District News – 27 October 2026

Stories from across the District

"Signing the Faith" at Greenhill Methodist Church

At Greenhill Methodist Church in Sheffield, worship has an inspiring addition with the use of Makaton – a communication programme that combines signs, symbols and speech. Introduced to make services more accessible, it is helping people of all ages and abilities engage more deeply with worship
“We want the Gospel to be accessible for everyone,” explains James Pettinger, who is involved with the children’s work at the church. “Makaton is supportive communication. It gives people another way to understand and connect with the message.”
By signing together, the congregation is demonstrating that faith, inclusion and community can be expressed in many meaningful ways.

Read the full story here

District Office 

Evangelism for Leaders online training 

Over 1,000 people who were not members of any churches attended eclipse parties organised by churches in our district this summer. By no means the only form of evangelism, but a reminder that there are many people seeking belonging and belief. But often we feel unsure how our congregations might go about telling the Good News.

Evangelism for Leaders is a free course for ALL leaders in the Methodist Church – including ministers, lay employees, stewards and others.

This course is for leaders who really want to reach new people but also understand that evangelism is a word with baggage. It's for leaders who want to discover their inner evangelists – and it's for those who'd rather they remained undiscovered! It's for leaders who are thinking: 'evangelism was never part of my training for ministry' or 'if I mention evangelism in my place, everyone will run a mile and never come back'. It's for leaders who are wondering how to help others grow in confidence in their faith. It's for leaders who know they have a responsibility when it comes to evangelism, but are busy people trying to keep the show on the road. It's for leaders who are questioning whether evangelism is possible in a holistic, inclusive, relational and authentic way.

Further details at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/evangelism-for-leaders-winter-202627-tickets-2002993770286 (this course is afternoon based. There will be an evening version later in 2027)

Office closures in November

The office will be closed this week on Thursday and Friday; next week it will be closed on Wednesday and Friday, the week after on Monday and Friday (9 & 13 November). I will also be away from 24-27 November
I will be accessing emails at home, but not able to answer phone calls.

Regional Officer for Safeguarding Update: 

Safeguarding in a Digital World

Recent national discussions about children's online safety have highlighted the growing challenges faced by young people in navigating the digital world. The Government has announced plans for stronger protections for children online, while Ofcom continues to strengthen expectations on technology companies to reduce children's exposure to harmful content and improve age-verification measures. Despite these efforts, concerns remain about the impact of harmful online material on children and young people.
For churches, this serves as a timely reminder that safeguarding is not just about what happens within our buildings and activities. Increasingly, children's experiences, relationships and vulnerabilities extend into online spaces. Risks such as cyberbullying, exploitation, inappropriate content and online grooming can all have significant effects on a young person's wellbeing, confidence and mental health.
Whilst legislation, regulation and technology all have an important part to play, safeguarding remains fundamentally about people and relationships. As church communities, we are often in a unique position to provide trusted, supportive environments where children, young people and families feel able to talk about their concerns. A simple conversation, a listening ear or an awareness of the pressures facing young people today can make a significant difference.
The updated Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026 guidance reinforces the message that safeguarding is a shared responsibility and recognises the increasing importance of responding to online harms alongside more traditional safeguarding concerns.
As we continue our safeguarding journey across the Sheffield Methodist District, perhaps the challenge for all of us is to remain curious about the experiences of the children and young people we serve. Are we creating spaces where they feel safe, heard and valued? Are we equipped to have conversations about the realities of life online? And are we demonstrating the same care and vigilance in digital spaces as we do in our church communities?
Safeguarding is not simply about managing risk. At its heart, it is about creating communities where everyone can flourish safely, confidently and with dignity.

If you have any safeguarding concerns, questions, or require advice, I would be pleased to hear from you. You can contact me on 07483 362735 or by email at hilla@methodistchurch.org.uk

Many thanks,
Alison Hill

Other News

Action for Children

Your Action for Children Christmas worship materials

We're excited to let you know that our Christmas worship resources are now available. This year's theme is bringing joy where it’s needed. We want to acknowledge the sorrow many are experiencing, share the joy of the Christmas message, and show the love of Jesus through practical action.
You can access our worship materials here: actionforchildren.uk/faithFR.

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.
The magic of Christmas begins in childhood. Hanging stockings. Sharing festive food. Presents under the tree. It’s a time for children to feel loved and make memories that last a lifetime.
But for too many children across the UK, Christmas is anything but magical. No stockings. No presents. No festive food – often no food at all. But you could help change that.
Become a Secret Santa for a vulnerable child today by visiting Iamsanta.org.uk/hope.

You can also make a difference through fundraising activities like hosting a crochet-a-thon, holding a quiz, or coming up with your own fundraising ideas. Sign up to fundraise here.

Easy Eco Tips from A Rocha

Greening your home this Autumn.

Tackle climate change and reduce your heating bills by finding and reducing the draughts in your home. Find the gaps that let cold  air in and warm air out (keyholes, letterboxes and gaps around windows, doors, loft hatches and floorboards for example). Do what
you can to fix these gaps – there are lots of tutorials on how to do this online. It’s also a good time to prepare for winter by putting radiator reflector foil or baking foil behind the radiator. This will reflect heat back into your room. 

Upcoming Events

Urban Theology Union AGM

Saturday 7th November 2026 at 2pm

We are very pleased to say that our speaker is Chine McDonald Director of THEOS (a Christian church and society think-tank currently researching Christian nationalism ) and author of two works challenging the white male theological mainstream: 'God is Not a White Man', and 'Unmaking Mary'.
She will be bringing her insights into the world of urban theology. 
Please book your free place at the AGM via this link 
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/utu-annual-general-meeting-tickets-1999668944643?aff=oddtdtcreator

Ebor Lecture 11 November 2026:

How finding women from the past can shape a more equal future

Professor Janina Ramirez, author, presenter and Director of Studies for History of Art at Harris Manchester College, University of Oxford

5.00-7.00pm, Wednesday 11 November 2026

Our next Ebor Lecture is now open for booking!  Please join us at the Creative Centre, York St John University, or online and share the invitation to this free event with your own networks.

Professor Janina Ramirez will explore how the misrepresentation and repackaging of female figures from the past has shaped our current gender divide. Janina will uncover how broader socio-political and ideological agendas have contributed to the two-sphere world experienced by women in the modern era. From distant matriarchies in Crete, through Eastern Empresses and Mesopotamian war leaders, Janina will show how reengaging with fresh evidence from the past can build positive foundations for future communities founded on equality and diversity.

• 5.00-6.00 pm Talk by Janina Ramirez with Q&A,

• 6.00-7.00pm Drinks and book signing for in-person attendees

• Hybrid event – in person at the Creative Centre and live online

• Free to attend

• All welcome!

Find out more and book your places here

Office workers' gathering

Wednesday 18 November

The next Gathering for all those involved in church administration will be held at Cemetery Road Baptist Church, Napier Street, S11 8HA
This is a great time to meet up with others in similar roles, to share experiences and good practice and to offer support and encouragement.
The link to book is :   https://ucan.churchsuite.com/events/7h4tgtgn

What's on at Whirlow

Embodied Prayer for the Season of Advent: Saturday 14th November 9.30 am–3.30 pm
Drawing on the Celtic Christian tradition, this day explores stillness, nature, gestation and incarnation through embodied spirituality. It offers a chance to begin preparing inwardly for Advent and to reflect on the changing season.

Third Sunday: What Brings Me Closer to God?: Sunday 15th November 7–8 pm
Cath Williamson will share poetry and landscape photographs inspired by the priest and poet R. S. Thomas, whose writing explores the search for God, the challenges of prayer and the importance of silence. 

Praying Without Words- Thursday November 19, 8-9pm
Many are drawn to silent prayer, meditation, centering prayer, contemplation ... for that purpose, we run Praying Without Words via Zoom each month.

Book Group – The Wisdom Years by Margaret Silf: Friday 27 November 2–3.30 pm
A new book group exploring the spirituality of ageing through Margaret Silf's The Wisdom Years. Meetings are planned in the Centre lounge, with an online option if the weather is challenging.

A Moment for Reflection

Why not take a little time to visit the Reflections page on our website? It offers a space to pause, reflect and find inspiration amidst the busyness of everyday life. We hope you’ll find something there that speaks to you and offers a moment of peace, encouragement or fresh perspective.
Take a look at our latest reflections here.

Vacancies

Property Development Manager

Sheffield District

The Sheffield Methodist District provides oversight and support for approximately 130 Methodist churches, grouped into seven Circuits across South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire and North East Derbyshire.
We have inherited from our predecessor’s church premises and houses that are in varied states of being fit for mission. And some that are surplus to our current congregational needs.
Rather than seeing these as burdens to be maintained, we believe that with skills and vision this inheritance can be creatively repurposed or renovated to generate new sources of recurring income to fund the work of our churches, and respond to needs in the neighbourhoods that our churches are embedded in.
We are seeking a Property Development Manager with the vision, skills and experience to do this at the scale and pace needed.

Full details here

Nurture and Pastoral Care Worker

Barnsley Circuit

The Barnsley Methodist Circuit seek to appoint a Nurture and Pastoral Care Worker to provide effective and ongoing pastoral care to members and adherents of the five chapels that make up the Barnsley North East (NE) Church.
With a remit to nurture and encourage discipleship in these chapels the successful applicant will build relationships with members and visitors alike.

Full details here

And finally...

A Prayer – The Power of Love

God of power and love,
you meet us not with might or control,
but with tenderness, compassion and love.

In Jesus, you have shown us a different way,
walking alongside those who feel powerless,
giving dignity to those who are overlooked,
and reminding those who feel unloved that they matter.

Help us to recognise the power we each hold,
and to use it wisely and generously.

Give us courage to speak truth to power,
humility to listen to voices other than our own,
and the willingness to share power rather than hold on to it.

May love shape our choices,
guide our relationships,
and challenge the ways we think and act.

And as we seek to find our place and purpose in the world,
help us to recognise the gifts and possibilities in others,
making space for their voices to be heard
and their lives to flourish.

May the power of your love
be reflected in the way we live,
the way we lead,
and the way we walk alongside one another.

Amen.

Vicky Atkins Chair Sheffield district