District News – 25 January 2022

This Week's News

Fairtrade Fortnight 2022

Fairtrade fortnight this year will run from the 21st February until the 6th March so we would suggest that Sunday 20th February would be a good day to informally designate as "Fairtrade Sunday" especially for those churches that are officially Fairtrade churches. The theme for this year is "Choose the World you want" and it is focussed on how climate change is affecting the farmers who grow our food.

Last year, we heard about the determined, ambitious work of Fairtrade farmers tackling the climate crisis. However, at COP26 politicians from the world's wealthiest nations failed to match that ambition and determination.

COP26 may be over, but we need to make sure climate justice remains a top priority for COP27. We need all of us to come together in a show of support for the farmers behind our food who are on the front line of the climate crisis.

There will be an online festival during the fortnight – for details of how to get involved and/or for further resources please see
https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/Get-Involved/Current-campaigns/Fairtrade-Fortnight/

Here is a link to information for churches that are Fairtrade churches or would like to find out more
https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/Get-Involved/In-your-community/Faith-Groups/Fairtrade-Churches/

If any churches want to do a Fairtrade stall do get in touch with Good Taste, the fairtrade shop at Broomhill who may be able to provide goods on a sale or return basis:
https://goodtaste.org.uk/
Alison Trezise
Chair of the District Fairtrade group and member of Sheffield Circuit Action for Justice and peace

Methodist Women in Britain

Connexional Residential Weekend – Surviving by Hope

Bookings are now open for the National Conference at Swanwick from 22- 24 April.
The keynote speaks and leader for the weekend will be Jill Baker, former President of MWiB and Past Vice President of the Methodist Conference. At Swanwick she will be focusing primarily on the energising and sustaining practices of pilgrimage and poetry.
There will also be a variety of workshops; time to make or renew friendships and time to relax together or find quiet space.
More information, including how to book, can be found here: Surviving by Hope

Mental Health Conference

14 May 2022

A first of its kind. We're so excited to see this event come to life in May 2022! It will be a day full of reflection, inspiration and networking.
This day will be filled workshops and a keynote address by Dr Tasia Scrutton, associate professor of philosophy of Religion and writer of Christianity and depression. Tickets are £12, concessions are available, this includes lunch and refreshments. The event will take place at Wesley Hall Crookes, Sheffield, S10 1UD from 9:30am till 3:30pm. As part of our commitment on inclusivity and reaching as many as we can, as well as our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint, we will be livestreaming the keynote speaker.
This event is organised by

• Pontes Mental Health
• Dan Morrell – Media for Ministry

And partnered with

• Sheffield Methodist Circuit
• Sheffield Methodist District
• Yorkshire Synod of the United Reformed Church
• Diocese of Sheffield (Church of England)

For more information including how to register, follow this link: Mental Health & Christianity

District Safeguarding Update

Safeguarding Training

Training the Trainers Course: Wednesday 9th February 2022, 7.00 – 9.30pm, on Zoom
The majority of people with a role at church, are required to undertake the Foundation Module of Safeguarding Training, however it's not always easy to find available courses. If you or your church would like to take control of safeguarding training then this is the course for you.
If you would like to book on the session please click here for more information.

Advanced Module: Tuesday 8th March 2022, 7.00 – 9.00pm, on Zoom
This online session is specifically for:

• Presbyters or deacons with an active preaching or pastoral ministry (including supernumerary ministers)
• Local preachers and Worship Leaders.

Places are limited therefore booking is essential.
For more information and booking details please click here

Virtual Safeguarding Conference:

The closing date for registration is fast approaching so please book on asap. These session are not just for safeguarding officer but are planned to appeal to everyone who is part of the church family.

Events

Beginning a Church at the Margins: A 3 session interactive online course

Aim of the course:A space to think about connecting and becoming a community of new Christians amongst and led by people experiencing poverty.
For: People who are passionate about their community with very little or no experience of this kind of work. Whilst you can attend alone ideally, we would like you to join as a team (you plus one other person from your church or circuit) to share in conversation together (if you are an experienced pioneer drop us an email for more information).
Important: Each session in the course builds on the previous session, so you need to be available to attend all three sessions. The sessions are designed to be interactive rather than formal presentations and will not be recorded.
Hosted by: Eunice Attwood, Church at the Margins Officer and Kerry Scarlett, Regional Learning and Development Officer
When: First Course

• Tuesday 15th March 7-9pm: Session One: Creating connections and spaces where people truly encounter one another.
• Tuesday 29th March 7-9pm: Session Two: Nurturing communities in which people with lived experience of poverty are recognised as the experts
• Tuesday 12th April 7-9pm: Session Three: Sharing the gospel and seeing transformation as people grow in faith and challenge injustice.

The course will be repeated on the following dates:

• Wednesday 8th June 7-9pm: Session One: Creating connections and spaces where people truly encounter one another.
• Wednesday 22nd June 7-9pm: Session Two: Nurturing communities in which people with lived experience of poverty are recognised as the experts
• Wednesday 13th July 7-9pm: Session Three: Sharing the gospel and seeing transformation as people grow in faith and challenge injustice.

Rural Ministry Course

Taking place Tuesday 14 – Thursday 16 June, at King's Park Conference Centre, Northampton, the Rural Ministry Course is designed for lay and ordained church leaders across the denominations entering a rural appointment for the first time, and those already in rural ministry who feel the need for a 'refresher'.

The three-day programme employs a variety of approaches including practical sessions, group work and workshops led by practitioners, and includes sessions on understanding rural contexts, mission and growth, leadership, farming and work with children and young people in the countryside.

Fees are £300 per delegate for the residential course, which includes a one-year subscription to Country Way magazine.
Learn more here:

Regional Retreats

The Yorkshire Plus region of the Learning Network organises residential retreats for Presbyters, Deacons and Lay Employees within the Methodist Church. These are subsidised for those stationed/working with the three Districts (Sheffield; Yorkshire North & East, and Yorkshire West) and priority will go to those in active work. Supernumeraries and those outside the three Districts can apply for a place, but this cannot be guaranteed until 8 weeks before the date of the residential."

Coming to Rest: Going in Peace" with Nick Helm -17-19 May 2022

In this retreat we'll take time to move from active ministry to a 'quiet place' to stop, rest, reflect. From this place we will reflect on our experience of ministry in the light of Luke 10 – Jesus' sending out of the seventy-two. Seeking in this to recognise the life-giving affirmations of Christ, draw upon his peace that we are able to go from the retreat with greater peace in our soul.
Nick Helm is the Advisor in Spirituality in Hereford Diocese. He has held roles with responsibility for Spirituality and spiritual development in the Sheffield and Hereford Dioceses.
Cost: £220. Those in the Yorkshire Plus Region who have not attended a retreat previously in this connectional year will receive a £110 subsidy from their District. You are also free to seek further funding locally. from your Circuit or local church.
Register for a place here: https://220517retreat.eventbrite.co.uk
Registration closes on 10 March 2022

Online Retreat

For those who may find it difficult to take time away from the home, the Learning Network are putting on another one-day Regional Retreat.
Hospitality and Sanctuary for All
Wednesday 23 March from 9:30 to 4:30
Together with Interjit Bhogal we will explore the joys and challenges of working with refugees using biblical themes such as hospitality, welcome and sanctuary.
Registration now open: https://220323hospitalityforall.eventbrite.co.uk

Lay Workers Retreat : 13-15 June – Wydale Hall

Exploring 8 Pillars of Wellness
Wellness is an active process of living a fully engaged life at every level of being. It is becoming aware of, and making healthy choices toward a healthier state of life.

How can we pursue wellness? Understanding wellness is easier when we use the concept of 8 Pillars. Life is not one component, but many parts working together. With the 8 Pillars in place, wellness can be ours!

A 48 hour retreat open to all 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)
Cost:

• En-suite room – £200
• Dormitory accommodation – £150
• Day visit – £75

Districts will subsidise the cost of this by half, for those who have not already taken part in a Regional Retreat this year.
A £50 deposit is required at the time of booking (invoices can be requested). This will be non-refundable for any cancellation with less than 8 weeks notice.
Book here: https://220613layretreat.eventbrite.co.uk
Registration deadline – 5 April 2022

Job Vacancies

Cliff College Operations Team

Cliff College, situated in Calver in the Hope Valley, is a a busy College with a 50 bed conference centre and student accommodation for 30 residential students. We are currently seeking a number of enthusiastic and positive individuals to join our operations team.

FULL TIME CHEF.

We are seeking a full time chef to join our kitchen team. You'll be working 35 hours week, including weekends, but no late night finishes! You'll be responsible for food preparation and production, as part of the kitchen team, and will have a good understanding of health & safety and hygiene standards. The role has a alary £18,500
Further information from Robin, Catering Manager: catering@cliffcollege.ac.uk or 01246 584200

PART TIME GENERAL KITCHEN ASSISTANT

We are seeking a part-time GA to join our kitchen team, working up to 21 hours a week. You will be assist with food preparation and well as a range of cleaning and wash up duties. The role includes some weekend and pays £9.50/hour.
Further information from Robin, Catering Manager: catering@cliffcollege.ac.uk or 01246 584200

FULL TIME/PART TIME HOUSEKEEPERS

We are seeking individuals to join our housekeeping team in a variety of roles, varying from 14 hour a week to full time, with both weekend and weekday shifts available. Hours are either 8am to 4pm, or 10am to 6pm paid at £9.50
Further information from Debra: conferences@cliffcollege.ac.uk or 01246 584200.

Cliff College, Calver, Hope Valley S32 3XG www.cliffcollege.ac.uk

Senior Fundraising Officer – Church Army

This role of Senior Fundraising Officer is responsible for taking the lead on a number of national fundraising initiatives across the UK and Ireland. This is a new post created for a leader who is dynamic, creative and very well organised. You will manage donor relationships across the UK and Ireland, with the exception of the North of England and London & South-East England, where we have dedicated Key Relationship Managers. We have exciting plans to grow the scale and impact of our work and your experience will position you to gain increased voluntary donations to support our growth. You will also assist the Fundraising Team Leader as required. This is an exciting new role with plenty of variety and which will evolve over time.

More information can be found on their website: https://churcharmy.org/career/senior-fundraising-officer/

Project Cook

Little Fishes Soft Play Centre

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with the right skills and passion to be in at the beginning of a project that will make a difference to the lives of many people in the local community.

The Centre is due to open in February 2022 and it is hoped that the appointee will be able to take up the post as soon as possible to allow them to be fully engaged in the setting up and development of the project by providing healthy and appetising food in the centre

For further information or an application pack,please email: circuitoffice@btconnect.com
By telephone, please call the Circuit Administrator, Jayne Wragg on 01226 321522 and leave your contact details

Closing date for applications: 31st January 2022
Interview date: Friday 4th February 2022