District News – 14 November 2023

This Week's News

Statistics for Mission 2023

The data entry site ( https://online.methodist.org.uk ) is now open for data collection and will remain open until the end of January. This is also a good time to check that the office holder information listed is still up to date.
This information has already been circulated to church stewards, and it is good to see that 1/5 have already completed this task.

Domestic Abuse Awareness Seminar

25.11.2023: 10am to 1pm

Part of the role of District Safeguarding Officer is to create events to raise awareness of safeguarding issues. Therefore, I am pleased to invite everyone in the Sheffield District to a morning session which will explore practical ways to help people in Domestic Abuse situations.
Domestic Abuse has always been prevalent in society, but statistics show that harmful situations have steadily increased since the Covid lockdown in 2020.
It's one thing to have an understanding of domestic abuse, but it's another thing to know how to act and where to access help when concerns arise. The seminar on Saturday 25th November has been designed to offer practical information.
Statistics tell us that a high number of people would have told someone they were in an abusive relationship if only someone had asked. Therefore, we will learn how to ask gentle questions, to provide people with an opening to share their situation.
As I write this article, I am aware that the local news is reporting on the effects domestic abuse can have on children. I am please that we have been able to secure a keynote speaker from IDAS, a charity based in Sheffield, that co-ordinates support services for all those caught up in abusive situations.
If your church would like to be able to offer support to people living with domestic abuse, then please will you ensure at least one person from your church attends the seminar. It doesn't have to be the church safeguarding officer, anyone who is able to listen first hand and then pass the information on is perfect.
It would send a powerful message to people caught up in domestic abuse situations, if we were able to stand shoulder to shoulder, and declare we care and we are ready to act on your behalf when you want us too.
To book your place please follow this link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJElceGgpzooHtbSbVc3P9wqLdEALMwW-7Wo

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

Bible Month 2024 – Genesis

Open the Bible and Genesis is the first book you find. It's the foundation on which the whole of scripture is built. It sets the scene for all that happens afterwards, and asks some big questions: Who is God? How can we possibly know God? Does God care?
Yet for preachers, it's sometimes hard to know how to preach from Genesis with integrity and faith.
We have explored the climax of the story of salvation in Revelation, now it's back to the beginning to rediscover the roots of our faith.
The Bible Month booklet and resources will be available in January, and many other resources and events are planned.
Keep an eye on the Bible Month page here: https://www.methodist.org.uk/our-faith/the-bible/bible-month/.

Charity Trustee Quiz

Church councils are the managing trustees of the church, but how well do you know what is involved? The Charity Trustee Quiz is designed to engage trustees with a variety of questions based on everyday scenarios that they may encounter at their charity. It has been designed to help identify knowledge gaps and is an ideal refresher for trustees at all levels of experience.
Research shows that the majority of trustees feel confident in their ability to manage their charities, however there may be areas of knowledge they can improve on. The quiz is intended to encourage trustees to think again about what they know, to inspire upskilling.
The quiz takes around three minutes to complete and gives busy trustees an interactive means to quickly check what they know and help them uncover potential knowledge gaps they may not have been aware of – such as conflicts of interest and safeguarding. Click here to test your knowledge and take the quiz: https://charity-commission.involve.me/trustee-quiz-5-minute-guides
Click here for further guidance and information for Methodist managing trustees.

Events

St Andrew's Music Festival

The annual St Andrew's Music Festival returns with a fantastic line-up of concerts:

• 16th November: City of Sheffield Festival Band and Senior Winds
• 17th November: Auka -- The local Celtic folk band trio. A 'Pay what you can' concert; no advance tickets available
• 18th November: Tom Hutchinson -- Principal Cornet of the Cory Band -- 2.00 pm Public Masterclass and 7.00 pm Concert
• 19th November: Madeleine Mitchell, violin, with Nigel Clayton, piano
• 23rd November: Jason Robert Brown Celebration Concert
• 24th November: An evening of relaxed string quartet music. A 'Pay what you can' concert; no advance tickets available
• 25th November: Family Concert: Carnival of the Animals at 2.00 pm and 4.00 pm (the 4.00 pm concert is a 'relaxed' performance aimed at individuals with autism, sensory and communication impairments and learning disabilities.)

All concerts begin at 7.00 pm unless otherwise stated; tickets £6.00 in advance from www.sheffieldartsstudio.co.uk or £8.00 on the door, children free.
Refreshments will be available.

Ebor Lecture

22 November at 4pm

The Ebor Lectures in Theology and Public Life were established in 2006 in York, UK to promote conversation across a diversity of religious beliefs and issues of public concern. Speakers have included politicians, social activists, journalists, peace-workers, authors and many others.
The first talk of 2023-24 will be given by Dr Hannah Barham-Brown, LGBTQ+ and disability rights activist, delivered hybrid and free for in-person or online attendance.
Tickets available via Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ebor-lecture-relaunch-with-dr-hannah-barham-brown-tickets-680023587857.

Sheffield Folk Chorale

25 November at 7.30pm

Sheffield Folk Chorale will be bringing delicious harmonies to Stephen Hill Methodist Church (Manchester Road, Crosspool, Sheffield) raising funds to support church charities The Family Works and The Smile Train.
All are welcome!

Positively Rural – Spirituality of older people

10 January at 7:30pm

We will be considering the spirituality of older people in a rural context with input from the organisation 'Anna Chaplaincy'.

Register your place here: https://240110-OlderSpirituality.eventbrite.co.uk
Booking close 3 days beforehand.

Positively Rural is an online community hosted by the Methodist Church, but open to anyone of any denomination involved in rural ministry, including volunteers, lay workers and clergy.

Vacancies

Director of Music

St Andrews Psalter Lane Church, Sheffield – A Local Ecumenical Partnership

An exciting opportunity has arisen to apply for the vacancy of Director of Music at St Andrews Psalter Lane Church. This part time role is for up to 13 hours a month on a flexible basis including Sundays.
Worship is central to all that we are and is creative and varied, drawing on both Anglican and Methodist traditions. Our worship pattern includes regular services of Holy Communion, All Age Worship, Taizé services and all the usual special services for the great Festivals throughout the year. There is a choir which currently comes together for special services and a small music group who play when asked.
The rate of pay will be £21 per hour
We are looking for someone who can:

• Play the piano and the organ (or is willing to learn to play the organ) and/or other instruments
• Has an active desire to be collaborative, creative, contemporary and open to all styles and genres of music.
• Respond well to the changing and eclectic needs our worship requires.
• Is self-motivated and flexible
• Is a great team player but able to work effectively unsupervised when required
• Is able to prioritise workload and manage time effectively

An application pack is available here: https://standrewspsalterlane.org.uk/about-us/vacancies/

Closing date for Applications and CVs to be received by 17th November
Interviews will be on the 27th November
Send your Application/CV and covering letter to the church office: St Andrews Psalter Lane Church, c/o Shirley House, 31 Psalter Lane, Sheffield S11 8YL
Or email the application to revnaicooke@gmail.com
Start date on or after 1st January 2024

Young People's Pioneer

Derbyshire North East Methodist Circuit

This role has been developed to support existing children's and young people's work across the Circuit, whilst pioneering new opportunities where need is identified.
This is a part-time, permanent post, working 20-hours a week.
For an informal conversation about the role before applying, please contact Rev Mark Carrick by email at mark.carrick@methodist.org.uk
Important dates: The closing date for receiving completed applications is midday on Friday 17th November.

Community Pioneer

Doncaster Methodist Circuit

The successful applicant will have the aspiration for everyone to access a fulfilling life in Christ through growing and developing communities across Rossington, spreading the Gospel to new people who don't go to a traditional church.
It is envisaged the post will develop and evolve with the successful applicant, considering their skills and gifts, and in response wo where they feel they are being called, whilst working closely with Ministers, staff , the wider leadership team, and people within Rossington.
The post holder will be responsible and accountable for growing and developing various communities with key project areas of focus being New Housing chaplaincy, Youth hub, and Christian mindfulness.
For an informal conversation about the role please email Jack Key at jackkey@btinternet.com.

Youth Worker

Attercliffe and Darnall, Diocese of Sheffield

5 year appointment working 25 hours/week
General responsibilities: -
1. To develop and oversee the work with young people in the Parish of Attercliffe; reaching, nurturing and discipling young people in their Christian faith.
2. To coordinate and develop a team of volunteers to oversee the work with young people.
3. To be a member of the Centenary Project Network.
Closing date: 30 November
More information here: https://www.sheffield.anglican.org/vacancies/centenary-project-youth-worker-attercliffe-and-darnall/

And finally ...

From the Methodist Prayer Handbook

Loving God, help us to see the hidden treasure in our communities.
People who quietly go about doing wonderful things that make a difference, yet not seeking the limelight.
Our churches are made up of individuals who tirelessly try to show your love to others, and so bring hope and help to people in need.
Often these 'hidden treasures' are the catalyst behind a new project that encourages others to try something different.
We bring them to you in gratitude for their selfless giving of themselves, emotionally, physically and spiritually.
Amen.

Aileen Fox, local preacher, Central Norfolk Circuit