District News – 10 December 2024

This Week's News

South Anston Church Open Days

Saturday 14th & Wednesday 18th December from 10am to 3pm

Come and take a look inside our newly refurbished church building and see how you might like to use the space.
From the beginning of the New Year we will be taking bookings. Within reason, how you use the space is entirely up to you. Maybe you'd like to host a silent disco, a carpet bowls club, or stage an event such as a business conference or a wedding fair. All potential hirings are considered. So call in, see what we have to offer, and enjoy a cuppa and a mince pie. We look forward to seeing you!

"Journey to Bethlehem"

Bakewell Methodist Church to invite you toA Festival of Nativity Scenestelling the story of the birth of Jesus from the visit of the Angel to Mary, through to the journey made by Wise Men to see the long-awaited Messiah.
Come and see this meaningful story of Christmaspictured, through over 100 beautiful Nativity Crib Scenesand discover again how the birth of Jesus came about, and why that brings so much to celebrate in this season.
There will also be Christmas refreshments
Why not make your own journey and join us during the weekend of Friday 13th December 2024
to Monday 16th December 2024?
Our doors will be open from 10.00am to 4.00pmon Friday, Saturday and Mondayand from 2.00pm to 4.00pm on Sunday.

Carols by Candlelight

Please join us in Litton Methodist Chapel for a Festive Carol Service
Sunday 22nd December 2024 at 4.00pm
Music from Cressbrook Band
Led by Revd Fran Johnson
Refreshments afterwards

Spiritual Growth and Transformation

Are you looking for more in your faith? Or feeling called to walk alongside others in their journeys of faith?
Over ten days from May to November, Sheffield Diocese's Spiritual Growth and Transformation course offers a process of prayer, listening and reflection through which participants are supported in drawing closer to God. The course is ecumenical, enriching the experience for all who take part. It has been a turning point for many, in their own lives and in their support of others. It also forms the first part of a programme for the formation of Spiritual Accompaniers.
You can find more information and the downloadable course leaflet at https://www.sheffield.anglican.org/learning/courses/spiritual-growth-transformation/
The deadline for applications is 31st January 2025.

All We Canuary

The idea is simple: do all the *something* you can in January 2025, and fundraise for All We Can in the process!
Whether it be running all the miles you can, reading all the books you can, or knitting all the hats you can – it's up to you what challenge you set yourself, because only you know what you need to fulfil your potential.

In the process, you'll have the chance to learn and share inspiring stories from All We Can's local partners in Liberia. As they fulfil their potential, journey with them as you seek to fulfil yours!
Find out more here: https://www.allwecan.org.uk/get-involved/fundraise/all-we-canuary/

District Office Updates

Statistics for Mission

A reminder that the Methodist Church annual collection of statistics – the membership of your church (and how this number has changed since last year with gains and losses) and the average attendance – is now due. The online site is open until 31 January, the link to log in is : https://online.methodist.org.uk/login/login/
Please contact your Circuit Office in the first instance if you are having difficulty with this.

Scams and phishing

We are aware that there seem to be a lot of email scams going out at the moment. Please be vigilant on this. Any email which has a vaguely worded request, such as "did you get my earlier email", "can I have a quick word" or "can you help me out" without any other information is highly unlikely to be genuine. Please do not reply to the email. By doing so, you have just confirmed to the scammer that your email address is valid and can result in it being cloned to try and con others, or sold on to other scammers who may try and target you.

Christmas holiday

The office will be closed from 23 December to 2 January. However, I will be keeping an eye on emails and phone messages during this time and will respond to anything urgent.
Next week will be the last Newsletter of 2024!

Events

Soup and Song

Thursday 12 December 12:00 pm

Wales Kiveton Methodist Church (School Road, S26 5QJ) provides soup, sandwiches, quiches, buns/cakes (mince pies for this Christmas event), plus tea and coffee -all for FREE.
Music of yesteryear with professional singers from Lost Chord create a singalong atmosphere which is of great benefit for those with dementia, senior citizens and anyone looking for friendship and company.
A warm welcome is waiting for you. These events are held monthly on the second Thursday of each month from 12 to 2pm

The Longest Night Carol Service

The Longest Night is a carol service with a difference! The Metal Methodists will join with St Paul's Church in Norton Lees, Sheffield, on Saturday 21 December 2024 at 6.30pm.
The event will bring metal and alternative music, a chance to lay down burdens and to find hope in the noise in a carol service like no other. Expect the amps to be turned up! Refreshments will also be served.
St Paul's Church is on Angerford Avenue, Norton Lees, Sheffield, S8 9BG. Further details of The Longest Night service can be found via the Metal Methodist's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/metalmethodist/

Refugees at Home – Online Information Session

Wednesday 22 January 7pm

Join Refugees at Home, Malcolm Chamberlain (Archdeacon) and Huw Thomas (DDE) for an online information session to find out about hosting refugees and how you can get involved.
Refugees at Home is a charity that connects refugees and people seeking asylum with hosts across the UK. The vision is for every refugee and every person seeking asylum to have a safe place to stay.
READ MORE

Vacancies

Café & Soft Play Manager

Firth Park Methodist Church, Sheffield, S5 6QL

We week a Café and Soft Play Manager to join our team to help deliver our growing community service whilst developing fresh expressions of church.
The facility is available to the whole community, welcoming people of all faiths and none. We have
a specific Christian-based group called "Mini Disciples" for children and their families as well as
"Space For All" sessions for anyone to attend.
Whilst a specific faith is not an essential requirement for this role the successful applicant should be comfortable working alongside, in partnership with and representing a faith community and be committed to the aims of the Methodist Church.
Informal enquiries, questions and visits to see the facility are actively encouraged. Please ask questions and arrange a visit by email to Lynne Brand at lbrand1953@gmail.com. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted
Application forms are available by emailing hr@sheffieldmethodist.org
To make an application please complete an application form and return by email before Midday on 13th December 2024 to hr@sheffieldmethodist.org

Centre Development Manager

High Street Centre – Rawmarsh,

We're looking for a people-focussed and inspirational Centre Development Manager to lead us into the next exciting chapter of our story; working with our beneficiaries, staff, volunteers and Trustees to continue the positive impact of our work. Building on our success and working towards achieving our vision for the Centre, we are looking for a strong leader to ensure we remain sustainable and a continuing part of the community of which we are proud.
The role will require attendance at meetings outside of normal working hours, therefore, the successful candidate must be willing to work flexible hours when required to meet work demands.
Permanent subject to funding
Full time (37.5 hours per week)
We will consider a job-share
Salary Range £35,000 – £37500 (dependent on experience)

This appointment is being coordinated by Voluntary Action Rotherham. More details can be found here https://www.varotherham.org.uk/job/centre-development-manager
Closing date 12th January 2025 interviews 24th January
Email: hr@varotherham.org.uk | Web: http://www.varotherham.org.uk

And finally ...

A prayer for closeness with God

Loving God,
help me feel connected to you so that you may use me where you have placed me.
Help me draw close enough that I may see with your eyes,
hear with your ears and think with your mind,
because you are a just God and justice is a part of loving.

Let me support victims who aren't recognised and people excluded from the accepted circle. Enable me to help people who are suffering because others seek to increase their wealth. Empower me to advocate for children who cannot fulfil their potential or for those whose voices aren't heard.
Bring me out from my comfort zone.
Stop me just acting in my own interests.
Let me do right!
Amen.
Margaret Lee, steward, Borders Mission Circuit