District News – 13 October 2026

Stories from across the District

One World Week in Chesterfield

17-24 October

Since 1978, each year, thousands of people have taken part in One World Week events across the country.
The events have been organised by volunteers with the common purpose:
To share understanding about some of the global issues that affect us all and to recognise we can all make a difference.

Chesterfield's One World Week begins at Saltergate with a local Songs of Praise and "Open Door Worship" on Sunday. Then there will be an Open Forum at the Friends Meeting House for 79 people and a public gathering on the Saturday 24th.

BBC Radio 4 Gardeners Question Time – Emmanuel Church, Barnsley

Calling gardeners; allotment keepers and green-fingered folk to pose their gardening questions to a panel of experts and watch the BBC Radio 4 recording.

Wednesday 11th November arrival time 5pm and recordings will be 6-8pm. Tickets are priced at £4.50 (£5.09 with booking fee) and must be booked online in advance. Tickets include refreshments.

https://southyorkshireclimatealliance.org.uk/event/gardeners-question-time-recording-in-barnsley/

Joyful News – Cliff College Podcast – Pilgrimage

The new episode of Joyful News, the podcast from Cliff College is available to listen to and watch. The theme in this episode is Pilgrimage. Tom Donoghue, Peak Circuit Steward and Local Preacher in training was a guest talking about the Peak Wesley Way . The episode also talks about the tradition of The Cliff Trek. Grab a cuppa and have a listen.

https://www.cliffcollege.ac.uk/jnb

HARC – Volunteers needed

HARC couldn’t run without our amazing volunteers.
We’re now looking for more wonderful volunteers to join us for our 2026 project (and some set-up helpers on December 24)
You can sign up as a Kitchen Volunteer or General Volunteer by clicking on the link which take you the application forms. If you are up for either volunteer role, please fill out both! Shifts will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
More information about shifts and training is available on the application forms

You can read the full newsletter here

Have something to share?

One of the best parts of District life is hearing what God is doing in our churches. If your church has a good news story, an upcoming event or a resource that could benefit others, we'd love to hear from you!
The deadline for sending your stories and events in to us is 12pm every Tuesday.. If possible, please use our online form : Submit an event

Regional Officer for Safeguarding Update: 

Safeguarding as a Ministry of Justice and Care

October's Domestic Abuse Awareness Month provides a timely reminder that safeguarding is not simply about policies, procedures and legal responsibilities. While these are important, safeguarding is also a ministry of justice and care rooted in the Christian faith. It reflects God's concern for the vulnerable, His call to protect those at risk of harm, and His desire for all people to flourish in safe and loving communities.

Throughout Scripture, we see God's commitment to justice. The prophets repeatedly challenge God's people to defend the oppressed, care for the vulnerable, and act with integrity. Jesus Himself demonstrated a particular concern for those who were marginalised, overlooked, or at risk. As the Church seeks to follow Christ, safeguarding becomes more than a compliance requirement; it becomes an expression of discipleship.

A culture of safeguarding is built on valuing every person as being created in the image of God. It involves listening carefully to concerns, taking disclosures seriously, and ensuring that children, young people and adults at risk are protected from abuse and neglect. It also means recognising that safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, not only that of ministers, safeguarding officers or church leaders.

Justice and care must go hand in hand. Justice requires us to respond appropriately when harm occurs, to support those who have been affected, and to challenge behaviours that place others at risk. Care calls us to walk alongside people with compassion, offering support, understanding and practical help in times of difficulty.

When churches embrace safeguarding as a ministry of justice and care, they create environments where people can grow in faith with confidence and trust. Safe churches are places where dignity is respected, voices are heard, and all are welcomed. By prioritising safeguarding, we reflect God's love in action and demonstrate our commitment to building communities that are both safe and grace-filled.

Safeguarding is not simply about preventing harm. It is about living out the Gospel through justice, compassion, and a deep commitment to the wellbeing of every person entrusted to our care.

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

Net Zero News

More October Tips

As the nights become cooler:

1. Open your curtains to let in sunshine during the day and close them at dusk to retain warmth.

2. Use a blanket or an extra woolly before turning up the thermostat.

3. Use lots of cheap and plentiful root vegetables to make warm and nourishing soup – including the flesh from pumpkin carving!

In the garden:

1. Don’t be too tidy with clearing up leaves; allow them to rot on garden beds to enrich the soil.

2. Leaves which are removed can be put into a separate bin to make leaf mould ready to dig into the ground next spring.

3. Let seed heads stay in place to offer food for the birds.

Thanks to Jan, from Emmanuel, Barnsley for these tips!

Upcoming Events

Sheffield District MWiB

Annual Service of Dedication

Friday 16th October 2026 at 11.00am
Victoria Stafford Road Methodist Church S2 2SE
Preacher: Rev Liz Wills
Please bring your own lunch – tea/coffee will be provided
Following lunch Roger Thirlwell will give a presentation on Anna Chaplaincy
ALL WELCOME!

Understanding Islam: The First Steps

Wednesday 21 October 9:30 am

Hollinsend Methodist Church, Sheffield S12 2EF

A day looking at Understanding Islam led by Doctor Chris Hewer – a captivating and inspiring speaker, from a background in Christian theology and Islamic studies and Christian Muslim relations. Please bring a packed lunch, drinks will be provided through the day, and let Heather Rotherham know if you are intending attending -  heather.rotherham@gmail.com

Anna Chaplaincy: ageing well and how the church can help

A FREE day event to equip and inspire older peoples’ ministry

Wednesday 4 November 2026

9.30am – 3.30pm
Beverley Minster Parish Hall, Minster Yard North, HU17 0DP (NB: limited parking available)
Drinks provided – please bring a packed lunch
To book a free place, use this link
Roger Thirlwell is an Anna Chaplain in Doncaster:  I have been part of the planning discussions, and we hope all who come will find the presentations of interest. (Copies of the Draft Agenda are available today, if interested.) Please contact me if you would like to go so that we may be able to arrange transport. 
rogerthirlwell@btinternet.com

For any other information, contact: annachaplaincy@brf.org.uk

Office workers' gathering

Wednesday 18 November

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.
UCAN members will have received a link to book, but it is open to all, just let Katrin (katrin@sheffieldmethodist.org) know if you want to come along.

And finally ...

A prayer for a new dawn of justice

Jesus, light of liberation and source of our deliverance, whose mother’s heart was pierced as you were proclaimed a sign destined to be rejected, come near to us as we pray for the world.

We look to you in our trials and tribulations, trusting that you who have conquered death might bring us life and hope.

Where there is injustice help us to pray for a new dawn. Where the forces of the world seem intent on destruction, help us to stand firm in the conviction that God is good, all the time.

Grant us your Spirit, that even in our suffering we may rejoice that we share in your way of truth and life. Amen.

Richard Andrew, Chair, Darlington District