were able to attend Evensong service which featured a men & boys choir (one of whom looked just like Michael Beaudry). Once again, I was struck at being part of worship in a place and a tradition which dates back centuries.

Among the people associated with York Minster was Myles Coverdale, the translator of the first Bible printed in English.

In the shadow of the cathedral (literally) is the church of St. Michael le Belfry which dates from the 1500’s. While the cathedral functions as the seat of the bishop of York, St. Michael’s is the parish church serving the old city. We thought that this was just another interesting building (Guy Fawkes was baptized there, by the way), but discovered that it is home to a lively congregation.

The church was nearly closed 1960′s for lack of membership, but in 1973 Rev. David Watson, a gifted preacher, moved to St Michael’s with a congregation which had outgrown its premises. Faithful preaching of the gospel, regular and believing prayer, and trust in the work and direction of the Holy Spirit resulted in a dynamic witness which still continues today. David Watson became a leader in a movement within the Church of England emphasizing the renewal of personal faith, worship, evangelism and unity in Jesus Christ.

We had a wonderful visit with a couple of members of the church who were enthused about what God continues to work through St. Michael’s. The fellowship consists of about 800 people from a variety of backgrounds and age groups. The congregation is active in evangelism in the city of York. They have run the ALPHA for a number of years, and have recently begun a fellowship in a local pub seeking to share Jesus with people who would never darken the door of the church.

This stop in York is a reminder that we serve a God who is able to do a “new thing” even in the midst of the old. God has renewed his people in that past, He is doing it in the present – and will in the future as we trust in Him. How is God be calling us to be open to His “new thing”? What would it look like for us to more intentionally share Jesus in our community? During this time of discernment let’s look forward with anticipation to the “new thing” which God desires to do in and through us.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.