District News – 22 April 2025

This Week's News

Easter Blessings

Christ has Risen – Hallelujah
It has been such a joy to see all the amazing decorated crosses appearing on Facebook and other Social Media Channels. Here are just a few examples!

A statement on the death of His Holiness Pope Francis

The Methodist Church in Britain receives with deep sadness the news of the death of His Holiness Pope Francis, and gives thanks for his life and Christian witness.
Even to the final days of his long life, by his actions and his words, Pope Francis continued to set forth the gospel of God's love in Christ. He spoke plainly of the hope that is to be found in Jesus Christ, showed profound compassion for those who are poor and marginalised, and gave particular emphasis to God's demand for global justice. Through his papacy, Francis has fostered an openness to Christians sharing together in the Church's life and mission, in ways which have broken new ground for the Catholic Church. In all these ways, for many Methodists Pope Francis's witness to the Christian faith holds a special resonance, and his loss is deeply felt.
Methodists join in these days in prayer and sympathy with our Catholic sisters and brothers, who have lost their Holy Father, recognising the pain that this brings. Methodists will also offer prayers in the days ahead for the Catholic Church, as she navigates this period.
As God receives Pope Francis into God's arms of love, we pray that he may rest in peace and rise in glory.
Read the full article on the Methodist Church website here.

More sad news

We were really sorry to learn over the weekend of the death of Clive Taylor. Clive was very involved in the life of the Methodist Church. A local preacher in the Rotherham and Dearne Valley Circuit, he had also been involved in a number of roles at District Level, including Manse Visitors Panel secretary, a Manse Visitor, the assistant Secretary of the Synod and member of the District Policy Committee.
He was also well-known to those visiting Cliff College where he worked in the past and more recently was their volunteer archivist.
We hold all who knew and loved Clive in our prayers at this time.

Broomhill Methodist Centre – Bouldering wall

Could you help Broomhill Methodist Centre build a space for community, wellbeing and faith?
A crowd funding page has been created to raise money to install a climbing wall which can be used by beginners to seasoned pro's and a creative play space and what's even better is that if £15,000 can be raised, Sports England will match it with another £15,000.
At Broomhill we believe that buildings should serve the community and we have the chance to create a hub of activity to promote wellbeing, connections and faith. Please join us in this adventure.
Find out more about these exciting plans and to donate visit this webpage.
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/broomhill-methodist-centre-bouldering-wall

Grace Food Bank

The Grace Food Bank is a community group covering the Sheffield 8 postcode area: Lowedges, Norton, Batemoor, Jordanthorpe, Woodseats, Meersbrook and the surrounding areas. We provide food parcels to families / individuals who find themselves in short term financial crisis.
In addition to this, they also pay Sheffield Citizens Advice to come to the foodbank sessions and offer general advice (benefits, housing, utility disputes, etc) and specialist debt advice. Since Citizens Advice moved to a phone based system during Covid, this is the only chance that our clients have to see an adviser in person.
In 2024 the total income recovered for foodbank clients who saw the adviser was over £187,000 and over £40,000 of debt was written off .BUT, to provide the current level of advice will cost nearly £28,000 next year. And they don't have the money to do that. Can you help? Visit their website for ways to donate.

We are aware that there are many other FoodBanks across our District that may also need support.

Praise Evening

Holy Trinity Church, Thorpe Hesley, are having a Praise Evening on Saturday 24 May.
The evening will consist of Music, led by our live Worship Group, Poems and readings, a time of reflection for family and friends who are no longer with us, prayers and then hot food in our Community Centre, next to church, after the service.
All are welcome (although we do require numbers of anyone attending for catering purposes).
This is a free event.

District Safeguarding Update

Foundation Module Trainers

The Newcastle/Darlington District are running a second Training Skills session on 7th May at 9am. This is for new Foundation Trainers who were unable to attend a skills session in the Autumn, or any of seasoned trainers who might like a refresher!
You can book a place here.

Advanced Module Training

There are still places available for the online version of the Advanced Module, taking place in June, July and August: https://2025AdvancedOnline.eventbrite.co.uk
For those who would prefer the face-to-face training, the session taking place on Monday 22 September has also still has some places left: https://25CSSAdvanced.eventbrite.co.uk

Events

Christians on Ageing Conference

Wednesday 30 April

For the first time since the pandemic we are holding our AGM in person, and within the context of a Spring Mini-Conference. This will be held on Wednesday 30th April from 10.30am – 3.30pm and the venue is The Bar Convent in York.
As well as dealing with the necessary business of the AGM we will be focussing on one of CoA's core objectives – celebrating the gifts and potential of later life, and helping churches and others to develop activities which contribute to understanding older people's spiritual growth.
One of our keynote speakers will be Rev. Dr. Chris Swift, recently appointed as Director of the Leeds Christian Institute, and previously Director of Chaplaincy and Spirituality at MHA.
Attendance for the day is free but donations towards the cost of refreshments will be gratefully received.
Places can be booked by following this link: https://buytickets.at/christiancouncilonageing/1532201

Positively Rural – Pilgrimage

Thursday 1 May at 10am

The next Positively Rural gathering will be looking at pilgrimages; sharing how one circuit developed a pilgrimage using rural churches and exploring possibilities of being a pilgrim for those unable to walk.
As always, there will also be opportunities to share your own experiences in smaller break-out groups.
The deadline to register is 28 April at mid-day : https://250501pilgrimage.eventbrite.co.uk

GDPR Support

Katrin will be holding 3 more Zoom sessions on Tuesday 6 May at 10am / 2pm / Tuesday 13 May at 7pm. These are to give support and advice on GDPR and the annual checklist. Please complete the booking form if you wish to attend one of these sessions
GDPR Support

Admin networking

Thursday 22 May from 9am

Join the UCAN group for a a time of prayer, resource-sharing, and encouragement in your ministry. Whether you're a UCAN member or not, you're welcome to connect with fellow church administrators in your area. Light refreshments will be provided.
Venue: "The Furnival" 199 Verdon Street, Sheffield S3 9QQ
As well as the usual chat and updates, we will spend some time looking at Excel spreadsheets, sharing our experiences and "what works for me!"
Book your place here.

Cliff Festival 2025 – 23-26 May

Join hundreds of Christians from around the country at Cliff College at the end of May for a weekend of worship, Bible teaching and encountering the living God together. Book your tickets now, either for the whole weekend (there are a limited number of camping pitches still available) or just for a day. Find all the details on the Cliff College website: https://bit.ly/4cKzYel

Courageous Grief

23-25th May 2025 at Holy Rood House in Thirsk

18-40ish? Wondering what to do with your grief and fears about climate change?
Jo Musker-Sherwood was the Founder Director of a climate-change NGO when she experienced burnout, in despair about the state of the world. She found a way of fuelling her work through joy rather than anxiety, and now helps others to do their work well, both in terms of impact and wellbeing.
Come and join us to explore Courageous Grief at Holy Rood House, a retreat centre with a difference, open and inclusive, a place for wellbeing, creatvity, spirituality and learning, with a warm welcome for all.
Download the booking information here: Courageous Grief Booking form

Being Missional Today

Tuesday 10 June, Coventry Cathedral

A festival of missional thinking exploring the impact of disruptions in church and world, the liminality of this current season, and the role of reconciliation practices.
A chance to hear from voices historically marginalised in mission dialogues, creating a more globally connected and inclusive conversation, exploring perspectives beyond current dominant models. Speakers include: Bishop Guli Francis-Dehqani, Al Barrett, Carlton Turner, Catherine Okoronkwo, Charlotte Gale, David Brubaker, Gale Richards, Harvey Kwiyani, John Witcombe, Martin Robinson, Peniel Rajkumar, Robert Beckford, Rosy Fairhurst, Ruth Harley, Sharon Prentis, Victoria Turner and Alastair McKay
Bookings at https://reconciliation-initiatives.org/being-missional-today/ Contact Neil Harland mission@sheffieldmethodist.org if you are interested in going as a district group to access discounted tickets.

And finally ...

A prayer for Pope Frances

Almighty God,
we thank you that you continue to call disciples to represent you on earth.
We recognise this call in the life, faith and ministry of Pope Francis.
We give thanks for the unique gifts with which you blessed him for this task, and for his obedience in fulfilling all that you asked of him.
Thank you for receiving Francis into the eternal home that you have been preparing for him.
We pray that all who mourn his loss will be comforted and for the Conclave that will elect his successor.
We hold before you the Roman Catholic Church and pray that we might continue to work together for the unity of your Church and for peace, justice and compassion in your world.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ.
Amen.

A prayer for the triumph of God's will

God of grace and hope,
Where the warmth of a smile eclipses the sinister sneer -
Let hope stand triumphant.
Where an act of kindnessundermines an evil deed -
Let hope stand triumphant.
Where a word of peacesilences the terrorist's threat -
Let hope stand triumphant.
Where difference is diversityin place of disunity -
Let hope stand triumphant.
Where youth is innocentand age is wisdom -
Let hope stand triumphant.
Where love is realand faith is kindled -
Let hope stand triumphant.
Praying that praise and protestwould be partners in our living and in our praying,
that your kingdom may come among us.
Amen.
Andy Fyall, District Chair, Nottingham and Derby District