District News – 21 July 2026

News from across the District

Eco-Fest at Emmanuel Methodist Church, Barnsley

Clear out your sheds!
As part of our ECOFest, we are collaborating with AgeUK to encourage donations of tools, to support their Men in Sheds and She Sheds, and other potential DIYers!. They tell us that many people don’t have tools to help with DIY, gardening and home maintenance. We feel sure that there are lots of good tools, lying unused in sheds, garages and cellars. We can put them to good use!
Please only donate tools which are useable; we don’t want broken or damaged items, and bring them along to the ECOFEst as we don’t have anywhere to store them until September 19th!

District Updates

Preparing for the Eclipse

In three weeks, we are expected to experience an Eclipse which will not be seen again until 2090.

To support community celebrations, the district is offering grants of up to £500 to help churches organise activities and events. The most recent include Handsworth Woodhouse Methodist Church in Sheffield, Dinnington Methodist Church in Trinity Circuit, and Hemsworth Methodist Chapel in Barnsley.
https://www.sheffieldmethodist.org/news/news-stories/preparing-for-eclipse.html

Faith, Hope and The Journey Podcast – Death, Dying and Bereavement

In this episode of Faith, Hope and The Journey we chat to Revd. Debora Marschner, Superintendent of Sheffield Circuit about support being offered around death, dying and bereavement. She talks passionately about offering this Ministry to make sure no one feels unseen in their grief. We also explore her journey into Methodism from Germany to Sheffield and everywhere in between.
https://www.sheffieldmethodist.org/podcast.html

Regional Officer for Safeguarding Update

Policy and Guidance for working with victims and survivors of abuse

I wanted to alert you to a 2026 update to the November 2023 ‘Policy and guidance for working with victims and survivors of abuse within the Methodist Church in Britain’ and the ‘Short Guide for Victims and Survivors’. It can be viewed here:
Policy and Guidance for working with victims and survivors of abuse within the Methodist Church in Britain

A Short Guide for Victims and Survivors
The changes incorporate the restructure of the Safeguarding Team and some positive changes to the provision we can offer survivors. The policy offers helpful tips on taking disclosures of abuse and on working in a trauma-informed way with victims and survivors of abuse. The policy also explains what support we can offer survivors such as pastoral support, counselling, peer support from other survivors and the Discrimination and Abuse Response Service.

The updated policies have been uploaded to the Support for Survivors – The Methodist Church page.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions about working with survivors. I (or the Methodist Survivors Advisory Group) will be very willing to help and advise you – Kate Little (littlek@methodistchurch.org.uk)

Advance Safeguarding Training

Dates are now available to book in for the online version of the Advanced Safeguarding Training module. Those we we think are due to renew their training have been emailed, but there was an issue with the link sent.
Full details, including the booking link can be found on the Safeguarding section of the District Website: Online Training

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

Other News

Connexional Economic Justice

Can you help to build more economic justice across the Methodist Church? A working group looking at how the distribution of resources for Mission and Ministry can be fairer and more in line with our justice-seeking across the Connexion is hosting online listening sessions to hear your thoughts. Sign up to join the first one next Thursday 23rd July 4-5pm: Connexional Economic Justice – The Methodist Church

Future Events

SCCC love a good evening out, so we’ve not one, but two great fundraising events coming your way.

SILENT DISCO | 18th Sept 26 | Sheffield Plate | 18:30 – 22:30

Join us at Sheffield Plate for a night of non-stop nostalgia, featuring the best hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. With 3 channels to choose from, you’re in control—simply change the channel on your wireless headphones and keep the party going your way!Whether you’re grooving to disco classics, rocking out to 80s anthems, or dancing through 90s throwbacks, there’s something for everyone. Watch the dancefloor light up as everyone moves to their own beat—it’s a party like no other!
Book your place here

MURDER MYSTERY | 27th Nov 26 | Phoenix Golf Club | 18:00 – 23:00

Join us at Killingham Hall Golf Club (fictional place) for an evening of mystery, laughter and fundraising intrigue!
You’re invited to the Club President’s Gala Supper… but all is not as it seems.
After a welcome drinks reception and a delicious pie and pea supper, a shocking murder will unfold — and it’s up to you to solve it.
Mingle with a cast of suspicious characters, gather clues, and piece together the evidence. Question the suspects, debate your theories, and submit your final accusation — who did it, and why?
Will you uncover the truth before the night is out?
Book your tickets here