District News – 17 January 2023

This Week's News

Sheffield District Justice quilt – we need your ideas

At our District Gathering on 22 April we will unveil a patchwork quilt with creative responses from across churches and circuits to the prophet Micah's challenge: "What does the Lord require of you?" We need as many churches and groups as possible to engage in this mass participative artwork for it to be truly representative. You will likely hear more about ways to get involved through your circuit, but you can also read more about what you can do and why a patchwork quilt on our website: https://www.sheffieldmethodist.org/about-us/synod/justice-quilt-project.html

Methodists at Pride networking evening

Wednesday 15 February 2023, 19:30 – 20:30

Are you a Methodist who engages in Pride? Or considering organising a presence at Pride for the first time this year? The Evangelism and Growth Team would love you to come along to a networking event on Zoom. The evening will be a time to share stories, ideas and good advice about the ways we might seek to engage well in Pride events. We'll also be launching a 'Methodists at Pride' new video for LGBT+ History Month, as well as a pack of resources to support Methodists who wish to engage in Pride missionally.
Click here to register

Watch out for Wayleaves

TMCP are receiving an increased number of requests from service providers that wish to install pipe, cable, or communication apparatus under, over or on the Church's land. Although this is often presented as a simple arrangement requiring a signature by the landowner, permission for such apparatus usually constitutes what is known as a "wayleave agreement".
If Managing Trustees are approached directly by a service provider regarding a Wayleave Agreement or anything the Managing Trustees suspect could be a Wayleave, they should contact TMCP for guidance and assistance.

Energy Basket Questionnaire

As winter sets in, the Connexional Property Team have been receiving an increased number of enquiries from managing trustees concerned at the rising gas and electricity costs for their buildings, especially when contracts come to an end. We are aware that some churches would be interested in joining a collective group called an energy basket, which may open up opportunities for more competitive gas and electricity rates due to buying in bulk. The Connexional Property Support team would like to support churches in facilitating an energy basket but we would need to know how many churches would be interested and at what timescales. Thus, this short survey has been developed so that we can ascertain the appetite for exploring this scheme further. Please click here to fill in the short survey.

Methodist Church House

Our New Address

As you may be aware, we have been in the process of moving out of our Marylebone premises over the last year.
We have now completely left and our new address is:

25 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SF
Please note that the Connexional Team are not yet in our new building due to renovation work being undertaken, but all correspondence should now use this address.

District Office update

Deadlines

When we put on events, there is often a deadline by which we ask people to register. This may be to help us decide if an event is viable – in which case the deadline can be extended. It also gives time for the event to be organised – sufficient material printed, or posted out to attendees, suitable catering organised, groups to be sorted etc.
When deadlines are missed, it makes a lot more work for the District Office, so please make sure you don't leave it to the last minute before trying to register. I am happy to help out with any issues you may have, as long as you get in touch before the deadline! We may only include people after a deadline in exceptional circumstances.
Katrin Hackett
District Administrator

Events

Talking Climate Justice

Sunday 22 January at 6:15pm

Sheffield Christian Aid committee have arranged a 'Talking Climate Justice' event for the evening of Sunday 22nd January 2023 at 6.15pm at Victoria Methodist Church, Stafford Road.
Please do come along to hear about how you can get your church involved in taking action for climate justice. Feel free to bring along anyone else from your church who might be interested. It would really help us to plan the event if we knew how many to expect; you can book in 2 ways – either by using the details on the poster or by using this EventBright link.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/talking-climate-justice-tour-tickets-474199121337
Alison Trezise (Chair of Sheffield CA committee) jandatrezise@virginmedia.com

Brian Brown "Apartheid South Africa! Apartheid Israel?"

January 24th, Tuesday, at 7.00pm via Zoom

How do current policies in the Holy Land mirror South Africa's era of apartheid?
Rev Brian Brown is a retired Methodist minister who has lived in South Africa. He is a leading theologian and long term anti-apartheid campaigner. From his experience over many years, he will consider how the policies of the State of Israel, in violently dispossessing Palestinians of their land, nationality and human rights, replicate policies of South Africa.
More details including how to register can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/apartheid-south-africa-apartheid-israel-tickets-474765966787

Organised by Kairos Sheffield, part of the Sheffield Coalition Against Israeli Apartheid. We recognise the issues highlighted in "Israel's apartheid against Palestinians", a recently published report from Amnesty International. Kairos Sheffield is a Sabeel-Kairos community https://www.sabeel-kairos.org.uk/

New Christian communities gathering

2pm Saturday 4 February

A gathering for anyone involved in leading (in any capacity), or preparing to lead, a new Christian community within our district. For teams as much as for "the person in charge" or "pioneer". Meet people from other new Christian communities to share, learn and celebrate . With Matt Finch, Connexional Pioneering and Church Planting Officer.
Further details and register your free place at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/new-christian-communities-gathering-tickets-496243105487

Learning the art of OutoftheBox

17 March 2023 from 9am

OutoftheBox uses story and play for personal and community wellbeing. Our storytellers create brave relational space to breathe, trust, listen, feel, wonder, play and love. OutoftheBox stories are in use in a range of settings, including schools, care homes, workplaces, community groups, families, therapeutic settings, chaplaincy, spiritual accompaniment and faith communities.

Courses to learn the art of OutoftheBox can be found here and a grant of £100 towards the cost is available for people in the Sheffield area.
To book the course in March https://forms.gle/QPREgiM7XLNE267e8
To find details of other courses https://www.outoftheboxtraining.org/events

Cliff Festival – Eden Restored

26-29 May 2023

A weekend of worship, teaching and encounter for people of all ages. Come for the day or camp for the weekend.Free entry for under 18s.
Find out more at cliffcollege.ac.uk/festival

Vacancies

Chair of Trustees

The Foundry, Sheffield

Do you have what it takes to chair the trustees of a major Sheffield city centre venue, a flourishing ecosystem of charities and community organisations that is also starting to grow its reputation as a venue for events and conferences.?
Sheffield's iconic Victoria Hall needs a person who is committed to developing this great building as a real hub for community life.
If this looks like you, or someone you know, please circulate amongst your circles and help us to find 'the one'!
Details of the role and application process can be downloaded here: Recruitment pack

And finally ...

Pray with us today.

What do you ask of us Lord?

You know our possibilities, you know our frailties, our weaknesses, our prejudices.
Yet, you still call us to your work.

You challenge us to stand against injustice; to overcome our fears;
to act as your hands; to be your voice;
to be your ambassadors on earth emulating your preference for those living in poverty and the marginalised.

With you in us and beside us we can fulfil what you ask of us.
Amen.