District News – 25 March 2025

This Week's News

Save the Dates!

Sunday 20 July – 3pm

There will be a Farewell Service at Greenhill Methodist Church for our District Chair, Revd Gill Newton, as she leaves our District to take up her new role in the Methodist Church.

Sunday 31 August – 3pm

There will be a Welcome Service at Central Methodist Church, Chesterfield to greet our new District Chair, Revd Vicky Atkins.

More details about both services will be circulated nearer the time., but do put these dates in your diary now!

Sad News

We were extremely sorry to learn of the death last week of Revd Alan Saxby, a supernumerary in the Barnsley Circuit. We hold Janet in our prayers at this sad time.

District Gathering – To Boldly go ...

Saturday 5 April

We are very much looking to this event. Jonathan Hood (The Hub at Hope) is the keynote speaker, there will be the usual Market Place, a shared lunch and much more. The closing date to book in is Noon on Friday 28 March, to allow time to order the lunch etc.

Nominations to DLT

The District Representative Synod meeting held on 22 April 2023 agreed a revised composition of the District Leading Team (DLT). This includes two elected representatives from the Representative Synod to serve for a maximum of 3 years, with the option of being re-elected for a further three years.
Nominations are sought for one representatives to serve on the DLT for up to three years, due to an existing members stepping down. Each member of Synod may nominate one person. More information about the work of the DLT can be found here: District Leading Team
The nomination form should be signed by two members of Synod. Those elected will become members of the Sheffield District Representative Synod (if they are not already members).
Voting for both roles will be carried out online and the results will be announced as part of the opening business. The Nomination Form can be downloaded here

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

Who Cares? An introduction to pastoral care

In response to Our Calling, Methodist people are to help others to grow and learn as Christians, through mutual support and care. Who Cares? is a series of four 2-hour sessions, starting on 4 June, that introduces participants to the possibilities of pastoral care – creating appropriate environments and developing practices that welcome, support and care for others in their role.
More details including booking your place here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/who-cares-an-introduction-to-pastoral-care-registration-1098782671549

Living Stones Open Day

Saturday 21 June

You are warmly invited to Wesley House's Open Day 2025 in which we will explore the theme of Living Stones. The day will include the last public service in the College chapel, tea and a series of reflections on the life of the College past, present and future as we give thanks for all that the Jesus Lane site has made possible and set out in faith towards the future.
As catering is provided can you please register if you are able to join us. For further information and to register visit – https://livingstones.eventbrite.co.uk

Faith in the City@40

Saturday 12 July

2025 marks the 40th Anniversary of the publication of the influential report of Archbishop Runcie's Commission on Urban Priority Areas. While the Thatcher government rejected it as "naive Marxism, and largely ignored its recommendations to the nation, it was followed by more than a decade of extensive initiatives in urban mission in the Church of England and other denominations.
Much has changed over 40 years, but issues of urban poverty and injustice have not disappeared, and there are few signs that Churches and other Christian activity are flourishing in such places. Indeed there are signs that neither government nor church are making them a priority for action and investment, and that people living there are increasingly feeling left behind.
This conference, one of a series of events across the country, is a chance to reflect on the theology and practice of urban mission, then and now. There will be input from leading practitioners who were involved in the 1980s, and those who are leading mission and church activities today.
It will be of interest to anyone who lives and works in the inner city, or on social housing estates. We hope it will encourage and inform, and be a catalyst for a renewed movement to develop Faith in the City and hope in urban churches and communities.
Keynote Speakers
Alan Billings (one of the original Archbishop's Commission Members)
Sarah Small (Head of the Eden Network)
Book your place here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/faith-in-the-city-40-north-tickets-1224760715269

Action for Children

Paying the Price campaign launched

Children across the UK are paying the price of poverty but we are campaigning to change that. The government has promised to lift children out of poverty with a new plan that it's publishing soon. Change is possible – but it will require real investment and a commitment from the government to do what's right.
Please join our campaign. We've only got a short time to get our message across to government, before it publishes its plan. By taking action today, you can help ensure more children's lives aren't defined by poverty.
Please sign our open letter here and share it with others.

Celebrate Action for Children Sunday

We're looking forward to celebrating Action for Children Sunday with you on the second Sunday in July. But you can hold a special worship service for Action for Children whenever you like.
The Action for Children Sunday newsletter and worship booklet will be available on our website in early April. Just visit: actionforchildren.uk/faithFR and scroll to 'Action for Children Sunday'. The worship material includes Bible readings, hymns and real-life stories of how church donations help children.

District Safeguarding Update:

Safeguarding in the faith and community sector

new National Working Group resources

Thank you to Jane Masterman, DSO for Yorkshire North and East for the following information:
I came across some easily accessible resources from NWG. Network There is a powerful animation, a toolkit and posters.
NWG recognise the important role that faith communities play in shaping the well-being of individuals, which is why their campaign focuses on raising awareness of abuse and promoting positive responses in faith-based settings, and how it's important for us all to work together jointly with statutory and voluntary partners.
This animation has been specifically designed for the faith sector to help individuals within these communities – whether parents, community members, faith leaders or volunteers, to understand how to recognise signs of abuse and respond effectively to concerns. Posters and a toolkit are also available as part of the campaign. CSE Faith Support – STOP CE -
NWG Network – Faith in Community Toolkit

As ever, if you have any questions or concerns, please give me a call on 07483 362 735 or email me at safeguarding@sheffieldmethodist.org
Many thanks
Alison Hill -District Safeguarding Officer.

Vacancies

Full time Office Administrator

Derbyshire North East Circuit

We are excited to recruit for this new post of Office Administrator. The successful candidate will support the Office Manager in overseeing the administration of the Circuit Office. Supporting 14 local churches and the Circuit trustees in matters of website, social media, and data management, this key role will provide essential office administration.
Further information is available from the circuit website.

Lay Worker for Hospitality, Pastoral Care and Children

St Andrew's Psalter Lane Church

Are you someone who is passionate about making relationships with families, nurturing children's faith and strengthening connections with the local community?If so, we'd love to hear from you!
We seek an enthusiastic and compassionate person, who can create a warm and welcoming environment, lead our children's work, and play a vital role in our ministry.
Role: Lay Worker for Hospitality, Pastoral Care and Children
Salary: £15,600 for 20 hours/week (+ 6 weeks' paid holiday)
Location: St Andrew's Psalter Lane Church, Sheffield
Closing date: Noon on 22nd April 2025
Interviews: 1st May 2025
For an informal conversation please contact Anna Calvert, Chair of the Ecumenical Church Council: annacalvert1@gmail.com
To download an application form and for more details, please visit www.standrewspsalterlane.org.uk/about-us/vacancies

Derby Methodist Circuit

The Derby Methodist Circuit is seeking to appoint a Supernumerary Minister part time(0.49 of a full ministerial appointment).
Remuneration £15,670 pa.

We are looking for a Supernumerary Minister (Presbyter) to join our ministry team for an initial two years, September 2025 – August 2027, with the possibility that the appointment may be extended.

The Supernumerary Minister will join a team of Presbyters, Local Lay Pastors and lay Pioneer Missioners working across 17 churches and a city centre mission. They will be given delegated authorisation to work in and with the churches at Spondon, Borrowash and Draycott, in a suburban area of the circuit.
The role will incorporate pastoral care, leading worship, and leadership within the churches, in consultation with the Superintendent and the Circuit Leadership Team.
For more information about the circuit, see our website at https://derbymethodists.org.uk/
If you sense God may be calling you to this exciting opportunity, please contact our Circuit Administrator at office@derbymethodists.org.uk for an information pack.
Closing date for expressions of interest is 7 April 2025, but we may close earlier if we have sufficient people interested.
Expressions of interest are also welcome from retired clergy of other denominations.

Children, Youth & Families Worker

in the church and the community in Stocksbridge, Sheffield

A five year post to develop both church-based and secular work with children, young people and families.

• to support two churches which have existing children's work
• Junior Church in one and Children's Club in the other
• to develop activities of wider interest and support to young families

The new post will work in two churches, in Stocksbridge, near Sheffield.

• Christ Church, a URC/Methodist LEP, with a wide range of church and community activity and a newly created children and families suite. A URC Child-Friendly Certified Church.
• The Stocksbridge Christian Centre, a Methodist/Anglican LEP which hosts the Food Bank, the Community Outlet and a new family learning space.

35 hours a week, £25,116 per year. Full-time 5-year Fixed Term Contract
Information Sheet, Background Paper and Application Form can be downloaded from the Christ Church website at www.christchurchonline.org
Applications must be returned to ianlucraft@btinternet.com by 9.00 am on Monday 7th April 2025
Informal prior enquiries or a request to discuss the post by phone, can be made to Rev Ian Lucraft, minister for both churches, by email: ianlucraft@btinternet.com

Residential Building Supervisor and caretaker

Central United Reformed Church, Sheffield:

comprises 1.5 full time equivalents.
Ideally, we would wish to appoint a couple to fill the posts, although single people are welcome to apply. Applicants should be suitably qualified, preferably with a practical trade background.
Main duties include ensuring the security and cleanliness of this city centre church, helping to prepare the church and its facilities for use, and assisting in the lettings of community rooms.
Salary for the full- time post is £21,000 per year plus £10500 for the part time post.
The successful candidates will be provided with an attractive, modern, two- bedroom flat, with its
own private outdoor space, on the second floor of the church building which is accessed via stairs. Running costs of the flat will be covered by the church.
For a recruitment pack, or to arrange an informal discussion, including with the retiring building supervisor and caretaker, please contact: treasurer@centralurc.org.uk or by post to: Treasurer, Central United Reformed Church, 60 Norfolk Street, Sheffield, S1 2JB.
Closing Date: 31st March 2025
Short listing: Early May 2025
Interview Date: Week commencing 2nd June 2025
Anticipated Start: 1st August 2025

And Finally ...

A prayer for Mothering Sunday

Creator God,
We thank you for your love which shapes us and helps us to grow.
On this Mothering Sunday
we give thanks for women who have been examples of self-giving love,
who have given time, wisdom and care to the nurture of children, their own or others.
We pray for those who find this a difficult day,
who do not have happy memories of their own mothers,
those who grieve for their mothers or for their children,
and those who long to be mothers but cannot be.
We remember mothers in the Bible,
giving thanks for the tenacity of Sarah
the generosity of Hannah and the courage of Mary.
May your Spirit continue to shape us, heal us and guide us today.
Amen.
The Revd Michela Youngson, the Assistant Secretary of the Conference