District News – 1 April 2025

This Week's News

Inter-church Bowling Champions

Young people from Wesley Hall, Wisewood and Hillsborough Trinity Churches gathered at the local bowling alley in February for a lively competition that showcased both skill and friendly rivalry.
The event, which attracted 15 youngsters, saw three teams formed and high scores being celebrated with many players breaching the 100 mark. With the sound of rolling balls and crashing pins, the alley became a hub of excitement, as the young people competed for bragging rights and a chance to have fun with friends.
Hillsborough Trinity won the first round with the highest average score, but Wisewood fought back to achieve the highest average score in round two. This created a nail-biting tie breaker situation with Wisewood coming out on top with the highest average score over both rounds.
Well done to all players and leaders for organising the inter-church bowling championships.

New District Magazine

The Spring edition of the district magazine is now available to read online and copies are being delivered this week to each circuit.
You'll also be able to get yourself a copy at our District Gathering on Saturday.
https://www.sheffieldmethodist.org/news/news-stories/new-district-magazine-spring-2025.html

District Gathering

Saturday 5 April

Whilst it is too late to register to attend our District Gathering, you are still welcome to come along – we just can't guarantee the lunch.
The gathering will also be live-streamed from our YouTube channel (technology permitting).
https://youtube.com/live/oMaFbgCJmu0?feature=share

Congratulations

The Archdeacon of Sheffield and Rotherham, the Venerable Malcolm Chamberlain, has been officially announced as the next Bishop of Wakefield.
Malcolm, who has been an Archdeacon in the Diocese of Sheffield since 2013, has undertaken a series of engagements around Wakefield ahead of a consecration in June.
The Bishop of Sheffield, the Rt Revd Dr Pete Wilcox, said:
"I am delighted by Malcolm's appointment to be the next Bishop of Wakefield: I am pleased for him, for the Diocese of Leeds and for the clergy and lay leaders of the episcopal area he will serve, and for the partners with whom he will work beyond the church."
We wish Malcom and Jo all the best in the next stage of their lives.

All We Can – Myanmar Earthquake Appeal

At about 1pm local time on Friday 28 March, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar with the epicentre near Mandalay, the second largest city in the country. About 1700 people are reported to have died, with some reports of more than 3000 fatalities. With many thousands without food, shelter and adequate sanitation, the WHO (World Health Organisation) has put out an appeal for $8m (£6.2m) to help meet the urgent need of people whose lives have been devastated by the earthquake.
Organisations in the region are providing temporary shelters, clean drinking water, food and medical assistance for those affected right now, but we need your help to raise vital funds for their urgent, life-saving work.
The full extent of the toll is hard to assess and may take time, especially for the affected populations close to the earthquake epicentre.
Visit the appeal homepage here

Journey to Jerusalem

Peak Methodist Church at Bakewell

A creative display with interactive prayer stations that explore the Easter story. Also includes a display of crosses, as well as LEGO models made by children depicting the Easter story.
Open from Mondays to Saturdays 10am till 4pm, starting on 6th April (Passion Sunday) until 21st April (Easter Monday) at Bakewell Methodist Church.

The Darkest Night Easter Vigil

Saturday 19 April 6:30 pm

The Metal Methodists are joining with St Paul's Church, Norton Lees for The Darkest Night Easter Vigil. Come along on Saturday 19th April for metal music and refreshments, as we turn up the amps to find hope within the noise. Refreshments will be at 6.30pm, with the service starting at 7pm. For further information email Kate on katemetalmethodist@outlook.com

Courageous Grief

23-25th May 2025 at Holy Rood House in Thirsk

18-40ish? Wondering what to do with your grief and fears about climate change?
Jo Musker-Sherwood was the Founder Director of a climate-change NGO when she experienced burnout, in despair about the state of the world. She found a way of fuelling her work through joy rather than anxiety, and now helps others to do their work well, both in terms of impact and wellbeing.
Come and join us to explore Courageous Grief at Holy Rood House, a retreat centre with a difference, open and inclusive, a place for wellbeing, creatvity, spirituality and learning, with a warm welcome for all.
Download the booking information here: Courageous Grief Booking form

Whirlow Spirituality Centre

WHIRLOW "AT HOME" RETREAT – 10th and 11th May 2025.
Following the first "at-home" retreat last Autumn, Alison is running another weekend retreat at Whirlow: two days of wonderful content, but you get to enjoy sleeping in your own bed.
AUTUMN RETREAT AT AMPLEFORTH – Friday 24th – Sunday 26th October 2025
Bookings are now open for the Whirlow Autumn Retreat at Ampleforth Abbey. Rooms are ensuite and the price includes all meals. Please note that transport is not included in the price, so please consider your transport options before booking: we usually have many more requests for lifts than offers!
Full details – including other more regular events – can be found here: https://www.whirlowspiritualitycentre.org/whats-on

District Safeguarding Update

Caring for survivors on Good Friday

Thank you to our friends at Restored for their reflections and wisdom:

Good Friday is one of the most important days in the Christian calendar: the gospel wouldn't be the gospel without it. But for survivors, the focus on sin and repentance can echo lies told to them by abusers about shame, self-worth and the need to suffer.

We don't want to skip past Good Friday, but as we prepare for Easter, how can we approach it in a way that safeguards and care for survivors of domestic abuse?
Read our latest blog to find out: www.restored-uk.org/blog/caring-for-survivors-on-good-friday
One of the practical tips, shared in the blog post is to – Display signposting information about domestic abuse in your church building to make it clear that you don't condone or tolerate domestic abuse.
The Methodist church has created a poster and stickers, which provide a statement of intent concerning domestic abuse and contact telephone number for people wanting help and support. If you don't have the poster displayed click here to access a printable version. Stickers to go in toilets etc, can be order them from Methodist Publishing, free of charge (you only need to cover the postage). Click here for more information.

As ever, if you have any questions or concerns, please give me a call on 07483 362 735 or email me at safeguarding@sheffieldmethodist.org
Many thanks
Alison Hill -District Safeguarding Officer.

Events

Christians on Ageing Conference

Wednesday 30 April

For the first time since the pandemic we are holding our AGM in person, and within the context of a Spring Mini-Conference. This will be held on Wednesday 30th April from 10.30am – 3.30pm and the venue is The Bar Convent in York.
As well as dealing with the necessary business of the AGM we will be focussing on one of CoA's core objectives – celebrating the gifts and potential of later life, and helping churches and others to develop activities which contribute to understanding older people's spiritual growth.
One of our keynote speakers will be Rev. Dr. Chris Swift, recently appointed as Director of the Leeds Christian Institute, and previously Director of Chaplaincy and Spirituality at MHA.
Attendance for the day is free but donations towards the cost of refreshments will be gratefully received.
Places can be booked by following this link: https://buytickets.at/christiancouncilonageing/1532201

Being Missional Today

Tuesday 10 June, Coventry Cathedral

A festival of missional thinking exploring the impact of disruptions in church and world, the liminality of this current season, and the role of reconciliation practices.
A chance to hear from voices historically marginalised in mission dialogues, creating a more globally connected and inclusive conversation, exploring perspectives beyond current dominant models. Speakers include: Bishop Guli Francis-Dehqani, Al Barrett, Carlton Turner, Catherine Okoronkwo, Charlotte Gale, David Brubaker, Gale Richards, Harvey Kwiyani, John Witcombe, Martin Robinson, Peniel Rajkumar, Robert Beckford, Rosy Fairhurst, Ruth Harley, Sharon Prentis, Victoria Turner and Alastair McKay
Bookings at https://reconciliation-initiatives.org/being-missional-today/ Contact Neil Harland mission@sheffieldmethodist.org if you are interested in going as a district group to access discounted tickets.

And finally...

A prayer for the desire to pray

Prayer is a cry in the dark,
a child's longing for home,
and a hollowed soul's seeking of fulfilment.

Prayer is a two-fingered salute
to the hopeless cynicism of endless false promises
and a bunting-waving celebration of love in action.

Prayer is a sacred space,
found in the midst of the unholiest of battlegrounds
and in the desolation of loss.

Prayer is a memory
of long lost conversations with wise elders
and an exuberance of youthful anticipation.

Prayer is a shared longing,
a whispered dream
and an open conversation.

Prayer is a revolutionary act
It is hope in despair
And a grace-filled weaving of love's intent.

May God bless us with the desire to pray, that we might better act, for the sake of all.
Amen.
Michaela Youngson, Assistant Secretary of the Conference