District News – 18 July 2023

This Week's News

Journey of Faith Stories on BBC Radio Sheffield

This month BBC Radio Sheffield has featured two Journey of Faith stories from our district.
Sheffield Circuit Superintendent, Rev Romeo Pedro and Community Pioneer, Jonathan Hood from Derbyshire North East Circuit spoke live on the radio to share very different stories of their lives but how God has been their guide.

You can listen again using these links.
https://bbc.in/jonathanhood (16th July)
https://bbc.in/romeopedro (9th July)

Steps towards a Justice Seeking Methodist Church?

Our next District Justice Seekers Zoom gathering is this week – 7pm on Thursday 20 July.
Anyone who self-identifies as seeking justice (or is just curious) is welcome.
https://zoom.us/j/91435552097?pwd=aEprTHpTU1RJdzFVaUFmYkJ4QUR5UT09
Meeting ID: 914 3555 2097 / Passcode: justice

Methodist Conference this month adopted the Walking with Micah report, identifying local churches as the locus of justice activity and transformation. We will explore how local churches known to us are already placing justice at the centre of their life? And how we as Justice Seekers help churches across our District prioritise justice activity?

Guided Tours of Spire Restoration Works

29 July – St Andrew's Psalter Lane Church, Sheffield

Guided Tour of Spire Restoration Works, including roof top visit to see works close up and views of the neighbourhood.
The tours are taking place on Saturday 29th July at

• 8.45am : https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/guided-tour-of-spire-restoration-works-tickets-672405983397
• 10.15am : https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/guided-tour-of-spire-restoration-works-tickets-672447878707
• 11.45am : https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/guided-tour-of-spire-restoration-works-tickets-672451980977

Cost £10.00 per person -- click on the links above to book your place!
If all the slots are sold out, please contact clare@standrewspsalterlane.org.uk to register your interest, as we may be able to add another slot.

Participants will be guided in groups of 6 by 3 members of the Contractor's staff.
If the weather is poor this will be switched to 5th or 12th August. We will inform participants if this is necessary and offer the alternative date.

Community Transformation at Broomhill Methodist Centre!

We cordially invite you to participate in a remarkable workday at the Broomhill Methodist Centre on the12th of August 2023. Together, we will engage in a range of fulfilling activities such as painting, decorating, fixing, sorting, and tidying, as we come together to breathe new life into this cherished community space.

This day is an opportunity to make a tangible impact and contribute to the creation of a warm and inviting environment for all who visit the centre. Whether you're a seasoned handyman or someone with a passion for creativity, your unique skills and enthusiasm will be invaluable in transforming the spaces into vibrant and functional areas. With the collective power of our community, we can create a lasting legacy of unity and shared purpose. So please mark your calendars and join us at Broomhill Methodist Centre for a day of camaraderie and positive change.

Don't miss this chance to be a part of something truly special! Your presence and efforts will make a significant difference in our community. Together, let's create a welcoming haven at Broomhill Methodist Centre.

Administrators/Office based workers!

Join the South Yorkshire UCAN Local Group, as we gather to pray, share resources and encourage each other in our ministry!
Our next meeting is on Thursday 14 September when we will be looking at "What works well" – sharing some tips and tricks in word processing (and other office programs)
Arrive from 9.00am for a 9.30am start, at All Saints Church (where we met last time). As before, there will be some pastries, fruit, tea and coffee for breakfast.
Sign up here if you would like to come: https://ucan.churchsuite.com/events/1ixczirb (members and non-members both welcome!)

Springs Dance Company

There are still dates available for Springs Dance Company's much loved Christmas production Journey of the Magi.
Share the joy and wonder of Christmas with your church and local community through this exhilarating, critically acclaimed performance. The show offers a bridge between contemporary life and Jesus's birth, comparing our own personal journey to Christmas day with the journey that the wise men took. With sparkle and songs to keep the children entertained and bags of good humour for the grown-ups, Journey of the Magi delights audiences of all ages and offers a chance to reflect and refocus.
Further information can be found on the Springs Dance Company website page https://springsdancecompany.org.uk/productions/journey-of-the-magi/, by emailing touring@springsdancecompany.org.uk or by calling 07775 628442.

Nominations open for the National Church Awards

Churches have an amazing story to tell – from their beautiful buildings to the dedicated volunteers who keep them open and serving local people – but they need help. With the future of many churches uncertain and under threat, there has never been a more important time to celebrate the UK's churches and their importance to communities.

Nominations will close on July 23, 2023, with judging then taking place by church and heritage experts. The awards ceremony will take place on Monday 6 November at the fabulous Mercer's Hall, London.
Churches can easily nominate themselves for an award by clicking here.

District Updates

District Gathering

Saturday 9 September

Join us for a day of learning, sharing and worship with a buffet lunch provided. It will provide an opportunity for you to renew existing connections across the District and to meet new people.
Within the District Gathering we will hold the life of Methodism across our district in prayer, renew our relationship with our wider Connexional church, and make any formal decisions required of us as a district – the work of the representative synod.
Our five expert speakers will explore perspectives on how we extend Christ's invitation by embedding evangelism in our daily lives through an interactive panel discussion.
"Next Steps in .." workshops will explore practical suggestions and advice for you and your church in more detail. All participants will have the opportunity to attend two workshops.
Full details, including how to get tickets here: https://230909-SteppingOut.eventbrite.co.uk
Some of the workshops have limited capacity, so do book early – and don't forget to invite a friend!

The ONE Opportunity Programme

Calling all 16-23 year olds and their church leaders, you can now apply for The ONE Opportunity Programme.
The ONE Opportunity scheme runs from September to August and applications are welcome from anyone aged 16-23 in the Sheffield District.
The scheme is designed to encourage, recognise and reward the participation of young people within the District in the Church's life and mission. It gives them the opportunity to be involved on a part-time basis in the development of the mission and ministry of their churches at a local level. There are ten places for interns and it offers a salaried position for 3 hours per week.
Find out more and to apply click here.
https://www.sheffieldmethodist.org/what-we-do/children-and-youth/one-opportunity-programme.html

Safeguarding Training Advanced Module (Online) – 2023/24

Do you need to attend the Creating Safer Space Advanced Module?

• Have you recently been appointed to a role requiring attendance?
• Did you attend the Advanced Module previously and need to renew your training?

Online training consists of an e-learning (self-study) session followed by Gathered Session to consolidate this learning.
To help offer a range of dates which will help people attend training, we are working with our neighbouring Districts to provide online training.
Dates already confirmed for Gathered Sessions:

• Wednesday 4 October – hosted by Yorkshire North and East
• Monday 23 October – hosted by Yorkshire North and East
• Wednesday 6 December – hosted by Sheffield
• Thursday 25 January 2024 – hosted by Sheffield
• Wednesday 21 February 2024 – hosted by Sheffield
• Tuesday 5 March 2024 – hosted by Sheffield
• Wednesday 4 June 2024 – hosted by Yorkshire North and East
• Thursday 20 June 2024 – hosted by Yorkshire North and East

Sessions will run from 10am – 12 noon or 7pm-9pm
Use this link to register for your preferred date and time:
https://YP-CSSAdvancedOnline.eventbrite.co.uk

Registration close 30 days before the event date to allow enough time to receive and complete the self-study materials before attending the zoom session.
There needs to be a minimum of 8 people registered for the gathered session to take place.

Dates for face-to-face training will follow shortly.

Vacancies

Pilgrimage Manager

The Peak Circuit seek to appoint a Pilgrimage Manager who will become the primary public face of the Peak Wesley Way: making it widely known, overseeing all practical arrangements so that pilgrims receive excellent welcome and opportunity for life changing experiences, and co-ordinating our growing team of volunteers and contractors. Bringing an entrepreneurial approach to mission: the Pilgrimage Manager will develop the pilgrimage as a financially self-sustaining way of making a positive impact on the lives of pilgrims, local village communities and the Circuit.

Information Pack and application form available here: Pilgrimage Manager
Closing Date: 13 August

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Girls' Brigade Ministries (GBM) is recruiting for a unique and exciting role – Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

The CEO will be joining us at a time of great opportunity as we embark upon delivering against our five-year strategic mission plan. The successful candidate will need to be someone called by God to ensure that GBM is equipped and resourced to be able to continue to remain a relevant and vibrant mission organisation beyond 2023. The CEO will be backed by an enthusiastic group of trustees, lead volunteers and a committed staff team – working together to ensure that GBM through fun and friendship, empowers children and young people to seek out opportunities, serve their communities, and follow in the footsteps of Jesus.

The role can be based at the GB Support Centre in Derbyshire, or home based with work at the office to an agreed pattern. The postholder will need to be able to travel and to work weekends and evenings. This is a permanent part-time position (21 hours a week).

The salary will be £42K, pro rata (£25,200).
Full details here: https://www.girlsbrigadeministries.org.uk/about-girls-brigade-ministries/jobs/
Closing Date: 4 August

Other News

Urban Theology Union – Field Research wanted

Due to unforeseen circumstances, UTU is again seeking a volunteer field-researcher, based in South Yorkshire, who can work from home. The researcher will need experience of social science or similar research, ideally through MA level or equivalent education, and an understanding of how local Christian churches work. They will design and undertake a structured interview with one respondent in each of the case study churches, then analyse and produce a report on their findings. Support and oversight will be provided by UTU.
People interested in undertaking this research should return the form:
https://utusheffield.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/UTU-Social-Researcher-ApplicationForm-2023.pdf
(you may also send a CV to cover sections 1- 3) to office@utusheffield.org.uk by 9.00am Monday 31 July.

And finally ...

From the Methodist Handbook 2022/23

God of invitation and welcome,
for you to command me to love you and my neighbour seems a contradiction,
for the very nature of love means it cannot be forced.

Help me to hear the imperative in the context of your love for me,
free, graciously and abundantly offered.

Through your Spirit may I choose to love you with my whole heart, soul and mind,
and seek to love all people as you love them.

Give me the grace to live these two commandments of love day by day.
in Jesus' name.
Amen
Sheryl Anderson, Liverpool District Chair.