District News – 21 October 2025

This Week's News

Faith over Fear Sunday

16 & 23 November

Circuits across the Sheffield District have agreed that now is the time to come together and make a clear, visible witness of faith, hope and justice. We are a people called to seek justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God. In these times, when many of our friends, colleagues and neighbours, especially those from other countries, are living with fear and uncertainty, we believe the Church must stand alongside them. We are called to affirm that every person is loved and valued, and to stand up and speak out where others are being silenced.
That is why we are inviting every church in the District to join in a special service: Faith over Fear Sunday. On either Sunday 16th or 23rd November, each congregation will be encouraged to set aside time in their worship to pray, reflect, and begin conversations about welcome, inclusion, hospitality, justice, and hope.
More information, including an A5 booklet of resources, can be found on the District Website here: Faith over Fear
The District office can produce printed copies of the booklet if requested. As it takes time to print and send out, could you let the office know by Monday 27 October how many copies you think might like, and where they should be sent to.

Black History Month

at Hathersage Methodist Church

Black History Month takes place every October and is an opportunity to honour the contribution of Black people to the history of our country and world. The month serves to highlight stories that have often been overlooked, and to promote ongoing conversations about racial justice. Hathersage Methodist Church is marking Black History Month with a display of books in our second-hand bookshop, plus other resources to browse in the church. The bookshop and church are open to visit every day approx 9am to 5pm.

Free books!

To Preachers, Preachers in training and Worship Leaders.
I have many books which belonged to my late husband the Rev.John Young.
You are very welcome to come along and take any book or books which may be helpful to you. There is no charge whatsoever.
I can be contacted by j.1.young@btinternet.com.
Closing date October 31st.
from Isabel Young (Derbyshire North East Circuit)

Methodist Church Online Suite

The Online Suite (https://online.methodist.org.uk) is currently being upgraded. This means that the annual count of members and attendance will not be able to be updated until January 2026. We will let you know when it is open for business.
The Annual Return element is now open. The questions now focus on Action for Hope and the mission of churches and circuits, which will be fed in to the work that the Connexional Team does and help assess the impact of these initiatives. However, the questions that were previously on the return have not entirely gone away. They now form The Managing Trustee Annual Returns Checklist, and are may assist you in fulfilling your obligations as a managing trustee.
If you have difficulty accessing the website, contact the District Office for help in the first instance.

Lead Chaplain appointed

Derbyshire Rural Chaplaincy

“The Bishop of Derby is delighted to announce that the Revd Phil Michell, Rector of the Benefice of Hulland, Atlow, Kniveton, Bradley and Hognaston and Area Dean of Carsington, Diocese of Derby, has been appointed Lead Agricultural Chaplain to Derbyshire Rural Chaplaincy and will hold the Bishop of Derby’s licence in the same diocese, subject to all legal and safeguarding requirements being fulfilled.”
Phil has had a lifelong interest in farming and will be familiar to many having served in the Diocese of Derby for many years. He hopes to take up his post at DRC in late January 2026.

District Safeguarding Update

Activity Risk Assessment Training:

Thursday 6th November 2025 @ 7.00pm

The District Safeguarding Audit, completed by churches and circuits in June and July, highlighted an issue with Activity Risk Assessments. I suspect people will have thought about potential issues when planning their activity but never committed their thoughts to paper.
The expectation that activity risk assessments should be completed for activities aimed at vulnerable groups is not just a Methodist one but is grounded in UK legislation.
Over the last few months, I have been working with a small group of church and circuit safeguarding officers to develop some resources for people to use, to make the writing of risk assessments less daunting. My hope is that by giving you templates and a better understanding of the process you will feel better equipped to complete these valuable assessments.
I will be explaining the process and introducing the resources at an online training session on Thursday 6th November @ 7pm. The session will be recorded so don’t worry if you can’t attend on the night. Please book on via this link by 4 November: https://251106riskassessment.eventbrite.co.uk
If you have any issues booking this way, please let me or Katrin Hackett know.
This session is for group leaders who run activities aimed at children, young people or vulnerable adults. Church and Circuit Safeguarding Officers will also find it helpful. The session will last for a max of 1 hour and this will include opportunity to discuss the resources and ask questions etc.
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

Events

Administrators' Gathering

Tuesday 4 November from 9am

The next gathering of administrators (and other office based workers) will be held at Cemetery Road Baptist Church. This is a time for us to gather and share our experiences, offering mutual support and encouragement to each other.
This is organised by UCAN (UK Church Administrators Network), but is open to all.
Find out more here: https://ucan.churchsuite.com/events/w5d2vaxk/

Interfaith Week Study Day

Saturday 15 November – 10am

You are invited to attend a day exploring Muslim and Christian perspectives on Building a Just Society. The day will be led by Dr Chris Hews, a Christian Theologian who also has a thorough understanding of Islam which is respected by local Muslims.
There will be lots of time for discussion and reflection. Light refreshments will be available, but please bring your own lunch.
Contact nkinterfaith@gmail.com to find out more.

Christmas Nativity Party

Saturday 6 December at 4:00pm

Join us at Bakewell Methodist Church for a fun filled Christmas nativity party with
games, crafts, music and the nativity story, followed by a Christmas tea.
See the poster for full details

Regional Retreat – The Woman at the Well

20-22 May 2026

A 48 hour retreat open to all Presbyters, Deacons &Lay Employees within the Methodist Church in the Yorkshire Plus and North East Learning Regions (Sheffield, Yorkshire West, Yorkshire North & East, Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Darlington Districts)

At Jacob’s well, Jesus broke strict rules of his time in order to reach a woman who was struggling with past relationships, exclusion and isolation. He listened to her in a non-judgemental way, saw her huge potential and she was transformed, finding her own confidence and her own voice.
We will explore this intriguing Gospel passage, which helps to illuminate inner soul journeys and offers an invitation to walk to the ‘well’, to Christ the One who restores us. The retreat will include a short theatre piece; presentation; discussion; Ignatian guided prayer; and a labyrinth prayer walk based on the beautiful journey to the well.
Led by Donna Worthington – Donna is an experienced retreat giver trained in Ignatian spiritual direction, labyrinth walking and storytelling. She studied Theology at Cambridge, and completed an MPhil at Manchester University. She has written several plays, two of which explored the Lindisfarne Gospels, and Christian contemplative prayer. She has led retreats and workshops examining the Gospels through theatre, dream-prayer and dance-prayer.
Places are limited, so book early here: https://260520RegionalRetreat.eventbrite.co.uk

Vacancies

Missional Property Enabler

Sheffield Methodist District seek to appoint a Missional Property Enabler to encourage, support and equip local churches a dn circuits to make their properties fit for mission.
With previous experience of managing buildings and an understanding of building regulations, applicants should have the skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously and the knowledge and understanding to articulate how buildings can support or hinder contextual Christian mission.
Main duties will concentrate on Property and Mission, Net Zero, and Residential Property Income, whist acting as the District Manse Secretary.
Full details can be found here: Missional Property Enabler

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Lighthouse Homes

Established for 20 years, Lighthouse Homes is a Christian Charity and Company limited by guarantee, which exists to relieve poverty, and advance the education of people, particularly those who are homeless.
Our values:

• Stability by ensuring an environment of safety
• Dignity by demonstrating genuine respect
• Friendship by creating a compassionate community
• Purpose by sharing a life-giving faith
• A plan by encouraging new opportunities

Lighthouse Homes offer Christian inspired residential communities, providing opportunities for change in both lifestyle and values. We are an ecumenical charity; whose roots are in Churches Together. However, all are welcome at Lighthouse Homes, those of all faiths and none.
The CEO will lead a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, you will continue to develop a culture of excellence and continuous improvement, ensuring high quality standards in all operations. The role is not just a job, it’s a vocation to create lasting positive change in the lives of those experiencing homelessness in Rotherham, Shirebrook and Chesterfield.
Full details can be found here: CEO Lighthouse

And Finally...

A Prayer for Fresh Air and Well-Being

Loving God,
as the air turns crisp and the colours deepen,
we give thanks for the gift of this autumn season,
for cool mornings, soft sunlight,
and the beauty that quietly renews the earth.

We are mindful of those who feel weary,
run-down, or under the weather just now.
Bless all who are coughing and aching,
those waiting for strength to return,
and those who care for others while feeling fragile themselves.

Help us to make time for rest and fresh air
to step outside from our desks and screens,
to breathe deeply,
to lift our faces to the changing sky.

May every breath remind us of your life-giving Spirit,
flowing through us, restoring and renewing.
We give thanks for the simple things
that help us keep well,
warm soup and early nights,
a friend’s message,
the body’s quiet work of healing.

Tender God,
gently remind us to look after our mind, body and our spirit,
that we might live gratefully,
move kindly,
and share your peace with those around us.
Amen.
Revd Vicky Atkins