District News – 27 September 2022

This Week's News

A Story of the Year 2022

During the last year we've been talking about the importance of sharing stories, so for the first time we've created an annual report style collection of stories highlighting how we are fulfilling the District mission strategy.
It's a 20 page magazine which is available digitally or can be printed and each circuit is featured. We'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who has shared their stories with us and we hope you find it an inspiring read. If you'd like some printed copies for your church please email admin@sheffieldmethodist.org stating if you want Large Print (A4) or Standard (A5) versions.
You can find the digital version here: https://www.sheffieldmethodist.org/p/news/news-stories/a-story-of-year-2022.html

There is Room this Christmas

When Jesus was born, there was no room in the Inn, however this Christmas there is room for everyone in our churches.
The Connexion has released lots of resources for us to use based on The Methodist Way of Life. Click on the link to find out more including a webinar which explains how churches can get involved. As a District we will be supporting and taking part on this campaign.
https://www.methodist.org.uk/thereisroomresources/

Sheffield Circuit Youth-led Service

On Sunday, Sheffield Circuit held their latest Youth-Led Service at Carterknowle Methodist Church. The theme of the service, chosen by the Young People, was 'God is the same Yesterday, Today and Forever'. Three young people from Carterknowle – Imogen, Nathan and Joshua – shared stories and testimonies of how they'd seen God at work in their past and in their present, and how they'd like to see God at work in their futures which went on to inspire discussions across the wider congregation as to where they'd seen God at work. Young People from Carterknowle, Wesley Hall, Hatfield House Lane and Chapeltown took part in the service; and we're looking forward to going to 3Generate at the weekend, followed by a Circuit Youth Christmas Social in December.

Sad News

We were sorry to learn of the death on Saturday of the Revd Bill Wallbanks, a supernumerary minister living in the Barnsley Circuit.
We hold Barbara and the family in our prayers.

On the Edge online course

Church at the Margins is partnering with Crucible to offer the six session online module 'On the Edge', offering a space to think about the dynamics of mission and ministry in marginal urban and rural communities. It is targeted at people who want to develop their thinking about nurturing communities amongst people experiencing economic poverty either as a practitioner, or, as an advocate (e.g. circuit steward, local preacher). There are still a few free spaces for Methodist on the autumn course starting on 4 October. Further details of this and other free training at www.methodist.org.uk/cam-training

District Officers Updates

District Safeguarding Update

'Believe' Flashcards (survivor resources)

Survivors of abuse or trauma can struggle with their mental health and can feel very overwhelmed at times. Fellow survivor Jo Bull has created a series of beautiful and thoughtful flashcards for use by survivors to help ground them and remind them they are important, valuable and loved.
This resource would be suitable for all survivors, whether they have a faith or not.
You can access them on our Survivor Resources page of the connexional website Survivor Resources (methodist.org.uk). (Note that you need to scroll down)

Safeguarding Training – Advanced Module

It is not too late to register for the first face-to-face training session being held at Birdwell Methodist Church, Barnsley, on Wednesday 19 October.
Link to register: https://25-CSSAdvanced.eventbrite.co.uk
Please note that registrations close 20 days before the event date to allow enough time to receive and complete the preparation material before attending the core session.

Train the Trainers 2022/23

The majority of people with a role at church, are required to undertake the Foundation Module of Safeguarding Training, however it's not always easy to find available courses.
If you or your church would like to take control of safeguarding training, then this is the course for you.
In Train the Trainers we equip you with the skills and practical resources you need to deliver the Foundation module. You would then be able to support the training needs of your church or join your Circuit Training team.
To be a trainer you must have already completed the Foundation module and to you will need to complete the Advanced module within 6 months.
Places are limited so booking is essential.
Thurs 6 Oct 2022 on Zoom -7.00 – 9.00pm https://221006foundationtrainers.eventbrite.co.uk
Closing Date -2 October

Please note...

From Monday 26th September to Sunday 2nd October I will be on annual leave. If you have a safeguarding issue, that can't wait until I return, please contact Carolyn Godfrey (DSO for Darlington & Newcastle Districts) 07534 346374 | newcastle.darlington@dso.methodist.org.uk
Many thanks
Alison Hill -District Safeguarding Officer.

Children and Youth Work

Hagg Farm Retreat

19 – 23 October 2022
This is for any children, families, youth or schools volunteer or worker across the Sheffield District. Come for a day, a couple of nights or the whole thing. Whatever you can manage.

At just £15pppn (donation for day visits) it's too good to miss!

Contact Victoria Loveday on cy@sheffieldmethodist.org for more information or

Book your places here: https://forms.office.com/r/yFmA1mXZGK

Property – Community of Practice

The new property and development community of practice is starting. This group will enable access to training, help, advice and networking with others in similar roles. This is meant to be informative, efficient, and effective sessions. There will be time for Q&A but these will be broad questions that may need to be followed up with more tailored advice out of session.

Contact Tom Rattigan – mpe@sheffieldmethodist.org if you are interested in finding out more, or visit the webpage for details of meetings: https://www.sheffieldmethodist.org/news/communities-of-practice/property-and-development.html

Events

URC Legacies of Slavery conference

4-5 October – Hilton Manchester

Keynoting this event will be widely respected scholar and sought-after speaker, Professor Anthony G. Reddie, Director of the Oxford Centre for Religion and Culture at Regent's Park College.
To book your tickets, please ring Kerry at the office on 0161 769 1122 or email office@nwsynod.org.uk with 'Legacies of Slavery' in the subject.

Hope Art & Sanctuary

Exhibition October 6th – 8th – Highfield Trinity Church, Sheffield

Hope, Art, Sanctuary brings together the woodcarving of Michael Bayley (a retired Anglican priest) and the photography of Kevin Bonnett (a retired academic). Both Michael and Kevin find inspiration primarily in the natural world. Both use art as a means of seeing not only how things are but also how they might be -- imagination creating the possibility of a world very different from the real one that is in crisis, nurturing the hope that drives action to make that difference.Entrance is free, but exhibits will be for sale, with proceeds going to ASSIST, which supports people whose applications for asylum have been turned down.
More details at: https://artfromtheoaktree.wordpress.com

"Feeding Britain" conference

Saturday 8 October via Zoom.

This event provides an opportunity to come together to raise awareness of a range of food-related issues from a Christian perspective – food security, food production, environment and climate change, food justice, food trade, healthy eating, and geopolitical issues.
More details including registration can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/feeding-britain-tickets-383846915457

I am Mark

Saturday 8 October at 7pm – St Marie's Roman Catholic Catherdal, Norfolk Street

In this dynamic new, word-for-word, solo performance, Stefan Smart recreates for a modern audience the way in which the story was originally narrated – as a full bodied drama, with its many characters and nuances brought startlingly to life.

There is no ticket fee, but they must be booked in advance here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/i-am-mark-in-hallam-diocese-tickets-397024580207 (donations can be given on the day)

Soul Spark

Wednesday 7-9pm, 12th October – 16th November – Whirlow Spirituality Centre

Soul Spark is a six-session course (12th October-16th November) which opens up some of the riches of the Christian tradition to enable a deep and healthy spirituality.
Written by Nick Helm, an Anglican priest with over 30 years of ministerial experience in the Dioceses of London, Sheffield and Hereford, the sessions will be facilitated by Whirlow Chaplain Joy Adams and Jacky Stride.
For more details and to book a place visit the Whirlow events page.

Why not subscribe to their mailing list to find out more about what is happening at the Whirlow Spirituality Centre? https://www.whirlowspiritualitycentre.org/contact

Rural and Rooted

19 October – 7pm on Zoom

This webinar will reflect on how might being church with/without a building look in your local community? Hear some examples – join the conversation & network.
It will be hosted by Andy Fishburne & Sarah Hulme from the Evangelism and Growth team, with guests from rural chapels involved in small church groups.
All welcome from across the Connexion, but this webinar is particularly aimed at people looking to pioneer/ reimagine small rooted church in their rural communities, explore how a Methodist Way of Life might be used in this context, and join a supportive termly network.
Bookings: rural & rooted – small church

Rural Mission – regenerative agriculture, regenerative church?

Tickets, Tue 8 Nov 2022 at 19:00 | Zoom

What can we learn from regenerative agricultural principles as we seek justice & care for creation personally, as church & as communities?

This webinar is a conversation aimed at people looking to understand some of the basics around regenerative agriculture, broader environmental issues, and what we as individuals & churches can be involved in as part of our mission (whether we're rural, urban, or suburban).
Bookings: rural mission – regenerative agriculture, regenerative church?

Dreaming Beyond – Social Prescribing

16th November 2022, 7.30-9pm

What is social prescribing, and how can churches and faith groups get involved?

With the cost of living crisis as it is, are foodbanks the answer? Or is there another way?
Contributors include Peter Jones, Chair of Growing Compassionate Communities, Sarah Hulme, Rural officer for the Methodist Church, as well as representatives from Food Hubs from across the Connexion.
Bookings via Eventbrite: Dreaming Beyond – for small and rural churches

Rural Mission – pilgrimage

23rd November 2022, 7pm

A conversation exploring what pilgrimage can look like, and how to engage our wider community in journeying with us into encounter.
All welcome from across the Connexion, but this is aimed at people looking to gather outdoors; to explore, encounter & journey together, reimagine pilgrimage & develop mission in their rural communities, pioneering new ways of being church.
Bookings: rural mission – pilgrimage

Job Vacancies

Circuit Administrator

Barnsley Circuit

We are seeking to recruit a Circuit Administrator to provide a professional level of administrative support to ensure the continued smooth running and efficient operation of our Circuit and Churches.

Key skills required include, but are not exhaustive to, the ability to organise yourself and manage competing priorities in order to meet deadlines; a level of proficiency and experience in the handling and managing of data and information records; have demonstrable experience in maintaining financial records accurately and with consistency; and being able to work on your own initiative, often unsupervised, but recognising when it is appropriate and necessary to seek support and guidance
It is important you demonstrate willingness to work within the structures of the church and it is desirable that you have a knowledge of the structures of the Methodist Church

22 hours per week (Worked flexibly to meet the needs of the post with some evening and weekend work required),
£15615.60 per annum salary
Based from Emmanuel Church, Huddersfield Road, Barnsley, S75 1DT with the potential for hybrid working to be considered

For an application pack please contact Jayne Wragg on 01226 321522 and leave your contact details, or email circuitoffice@btconnect.com
Closing Date: 12 October
Interview: 17 October

Youth & Children's Worker

Burley-in-Wharfedale Methodist Church, Yorkshire West District

Do you have the desire and gifting to reach out to the young people in our church and local community, to share God's transforming love with them?

We are a welcoming church in the lively, community-minded village of Burley-in-Wharfedale, which is set close to the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. It is our vision to find a passionate, dynamic Youth & Children's Worker to expand and develop our work with young people.

Salary £20,930 – £23,660 per annum, dependent on qualifications and experience
35 hours per week
Initial 3-year fixed term contract

For more information or to request an application pack, please email: rev.tim.perkins@btinternet.com
Closing Date: Monday, 17th October 2022 at 12noon
Interview Date: Tuesday 1st November 2022

Youth and Children's Outreach Worker

Emmanuel Church Waterthorpe

A 1-year post is available at Emmanuel LEP Church, Waterthorpe, Sheffield, for someone to support and develop the current youth and children's work through outreach into the local school and wider community.

The position is for 22 hours per week, and the rate of pay is £12.30 per hour.
The main focus of the job is develop work in the on-site schools alongside working with and supporting our volunteers in our mid-week Junior and Senior Youth Clubs. The core hours are on Tuesdays and Thursdays (school day and fortnightly evenings) and Sunday mornings (twice a month).

The person appointed will demonstrate Christian beliefs, and be qualified and experienced, with understanding of the needs of children and young people as well as those who lead this work. There will be regular reporting to management team meetings that will include the Methodist Circuit and URC Synod Youth Workers, and a named church Line Manager.
The post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Application packs are available from:
Heather Rotherham, Methodist Circuit Office Email: admin@sheffieldcircuit.org.uk, Phone Number: 0114 272 6561
The closing date will be Monday 31st October 2022 at 12.00 noon,
with interviews on Thursday 17th November 2022.

Learning Network

The Learning Network is a team of practitioners tasked with equipping circuits to beplaces of lifelong learning and to fulfil their calling. A mix of lay and ordained staff from a range of professional and ministerial backgrounds, they work with others across the Connexion and ecumenically to respond to the learning needs of the church.
They have created a booklet which provides information for the 2022-23 Connexional Year of opportunities for learning and development available to anyone in the Connexion. The vast majority of events are free to attend.
You can download a version here: Learning Network Brochure

Yorkshire Plus Learning Network Team's events

For details of events specific to the Yorkshire Plus Region (Sheffield, Yorkshire West, and Yorkshire North and East Districts), please download this events leaflet
Most events can also be found on the District Calendar page