District News – 12 May 2026

Stories from across the District

Pushing back on Christian nationalism

Better Story is a grass roots organisation all about lovingly pushing back on Christian nationalism. They/we are holding an event at 3pm-5pm on 17th May, 2026 at The Central Quaker Meeting House in Sheffield
Better Story founders will invite conversation and listening on questions like "Why are politicians talking about Christian values?", Why are crosses being presented outside Asylum hotels?", "What are Christians and churches doing in response?".
This will have community feel and we will have food ( like pizza) together -as late lunch/early tea.
Please book to reserve your place: Sheffield: Community Conversations on Christianity & the far right | Better Story
For further information ask Ian McHugh on 07791 775 995

The Arthur Rank Rural Roadshow:

9 June 2026 / 10am – 2pm

Bakewell Methodist Church, DE45 1EL
As part of The Arthur Rank Centre’s ongoing mission to support, train, resource, and nurture connections with all Christian leaders we are hosting our first “Rural Mission and Ministry Roadshow” in Bakewell on 9th June 2026 (10am-2pm).
As a valued member of the rural Christian community we invite you (and any of your team) to join us for an uplifting day celebrating all that is rural, as we reflect on these current times when rural life is changing fast and the church is being called to respond with imagination, hope and confidence.
We will open our time together with joint worship, followed by relevant and insightful presentations.
There will be a break for light lunchtime refreshments and time for encouraging each other in Mission and Ministry.
Each participant will receive a pack of useful resources including the practical guide ‘How Village Churches Thrive’.
Please do let us know if we can secure space for you and any of your team.
Although there is no charge to attend, we need to secure delegate numbers for catering purposes. Please email Trisha Pickvance (Trisha.Pickvance@arthurrankcentre.org.uk) if you would like to attend.

Request from Derbyshire North East Circuit

Does anyone in the Circuit/District have any spare copies of Singing the Faith? If so, please contact the DNE Circuit Office (circuitoffice@dnemethodists.org.uk_
If possible we would like 10 standard print and 5 large print copies. Thank you

District News and updates

The Art of Welcome

Across the district, a creative new initiative is taking shape — one that’s all about opening doors, sparking creativity and celebrating the warmth of community.
The Art of Welcome invites people of every age and background to explore what welcome, belonging and inclusion look like through art. Whether it’s a painting, a photograph, a textile piece, a digital design or a drama performance, each contribution answers a simple but powerful question: What does welcome mean to you?
At its core, the project is about showing hospitality in a visual and heartfelt way. Churches often describe themselves as open, friendly spaces, but this project helps bring that message to life.
District grants of £500 are available to help support this work.
Find out more

More goodbyes

We are delighted that Revd Romeo Pedro has been appointed (subject to the Methodist Conference) to the role of District Chair for the Yorkshire North and East District, but sorry to lose him from our District.
The Welcome Service will be on 28 August, more details will follow, as I am sure many of us will want to go to support him and wish him all the very best for the future.

Safeguarding Updates

Creating a safeguarding foundation to have courageous conversations, Part four.

This is the final article in a four week series designed to refresh our learning on how to respond safely and appropriately when someone makes a disclosure of abuse. The aim throughout has been to strengthen our safeguarding foundations as we continue to welcome and engage with others.
In week one, we revisited the Samaritans’ SHUSH listening tips. In week two, we reflected on the importance of making a clear and accurate record when a safeguarding concern arises. Week three focused on how to act on those concerns by referring them safely to the right person. This final week highlights where you can find further guidance and support when faced with a disclosure or a difficult situation.
There are three key documents or sources of information that you may find especially helpful. The first two should be displayed within your church, and the third is available online.
1. Responding Well Flowchart
This should be displayed on your church safeguarding noticeboard. If someone comes to you with a safeguarding concern and you are unsure what to do next, the first step is to assess the level of intervention required. My predecessor, Howard Smedley, produced a clear and practical A4 Responding Well Flowchart, which guides you through assessing the level of concern and identifying the appropriate action to take.
2. Key Contacts Poster
Also displayed on the safeguarding noticeboard, this poster contains important contact details you may need, including emergency services (such as police and social care), helplines, and key contacts within the Methodist Church.
3. Signposting Information
This can be found on the Methodist Church in Britain website:
methodist.org.uk → Home → Safeguarding → Safeguarding Contacts → Other sources of help
Here you can access details of specialist support organisations covering a wide range of issues, including mental health, bereavement, homelessness, depression, self-harm and suicide, and support for children, young people and older adults.
Dealing with a disclosure of abuse can feel overwhelming, particularly if it is not something you encounter often. I hope the information shared over the past few weeks has helped to show that clear guidance and procedures are in place to support you at every stage. Remember, your church, circuit and regional safeguarding officers are available to walk alongside you. You are not alone.

As ever, if you have any questions or concerns, please give me a call on 07483 362 735 or email me at hilla@methodistchurch.org.uk
Many thanks
Alison Hill

Other News from the Methodist Church

Have your say on digital in our Church

Whoever you are, whatever your role: minister, steward, regular worshipper, volunteer helping out, family member of someone in the church – we'd genuinely like to hear from you. You don't need a digital background, or any particular knowledge, or to be part of any group.
We're asking everyone across the Methodist Church to contribute to this programme of work. We're posting on social media, putting links in emails, asking circuits to place inserts into bullitens and sending out postcards to churches.
We're trying as hard as possible to listen to as many people as possible.
Tell us about digital and the Methodist Church
What's working, what's frustrating, what worries you, what you hope for.
Share your view

Drown out Division with A Million Acts of Hope

At a time when the voices of those who spread hate and seek to divide communities can feel loud, the Methodist Church has joined an initiative to celebrate the acts of kindness, care and connection that happen every day.
From 13–20 May, A Million Acts of Hope will bring together these everyday acts and shine a light on the people and communities making them happen.
Congregations, community groups and projects are invited to focus on hope, sharing photos or videos capturing some of the many acts they are involved with during the week.
Find out more

Methodist Day of Outreach – Resources Available!

Extensive planning guidance is now available on the Methodist Church website. Plenty of churches have already begun some planning for the eclipse, but with three months to go there is still time to start if you haven't already! The guidance is not a prescriptive checklist, but offers suggestions and ideas for each stage of the process to supplement your own creativity. Further resources will also become available over the course of the next month.
Eclipse 2026

Upcoming Events

Metal Methodist Service

Saturday 16 May 3:00 pm

There will be a Metal Methodist service taking place on Saturday 16 May 2026 at St Paul's Methodist Church in Dronfield. The service starts at 3pm and you can expect an inclusive welcome and worship with an alternative vibe.
Please contact Kate the Metal Methodist Development Worker on katemetalmethodist@outlook.com for more information.

Ebor Lecture: When Every Hope Has Gone: Grief, Rage and Refuge in a Merciless Age

Professor Alison Phipps, UNESCO Chair in Refugee Integration through Education, Languages and the Arts at the University of Glasgow

7.00-9.00pm, Wednesday 20 May, York Minster

Our next Ebor Lecture is now open for booking! Please join us in the Minster and share the invitation to this free event with your own networks.

• In the lecture Professor Alison Phipps will explore the theological and practical failures exposed by recent genocidal assaults in Gaza, Sudan and Tigray. Drawing on decades of work with refugees worldwide, and especially from her home in Scotland, she will consider the resistant work of offering refuge in apocalyptic conditions and what heartbreak might teach us of our betrayal of refugees. In the face of immense grief, she will offer poetic and prayerful resources for courage, faith and cheerfulness from her tradition within The Iona Community
• 7.00 – 8.00pm Talk by Alison Phipps with Q&A, 8.00 – 9.00pm drinks reception for in-person attendees
• Hybrid event – in person at the Minster and live online
• Free to attend
• All welcome!

Find out more and book your places at this link

Lay Employees Retreat

3-6 June 2026

The lay employees retreat is like no other. It offers time and space away from work and busy diaries to relax, meet new people and catch-up with old friends. The programme is designed with plenty of choice. There are led sessions and reflections, creative opportunities and freedom to explore the wonderful gardens at Wydale and beyond. A rhythm of prayer and worship is offered, with ample time in the evenings for socialising, either in the bar or through organised activities.
Full details of this year's retreat, including how to book, can be found here: https://260603layretreat.eventbrite.co.uk
There are still a couple of rooms available, as well as the option to come for the day, but places are going fast!
There is an agreement that the Districts will support those wishing to attend by giving an automatic 50% subsidy, for those who have not already attended another subsidised Retreat this year.

New Church Gathering

Saturday 13 June

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.
Our hosts will be Manor Church & Community Project, a Christian charity rooted in Sheffield's Manor Estate. Our morning will be led by Mark North, our Faith Rooted Community Organising Lead, and will focus on the interaction between community organising and pioneering.
Reserve your space and free lunch here – https://buytickets.at/sheffieldmethodistdistrict/2140476

And finally...

We Respond to Fear with Understanding

God of all people,
in anxious times, steady our hearts.
Where fear divides, teach us to listen.
Where anger hardens, teach us compassion.
Where we are tempted to retreat into suspicion or blame,
give us courage to remain open, curious, and kind.

Help us to see one another not as strangers to fear,
but as human beings carrying stories, wounds, hopes, and dignity.

May our churches be places of welcome and belonging,
our conversations marked by grace,
and our lives shaped by the generous love of Christ.

Give us wisdom when issues are complex,
gentleness when emotions run high,
and courage to stand for the humanity of all people.

And in all things,
may we become people who build understanding,
create peace, and bear hope into the world.
Amen.
Revd Vicky Atkins, District Chair