District News – 31 March 2026

District News and Updates

District Gathering – Courageous Conversations

Have you booked your place yet?

Many of us are asking the same question: how do our churches connect meaningfully with the communities around us?
At our district gathering on April 18th we will explore practical ways churches can listen to their neighbourhoods, notice where God is already at work, and respond alongside local people.
If you care about the future of our churches and our communities, this conversation is for you.
Booking close on 6 April, so don't miss out!
Book your place here

Our Presidential Visit

The President of the Methodist Conference Revd. Richard Andrew visited our district at the weekend and explored many churches and projects. From large church renovations and birthday celebrations to heavy metal worship and feeding the homeless. Sheffield District has many stories to tell.
Read more here
and there's more photos on Facebook @sheffieldmethodist

Have your say on communications

Have you filled our survey in yet? It is helpful to know how you find out what is happening in our District, and to know if there is anything we could do to improve it!
Communications Survey

Stories from across the District

Church Anniversaries

Killamarsh, Sheffield Circuit

We were delighted that the President of the Conference, Revd Richard Andrew, was able to lead our 150th Church Anniversary service on Sunday (see more below!)
As part of our 150th anniversary we are exploring the theme "Rooted, Relevant, Reimagined " we are going to dream about to " be church" for the future- so we held a breakfast church service looking at our current context. We certainly are no longer the pit village of 150years ago. We hope to expand our visioning at our Open Day on 6th June, inviting more ideas from the wider community.
Marÿke

Whiston Methodist, Rotherham & Dearne Valley Circuit

Whiston Methodist Church are celebrating their 160th church anniversary with a special service on Sunday 12 April at 3pm. The service will be led by Revd Vicky Atkins, District Chair, and will be followed by a buffet tea. All are warmly invited to attend!

Hasland Methodist Church

125th Anniversary celebrations with an Exhibition of the life of the Church through photos and memorabilia. Open 2-4pm from 12th-18th April 2026.
19th April 2026 at 3pm – Special Church service led by Rev Vicky Atkins, District Chair. Followed by refreshments.
We invite you to come along and celebrate with us.

Churches Together walk

Stocksbridge and District Churches Together will walk to the Cross on Maundy Thursday 2nd April.
To commence from Green Moor Methodist Chapel at 8pm following the walk and short service, soup and beverages back at Chapel
Ann

Journey to Jerusalem – Bakewell

an Interactive display telling the Easter Story

The Journey to Jerusalem display takes us through the last days of Jesus’ life: “From Hosanna to He is Risen”.
We see the excitement of the crowds on Palm Sunday and the agony in the garden and on the cross and the joy of the resurrection leading to the truth of the post resurrection experiences that Jesus is alive.
The journey also gives us time for reflection and the opportunity to pray interactively through themes such as justice, peace, love, thanksgiving, healing, families and forgiveness. The display is full of life and colour and hopes to bring the story of our Saviour’s final days to our hearts and minds.
If you haven't been yet, this is what one visitor to the exhibition has said (on Facebook)
I really recommend a visit to a neighbouring district if you are anywhere near Bakewell. The display in the Methodist Church ‘Journey to Jerusalem’ is brilliant. It is open until 6 April, from 10am to 3pm most days
Elly – Notts & Derby District

News from the Methodist Church

Step by Step : Nurturing Growth

Taster sessions and Community of Practice cohorts

Are you exploring new ways to support children, young people, young adults or families in your church or community?
Whether you’re:

• starting from no current engagement,
• running a Toddler Group or Messy Church and want to grow deeper connections, or
• looking to develop new ministry ideas…

we’re here to help you take the next step.

FIND OUT MORE AND SIGN-UP HERE

Regional Safeguarding Officers Update:

Domestic Abuse Male Victims & Survivors.

In last week’s edition, we included an article about the Domestic Abuse Steering Group. Reference was made to ‘Restored’ a charity working with women who are victims of abuse.
We are grateful to Kelly, from the Derbyshire North East Circuit, for getting in touch to remind us that men can also be victims of abuse. Kelly kindly wrote the following:

More often than not when we think of the victims and survivors of domestic abuse we think of women however for every 3 victims, 2 are female and 1 is male.
In the year ending March 2024, it is estimated 2.3 million people aged 16 and over were victims of domestic abuse (1.6 million women and 712,000 men)
Historically domestic abuse has been viewed as something physical for ALL victims, thankfully, in recent years it has been recognised that abuse can be in other forms as well, such emotional, financial control, harassment and coercive control. Not just "relationship issues" or "just an argument".

What are the reasons for such a disproportionate number?

One reason could be that it just doesn't happen to men as much OR is it actually due to the masculine perception that men are supposed to be strong and how could they "let" a woman abuse them resulting in far fewer reports being made than actual incidents?
"Men do not fail to disclose because they do not need support. They fail to disclose because too often the system tells them, quietly but consistently, that this story was not written with them in mind." Herzog, S. www.ncdv.org.uk
Men suffer too, be it by a woman, same sex relationship or family member.
It is just as important for them to seek help and advice and I encourage any man reading this who believes they are a victim or a survivor to contact someone they trust, their GP or Mankind to talk.
You are not alone!
Domestic Abuse Statistics UK – NCDV

A big thank you to Kelly for taking the time to remind us that men are victims / survivors too. If you are a man living with abuse or know someone who is, there is help available. Key charities in the UK supporting male survivors of domestic abuse include the ManKind Initiative (01823 334244) and the Men's Advice Line (0808 801 0327). Other specialist support is available
through Respect and Galop for LGBTQ+ survivors.

As ever, if you have any questions or concerns, please give me a call on 07483 362 735 or email me at hilla@methodistchurch.org.uk
Many thanks
Alison Hill

Upcoming Events

The Darkest Night Easter Vigil

Saturday 4 April 6:00 pm

The Metal Methodists are joining with St Paul's Church, Norton Lees for the second The Darkest Night Easter Vigil. Come along on Saturday 4th April for metal music and refreshments, as we turn up the amps to find hope within the noise. Refreshments will be at 6.00pm, with the service starting at 6.30pm.

Methodist City Centre Network (MCCN) – Sheffield Gathering

Monday 20 April 10:30 am

MCCN is visiting Sheffield on Monday 20th April. We will gather from 10.30 a.m. onwards, starting with devotions at 11 a.m., and finishing by 3.30 p.m. Hope you are able to join us!
The day is a chance to spend time together in prayer and fellowship; learning and being inspired by our colleagues in Sheffield. We will spend some time in the morning hearing the local story, and a walk for prayers in Paradise Square where John Wesley preached, and recorded in his journal as "the largest congregation I ever saw on a weekday".
We will enjoy lunch together provided by the Open Kitchen Social Club linked to Sheffield City of Sanctuary (please confirm any special dietary requirements).
In the afternoon our keynote speaker will be the Revd Dr Inderjit Bhogal OBE a past President of the Conference and founder of the City of Sanctuary movement in the UK. The title of his talk is "Hospitality and Welcome for all". How can we become a church of sanctuary?
Inderjit has written a book on this subject that has been reprinted and will be available for £5 each.
Book on Eventbrite https://MCCNSheffield2026.eventbrite.co.uk

Office workers' gathering

Thursday 30 April from 9am

The next Gathering for all those involved in church administration will be held at St Thomas Crookes . This is a great time to meet up with others in similar roles, to share experiences and good practice and to offer support and encouragement.
It is organised by the UCAN (UK Church Administrators Network), but is open to all.
To help with the catering, we do ask you book in so we know how many to expect:
Book here
Do pass this invite on to anyone you think might benefit.

And finally ...

from the Methodist Prayer Handbook

As trees beside the river of life, we draw on that living water flowing freely by your grace and grow tall and strong in you.
Our branches reach upward and outward to all in need of the good news; offering shelter and security to those seeking justice, empowerment and hope.
Our leaves are for the healing of the nations, the healing of our souls.
By our fruits, may we bear witness to your redeeming love, and bring forth goodness into a broken world.
As seeds fall, may new growth take root; new leaders find strength to serve, through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Amen
Alison Judd,
President Emerita, World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women