INTRODUCING MICHAEL TANG
Friends in the Thirsk and Northallerton Circuit,
It is a real joy to introduce myself ahead of joining you on 1st September as your new Mission Enabler and Community Engagement Pioneer.
My name is Michael Tang. I was born and raised in Hong Kong, and have lived in the UK since 2020. For the past five years I have been completing a PhD in theology at the University of Birmingham, working at the intersection of music, faith, and the spiritual lives of people who often feel on the edges of church. My book on this research will be published by Routledge later this year.
Alongside my doctorate, I have spent the last few years bivocationally, working as a barista at Sacred Ground café in Soho, serving as an event steward at Southwark Cathedral, coordinating a parish development programme for the Diocese of Southwark, and running a small theological education platform online. I have also designed Kairos Cards, bilingual theology trading cards that were featured in Church Times and Premier Christianity, and that have ended up in some surprising places, from coffee shops in London to a YouTube channel of more than a million subscribers.
What draws me to this role is simple: I believe that God is already at work in every village, every market square, every coffee shop, and every quiet conversation across the Vale of Mowbray. My job is not to bring God to North Yorkshire, God is already there. My job is to listen, to learn from you, to walk alongside you, and to help build small communities of welcome, faith, and friendship wherever they are needed.
I come with no illusions about how much there is to learn. The first months will be listening time, sitting with congregations, meeting with the ministry teams already at work, walking the streets and lanes, getting to know the rhythms and stories of this beautiful corner of the country. I cannot wait.
I will be moving into a property before I start working with you and as the apartment is unfurnished, I would be very grateful for any advice on where to find good quality second-hand furniture in the area. Furthermore, if any members of the congregations have items they are looking to donate or part with, I would be deeply appreciative of the support as I set up my new home,
I hold you all in my prayers as I prepare to come, and I look forward so much to meeting you in person.
With every blessing, Michael
EASTER DAY CELEBRATIONS
Sun rise service at Pudding Pie Hill Sowerby
Easter Day at Northallerton
VISIT BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE METHODIST CONFERENCE REV RICHARD ANDREW
Sunday 23rd November was a special day! The presidential theme for the year is ‘Our Story, Our Song’. Everyone has a story to tell: everyone has a song to sing. Our stories and songs are opportunities to encounter the grace of God and to respond to the One who calls us. Rev Richard Andrew and his wife, Debbie, came to Northallerton Methodist Church to take part in a Circuit Service .
It was a place where he and his wife came to faith and began their Christian journeys, but also where they were married and said goodbye to loved ones.
Richard gave his life to Christ at the age of 17 having come from a non-church background. It was a gift he never wanted to give back. They are pictured here with some wonderful people who helped to shape and form their lives. Through church and youth club they showed them something of Jesus. They created a place where they felt accepted and belonged and where they could explore faith in a context of love. Richard & Debbie are thankful to so many but especially on Sunday to those pictured – Iris and Derek Smith; Bob and Jeanette Daly; Alex and Irene Lynn; Bill and Jill Harker; Edith Bramhall. On a day when Richard & Debbie gave thank thanks, he encouraged us to give thanks for those who have inspired and enabled our faith journey.
Adapted from The President & Vice-President of the Methodist Church Conference’s Facebook page.
VALE OF MOWBRAY METHODIST CHURCH
The Circuit meeting in June unanimously agreed to the creation of a new church from 1st September 2025, and following a vote at the Circuit service the name “Vale of Mowbray Methodist Church” was chosen by a clear majority.
After the Autumn Church council meetings, the result is that the Vale of Mowbray Methodist Church will consist of the following Worshipping communities:-
Appleton Wiske
Brompton
Northallerton
Romanby
Sowerby
Thornton-le-Beans
The following Church did not have the necessary number of votes in favour, and therefore will not be part of the life and ministry of the Vale of Mowbray Methodist Church:
St James Green, Thirsk