Huw Edwards, BBC journalist and presenter of the BBC Ten O’Clock News, will host a special public event with The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu and his wife, Margaret at York Minster this month as part of a busy Mission Weekend at the cathedral.

In An Audience with The Sentamus, which will take place on Saturday 29 September, John and Margaret will talk to Huw about their lives and careers, how they came to discover God’s love and how the Christian faith continues to shape every aspect of their lives.

The conversation will be interspersed with the couple’s favourite music, poetry and readings and will include opportunities for the audience to put questions to John and Margaret.

The event is part of a Mission weekend at York Minster which runs from Friday 28 September until Sunday 30 September.  During the last 17 months the Archbishop has toured all 21 deaneries across the Diocese of York joining Christian communities to share and celebrate the good news of God’s love with their friends and family.

The Mission weekend concludes the marathon tour and encourages people to come and learn more about the Christian faith. Events include:

Friday 28 September

Q&A with Dunnington Primary School

52 year six students from Dunnington Primary School will hold their own Q&A with the Archbishop as part of their school visit to the Minster.  The students will be given a guided tour of the Minster and will attend a short act of worship – ‘Crypt and Candles’ – before joining the Archbishop in the Learning Centre.

Prayers for the Mission Weekend

The 12.30 service of Holy Communion will include prayers to mark the start of the Mission weekend.  The Archbishop will then join York residents, workers on lunch break, visitors, staff and volunteers for a soup lunch.

Harvest Festival at the Minster School

The Archbishop will attend and preach at the Minster School’s Harvest service.  There will be an opportunity for pupils, parents and staff to meet the Archbishop over refreshments after the service.

Minster Community Harvest Service, Ceilidh and Supper

Each member of the Minster’s worship community has been tasked to bring someone new to this annual, invitation-only event. The Archbishop will hold a special Q&A session during the evening.

Saturday 29 September

Discovering God’s Love with The Archbishop of York

The Archbishop will act as the Minster’s Duty Chaplain for the day.  He will spend the first part of the day greeting staff and volunteers as they arrive for their shift in the cathedral.  As Duty Chaplain, Dr Sentamu will tour the cathedral throughout the day, making himself available to pilgrims, visitors and worshippers for prayer, discussion and questions about faith and offering pastoral care to those in need.

An Audience with The Sentamus

In a special public event, hosted by Huw Edwards, The Archbishop and his wife, Margaret, will talk about their lives, how they came to discover God’s love and how they continue to live their faith. The couple will also reveal their favourite pieces of music and readings and will take part in a question and answer session. Tickets are available in advance online here or on the door on the night subject to availability.

Sunday 30 September

Sunday Eucharist with Celebration of Baptism

The final day of the Mission weekend will be an opportunity for anyone who has been baptised to come to our regular 10am service to renew their Christian commitment. The preacher at the service will be Margaret Sentamu. All are welcome and we would particularly like to encourage families who have had children baptised in the Minster in recent years to come along and join the celebrations. Coffee and cake will be served afterwards.

A specially invited group of young people (aged 16 – 30) and recently confirmed into the Church, will be invited to join the Archbishop for lunch at a local café.  Dr Sentamu will speak and there will be an opportunity for the young people to have informal conversations with him.

Choral Evensong

The Mission weekend will close with a service of Choral Evensong at 4.00pm at which we will celebrate and pray for York Minster’s three charities:  York Neighbours, national charity Home Start and international charity Embrace the Middle East.

Follow up

In the weeks following the Mission, York Minster will run a series of evening meetings for all who have been touched and inspired by the event to explore the Christian faith in a little more depth.

An Audience with The Sentamus, hosted by Huw Edwards will take place on Saturday 29 September in the Nave of York Minster starting at 7.30pm.  The event is free of charge but tickets are required for entry.  Tickets are available in advance online here or on the door on the night subject to availability.