On Saturday 13th June, 73 Christians of different denominations participated in a variety of workshops trying new ways of relating to God and to one another. Taste and See 2009, a day of Bite-Size Spirituality in York City Centre Churches, provided a wonderful way to experience different types of prayer and worship in a friendly atmosphere across 10 of the Churches in the City Centre.
The day was endorsed by many church leaders including Rt Rev Terence Drainey (Bishop of Middlesbrough, Roman Catholic), Rt Rev Martin Wallace (Bishop of Selby, Anglican), Rev Kevin Watson (Moderator of the United Reform Church, Yorkshire Synod), Rev Ernie Whalley (Yorkshire Baptist Association) and Rev Richard M Andrew (York Institute for Community Theology, Methodist).
Taste and See was organised by CoRE York and representatives from several Christian organisations. CoRE’s Chairman, Rev Canon Simon Stanley, said ‘Taste and See provided a fun and informative way of exploring different types of prayer in an ecumenical context. The event was open to everyone with individuals travelling from as far-a-field as Lytham St Anne’s. Trying a new experience of worship allows those participating to discover more about themselves and their spiritual tastes. This may lead to a better understanding of their fellow Christians who pray in ways different to them, and deepen their relationship with God.’
The event, which began at York Minster with a welcome from the Minster Precentor, Revd Canon Jeremy Fletcher and an opening act of worship from Revd Graham Maskery, then gave participants the chance to join 2 of 16 workshops in the churches across the city. Choices included Carmelite Prayer, Taizé, Ignation Prayer and Making a Poustinia.
Individuals who participated in the day reflected that the event gave them time to explore other ways of becoming rooted in God. One participant said ‘Both workshops taught me something I will be able to keep with me and use in my everyday life. Thank you for a wonderful opportunity that has made a marked difference for my journey in Christ.’
