District News – 21 April 2026

Stories from across the District

The Crossing, Worksop

During 2026 The Crossing is celebrating it’s 20th Anniversary and they are planning several events during the year. All are welcome to join them at any of the following:

• A Flower Festival – Weekend of 16th & 17th May.
• Rev Mark Pengelly will be our visiting preacher on Sunday 17th May.
• Organ Concert by Keith Hearnshaw – Saturday 20th June 2.30pm
• Summer Fun Day – Saturday 22nd August.
• Model Transport Exhibition – Saturday 5th September
• The Mystery of The Lost Child & Harvest Supper – Saturday 10th October
• Harvest Festival & Gift Day – Sunday 11th October.
• Autumn Fayre – Saturday 21st November.

Times & details of all will be available nearer the events and will be found on their website
www.thecrossing.co.uk

Doncaster Circuit

Japanese Tea Party

Friday 31st July 2026 – 2.30 pm for 3.00 pm
Joins us at Sprotborugh Methodist Church with our local Anglican friends in the village and Sheffield Methodist Women in Britain to enjoy a Japanese mission partner coming to talk about her work. She will illustrate her talk with dance, wearing her kimono! over tea with homemade Japanese cakes, as well as English, there will also be crafting opportunities.
All are welcome!

District News and updates

District Gathering

It was lovely to see so many folk at the gathering on Saturday. Planning this type of event is always a challenge as people will come with a variety of expectations. As usual, feedback is encourage via a link which has been emailed out, and it is encouraging to already have quite a few responses. We do look at the comments and if possible will factor some into future plans. If questions are asked in the form, we will do our best to respond directly – although not everyone has left a name, so cannot guarantee this.

Sad News

We were sorry to learn of the death of Sylvia Secombe OBE, the widow of the Rev'd Eglon Sercombe (who died in 1992), on 9 April . Sylvia was also a Local Preacher, and had been living in the Trinity Circuit. The funeral has been arranged for 1:30pm on Monday 11 May at Hallcroft Methodist Church. We hold her family in our prayers.

We were sorry to also learn of the recent death of Margaret Teare, the widow of the Rev'd William (Bill) Teare. (who died in 2009). Her funeral is tomorrow (Wednesday) at 1.15pm tomorrow at Hutcliffe Wood Crematorium. We hold her family in our prayers.

We were sorry to learn of the death of John Wills, husband of the Revd Liz Wills, a supernumerary minister in the Sheffield Circuit. He passed away at home on 18 April, where he had been cared for for the last few weeks.
We hold Liz and all the family in our prayers at this time.

District Podcast – Faith, Hope and The Journey – Mark North.

In this episode of Faith, Hope and The Journey we chat with Mark North, who is the Faith Rooted Community Organising Lead in the District. This is brand new role to the Methodist Church and is about how we engage with each other in the church and those within our communities. Mark talks about this new role, share's his faith journey and openly chats about his previous roles, from driving a train to setting up and running Freedom – a charity in Bolsover supporting people in poverty.
It's available to stream on our website or from wherever you usually get your podcasts.
District website: https://www.sheffieldmethodist.org/podcast.html

The Art of Welcome

Across the district, a creative new initiative is taking shape — one that’s all about opening doors, sparking creativity and celebrating the warmth of community.
The Art of Welcome invites people of every age and background to explore what welcome, belonging and inclusion look like through art. Whether it’s a painting, a photograph, a textile piece, a digital design or a drama performance, each contribution answers a simple but powerful question: What does welcome mean to you?
At its core, the project is about showing hospitality in a visual and heartfelt way. Churches often describe themselves as open, friendly spaces, but this project helps bring that message to life.
District grants of £500 are available to help support this work.
Find out more

District Magazine – Courageous Conversations

The latest district magazine is now available to read online or grab a copy from your nearest church.
Find out more

Other News

Songs of Praise

Founder of the City of Sanctuary movement, the Revd Inderjit Bhogal was featured on Songs of Praise last Sunday. He explained how he found a welcome in a Methodist church after arriving in the UK, an experience that sparked a lifelong commitment to meeting fear and hostility with hospitality and compassion.
Watch again here

Regional Officer for Safeguarding Updates

Creating a safeguarding foundation to have courageous conversations, part One.

Those who attended the District Gathering (Synod) on Saturday will have heard reflections on community engagement and the importance of helping people feel welcome. Creating spaces where people are encouraged to share their stories can lead to deep learning and connection. It can also mean that individuals feel able to disclose personal difficulties. When this happens, it is essential that such situations are handled appropriately.
For a while I’ve have been reflecting on the Methodist requirement for safeguarding training, which is completed every four years. While the Foundation module introduces good practice in recognising and responding to safeguarding concerns, the Advanced module focuses on broader aspects of safeguarding and can move attention away from these core principles. It is also realistic to acknowledge that much of what is learned may fade over time.
Over the next four weeks, I will use my article in the District newsletter to refresh learning on how to respond safely and effectively when someone makes a disclosure of abuse. My hope is that this will help strengthen our safeguarding foundations as we continue to welcome and engage with others.

This week, I am sharing the Samaritans’ listening tips, which are covered in the Advanced module. When someone is struggling with worries or difficult emotions, being truly listened to can reduce feelings of isolation and help them cope. You do not need to be an expert—care and presence matter most.
The SHUSH listening tips are a helpful guide:
S – Show you care: Give your full attention, maintain eye contact, and minimise distractions.
H – Have patience: It may take time before someone feels ready to open up.
U – Use open questions: Encourage conversation beyond yes or no answers.
S – Say it back: Check your understanding without interrupting or offering solutions.
H – Have courage: Do not be discouraged by silence or a hesitant response; you do not need to fill every pause.

As ever, if you 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

Walking the Peak Wesley Way to raise funds for Africa's Gift

Thursday 14 May 10:00 am

This is a pilgrimage led by Faye Ramsey Smith ( Hope Walking) and Ken Dunn ( Africa's Gift) to raise funds for Eco Cookbags.
Details on Facebook https://hopewalking.co.uk/peak-wesley-way-charity-challenge

The woman at the well

Regional Retreat for ministers and lay employees

20-22 May 2026
Donna Worthington (Retreat Leader) will be leading our time together when we will explore: The Woman at the Well: an invitation to journey to the well, to Christ the Living Water. Donna is an experienced retreat giver trained in Ignatian spiritual direction, labyrinth walking and storytelling.
More information and booking details can be found via EventBrite: https://260520RegionalRetreat.eventbrite.co.uk
Bookings close on 1 May

And finally ...

A prayer from our District Chair

God who listens,
you hear us before we find the words,
and hold what is spoken and what remains unspoken.

As we journey beyond Easter,
help us to lean into what we know
the quiet truth of your presence,
the steady call to love,
the hope that does not always shout, but still endures.

In the places and spaces we serve,
open our eyes to signs of new life
emerging where we might not think to look,
whispering where we have forgotten to listen.

When the weight of the world feels heavy
in the stories we hear, the images we see,
the suffering that can numb our hearts
gently awaken us again to possibility.

Give us courage to ask:
How might we respond?
What difference can we make?

Resource us, we pray,
for the conversations that matter
honest, brave, and compassionate.
Teach us to listen deeply,
to speak with grace,
and to remain open to one another and to you.

And in all things,
root us in the hope that nothing is beyond your reach,
that transformation is always possible,
and that love has the final word.
Amen.