District News – 17 February 2026

Stories from across the District

Baby Basics Celebrations – Doncaster

Friday 6 March at 7pm

This year marks five years since Baby Basics Doncaster began serving families across our community. Since 2021, the project has supported hundreds of local babies by providing essential items such as Moses baskets, clothing, toiletries, and prams, offering practical help rooted in care and compassion. This work has been made possible through the generosity and commitment of volunteers, donors, churches, and partner organisations.
To celebrate this milestone, you are warmly invited to join two special events:

• Fundraising Quiz Night – Friday 6th March, 7.30pm at St Mary's Hall, Sprotbrough. A friendly evening of quizzing while raising funds to continue this vital work. Details via the Baby Basics Doncaster Facebook page.
• Service of Celebration – Sunday 8th March, 10am at Sprotbrough Methodist Church. A time of thanksgiving, reflection, and prayer as we celebrate all that God has done through Baby Basics Doncaster over the past five years.

All are welcome to join in giving thanks for this ministry and to support its work in the years ahead. For more information, contact Sarah Beckingham at babybasics@s-m-c.co.uk

Stocksbridge Food Bank

Urgent appeal for volunteers at the new Cedar Tree Coffee Shop

Food Matters, which runs the Food Bank and the Community Outlet, at its new base on Cedar Road, is planning to open a new volunteer-run community coffee shop on March 17th.
They already have two volunteers for each day when they start, that’s Tuesday and Thursday mornings. They would really like another volunteer for each of those mornings, and if possible, a few more to enable them to open up on more mornings. Mornings to suit the volunteers they manage to recruit. One volunteer who would like to bake a tray-bake etc., on their volunteer morning in the dedicated coffee shop kitchen, would be wonderful.
Please ring Ian Lucraft on 07428 744 014, or email at ianlucraft@btinternet.com, or call in on a Tuesday or Thursday morning, from 10-12, to speak directly to the team and have a look around first.

Bolsover Celebrates 200 Years of Methodism 1826 – 2026

This year Bolsover is celebrating a remarkable milestone — 200 years of Methodism in the town.
Following the discovery of a stone embedded in the back wall of Bolsover Methodist Church, dated 1826, it was decided that this important piece of our heritage should be celebrated with our Community, Circuit and District. To preserve the stone from further weather damage, it will be professionally cleaned up and re-sited in the Sykes Room within the church, protecting and honouring our shared history.
From very humble beginnings, with many small chapels across the town and surrounding villages, Methodism in Bolsover has evolved over two centuries and today continues its witness at Bolsover Hilltop Methodist Church. The story of this journey is fascinating, and we warmly invite you to explore it through a timeline, photographs and memorabilia charting 200 years of faith and community.

• Launch Service – Sunday 22 March | 10:00am – Led by Revd Vicky Atkins (Chair of the District)
• Exhibition – Monday 23 – Saturday 28 March | 10:00am – 2:00pm – The church will be open daily to view the exhibition, refreshments will be available.
• Concert – Saturday 28 March | 2:00pm – 4:00pm – A special concert by the Staveley and District Churches United Choir, featuring well-known hymns by Charles Wesley. Refreshments will be served, and a retiring collection will be taken in support of Ashgate Hospice.
• Celebration Service & Buffet Tea – Sunday 29 March – Final Celebration service Led by Revd Richard Andrew (President of Conference), followed by a celebration buffet tea. If you would like to stay for tea, please contact Margaret Rowley on 07825 249993 for catering purposes.

There will also be one-off events throughout the year, so please keep an eye out for further details.

150 Years of Worship at Killamarsh, Sheffield

To launch our 150th anniversary at Killamarsh, we have Revd. Richard Andrews President of Conference preaching with us on Sunday 29th March-

• Service at 9.45 am ( car parking in Aldi car park next to the church.) The Service will also be available via Google MEET please contact us for details.
• We will be celebrating with hymns reflecting the 150 years.
• Coffee and cakes after the service ‘til approx. noon.

Please join us if you can.
Our theme for the year is “Rooted, Relevant and Reimagined”

District News

Lent 2026

Lent is a spiritual reboot – A journey of pausing, breathing and making space for God
Sometimes life can be a tad overwhelming. What could you put down to give your life space to pick up something new?
Sign up for Lent Reset emails: https://methodist.org.uk/Lent2026
Watch this video from The Methodist Church about spring cleaning your life
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AE-ju15uDD4
Follow the district on Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp for weekly readings and prayers @sheffieldmethodist

Service of Celebration for Deacon Lorraine Brown

Change of Venue
Please join us as we celebrate the ministry of Deacon Lorraine Brown and give thanks for the role of the Peak Park Enabler.
Sunday 14th March at 3pm, at Castleton Methodist Church
Afternoon tea will be served as part of the service so for catering purposes we would be very grateful if you could email the Peak Circuit Administrator with the number of people in your party: admin@peakmethodistcircuit.org

GDPR Annual Checklist

TMPC (Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes) have announced that the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulations) checklist for 2026 is now live. It is very similar to previous years – the biggest change is that they have moved from using Google to Microsoft. You can find out more here: Annual Checklist

As in previous years, I have set aside some time for online support sessions to be held on Zoom. These are planned for:

• Tuesday 24 Feb at 10:30 or 1:00pm
• Tuesday 10 March at 12:00 noon or 7:30pm
• Thursday 19 March at 10:30 or 1:00pm

You can book a place here: GDPR Support

Other News

Joined Up Conference 2026

Victoria Hall, Sheffield | 9.45AM – 4PM

Come and join us for our 11th conference for children’s, youth and schools workers. Lisa Campbell (from Wonderful Me) is our keynote speaker this year, and we have 15 interactive workshops for you to choose from, and space to reflect on your own or with your team too.
Joined Up is for all those serving children, families and young people in our churches and schools. It is also designed to serve other lay and ordained leaders who want to put children and young people at the heart of all we do in our churches and communities.
Find out more

Christian Aid Changemakers Conference Watch Party

Saturday 14 March 10:00 am

Please come along to join us as we watch the Annual CA conference together.
Refreshments, including a light lunch, will be provided.
Location: St Gabriel's Church, Dobbin Hill, S11 7JB
The conference will feature:

• Stories from our partner Beacon of Hope working to transform lives in Kenya.
• A sneak peek at new fundraising resources to help you prepare for Christian Aid Week
• Connect with fellow supporters to spark creative fundraising ideas and get inspired for Christian Aid Week.

RSVP Alison Trezise – jandatrezise@virginmedia.com for catering purposes

Circuit Steward: Connexional Community of Practice

Connexional monthly sessions for Circuit Stewards to grow in community, build skills and share knowledge. These take place every last Wednesday of the month and it’s a good opportunity to learn (or recap) about your role and responsibilities as a Circuit Steward.
Wednesday, 25th February 2026 – Topic: Wellbeing: Looking after Ourselves, our Ministers, and our Circuits
Wednesday, 25th March 2026 – Topic: Stewarding in Changing Structures
Click here for more information and to register your attendance.

Upcoming Events

Thursday services in Lent at SAPLC

This year our Thursday services in Lent will take a slightly different pattern. Please see the details below:

• Thursday 19th February – No service
• Thursday 26th February – Sacred Space at 7.30 pm – A time to be restored by music, poetry, quotes, readings and shared spaces of silence, amidst candlelight.
• Thursday 5th March – Taizé at 7.00 pm – Come and join us in church for this time of quiet singing and reflective prayer as we prepare for Easter.
• Thursday 12th March – Taizé at 7.00 pm
• Thursday 19th March – Taizé at 7.00 pm
• Thursday 26th March – Sacred Space at 7.30 pm
• Thursday 2nd April – Maundy Thursday Mission Partnership joint service at St Augustine's Brocco Bank – Time to be announced.

New Churches Gathering

Saturday morning 28 February

For anyone who is involved in leading (in any capacity), or preparing to lead, a new Christian community. An opportunity to spend quality time with the growing network of fellow pioneers following similar callings in other places across or affiliated to Sheffield Methodist District. There will be opportunities to share stories, compare what you are learning in a supportive environment, discuss what support you need, and celebrate what God is doing. Our guest speaker will be Dr Heather Major, Research Fellow in New Places for New People, Evangelism & Growth at Cliff College. Hosted by Jonathan Hood and our district New Places for New People pilot.
Further details and register your place at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/sheffieldmethodistdistrict/1994267

Gothic Evening Service

Sunday 8 March at 4pm

The Metal Methodists and Steel City Choristers are joining for a Gothic Evening Service on Sunday 8th March at 4pm. Expect choral sounds, hymns, metal music, laying burdens down and an alternative vibe.
The service takes place at Highfield Trinity Methodist Church on Highfield Place, which is just off London Road in Sheffield. A retiring collection will be taken for Highfield Trinity funds.
All welcome! Please contact Kate on katemetalmethodist@outlook.com for further information.

District Youth Day @ Hesley Woods

Join us on Saturday 28 March at Hesley Woods for a fun day of workshops, worship and onsite activities. This event is for anyone aged 8 -18, but they must attend with a Youth Leader/Minister.
The theme this year is Our Story, Our Song
LEADERS
The day is aimed at 8 – 18 year olds, and we ask you to bring 1 leader for every 7 young people as you will be responsible for looking after them for the day.

Closing date: 24 March, but don't leave it to the last minute!!!
Find out more

Lay Employees Retreat

3-6 June 2026 – Wydale Hall

The lay employees retreat is like no other. It offers time and space away from work and busy diaries to relax, meet new people and catch-up with old friends. The programme is designed with plenty of choice. There are led sessions and reflections, creative opportunities and freedom to explore the wonderful gardens at Wydale and beyond. A rhythm of prayer and worship is offered, with ample time in the evenings for socialising, either in the bar or through organised activities.
Full details of this year's retreat, including how to book, can be found here: https://260603layretreat.eventbrite.co.uk
The full cost is £270 for an en-suite room or £100 for non-residential (staying off site, but joining in all meals apart from breakfast)
There is an agreement that Districts will support those wishing to attend by giving an automatic 50% subsidy, for those who have not already attended another subsidised Retreat this year.

Vacancies

Pioneer Chaplain – Broomhill

We are seeking a pioneer chaplain to be present as a non-judgemental listening ear for people of all faiths and none throughout the centre.
The Pioneer Chaplain will facilitate inclusive occasions where community is gathered. From this they will establish contextual fresh expressions of church where new people can explore faith and grow as disciples.
More details here

Missional Property Enabler – Sheffield District

Why we need a Missional Property Enabler:

The Sheffield District has created this role to support our circuits, and their new and existing churches, to be bold in exploring creative possibilities for how premises can support growing and become even more inclusive, evangelistic and justice seeking.
“The post will support circuits and their churches to put dreams into action – through advice, practical support, and connecting them with relevant experts.”

As a justice seeking district our Missional Property Enabler will also support churches to take significant steps towards Net Zero, and lead development of new income streams from property assets, to fund our work in communities facing economic marginalisation.
Find out more here

And finally ...

The time is now!

God of the present moment,

Thank you for the ways we teach and shape one another through love,
for the wisdom that comes through joy and through loss,
for what is taught in ordinary moments and in life’s most fragile spaces,
and in snowdrops pushing through cold ground.

Thank you for the unfolding of things, moment by moment.
Remind us that this day is gift enough.

Give us courage not to put off what matters.
To act now.
To love now.
To speak now.
To live now.

When fear tempts us to wait,
when busyness persuades us to delay,
anchor us in the sacredness of today.

For now, is the time.
Now is the day.
Amen.