District News – 14 July 2026

Stories from across the District

Afternoon Tea on Woodhouse Cemetery

You may be wondering who would come to an afternoon tea on the cemetery or even why there would be such a thing happening?
This afternoon tea was the 6th one that has been held. We have a local grief team made up of people from the local community hub, the local funeral directors and the local Methodist Church. And we are all passionate about caring for people who have been bereaved.
Being alongside people who have been bereaved, showing them that we see their grief, that we will listen to their stories and memories, is one of the reasons for an afternoon tea on the cemetery. Another reason is the aim to normalise loss and bereavement by encouraging conversations about death, dying and grief. They are part of life, yet we rarely mention them.
We offer bereavement support groups, but not everyone wants to come along to one of them. So, we decided to go where the bereaved are: on the cemetery, tending to the graves of their loved ones
Bereavements are part of life, and the more we talk about them, the better we can cope with them. All of us, inside and outside of church. Will you start something similar in your locality? How can you care for the bereaved where you are?
If you want to explore this in a conversation, please do contact Rev Debora Marschner on 0114 272 6561.

Items available

The Derbyshire North East Circuit has a number of items available which it would like to dispose of, including a piano, organs, a table tennis table and more.
For more details and pictures please click here
If you would are interested please contact the Circuit Office Manager

Alex. Bradley - alexander.bradley@dnemethodists.org.uk or call 07714 975418

District Updates

District Office

The Office will be closed several times over the summer including  20-24 July and 24- 31 August. There are also likely to be the occasional day when Katrin will be working from home (or other places). If you do need to get  in touch, an email is the best means of communicating as she does tend to read these when away from the office. 

Church Data collection

Thank you to all those in churches, chapels and other worshipping groups who have already filled in the Google form to let the District Office know who the main points of contact are. Completing this is key to ensuring we know who to contact with important information. The email about this did go out to about 500 people, in the hope that this will reach at least one person from every group. The hope is that those who received the email would check within their group to make sure at least one person completes the form. I do not need to be told that the form has been completed as Google will send you an email confirmation. 
A deadline of 31 July to complete the form has been set and it would be very much appreciated if this could be complied with.

Regional Officer for Safeguarding Update:

'Love Protects': Save the Date for Safeguarding Sunday – 15 November 2026

On Sunday 15 November 2026 and over the following weeks, thousands of churches from diverse backgrounds and traditions will join together to shout about safeguarding and help protect vulnerable people.  
This initiative, spearheaded by Thirtyone:eight, invites communities to come together to reflect on their safeguarding journey, and highlight all the good work that is being done to create safer places.   This year’s theme is centred on the phrase ‘Love Protects’ in 1 Corinthians 13, and we are reminded that ‘Safeguarding isn't a distraction from ministry; it IS ministry. It's not separate from discipleship; it IS discipleship, because it is a form of love.’
Love Protects: The meaning of this year's Safeguarding Sunday  
You will be able to register for the new ‘Guide to Safeguarding Sunday’ and resource library in July 2026.   Safeguarding Sunday

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

National Church Volunteer Awards

Churches, chapels, meeting houses and cathedrals across the UK are being urged to nominate their volunteers as part of the National Church Awards.   Volunteers are an invaluable part of the day-to-day running of most churches. Their responsibilities are many and varied, ranging from welcoming visitors, caring for historic buildings and helping to support local communities. Their dedication helps churches to thrive; nominating them for a National Church Award not only celebrates their input but showcases the real difference volunteers make on a daily basis.  
Nominations close on 11 August.

Full details here

The Choir with No Name

Are you an interested and aspiring singer, or someone who just loves to sing? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!
"The Choir with No Name" is our vibrant, community-driven choir, and we are actively inviting individuals of all abilities, ages, and ethnicities to join our singing family. Whether you are an experienced singer or have never sung a note in your life, your voice is welcome.
Our Rehearsals
Starting now, our regular choir rehearsals will take place every Monday at 6pm. This is a wonderful opportunity to develop your voice, meet new people, and become part of a supportive group.
Full details are on the image to the right!

Fund for Human Need  

See below the latest newsletter from the Fund for Human need and along with it comes thanks for all of you who fundraise for them or promote them us in any way. They would particularly ask you to spread news of the photo competition they are running, and details of their search for trustees.

Read more here

Conference Business Digest

This is a report for local churches about the business of the 2026 Methodist Conference.

Please share this with the office holders and members of your Church and Circuit. It can also be read online and downloaded from methodist.org.uk/conference overview

Download the report here

Upcoming Events

Metal Methodist Worship

Saturday 18 July 3:00 pm

Metal Methodist Worship will take place at St Paul's Methodist Church, Dronfield. Come along at 3pm on Saturday 18 July for chat, heavy music and worship with an alternative vibe. All welcome!
Please get in touch with Kate, Metal Methodist Development Worker, for more info on katemetalmethodist@outlook.com

And Finally ...

A prayer that God's story be our story

Story-telling God,
as you gathered the crowds in Galilee,
and stretched the imaginations of the affluent and defeated,
enter our world today.

Where the lonely stare at screens,
and deception comes via glamourous lies,
when we cultivate the ethos of insiders and outsiders –
speak into our hearts the depths of your love story.

A story of grace, hope and beautiful mercy.
A story of joy-filled expectation.
A story of new beginnings.
A story of hope.

Enable us to make love real.

May your story be our story.
Our end, our beginning and our whole life’s journey. Amen.

Helen Hollands, District Chair, East Anglia District