District News – 24 March 2026

Stories from across the District

South Yorkshire People's Network – Public Transport turns orange

Some Good news – a new era in public transport in our region.

South Yorkshire Mayor, Oliver Coppard,at the launch on 16 March announced " We will create a public transport system moulded by those who use it....putting people at the heart of plans."
The name, South Yorkshire People's Network, is significant and promises well, bringing in a new united/uniting brand for buses and trams under public control. Buses and trams are to be "molten orange"and this branding will include bus stops.
The franchising system for buses serving Sheffield , Rotherham and Doncaster will operate from September 2027 with 166 new goverrnment-funded electric buses on our streets. That's good news for the climate and public health.
and especially for the less well off in our communities. The whole region will be covered by 2029. Here is the opportunity to give South Yorkshire back the world class public transport system it once had.
If you can make it, come and join Better Buses for South Yorkshire supporters from 12 noon to 1pm on Tuesday 24 March outside the South Yorkshire Mayoral Authority offices in Broad Street, central Sheffield, on Tuesday 24 March in advance of the meeting of the Board at 1pm. A petition will be handed in calling for a decision-making South Yorkshire Transport Board including representatives of bus user groups, workers in the industry, community organisations, disability groups and other civil nsociety bodies to work alongside the Mayor and elected council representatives. Sheffield and Barnsley Circuit Meetings have already endorsed this petition. Rally round the District's Justice and Peace flag. We've a new song to the tune of "When I'm 64".
Shalom!
Jenny Carpenter

Outreach with Litter-pickers

On Wednesday 18th March 9 members of Cantley Methodist Church, Doncaster collected litter from a wood near the church. This was done to coincide with the Great British Spring Clean, as part of our on-going Eco Church project. With litter-pickers and refuse bags provided by City of Doncaster Council and our own Hi-vis vests with the church name on the back, we collected more than a dozen bags of litter. As well as helping to care for God’s Creation, we also had the opportunity to talk to passers-by, all of whom were appreciative of what we were doing. It was a real opportunity for our church to be seen in our wider community.

The Darkest Night Easter Vigil

Saturday 4 April 6:00 pm

The Metal Methodists are joining with St Paul's Church, Norton Lees for the second The Darkest Night Easter Vigil. Come along on Saturday 4th April for metal music and refreshments, as we turn up the amps to find hope within the noise. Refreshments will be at 6.00pm, with the service starting at 6.30pm.

Don't forget

You can also join the President, Revd Richard Andrew, at the Metal Methodist Service on Sunday 28 March at St Paul's. Join us for pizza from 5pm!

125th Anniversary Hasland Methodist Church

Sunday 12 April 2:00 pm

Hasland Methodist Church 125th Anniversary
12th-18th April 2026. Exhibition of the life of the Church through photos and memorabilia. Open 2-4pm each day.
19th April 2026 at 3pm -
Led by Rev Vicky Atkins, District Chair. Followed by refreshments.
We invite you to come along and celebrate with us.

BBC Songs of Praise, BBC1

Sunday 12 April – Revd Dr Inderjit Bhogal talks on the theme of ‘Challenging hostility with hospitality’ in relation to his work on the Church of Sanctuary programme and why marking Sanctuary Sunday is important.
https://ctbi.org.uk/event/challenging-hostility-with-hospitality-on-bbc-songs-of-praise/

10,000th visit to Hathersage ‘Open Church’

Hathersage Methodist Church started to have its doors open to visitors every day in July 2025. As part of the 'Open Church' project we set up several points of interest in the chapel space (history display, second-hand bookshop, prayer zone, children's play area), as well as a digital 'people counter' at the entrance to keep track of visits. We've been getting over 1,000 visits a month, from local residents and visitors to the area, and in February we were delighted to get our 10,000th visit! If you've not been before, Hathersage Methodist Church is in the centre of the village, opposite the Main Road bus stop and five minutes walk from the train station. The church and bookshop are open 9 to 5 every day and there is currently a book display and other activities in the church to celebrate International Women's Day. Everyone is welcome.

Sad News

We were very sorry to learn of the death of Deacon Con Taylor on Saturday 14 March. Con was a retired Associate Deacon who moved into the Barnsley Circuit a few years ago.
We give thanks for a life well lived, in teaching children with Special Needs, and in the service of the church, both in Australia and in England. We hold her brother, Don, and all who knew her well in our prayers.

Correction to last week's notice

Our apologies for the misprint last week. The UTU Assistant Librarian was Christine Gagan, wife of Sheffield Local Preacher Michael Gagan. We continue to hold the whole family in our prayers.

District News

District Podcast – Faith, Hope and The Journey – Aimee Roddam

We begin Series 3 of Faith, Hope at the Journey with Aimee Roddam from Doncaster Circuit.
Aimee is the circuit school’s worker and R.E Team Coordinator and has been working in schools for more than ten years. We talked about her work offering, workshops, assemblies and Godly play sessions to primary schools around Doncaster which allows children to hear the message of Jesus.
Aimee shares her faith journey with us, about the welcome offered in church after she became pregnant whilst at university, and how The One Programme Internship kicked started her career with the Methodist Church.
Listen to it here:

New Action for Hope grants

Our district Net Zero vision includes that at least 18 of our churches will have Silver Eco Church awards by 2030.
Bronze awards can usually be gained without significant cost. Reaching Silver often involves spending money upfront to reduce the amount of fossil fuels burnt to keep our premises warm and lit. We are therefore pleased to announce that as a district we have been awarded Connexional funding, which enables us to make grants of up to £10,000 for measures to help Bronze or Silver Eco Churches make further improvements to the carbon footprint of their premises.
Further details about these grants, subsidized energy efficiency surveys and our new district environmental policy are on the district website https://www.sheffieldmethodist.org/about-us/for-such-a-time-as-this/net-zero-churches.html

District Safeguarding Update

Domestic Abuse Steering Group

The Methodist Church Domestic Abuse Steering Group do their utmost to highlight the issue of domestic abuse to help ensure victims and survivors receive the response and support they need and deserve. Domestic abuse continues to be an issue in our church communities. Some victims and survivors seek support and advice from their minister. Some ministers are unsure how to respond and feel ill equipped to support those who disclose that they are victims of domestic abuse. The Methodist Church has a Domestic Abuse Policy and Procedures which provides information around what constitutes domestic abuse, advice on how to respond to disclosures and information around theological understanding. In addition, a list of support organisations is provided. We also have a poster that can be displayed and stickers that can be ordered from Methodist Publishing. See here.

Ministers may be victims or survivors of domestic abuse. It can be a truly difficult place for a minister and I would urge ministers to seek support if they felt able to do so. This could be ‘anonymised’ support. Being able to tell someone can be a helpful first step. There is a Christian charity called Restored which is aimed at women who are victims of domestic abuse and provides advice and support.

Upcoming Events

District Youth Day @ Hesley Woods

Last chance to join us on Saturday 28 March at Hesley Woods for a fun day of workshops, worship and onsite activities. This event is for anyone aged 8 -18, but they must attend with a Youth Leader/Minister.
The theme this year is Our Story, Our Song
LEADERS
The day is aimed at 8 – 18 year olds, and we ask you to bring 1 leader for every 7 young people as you will be responsible for looking after them for the day.
Full details, including how to book places, can be found here : District Youth Day
Closing date: 24 March (Wednesday!)

Easter Events

St Andrew's Psalter Lane Church

Maundy Thursday Agape Meal
St Augustine’s Brocco Bank and St Andrew’s Psalter Lane Church share their customary Maundy Thursday Agape Meal, at St Augustine’s church hall, on 2nd April, at 7.00 pm. All are welcome.
The atmosphere is rather informal; and the meal itself quite simple and focused on bread and wine (with the addition of some cheese and other bits). No need to bring anything, though we do appreciate any donations towards costs.

Good Friday Meditation at St Andrew’s Psalter Lane Church
Friday 3rd April, 12.00 noon – 3.00 pm
The church will be open for the traditional three hours, echoing the duration of Christ’s crucifixion. This is a time for deep contemplation on the most solemn day of the Christian year as we seek to enter into the mystery at the heart of our faith. You are welcome to come for as long as you are able.
There will be the same pattern for each half hour: a reading from Matthew’s account of Christ’s Passion, music, a time of Silent Prayer and a congregational hymn.

Children, Young People and Families Easter Activity Morning
Easter Saturday 4th April, 10.00 am – 12.00 noon at St Andrew’s Psalter Lane Church.
Join us as we explore the Easter story through story, craft, and nature. We'll be outside building an Easter Garden, enjoying simple crafts, taking time to reflect, and sharing refreshments and snacks together. Everyone welcome – children, please bring an adult with you!

Trinity Circuit

Trinity Circuit have two events taking place around Easter

• Grove St Methodist 'The Stations of the Cross' Tuesday 31 March and Thursday 2 April
• Circuit Quiet Day at The Crossing Saturday 4 April

Full information is detailed on the posters below.

Bright Lights

9 May, 10am-2pm, Liberty Church, Rotherham

We are really excited to share details for a brand new, annual, Children’s Day, for church based children’s groups.
The day will be called Bright Lights. The reason for the name is that children are bright lights in the church, community, and the world.
Like Breathe Deep, the day is open to children from churches of all denominations. Children’s Workers will be expected to accompany and take responsibility for their group, with the usual group ratios that apply.
If you’d like any further information, please contact hubs@centenaryproject.org.uk.
More details here

Are you interested in a study of the Bible?

Manna and Mercy, Tuesday, 7.30pm – 9pm

7, 14, 21 and 28 April and 5 May 2026 (five sessions) at Woodseats Methodist Church, Holmhirst Road, S8 0GU
During the Manna and Mercy course, we will take a fresh look at scripture through the interpretive lens of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection and God’s overall call for each one of us to partner with God in mending this fractured world.
The Bible is meant to be an instrument of God to enable abundant life for God’s creation. Sadly, through the ages it has been read and interpreted in such a way that is has been used as an instrument of human domination, and death. It has been used to cheer on the Crusades, advocate Apartheid, sanction sexism and worship prosperity in the face of the poor, to name just a few horrors of our human history.
The hope is that after completing the course, our interpretations and use of the scriptures will be truly liberating and life-enabling for all of creation.
To book email admin@sheffieldcircuit.org.uk or phone 0114 2726561.

Methodists in World Mission (MWM) Annual Conference

This year’s conference takes place at Cliff College from 29–31 May with the theme: How does the Church engage in mission in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh?
The keynote speakers will be the Revd Dr Inderjit Bhogal and the Revd Dr Raj Patta, along with speakers from the Orissa Christian Theological College of North India
Find out more and register here

News from other organisations

Action for Children

Your March District News from Action for Children

Dear friends,

Thank you to those of you who took part in Count Your Blessings this Lent! If you missed any activities, you can view them at actionforchildren.uk/faithFR and still take part after Lent is over.
May this Easter season bring you hope, peace, and a deep sense of God's presence guiding your steps.

News and upcoming events

Action for Children Sunday is nearly here and we couldn't be more excited!
Every year, churches gather to celebrate and champion Action for Children on the second Sunday in July or whenever works best.
This year’s theme, “Everyone’s Welcome,” shines the spotlight on our amazing foster carers and children’s homes, whose dedication helps every child in care feel seen, heard, valued, and supported. Because at the heart of it all, each young person simply wants the chance to enjoy childhood, just like any other child.
Our new worship materials are now available to download to help you create a meaningful Action for Children Sunday service. Visit: actionforchildren.uk/faithFR.
Let’s celebrate together because when everyone’s welcome, incredible things happen!

Action for Children is a Methodist Conference Partner

We are delighted that the President and Vice President of the Methodist Conference 2026/27 have chosen us as their charity partner. This partnership is a wonderful opportunity to share heartfelt stories that show just how much your support means to thousands of vulnerable children.
We will be at the Methodist Conference from 25–30 June and will address Conference on Monday 29 June. If you’re attending, please stop by our market stall – we’d really love to meet you.
Want to hear more from Action for Children? Sign up for regular updates from us.
Blessings,
Karis
Faith Partnerships Lead

And finally ...

A prayer for what might be possible

God of the past, the present, and the future,
we come as we are,
carrying memories, worries, and quiet longings.

We confess that we so often drift backwards,
replaying what has been,
or listening to the voices that tell us things are getting worse,
that the future is smaller than we once hoped.

At times, we forget the gift of the minds you have given us,
minds that can imagine, create, and hope.
Instead, we find ourselves held by anxious thoughts,
or shaped by stories that drain life rather than give it.

So we ask for your help.

In the stillness of prayer,
and in our moments of connection with you,
quiet what overwhelms us,
soothe what feels unsettled within us,
and gently reshape our thinking.

Help us to notice what is good,
to trust what is still possible,
and to believe that you are at work,
even in small, fragile beginnings.

May Jesus be our guide,
teaching us to see as he sees,
possibility where others see limitation,
hope where others see only loss.

And as we learn to hold onto hope,
may it take root within us,
shaping how we live,
how we love,
and how we step into the future with you.
Amen.
Vicky