Welcome to our new ABC Churches Administrator - Gillian Holmes“Hello!I’m delighted to be joining the team at the ABC Parishes as PA and Administrator.For the last 19 years I’ve worked for York’s public library and archives service in a range of roles, from manager at York Explore (the central library), to supporting the CEO and board, and most recently as the Communications Officer. I’ve loved the variety of the work, the chance to make a positive difference to people’s lives, and have had lots of fun doing it!After nearly two decades, though, I felt called to use my skills in a different way, and this role seemed the perfect fit.I’m a committed Anglican and worship at St Lawrence’s Church in York, where Vicar Geoff has been a great friend and supporter. I’m also involved with a couple of small charities and serve on the Court of the York Company of Cordwainers (although I admit I have absolutely no idea how to make shoes!).Whenever I have a spare moment, you’ll usually find me reading or writing or cooking. I love travelling, culture in all its forms (especially poetry and theatre), and spending time with friends, old and new.I’m very much looking forward to meeting you all - please do say hello!”Gillian will begin her ministry with us the week beginning 13th July 2026. Please allow time for her to get to know her new role!
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK – Vicar Geoff – 3rd July 2026Do not conform ... but be transformedOur ABC Churches verse for the year contains two diametrically opposed words. Conform and transform, and I want to pick up on these opposites this week.In recent years we have seen an increase in the number of people not wanting to conform with the expected societal norms. We have seen growing unrest with the political leadership in our nation, and not just our current government. We have even seen it in the Church of England as small but increasingly vocal groups have rejected the direction that the leadership of the Church of England has taken. I myself find frustration in the seemingly increasingly top heavy bureaucracy that appears across all aspects of society.The Apostle Paul encourages us not to conform, which fits with followers of Jesus being a light not hidden and that sprinkling of salt that makes a huge difference. We are not to blend in with our surroundings, hiding under a bushel or be absent from society bringing the true flavours of the goodness of God to the fore. Instead we are to make our voices known, to stick our heads above the parapet and be willing to make ourselves unpopular standing up for Jesus. We are called to live as He lived and not to be concerned with what people think about us. We are simply not meant to blend in, but stick out like sore thumbs.Of course, that is easier to say than do, but actually if we are to be agents of God's love in the world, we cannot bend scripture to fit our purposes or change what the church stands for in order to blend in with society. God is God and we are to reflect His life, love and purposes, which are unchanging,So this is really a call, not to conform but to stand out so that we can transform the community, nation and world around us. That is not going to be easy, but Jesus never said following Him would be.Blessings,VicarGeoff
