The February READ-A-BOOK-A-MONTH launch was hosted at URC Church, Priory Street, an imposing edifice built to cater for the spiritual needs of the Scottish regiments based in York. Leviticus, the book for January, and Numbers for February share a pamphlet. These challenging books deserved special treatment.

(The photo shows Rev Tim Evans (centre) with Fr Pat Hartnett of St George’s, York and Mike Birkett of Crossroads Christian Fellowship and Holy Redeemer parish. Mike is also a busy volunteer with York Christian Heritage Walk and YOYO, York Schools and Youth Outreach.)

The launch began with a walk of exploration throughout the three-storey building, with a partner from another church, tasting the comradeship which develops during a long journey, like Israel’s through the desert. Returning to base, the participants, from a mix of local churches, selected some hymns and a volunteer leapt to open the piano. Tim Evans, a retired minister from Acomb Baptist Church, gave an enthralling talk, revealing that the Festival of Atonement is at the core of Leviticus, and thus of the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, ‘the Books of the Law’. Thus Christ and His atoning sacrifice are heralded at the heart of the Old Testament. Everyone continued to help during a cheerful refreshments session.

March will complete the reading of the Torah by reading Deuteronomy, launched at Southlands Methodist on 22nd February. In April the challenge moves to St Luke’s Gospel. The launch will be a meditation service in preparation for Easter, 4.00 pm, Sunday 29th March at English Martyrs, Dalton Terrace. Everyone welcome.