District News – 3 November 2026

Stories from across the District

Remembrance Display at Bakewell Methodist Church

Our creative Remembrance Display is placed in gratitude of the sacrifices made on our behalf for a lasting peace.

The display includes Silhouettes in the style of Standing with Giants, a waterfall of poppies as we remember the poppies at the Tower of London, and an area to contemplate Peace. We show Characters at a Victory in Europe party and we have Prayer tree in memory of loved ones. We will display family medals and many other artifacts.

Everyone is welcome from 1st November – All Saints Day, until 11th December Armistice Day.

Refreshments will be available.

All are welcome to share in this opportunity

Woodhouse Cook and Eat Together

One Pot Community Meal

There is nothing more comforting than coming together to share food and companionship.  On the 10th October Trinity Woodhouse Methodist Church and Woodhouse & District Community Forum brought community members together to cook and eat a simple meal and enjoy each other’s company at the community hall at the church.
With the help of some amazing volunteers who supported the event (and did the washing up!!!), every person who attended contributed to peeling and chopping while they chatted.  They were creating a lovely fresh vegetable soup which was then served with crusty bread and drinks, then choc ices for dessert.
The feedback was incredibly positive with every attendee saying they would love to join in on a regular basis.  One person said, “it was such a lovely way to spend a Saturday evening.  I would normally be sat by myself at home eating a meal, so coming and sitting around a table with new friends where we could do something as simple as talking about our day was brilliant.  I hope that we can do it again soon”

Eco Tips for November

As energy charges rise, and winter approaches here are some November Energy Saving Tips

1. Batch cook, including cheap seasonal vegetables and freeze to use later;

2.  Check your boiler’s servicing record to ensure optimum efficiency (if you have one);

3. Place full loads (not over-loaded) in your washing machine and wash at 30° whenever possible;

4. Use your tumble dryer as little as possible;

5. If you have a dishwasher, fill this instead of hand-washing crockery and cutlery;

6. Use draught excluders; draw curtains in an evening and use a lap blanket.

Regional Officer for Safeguarding Update: 

Safeguarding in Ecumenical Partnerships: Working Together Safely

As Advent and Christmas approach, many Methodist churches begin planning joint services, carol concerts, community meals, nativity events and outreach activities with churches from other denominations. These partnerships are a valuable expression of Christian unity and shared mission, but they also require careful attention to safeguarding.

The Methodist Church's commitment to creating safer churches does not change when activities are organised jointly with other Christian partners. Whether an event is hosted by a Methodist church, held within a Local Ecumenical Partnership (LEP), or delivered collaboratively by several congregations, safeguarding should be considered from the earliest stages of planning.

One of the most important principles is clarity. Before a joint event takes place, churches should agree who is leading the activity, which safeguarding policy and procedures will apply, who will respond to any safeguarding concerns or disclosures, and how incidents will be recorded and reported.

Many seasonal activities rely heavily on volunteers. Organisers should avoid assuming that safeguarding checks, training or recruitment processes automatically transfer between denominations. However, ecumenical partnerships can benefit from existing agreements and shared standards. The Methodist Church, Church of England and other ecumenical partners work closely together on safeguarding matters, and this cooperation helps support safer ministry across denominational boundaries.

A practical example of this cooperation is the reciprocal recognition of safeguarding training. The Methodist Church recognises appropriate safeguarding training completed through both the Church of England and the United Reformed Church (URC) as equivalent to Methodist Foundation and Advanced Module training requirements. This can simplify arrangements for volunteers serving in joint activities while maintaining consistent safeguarding standards.

Where safeguarding concerns, risk management plans or safeguarding agreements already exist, churches should seek appropriate advice about what information may need to be shared. Information sharing must be lawful, necessary and proportionate, balancing confidentiality with the need to protect children, young people and adults at risk.

By discussing safeguarding openly and agreeing clear responsibilities in advance, churches can ensure that Advent and Christmas activities are welcoming, inclusive and safe. Good safeguarding is not simply an administrative requirement; it is a practical expression of our Christian calling to value, protect and care for all those whom God entrusts to our communities.

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

Indian Pilgrimage

Rev Dr Jonathan Gichaara, from Doncaster Circuit joined six other Methodists from Methodists for World Mission on a 14-day pilgrimage to India led by Rev Dr Inderjit Bhogal. It was a remarkable journey revealing an India of striking contrasts: majestic monuments and deep poverty, ancient religious traditions and living Christian communities, national rivalry and gestures of fellowship.

You can read Jonathan's story here.

https://www.sheffieldmethodist.org/news/news-stories/indian-pilgrimage.html

Hardship and hope:

how groups & churches make a difference in Sheffield

Supporters of Church Action on Poverty from Sheffield have visited a series of initiatives designed to alleviate poverty in the Highfield and Heeley districts of the city as part of their annual Urban Poverty Pilgrimage.
Twenty people took part in the Pilgrimage, which aims to raise awareness and understanding of how poverty is affecting different areas of Sheffield and how churches and voluntary organisations are responding.

Read the full report here

Upcoming Events

Regional Retreat for Presbyters, Deacons and Lay Employees

Science as a gift from God for Theology and Mission

From AI to how does God work in the world, from creation to new creation – what does it mean to engage science with theology and the life of the local church. Scientific insights and biblical resources are brought into a fun and challenging dialogue, with Rev Professor David Wilkinson, Durham University.

When: 25 – 27 May 2027    
Where: Wydale Hall, Wydale, Scarborough, YO13 9DG

Book your place here: https://2027RegionalRetreat.eventbrite.co.uk

Liberating the Left, Resisting the Far Right

Saturday 27 Feb at Chapeltown Methodist Church

With our screens filled with division, discrimination, violence and hate we can despair. At this study day we reflect together and empower ourselves to be agents of connection, kindness and justice in our communities.
National speakers include Al Barrett, Sally Mann, Rev. Chris Howson and Ruth Weston (aka Born Stroppy!).

Tickets start at £10 for low income.
Earlybird available until the end of November. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1996127866182?aff=oddtdtcreator

Free places available in return for soup or serving.
Email office: office@utusheffield.org.uk for more information

Easter 27 Visit to Lesotho and South Africa

Starting 23 March 2027

Work with a Lesotho Community on their Eco projects supported by Ken Dunn of the charity Africa's Gift. 6 full days in community interactions in Malealea plus game drives. £1400 plus flights: full itinerary on Africa's Gift website: https://africasgift.org/easter-2027/

Vacancies

Youth and Families Worker

Bents Green Methodist Church

An exciting opportunity for developing family and children’s activities at Bents Green Church from 2027

Bents Green Methodist Church is seeking to employ a Part-Time (up to 20 hours per week) Youth and Families Worker with a vision for creating new opportunities and improving existing activities for children, young people and families. The successful candidate will have initiative, imagination, and skills in one or more of art, music, dance, sport, gaming, crafts, schools work, holiday clubs, or other areas.

You will lead our after-school club for Primary children on Wednesday afternoons, and our Youth Club for Secondary young people on Friday evenings. This will involve 8 hours per week. In addition to this, and if you wish, you can also help with our new initiatives and/or our other existing activities. We have recently introduced a modern, informal and relevant worship and exploration meeting during the weekend for people of all ages who find Sunday mornings and traditional services difficult. We have also set up a group for young people and families interested in SEND. Our other existing activities are Girls Brigade on Thursday evenings, a teenagers group on Sunday mornings, 2 toddler groups, Messy Church and an annual pantomime. This will add up to 12 further hours per week.

Further information about the church and about the application can be obtained from Glenn Evans (dglennevans@hotmail.co.uk) or John Wilkins (johnwilkins73@gmail.com).

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 for all of us as we head into another busy week

God of every journey and every calling,
you know the hopes we carry,
the questions we ask
and the uncertainties we face.

Give wisdom to those who discern,
patience to those who wait,
and courage to those facing change.

Help us to remember that behind every decision
are people whom you know and love.

May we listen well,
act with kindness,
and trust in your presence
as we seek the way forward together.
Amen.
Vicky Atkins

Remembrance

The following prayer has been offered by the Chaplain General for use across the Methodist Church as we mark Remembrance Sunday.
In this, his final year as Chaplain General before returning to regional Methodist ministry, he invites churches and communities to hold together gratitude, lament and hope as we remember those who have served, those who continue to bear the cost of conflict, and all who long for peace.

You can download a video of the Chaplain General reading the prayer here.

God of peace and justice, on this Remembrance Sunday we come before you in gratitude, sorrow and hope.
We remember all who have given their lives in the service of others; those who returned bearing wounds seen and unseen; and all whose lives are still marked by conflict, loss and grief. May our remembering deepen our compassion, renew our commitment to peace, and strengthen our care for all who serve and all who suffer.
Guide your Church to be a people of reconciliation: honest about the cost of war, faithful in prayer, generous in service, and steadfast in seeking the way of Christ’s peace.
Warm our hearts with your love and help us to do all the good we can in the cause of justice and peace. Comfort the bereaved, uphold the weary, and lead all nations from darkness into light. In the name of Jesus Christ, our hope and our peace.
Amen.
The Revd Canon Michael Parker KHC, Chaplain General to His Majesty’s Land Forces