District News – 13 September 2022

This Week's News

Remembering HM Queen Elizabeth II

Around the District churches have been opening up for people to pray, reflect and also sign books of condolence. Remembrance and prayer vigils have also been taking place or a planned for later this week as we approach the state funeral.

At our Representative Synod on Saturday, a minute's silence was held for Her Majesty the Queen and our worship and prayers had a focus on the Royal Family.

Hoyland and Birdwell Church in the Barnsley Circuit, Bakewell Church in the Peak, Greenhill Church and The Terminus Meeting Place in Sheffield all shared photos of their remembrance displays.

The Crossing Church, Worksop in the Trinity Circuit are holding a prayer vigil on Wednesday 14th September 3-4pm and all are welcome. Bolsover Church in the Derbyshire North East Circuit live streamed a prayer service on Sunday night.

If you are opening your church or holding special services please get in touch so we can share those details around the District.

Resource to remember the Queen

Deacon Emily Hoe-Crook has created a resource which can be used as a memorial prompt over a cup of tea. Print out the card double-sided, cut it out and fold in half and staple a teabag to the inside. QE Memorial Card

Sharing Stories of the Royal Family

Have you ever met HM Queen Elizabeth II or King Charles III or have memories of having seen them? Have you ever been inside any of the Royal Residences? What your favourite memory of the late Queen? We'd love to hear and share those with everyone in the District and around the Methodist Connexion. Please email comms@sheffieldmethodist.org to share your story.

Prayers and Statements

The President and Vice-President of the Methodist Conference have made the following statement in response to the announcement of the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

"It was with profound sadness that we learned of the death of Her Majesty the Queen today. We join the nation in grief and thank God for her long and distinguished reign. The loyalty to, and love expressed, for Queen Elizabeth across the world is a testament to the life that she led, one marked by dedicated service to others. She provided encouragement and reassurance to a world living through uncertain times.

"For people of all ages the Queen has provided constancy, a calm and wise influence at all levels of society. Our nation, the Commonwealth and the world have been greatly blessed by her life and work.

"We give thanks to God that her duty as monarch was grounded in a deep faith in Jesus Christ, which has been an inspiration to countless people throughout her reign. Her dedication, commitment and service to her people will never be forgotten and will sustain all those who mourn in the coming weeks. Our prayers are for her family who have lost a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt and we pray that all may be inspired by her service and guided by her example.

"The prayers of the Methodist people are also offered for His Majesty the King in his new role."
The Revd Graham Thompson and Anthony Boateng, President and Vice-President of the Methodist Conference

A statement from District Chair, Gill Newton

"Following the sad news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the Sheffield Methodist District wishes to express its condolences to the Royal Family. The Queen has served this nation and the Commonwealth with great commitment and dedication for which we are thankful. Her faith in Christ has shaped the way in which she exercised her calling, and we pray, that as we mourn her loss, we might also place our trust in God as we look to a different future.

"We will pray for the members of her family in their grief and loss and for the people across this District who share their sadness. We commit ourselves to praying for King Charles III as he takes on his new responsibilities."
Revd Gill Newton
Chair – Sheffield Methodist District.

District Chair, Gill Newton shares the following prayer on behalf of the District

"Loving God, we give you thanks for the life and service of Queen Elizabeth II. We are grateful for the dedication, commitment, and faithfulness that she has shown in her life of service, and we rejoice that she has been sustained over the years by her faith in you.

"We pray that you will be a source of comfort to her family who are experiencing personal loss and that all those who are feeling sad or distressed at this news, will know your peace.

"In the name of Christ, Amen

District Synod

It was good to see so many at our September Synod. The session was live-streamed and you can watch the video here: https://youtu.be/X2aip3xPDK4

Warm spaces – new grants coming soon

As announced at representative synod on Saturday, we will offer £500 grants to churches providing warm spaces this winter. More information will follow soon. In the meantime we recommend this webinar recording of the Connexional Offer  A Warm Space webinar  from Monday 5 September.

District Safeguarding Update

Safeguarding Sunday: Sunday 20th November 2022 – register your church today!

Protecting vulnerable people is at the heart of the Christian message of justice and hope. Safeguarding Sunday is an opportunity for your church to show your community that you take this responsibility seriously.
It's your chance, as a church, to use your regular Sunday service to explore together what safer places look like, and to thank all those working behind the scenes to make our churches safer for all.
Whether you can give just a few minutes or can dedicate your whole service we have everything you need to help plan and run your event.
Last year, over 2,000 churches across the UK took part! Join this growing movement of churches speaking-up for vulnerable people and help us make 2022 our biggest year yet.
www.thirtyoneeight.org
Please Note...
From Monday 12th September to Monday 3rd October I will be away from my desk and unable to answer your calls. If you have a safeguarding issue, that can't wait until I return, please contact Carolyn Godfrey (DSO for Darlington & Newcastle Districts) 07534 346374 | newcastle.darlington@dso.methodist.org.uk

For the first two week I will be on Jury service. I hope to answer emails; however, this will depend on what I'm required to do – safeguarding@sheffieldmethodist.org

Many thanks
Alison Hill
District Safeguarding Officer.