District News – 26 August 2025

This Week's News

District Gathering

There is still time to book to attend the next District Gathering, on the theme of being the church for today's world.
We have about 150 churches in our District and 136 members of the Representative Synod, but to date about 70 people booked in. I know some people like to leave it to the deadline (1 September) before committing, but please don't leave it too late! We can add people after the deadline, but that does make more work for the office team.
https://buytickets.at/sheffieldmethodistdistrict/1774031

Methodist Conference 2026

The Sheffield District has 2 places available for the Methodist Conference 2026. One needs to be filled by a presbyter or deacon and the other by a lay person. Anyone who is a member of the Methodist Church in our District can be nominated by two members of the District Synod. You can download the nomination form here: https://www.sheffieldmethodist.org/lib/conference-2026-nomination-form-F944738.docx
We already have received 2 nominations for the ordained minister's place, but are lacking in nominations for the lay person's place.
If you have always wanted to know more about how the Methodist Church meets and decides on priorities – this is your chance!

Christian Aid 80th Anniversary Evensong

Sunday 21 September 4:00 pm

Sheffield Cathedral are dedicating their Choral Evensong service on Sunday 21st September, 4.00pm to celebrating 80 years of Christian Aid's work. Please come along to support us and give thanks for all that Christian Ais has achieved over the past 80 years.

NB The cathedral are providing refreshments so please could you RSVP to jandatrezise@virginmedia.com by 12th September (or phone 0790 6631108)

Methodist Learning Network

The overall aim of the Learning Network is to support, encourage and inspire Methodist people in all aspects of Our Calling as together we seek to be an inclusive, justice seeking, evangelistic and growing church.
Sharing responsibility with others within the Connexional Team and key stakeholders within the districts, circuits and churches, the Learning Network works primarily with lay and ordained church leaders, equipping them as they in turn seek to equip all God's people.
With over 56 events coming up from monthly gatherings of Circuit Stewards to taster sessions exploring vocations and more – there is bound to be something of interest!
Visit their EventBrite page to see what is on offer!

Wrestling with Faith

Saturday 18 October 9:30am

An Ecumenical Workshop on Worship let by the Wild Good Resource Group of the Iona Community, Scotland. This is taking place at Central Methodist Church, Chesterfield, starting with refreshments from 9:30 and ending at 1pm.
If possible, please let Judith Timperley (07785 538 531) know if you would like to attend, although you can just turn up on the day.
There is a suggested donation of £10 per person to help with costs of putting this event on.

SAVE THE DATE! – Anna Chaplaincy event

Do you care about the spiritual well-being of older people?

Anna Chaplaincy is an ecumenical, community-based chaplaincy, offering spiritual care among older people. Through its compassionate and practical approach, it has had an impact on thousands of lives and seeks to offer a gold standard in resourcing and enabling this sensitive ministry of presence.

Starting out as a pioneering, grassroots initiative in Hampshire in 2010, Anna Chaplaincy has grown rapidly to become a national network through BRF Ministries. Over 450 Anna Chaplains of all denominations have been appointed by local churches across the UK to serve their communities, supporting and honouring those in later life in a variety of contexts, whatever their faith or values.
'Anna Chaplaincy: ageing well and how the church can help' is a FREE day event led by the national team, local Anna Chaplains and with the support of the Diocese of York

• When: Thursday 13 November 2025, 9.30am-3.30pm
• Where: Clifton Parish Church, Shipton Road, Clifton, York YO30 6BH
• Aims: To introduce Anna Chaplaincy and to inspire local churches for more effective ministry among older people

Please save the date and watch this space for further details, flyers and how to book a place.
For general information go to: https://www.annachaplaincy.org.uk/ or email: annachaplaincy@brf.org.uk

Action for Children Focus Groups

Action for Children would like to hold some focus groups on 8th and 11th September. The aim is to understand our Methodist supporters better so that we can:

• Improve how we steward and communicate with them, and
• Provide fundraising and campaigning tools that they find engaging and workable.

About the focus groups

• Facilitated open and candid discussion on 2 or 3 key themes.
• Two groups: 12-1:30 on 8th September and 5-6:30 on 11th September.
• Groups will be made up of 8 – 12 people who have supported or are aware of Action for Children to any degree.
• A session will last up to 1½ hours on MS Teams.
• As a thank you, we will send participants an Action for Children goody bag after the event.

We would really like diverse groups from across the Methodist districts, so we'd welcome someone from our District too. Anyone who would like to volunteer can express their interest here: https://forms.office.com/e/NszgmQ0EX9

'What does it look like to be a Christian in the face of global injustice?'

Totley Rise Methodist Church invites you to An evening with Becca Wakelin, advocate for All We Can.
Come prepared to dig deep into our motivations, hopes and fears in an interactive exploration of what 'doing justice' looks like with our global neighbours.
Wednesday 24 September 2025 at 7.30pmat Totley Rise Methodist Church, Grove Road, Sheffield, S17 4DJ
Becca worked in social care for 7 years, as an engagement and wellbeing lead (aka 'Bingo Caller') and as a chaplain for MHA. In both roles, she walked alongside people, often who had been marginalised and neglected, putting them at the centre of their own care and lives. Now she advocates for people to have that same treatment when facing extreme poverty and climate change through her work with All We Can.
Becca lives in Nottingham, loves her wild garden and abundant grapevine, her new husband and her two children (nearly 17 and 19). She'd describe herself as a 'mystic', experiencing the presence of God in transformational ways, particularly when in, on or beside water.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Refresher Training

It is vitally important that mental health is treated equally to physical health. To keep skills honed, a physical first aider would periodically need to refresh their training, this is also true of a Mental Health First Aider.
This MHFA Refresher training will take place online on:
Monday 29th September 2025 from9:30 – 14:30
Please note that you must be a qualified Mental Health First Aider to access this training and have completed your training within the last 3 years.
Usually the course costs £150, however this course is offered at £40 to anyone who is a member of, and those with a connection to, the Methodist Church.
To book your place visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mental-health-first-aid-refresher-course-tickets-1430993031679?aff=oddtdtcreator. Bookings close on 19th September 2025.
For further information please contact Carla Quenet: quenetc@methodistchurch.org.uk / 07772979670.

Urban Theology Union

Urban Mission Toolkit

Tools for talking about faith in urban contexts
Time: 10am to 3.30pm
Location: The Church of Christ in Darnall
Cost: £25 (including lunch)
Join us for a dynamic event where you'll learn effective communication techniques to share your beliefs in diverse urban settings. Discover strategies to engage in meaningful conversations about faith with confidence. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your communication skills and connect with like-minded individuals.See you there!
Book your place here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tools-for-talking-about-faith-in-urban-contexts-tickets-1563992035279

Books available

We have a collection of books published by the UTU of John Vincent's work.
If you would like a book a please let us know and we can post copies out to you.
We don't have a list of books but if you would us to check for a particular copy please email the office@utusheffield.org.uk and we will check to see what we have for you.
If you can email before the end of this week that would be great!

TASTE – life changing water News update

Independent assessment of our boreholes and handpumps

As part of our ongoing commitment to quality and sustainability, we carry out independent assessments on samples of water from our projects. These assessments are designed to ensure that the boreholes and handpumps continue to serve the communities well and that the communities themselves continue to follow good hygiene and sanitation practices.
Community members are interviewed during the visits to gather firsthand feedback on the effectiveness and the impact of the facilities on daily life. The feedback help shape future projects and also strengthen accountability.

Water Quality Tests to ensure that our water is safe

We routinely carry our tests on our water supply to make sure that the water is safe for the communities that we serve. Such routine tests were recently carried out in Turu Community, Angwan Kwano in Bassa , Buhit in Bassa , Kerang Ntulu In Mangu , Central Primary School Ampang West in Mangu , PHC Danhala in Riyom, and Bimbop community in Bassa.
The tests help us detect harmful pathogens and ensure that the water sources our communities rely on are safe, clean, and healthy.

Our trained team of technicians collected and tested water samples to inform effective interventions and promote community well-being.
You can read more in their prayer newsletter here

Events

Administrator and Office workers Gathering

Tuesday 16 September from 9am

Join the South Yorkshire UCAN Local Group for a time of prayer, resource-sharing, and encouragement in your ministry. Whether you're a UCAN member or not, you're welcome to connect with fellow church administrators in your area. Light refreshments will be provided.
Our focus in this session will be _New year/New You? What changes excite you, or fill you with dread?
Book your place (to help with catering) here: https://ucan.churchsuite.com/events/wmswdaeq

Inspiring textile art at Sheffield Cathedral

7 August – 22 September

Threads through the Cross an astonishing, inspiring exhibition of textile art. With spectacular designs, brilliant colours and extraordinary stitching, eighteen huge panels depict key moments in Jesus' life.It is one of the largest ever textile projects by a single person, and will be on show at Sheffield Cathedral.
Artist Jacqui Parkinson has been fascinated by the Bible and its stories for fifty years – and now in the last ten years has been stitching the panels in her studio in Devon, using over 25 million stitches to create Threads through the Bible.It's a story in three parts, three huge exhibitions ... the first one has been displayed at Sheffield: Threads through Creation – inspiring images from the first pages of the bible; and now you can see part two, Threads through the Cross – dramatic moments in the life of Jesus.
Admission free

"Just " Economics? with Ann Pettifor

Saturday 20 Sept – St Mark's Broomhill

Internationally-acclaimed economist, Ann Pettifor, will offer critical analysis of prevailing governmental strategies before outlining an alternative ethically driven, environmentally-responsible approach in which economics serves the common good. Expect to be challenged, informed and inspired.
Admission is free, but delegates must register either beforehand via Eventbrite or on the day at the door. Donations are invited and can be made in advance or on the day via Givealittle.
Book your place here

Powered by Hope

Manchester, Saturday 4 October

A one-day gathering in Manchester on Saturday 4th October, organised by Christian Aid. It is aimed at Christians concerned about global justice and interested in how they can put faith into action. Through worship, panels, workshop and testimony we'll explore the power of hope in testing times. We aim to gather and inspire the curious alongside the seasoned activist to stir up the power of hope and put faith and love into action – with a focus in the workshop programme on what they can take back to their churches to help them on their journeys in justice-seeking. Speakers include Dr Ruth Valerio, Sarah Corbett and Revd Ronald Nathan. More details and booking at https://www.christianaid.org.uk/events/powered-by-hope

Eco Church – Lament and Hope

Saturday 18 October, Rotherham Minister

As part of our refreshed district strategy for resourcing mission, we hope to grow the number of Silver Award Eco Churches in our district from the current six to at least 18 by 2030. More details about support available will be confirmed in the coming months.
In the meantime, Sheffield Diocese are hosting an Eco Church event – open to all – with creative arts and music in Rotherham Minister on Saturday 18 October. This will include performance of a hymn written by local Methodist Jenny Carpenter and the Stations of Lament art exhibition created by the late Rev Louise Carr, who served in our Barnsley and Sheffield circuits
More details at https://www.sheffield.anglican.org/event/lament-and-hope/

Vacancies

Faith Rooted Community Organising Lead

Sheffield District

Community organising is about bringing people together to take action around their common concerns, and to create changes that tackle issues and experiences of injustice.
This role is toadvocate for and deliver faith-rooted community organising practices in the Methodist Church as routes to justice, congregational transformation and church growth.
The post holder will lead on accompanying and developing an organising culture across the district, providing bespoke support to embed faith-rooted community organising practices to develop teams and effective leaders of change in those congregations and communities.
The role will be key to supporting existing churches and new Christian communities to make connections as part of their discipleship and core mission to be justice-seeking.
advocate for and deliver faith-rooted community organising practices in the Methodist Church as routes to justice, congregational transformation and church growth.
The post holder will lead on accompanying and developing an organising culture across the district, providing bespoke support to embed faith-rooted community organising practices to develop teams and effective leaders of change in those congregations and communities.
The role will be key to supporting existing churches and new Christian communities to make connections as part of their discipleship and core mission to be justice-seeking.
General enquiries and informal conversations about the role are actively encouraged. In the first instance we ask that you direct these by email to Neil Harland, Mission Enabler, mpe@sheffieldmethodist.org.
More details can be found here: https://www.sheffieldmethodist.org/recruitment/vacancies/district-vacancies.html

Community Pioneer – Broomhill

Broomhill Methodist Centre is embarking on an exciting journey to reimagine how church and community intersect.
Rather than focusing solely on traditional Sunday services, the Centre will become a vibrant hub for three distinct yet interconnected communities: Climbing, Families and Student.
The role of Community Pioneer will play a key part in shaping three new Christian communities that are rooted in real relationships and everyday spirituality aligning with the national New Places for New People vision of the Methodist Church, creating fresh expressions of faith in response to local needs and imagination.
Applications close at midday on 31st August 2025.
Informal enquiries to discuss the role are actively encouraged; these should be addressed to Victoria Loveday by email at cy@sheffieldmethodist.org
Application forms are available https://www.sheffieldmethodist.org/recruitment/vacancies/circuit-vacancies.html.
To apply, complete the application form and send to hr@sheffieldmethodist.org
For the purpose of safer recruitment, applications must be received on a Methodist Church application form. CVs are not accepted.

Circuit Administrator

Sheffield Circuit seek to appoint a full-time administrator to become their recognised and trusted point of contact for administrative and general enquiries.
The successful candidate will be an experienced administrator or well versed in office management with a keen eye for detail, able to effortlessly prioritise and manage a varied workload.
This is a key appointment in the life of the Sheffield Methodist Circuit that requires close working with the Circuit Superintendency.
Application forms are available from hr@sheffieldmethodist.org. Once completed, please return to the same email address.
We may on receipt of an application from you make contact to hold an initial conversation by Zoom. This conversation, between you and the Sheffield Methodist District HR Officer, will offer an opportunity for you to ask questions about the vacancy, on an informal basis.
Anticipated timeline: A start date as soon as possible is available to the right candidate and will be discussed at interview stage.
Closing date for applications: midday on Friday 29 August

Finance Officer

The Sheffield Circuit seek to appoint an experienced Finance Officer to support and develop the professional function of financial matters within the Circuit.
Main responsibilities:

• Work collaboratively with and support the Circuit Superintendency and Circuit Treasurer in all finance related matters;
• Support and develop the professional function of financial matters within the Circuit;
• Work well with the Circuit Finance Group (CFG)

Enquiries and informal conversations about the role are encourages. We ask that you direct such contact to Matt Irons, Circuit Treasure, by email at matirons@gmail.com
The job description and an application form can be downloaded from the Vacancies page of the District website: https://www.sheffieldmethodist.org/recruitment/vacancies/circuit-vacancies.html
Closing date for applications: midday on Friday 29 August

Epworth Old Rectory Trustees

Two vacancies – Treasurer AND Secretary

Epworth Old Rectory, in North Lincolnshire, the home of the Wesleys and now an accredited museum, is seeking to appoint two new Trustees, one to serve as the Treasurer and one to serve as the Secretary, on both the Epworth Old Rectory Trust and its Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), the latter being the operational arm of governance.
The key role of the trustees is to manage the affairs of Epworth Old Rectory, in particular developing its strategy and vision and overseeing the property, finances and staffing. The Trust is made up of an equal number of trustees drawn from the British Methodist Church and the World Methodist Council. It meets twice a year.
The CIO supports and contributes to the development of the life of the Rectory as a museum and place of pilgrimage. The CIO Directors, including the Treasurer and Secretary, support the operations of the museum and work closely with the Trust.
In order to give time to work alongside the current Treasurer and Secretary, whose terms of office will come to an end in 2026, we are seeking to appoint a new Treasurer AND a new Secretary as soon as possible.
Treasurer – this is a key role for a suitably qualified person, with experience of financial management, daily bookkeeping and preparation of annual accounts.
Secretary – this role is vital to support the smooth running of both Trust and CIO administratively.
Full details, including role descriptions and background document, can be found at http://epwortholdrectory.org.uk/support/volunteering
These are voluntary roles, with expectation of attending seven meetings per year (four in person, three online) and other work being carried out on a weekly basis from home. Trustees are appointed annually by the British Methodist Conference and may serve for a term of up to six years.
Expressions of interest with an outline of relevant experience should be sent to the Chair of Trustees, Sarah Friswell, on sarah.friswell@btinternet.com by Monday 22 September 2025.

And finally ...

A prayer for peace in the world

Peace is a rose.
So lovely, so delicate, so fragrant,
so easily crushed.
Holy God, let peace flower in our damaged world.
In parched places, let peace take root,
in broken places, let peace send forth strong shoots,
in barren places, let peace bud and bloom,
that all may see her beauty,
feel her softness,
be overcome by her gentle perfume,
and tend her.
Amen.
Sally Jones, presbyter, South Warwickshire Circuit