District News – 30 September 2025

This Week's News

Sandcastles of Welcome

In her first blog for the district, our new Chair Vicky Atkins talks about a trip the seaside with her grandchild, building sandcastle with colour flags and how flags where a sign of safe passage growing up on the Northeast coast. She reminds us as Christians we called to raise the kinds of flags that invite and embrace. She also reminds us that Paul writes to the Romans: “Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” So let us be people who fly flags of joy, justice, and love, until all know that they are truly welcome.
You can read the full blog here: https://www.sheffieldmethodist.org/p/news/news-stories/sandcastles-of-welcome.html

Unite the Kingdom...

The Presidents of Churches Together in England, named below, have issued the following statement:
As leaders of Christian Churches in this country, we wish to express our deep concern that in the recent rally “Unite the Kingdom,” and in other places, use has been made, by some, of the symbols and words of the Christian faith to support views and attitudes actually opposed to their message. In contrast, we wish to state clearly some of the key messages of our shared faith that are a crucial contribution to the well-being of all people in our lands.
You can read the full statement here: CTE Statement

Responding to anti-migrant protests

"In a church that sees diversity as gift rather than challenge, a generous response to those of other faith and a desire to engage in dialogue are signs not of weakness but of strength. The antipathy to other religions that is apparent in some parts of Britain today is perhaps an instinctive, perhaps even an understandable, reaction to difference, particularly in the wake of global conflicts which have in part been informed by religious extremism, but it is based on a narrow view of God’s purposes. The Christian faith that the Methodist Church has taught me is based on a much broader interpretation of those purposes, one which is open to receiving and learning from those other faiths whilst at the same time holding fast to the unique significance of God’s saving acts in Christ. That is what we are promoting through our evangelism and growth strategy." The Revd Jonathan Hustler, Secretary of the Methodist Conference

The Methodist Church has some simple materials designed to spark conversation around peace and justice. They remind us that while we may each hold different views and approach things in different ways, there are times when we are called to stand together; to love deeply, to challenge where needed, and to speak with courage.
You can access them here: https://www.methodist.org.uk/about/our-stories/responding-to-anti-migrant-protests/

Hymnbook Trolley

Chapeltown Methodist Church have a hymnbook trolley which is now surplus to requirements. It can be yours for a small donation. Please contact Revd Maurice Stafford for more details : revmestafford@gmail.com

One in Sport Podcast

The final episode of this opening season is with Ryan James, the Man v Fat coach for the Nottingham and Mansfield Man v Fat clubs. In this episode, Tom and Brad speak to Ryan about his upbringing, how he got interested in sport and what it was like being a ‘bigger kid’. This episode is open about men’s body image, as well as talking about football, running and how going too far with health either way can be too much.
Listen to what they have to say here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2k6l0asin8Ef3ZL9te1JJp?si=NGoQfe-lSvi0Nm8L_pC-kQ&nd=1&dlsi=c822543f92a0464e

Derbyshire Rural Chaplaincy

We’ve just released our latest issue of DRC News which you can read on our website here: https://derbyshireruralchaplaincy.org.uk/drc-newsletter-autumn-winter-2025/

Harvest Supper

There is also still time to book on to our Harvest Supper which is being held on Thursday 9th October at 7.00pm at The Cow Shed, Beltonville Farm, Millers Dale, near Buxton, SK17 8SS. It’s a fantastic venue and we are looking forward to a wonderful evening. It’s £15 per person, and if you would like more details or would like to book, please get in touch.
The October Prayer update can be downloaded here: https://derbyshireruralchaplaincy.org.uk/derbyshire-rural-chaplaincy-prayer-updates/

Brailsford Ploughing Match

Tomorrow (Wednesday 1st October) we will be at Brailsford Ploughing Match (https://brailsfordmatch.uk/) so if you’re planning a visit please do call by our stand to say hello.

District Office News

Email Impersonation

Once again we have heard that people are being sent emails supposedly from our new District Chair. This version is asking if you can run an errand for her.
Please be aware that we would never send out such a vague request for help. If you do receive such emails, please delete them straight away, do not reply to them. We have been told that scammers are targeting charities at the moment, as they consider them to be a soft target.

Events

Wave of Light

Wednesday 15 October

Join us on Wednesday 15th October at 6:45pm at Wesley Hall for a quiet, reflective service honouring babies lost through miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, or infertility. All those affected by such loss, including friends and family are welcome, whether your loss was recent or long ago, this space is for you. Gathering from 6:45pm, at 7pm we will light candles as part of the global Wave of Light, joining families around the world in remembrance and hope.

MWiB – Sheffield District

Annual Service of Dedication Thursday 16th October 2025

11.00am at Clifton Methodist Church, Lister Street, Rotherham, S65 2AX. The preacher will be Rev Louise Makin (Rotherham & Dearne Valley Circuit).
Please bring your own lunch – tea/coffee will be provided
Following this Ken Dunn MBE will give a presentation on Africa’s Gift – the MWiB Sheffield District’s Partnership Charity
The latest MWiB Newsletter is out now and can be found on their website: https://mwib.org.uk/

Eco Church – Lament and Hope

Saturday 18 October, Rotherham Minister

As part of our refreshed district strategy for resourcing mission, we hope to grow the number of Silver Award Eco Churches in our district from the current six to at least 18 by 2030. More details about support available will be confirmed in the coming months.
In the meantime, Sheffield Diocese are hosting an Eco Church event – open to all – with creative arts and music in Rotherham Minister on Saturday 18 October. This will include performance of a hymn written by local Methodist Jenny Carpenter and the Stations of Lament art exhibition created by the late Rev Louise Carr, who served in our Barnsley and Sheffield circuits
More details at https://www.sheffield.anglican.org/event/lament-and-hope/

SCCC – Gala Dinner

Thu 23 Oct 2025 7:00 PM

We are excited to invite you to our first ever charity Gala Dinner. We couldn't let our 60th Birthday go by without celebrating, could we?
So join us at the OEC Sheffield, look back at our 60-year history and be the first to see our bright new beginning with a big reveal.
Tables of 10 available £650. Individual places £65 pp.
If you are interested in being the first to see our big reveal book online today. Or if you require more information contact kimberley.france@scccc.co.uk
We also have sponsorship packages available if you would like to be part of this special event
Book your place here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/scccc/1618847

Reflect Open Day-Conference 2025

Saturday 1 November 10:30 am

Reflect (Methodist Spirituality and Retreats) invites you to an event with the President of Conference, Rev Richard Andrew, as keynote speaker. There will be workshops and a bookstall.
Reserve your place: email: gilldascombe@hotmail.com
You can just turn up on the day! Full details can be found here: Reflect Open Day

Vacancies

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Lighthouse Homes

Established for 20 years, Lighthouse Homes is a Christian Charity and Company limited by guarantee, which exists to relieve poverty, and advance the education of people, particularly those who are homeless.
Our values:

• Stability by ensuring an environment of safety
• Dignity by demonstrating genuine respect
• Friendship by creating a compassionate community
• Purpose by sharing a life-giving faith
• A plan by encouraging new opportunities

Lighthouse Homes offer Christian inspired residential communities, providing opportunities for change in both lifestyle and values. We are an ecumenical charity; whose roots are in Churches Together. However, all are welcome at Lighthouse Homes, those of all faiths and none.
The CEO will lead a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, you will continue to develop a culture of excellence and continuous improvement, ensuring high quality standards in all operations. The role is not just a job, it’s a vocation to create lasting positive change in the lives of those experiencing homelessness in Rotherham, Shirebrook and Chesterfield.
Full details can be found here: CEO Lighthouse

And finally ...

A prayer for listening

God of wisdom and wonder,
open our hearts to listen before we speak,
to seek understanding before we decide,
to notice the quiet voices as much as the loud,
and to be shaped by questions as much as by answers.

When we are tempted to rush, give us patience.
When we are tempted to judge, give us compassion.
When we are tempted to close down, give us curiosity.

In our leading, may we be led by Your Spirit.
In our listening, may we hear Your call.
And in our questions, may we glimpse Your truth.
Amen.
Revd Vicky Atkins