District News – 12 November 2024

This Week's News

Remembrance Day 2024

A Prayer of Remembrance ...

Gracious God,
At this time of remembrance, when the future seems so volatile,
when war is all too great a reality in our world
and when it feels as through words of peace fall on stony ground ... we remember

We remember that you know the name of each one whose life has ended through warfare,
in present times, in living memory or in the distant past, no one is lost in your love.

Show us the value of pausing and remembering ...
we can never really stand in the shoes of someone else
or see the world through their eyes
but please touch our hearts through the power of storytelling
so that can come as close as we can to the lived experience of others.

Help us to be silent so that we truly listen.

Show us how to pray for our broken, hurting world ...
and for all who work for resolution and reconciliation and a new order.

Open our hearts in love and compassion,
open our eyes to glimpses of hope in the acts of everyday kindness
that are witnessed even in situations of deep despair.

Show us how to put that love into action
that we may be living symbols of your presence in the world today.
Amen.
Revd Julie Coates

You can hear the prayer read by Revd. Julie Coates here: https://youtu.be/JaOJPoAW2_o

Wellbeing Walks: strengthening mind, body and community

A lovely article on the Methodist Church website about the walks organised by Peter White, the community Link Worker in Barnsley Circuit.
By bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds, the well-being walks foster a sense of camaraderie and support. By promoting these walks, the organisers are not only improving physical health but also addressing the underlying social and mental health challenges faced by the community.
You can read the full article here: Methodist.org.uk

Podcast – Faith, Hope and The Journey

3generate and The Youth President

We are back with series 2 of Faith, Hope and The Journey, the podcast from Sheffield Methodist District. We have some great guests lined up for a chat and we are starting our new series with Youth President Bea Hulme. We talk about 3generate, what it's like to be the Youth President and making "spirit led" decisions. We'd love to know what you think – email comms@sheffieldmethodist.org
You can listen to it on the district website
https://www.sheffieldmethodist.org/podcast.html

Stocksbridge Christian Centre Rededication event

Sunday 8 December from 3pm

Stocksbridge Christian Centre would like to invite you to their celebration of the work that has been done to turn the church into a flexible seven-day a week worship and community use space.
Full details can be found here: Stocksbridge Invite
Please email Angela Webster, Angela.Webster13@hotmail.com if you are coming, so that we know how many are planning to come.

Does anyone have contact with former members of Parkwood Springs Methodist Church?

In the brick wall outside the Stocksbridge Christian Centre is a foundation stone recording the fact that the church part of the building was built with the proceeds of the sale of Parkwood Springs Methodist Church. Parkwood Spring was the closely knit community on the hillside where the Ski Slope was later built, facing out over Kelham Island and the city. You could only get to it through a narrow railway tunnel, which is still there.
We would like to invite as special guests anyone who was once a member at Parkwood. I know I met someone in recent years, but cannot remember where! So if you know of anyone, would you please show them this article from the Newsletter, and ask them to contact me for an invitation if they are able to come.
Thank you
Ian Lucraft 07428 744 014 ianlucraft@btinternet.com

Action for Children

Secret Santa Christmas appeal

Christmas is just around the corner and our Secret Santa appeal is back for 2024! Each year, we ask people to become a Secret Santa for a vulnerable child.
The magic of Christmas begins in childhood. It's a time for children to feel loved and make memories that last a lifetime. But for vulnerable children across the UK, Christmas is anything but magical.
4.3 million UK children now live in poverty. That's almost 1 in 3 children. It's the worst number ever recorded, with 100,000 more children in poverty last year than the year before.
Vulnerable children across the UK need Secret Santas to help them feel the magic of Christmas. Please share our Christmas appeal with your district. Become a Secret Santa here.

Defibrillator funding

The Department of Health and Social Care is currently running a £1 million match funded Community Automated External Defibrillators (AED) Fund, aimed at increasing the number of AEDs in public places where they are most needed and to help save lives.
Churches applying would need to locate the secure defibrillator on an external wall in an area that is accessible to members of the public 24 hours per day, connect to their electricity supply, and contribute £750 match funding.
There are about 400 units left, and it is expected that the scheme will close to applications by the end of November or mid December 2024, though it could be sooner. Further details and applications at https://www.defibgrant.co.uk/

District Safeguarding Update:

Financial help for older people.

Independent Age is the national charity focused on improving the lives of the 2 million people facing financial hardship in later life.
They have a free Helpline on 0800 319 6789. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm. Specialist advisers can help people past State Pension Age with a range of things, from Welfare Benefit eligibility checks (and support filling out the form if needed), to advice on housing and social care.
Independent age produce helpful free guides on a range of relevant topics which can be ordered here or via the helpline. Organisations are welcome to order in bulk and display in community hubs/churches etc. Digital versions of the guides can be downloaded here.
In addition, Independent Age share the stories of those affected by financial hardship in later life and campaign for the UK and Scottish Government to make changes. Recent campaign topics have included Winter Fuel Payment, water bills, and the need for a Commissioner for Older People and Ageing. To find out about their latest campaigns and take part you can sign up here.

As ever, if you have any questions or concerns, please give me a call on 07483 362 735 or email me at safeguarding@sheffieldmethodist.org
Many thanks
Alison Hill -District Safeguarding Officer.

Events

Cliff College Advent Retreat

Saturday 23 November 10:00 am

Join us for a retreat to reflect on the season of Advent. This guided day retreat will start at 10am (arrivals from 9:45am) and finish with an evening meal at 5:30pm. The day will include a mixture of guided sessions and space for individuals to pray, reflect and spend time listening to God. The cost for the retreat is £50, which covers lunchtime and evening meals, refreshments throughout the day and all retreat materials. Book your place at https://www.cliffcollege.ac.uk/shop/courses/advent-retreat-2024.

MWiB Advent Quiet Day

Monday 25 November

Gleadless Methodist Church, Gleadless Townend, Sheffield
10am for 10.30am in the Church Hall. Led by Deacon Annabel Terry
Advent wreath making in the morning followed by Quiet Reflections after lunch Drinks provided bring your own lunch.

Ebor Lecture – Chine McDonald

Wednesday 4 December at 5pm

God Is Not a White Man: Race, faith and belief in a post-riot world
The riots that swept the UK in the summer of 2024 brought to the forefront of public consciousness the rise of the Far Right, anti-immigrant sentiment, and Christian nationalism. In this lecture, Chine McDonald will reflect on what happens when we face hard and painful truths about race, identity and the theological understanding that every human is made in the image of God. It will confront the reality of the intertwining of Christianity with white superiority, and chart a way forward for a future of faith and belief that represents the vibrant diversity of the UK.
Book online or in-person tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ebor-lecture-with-chine-mcdonald-tickets-1024737827427
Chine McDonald is Director of Theos, religion and society think tank. Previously Head of Public Engagement at Christian Aid, with two decades of experience in journalism, Chine is author of God is not a White Man: & other revelations (2021) and the forthcoming Unmaking Mary: Shattering the Myth of Perfect Motherhood (2025). She studied Theology & Religious Studies at Cambridge University, and is a Canon Theologian at Chester Cathedral.

Advent Jazz Vespers

Wednesday 4 December 6:45 pm

A reflective service to pause at the start of the busy Advent Season using jazz accompaniments to 5 traditional carols, Advent themed artwork and poetry.
Holy Trinity LEP, Sough Hall Avenue. Thorpe Hesley. S61 2QJ
Please inform us if you intend to attend for catering purposes.

Worship On The Streets "Christmas Busk"

Saturday 7 December 12:00 pm

Following on from the first National Day of Street Worship in the summer, Worship on the Streets is running another day of Street Worship on Saturday 7th December at 12 pm, this time with a Christmas theme!
Aaron, who leads Worship on the Streets writes:
'We are inviting people to go out into their villages, towns or city centres to lead a time of outdoor musical worship – this time starting with "O Come All Ye Faithful." followed by a time of sung musical worship for as long as people feel comfortable, either carrying on with the Christmas carols theme or using other worship songs. We are also hoping that the event could play a part in helping churches engage with their communities in the run-up to Christmas.'
They are asking anyone who wants to take part to fill out a registration form so that we have a rough idea of the spread of those taking part and to inform our prayers. The link to the form is HERE
And you can watch the YouTube video of the summer Worship on the Streets Day here: https://youtu.be/YKzCyxaxiAc
For more information, please email Aaron at info@worshiponthestreets.co.uk

No one is a Stranger here

The Methodist Recorder recently published an article by Revd Jonathan Haigh about Victoria Hall, its history and the work that takes place there now.
Jonathan would like to invite all to a service to celebrate the awarding of Church of Sanctuary status for Victoria Hall Methodist Church on Sunday 9th February 2025 at 6pmn followed by food provided by the City of Sanctuary. The President of the Methodist Conference will take part in the service, along with Rev Inderjit Bhogal.
It would help with the planning if you can RSVP to Jonathan, revjhaigh@gmail.com, stating your name and office and how many people will be attending with you.
The deadline is Friday 10th January 2025.

Lay Employee Retreat

2-4 June 2025 at Wydale Hall.

Our theme this year is 'This is me!'
American Quaker, Parker J. Palmer in his book 'Let Your Life Speak', asks the question, 'Is the life you are living, the life you are meant to live?' We want to do explore this by; reflecting on our gifts and skills discerning how we best listen to and hear from God examining what we mean by vocation and calling
This is an opportunity to consider and celebrate the work we do in intentional ways and ultimately learn to treasure our relationship with God.
The retreat will be a glorious mix of spiritual and social, creative and active, playful and provocative. With time together and space to reflect alone or with others.
Places are limited, so book early: https://240602LayRetreat.eventbrite.co.uk

Vacancies

Young People's Worker

Barnsley Circuit

The Barnsley Circuit seek to appoint Young People's Worker working with children aged 5-18 on a 2-year fixed-term contract working 25 hours per week across the chapels and communities that make up the Barnsley North West Church.
Supporting the Minister the successful applicant will play an important role in encouraging and nurturing our young people into a deeper commitment of faith.
We encourage enquiries and welcome informal conversations about this exciting role. In the first instance direct these to Rev Lyn Gregg by clicking here
For an application form please contact our Circuit Administrator
Closing date: 6th December 2024
Interview date: 16th December 2024

Children & Families Worker

Barnsley Methodist Circuit

The Barnsley Methodist Circuit seek to appoint Children & Families Worker on a 2-year fixed-term contract working 20 hours per week across the chapels and communities that make up the Barnsley North East Church. Supporting the Minister the successful applicant will play an important role in encouraging and nurturing our young people and their families into a deeper commitment of faith.
We encourage enquiries and welcome informal conversations about this exciting role. In the first instance direct these to Rev Claire Rawlinson by clicking here.
For an application form please contact our Circuit Administrator.
Closing date: 29th November 2024 (Midday)
Interview date: 10th December 2024 (Week commencing)

Trust Secretary – URC Yorkshire Synod

Part time – 21 hours pw
Salary circa £24.000, Permanent
Based at the offices of the Yorkshire Synod of the United Reformed Church in Morley, Leeds. Responsibilities include-Carrying out the responsibilities attached to the post of Company Secretary

• Acting as Secretary to the Annual General Meetings of the Trust Companies
• Preparing Trust papers and agendas
• Being the principal point of contact with the Synod's solicitors
• Working with the Property Officer to take the lead in transactions relating to land and property

We are looking for someone who is:

• An excellent administrator
• Educated to degree level or equivalent
• Able to prioritize work in the face of conflicting demands
• Familiar with church structures
• Able to represent the Synod and the United Reformed Church

Application pack available from the Synod Office – office@urcyorkshire.org.uk
Closing date for applications: Noon, 15th November 2024.
Interviews: week of 2nd December 2024 at the Synod Office

And finally...

Inter Faith Week takes place 10-17 November 2024.

The Revd Steven Cooper, Connexional Ecumenical Officer, shares this prayer.

God of mercy and love,
source of all life and peace,
by the gracious sacrifice and glorious resurrection of your Son,
you have broken every barrier down.

As we mark this Inter Faith Week,
in this world of conflict and disunity,
help us to follow his example:
to be good neighbours,
to be friends to all,
to stand with those who are marginalised and persecuted, of every faith;
to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world.

Enable us to learn of others' faith,
and to share our own with grace.

Fill us with your love,
and show us how to serve the neighbours we have from you.

This we ask, in the name of Christ,
and in the power of your Spirit.
Amen.