District News – 15 September 2026

News from across the District

More than a Tea Tent: A Warm Welcome at Chatsworth

What better way to offer a warm Methodist welcome than with a cup of tea or coffee?

Once again, members and friends of the Peak Methodist Circuit had the privilege of being part of the Chatsworth Country Fair – held over the first weekend of September. Welcoming the thousands of visitors who came to enjoy a wonderful weekend in the beautiful surroundings of Chatsworth was a privilege.
For our team, it was certainly not just about making tea and coffee! From the moment we arrived, there was a real sense of excitement and anticipation. The Country Fair brought together people of all ages, with something happening around every corner – from countryside pursuits, spectacular displays (including dancing JCB's), to food, crafts, a climbing wall, an F1 simulator, merry-go-rounds, 'hook-a-duck', shopping and plenty of opportunities simply to enjoy being together.
And amongst all the hustle and bustle, our refreshment area became a place where people could pause, sit down, enjoy a drink and have a chat. We shared about the work of our churches in the Peak District, and information about the Peak Wesley Way.
There was plenty of water to boil, tea to brew, coffee to make, milk to pour, chats to have, and clearing up to be done! Our volunteers worked tirelessly, often serving one person while chatting to another and keeping an eye on the next queue forming. There was laughter, plenty of friendly banter and the occasional moment when we lost track of time!
But it was the conversations that made it particularly special. Some people were local and knew our churches; others had travelled considerable distances to attend the Country Fair. Some simply wanted a cup of tea, while others were happy to stop and talk. In those brief encounters, there were stories shared, memories recalled and new friendships made.
For us, this was Methodism in action – not necessarily in a church building, but out amongst the community, offering hospitality, friendship and a listening ear.
A cup of tea might seem like a very ordinary thing, but sometimes ordinary things can become opportunities for something much more meaningful. A smile, a friendly welcome and a few minutes of conversation can make a real difference to someone’s day.
It was wonderful to see people from across the Peak Methodist Circuit working together, giving their time and energy so generously. Everyone had a part to play, and there was a real sense of being a team.
As the crowds came and went and the three days unfolded, we were reminded once again that church is not only about what happens inside our buildings. It is also about being present in the community, meeting people where they are and offering something of God's welcome and love.
So, a huge thank you to everyone who helped – those who served, brewed, chatted, encouraged and kept everything going behind the scenes.
And, of course, thank you to everyone who stopped by.
It was a busy, enjoyable and thoroughly worthwhile weekend. If you visited our stand, we hope that along with your tea or coffee, you took away a little taste of the warm welcome of the Peak Methodist Circuit!
Revd Tim Morris – Peak Circuit Superintendent

District News and Updates

District Gathering 

It was wonderful to see so many people at the Gathering on Saturday. We are sorry for the technical issues with the live stream. The day was recorded and the website will be updated shortly with video and other resources shared on the day.

Our next Gathering will be on Saturday 10 April at Wesley Hall, Crookes, so do save this date!

Data Breaches

A reminder that information on what might be seen as a Data Breach, and what action should be taken if you think a breach has occurred  can be found on the District Website:  https://www.sheffieldmethodist.org/what-we-do/data-protection/data-breaches.html
It is helpful if the online form could be completed, so that we are aware of the breach, and can advise if any further action needs to be taken. 

Other News

Reparative Justice: A Conversation Across the Methodist Church 

Saturday 10 October 11am – 3pm

Methodism is proud of its involvement in the ending of the transatlantic slave trade. On his death bed, John Wesley read the autobiography of prominent abolitionist Olaudah Equiano, who had strong links to Sheffield (expect to hear more about this next year). But the true story was a lot more complicated.
How could the Methodist Church respond to its historical links to the transatlantic trade in enslaved African people and their ongoing impact today?
Join us to explore the history, discuss its legacy, and help shape the Church's future response. 
Learn more, listen, and share your views. Book your place at: Reparative Justice: In person event – York Tickets, Saturday, October 10 • 11 AM – 3 PM | Eventbrite

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

Ebor Lecture 11 November 2026:

How finding women from the past can shape a more equal future

Professor Janina Ramirez, author, presenter and Director of Studies for History of Art at Harris Manchester College, University of Oxford

5.00-7.00pm, Wednesday 11 November 2026

Our next Ebor Lecture is now open for booking!  Please join us at the Creative Centre, York St John University, or online and share the invitation to this free event with your own networks.

Professor Janina Ramirez will explore how the misrepresentation and repackaging of female figures from the past has shaped our current gender divide. Janina will uncover how broader socio-political and ideological agendas have contributed to the two-sphere world experienced by women in the modern era. From distant matriarchies in Crete, through Eastern Empresses and Mesopotamian war leaders, Janina will show how reengaging with fresh evidence from the past can build positive foundations for future communities founded on equality and diversity.

• 5.00-6.00 pm Talk by Janina Ramirez with Q&A,

• 6.00-7.00pm Drinks and book signing for in-person attendees

• Hybrid event – in person at the Creative Centre and live online

• Free to attend

• All welcome!

Find out more and book your places here

Regional Officer for Safeguarding Update

Creating Safer Spaces

Foundation Module

Creating safer churches starts with all of us. The Foundation Module is an essential part of safeguarding training in the Methodist Church, equipping volunteers and leaders with the awareness, confidence, and practical understanding needed to help keep our communities safe. This training explores our shared responsibility to recognise concerns, respond appropriately, and foster environments where everyone—especially children, young people, and vulnerable adults—can flourish.
The course is available in person within circuits and online via MCBX, making it flexible and accessible wherever you are serving.  Please contact your Circuit Safeguarding Officer for details.  By engaging with this training, you are playing a vital role in creating churches rooted in care, respect, and justice.

Advanced Safeguarding Training

Safeguarding is at the heart of our shared life, especially for those in leadership and builds on the Foundation training, equipping you with deeper knowledge and skills to respond wisely and confidently in more complex situations.
Delivered by Regional Officers for Safeguarding and the Learning Network,  this module is designed for those in church, circuit, district or Connexional leadership roles and those working closely with children, young people, or vulnerable adults—particularly where there is responsibility for others.
This training supports you to lead with care, strengthen safer practices, and help shape church communities where everyone can feel secure and valued.  By stepping into this learning, you are helping to ensure our churches remain places of safety, trust, and compassion for all.
For booking information, please click here

To understand who needs which level of training please refer to the following: https://www.methodist.org.uk/safeguarding/safeguarding-training/

If you ever 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

Upcoming Events

Eco-Fest at Emmanuel Methodist Church, Barnsley

September 19th 10-am 2.00pm

The ECOFest theme this year is, Re-use! Repair! Re-purpose!

Over 20 groups and organisations, from local voluntary groups, such as Emmanuel’s Pre-Loved Clothing rail to National organisations such as the National Trust and RSPB. will join us with stalls, information and activities along with our Fair Trade Cafe Corner.  Everyone will be welcomed by the Mayor of Barnsley along with the High Sheriff for South Yorkshire.   Brownies will be busy creating crafts using re-purposed materials; AgeUk will collect tools for their Sheds (men and women); Barnsley Bike Works will check bikes for safety and maintenance as well as receive unwanted bikes to be repaired.  Sweet and savoury snacks – many home-made – along with FT tea and coffee, will be offered in return for donations.

The event is entirely free so do come and join us to Celebrate, Collaborate and Learn!

Office workers' gathering

Tuesday 22 September

The next Gathering for all those involved in church administration will be held at All Saints Church, Ecclesall, Ringinglow Rd, Sheffield, S11 7PP
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.
It is organised by the UCAN (UK Church Administrators Network), but is open to all.
To help with the catering, we do ask you book in so we know how many to expect:

Book here

Sheffield District MWiB

Annual Service of Dedication

Thursday 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!

The 2026 Samuel Chadwick Lecture

Friday 16 October 11:00 am

The title for this year's lecture is 'A Pentecostal Spirit: reimagining mission with, to and from the edges as a Wesleyan Imperative', delivered by Rev Dr Deirdre Brower-Latz, Principal of Nazarene Theological College.
This year the lecture can be attended on campus at Cliff College or online.
Those attending on campus are invited to stay for lunch.

Whirlow Spirituality Centre

As the seasons turn and we move towards the quieter months, we’re delighted to share that our Autumn & Advent programme is now live.
There are opportunities to pause, reflect, learn, create and connect — with space to notice the changing season and prepare ourselves for Advent and Christmas.

Urban Theology Union AGM

Saturday 7th November 2026 at 2pm

We are very pleased to say that our speaker is Chine McDonald Director of THEOS (a Christian church and society think-tank currently researching Christian nationalism ) and author of two works challenging the white male theological mainstream: 'God is Not a White Man', and 'Unmaking Mary'.
She will be bringing her insights into the world of urban theology. 
Please book your free place at the AGM via this link 
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/utu-annual-general-meeting-tickets-1999668944643?aff=oddtdtcreator

And finally...

As we celebrate Harvest this year, we give thanks for God’s faithfulness and provision. Yet we do so mindful that, for many farming families, 2026 has been an exceptionally difficult year.

Across the country, arable farmers have seen significantly reduced yields because of challenging weather conditions. One Methodist farmer in Mid Devon reports that his corn harvest is only half that of last year. The summer drought has also taken its toll on livestock farms, with many having to feed winter hay and silage stores during the growing season, raising concerns about fodder supplies for the months ahead.
Alongside these challenges, farmers continue to face the devastating effects of Bluetongue virus (which mainly affects sheep and cattle but also goats, llamas and alpacas) and avian influenza (bird flu).

A Prayer for Harvest 2026

Loving God,

We thank you for the gifts of the earth, for the food we enjoy and for all those whose labour brings it to our tables.

We pray today for our farmers, growers and all who work in agriculture. In this particularly difficult year, be their strength when they are weary, their comfort when they are grieving, and their hope when the future feels uncertain.

We remember those whose crops have been diminished by adverse weather, those who have already used precious winter fodder reserves because of drought, and those facing financial worry as a result.

We pray for farmers affected by Bluetongue and avian influenza, especially those who have experienced the loss of livestock, failed pregnancies, infertility within their flocks and herds, and the heartbreak that comes with caring deeply for the animals entrusted to them.

Bless our rural communities, our agricultural chaplains, veterinarians, auction mart staff, farm workers and all who support the farming industry. Give wisdom to those working to combat disease and protect animal welfare.

May all who feel burdened know that they are not forgotten, and may the love of Christ surround every farm, family and community.

As we give thanks this Harvest, help us to be generous in spirit, faithful in prayer and grateful for all that we receive.

In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.