District News – 10 February 2026

Stories from across the District

Journey to Jerusalem

Bakewell Methodist Church present an Interactive display telling the Easter Story!

The Journey to Jerusalem display takes us through the last days of Jesus’ life: “From Hosanna to He is Risen”.
We see the excitement of the crowds on Palm Sunday and the agony in the garden and on the cross and the joy of the resurrection leading to the truth of the post resurrection experiences that Jesus is alive.
The journey also gives us time for reflection and the opportunity to pray interactively through themes such as justice, peace, love, thanksgiving, healing, families and forgiveness. The display is full of life and colour and hopes to bring the story of our Saviour’s final days to our hearts and minds.
The Easter display “Journey to Jerusalem” will run on Monday to Saturday each week (with refreshments) starting from Monday 23rd March and ending on Easter Monday 6th April 2026.
The times will be 10.00am to 3.00pm
apart from:

• Maundy Thursday 2nd April 10.00am – 12noon only
• Good Friday 3rd April 11.00am – 1.00pm only
• Easter Monday 6th April 10.00am – to 12 noon only

District News

Service of Celebration for Deacon Lorraine Brown

Please join us as we celebrate the ministry of Deacon Lorraine Brown and give thanks for the role of the Peak Park Enabler.
Sunday 14th March at 3pm, at The Hub @ Hope Chapel
Afternoon tea will be served as part of the service so for catering purposes we would be very grateful if you could email the Peak Circuit Administrator with the number of people in your party: admin@peakmethodistcircuit.org

Reflect Quiet Morning

Entering into Christ's Passion

A morning of Quiet Reflection preparing for Holy Week is being organised by Reflect and led by Revd Joy Adams (a supernumerary minister in the Sheffield circuit).
You can join on Zoom on either Friday 27 March or Saturday 28 March 2026.
If you would like to attend please email Lynne Tonge (2tonges317@gmail.com) stating which date you would like to book
There is no charge for this event but donations (suggestion £12) may be made by bank transfer to support the work of REFLECT

Gothic Evening Service

Sunday 8 March at 4pm

The Metal Methodists and Steel City Choristers are joining for a Gothic Evening Service on Sunday 8th March at 4pm. Expect choral sounds, hymns, metal music, laying burdens down and an alternative vibe.
The service takes place at Highfield Trinity Methodist Church on Highfield Place, which is just off London Road in Sheffield. A retiring collection will be taken for Highfield Trinity funds.
All welcome! Please contact Kate on katemetalmethodist@outlook.com for further information.

Christian Aid Changemakers Conference Watch Party

Saturday 14 March 10:00 am

Please come along to join us as we watch the Annual CA conference together.
Refreshments, including a light lunch, will be provided.
Location: St Gabriel's Church, Dobbin Hill, S11 7JB
The conference will feature:

• Stories from our partner Beacon of Hope working to transform lives in Kenya.
• A sneak peek at new fundraising resources to help you prepare for Christian Aid Week
• Connect with fellow supporters to spark creative fundraising ideas and get inspired for Christian Aid Week.

Other News

World Day of Prayer

Friday 6 March

Churches of all denominations get together to celebrate this international, ecumenical, Global Service.
This year’s service has been written by the women of Nigeria.
So find the nearest service to you, please visit: World Day Of Prayer
So far we are aware of services taking place at

• All Saints Church, Ringinglow Road, Sheffield
• Hathersage Methodist Church
• Bamford Methodist Church

It is good to share with Christian women and men all around the world – do let us know if your church is getting involved!

Events at Whirlow Spirituality Centre

I wonder?

Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 7pm
An invitation to enter into a story and wonder (in silence, with words or with objects) about your feelings and what hopeful action may come next. This session is based on the Deep Talk and OutoftheBox principles of play, contemplation and dialogue.
No charge or need to book

Why the Mystics Matter Now: a book group for Lent

Join us for 6 sessions in Lent as together we reflect on the writings and teachings of different Christian mystics. We will base the sessions on the book of the same title by Frederick Bauerschmidt, as we seek to understand how their wisdom may still resonate in today’s world. Each week we will focus on a different writer, and the sessions will focus on mystics from the 12th to the 20th Century. It will not be essential to have a copy of the book, although we recommend it to support the sessions.
Six sessions Mondays 23rd February 30th March inclusive. 7-8.30pm £25 for all 6 or £5 per session

Tenebrae – a concert given by Steel City Clerks

Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 7:00pm
An evening of sacred music for the season of Lent including a performance of the Tenebrae Responses by Victoria, a new work, The Ninth Hour, by Eleanor Game and other music on the theme of lament interspersed with readings from poets and writers. Steel City Clerks are the adult choir that sing alongside Steel City Choristers. The concert will include an interval with refreshments.
Tickets £12 (including a glass of wine/soft drink and nibbles).
All profit from the concert will go to Steel City Choristers, a charity that serves local communities with cathedral-quality choral music and inspires and trains children to sing.

Safeguarding Updates

Advanced Safeguarding Training

A reminder that information how to access the Methodist Church Advanced Safeguarding training can be found on the District Website.
There are two ways you can complete this course
1. Self-study with a gathered session to consolidate the learning. This is run jointly by the Regional Officers for Safeguarding in the North East area.
The dates for the Gathered session are on the website, along with the name of the host circuit, and the link to the booking site can be found here : https://www.sheffieldmethodist.org/what-we-do/safeguarding/safeguarding-training/advanced-safeguarding-module-1.html
2. Face-to-Face – an in-person session lasting about 5 hours. Four sessions have been planned to take place in the District and details can be found here: https://www.sheffieldmethodist.org/what-we-do/safeguarding/safeguarding-training/advanced-safeguarding-module.html

Upcoming Events

New Churches Gathering

Saturday morning 28 February

For anyone who is involved in leading (in any capacity), or preparing to lead, a new Christian community. An opportunity to spend quality time with the growing network of fellow pioneers following similar callings in other places across or affiliated to Sheffield Methodist District. There will be opportunities to share stories, compare what you are learning in a supportive environment, discuss what support you need, and celebrate what God is doing. Our guest speaker will be Dr Heather Major, Research Fellow in New Places for New People, Evangelism & Growth at Cliff College. Hosted by Jonathan Hood and our district New Places for New People pilot.
Further details and register your place at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/sheffieldmethodistdistrict/1994267

Regional Retreat – The woman at the well

The next Regional Retreat for presbyters, deacons and lay employees will be held at Wydale Hall from 20-22 May 2026.
Donna Worthington (Retreat Leader) will be leading our time together when we will explore: The Woman at the Well: an invitation to journey to the well, to Christ the Living Water. Donna is an experienced retreat giver trained in Ignatian spiritual direction, labyrinth walking and storytelling.
More information and booking details can be found via EventBrite: https://260520RegionalRetreat.eventbrite.co.uk
Bookings close on 18 February

Vacancies

Missional Property Enabler – Sheffield District

Why we need a Missional Property Enabler:

The Sheffield District has created this role to support our circuits, and their new and existing churches, to be bold in exploring creative possibilities for how premises can support growing and become even more inclusive, evangelistic and justice seeking.
“The post will support circuits and their churches to put dreams into action – through advice, practical support, and connecting them with relevant experts.”

As a justice seeking district our Missional Property Enabler will also support churches to take significant steps towards Net Zero, and lead development of new income streams from property assets, to fund our work in communities facing economic marginalisation.
Find out more here

Pioneer Chaplain – Broomhill

We are seeking a pioneer chaplain to be present as a non-judgemental listening ear for people of all faiths and none throughout the centre.
The Pioneer Chaplain will facilitate inclusive occasions where community is gathered. From this they will establish contextual fresh expressions of church where new people can explore faith and grow as disciples.
More details here

Finance and IT Manager

Unlock – resourcing growth & discipleship for Urban Christians

Location – Station Road, Rotherham
Salary – £4,973 annually for part time post
Hours – 7 hours per week
Start date – 1st quarter of 2026
Responsibilities – To establish and maintain effective finance management systems with appropriate external support, to establish and maintain effective IT systems for a small office.
Details from: – Unlock, 15 Station Rd, Rotherham, S60 1HN / 01709 380 318 / office@unlock-urban.org.uk
Requests for application pack need to reach the
office by 2pm on Thursday 19th February
Closing date: – 22 February 2026

And finally ...

A prayer of thanks for song in our lives and hearts

What song shall I sing today?
What prayer shall I pray today?

Abide with me, O Love Divine.

Thank you, God, for music and song in our hearts and lives.

I pray to you every new morning,
anticipating what might lie ahead.

I pray to you in the afternoon,
thinking of family and friends.

I pray to you in the evening,
repeating “Thank you, God” for life in all its richness,
remembering all who cannot sing or pray
because of pain and sorrow in their lives.

What song shall I sing tomorrow?
What prayer shall I pray tomorrow?

Pamela Stenson, President, Methodist Women in Britain, Darlington District