District News – 26 May 2026

Stories from across the District

Knitted Gospel Project

Members from six of the churches in the Rotherham and Dearne Valley Circuit have created scenes from the gospels which are being displayed with captions to encourage reflection at each scene. The project currently includes thirteen scenes from the birth of Jesus through to post resurrection encounters. More are being created and they hope these will engage with those from their local communities who use their buildings as the scenes tour around the churches. They also hope to take some of the scenes into schools and care homes.
Funding towards this project came from the District New Beginnings grant. 

The Book Room at Hathersage Methodist Church

Interview on National Radio

Listen to Dave Fisher from Hathersage Methodist Church chat to UCB Radio about The Book Room. It's a second-hand bookshop inspired by John Wesley's publishing house, inside the church which run as part of the open-door initiative. In its first 8 months of opening, more than 10,000 people have visited the church to explore Methodist history, pause for prayer, tackle a communal jigsaw or buy or donate some pre-loved books. If you a visiting Hathersage, the church is open daily 9am until 5pm.
https://timbre-player.sharp-stream.com/embed/item/dd20e7eb-b5ce-4042-965d-5632e46e92ab?layout=legacy&custom_theme=115

District News and updates

District Podcast – Anna Chaplaincy

In this episode of Faith, Hope and The Journey, we talk to Roger Thirwell who is an Anna Chaplain in Doncaster Methodist Circuit. This is a new Chaplaincy role in the circuit and district which supports people with spiritual care in later life.
Roger also talks about this faith journey, growing up in Doncaster, then moving around with work, setting up a new Christian Fellowship near Northampton, before moving back to Doncaster and is a member at St Andrew's Methodist Church, Doncaster
Roger talks in the podcast about Anna Friends and if you are interested in Anna Chaplaincy, on Saturday 30th May at Tickhill Methodist Church Roger is hosting an Anna Chaplaincy Friends – Taster Morning and Faith Lunch. If you feel you could support Roger in this Chaplaincy work then pop along to the event, all are welcome.
You can stream the podcast here:
https://www.sheffieldmethodist.org/podcast.html

Other News

Eclipse Party 2026 – Webinar

There will be a solar eclipse across the UK on Wednesday 12 August, the last before 2090. Methodist churches are encouraged to use this as an opportunity to host eclipse parties – opportunities to invite local communities to come together for a once in a lifetime shared meaningful experience, during which we can gently and appropriately share something of the good news of Jesus. Plus the district is offering grants to churches to help fund the parties.
The Methodist Church are hosting a webinar on Thursday 28 May, 7.00pm to share more about the project's background and explore the creative possibilities of eclipse viewing events with other participants
Find out more

Can you help plan free websites for local churches?

The Methodist Church are currently planning to offer all local churches a free basic website, to be hosted on www.methodist.org.uk, and linked from the Church Finder tool.
They want to make sure that these microsites are easy for local churches to maintain, are invitational and have all the information visitors need.
Could you help them in the design of these microsites? They are looking for volunteers to attend online focus groups to be run by Their website developers in the next few weeks. If you are interested in attending please fill out the short form below.

Register your interest

Father's Day with All We Can

Are you looking for a Father’s Day gift with meaning? Look no further than All We Can’s Father’s Day Extraordinary Gift.
This £15 Extraordinary Gift Father’s Day card has the ability to provide the tools to reintegrate dads into their community and train in a new vocation.
https://www.allwecan.org.uk/product-page/fathersday

Action for Children

There's still time to plan your Action for Children Sunday celebration!

We're really excited about Action for Children Sunday (second Sunday in July – or whenever works best). Thanks to the churches that have shared their plans with us. If you're still thinking about hosting a special worship service or another event (like an afternoon tea or cake sale), there's still time to plan.
Our new worship materials are now available to download to help you create a meaningful Action for Children Sunday service. Visit: actionforchildren.uk/faithFR

Honouring our Heritage in June

We’ve been here for vulnerable UK children and young people for over 150 years, making sure they don’t miss out on a safe and happy childhood. Next month, we will be celebrating that by honouring our heritage.
You might receive our mailing pack on your doorstep or find emails in your inbox. Starting on 1st June, you can find out how we have campaigned to create positive change for children and how you can make a difference by leaving your own Legacy of Love. We will be sending Bible reflections, as well as our Honouring our Heritage booklet and other resources to share in your church community. Visit our Heritage Page
Want to learn more about leaving a gift in your will to Action for Children before the campaign starts? Head over to our webpage to see how easy it is to start your legacy journey. https://www.actionforchildren.org.uk/support-us/make-a-donation/leave-a-gift-in-your-will

Step Out for Children: walk with your Methodist community and raise money for Action for Children

For many Methodist churches, Step Out for Children has been a powerful expression of faith in action for generations and we’d like to invite your church to step out with us too.
Make a huge difference by organising your own special walking route in your local area – whether that's through parks, coastal paths or neighbourhood streets. By bringing people together in fellowship and putting faith into action, you'll be helping raise vital funds to help us support vulnerable children and families who need it most.
Want to organise your own Step out for Children walk? Get in touch with your local fundraiser: Find your local fund-raiser

Upcoming Events

Killamarsh Open Day

Saturday 6 June for 10 to 3

Saturday June 6th is our 150th anniversary open day
You are warmly invited to drop in between 10am and 3pm.
You’ll find information and activities (including for children) on our village, our church and how our building is used for the community.
There’ll also be space for your input to our future thinking and, of course, drinks and cake.
We’d love to see you.
For more detail visit www.killamarshmethodistchurch.co.uk

The Arthur Rank Rural Roadshow:

9 June 2026 / 10am – 2pm

Bakewell Methodist Church, DE45 1EL
As part of The Arthur Rank Centre’s ongoing mission to support, train, resource, and nurture connections with all Christian leaders we are hosting our first “Rural Mission and Ministry Roadshow” in Bakewell on 9th June 2026 (10am-2pm).
As a valued member of the rural Christian community we invite you (and any of your team) to join us for an uplifting day celebrating all that is rural, as we reflect on these current times when rural life is changing fast and the church is being called to respond with imagination, hope and confidence.
We will open our time together with joint worship, followed by relevant and insightful presentations.
There will be a break for light lunchtime refreshments and time for encouraging each other in Mission and Ministry.
Each participant will receive a pack of useful resources including the practical guide ‘How Village Churches Thrive’.
Please do let us know if we can secure space for you and any of your team.
Although there is no charge to attend, we need to secure delegate numbers for catering purposes. Please email Trisha Pickvance (Trisha.Pickvance@arthurrankcentre.org.uk) if you would like to attend.

New Church Gathering

Saturday 13 June

For anyone who is involved in leading (in any capacity), or preparing to lead, a new Christian community. An opportunity to spend quality time with the growing network of fellow pioneers following similar callings in other places across or affiliated to Sheffield Methodist District.
Our hosts will be Manor Church & Community Project, a Christian charity rooted in Sheffield's Manor Estate. Our morning will be led by Mark North, our Faith Rooted Community Organising Lead, and will focus on the interaction between community organising and pioneering.

Reserve your space and free lunch here:

Thresholds Retreat

Saturday, 13 & Sunday 14 June

A weekend retreat in which we can slow down, be present and connect with ourselves, each other, nature and the Divine.
Each morning and afternoon we will playfully contemplate a story which has been told in the sand using objects. Our dialogue – both verbal and non-verbal – will be grounded in the Touchstones of Circles of Trust® and the principles of Deep Talk and OutoftheBox. After the group work there will be time for us to respond individually, e.g. by journalling, playing with objects, creating with art materials, walking or simply sitting.
This retreat may not be suitable for anyone currently experiencing significant turmoil or trauma. Please speak to the Chaplain, Alison Richards, if you would like to explore if this is right for you.
A simple lunch and refreshments throughout the two days will be included.
Cost £75 – please contact the Chaplain if the cost is a barrier as bursary support may be available

Full details here.

Rooted – Cultivating and Tending the Fruits of the Spirit

Saturday 11 July

A retreat day to come, cultivate and tend to your garden, check your fruits and join in the shared work of discipleship.
Set in the lovely village of Calverton, Rooted is a day of retreat and reflection for women, created to gently nurture faith, deepen trust, and strengthen fellowship.
Together, we will explore the Fruits of the Spirit through Bible study, conversation, and activities, with plenty of space to breath and relax. This is not about getting everything 'right', but about noticing – where is God is already at work? Where are the tender buds of growth? What needs my care and attention today?

Find out more and book your place

Relax and Renew

Saturday 22 August
Come for a relaxed day in the beautiful surroundings of Whirlow Spirituality Centre offering time and space to simply be. There will be space (and support if wanted) for:

• using art and craft materials
• the opportunity to go on a guided walk to the Quarry Gardens and Whirlowbrook Park
• or to take yourself for a walk where and when you wish
• accessing the spirituality library
• spaces for silence and spaces to sit and chat

The day will begin with an opening reflection and close with tea, cake and an opportunity to give thanks for all we’ve enjoyed together.
Hot and cold drinks and cake in the afternoon provided. Please bring your own packed lunch.
This day is designed for adults. Under 18s are welcome but must be accompanied by a parent or carer at all times.
Please contact us if you wish to book a place for anyone under 18.

Full details here

And finally...

A prayer for courage to join God's song

God,
whose life dances in and beyond all creation,
whose song resounds throughout the universe and beyond,
you call us to add our voices to your harmony
and long all voices to be part of your song of infinite grace.
May we have the courage to raise our voices to join your song
and the sensitivity to enable all voices to be heard.
May we know and rest in the silence that births new melodies.

May all hearts echo with the resonance of your love.
May our voices be raised in shouts of protest,
in howling cries of grief and in gentle sounds of comfort.
May we join the yearning choir in the reality of deep lament
that longs for change and brings healing into being. Amen.
Rachel Bending, Chair, Southampton District