District News – 30 April 2024

This Week's News

Faith, Hope and The Journey – Warm and Welcome Spaces

A new episode of Faith, Hope and The Journey is now available to stream online. In this episode we hear from Jackie Bailey from Dore Methodist Church and Richard Wells from Killamarsh Methodist Church in Sheffield Methodist Circuit talking about warm and welcome spaces. There are lots of examples of warm and welcomes in our district and it was great to be able to record two conversations for this podcast.

Catch up on all previous episodes too, either visit our website or pick your favourite podcast provider. https://www.sheffieldmethodist.org/podcast.html
Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/oaLq2RR1u7J6TGkv9
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6wvgyn2CCmPvWgsCvFajfZ?si=8fed46f3dadd4128
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/sheffield-methodist-district/id1728508852?i=1000653891570
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/8d864f47-7ab6-4a12-b471-77b1e8b12082/sheffield-methodist-district

Let's talk about the elephant in the room

Talking about dying and death can be tricky and people often have insecurities or anxieties in approaching the subject. We want to create an opportunity to talk openly about the terminology around death, encourage conversations around tables, as well as answer any questions people may bring.
This sessions are run as part of Compassionate Sheffield's Life, Loss and Death Festival. It aims to enable conversation around the topics of dying and death, recognising that it remains a taboo for many, and aiming at normalising the conversation.
Choose which date to attend:
Thursday 9 May 1:00 pm at Woodhouse Community Hub & Library, 524 Stradbroke Rd, Woodhouse, S13 7GD.You can book your free place via Eventbrite – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lets-talk-about-the-elephant-in-the-room-tickets-880123983527
Monday 13 May, 1-3pm at Crystal Peaks Library, 1-3 Peak Square, Waterthorpe, Crystal Peaks, S20 7PH.Book your free place here: Eventbrite – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lets-talk-about-the-elephant-in-the-room-crystal-peaks-library-tickets-880206289707

Reconciliation and Mediation Survey

Do we live well with difference in the church? Tell us what you think!

The Methodist Conference of 2023 agreed to a Partnership programme of work with Way of Peace, bringing together Positive Working Together and the Reconciliation and Mediation Team to support District address disagreement and conflict, so that all can live well with difference.
To help them better support you and others in your District, they'd love to hear about your experience of disagreement and reconciliation in church life.
Please help by filling out this short survey by Friday 10 May: www.surveymonkey.com/r/DistrictNeedsAssessment
Your opinion is invaluable to and will impact the work of Positive Working Together and the Reconciliation and Mediation Team in your area.
For more information, contact Katie Bradley, Way of Peace Programme Manager: katie.bradley@placeforhope.org.uk

Christian Aid Week

12-18 May 2024

There is a wealth of material on the Christian Aid website to support churches during this week https://www.christianaid.org.uk/appeals/key-appeals/christian-aid-week
If you are putting on a special event, do let us know so we can publicise it here

Coffee, Cake & Concert

Saturday 11 May from 10:45am to 11:45am at Carterknowle Methodist Church, Sheffield S7 2BQ
From 11:15 to 11:45 there will be a concert of (mostly) light classical music for flute (John Hackett) and piano (Matt Lumb) including Dvorak's Humoresque, Satie's Gymnopedie and pieces by Mozart and Bach
All donations to Christian Aid

Methodist Women in Britain (MWiB)

Sheffield District Quiet Day

MWiB will be holding a quiet Day at Hathersage Methodist Church on 30th April.
Rev Lisa Quarmby and Deacon Annabel Terry will be leading on the theme 'Weaving life's journey by the sea',Lisa has asked that you bring something small and personal to use in crafts e.g. small picture, pebble, piece of cloth, ribbon, or button.
We shall meet at 10.00am for 10.30am and we need to take our own lunch, but drinks will be provided.
All are welcome.
Please come and share this day, which I am sure, will be a great day of fellowship and laughter as well as quiet reflection.

News from the Shefield Diocese

Signed Singing Workshop

Saturday May 11 at Catcliffe St Mary's | 11AM – 4PM

Unleash the music within! Ever wanted to truly feel and express the rhythm and emotion of a song in a whole new way? This workshop will show you how to translate your favourite music into captivating visual storytelling and express the lyrics and melody through expressive signs, facial expressions, and body movement. For all levels of BSL, or total beginners!
Bring a packed lunch
Book your place here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/signed-singing-workshop-tickets-857321801587

Homelessness Awareness Evening

Friday 17 May at Sheffield Cathedral | 7.30PM

Newly granted refugees are often not seen on the streets and so are hidden from the statistics of those vulnerable to/experiencing homelessness recorded by the Council. This absence of protection and support leaves refugees highly vulnerable to exploitation, modern slavery and human trafficking, and means that, although they face the same physical and mental challenges of street homelessness, they largely go unrecognised. Let's come together to support those in need and work towards finding solutions to this important issue.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/homelessness-awareness-evening-at-sheffield-cathedral-tickets-883195781357

Personal Assistant (PA) to Vicar & Area Dean – Ecclesall

All Saints church is looking to employ a Personal Assistant (PA) to Vicar & Area Dean to provide administrative assistance to the Vicar in the roles of Vicar of All Saints Ecclesall & Area Dean of Ecclesall Deanery. The role will work with the Vicar, Ministry and Operations teams (staff and volunteers) to take forward, in many practical ways, the calling of All Saints, Ecclesall and with ministry and lay members across the Deanery to further its vision.
Closing date: 5pm, 24 May
Find out more: https://www.allsaintsecclesall.org.uk/joinourteam

And finally ...

A prayer that God might open our eyes

God in hiding,
waiting in the dark,
blowing over the formless void,
speak a word of light and life, we pray,
and make something out of this nothing once again.

God hidden in plain sight,
divine treasure to be found in seeds and soils,
yeast and dough,
birds and trees,
hunger and thirst,
enemy and neighbour,
bread and wine,
open our eyes,
give sight to our blindness and make us to see you once again.

God hiding in me like water,
underground rising,
seeping out,
bursting out,
pouring out,
come Holy Spirit come and make me full to overflowing once again.
Mark Slaney, District Chair, Scotland District