District News – 24 June 2025

This Week's News

Methodist Conference 2025

The Methodist Conference is taking place between Thursday 26th June and Wednesday 2nd July in Telford. It's where the governing body of the Methodist Church meets annually to discuss matters affecting the life of the Church, the nation and the world.
We have a team of representatives who attend on behalf the district.
You can watch the Conference live here:
https://www.methodist.org.uk/about/structure-and-governance/the-methodist-conference/conference-2025/watch-conference-live/
You can find the agenda and read all the reports here:
https://www.methodist.org.uk/about/structure-and-governance/the-methodist-conference/conference-2025/the-conference-agenda/
Watch out on the district social's for updates from our District Conference Reps.

Lighthouse Homes Summer Fair

Lighthouse Homes are holding their Summer Fair fundraiser 11am – 3pm on Saturday 12 July at 2 Barnsley Road, Wath upon Dearne, Rotherham, S63 6PY. Learn more about work of this ecumenical charity in our recent podcast interview https://www.sheffieldmethodist.org/podcast.html and then head across to Wath on 12th to meet staff and residents.

Chair's Leaving Service

Sunday 20 July at 3pm

All are welcome as we say goodbye to the Revd Gill Newton at Greenhill Methodist Church, Sheffield. The service will be followed by light refreshments.
If you would like to contribute towards her leaving gift, you can do so via the online Collection Pot: https://app.collectionpot.com/pot/3358452
You can also leave a message for her, which we will print out for her to read later.
This collection will close on Wednesday 9 July.

Join us for a Journey of a Lifetime at 3Generate!

3Generate is back this October, and this year we are encouraging children and young people to take the next steps on their 'Journey of a Lifetime' – our theme for this year's event.
With sessions to cater for those at all stages of their faith journeys, children and young people can feel supported to open their minds to God, and explore big questions and key issues more deeply.
This year, our main stage will be even bigger, meaning even bigger, bolder collective worship, and with 8 new venues, children and young people can tune into God in even more ways!
Find out more and book tickets here!

4-7s at 3Generate!

The 4-7s area is back at 3Generate this year and even bigger than ever! With a whole new, larger space, your little ones can play, dance and create as they come together in worship.
This year, are delighted to announce a meet-up area for those with family or friends at the main 3Generate event, meaning you will be able to spend some time together and share your 3Generate experience across a whole family!
Find out more and buy tickets here!

New Beginnings grant – Social Games Club

Hillsborough Trinity Methodist Church are tapping into local interest in strategy board games to start a new Social Games Club. The new club will be targeted at young people who currently have no regular contact with the church, and will link to the church's already existing Youth Space. Board games have experienced something of a renaissance in recent years, as an antidote to screen time and a way to breakdown social isolation and nervousness, with a wide range of new games available.
For more ideas and information about applying for a New Beginnings grant see https://www.sheffieldmethodist.org/what-we-do/finance-fundraising/new-beginnings.html

District Safeguarding update

The District Safeguarding Review is now live – please do encourage your church Safeguarding Officer to complete this as soon as possible.
Remember that this is designed to be a snap-shot view of where your church is at the moment. If you can't answer some of the questions, that is absolutely fine – don't waste time hunting out information, but be honest about where you are now. Completing the review will help us know what additional support needs are required.
Whilst the deadline to complete it is 31 July, please don't leave to the last minute!

Events

Church at the coast, challenges and opportunities

Mon, 7 Jul 2025 13:00 – 14:30 online

The Power of Partnership: Stories of Hope and Transformation from the Castle Eden and Dorset South & West Circuits
Join us online for a heartening lunchtime event as we explore The Power of Partnership--a celebration of how collaboration between churches and communities is creating spaces of transformation and hope.
Through five real-life stories from across the Castle Eden Circuit and the Dorset South & West Circuit, we'll hear how local partnerships are bringing renewed life and purpose to church buildings and the people they serve:

• In Easington Colliery, a church and local councillor joined forces to create a vibrant community hub open seven days a week.
• At Horden, leasing space to a drama group has sparked not only artistic success but also pastoral connection.
• In Peterlee, collaboration with East Durham Trust is enriching both community support and worship.
• In Seaton Carew, The Thrive Hive--a community initiative led by a local resident--is now thriving five days a week.
• And in Westham(Dorset South & West Circuit), a partnership with Weymouth Foodbank has grown into much more than food provision. What began as a Foodbank now includes a warm space, a parent and toddler group, and visits from a Citizens Advice worker--offering holistic support to the local community. When one guest asked, "You're churchy people, aren't you? So what's this all about?" it sparked the launch of Thrive, a monthly café-style church where people can gather, share, and explore faith together.

Come along, be inspired, and consider how partnership might look in your own setting – although both circuits are coastal, we're sure that the learning can be applied in-land too!
Book your place here

MWiB Day Out

Tuesday 22 July

An invitation for you to join us for an interesting day in the countryside in Conistone, Upper Wharfedale, visiting with Rev. Lisa Quarmby on Tuesday 22 July.
The coach will leave Pond St. Bus Station at 8.30am from Platform E5-6. The fare will be £14
Please let Carol Wignell (01246 433216)/Pam Meek (0114 2302477) know by June 30th if you would like to go.

Vacancies

Did you know that many vacancies are also advertised via Instagram and Facebook?
Why not follow at @ukmethodistjobs (Instagram) and @methodistlayemployment (Facebook) to help them reach a larger audience!

Finance Officer

Sheffield Circuit

The Sheffield Circuit seek to appoint an experienced Finance Officer to support and develop the professional function of financial matters within the Circuit.
Main responsibilities:

• Work collaboratively with and support the Circuit Superintendency and Circuit Treasurer in all finance related matters;
• Support and develop the professional function of financial matters within the Circuit;
• Work well with the Circuit Finance Group (CFG)

Enquiries and informal conversations about the role are encourages. We ask that you direct such contact to Matt Irons, Circuit Treasure, by email at matirons@gmail.com
The job description and an application form can be downloaded from the Vacancies page of the District website: https://www.sheffieldmethodist.org/recruitment/vacancies/circuit-vacancies.html
Closing date for applications: midday on Friday 11 July

Lay Pastor

A heart for outreach, evangelism and mission, and a passion for caring for people?

St Martin's Church and Community Centre is a vibrant and dynamic community hub in the centre of one of Derby's most disadvantaged neighbourhoods. It is a centre of mission and outreach for the community.
We are seeking a person who can both initiate and continue mission and ministries to engage our community and to create pathways to introduce and deepen faith in Christ while caring for the congregation and membership.
The post is for 20 hours a week. Salary per annum £15,990 from 1st September 2025
There is a genuine Occupational Requirement for the post holder to be a Christian.
For more information, please contact the Derby Methodist Circuit Office, office@derbymethodists.org.uk
For a telephone conversation please contact Rev Chris Briggs, 07851 749215.
Closing date for applications: Friday 18th July 2025
Interviews on: Wednesday 6th August 2025
St Martin's Church and Community Centre, Flint Street, Allenton DE24 9BH

And finally ...

From the Methodist Prayer Handbook

O God, how long?
How long must we wait to see your justice lifted high?
How long must we groan under oppression and injustice?
The poor get poorer, and the rich get richer.
Help us to sing a new song.
Help us, through your Holy Spirit, to sing your song of a world renewed, of dignity freely given, of right living between sibling and sibling.
But it begins with me.
It begins with my willingness to partner with the God of all the earth.
Help us to see the riches you have placed within us and let us add our voices to the song all creation longs to sing.
Then our souls shall truly magnify the Lord,today and always.
Amen.