The Methodist Church in Ryedale has announced that the Revd Graham Ransom will shortly take up his post as a new minister in the Ryedale Circuit. Mr Ransom will take responsibility for the Methodist churches and communities along the A170 corridor stretching from Pickering through to Rievaulx in the west. The churches at Kirkbymoorside and Helmsley are included in this, as are a number of other smaller churches.

Speaking about the new appointment, the Revd Peter Sheasby, the Malton-based Superintendent Minister of the Ryedale Circuit of the Methodist Church, said: “We’re very much looking forward to welcoming Graham and his family to Ryedale.  After the challenges of the last couple of years, our churches are now recovering and a new minister is well placed to help take the congregations forward.  We’re also working increasingly with our local communities, and offering our buildings for shared activities – and we look forward to Graham encouraging and supporting new opportunities.”

The Revd Graham Ransom joins the Ryedale Circuit from Ulverston in the South Lakes Circuit of the Methodist Church in Cumbria. He and his family will live in Pickering and he will take up his responsibilities from 1st September.  Speaking about his appointment, Graham said: “I’m optimistic about the opportunities that our move to Ryedale will bring.  We’re greatly looking forward to supporting the work of the Church in this wonderful rural setting in North Yorkshire – to meeting new people, and to making new friends.”  

A Welcome Service for the Revd Graham Ransom will be held at Pickering Methodist Church, Potter Hill, Pickering, on Wednesday 31st August at 7pm – and all are welcome to attend.  The Service will be led by Revd Peter Sheasby, and the address will be given by the Revd Leslie Newton, Chair of the Yorkshire North and East Methodist District.