York Minster

Transcendence

Transcendence started as a collaboration between York Minster and the Visions Alt:Worship Community; aiming to mix ancient forms of music and liturgy with contemporary visuals and ambience. Until 2012, this has taken the form of an 'ancient future mass', a communion service with recognisably catholic ceremonial combined with music and visual forms drawn from many traditions to celebrate God’s presence with us in bread and wine. However, we’ve recently started experimenting with the ancient monastic service of Compline (or night prayer), blending the beautiful sound of plainchant with space to chill.

Transcendence draws on York Minster’s rich and beautiful medieval art, bringing alive the carving, saints and stained glass beneath its soaring ceiling. Transcendence is a popular fixture at the annual Greenbelt Christian Arts festival; and works with several northern cathedrals and minsters (including Beverley, Ripon, Bradford and Doncaster) to hold services across the province. We’ve also expanded to hold a monthly service at Leeds Minster on the first Saturday of each month.

Transcendence is registered with Fresh Expressions, finding its place in the sacramental grouping, and has pioneered new forms of multi-sensory worship. A key part of our service is to journey with the Gospel to hear the word of God preached amongst us. There is always space to step apart and contemplate alone, using creative prayer stations, or simply this astounding building for inspiration. Incense is used as a sign of purification and the ministers wear ceremonial vestments; the aim is to create a space where tradition can be renewed in adoration of the majesty and mercy of God.

Transcendence happens on the third Sunday of every month, alternating Mass and Compline. The service starts at 7.30pm in the Chapter House, but please come for coffee and cake from 6.45pm onwards. The service lasts about ninety minutes, and for more information please check our Facebook group, or our website www.transcendenceyork.org.

All are at 6.45 for 7.30pm, unless otherwise stated.

York Minster Chapter House Dates:

19th February (Mass, In the Quire)
18th March (Compline with the Ebor Singers)
20th May (Mass)
17th June (Compline with the Ebor Singers)
15th July (Mass)
16th September (Mass)
21st October (Mass)
18th November (Compline with the Ebor Singers)

Leeds Dates:

3rd March (Compline)
7th April (Easter Vigil)
5th May (Mass)
6th June (Mass)
7th July (Compline)
6th October (Mass)
3rd November (May not be at LPC)
1st December (Mass)

Outside Dates:

25th February (Ripon Cathedral)
5th August (Tockwith Show, all day)
24-27th August (Greenbelt)
27th October (?Manchester Diocesan Day)
27th October (All Saints North Street, 6pm)
28th October (?Beverley)