District News – 28 June 2022

This Week's News

The Methodist Conference

It was a privilege to be part of the Methodist Conference as it welcomed this year's ordinands, including our own Mark Carrick, into full connexion. We do hope you were able to join by watching the live streamed session in the morning and the ordination service in the afternoon.
Earlier this month Mark gave his testimony at the District service, where there was a retiring collection for the Training Fund which raised £220.50.
If you were unable to attend or watch the service via a live-stream – you can read his story here: My journey to ordination

Sad News

We were sorry to learn of the death on Sunday of Norma Lackenby. Norma was the wife of the Revd Keith Lackenby, a supernumerary presbyter in the Doncaster Circuit.
We hold Keith and the family in our prayers.

District Officer's News

Safeguarding Update

I would like to thank all those who sent such kind messages wishing me a speedy recovery from Covid. It was very much appreciated.
Those who have attended the Advanced Module Safeguarding training may recall my mentioning a small reference guide which is useful to have, but which was out of stock.
I am pleased to say it is now available to order from Methodist Publishing: https://www.methodistpublishing.org.uk/books/PE750-SG-19/safeguarding
Alison Hill – District Safeguarding Officer

Administration news

As you may have gathered, I am currently attending the Methodist Conference, so will not be able to answer any phone calls. However, if you leave a message on the answerphone, I will receive that and can respond if appropriate. I will also be checking emails and again will respond to anything that can't wait until Friday (when I'll be back in the office).

GDPR checklist

Just a reminder that if your church has not yet completed the annual General Data Protection (GDPR) Checklist, that this does need to be completed as soon as possible. The original deadline was 31 May, but extensions were granted to 30 June.
This is a legal requirement from the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes (TMPC) and as such cannot be lightly ignored. If you have any questions or would like guidance on this, please do get in touch.
Katrin Hackett – District Administrator

Events

Positively Rural: How Green Spaces promotes Wellbeing

Thursday 14 July from 1pm

Following on from the previous sessions considering mental health, wellbeing and rural life we will be hearing from Dr Jenny Mercer and Dr Debbie Clayton from Cardiff Met University. Jenny and Debbie have a wealth of experience on the rural environment and its effects on health. They are currently part of a team evaluating an EcoTherapy project for Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust.
They will be joined by Lyndsay, a research student who has just completed her doctorate looking at bees as an intervention for those in recovery.
It is hoped that this session will prompt us to think about the resources we have available, whether it be a small hanging basket, a church garden, a graveyard, or an allotment, that could be used to promote Wellbeing in our communities.
You can register here: https://220714positivelyrural.eventbrite.co.uk

Family Fun Day

16 July 2022 from 10:30am

Join us on our first family picnic gathering across the district.
We will meet at Bakewell Methodist Church at 10.30am for a short time together for family church with lots of fun, fellowship and activities. Then we'll head over to the park (across the road) for picnic and games – weather permitting.
All you need to do is bring a picnic with you and join in on all the fun.
To help us have a rough ideas of numbers, and ages, please register via this link: https://familyfun220716.eventbrite.co.uk

Proms Fundraiser Event

for Victoria Hall Methodist Church Main Hall Renovations

16 July at 12:00 noon
Join Sheffield's flagship amateur orchestra with conductor George Morton for a fun-filled, hour-long orchestral concert exploring some classical masterpieces and well-known proms favourites, including the Radetzky March, the March from the Dam Busters, and selections from Henry Wood's Fantasia from British Sea Songs.
This concert is a fundraising concert to support the upgrade of the seating at the Victoria Hall, this will enable the space to be used for multiple purposes by the community organisations and charities. All proceeds from the concert will be donated towards this cause.
Buy tickets online at Sheffieldphilharmonicorchestra.org or from the reception at Victoria Hall, entrance on Chapel Walk.
Ring 0114 272 1749 for more details
Tickets in Advance: Under 12 £2, Under 18 £5, Concession £8, General Admission £10

City Wires and Networks: How Christians Navigate Them.

Urban Theology Union

Join us by Zoom on Wednesday: 4 pm, 13 July 2022 for a rich conversation between:

• Lord David Blunkett, former MP for Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough;
• Councilmember Kristerfer Burnett of Baltimore, Maryland (USA);
• Rev Zaidie Orr, minister of Central United Reformed Church in Sheffield.

Our conversation will be moderated by the Rev. Dr Rob Hoch, UTU's Director of Theological Exploration.

Our topics will include questions arising from the legacies of slavery in the United States and United Kingdom. We will ask our guests to think with us about the challenges we face and "what works" -- we intend to go beyond "diagnosis" to think about approaches that foster the kind of society where all peoples have an opportunity to flourish in work and life.

Please use the following Zoom link to join the third City Wire's forum:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83289648804
Meeting ID:83289648804

Learning Network Regional Retreat for Presbyters, Deacons & Lay Employees

Visio Divina: embracing the new normal through creating images on our camera

A lot has changed over the last two years for us. Certainties we held, people we loved, the places we knew may all look different. But we can still find God in all things. The camera we carry in our pocket has the potential to help us slow down, centre in the present moment, and encounter God.

This retreat will open up the possibility of contemplative photography and show you how to incorporate it into your everyday life. You don't need to be a skilled photographer, but you do need a camera--the one on your phone will do just fine.This will be led by Stephen Radley, an Anglican priest, trained professional photographer and members' ambassador for the Guild of Photographers.
When: 8-10 November 2022
Where: The Briery, 38 Victoria Avenue, Ilkley LS29 9BW

Register online via EventBrite https://221108visiodivina.eventbrite.co.uk

Job Vacancies

LAY PASTOR

Doncaster Methodist Circuit

The Circuit is seeking to appoint a full time Lay Pastor to provide pastoral support and care alongside the Circuit Ministry Team to 4 churches in the Circuit.

The salary will be £21686.16 plus £4066.80 Housing Allowance
The initial appointment will be for 1 year and may be extended subject to a Circuit staffing review in spring 2023.
This is a Circuit appointment and will be based in 4 churches in the Circuit to be determined following appointment.
Evening and weekend work will be required.

For further information or an application pack,please email: methodistchurch01@btconnect.com or by telephone, please call the Circuit Administrator, Barry Parker 01302850370 and leave your contact details

Closing date for applications: 14th July 2022
Interview date: 18th July 2022

There is a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) for the post holder to be an active member of a Christian Church.

Area Support Chaplain (ASC)

There is an opportunity to work with Methodist Homes (MHA) enabling people to live later life well. We are looking for a new Area Support Chaplain (ASC) for the Sheffield and Manchester & Stockport Districts.

The post is for 12 hours a week with an annual salary of £27,530 pro rata.

The purpose of the role is:

• to support our chaplains and their managers within the Districts through regular phone calls, annual pastoral visit, group video-calls and face to face meetings
• to build and strengthen connections between MHA and other organisations including the Methodist Church and other local churches, faith and belief communities through networking and speaking engagements
• to organise and deliver relevant training, alone or in collaboration with Methodist Training Officers or others, for MHA chaplains and others working with people in later life.

You will be part of a friendly, supportive group with 11 other ASCs across the country. You will be able to work independently, with appropriate support, have excellent pastoral skills and be a great communicator.

For more information visit www.mha.org.uk/careers/current-vacancies/ or contact Kate Le Sueur: kate.lesueur@mha.org.uk or 07484 516570

The closing date is Sunday July 24th.

And finally ...

A prayer for start of the Conference by the Revd Graham Thompson, President-Designate

Holy and ever living God, we give you thanks that wherever we are and whatever we are doing, you are always with us. You are our strength and stay.

As the 2022 Methodist Conference meets in Telford, we invite you to come particularly close to us such that we recognise your presence in our worship and your guidance in our conferring. May your Methodist people be led by a Conference that is ready to hear your voice, respond to your call and be obedient to your will.

We ask this in the Name of Jesus, our mediator and our guide. Amen.