District News – 26 November 2024

This Week's News

Sad news

It is with great sadness that we mark the passing last week of Rev Keith Lackenby, a supernumerary presbyter in the Doncaster Circuit.
From his daughter Rev Lorna Valentine "May he Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory".
Please keep Lorna and her brother in your thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
Details of the funeral will be shared when we receive them.

We are also sorry to learn of the death yesterday of the Revd Chris Tomlinson OBE, a supernumerary presbyter in the Sheffield Circuit.
We hold Janet, his wife, and all the family in our prayers.

Christmas Praise in the City

Carole Marsden, from Cliff College, is gathering a small brass group to help Christmas Praise in the City feel Christmassy and wonders if there were other brass banders in the district who would like to join them.
"We will be playing for 30 minutes before and after the service. I would suggest a standard of around grade 4/5 as a minimum and brass band instruments in Bflat and Eflat welcome.
We will meet at 6pm on Monday 9th at Victoria Hall. Music will be from the Salvation Army Carol books and all music will be provided on the night.
If they can contact me on c.marsden@cliffcollege.ac.uk that would be great."

Faith and Social Prescribing webinar – 30 January 2025

One in five GP appointments are for non-medical reasons. Social prescribing plays a vital role in providing practical support for people who are struggling with loneliness, low-level mental health conditions, caring responsibilities and financial issues such as debt.
Faith groups contribute significantly to local social prescribing networks and, with their focus on community, relationship and holistic wellbeing, they can play a foundational role in preventative healthcare by supporting individuals to access the right support early on.
This webinar from ChurchWorks and Theos is designed for anyone eager to strengthen the connections between faith and social prescribing: local ministry or church leaders, link workers, PCN leads and those exploring how best to resource neighbourhood healthcare at a strategic level.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/faith-and-social-prescribing-launch-event-tickets-1063273302069

Dinnington Methodists – New Places for New People

Trinity Circuit have been awarded a £90,000 grant from our District and £30,000 from Connexional New Places for New People funds to start new Christian communities in Dinnington. The circuit will employ a pioneer to work with them to create a series of safe spaces where those who are often overlooked by society can experience a sense of belonging and feel confident to explore questions of faith. As the work evolves, they will experiment with several different starting points and aim to build up a 'community of communities'. Alternative forms of worship will be started at new times, in forms which made sense to the people joining them. The circuit will offer activities to meet specific needs and aim to empower those for whom life can be difficult, working alongside people as they see their potential and value. They are already working in partnership with ecumenical partners and other organisations in this economically marginalised neighbourhood and building from groundwork laid by a Circuit-appointed Vision Group.

Dinnington Methodists have teamed up with The Lyric community theatre, actor Keith Bailey and local musicians to host a performance of A Christmas Carol on Friday 20 December. Funds raised will help make the chapel building ready for community activities, including the new Dinni-Tots toddler group. Only £8 from https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/lyric-theatre

Stewardship Generosity Report

Stewardship is a Christian charity which supports churches and charities in their fundraising and administration. They have recently released results of a detailed survey of charitable giving by Christians.
In a context where lack of income regularly feels a limiting factor to our mission and ministry, their key findings seem relevant and thought provoking for us.

Key findings

• Regular church attendance more than doubles propensity to give
• Personal appeals are more effective at inspiring spontaneous charitable giving
• Key drivers for giving are seeing the difference donations make and trusting the causes receiving them
• Those who discuss their giving tend to give more

We have prepared a short summary with discussion starters for churches and circuits, which is available to read and download here.

Fund for Human Need

The Fund for Human need (FHN) is a small Methodist-affiliated charity established in 1960 to relieve poverty and hunger. Relief payments (up to a maximum of £120) are made, irrespective of faith, ethnic origin or social group to individuals in the UK. Priority is given to those who are destitute or have no income or benefits, to those who are particularly vulnerable and to those where a small amount of money will make a significant difference.
Sam Roberts attended their recent AGM in London to find out more about their work. You can read her report here: Fund for Human Need

Supporting local charities

The Big Give is the UK's biggest online match-funding campaign, which helps charities raise vital funds for their communities.
Between 12pm on Tuesday 3rd December and 12pm on Tuesday 10th December, all donations raised will be doubled by the Big Give, meaning donations have double the impact.
Follow the links below to find out more and help them reach their target! (Other charities are availalbe)

Sheffield Churches' Council for Community Care (SCCC)

Combatting loneliness one cuppa at a time
We provide practical services and support that make a difference to the wellbeing and quality of life for older, isolated and vulnerable people in Sheffield and Doncaster. We aim to give isolated older people a helping hand when they need it the most.
https://donate.biggive.org/campaign/a056900002TPSsNAAX

The Snowdrop Project

Empowering survivors of modern slavery
The Snowdrop Project supports and empowers survivors of modern slavery in South Yorkshire. We provide casework support, trauma-informed counselling, house renovations, alternative therapies and community activities to enable survivors to recover from their experiences and rebuild their lives.
https://donate.biggive.org/campaign/a056900002TPUkRAAX

ASSIST's Christmas Fundraising Challenge 2024

We are raising funds towards our services for people seeking sanctuary in the local area who have had their asylum claim refused. We provide clients with secure, dignified accommodation, monthly cash payments towards living costs and a bespoke, trauma-informed casework service.
https://donate.biggive.org/campaign/a056900002TPV4bAAH

If you know would like us to share news of other charities, please get in touch and we will included details in next week's newsletter.

Mission 3vangelical for a Post-Christian World

New stand-alone module starting 20 January 2025 – come and join us. 5 sessions long.
Module B: Mission 3vangelical: Personality, Provocation, and Repair
20 January 2025, 3 February, 10 February, 24 February and 10 March
For more information:
https://utusheffield.org.uk/2024/07/11/mission-3vangelical-for-a-post-christian-world/
If you have not already enrolled, please contact Jill (office@utusheffield.org.uk) for more information or a registration form.

District Officers Update

Scam alerts

Once again we have learnt that scammers are at work. They operate by cloning existing email account, and send out vague requests to get in touch.
Please be vigilant about this.
The latest one starts by a a vague enquiry asking if you are well, and if you had received their previous email. This is designed to make you respond. Please do not ever replyto such an email. This will confirm to the scammer that your email is valid and you will are likely to become their next victim. Even if you do not fall for their scheme, usually a request to pay gift cards, your email address could be used to try and scam others.
If you are concerned that the request may be genuine, contact the person via another means such as a phone call, or contact the District Office.

District Safeguarding Update:

Methodist Covenant Service: Being mindful of safeguarding in the language we use

Thank you to Kate Little for her thoughtful explanation:
"As the survivor lead for the Methodist Church, I wanted to draw your attention to the alternative wording available for the liturgy of the Methodist Covenant service, in addition to the traditional 18th century wording of the Covenant Prayer: The Methodist Covenant Service in the Methodist Worship Book
This is prompted by receiving a complaint from a survivor who found it very upsetting to be called upon by their minister to recite a prayer to God incorporating the words: "Put me to suffering", when they felt they had already suffered too much at the hands of the perpetrator of their abuse. Therefore, it would be sensitive for all those leading Methodist Covenant Services to consider using the alternative wording or, if using the original wording, to incorporate a discussion on the context of "suffering"."
Read more here: Methodist Covenant Service: Being mindful of safeguarding in the language we use.
Kate Little, Safeguarding Casework Supervisor and lead for victims and survivors of abuse

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.

Events

Derbyshire Farmers' Carol Service

Sunday 1st December at 2.30pm

Held in the main store ring at Bakewell Livestock Market.
Join us for a mix of traditional carols and lessons, accompanied by Youlgreave Silver Band, Bel Canto Ladies' Choir and others.
Parking at the livestock market is free from 2.00pm onwards.

Advent Jazz Vespers

Wednesday 4 December 6:45 pm

A reflective service to pause at the start of the busy Advent Season using jazz accompaniments to 5 traditional carols, Advent themed artwork and poetry.
Holy Trinity LEP, Sough Hall Avenue. Thorpe Hesley. S61 2QJ
Please inform us if you intend to attend for catering purposes.

Worship On The Streets "Christmas Busk"

Saturday 7 December 12:00 pm

Following on from the first National Day of Street Worship in the summer, Worship on the Streets is running another day of Street Worship on Saturday 7th December at 12 pm, this time with a Christmas theme!
Aaron, who leads Worship on the Streets writes:
'We are inviting people to go out into their villages, towns or city centres to lead a time of outdoor musical worship – this time starting with "O Come All Ye Faithful." followed by a time of sung musical worship for as long as people feel comfortable, either carrying on with the Christmas carols theme or using other worship songs. We are also hoping that the event could play a part in helping churches engage with their communities in the run-up to Christmas.'
They are asking anyone who wants to take part to fill out a registration form so that we have a rough idea of the spread of those taking part and to inform our prayers. The link to the form is HERE
And you can watch the YouTube video of the summer Worship on the Streets Day here: https://youtu.be/YKzCyxaxiAc
For more information, please email Aaron at info@worshiponthestreets.co.uk

Ebor Lecture – Chine McDonald

Wednesday 4 December at 5pm

God Is Not a White Man: Race, faith and belief in a post-riot world
The riots that swept the UK in the summer of 2024 brought to the forefront of public consciousness the rise of the Far Right, anti-immigrant sentiment, and Christian nationalism. In this lecture, Chine McDonald will reflect on what happens when we face hard and painful truths about race, identity and the theological understanding that every human is made in the image of God. It will confront the reality of the intertwining of Christianity with white superiority, and chart a way forward for a future of faith and belief that represents the vibrant diversity of the UK.
Book online or in-person tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ebor-lecture-with-chine-mcdonald-tickets-1024737827427
Chine McDonald is Director of Theos, religion and society think tank. Previously Head of Public Engagement at Christian Aid, with two decades of experience in journalism, Chine is author of God is not a White Man: & other revelations (2021) and the forthcoming Unmaking Mary: Shattering the Myth of Perfect Motherhood (2025). She studied Theology & Religious Studies at Cambridge University, and is a Canon Theologian at Chester Cathedral.

Stocksbridge Christian Centre Rededication event

Sunday 8 December from 3pm

Stocksbridge Christian Centre would like to invite you to their celebration of the work that has been done to turn the church into a flexible seven-day a week worship and community use space.
Full details can be found here: Stocksbridge Invite
Please email Angela Webster, Angela.Webster13@hotmail.com if you are coming, so that we know how many are planning to come.

Vacancies

Young People's Worker

Barnsley Circuit

The Barnsley Circuit seek to appoint Young People's Worker working with children aged 5-18 on a 2-year fixed-term contract working 25 hours per week across the chapels and communities that make up the Barnsley North West Church.
Supporting the Minister the successful applicant will play an important role in encouraging and nurturing our young people into a deeper commitment of faith.
We encourage enquiries and welcome informal conversations about this exciting role. In the first instance direct these to Rev Lyn Gregg by clicking here
For an application form please contact our Circuit Administrator
Closing date: 6th December 2024
Interview date: 16th December 2024

Children & Families Worker

Barnsley Methodist Circuit

The Barnsley Methodist Circuit seek to appoint Children & Families Worker on a 2-year fixed-term contract working 20 hours per week across the chapels and communities that make up the Barnsley North East Church. Supporting the Minister the successful applicant will play an important role in encouraging and nurturing our young people and their families into a deeper commitment of faith.
We encourage enquiries and welcome informal conversations about this exciting role. In the first instance direct these to Rev Claire Rawlinson by clicking here.
For an application form please contact our Circuit Administrator.
Closing date: 29th November 2024 (Midday)
Interview date: 10th December 2024 (Week commencing)

Café & Soft Play Manager

Firth Park Methodist Church, Sheffield, S5 6QL

We week a Café and Soft Play Manager to join our team to help deliver our growing community service whilst developing fresh expressions of church.
The facility is available to the whole community, welcoming people of all faiths and none. We have
a specific Christian-based group called "Mini Disciples" for children and their families as well as
"Space For All" sessions for anyone to attend.
Whilst a specific faith is not an essential requirement for this role the successful applicant should be comfortable working alongside, in partnership with and representing a faith community and be committed to the aims of the Methodist Church.
Informal enquiries, questions and visits to see the facility are actively encouraged. Please ask questions and arrange a visit by email to Lynne Brand at lbrand1953@gmail.com. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted
Application forms are available by emailing hr@sheffieldmethodist.org
To make an application please complete an application form and return by email before Midday on 13th December 2024 to hr@sheffieldmethodist.org

and finally ...

A prayer for God's guidance

In pilgrimage, O Lord,
show us the path to be taken;
in commitment, the will to be obeyed;
in service, the cost to be borne;
and in faithfulness, the crown to be won.
Ann Mason, Bible Christian minister (1797-1826)