District News – 10 November 2026

Stories from across the District

A legacy for Bamford’s future

Bamford Methodists, part of Peak Methodist Church, have recently received a valuable and unexpected legacy. In a deeply challenging financial climate, this generous gift gives the multisite church an opportunity to explore how it can continue serving rural communities in the coming years. Its members and staff are exploring how to sustain that mission, work in partnership with other local organisations and continue reducing the church’s carbon footprint.
Although Roger Bowker had moved away from Bamford, he retained close friends in the village and a strong interest in its community, especially the chapel and recreation ground. He had lived in Bamford, where the Methodist Church was very much part of his life. His family also had deep Methodist roots: his father served as a trustee of Bamford Methodist Church for many years, and his grandfather was a devoted worker for Sheffield Methodism, serving as a society steward and trustee of Calver Street Chapel. The family business, William Bowker & Sons, was one of Sheffield’s best-known firms of electro-platers and gilders and is now part of Stainless Plating Ltd.
More information on leaving a legacy to Methodism can be found at https://www.methodist.org.uk/about/support-the-church/give/leave-a-legacy/

We would love to give thanks in this mailing for other recent legacies. If your church or circuit has received one, please share your story and tell us what the gift will make possible

Dinnington Community Stars

Four members of the team at Dinnington Methodist Church in the Trinity Circuit have received Community Star Awards in recognition of more than 20 years of volunteering in their local community.
The small team at Dinnington Methodist Church work in partnership with others to make Dinnington a better place to live. They create spaces where everyone can feel safe, know they belong and have an opportunity to explore questions of faith and life in unhurried ways.

Read more here

“Walking the Edges” – Meet the author

David Juliano will be visiting from Florida to promote his book “Walking the Edges”, written about his experience on the Peak Wesley Way pilgrimage during his sabbatical last year.  Many of you may have met David during his pilgrimage and when he preached at Bakewell Methodist Church last June.  Please come along to Hathersage Methodist Church on Sunday 15th November to meet David after the morning service where you may purchase a signed copy of his book.

Homes for hymn books?

Highfield Trinity (Sheffield) has a collection of hymn books – 124 Hymns for Today’s Church; 37 Hymns and Psalms – which it has not used for a long time. 
If anyone has a use for any or all of them please contact Richard on 07951 931 195.

District News and Updates

Statistics for Mission

Each church council is asked to do an annual Statistics Return at this time of year. This is the total membership as on 1 November, and how they have changed from the previous year in gains or losses. It also asks for an estimated average attendance at a main worship service. 
The data is entered on a form via the Methodist Church Online Suite. This can also be used to update the contact details of office holders. 
The website can be found here: https://online.methodist.org.uk/

Other News

Programme launched to help churches drive change in their communities

A national programme to help churches drive social change and seek justice has been launched. The Just Church programme aims to uphold and enhance the work of churches, and help them explore the best next steps on their journey. It was launched by Church Action on Poverty last week, with a service at Luther King House theological college in Manchester.
Liam Purcell, chief executive of the charity, says: “Churches know the Biblical call to pursue justice, but making that an ongoing part of church life isn’t easy.
“During our Church on the Margins work a few years ago, we met churches doing incredible work, but also met churches who earnestly wanted to do more yet were stretched or unsure where to start. We’ve set up the Just Church programme as a direct response.
“Churches, working well, are powerful catalysts of change. This programme equips churches to celebrate what they’re doing, while exploring possible next steps. Every church, whether just starting out or already excelling, can keep looking onwards. Like so much of what we do at Church Action on Poverty, this is about helping churches to meet the fourth mark of mission: to transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and pursue peace and reconciliation.”
Speakers at the service included Revd Kate Gray, a URC minister in Wythenshawe, and one of the first church leaders to sign up. She said: "It was really great to hear about Just Church and the process of how it came about, because it is about relationships. It doesn’t feel like an additional burden or like work, but it has given us a frame and a structure.”

Find out more at just-church.org.uk

Are you looking for an impactful gift this Christmas?

With every Extraordinary Gift, you will receive a card to pass on to your loved one, showing them the difference their gift could make.
All the proceeds from Extraordinary Gifts go to wherever the need is greatest across our work.
You have until Wednesday 16th December to secure your Extraordinary Gifts in time for Christmas!

You can order your Extraordinary Gifts in one of three ways:

• On the All We Can website: https://www.allwecan.org.uk/extraordinary-gifts

• Via the Extraordinary Gifts Catalogue

• By calling the All We Can Supporter Care Team: 020 3758 7700

Let's make this Christmas Extraordinary! 

EXTRAORDINARY GIFTS VIDEO LINK:

https://youtu.be/RoMIkYYPHWo

EXTRAORDINARY GIFTS CHURCH RESOURCES:

Use the worship resources and fundraising ideas downloadable below and order resources to inspire generosity among your congregation this Christmas.

https://www.allwecan.org.uk/extraordinary-christmas

Regional Officer for Safeguarding Update:

Safeguarding Sunday 2026: Every Voice. Every Choice.  

Safeguarding Sunday, taking place on the 15th November 2026, focuses on the importance of ensuring that people are listened to, involved in decisions that affect them and empowered to shape the support they receive.

This theme resonates strongly with the Methodist Church's understanding of safeguarding. At its heart, safeguarding is not something we do to people; it is something we do with people. It is about recognising the dignity, worth and God-given value of every individual and ensuring that their voice is heard.

One of the key principles of safeguarding adults is Making Safeguarding Personal. This approach places the individual at the centre of decision-making and focuses on what matters most to them. Rather than assuming what someone needs, it encourages us to listen carefully, understand their wishes and work alongside them to achieve the outcomes that will help them feel safe and supported.

This reflects the example of Jesus throughout the Gospels. Time and again, Jesus took the time to listen to people and ask what they wanted. He recognised their dignity and involved them in their own journey towards healing and restoration. His ministry was characterised by compassion, respect and empowerment rather than control.

The theme of co-production also challenges us to think about how we work together. Effective safeguarding is built on partnership. Whether supporting an older person, a family experiencing difficulties, or an adult at risk, the best outcomes are often achieved when individuals, churches, professionals and communities collaborate in ways that respect the person's choices and experiences.

Safeguarding is also about prevention. Creating healthy church cultures, promoting respectful relationships, encouraging people to speak up about concerns and ensuring that everyone feels valued can help prevent harm before it occurs. When people know that their voice matters, they are more likely to seek support and less likely to feel isolated or ignored.

As we mark Safeguarding Sunday 2026, let us reflect on how our churches embody the message of Every Voice. Every Choice. Are we truly listening to those around us? Are we creating spaces where people can share their experiences without fear? Are we working alongside people rather than making assumptions on their behalf?

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute" (Proverbs 31:8). May this Safeguarding Sunday inspire us to build communities where every voice is heard, every person is valued and every individual has the opportunity to make choices that support their wellbeing and safety.

If you have any safeguarding concerns, questions, or require advice, I would be pleased to hear from you. You can contact me on 07483 362735 or by email at hilla@methodistchurch.org.uk

Many thanks,
Alison Hill

Eco Tips for November

Green your home.

Combat climate change and reduce heating costs by identifying and sealing drafts around your home. Find the gaps that let the
cold air in and warm air out (think keyholes, letterboxes, cracks around the edges or bottoms of windows and doors, loft hatches, floorboards, etc.) and fix these gaps using the correct materials and online tutorials.
Additionally, place foil or radiator panels to reflect heat into your room.
Pray for those who might be experiencing the cold this winter.

Vacancies

Property Support Officer

Sheffield Circuit

The Sheffield Methodist Circuit seeks to appoint a well-organised and diligent Property Support Officer via a part-time permanent contract, to support the Circuit in meeting its legal responsibilities and following its own policies and procedures, for the buildings it owns.

We are recruiting for a part-time organised and diligent Property Support Officer to support the Circuit in meeting its legal responsibilities for the buildings it owns.

Based at the Sheffield Methodist Circuit Office in Sheffield (S3 9QQ) the successful applicant will need to be able to travel, without restriction, to properties located across the geography of the Circuit

• £18.11 per hour

• 22 hours per week

• Part time, Permanent

Closes to applications at Midday on Wednesday 25/11/26.

For information and an application pack contact admin@sheffieldcircuit.org.uk

Click here for further details.

Youth and Families Worker

Bents Green Methodist Church

An exciting opportunity for developing family and children’s activities at Bents Green Church from 2027

Bents Green Methodist Church is seeking to employ a Part-Time (up to 20 hours per week) Youth and Families Worker with a vision for creating new opportunities and improving existing activities for children, young people and families. The successful candidate will have initiative, imagination, and skills in one or more of art, music, dance, sport, gaming, crafts, schools work, holiday clubs, or other areas.

You will lead our after-school club for Primary children on Wednesday afternoons, and our Youth Club for Secondary young people on Friday evenings. This will involve 8 hours per week. In addition to this, and if you wish, you can also help with our new initiatives and/or our other existing activities. We have recently introduced a modern, informal and relevant worship and exploration meeting during the weekend for people of all ages who find Sunday mornings and traditional services difficult. We have also set up a group for young people and families interested in SEND. Our other existing activities are Girls Brigade on Thursday evenings, a teenagers group on Sunday mornings, 2 toddler groups, Messy Church and an annual pantomime. This will add up to 12 further hours per week.

Further information about the church and about the application can be obtained from Glenn Evans (dglennevans@hotmail.co.uk) or John Wilkins (johnwilkins73@gmail.com).

Nurture and Pastoral Care Worker

Barnsley Circuit

The Barnsley Methodist Circuit seek to appoint a Nurture and Pastoral Care Worker to provide effective and ongoing pastoral care to members and adherents of the five chapels that make up the Barnsley North East (NE) Church.
With a remit to nurture and encourage discipleship in these chapels the successful applicant will build relationships with members and visitors alike.

Full details here

Upcoming Events

Office workers' gathering

Wednesday 18 November 9am

The next Gathering for all those involved in church administration will be held at Cemetery Road Baptist Church, Napier Street, S11 8HA
This is a great time to meet up with others in similar roles, to share experiences and good practice and to offer support and encouragement.
The link to book is :   https://ucan.churchsuite.com/events/7h4tgtgn

Evangelism for Leaders online training 

Starting on 6 January 2027

Over 1,000 people who were not members of any churches attended eclipse parties organised by churches in our district this summer. By no means the only form of evangelism, but a reminder that there are many people seeking belonging and belief. But often we feel unsure how our congregations might go about telling the Good News.

Evangelism for Leaders is a free course for ALL leaders in the Methodist Church – including ministers, lay employees, stewards and others.

This course is for leaders who really want to reach new people but also understand that evangelism is a word with baggage. It's for leaders who want to discover their inner evangelists – and it's for those who'd rather they remained undiscovered! It's for leaders who are thinking: 'evangelism was never part of my training for ministry' or 'if I mention evangelism in my place, everyone will run a mile and never come back'. It's for leaders who are wondering how to help others grow in confidence in their faith. It's for leaders who know they have a responsibility when it comes to evangelism, but are busy people trying to keep the show on the road. It's for leaders who are questioning whether evangelism is possible in a holistic, inclusive, relational and authentic way.

Further details at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/evangelism-for-leaders-winter-202627-tickets-2002993770286 (this course is afternoon based. There will be an evening version later in 2027)

A PILGRIMAGE THROUGH PRAYER

5 week course via Zoom

How do you pray?  What is prayer?
How does prayer fit into your spiritual journey?

Come and wonder together:

Friday mornings, 10am-12 noon, January 8th,15th, 22nd, 29th, February 5th  2027
or   
Monday evenings, 7pm-9pm, January 11th, 18th, 25th, February 1st, 8th 2027  

The course will be led by Judith Jessop – Chair of Reflect.

If you would like to book a place and/or find out more information, please email Judith:  chair@reflectretreats.co.uk

There is no charge for this event.
You are invited to make a donation to the work of Reflect via bank transfer.
(Reflect Bank Details: Lloyds Bank, Sort Code 30 96 18, Account no. 02833113 please quote ‘Prayer Course’ as a reference for your payment – Thank you!)

Autumn, Advent and Christmas Events across the District

If your church is holding an event, use our form to send in details and an image of the poster.

And finally ...

A prayer that our life be an unquenchable light

Lord God Almighty,
You are the one who sees me in both my sorrow and my joy.
You know the quiet ache and the unspoken hurt
that tries to dim the light within me.
Where sorrow has weighed me down, lift me.
Where disappointment has dulled my vision, restore me.
Let your light break forth in my life like morning after a long night.
Lord, shine on every place where I feel tired, uncertain or discouraged.
Let your joy return to me – steady, gentle and renewing.
Because your glory has come,
I choose to rise.
I choose to shine – not by my own power,
but by your Spirit working in me.
Thank you for turning my mourning into dancing,
my tears into testimony,
and my sorrow into a radiant joy.
Let my life be a light that cannot be hidden. Amen.

Leonora Wassell, Methodist Women in Britain