Scarborough's St Mark’s and St Joseph’s churches to collaborate with weekly Sunday services
Interdenominational cooperation amongst two neighbouring Scarborough churches has resulted in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church holding their Mass services in St. Mark’s C of E Parish Church over the forthcoming winter months.
The two churches in Newby are situated in close proximity to each other, less than 100 yards apart at the junction of Green Lane and Coldyhill Lane.
A malfunctioning underfloor heating system in St Joseph’s suffered a leak some time ago, consequently it has now had to be shut off permanently.
For the church officials, researching a suitable replacement system, the selection of the right one, raising the necessary funds, and the subsequent installation may invariably be a lengthy process.
With the increasingly colder weather, Fr Eddie Gubbins, Priest of St. Joseph’s, approached Revd Mike Cansdale, Vicar of St Mark’s, enquiring as to whether they could hold their services in St. Mark’s for the winter period.
Revd Cansdale said: “When the call came from Father Gubbins the immediate response from the St Mark’s Church Council was the unanimous desire to help.
“There have been good relations between the churches over many years, but I hope this will cement the friendship and open new ways of working together for the good of our local communities.
“In a time when the national political agenda seems so divisive, this shines out as an example of generous sharing, being good neighbours and finding unity.
“I have no doubt that there will be many blessings as we live and worship together in this way.”
The respective times of both church’s main services have been altered accordingly to allow for a smooth handover from one congregation to the next.
St Joseph’s 9.30am Sunday Mass will now start at 9.00am, while St. Mark’s 10.30am service has been put back to 10.45am.
Fr Gubbins said: “The community of St. Mark’s Church of England has graciously welcomed us to full use of their church building for the foreseeable future.
“Revd Mike, the Church Wardens and the St Mark’s community have been most welcoming and accommodating in every respect.
“We rejoice as our two communities of faith grow in friendship.”
As part of the forthcoming seasonal events, St Mark’s Church is holding a three-day Christmas Tree Festival from December 5 - 7 with a launch event on the Friday from 7pm.
Saturday December 6 features an Artisan Market with free admission (10am until 4pm).
For children there will be a special ‘Breakfast with Santa’, (a breakfast roll and drink £2) and visit him in his grotto (£2, including a gift) (10am –12 noon).
Saturday evening sees a concert by Simply Brass between 7-9pm, with the Tree Festival continuing Sunday 7 (10am-4pm).
More information can be found at stmarksscarborough.com