A reminder that this Sunday – 16 June – is the annual District Celebration Service, starting at 4pm. The preacher is the Revd Mick Neal, Superintendent of the Barnsley Circuit. The Revd Claire Rawlinson will be giving her testimony prior to her ordination at Conference. We will also hear from the Revd Felicty Ferriter, who will be transferring into Full Connexion with the Methodist Church.
The District Office will be closed from Wednesday 19 June until Tuesday 25 June and from Monday 1 July to Friday 5 July. Emails will be read during this time, and anything urgent will be responded to.
Come along to an open meeting of the District Fairtrade Group on Monday 1st July at 10.30 am; Room 46 in Victoria Hall to hear what we do and discuss how we might make Sheffield District even fairer!
For further details contact Alison Trezise (District Fairtrade coordinator on 236 5938)
This year’s mission conference was focused on China – China’s Mission to the World
Guest speakers were Rev’d Dr Professor Lo Lung-Kwong from Hong Kong who gave an overview of the history of mission to China by Methodists, and then Dr Alexander Chow explained how China is contributing to world mission even in the midst of a recent attempt by the Chinese President to suppress all religion once again; apparently he is more Mao than Mao was! Even so, many a Chinese church exists outside of China; even in Britain we were told in a seminar , are 11 Methodist Chinese congregations among many more non-aligned Chinese congregations. We were given a choice of seminars so I visited the one on the Amity Foundation which prints millions of bibles in over 100 languages; it also has been asked by local city leaders to mentor and even organise for them lots of social projects to help those in need; that was possibly triggered since the Szechuan earthquake and the way Christians assisted then.
The conference was informative and good for networking with various regulars to these conferences and to meet not so regular attenders, many of whom are Chinese- including the Sheffield District’s ‘sent-one’ – now probationer minister in the Dudley area, Rev. Josephine Soon. They put on a fun evening of dancing, song and domestic customs -with an invitation to compete in using chopsticks to pick up various things– even for hardboiled eggs in their shells and smarties! Not easy!
What can we learn here in Britain? First of all- to demonstrate joy in the Lord, perseverance amidst difficulties of severe nature, consistent evangelism in many forms from all members of their churches despite the difficulties all showing their faithfulness to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Anne Dyer – One Mission Forum Rep
Revd Henry C Ohakah, presbyter in the Sheffield District, has a new book published on Amazon.
The writer of Hebrews encourages us to follow the examples of those who have gone ahead of us. In chapter 6 verse 12 the writer says ‘That you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.’ I like to refer to them as giants. There are powerful lessons to be learnt from great achievers and successful people in every walk of life, more importantly the giants of the Christian Faith. Truth is that they were not lazy, dull, inactive, idle or sluggish. They inherited the promises not by wishful thinking but by careful observation and planning. Every achiever in life is known to have persevered in a difficult environment and difficult circumstances. We are to be their ‘followers’ and learn of their faith and patience, character and lifestyle.
Over the years, I decided to undertake a study of some ‘generals’ who had left their footprints on the sands of time. What is it that made them what they were? What helped them achieve success? Were they always successful or did they encounter failures in their life? I love reading about these great men and women and getting inspirations and encouragement for life, and I’ll be sharing these studies with you
You can order the book via Amazon here: Footsteps of Giants
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the peaceful chapel and gardens at Whirlow Spirituality Centre. You are warmly invited to use one of our regular quiet events to make yourself some space this season. Or … discover what else is happening via the website.
On Friday 14th June at 7.30pm at Emmanuel Methodist Church, Barnsley we shall be celebrating an Evening at the Movies to raise money for our Christian Aid Ghana Project.
Many people may have seen the recent film ‘Stan & Ollie’ – a celebration of the golden age of black and white movies. Ashley Valentine, a talented church organist & pianist (organist for a time at one of Cameron’s previous churches) is coming from London to give a live musical accompaniment on the piano to a number of short silent movies. This will be an entertaining and wonderful celebration of film and music and you will be wowed by Ashley’s musical talents!
Tickets are only £5.00 (including refreshments) and we would love to have a full sanctuary to enjoy the live music and old films and help us to meet our £5K total.
Tickets are available from Cameron, or from the Emmanuel office. Do bring friends, neighbours and colleagues – they will definitely enjoy this event! You can buy a ticket on the door!
You can download the poster here: ChristianAidSilent Movie Night
We would like to invite you to our AGM on Thursday 20th June at 7pm at the Quaker Meeting House.
We are delighted to welcome Bishop Pete Wilcox, Bishop of Sheffield , who will talk about “The Universal Ministry of the Church of England in the Era of Universal Credit”. Bishop Pete will cover the mission of the church in the Diocese of Sheffield in 2019- 2025, based on what he has learned not just from his time in Liverpool but before that from Walsall and Gateshead too – and going all the way back to the Faith in the City report published when he was training for ordained ministry.
Later in the meeting, there will be updates on Sheffield CAP’s activities over the last 12 months, including the Pilgrimage, the Civic Breakfast, Universal Credit and our current local project (with National CAP) – ” Church on the Margins”.
The meeting will also consider priorities for the next 12 months.
The meeting is open to all . If you are concerned about relating your faith to issues of poverty and social justice ,please come and join us.
For further information, please contact the secretary ,Briony Broome email : briony.broom@hotmail.co.uk, mobile : 07801 532 954
Download and print the flyer to pass on to others: AGM flier200619
DAVE SCOTT-MORGAN, former guitarist with ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA
Invites you to Hathersage Methodist Church grounds
On Saturday 29th June
Times to be confirmed (morning & afternoon)
for original songs, rock ‘n’ roll classics and quintessential ELO hits, laced with humour and nostalgic anecdotes and story of his journey to faith… taken from Dave’s autobiography – Patterns in the Chaos
On Sunday 30th June Dave will be taking part in a Special Service at 10.30am at Hathersage. All very Welcome!
There will be an exhibition of creative art at Meadowhall Interchange 1-5 July, including work by school children. This celebrate the talents of people affected by dementia (this includes people who have a diagnosis, carers (both paid and unpaid) and family members. The exhibition has been running for several years and exhibits do not have to be masterpieces but the aim is to celebrate the talents of people affected by dementia which are not always visible in our communities.
There is also a spoken word event on July 2 in Sheffield on Mappin Street – ‘Mentioning Dementia’, and Dementia Futures, a conference by dementia Postgraduate researchers for the public on July 5 at SITraN
Friendly Society of Artists Annual Exhibition
A wide range of art work to look at, do come and vote for your favourite.
Many pictures for sale. Refreshments available.
For Fellowship at Hope Methodist Church on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month, meeting at 7.30pm
On the 2nd and 4th Sundays we meet at 10am at Hope Methodist Church…
On the second Sunday of the month we ‘hike and bike’ before indulging in bacon butties and on the 4th Sunday of the month we have a time of worship.
We’d love anyone new to come and join us.
For more info – email: peakpark@sheffieldmethodist.org
Or telephone Lorraine on 07483 814 111
Celebrated every year in a barn at Alport Farm on the first Sunday in July, it’s a simple ceremony started by the non conformists in the 1600’s where a simple meal of cake and spring water was shared. We gather to keep the tradition alive. It’s an experience not to be missed. We’d love you to join us.
Thank you to every one who supported our Stall at the coffee morning on 25th March at Bakewell. A total of £183 was raised for our Partnership of the Children’s Air Ambulance. This means that as a District we have sent so far nearly £2000 to help with the costs of keeping this vital piece of equipment flying.
A coach has been booked for Wednesday 3rd July to take us to The National Memorial Arboretum. This will start of the Interchange in Sheffield and hopefully will pick up in Chesterfield though this has not yet been finalised. This open to anyone who would like to go and the more people book the cheaper the cost per person will be. Once there, there are facilities for Food and a Train to take you round the vast site or you can take your own picnic.
If you interested please have word with either Rev. Ann Baldock or Elaine Graham.
Are you training as a Worship Leader or Local Preacher in the Methodist Church?
To join the Worship: Leading & Preaching streams of Summer School, you need to be enrolled on the course and have completed the ‘Prepare’ material of each relevant module.
Monday 5 August to Friday 9 August 2019 (inclusive)
Costs: -£295 for all teaching and materials, meals and refreshments
– £415 for all teaching and materials, meals, refreshments and accommodation in a single en suite study bedroom
Full details in the brochure here: 3235 WL&P Summer School 2019 flyer
The UTU Diploma in Theology and Mission was from 1972 to 1999 the pioneering programme that provided a unique experience of theological and vocational training, linked to the realities of the city, and developing new theological and biblical studies which influenced profoundly the several hundred who took the course, often through the famous UTU Study Years.
Now, twenty years later, we have revived the course to suit 21st century needs, and offer a new programme of Theology and Mission work.
Areas to be covered will include bible study, contemporary theology, personality temperaments, urban theology, liberation theology, discipleship, rule of life spirituality, public theology, social and political development.
The aim is to facilitate the development of each participant’s own personal theology and mission.
Cost: £200.00 includes £50 for books & resources supplied to all participants, also free use of premises and kitchen (tea, coffee & milk)
Plus £45 membership and library subscription if not a UTU member
Full details of the course can be found here: Process Certificate Theology & Mission
For further information & application forms contact the UTU office: office@utusheffield.org.uk
Chris Hewer will be repeating his introductory day on Islam in 2 different venues in June:
Tuesday 18th June at Bents Green Methodist Church, Ringinglow Road, Sheffield, S11 7PU
Saturday 22nd June at The Vine Centre (St Bart’s building) Primrose Hill, Sheffield S6 2UW
These days run from 10.00 am – 3.30 pm (coffee from 9.30) . There is no charge, although donations will be welcome on the day. Please bring a packed lunch. For further details and to book a place please contact Rev Liz Wills, e-mail: johnwills@callnetuk.com
Full details can be found here: Understanding Islam – June 2019
Priory Place Methodist Church are seeking a building manager to oversee the significant design, planning, redevelopment and systems improvements necessary for our town centre building to reach its potential as a high calibre event, conference and meeting venue and as well as a focal place of social inclusion and vibrant Christian community.
Successful candidates will have excelled at:
30 hours/week, salary up to £23,400 plus contributory pension scheme
We will also consider applications for job share arrangements
Contact Neil Harland mission@sheffieldmethodist.org 07483 308008 for application forms and details.
Closing date for applications: 5pm Sun 7 July
Interviews on or around Fri 12 July
The Advert can be downloaded here: Priory building manager advert
The Doncaster Methodist Circuit requires a part time (25 hours per week) pastor.
This is a re advertisement and previous applicants are invited to apply.
The Circuit is applying its Strategy for Growth so the appointee will be utilised according to the Strategy that requires staff and resources to be used primarily in churches that are actively seeking to encourage growth.
The appointment is three years commencing 1 September 2019 until 31 August 2022 enabling a presbyter to be appointed through the stationing process. The salary will be dependent on qualifications and relevant experience and is expected to be £12688 pa (with pension provision) and housing allowance of £2379.
The successful candidate will need to be subject to the discipline of the Methodist Church. The appointment is subject to satisfactory references and a satisfactory DBS disclosure.
Full details from :- Circuit Administrator . email :- methodistchurch01@btconnect.com / Tel No : 01302 851962
Closing date for completed applications:- 21 June 2019
Interviews W/C 1 July 2019
Applicants are encouraged to visit the following website: www.doncastermethodistcircuit.org.uk
There is a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GDR) that the post-holder is a Christian.