Introducing Michael Tang – the Circuits new MissionEnabler and Community Pioneer who will take up his appointment in September this year.
Friends in the Thirsk and Northallerton Circuit,
It is a real joy to introduce myself ahead of joining you on 1st September as your new Mission Enabler and Community Engagement Pioneer.
My name is Michael Tang. I was born and raised in Hong Kong, and have lived in the UK since 2020. For the past five years I have been completing a PhD in theology at the University of Birmingham, working at the intersection of music, faith, and the spiritual lives of people who often feel on the edges of church. My book on this research will be published by Routledge later this year.
Alongside my doctorate, I have spent the last few years bivocationally, working as a barista at Sacred Ground café in Soho, serving as an event steward at Southwark Cathedral, coordinating a parish development programme for the Diocese of Southwark, and running a small theological education platform online. I have also designed Kairos Cards, bilingual theology trading cards that were featured in Church Times and Premier Christianity, and that have ended up in some surprising places, from coffee shops in London to a YouTube channel of more than a million subscribers.
What draws me to this role is simple: I believe that God is already at work in every village, every market square, every coffee shop, and every quiet conversation across the Vale of Mowbray. My job is not to bring God to North Yorkshire, God is already there. My job is to listen, to learn from you, to walk alongside you, and to help build small communities of welcome, faith, and friendship wherever they are needed.
I come with no illusions about how much there is to learn. The first months will be listening time, sitting with congregations, meeting with the ministry teams already at work, walking the streets and lanes, getting to know the rhythms and stories of this beautiful corner of the country. I cannot wait.
A small practical request, will be moving to the circuit in August into an unfurnished appartment, and I would b very grateful for any advice on where to find good quality second-hand furniture in the area. Furthermore, if any member of the congregations have items they are looking to donate or part with, I would be deeply appreciative of the support as I set up my new home..
I hold you all in my prayers as I prepare to come, and I look forward so much to meeting you in person.
With every blessing, Michael
Visit from Quail Springs Baptist Church, Oklahoma
In March 2026 a team from Quail Spring Baptist Church visited Northallerton as part of the OneNorthallerton Mission trip. During the week they were taking part in various activities in the town including visits to the different churches in the town.
Vale of Mowbray Methodist Church
The circuit meeting in June unanimously agreed to the creation of a new church from 1st September 2025 , and following a vote at the Circuit service the name “Vale of Mowbray Methodist Church” was chosen by a clear majority.
After the recent round of Church Council Meetings, the result is that the Vale of Mowbray Methodist Church will consist of the following Worshipping communities:-
Appleton Wiske
Brompton
Northallerton
Romanby
Sowerby
Thornnton Le Beans
