District News – 25 November 2025

This Week's News

Tragedy in Sharrow

We are deeply saddened by the incident on London Road on Monday evening.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the young man, his family, friends and others directly affected by this tragedy.
The members of Highfield Trinity share the shock and dismay expressed by local residents about the shooting in the street last night and offer prayers to all who have been touched by this tragic event. We have faith in Sharrow as being, in general, a vibrant, caring community – or mix of communities – who live well together. Which makes this event even more distressing.
As a gesture of sympathy and solidarity the church was open for prayer and conversation between 2.00 and 4.00 pm this afternoon.

Sheffield Carols Evening at St Andrew's Psalter Lane Church

Tuesday 9th December

Drop in any time between 6.30 – 8.30 pm to join in singing carols from Sheffield's folk tradition in an informal atmosphere – and do a bit of Christmas shopping!
Delicious seasonal refreshments will be available and entry is free – Everyone Welcome!

Action for Children

Thank you!

I'd like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your support throughout the year. Your prayers, generosity, and commitment have helped us reach children and families who need it most.
Because of supporters like you, we're able to provide safe and happy childhoods for children. Your faith and kindness continue to make a lasting difference.
Every gift, every prayer, and every act of solidarity makes a lasting difference. Not just in the lives of individual children, but in the communities they grow up in. Your support reflects the Methodist tradition of compassion in action, and we are deeply grateful.
On behalf of everyone at Action for Children, thank you. We look forward to continuing the journey together in the new year.

There's still time to be a Secret Santa for a vulnerable child
Christmas is a time of hope and light, when we celebrate the birth of Christ and the promise of peace on earth.
For many of us, those memories begin in childhood. But for too many children across the UK, Christmas brings no warmth, no joy, and no celebration. No stockings. No presents. Sometimes, not even a hot meal. But your gift could help change that.
There's still time to make a difference – Become a Secret Santa for a vulnerable child today by visiting Iamsanta.org.uk/hope.
** Until 3 December, Nationwide is doubling donations up to a total of £200,000 – meaning every £1 you donate will be worth £2. **

Learning and Development Newsletter

Bible Month Philippians

In 2026, Bible Month turns to the letter to the Philippians – a book overflowing with joy, encouragement, and Christ-centred hope. Written by Paul while in prison, the letter to the Philippians shows us how to rejoice in every circumstance, stand firm in faith, and press on toward the goal of knowing Christ.
Together, churches, small groups and individuals will explore how to be a “joy and crown” (4:1), discover strength in Christ (4:13) and more of the richness in the book of Philippians. Let us press on together in the joy of the Gospel. To be a part of the first delivery of Bible Month Philippians visit our website.

Lay Orientation Training Day

A day for new Lay Employees to meet, explore their role, understand Methodism and get to grips with key employment practices and much more!
Click here to book.

Safeguarding Update

Following the recent training session on Activity Risk Assessments, the video presentation and related resources are now live on the District Website https://www.sheffieldmethodist.org/what-we-do/safeguarding/activity-risk-assessments.html
The video can also be found on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/PySFsoY9wMQ?si=fm-2k84QWV8orRu8

Events

Beyond the Rubble

Friday 28 November – Christchurch, Pitsmoor S3 9AW

Join Amos Trust for their Beyond The Rubble: Steps of Hope UK Tour — a powerful night of music, dance, poetry, film and conversation that celebrates Palestinian culture and resilience.
Led by Dr Abdelfattah Abusrour and a group of young dabke dancers and musicians from Alrowwad Cultural and Arts Society, based in Aida Refugee Camp, Bethlehem, together, they bring the heartbeat of Palestine to stages across the UK with their new production Anfaas (Breaths) — stories of loss, love and defiant joy, told through rhythm, movement and music — Beautiful Resistance in action.
All proceeds will support their Christmas Appeal, funding Alrowwad’s work in the West Bank and trauma support and education for children in Gaza.
Book here: https://app.donorfy.com/form/M1ZI3YVCZ8/2025sheffield

Spiritual Growth and Transformation

• Are you looking for more in your faith?
• Or feeling called to walk alongside others in their journeys of faith?

This course offers a programme of prayer, listening and reflection through which participants are supported in drawing closer to God. It has been a turning point for many, in their own lives and in their support of others. It also forms the first part of the Diocese’s programme for authorised Spiritual Accompaniers. It is happening from March to July 2026 and this time it’s partly online with 14 Wednesday evening sessions on Zoom plus three Saturdays at Whirlow and a weekend retreat at Ilkley.
The closing date for applications is 1 December 2025. The total cost is subsidised at just £200.
For more information, including dates, and a downloadable leaflet, see https://www.sheffield.anglican.org/learning/courses/spiritual-growth-transformation.

Sheffield District MWiB Programme

11th December 2025— Christmas Carols/Lunch
Venue: Mosborough Methodist church at 11.00am
Tickets from Carol Wignell £12 . Carol Wignell to lead. Rev. Michael Brown to play.

26 March –Afternoon tea and stalls
Venue: Bents Green Methodist Church at 2.00pm.
There will be a stall for Africa’s Gift’

10-12 April — Swanwick weekend.
Keynote speaker—Caroline Godfrey (ex Vice President of Conference). Full details to follow, or visit the MWiB website

20th May 2026 — Quiet Day
Venue: Green Moor Methodist at 10.00 for 10.30am
Leader Deacon Annabel Terry. Bring your own lunch , Drinks provided.

July 2026—District day
Venue: Hoyland and Birdwell Methodist Church at 10.30 for 11.00am.
Leader—CoChair of MWiB, Olive Ruzvidzo. Bring your own lunch. Drinks provided

Regional Retreat – The woman at the well

The next Regional Retreat for presbyters, deacons and lay employees will be held at Wydale Hall from 20-22 May 2026.
Donna Worthington (Retreat Leader) will be leading our time together when we will explore: The Woman at the Well: an invitation to journey to the well, to Christ the Living Water. Donna is an experienced retreat giver trained in Ignatian spiritual direction, labyrinth walking and storytelling.
More information and booking details can be found via EventBrite: https://260520RegionalRetreat.eventbrite.co.uk
Bookings close on 23 December

Are you pondering the future of your local rural churches?

Struggling to lead through a season of great change?

Why not join us on the Rural Mission & Ministry Course

• 6-8 Feb 2026 at Cliff College, S32 3XG
• 19-20 May 2026 at Yarnfield, ST15 0NL

Come and gather with other ecumenical rural leaders to explore what community, mission, evangelism & leadership can look like in rural contexts.
For further information & to book, please visit: https://arthurrankcentre.org.uk/ruralministrycourse/
£250 bursary for Methodists – please contact Sarah Hulme, rural mission & ministry officer via hulmes@methodistchurch.org.uk for further details.

Vacancies

Missional Property Enabler

Sheffield Methodist District seek to appoint a Missional Property Enabler to encourage, support and equip local churches and circuits to make their properties fit for mission.
With previous experience of managing buildings and an understanding of building regulations, applicants should have the skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously and the knowledge and understanding to articulate how buildings can support or hinder contextual Christian mission.
Main duties will concentrate on Property and Mission, Net Zero, and Residential Property Income, whist acting as the District Manse Secretary.
Applications close at midday on 30 November 2025.
Full details can be found here: Missional Property Enabler

Play Space Manager

Broomhill Methodist Centre is embarking on an exciting journey to reimagine how church and community intersect. The centre has recently undergone extensive refurbishment, with the installation of a brand-new climbing wall and imaginative play space for young children.
Mini Broomhill is at the heart of the Families strand: a miniature town designed to spark imaginative play for young children, which will open early 2026. Mini Broomhill will host a balance of market-priced play sessions, community events for people of all faiths and none, and opportunities to explore Christian spirituality.
We are seeking to appoint a Play Space Manager to oversee the running of Mini Broomhill. The Play Space Manager will be employed for 20-hours per week, with a core working pattern of 9.30am-3pm on three regular days between Tuesday and Friday (to be set by agreement between the successful candidate and the management group). Supporting Mini Broomhill’s growing staff and volunteer team, and the evolution of its programme in response to customer needs, the Manager will work collaboratively with the Centre’s Community Pioneer, who will lead in the growing of new Christian communities rooted in real relationships and everyday spirituality.
Applications close at midday on Thursday 4 December 2025
Full details can be found here: Play Space Manager

And finally

A prayer for hope

God of tenderness and courage,
in these challenging and chaotic times,
when conflict overshadows compassion
and fear so easily takes root,
we ask for hope,
quiet, steady, and real.

As Advent approaches,
ready our hearts to welcome Love
born again into our grieving, lamenting,
and weary communities.
Remind us that this Love comes not with force,
but with vulnerability and gentleness,
inviting us to choose faith over fear
in the way we live, speak, and care for one another.
Amen
Revd Vicky Atkins