District News – 28 July 2026

Stories from across the District

Ukrainian community lunch

At The Grove we are hoping to build good relationships with those who have travelled to this country for their safety. We supported the Ukrainian community earlier in the year by collecting old wax candles and tin cans for them to make into trench candles to send back home to Ukraine. In June we held a session at the church where local residents from Ukraine prepared lunch for us – it was a fabulous meal with many courses! Afterwards when the cooks came out of the kitchen so that we could express our thanks – their spokesperson got in before us and expressed her thanks to us for welcoming people from Ukraine to this country. It was a humbling experience and a living example of the guest becoming the host and offering us far more that a meal.

Soup and Song – Wales Kiveton

The consistent prolonged high temperatures made us reflect on what the attendance would be like for the July Soup and Song and that it might significantly affect the numbers. We needn’t have been concerned because the regulars all turned up totalling over the 50 mark again and they still wanted hot soups, though we did ensure that there was an abundance of cold drinks to keep everyone hydrated. This was well received as quite a few people were up dancing to the music in spite of the temperatures! We had three unexpected guests from Greencore turn up to the event which was the new general manager and two other managers in his team. They were all very taken with what our church is providing for the local community at Soup and Song, and the general manager posted on the LinkedIn networking media forum a most lovely praising message of what they had seen and experienced.
The collaboration we have with Lost Chord who have a plethora of quality singers and musicians has led to an approach from Appleby Methodist Church in Cumbria about how we set up and run our Soup and Song. I was very pleased to provide as much help to try and get this off the ground, and I am excited to be told that they will be starting their own events commencing in September based on the same premise and principles, though initially there might not be as much food available! We wish them well and every success.

The Power of Storytelling

Sunday 2 August, 2.45 – 5.00 p.m

Highfield Trinity ( Sheffield S2 4UR) is delighted to host Noa Baum, an internationally acclaimed storyteller, for whom stories serve to build bridges of peace and understanding and to nurture the empathy which makes possible a sense of shared humanity.
We would welcome the company of others in the Sheffield Methodist District to share in what promises to be a profoundly moving occasion. This event is suitable for adults and secondary-school students.
Admission is free.  Donations are welcome.

5 Marathons in 5 Days for Mental Health, Solidarity and Justice

Follow Eve, Deputy Director of VVIDY and ASSIST Trustee, and Jake, ASSIST Comms, Events and Fundraising Coordinator, as we undertake a test of endurance and resistance: 5 marathons in 5 days, traversing over 5,000m of ascent (the equivalent of climbing Ben Nevis nearly four times!). We are pushing ourselves to these limits to turn grief into power. We walk as a collective declaration that the conditions that kill must end. We walk to honour Pious’ memory, to make visible the violence of the state, borders, movement and to demand a world where movement is a right, not a privilege. Every mile is a refusal. Every step is an act of solidarity.

Full details here

District News and updates

District Database

Thank you to all who have completed the online form with the contact details of key people in your worshipping communities. A reminder that the deadline for this is 31 July. This form is not just for the Managing Trustee church, but also for the individual groups meeting in various locations across the District. So often we hear that information has not been received, so this is your chance to make sure we can contact you.
Our structures are changing with more smaller groups making up part of a bigger body, and we really do want to make sure no-one misses out on important information. 

Regional Officer for Safeguarding Updates

Shetland interview poses a surprising question (Jenny Winsley)

Back in March 2026 I visited Shetland with the aim to raise the profile of safeguarding through building connections and determining the level of understanding. As part of this the Superintendent invited me to be ‘interviewed’ during the services he was leading at local churches. Even though slightly hesitant I thought what a great way to get known. As well as a few personal questions and the ‘what does a safeguarding officer actually do?’ query, a fantastic question was posed that caused me to think.

Which of the people in the bible would make a good safeguarding officer and why?

Thankfully I had been given a copy of the questions before the interview so I did a little research. There are actually many examples of good safeguarding, people caring for, encouraging and protecting one other throughout the scriptures. I decided to talk about ‘the son of encouragement’ Barnabas.

In the short time I had, I showed how he encouraged others in ministry (Acts 4v37), he spoke up for those not accepted (Acts 9v27), he supported growth of the local Christian communities (Acts 11v26) and he gave people a second chance (Acts 15v39). These traits of Barnabas are, in my opinion, reflective of the important traits of a safeguarding officer;

• encouraging and supporting districts/circuits/churches through policy, procedure and training
• listening to those who disclose without judgement and ensuring the voice of survivors is included throughout
• aiding growth of local fellowships through inputting into new projects that engage with people beyond their worshipping community
• providing second chance opportunities for people through carrying out risk assessment and implementing safeguarding contracts

Maybe you could find another character and determine how their traits fit with your understanding of the role of a safeguarding officer.
Jenny Winsley, Regional Officer for Safeguarding – North East aligned to Scotland and Shetland

As ever, if you have any questions or concerns, please give me a call on 07483 362 735 or email me at hilla@methodistchurch.org.uk
Many thanks
Alison Hill

Other News

Need a laptop for your church work? We've made it simple.

Choosing a laptop can feel confusing, especially if computers aren't really your thing. We've made it easier.
We've partnered with a trusted UK company called Scan Computers to help you get a good laptop at a fair price — without the stress.
Rather than choosing from hundreds of options, we've asked Scan to suggest just one or two laptops that work well for church roles. If you already know what you need, or you're looking for something a little different, you can ask them for a package to suit you. You contract and support is directly with Scan and they will manage your order.
This service is open to everyone in the Methodist community — including ministers, church officers and volunteers.
To find out more or request a quote, click the link below: Laptop advice and quote service
With warm wishes, The Methodist Connexional Team

Disability Awareness Sunday 2026 ‘One Body, Many Parts’

Methodist churches around the UK are invited to mark Disability Awareness Sunday 2026. The official date is 27 September 2026, but churches can celebrate on a date that works for them.
The 2026 theme, ‘One Body, Many Parts’, celebrates the truth that the Church is not complete without disabled people. A free, creative service resource is available to download from charity Through the Roof, packed with ideas for the theme.

Derbyshire Rural Chaplaincy

Did you know our Chaplains can offer pastoral and spiritual support to those working in agricultural and rural settings, regardless of whether or not they have a Christian faith, or indeed any faith. Amongst other things we:

• Are a consistent and trusted Christian presence in Bakewell Livestock Market every week and at agricultural shows and other events inspiring mission, worship and faith
• Take weddings, baptisms, and funerals by invitation, in partnership with local rural churches
• Support special acts of worship across Derbyshire including a Carol Service in the main store ring at Bakewell Livestock Market – taking place on Sunday 6th December this year.
• Host a short service of worship and prayer in the conference room at Bakewell Agricultural Centre every month with our farmers. You are welcome to join us at 10am on Monday 5th October and Monday 2nd November.
• Send out our “DRC News” magazine to farmers across the county.
• Support a number of farming related services throughout the year such as Plough Sunday, Rogation, Lammas, Harvest Festivals and Young Farmers’ Club services.
• We also hold our own Harvest Supper each autumn to celebrate the farming year with stories of faith and hymns, and every summer we organise a farm visit which usually includes a walk or a fun stock judging event and a free supper.

Derbyshire Rural Chaplaincy is run by Lead Agricultural Chaplain Rev. Phil Michell along with Agricultural Chaplains Alison Fletcher and Rev. Pete Evens. They are assisted by three volunteers in the farm support team.
To find out more about our events or how we can help you, please contact Phil:
Mobile: 07710 088972
Email: phil@derbyshireruralchaplaincy.org.uk
Website: https://derbyshireruralchaplaincy.org.uk/

Action for Children

Have your voice heard in our Supporter Survey
Your continued support helps make a real difference to children, young people and families across the UK. And we're always looking for ways to improve the experience of our supporters.
To help with this, please spare 10 minutes to fill out our survey. By completing the survey, you can also enter our prize draw at the end for a chance to win* 1 of 5 vouchers worth £20, which you'll be able to spend at over 95 top high street brands, on dining out, holidays, music or even experiences.
Take the survey

We're proud to be one of the Methodist Presidency's nominated charities
We are delighted that the President and Vice President of the Methodist Conference for 2026/27, Revd Mark Slaney and Caroline Stead, have chosen us as one of their charity partners.
This is a fantastic opportunity to share powerful stories about the impact we make together. We hope that our Methodist family finds that it affirms our shared values and mission to help children thrive.

Shining a light on Methodist Supporter, David for winning the Supporter Award
A dedicated 71-year-old Methodist has been honoured for his commitment to raising funds for Action for Children, taking part in an amazing 41 Great North Runs.
David Stabler, from Newcastle, thinks he must have raised almost £80,000 and huge awareness for Action for Children in the many years he has been taking part in the half-marathon challenges.
His dedication to the cause led to him winning the prestigious Supporter Award at Action for Children's Stephenson Awards, which recognises outstanding supporters, volunteers, carers and staff, as well as the achievements of the children, young people and families we support.

And finally...

From the District Chair

When we think about spiritual gifts, we often think of preaching, teaching, leadership, pastoral care or administration. Yet I wonder whether one of the greatest gifts, and one that quietly underpins all the others, is simply the gift of listening.

Denise Levertov (one of my favourite poets) captures something of this beautifully in her poem A Gift.

Just when you seem to yourself
nothing but a flimsy web
of questions, you are given
the questions of others to hold
in the emptiness of your hands...

Day after day people entrust us with their questions. Some are spoken aloud but many are not. We hold stories of grief, uncertainty, conflict, hope, joy and disappointment. We accompany people through decisions they never expected to make and situations they never imagined they would face. Much of what we do is not about providing quick answers but about creating enough space for people to know they have been heard.
I've often thought that one of the greatest gifts we can offer another person is not advice but attention.

So this week I want to encourage you not only to continue listening well, but also to ask yourself a different question:

• Who listens to you?
• Who notices when you're tired?
• Who gives you permission to speak honestly without needing to have everything worked out?
• Who listens without immediately trying to fix or solve?

Listening is not simply something we offer, it is also something we need to receive.

A Prayer

Tender God,

You are the One who listens when no one else seems to hear,
who welcomes our questions,
holds our uncertainties,
and meets our frustrations with gentle presence rather than hurried answers.

In the midst of busy diaries, difficult conversations and countless decisions, slow us down.

Give us ears that are attentive to your Spirit,
hearts that are open to those we serve,
and wisdom to listen before we speak,
to learn before we lead,
and to notice before we respond.

Help us to hear the stories beneath the words,
the hopes hidden within the challenges,
and the quiet work you are already doing in the communities we serve.

Teach us to ask questions that are open and generous,
creating space for others to discover your presence for themselves.

And, gracious God, remind us that we too need to be listened to.

When we carry burdens that feel too heavy,
or questions that have no easy answers,
lead us to trusted companions who will receive us with kindness,
listen without judgement,
and remind us that we do not carry ministry alone.

May our listening draw us closer to you,
deepen our love for one another,
and help us serve with wisdom, humility and joy.

In the name of Christ, who always made time to listen,
Amen.