District News – 12 March 2024

This Week's News

Festivals-a tool for rural mission

Tuesday 16 April – 1pm

Building confidence around being a Christian presence at rural festivals through hearing experiences and sharing stories.
A panel of speakers will share their experiences of attending rural festivals and offering their top tips.

• Carollyn McDonald is a retired priest whose ministry was in suburban and rural contexts in Derbyshire. She has experience in well dressing festivals as well as village and country festivals. Carollyn is now living in rural Northumberland supporting Churches Together, and everyday Spirituality.
• Andrew Webb is rural lead for the Yorkshire West Methodist District and lives and works on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales national Park. He is part of the Church on Show Committee which organises the churches presence at the Great Yorkshire Show.
• Alison Fletcher is part of the Derbyshire Rural Chaplaincy team and has a wealth of experience of being present at rural festivals.
• Bridget Down is a Learning & Development Officer based in the Plymouth and Exeter District.

There will also be opportunities to share experiences in smaller break-out groups.
Book your place here: https://240416-Festivals.eventbrite.co.uk
The session will be held on Zoom and the link emailed out to those who have registered nearer the start time.
Positively Rural is an online community hosted by the Methodist Learning Network, but open to anyone of any denomination involved in rural ministry, including volunteers, lay workers and clergy.

Methodist Women in Britain (MWiB)

Programme 2024

• April 19-21st Swanwick weekend; Key note speakers:Rev Jenny Pathmarajah and Beccy Bypass
• April 30th Quiet Day at Hathersage Methodist Church 10am for 10-30am.Leader Rev Lisa Quarmby, drinks provided, bring your own lunch.
• May 18th MWiB Garden Party 2pm at Epworth Rectory, Cost £5, afternoon tea. Booking through Mwib website.
• June 7th Quiz and buffet at Victoria Safford Rd 6.30pm for 7pm.Quiz Master Jenny Carpenter
• July 5th District Day at Woodseats Methodist Church 10.30 for 11am.Leader Rev Vanessa Hollingworth, drinks provided, bring your own Lunch
• October 5th 2024 at Bents Green Methodist church 2pm -4pm,Games afternoon, Drinks and cakes provided

Contact Pam Meek (President) or Carol Wignell (Secretary) for more details.

The Deakin and Withers Fund

This Fund, administered by South Yorkshire's Community Foundation, allows women nationwide to apply for a grant of up to £880 to ease financial difficulty and hardship. The money can be used to pay utility bills or for household items, but it cannot go towards anything that has already been paid for, or holidays.
Full details, including criteria on who can apply, can be found here: https://www.sycf.org.uk/apply/search-our-grants/the-deakin-and-withers-fund

Chairs seeking a new home

The Christian Centre Stocksbridge has about 60 chairs to dispose of ahead of its redevelopment to host the Food Bank and create a community hub around the church. Free to a good home. In good condition, but do not stack. Transport could be provided by renting a van for half a day at the recipient's cost.
Contact ianlucraft@btinternet.com if interested.

Events

Youth Day – Hesley Woods

Saturday 16 March

Last chance to book in for the Youth Event at Hesley Woods Scout Activity centre. Our theme this year is 'Hidden Treasures' – where do we find hidden treasures in our normal day?. The morning will be filled with worship and workshops. Then followed by a subway lunch. The afternoon we'll join in with the onsite activities including zip line archery, climbing tower, peddle karts and the cube. The cost is £10 per person (leaders also pay) which covers some of the costs for the day.
Bookings close on mid-day on Wednesday 13th March.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/youth-day-hesley-woods-tickets-806342741847
If you miss this deadline, you can still turn up on the day, but please let Vic Loveday know to expect you (cy@sheffieldmethodist.org) and bring your own lunch!

Life on the Breadline

The exhibition has reachedStaincross Methodist Church in the Barnsley Circuit. Details of when it is open can be found here: https://www.sheffieldmethodist.org/news/news-stories/life-on-breadline-exhibition.html
In addition, there will be a closing event on Friday 22 March at 6pm. This will be an opportunity to reflect on what has emerged from our local reflections on Life on the Breadline during Lent. Please do let us know if you will be able to join us by replying to Katrin Hackett, the District Administrator – admin@sheffieldmethodist.org.

Lent and Ramadan

Saturday 23 March 10:30 am

The Welcome Centre, Christ Church, Pitsmoor, Sheffield S3 9AQ
Dr Chris Hewer will speak on the subject ''Lent and Ramadan, offering us a chance to develop our understanding of fasting amongst our Muslim neighbours, who will be keeping the month of Ramadan from 10th March onwards.
Contact Rev Liz Wills on johnandlizwills@gmail.com for further details. No need to book.

Vacancies

Operations Manager

Terminus Initiative, Sheffield

An exciting opportunity has arisen for our expanding Christian Charity.
37.5 hours a week. Flexible working. Some weekend work(part time working will be considered).
£35,000--£40,000 pro rata depending on experience.
Initially 2 years fixed term contract.
You will play a key role in the leadership and smooth running of the The Terminus Initiative; Managing change, growth and performance as agreed with the Trustees who are motivated by their Christian ethos.
Application Deadline is 5pm on Monday 18th March 2024.
Interviews: Tuesday 16th April 2024
For further details and an application form please contact us by email
admin@terminusinitiative.org

And finally ...

From the Methodist Prayer Handbook

When darkness fills our horizons,
help us to remember what Jesus taught about the hidden treasures of God's love

• how a traveller to Jericho, left beaten unconscious by the roadside, was unexpectedly rescued by a marginalised stranger;
• how a son who had ruined his life was welcomed home through a parent's unconditional love;
• and how a sheep, lost on a lonely hillside, was brought to safety by the faithful care of the shepherd.

So may we, whatever our needs, find help and support – sometimes where we least expect – and when human resources fail, discover the riches of God's grace and the depth of his love, holding us safe forever.
Amen.
Rachel Larkinson, supernumerary presbyter, Kennet and Test Valley Circuit