District News – 30 May 2023

This Week's News

Sad News

We were sorry to learn of the death of the Revd Keith Jump on 30th April 2023. Rev'd Jump serviced in the Doncaster Circuit from 2011 – 2015. His funeral was held on Friday in Bolton. We hold the family in our prayers.

We were also greatly saddened to learn of the death of Margaret Spooner on Saturday. Margaret was passionate about issues of justice and peace and will perhaps be best known for the work she (and Robert) did with ASSIST and City of Sanctuary, but she was also a fervent supporter of Christian Aid and a longstanding member of the Sheffield Circuit Mission action group which has now become the Sheffield District Justice seekers.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Robert and the rest of Margaret's family.

Spare Books from Lincoln Methodist Circuit

We have received notification from Lincoln Methodist Circuit that they have a large number of spare books available should anyone wish to take them. Please see the list beneath and contact Catherine Catherine Ridley, Administrative Support Officer for Lincoln Methodist Circuit – info@lincolnmethodist.org.uk, if you are interested in any.

• Mission Praise
• Come and Praise
• The Breaking of the Bread
• The Sunday Service Illustrated

Exploring Digital Conference

Saturday 30 September from 10am

A day online exploring the digital world for Methodist churches and communities.
Join together with Methodists from all over Britain for a special digital gathering. Learn from key individuals who've mastered the digital world on how to connect and share the Gospel online. The event will feature insightful keynotes, group discussions and an expert panel. Don't miss this chance to enhance your church's online presence and explore faith in the digital era!
Click here to book https://www.methodist.org.uk/for-churches/guidance-for-churches/digital-communication-guidance-for-churches/exploring-digital-online-conference/

District Officers' News

Bible Month

From Friday 2nd June Bible Month explores the book of Revelation.
We've created District resources to guide you through the month including posing questions, challenges, suggested readings and sharing stories.
Follow us on social media or check out the District website in June as we take you through the book of Revelation.
Thank you
Samantha Roberts -Communications Officer

District Safeguarding Update

District Safeguarding Review for 2022/23

The District Safeguarding Officer and the Sheffield District Safeguarding Group now have a set of 13 Standards, against which they are externally inspected.
Standard 5 requires that 'Good practice in the Safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults across the District is consistently promoted. All necessary information is disseminated at a local level to support this work'. To meet this standard, one criteria states that 'A programme of audits or other means of assessment is instituted to establish compliance, good practice and issues that require attention'.
As a result, each summer, we ask churches to provide us with basic safeguarding information relating to their church. We then collate the information provided to demonstrate that compliance is established, and good practise is evident. If issues are identified, then help and support is provided in a variety of ways.
This year's review is all online, there will be no paper copies of the form unless requested. The audit form will go live on Thursday 1st July and will close on Monday 31st July. We will contact your Church Safeguarding Officer with more information. If you don't have a Church Safeguarding officer, we will send the information to the person nominated as your church contact.
Please be assured that this review is not find fault or to undermine the work of the church safeguarding officer or members of your church council. Please don't worry if your review highlights a few areas for development. Systems are in place to make sure you receive all the help required.

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

District Celebration Service

Sunday 11 June at 3pm – The Crossing Church, Worksop

The annual service celebrating the life of the District. This year we will hear testimonies from Revd Michelle Deans and Deacon Emily Hoe-Crook, who will be ordained at the Methodist Conference. We will also hear from Revd Claude Kimpinde who will be received into full Connexion at the conference.

Reflect – Quiet Morning (via Zoom)

Saturday 3rd June or Monday 12th June 2023

Journeying with God: past, Present and Future
Using scripture, music, reflection and prayer: we'll trace God's presence with us in the past,enable ourselves to meet God more fully in the 'now' and seek God's wisdom and guidance for all that's to come.
This online Quiet morning will be led by Rev Sam Funnell – a Methodist minister in Woking.
If you would like to attend please email Lynne Tonge 2tonges317@gmail.comstating which date you would like to book
There is no charge for this event but donations (suggestion £5)may be made by bank transfer to support the work of REFLECT(Reflect Bank Details: Lloyds Bank, Sort Code 30 96 18, Account no. 02833113please quote 'Quiet Day' as a reference for your payment – Thank you!)

'Faith in Change and Conflict'

12-15 June

Cliff College, Calver, Hope Valley, Sheffield, S32 3X
Faith in Change and Conflict leads people to develop their understanding, approaches, and responses to situations of change and conflict as well as understand the psychological transitions taking place during these times. Participants reflect critically on the role of the Christian leader and the desired qualities when dealing with potential conflict, heightened relational conflict, and challenging behaviours in a range of church, faith and community settings. During the course, theological, conflict transformational and peacebuilding resources, drawn from a variety of contexts, will help shape and develop participants' own practice, at work and at home.
Full details here: http://bit.ly/3lDacSP

Whirlow Spirituality Centre

Contemplative Walking is making a return on 21st June, led by Jacky Stride.
If you would value a silent, contemplative walk in company with others and in the beautiful nature around us, this may be for you! There may be minimal input in the form of a poem or a quote, but the main aim is to find the Divine other within the creation. There will be a short, optional, time of sharing on return. It would be handy for planning if you could book a free place.

On 22nd July, Judith Jessop returns to Whirlow to lead a Labyrinth Quiet Day entering into rest and relaxation, holidays and journeying, with the help of walked and hand-held labyrinths. For more information and to book a place click here.

We are delighted to be hosting our friends from Sonority Choir on 1st July. https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/sonority-choir/t-lnxzzno

Finally, for those looking beyond the summer, the places can now be booked on the Whirlow Autumn Retreat (Friday 29th September-Sunday 2nd October). https://www.whirlowspiritualitycentre.org/whats-on/2023/whirlow-autumn-retreat

Vacancies

Building and Community Manager

Broomhill Methodist Centre, Sheffield

The Broomhill Methodist Centre (Sheffield, S10) are actively recruiting for a skilled, gifted and commercially aware Building and Community Manager to work with them for 20-hours a week via a 2-year fixed term contract.

The purpose of the post is to:

• Provide a physical, emotional, and spiritual safe space for organic and new ways of Christian community growth acknowledging the need to be proactive in engaging the community.
• Assume operational charge and to act as development lead of the building at Broomhill Methodist centre, managing the strategic direction of the project to include supporting the growth of commercial revenue, enabling interest through work within the local community, engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders, and providing support with administration, property, finance, and people.

Funding is secure and in place for 24 months and, during this time, the successful applicant will be targeted with increasing commercial income to make both the role self-sufficient and to support the increased costs of running the building after this time.

Full details including how to apply, can be found here: Building and Community Manager – Sheffield S10 – Indeed.com
In accordance with the Equality Act 2010 it is an occupational requirement that the successful applicant for this post is a practicing Christian.

Lay Pastor

Camborne, Redruth and Hayle Circuit (Cornwall and Isles of Scilly District)

This is a new post within the Ministry Team of the Camborne, Redruth and Hayle Methodist Circuit, under the direction of the Superintendent Minister. The role is full-time (35 hours per week) and is initially for a period of 4 years. Part time may be considered.
This appointment will begin on 1st September 2023, or as close to this date as possible.
Salary: £27,300 per annum or part time equivalent.
Accommodation is available if required (with appropriate adjustment to salary)

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate the life of Jesus for the 21st century, and who is willing to be led by the Holy Spirit and the Bible.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our Circuit as we look forward, and focus on being and making disciples. The Circuit staff team currently consist of the Superintendent Minister, one presbyter and 3 part time Lay Pastoral Workers and a part time Circuit Administrator. The Circuit consists of 12 church societies.

The successful applicant for this role will be required to provide their own transport for which they will receive the standard Connexional travel allowance for lay workers, payable on all work-related mileage within the boundary of the Circuit. There is a Genuine Occupational Requirement that the post-holder is a Christian. This appointment is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check.

For further information and an application pack, please email: recruitCRH@hotmail.com

The closing date for applications is 12noon on Wednesday 14th June 2023.
Interviews will be held in the week beginning Monday 26th June 2023.

Other News

Action for Children

Sunday resources

Action for Children Sunday is on 9th July and we have released worship resources to support churches in supporting this special Sunday. The theme is all about the interconnectedness we have as humans, and the commandment to love one another as we are loved by God. In these challenging times for so many families, we hope that this resource will supplement the Methodist calling as people of faith to respond to God's love through worship and mission.

This year, we have created two short videos to complement the resource. One features Tan Y Bryn, a home offering safe and happy childhoods to children who have experienced trauma. The other is from Terri, a mum who benefitted from our parenting classes and support. The stories also feature in the worship material.
The resources can be found here: https://www.actionforchildren.org.uk/support-us/fundraise-with-us/fundraise-in-your-church/

FHN – Poverty Relief in the UK

Over the spring and summer each year we attend events to maintain our profile and recruit new support. Our regular work continues to be very busy The Citizens Advice Bureau and various NHS branches are applying or referring people regularly as well as agencies such as the Red Cross branches and other projects.
Find out more about their work in their newsletter here: FHN 2-23

And finally...

from the Methodist Prayer Handbook

Lord our God,
we turn to you,
as the one who has spoken in times past,and ask that you would speak to us in times present.
In our response,
we listen for your word and the call to love you with heart and soul and mind.
In the living out of our response,
we offer all that we are, knowing you have given all through Christ our Lord.

We turn to you,
as the one who has made us in your image, and who makes our neighbour in that same image.
In our response,
we journey with our neighbour and seek to love them as you command.
In the living out of our response,
we stand together with our neighbour, knowing you stand together with us through Christ our Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Revd Mark SlaneyChair of Scotland and Shetland Districts