District News 20 January 2026

District News Stories

Tickhill Christmas Appeal

Tickhill Methodist Outreach Team and the homeless and vulnerable people we serve, want to thank everyone who donated money and chocolate bars to our Christmas gift appeal. We were hoping for 60 chocolate bars and actually received 61 along with the fabulous sum of £1060! We were able to purchase 60 thermal drinks bottles and clips for the bottles to be clipped to belts, bags etc and we were very kindly donated a bag full of knitted beanie hats. (many cafe's and shops help with free warm drinks in the City centre)
A bag with a blessing tag was filled with a hat, a bottle and chocolate were blessed at the Tickhill Methodist Church Carol Service and handed out to homeless and vulnerable people of Doncaster the following day (the week before Christmas). They were warmly received! Your kindness and generosity is very much appreciated.

Fresh Expressions in Chesterfield School

In September we began a new fresh expression of church at Spire Infants School. We approached the headteacher to see if she would like us to run an after school club based on Bible stories, games and craft. She was delighted and invited us to begin our group which we called ‘The Ark’.
Since we started we have been over subscribed and the children have thoroughly enjoyed engaging with our faith in this way.
We wanted the group to also be open to parents so just before Christmas we invited the children’s grownups to come along to hear the Christmas story. All children brought a grown up with them and we had a wonderful time together. This term we are again over subscribed and hoping that the children, parents and school continue their enthusiasm for this work.
Please keep us in your prayers for this group and other discipleship work that we are hoping to begin soon

WhatsApp Channel

The District has started a WhatsApp channel as another means of sending out information. This will not replace the weekly newsletter, but will work alongside our other communications channels such as Facebook and the District Website.
WhatsApp Channels can be found on the Updates section of the app menu. A direct link to the Sheffield District channel can be found here: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb749dVG8l5KDbwNPT2P; or you can scan in the QR code.

Other News

Prayer for the People of Iran

With the deepening crisis unfolding in Iran, we share a prayer for those in the country, and those of Iranian heritage who worship in our churches here.
God of Peace,
We hold the people of Iran in this time of deep distress.
Where there is fear – grant Your peace.
Where there is violence – bring Your protection.
Where hearts are hurting – pour out Your comfort...

دعای برای ایران
ای خدای صلح،

Read the full prayer here – in English and also in Farsi:
www.methodist.org.uk/for-churches/resources/prayers/prayer-for-iran

Peak Wesley Way Open Day

Sunday 8 February 1:00 pm

The Peak Wesley Way Team are hosting their first Open Day of 2026 at Castleton Methodist Church, the Peveril Centre.
You are warmly invited to come and meet the team and learn more about this local pilgrimage, now entering its third year of operation.
The Peveril Centre is the last overnight stay of the 45 mile hike through the Peak District and you will have the opportunity to see the accommodation provided to the pilgrims, and meet the volunteers who prepare their way and make them feel welcome as they pass through our communities.
Drop in anytime between 1 and 4pm on Sunday 8th February 2026. A Q&A session will take place at 2pm. Refreshments will be provided, the event is free of charge, bring a friend, no booking required.
www.peakwesleyway.com

Learning Network

A reminder that the Learning Network exist to equip and resource churches and are currently offering a wide range of courses and training, click here to find out more.

MA in Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy

Wesley House, Cambridge are introducing an MA in Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy which will give you an in-depth understanding of Pastoral Theology as it relates to the goals of chaplaincy and care in contemporary settings. The course is delivered online so as to enable maximum flexibility and taught part time over two years.
See here for more information: www.theofed.cam.ac.uk/postgraduate/ma-aru/ma-pastoralcare/

UTU Urban Theology Seminar

Call for ideas/topics to present for Urban Theology Seminar

Tuesday, 10th February between 11.30 am and 12 noon on Zoom.
By building on the momentum of the Doctoral Seminar, this new gathering offers an opportunity for us to share our research, reflections and ruminations on urban theology and missional practice.
If you have a theological issue you'd like to explore with us and get feedback on in a friendly and supportive atmosphere, please email Mel King at office@utusheffield.org.uk to let us know your topic and a sentence to describe it in a bit more detail, and we will timetable it in to our seminar series.
Your presentation can be:

• from the back of an envelope
• a full text of 5,000 words
• a spider diagram
• or anything else that will help you put your ideas across.

For more information and to indicate your interest and attendance please email office@utusheffield.org.uk

Events

Positively Rural – Being Present in Schools

Tuesday 3 February 2026@1:00pm

In this session, we will be sharing how local rural practitioners have developed presence in rural schools with stories of lived experiences and good practice. We will cover both Primary and Secondary Schools, as well as having opportunities for those attending to share their own stories. As always, there will also be opportunities to share your own experiences in smaller break-out groups.
The deadline to register is 31 January 2026 at mid-day.
Book your place here: https://260203Schools.eventbrite.co.uk

Administrators Gathering

Wednesday 4 February from 9am

The next Gathering for all those involved in church administration will be held at The Furnival, 199 Verdon Street, Sheffield. This is a great time to meet up with others in similar roles, to share experiences and good practice and to offer support and encouragment.
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: https://ucan.churchsuite.com/events/ygmvyxup
Do pass this invite on to anyone you think might benefit.

Vacancies

Vacancies on the Cliff College Committee

An opportunity to support the mission and work of Cliff College

The Cliff College Committee is the governing body of the College. We are seeking to appoint new members and warmly invite applications from individuals who are passionate about supporting the ministry, impact and strategic development of Cliff College.
The Committee benefits from a wide range of backgrounds and skills. At this time, we particularly welcome applicants with professional experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Financial Oversight
• Property & Estates Management
• Technology
• Legal
• Higher / Theological Education

A commitment to the vision and values of Cliff College, and an understanding of governance within a charity or educational context, will be important.
Full details can be found here: Cliff College Trustee – Cliff College

Volunteers wanted

I was in prison and you visited me......(Matt.Ch.25 vs.36)
The Independent Monitoring Boards (IMB) are seeking volunteers to monitor conditions and treatment in these local prisons , which house male adults and young offenders from Sheffield, Doncaster, Rotherham and surrounding areas: HMP Moorland, HMP Doncaster, HMP Lindholme, and HMP Hatfield .
IMB members visit prisons regularly to ensure that people in custody are treated fairly , humanely, and well prepared for life after release. This is a unique opportunity to make a real difference. No previous experience is required: just a commitment to justice and compassion. Full training and ongoing support are provided.
Jenny Bywaters has been doing this for 10 years, and would be happy to have an informal chat with anyone who may be interested. (Tel.0114 235 0425 email jlbywaters@aol.com)
Apply between Jan 7th and Feb 18th 2026.
To find out more or to apply visit http://www.imb.org.uk

And finally...

from the Chair of the District, Revd Vicky Atkins

Can you fathom the mysteries of God?
Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?
They are higher than the heavens above—what can you do?
They are deeper than the depths below—what can you know?
(Job 11:7–9)

If God’s mystery isn’t a problem to solve but something precious to live within, what might it change about the way you pray, decide, and respond to uncertainty this week?

A Prayer to see God in all things

God of mystery and imagination,
help us to see you in both the unexpected and the familiar,
for surely you are present in all things.
The stranger who, from nowhere, stops to help; the beloved friend who speaks a word of comfort; the stone when lifted reveals the life beneath; the child who marvels at such a world of tiny beings,
unnoticed and essential – all these display the wonders of your love, ever present if not always known.
In these times of uncertainty and doubt, enable us to lift our eyes to heaven.
Remembering the stars are always there but that it takes the darkness to reveal them. Amen.
Sheryl Anderson, District Chair, Liverpool District