District News – 15 July 2025

This Week's News

Improving Access for All – The Grove, Retford

Sheffield Methodist District has awarded a £15,000 Properties Fit For Mission grant to The Grove, Retford in support of a £150,000 project creating more open and welcoming front and rear entrances, improving disabled access and car park safety, and making aspects of the heritage of their listed building more visible. Implementing the congregation's vision statement for "The Growth of The Grove" has seen over the last year growing partnerships with schools and other community organisations, mental health first aid training for members, a new community garden, hosting of cultural events and community worship for special occasions.
For details of how to apply for a grant see https://www.sheffieldmethodist.org/what-we-do/finance-fundraising/mission-grants.html

Metal Methodist Meet-up

Saturday 19 July 3:00 pm

The Metal Methodists will be meeting for worship, fellowship and chat on Saturday 19 July from 3pm at Walkley Ebenezer Methodist Church in Sheffield. Come along to gather in an inclusive space with alternative vibes.
Walkley Ebenezer is on Greenhow Street, Walkley, Sheffield, S6 3TP. The church is close to both 95 and 52 bus routes.
This event will also be streamed via the Metal Methodist Facebook page and our YouTube channel.
For further information email Kate, the Metal Methodist Development Worker on katemetalmethodist@outlook.com

Sad news

We were extremely sorry to learn of the death of the Revd John Young, a supernumerary in the Derbyshire North East circuit.. John passed away on Wednesday 9 July.
We hold Isobel and the family in our prayers at this time.

"Just " Economics? with Ann Pettifor

Saturday 20 Sept – St Mark's Broomhill

Internationally-acclaimed economist, Ann Pettifor, will offer critical analysis of prevailing governmental strategies before outlining an alternative ethically driven, environmentally-responsible approach in which economics serves the common good. Expect to be challenged, informed and inspired.
Admission is free, but delegates must register either beforehand via Eventbrite or on the day at the door. Donations are invited and can be made in advance or on the day via Givealittle.
Book your place here

Foundations units from Cliff College

now available for £200 each

Cliff College's Foundations units are now available for £200 each to students who are training as Local Lay Pastors, supported by their local Methodist church, circuit or district. Units available this year include Exploring Chaplaincy; Growing in Leadership; Exploring Children, Youth and Family Ministry; and Reading the Old Testament. Each unit lasts 15 weeks and can be taken entirely online from anywhere in the country.
Units usually cost £400, but Cliff College has 50 subsidised places available for 2025-26 for students with a letter of support provided by their local Methodist church, circuit or district. For more information and to apply, visit the Cliff College website.

Regional Retreat -Save the date

20-22 May 2025

Next years Regional Retreat for ministers (presbyters and deacons) and lay employees will again be at Wydale Hall, from 20-22 May.
More details will follow in due course, but you may like to save the date in your diary!

Are you using Artificial Intelligence?

The Methodist Conference has asked for work to be done on Artificial Intelligence to help formulate reflections, guidance and policy for the Methodist Church. As part of this work, the AI Working Group has created a short survey for members and circuits to feed back and share experiences with the group.
What are your thoughts on the theological and pastoral issues AI raises?
Does it support or complicate your ministry practice?
Are there issues around ethics, privacy or data that we need to pay attention to?
Please complete our short survey by Saturday 19 July.

Take the next steps on your Journey of a Lifetime at 3Generate!

3Generate is back for 2025, and this year we are inviting children and young people to tune into God, each other and the world around us as we gather for another weekend of faith-filled fun and worship.
From storytelling and music workshops, to a petting zoo, and a programme packed with collective worship, 3Generate is full of amazing activities to get children and young people engaged – and witnessing the power of faith in all they do across the weekend!
Your church community's younger members don't have to miss out, with our 4-7s area, which is even bigger for 2025! With four zones, explore, play, chill and encounter, children will have a great introduction into the world of 3Generate, and can take the very first steps on their Journey of a Lifetime. And with our new meet-up zone, children in the 4-7s with family or friends in the main event can sit, eat and chat together, sharing their 3Generate experiences!
Find out more about 3Generate.

Events

District Farewell Service

Sunday 20 July – 3pm – Greenhill Methodist Church, Sheffield

We do hope as many of you as are able will join with us as we say a farewell to Revd Gill Newton, who has been our District Chair for 11 years. Gill will be moving on to a new role within the Methodist Church and this service will be our chance to say thank you for all her work over the years.
Light refreshments will be served after the service.

Vacancies

Circuit Administrator/PA

The Sheffield Circuit seek to appoint a Circuit Administrator/PA to provide an excellent level of administrative support to the Sheffield Methodist Circuit and as appropriate and necessary to Circuit Ministers, Stewards, Officers and Lay Staff, and to provide a professional level of PA support to the Circuit Superintendency.
The successful applicant will be an experienced administrator or well versed in office management with a keen eye for detail, able to effortlessly priorities and manage a varied workload.
This is a full-time (37 hours/week) role with a flexible working pattern, to include occasional evening work. Hours are to be worked over 5 days per week, responding to need.

Missional Property Enabler

The Sheffield Circuit seek to appoint a Missional Property Enabler. This is a newly created role.
Purpose of role:-To deal with administrative and logistical tasks relating to property, being the designated first point of contact for all property queries and enquiries.

• To pursue an entrepreneurial, imaginative, prayerful and pioneering approach to the improved use and development of buildings (chapels, manses and other circuit property) ensuring that church properties, wherever possible, combine: Serving the needs of local worshipping communities; Becoming dynamic mission centres for community/local benefit; Becoming carbon neutral; Contributing to significant income generation
• To embrace the possibilities offered in property disposal for renewed missional opportunities, taking into consideration their missional, financial and community value.
• To work well with the Circuit Property Development Group (PDG) and the Circuit Property Consents, Manses and Maintenance Group (PCMMG).

For both roles, enquiries and informal conversations about the role are encouraged. We ask that you direct such contact to Rev Debora Marschner by email.

A completed application form should be returned to hr@sheffieldmethodist.org
Closing date for all applications: Midday – Friday 1 August

Ministry Support Assistant

(General & Lead Recruiter) – ChristChurch Fullwood

We would like to appoint a great administrator to join our team of Ministry Support Assistants. This role covers both varied general tasks that support many of the ministries at CCF, along with the specific duties associated with Safer Recruiting. This appointment is for someone who longs to get involved in gospel work and understands the vital importance of releasing others through serving to carry out their gospel ministries. If you love Jesus, have an eye for detail and are well organised, this job could be right for you!
Full details here: https://www.fulwoodchurch.co.uk/resources/vacancies /
Closing date: 27 July 2025

And finally ...

A prayer for our discipleship

Lord, send us out.
Send us out from our buildings, full of history and comfort and meaning, and lead us into your world as your disciples where the story is still being written.
Send us out with our hearts full of love and concern and fear and hope, and lead us into your heart for this blessed and beautiful world where the story is still being written.
Continue to bless places for lonely people to gather; soup lunches and warm spaces; moves and renovations; missions and prayer gatherings; and all the ways we seek to move from where we are to where you want us to be.
Lord, send us out. And remind us – remind me – that the story is still being written. 
Amen.
Sean Turner, MOCC, Isle of Man