District News – 28 February 2023

This Week's News

Justice Quilt

It has been really exciting seeing the quilt squares start to emerge. Check out some of them on here: Justice Quilt
The deadline for sending into the District Office is 6 March, but if you are not quite there, just let us know when we can expect it.

Fairtrade Fortnight

Fairtrade Fortnight has started and runs until 12 March. This year they are inviting people to join them in spreading a simple message that making the small switch to Fairtrade supports producers in protecting the future of some of our most-loved food and the planet. Coffee, bananas and chocolate could soon be much more difficult to buy because climate change is making crops like these harder to grow. Combined with deeply unfair trade, communities growing these crops are being pushed to the brink. But the good news is that more people choosing Fairtrade means extra income, power and support for those communities.
By making the small switch to Fairtrade, we can all support producers in protecting the future of some of our most-loved food and the planet.

I note that 2 of the lectionary readings for this Sunday have the theme of change: Genesis 12: 1 – 4; The call of Abram to leave his country and John 3: 1 – 17 Jesus teaching Nicodemus who is having to cope with a profound spiritual change. So if you are preaching this Sunday maybe you could include the fact that imposed climate change is causing a lot of problems for small scale producers and as a justice seeking church we are called to support them wherever possible?

For further information on Fairtrade Fortnight please follow this link:
https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/get-involved/Current-campaigns/Fairtrade-Fortnight -/
Alison Trezise – Chair of District Fairtrade committee

Care for the Future South Yorkshire

11am – 2pm Tuesday 7 March

MHA supporters and information lunch
An opportunity to learn about MHA's Communities Schemes, Care Homes and Retirement Living and how they benefit our members and residents. Includes opportunity to ask questions, take a guided tour, enjoy a free lunch and mingle with other supporters. At Wentworth Woodhouse, Rotherham, S62 7TQ. Email giftsinwills@mha.org.uk to book a place.

Saltmine Theatre Company productions

Are you looking for a unique and powerful way to share God's Story this Easter/Summer?

Saltmine Theatre Company is excited to share news about two productions which make ideal outreach events for your community.

The Liberator – ideal for youth (age 12+) and adults

"I brought my non-Christian friend and Christian family to watch. Both parties left in awe and utterly moved"
(Premiere performance, Spring Harvest France June 2022)
Inspired by the work of Rob Lacey and told in his memory, The Liberator is a passionate, contemporary portrayal of Jesus' life and ministry, based on the Gospel of Matthew. Told in a modern idiom, this is a gospel at once faithful and utterly fresh. Can your church partner with other churches to book this "powerful", "thought-provoking" and "relevant" production?

Rhyming Bible (ideal to book for families and for your local primary schools)

"What an amazing resource 'The Rhyming Bible' is to be able to take into schools! As a local youth worker, bringing Saltmine to our city has helped me to build on the relationship I have with one local school as well as start an entirely new relationship with another"
(Youth worker, Life Church Lichfield, Autumn 2022 and Spring 2023)
Let me tell you the story of everything! Yes! Roll up! Roll up! For the most heavenly show of the year!
Adapted from legendary storyteller Bob Hartman's highly acclaimed Rhyming Bible, this magnificent all-age musical will take you from the creation of the earth to its glorious redemption.

Please call 01384 454800 or email creative@saltmine.org to find out more and reserve your date.

District Officer updates

District Safeguarding Update

New Film Series: Supporting practice in tackling child sexual abuse

Last year we had a very interesting webinar presented by Anna Glinski of the Centre of expertise on child sexual abuse (CSA Centre).

They have now produced a 12-part series of short films for professionals on YouTube. Supporting practice in tackling child sexual abuse – CSA Centre

The new film series aims to present key information from the following three recently highlighted resources quickly and accessibly for professionals in 12 short films.

These films are designed for anyone whose role brings them into contact with children and young people under 18 years old or their parents or carers; including social workers, teachers, police officers, health professionals, voluntary-sector workers or faith leaders/workers – whether they are new to the role, still in training or highly experienced.
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

I AM Mark

10 March, 7pm, Central Methodist Church

On Friday, March 10th, starting at 7pm, Central Methodist Church are delighted to host Stefan Smart's dramatic performance of the Gospel of Mark.
Over two acts, each lasting approximately 50 minutes, Stefan takes the audience through the whole account of Mark, starting with the appearance of John the Baptist and ending with the events that follow Easter.
Suitable for everyone, we hope the event will be an opportunity to invite family and friends to hear the Gospel in a truly accessible way.
Tickets are priced at £3 to allow multiple purchases and are available either from the Cornerstone Bookshop at Central itself, or online.

Churches and the Energy Crisis

Thursday 16 March at 7pm -Hathersage Methodist Church, S32 1BB

Are you wondering how to deal with rising energy costs in a large hard-to-heat building? How to keep your church warm and welcoming? How to support people in our community who are struggling with energy bills?

Use of energy derived from fossil fuels is one of the most significant aspects of the climate crisis. It is also now a significant financial burden.
Come along on 16 March 2023 to Hathersage Methodist Church from 7.00 -- 8.15 pm to discuss how use of church buildings might change in response. There will be opportunities to hear local examples of action being taken, and a chance to discuss and share ideas in small groups.

No need to book -- just turn up. (If you can't make this event but would like to be informed about future Faith and Climate Network events contact Gill on gilltishler@yahoo.co.uk)

Invitation to a screening and discussion of the documentary film, "Boycott"

March 19th, 4.00 pm, the Broomhall Centre,Broomspring Lane, Broomhall, Sheffield S10 2FD.

Free entry, tea, coffee and cakes provided. Donations welcome to cover room hire.

Invitation issued by the Sheffield Palestine Coalition against Israeli Apartheid

Dear Friends in the Sheffield Methodist Church,
The film Boycott explores anti-BDS (Boycott Divestment and Sanctions) laws in the USA and related freedom of speech issues through the stories of a publisher, an attorney, and a paediatric speech pathologist. The three Americans filed lawsuits against their state governments in response to damaging effects on their livelihoods when those state governments cancelled business contracts with them – these cancellations arose because the people concerned refused to pledge that they would not engage in a boycott of Israel.

Relevance to the UK: We can learn from the experience of people in America because here in the UK the Conservative Government has committed to introduce an "anti-boycott" bill. If passed, this would prevent public bodies from making their own ethical judgements about cutting ties with companies complicit in human rights abuses, abuse of workers' rights, environmental damage and other harmful acts. A wide spectrum of campaigns will be affected.

Over 60 organisations have formed a coalition in opposition to this proposed legislation: their statement can be seen here.

The Methodist Church has a long history fighting injustice and we therefore hope local members will attend this film screening and support the movement to make Sheffield an Israeli Apartheid-Free Zone.

The Sheffield Coalition against Israeli Apartheid invites you to join us to find out more about a bill that could damage ALL our rights to campaign for ethical conduct in public bodies.
Register here to attend

Get Yourself Eco-Ready!

Join us for Barnsley's first FREE environment and sustainability themed festival 'eco-fest' on Saturday 11 March 2023.

The North West Church in Barnsley, made up of eight Methodist Churches based in the North of Barnsley including Emmanuel Methodist Church, launches the first community led eco-fest in the area, to help the local community find out how to be more eco friendly, make sustainable choices and protect the environment at home, work or anywhere!

The event will be held at Emmanuel Methodist Church, Huddersfield Road, Barnsley, S75 1DT, on Saturday 11 March 2023, between 10am and 2pm.
It is free to attend, and refreshments are on a donation only basis – with all money raised being donated to toilet and tap-twinning.
The event will include activities, stalls, exhibits and speakers. It hosts a number of partners who will share their products for sale, more information on their services and share knowledge about eco choices people can make. Partners confirmed include RSPB, Twiggs, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Barnsley Hospice shop, Christian Aid and the Body Shop. Refreshments will also be available throughout the event.

Cllr Sarah Tattersall, the Mayor of Barnsley, is confirmed to officially open eco-fest at 11am and Barnsley Central MP, Dan Jarvis will join us.

Dreaming Beyond...

Thursday 23 March from 7:30 online

"He did what no minister could get away with..."

How well does your church know its local community?
Might a better understanding lead to a change of approach?
Come and hear about St James' Church, Bourton, which was on the verge of closing before an extraordinary public meeting.
We'll also be hearing from Danny Miller, Southampton District's New Places for New People Community Researcher.
The Eventbrite link is: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/397001200277

Every Church a Growing Church: Mission planning for all

Having a mission plan is essential to the health of every Methodist church. On these pages, you will find everything your church, circuit or district needs to get started with mission planning. A good mission plan puts into words your hopes and dreams and shows how you will start making them a reality.

For inspiration, practical tips and help tailored to your church or circuit context, come along to the online conference Every Church a Growing Church: Mission planning for all on Saturday 8th July 2023. Come as an individual or, better still, bring a few others from your church or circuit so you can get inspired and equipped together.

Vacancies

Community Agricultural Chaplain

Derbyshire Rural Chaplaincy

Salary: £32,026 (full time equivalent) plus mileage and expenses
Hours: 22 per week. Flexible working hours with some weekends and evenings.
Contract: 3-year fixed term contract
Benefits: Pension.
Location: Home working with travel across Derbyshire.

Are you the right person for this new and rewarding venture?

Then we look forward to receiving your application.

We are offering an exciting post to expand the Derbyshire Rural Chaplaincy by developing new and existing mission and ministry opportunities within the agricultural and rural community.

We aim to be distinctively Christian in our approach and witness, providing support and encouragement, in the midst of the ongoing challenges faced by farmers and rural workers.

• You will be ordained, with previous experience of working in collaborative and creative ways within a rural community,
• You will have an understanding of the specific needs of the agricultural sector.
• You will be enthusiastic and will display exceptional communication skills.
• You will be an ambassador for the chaplaincy in a variety of settings.
• You will take responsibility for delivering specific activities and events linked to the farming year, with other members of the chaplaincy team and the administrator.
• You will lead worship at services celebrating significant life events at the request of farming families, and by invitation from local clergy and the lead agricultural chaplain.

Want to know more?
Feel free to contact us:
Rev Alan Griggs, (Lead Agricultural Chaplain)

Email: alan@derbyshireruralchaplaincy.org.uk
Mobile: 07710 088972
Website: www.derbyshireruralchaplaincy.org.uk

The application pack can be downloaded from the DRC website

Closing date for applications: 5pm on Tuesday 21st March 2023
Completed Applications to be returned to: alan@derbyshireruralchaplaincy.org.uk or posted to:
Kiosk 10, Derbyshire Rural Chaplaincy, Agricultural Business Centre, Agricultural Way, Bakewell, DE451AH

Interview date and location: Thursday 30th March 2023. The Agricultural Business Centre, Bakewell.