District News – 25 July 2023

This Week's News

The Grove Methodist Church and Centre Retford

Great things are happening at the Grove Methodist Church and Centre in Retford. A number of years ago a boss fell off our beautiful decorated ceiling and crashed into the choir stalls. Fortunately, no one was hurt but we were unable to use the sanctuary area while we went through the tedious task of grant and money raising.

Our ceiling is now repaired, redecorated and back to its former glory. The whole experience has been the catalyst to realising dreams of a warm church and alterations to part of the sanctuary to enable it to be used throughout the week for mission and community use, as well as enhancing our Sunday worship.

Raising the money and negotiating listed building restrictions has been no mean task – BUT – the builders are in, the plumbers are in, the electricians are in, the decorators are expected and we're looking at swatches of material and carpets as well as chairs. We are on our way!

We wanted to share this exciting time with you all and to ask you to hold us in your thoughts and prayers as we walk into a new era in our church life.

Crackin' Good Church: Finding the Treasure in Church at the Margins

Saturday 14 October, Methodist Central Hall, Manchester

... is a gathering to promote new Christian Communities at the margins
... will be fun, interactive and consultative
... is a free event, with time for fellowship, free food (a hot meal) and refreshments

A gathering to promote a movement of new Christian communities amongst people at the economic margins, for anyone who is or wants to be part of a community at the margins.
Listening to the stories told will be representatives from the Methodist Church and politics, including Vice President Deacon Kerry Scarlett and Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester.

Contact the district office (admin@sheffieldmethodist.org) for information about free travel.

Book your place here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/crackin-good-church-finding-the-treasure-in-church-at-the-margins-tickets-639335609017

Whirlow Spiritualty Centre

The Board of Whirlow Grange Limited, and the PCC of All Saints Ecclesall are delighted to announce that the new Chaplain of Whirlow Spirituality Centre will be Alison Richards. Alison is a Quaker living in Bamford. She has an Anglican background and has previously had a lay ministry role within Gloucester diocese. She has many years experience in spiritual accompaniment. She will take up her post on 4th September 2023.

Funding available

There is still some funding available to support course fees for any member of the British Methodist Church wishing to study a theological subject at masters or doctoral level. Further details, criteria and application forms can be found here: Scholarships and Funding and the closing date for applications for this year is Thursday 21st September 2023.

Piano Wanted

A drama group in Bolsover are looking for an unwanted piano. If you or anyone who know has one that could be donated please contact Rev'd Sean Adair at revsean@btinternet.com

Save the Date

UTU AGM 2023

Saturday, 18 November 2023, 2pm
with guest speaker Revd Dr Graham Adams, Author of Holy Anarchy

District Officers' News

Safeguarding update

There is now less that a week before the deadline for submitting the Church Safeguarding Review. This should be done via the online form here: https://forms.gle/3aD3XsAU8HjjJDCD9
Currently only 44 churches have completed the form – this is about a third of the number of churches in the District, so if your church has not yet submitted, can you encourage them to do this as soon as possible. The link will close on 1 August, please note that this deadline will not be extended.
We do want to reassure churches that the form is mostly checkboxes to indicate where they are at with Safeguarding. We need to know where support is needed, or where there is uncertainty about processes, so please do not wait until you can answer "yes" to all the questions.
The Word version of the online form should not be sent in, unless there is a reason why you are not able to transfer the information onto the online form.
If you do have any questions about this, please do get in touch now.

Many thanks
Alison Hill -District Safeguarding Officer

Database updates

Over the next month we will be sending out emails to everyone on our database who holds a role (church/circuit/district) within the Sheffield District. This will let them know the information we hold, and will ask for confirmation that it is correct, or for any changes that need to be made.
It would be very much appreciated if you could respond to the first email that is sent. One of the principles of the General Data Protection Regulations, that the data held is accurate and up to date and this is how we comply with it.

Learning & training grants ceasing

We will unfortunately be unable to offer Learning & Development and Ministerial Development Review grants after 15 August. We will continue to draw people's attention to the growing range of free and low cost learning opportunities available from Methodism and other organisations, subsidise Learning Network regional retreats, and promote other sources of funding.

District Office closures

The Office will be closed on Friday 28 July for staff holiday, and again from 21-29 August.

Events

Guided Tours of Spire Restoration Works

29 July – St Andrew's Psalter Lane Church, Sheffield

Guided Tour of Spire Restoration Works, including roof top visit to see works close up and views of the neighbourhood.
The tours are taking place on Saturday 29th July at

• 8.45am : https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/guided-tour-of-spire-restoration-works-tickets-672405983397
• 10.15am : https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/guided-tour-of-spire-restoration-works-tickets-672447878707
• 11.45am : https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/guided-tour-of-spire-restoration-works-tickets-672451980977

Cost £10.00 per person -- click on the links above to book your place!
If all the slots are sold out, please contact clare@standrewspsalterlane.org.uk to register your interest, as we may be able to add another slot.

Participants will be guided in groups of 6 by 3 members of the Contractor's staff.
If the weather is poor this will be switched to 5th or 12th August. We will inform participants if this is necessary and offer the alternative date.

Exploring Digital

Saturday 30 September, 10am to 3:30pm

A day online exploring the digital world for Methodist Churches and communities.

Join together with Methodists from all over Britain for a special digital gathering. Learn from key individuals who've mastered the digital world on how to connect and share the Gospel online. The event will feature insightful keynotes, group discussions and an expert panel. Don't miss this chance to enhance your church's online presence and explore faith in the digital era!
Where: Online, so you can join wherever you are.
Cost: We are providing this day free of charge.

We'll be sharing further information about speakers, topics and resources closer to the event. st to avoid missing out and join us on Saturday 30 September for a day of exploration into the digital world and the opportunities it holds for the Methodist Church.

Vacancies

Community Pioneer

Doncaster Methodist Circuit

Applications will be assessed as they are received and suitable candidates will be offered an interview on a rolling basis. Doncaster Circuit reserves the right to close the vacancy without notice. For an application form, please contact jackkey@btinternet.com

The successful applicant will have the aspiration for everyone to access a fulfilling life in Christ through growing and developing communities across Rossington, spreading the Gospel to new people who don't go to a traditional church.
It is envisaged the post will develop and evolve with the successful applicant, considering their skills and gifts, and in response wo where they feel they are being called, whilst working closely with Ministers, staff , the wider leadership team, and people within Rossington.
The post holder will be responsible and accountable for growing and developing various communities with key project areas of focus being New Housing chaplaincy, Youth hub, and Christian mindfulness.
For an informal conversation about the role please email Jack Key at jackkey@btinternet.com.

And finally ...

From the Methodist Prayer Handbook

Holy God,
In Jesus Christ your son, you revealed the depth of your love of us.
Love that was present before we were aware of it; love that drew us to you.
You call us to respond in love and to make Christ known to both friend and stranger through our loving and caring relationships.
Forgive us when the light of your love is not evident in us, leaving others in the darkness of lonlieness and isolation.

Gracious God,

forgive us for all that prevents us from showing love to you, our neighbours and ourselves.
May our faith be lived out in acts of love, kindness and justice that enable others to be drawn to you.
Amen.
Gillian Newton, Sheffield District Chair