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District News – 31 October 2023

This Week's News

Safeguarding Sunday

Apologies for not putting the link to the Thirtyone:eight website last week. If you want to register for the free resource pack, you can do so here: https://thirtyoneeight.org/get-involved/safeguarding-sunday/

Domestic Abuse Seminar (online)

Saturday 25th November 2023 -10.00am – 1.00pm

Domestic abuse is widespread. It continues to affect people from all walks of life, including churchgoers and those with whom we came into contact through our activities.
It can be hard to believe that domestic abuse happens within Church, but research, conducted by Restored, devastatingly shows that 1 in 4 churchgoers have experienced abuse in a current relationship.
The Methodist Church holds that domestic abuse in all its forms is unacceptable and incompatible with the Christian faith and a Christian way of living. This means ensuring that members of the Methodist Church have an awareness and understanding of domestic abuse and know how to respond appropriately and effectively. Then when victims disclose abuse, they can expect to be listened to, taken seriously, supported and referred to local professional services, as appropriate.

Speakers:

Bekah Legg, CEO of Restored; A Christian charity whose mission is to speak up about the realities of violence against woman and girls, and to equip the church to stand against domestic abuse and support survivors.
Bekah will introduce the subject and provide an overview of the current situation in this country.
Karen Allen – Connexional Safeguarding Team and Chair of the Methodist Church Domestic Abuse Planning Group, helped to produce the domestic abuse policy and procedures. She has worked with both adult and child survivors of domestic abuse offering practical and emotional support and providing a range of therapeutic interventions.
Karen will outline Methodist resources and Connexional DA policy, both devised to help and guide local churches.
Kerry Griffiths, training lead from IDAS: the largest specialist charity in the North supporting people affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence. IDAS support is open to anyone irrespective of age, sex, gender, ethnicity, disability, or immigration status.
Kerry will explain who IDAS are, what they do, and talk about some of the local groups they work with.Advanced Registration is essential.
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJElceGgpzooHtbSbVc3P9wqLdEALMwW-7Wo

Planned and organised by members of the Sheffield District Safeguarding Group

3Generate Just Keeps Growing

Over 100 people from the Sheffield Methodist District joined thousands of other children and young people at 3Generate, the children's and youth assembly of the Methodist Church at the NEC in Birmingham.
Youth groups and leaders from around our district took part in the action-packed weekend in October and experienced all 3Generate had to offer.
Read more here: https://www.sheffieldmethodist.org/.../3generate-just-keeping-growing.html

A Visit to the Peak Circuit

A reminder that the Rev'd Dr Jonathan Hustler, Secretary of the Methodist Conference, is going to be visiting the Circuit on Sunday 5thNovember.
He will be preaching in Bakewell in the morning at the service led by Rev Julie Letts and will be visiting Hathersage Messy Church in the afternoon.
Messy Church won't be able to manage a lot of people turning up – unless they have children of course! – but Bakewell has plenty of capacity to welcome you with the mandatory tea/coffee and biscuits after the service!!!!!
We'd love to see you there in the morning.
If you've received the Methodist prayer book, then you may well have read Jonathan's lovely prayer – an introduction to what we can expect from his message I hope.
Rev Julie Letts
On the same day, the group who are starting their 'Healing on the streets' initiative, will be out in Bakewell Town Centre. We will be praying for them during the service, and it would be wonderful if all of you who read this could also pray for them, please. Thank you.

Pay it forward

Freedom last year provided over 4000 food parcels to individuals and families. We supported 2575 people struggling. with debt, benefit related issues, housing problems or mental health issues.
Why not support our work by buying services for people struggling in poverty. You could buy the item as a donation from yourself or as a gift for a loved one.
Full details can be found here: Pay It Forward

Methodist Young Adult Fellowship

Taking inspiration from the Wesley's Holy Club, Methodist Young Adult Fellowship (MYAF) has been formed by a group of Young Adults within the Methodist Church as a group to offer fellowship to one another. Comprising of a WhatsApp group and monthly zoom gatherings, MYAF hopes to be a safe and inclusive space for young adults to meet, chat, pray and get to know one another in a church which can sometimes feel very grey.
The group is for 18-30 yr olds who have connections with the Methodist church and would like to spend time connecting with other young adult Methodists.
To join the group or find out more, please email Naomi Prince – admin@yorkshirenemethodist.org

More Eco Church news

Congratulations to Killamarsh for achieving the Eco-Church Silver award.
Maryke Turvey writes "Killamarsh got our bronze award a few years ago.. and having undertaken some significant building work to improve our efficiency- we decided to reapply.
So this week we got our Silver award!"
If this is inspiring you and your church, why not find out more from the website : https://ecochurch.arocha.org.uk/

Justice Seekers

The recent event "How to talk about asylum" was recorded and is now available on YouTube. https://youtu.be/JJncaEtlvzo?si=2PklCg18OKUx51fZ
More events are being planned, so watch this space!

Events

Paediatric Emergency First Aid Training

7 November, 9:30am to 4:30pm -Wesley Hall, Crookes (Sheffield)

Contact Vic Loveday – cy@sheffieldmethodist.org – for more details or to book a place

Adult Mental Health Awareness training

Monday 13 November online

Adult Mental Health Aware is a half day introduction to help raise awareness of Mental Health. It includes a basic knowledge of some mental health issues and how to help.
The course will be delivered by trainers Revd Carla Quenet and Kirstie Hall from the Methodist Church who are accredited Instructor Members approved by MHFA England to deliver Mental Health First Aid courses.
Cost: Usually the course costs £125 +VAT, however if you are connected to the Methodist Church, this course has been subsidised to £25 (none refundable). To book your place please use: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/adult-mental-health-aware-half-day-tickets-584975857537.
For more information email Carla (quenetc@methodistchurch.org.uk) or visit www.mhfaengland.org

Urban Theology Union AGM

18 November at 2pm

You are warmly invited to our AGM on the 18 November, 2pm, in person or on Zoom. Please find below a link to the Agenda:
https://utusheffield.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/UTU-Agenda-AGM-2023.pdf
Our speaker this year will be the Reverend Dr Graham Adams, with the topic, 'Holy Anarchy is close at hand.'
If you have not already done so, please rsvp to me, office@utusheffield.org.uk, if you would like your apologies to be noted or to request a Zoom link

Sheffield Folk Chorale

25 November at 7.30pm

Sheffield Folk Chorale will be bringing delicious harmonies to Stephen Hill Methodist Church (Manchester Road, Crosspool, Sheffield) raising funds to support church charities The Family Works and The Smile Train.
All are welcome!

Ebor Lecture

22 November at 4pm

The Ebor Lectures in Theology and Public Life were established in 2006 in York, UK to promote conversation across a diversity of religious beliefs and issues of public concern. Speakers have included politicians, social activists, journalists, peace-workers, authors and many others.
The first talk of 2023-24 will be given by Dr Hannah Barham-Brown, LGBTQ+ and disability rights activist, delivered hybrid and free for in-person or online attendance.
Tickets available via Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ebor-lecture-relaunch-with-dr-hannah-barham-brown-tickets-680023587857.

Whirlow Spirituality Centre -Advent Quiet Days

2nd December | 6th December -9:30am-3:30pm, £15

The month before Christmas can easily become a blur of shopping, visiting, parties and travel. We invite you to join us in a day of quiet preparation as we slow down and reflect on how the coming of Jesus can be the fulfilment of our hopes and lead us back home.
These days will be led by Whirlow Chaplain, Alison Richards. Participants will need to bring their own packed lunch, hot drinks and biscuits will be provided. Book your place https://www.whirlowspiritualitycentre.org/whats-on/adventquietdays

Vacancies

Director of Music

St Andrews Psalter Lane Church, Sheffield – A Local Ecumenical Partnership

An exciting opportunity has arisen to apply for the vacancy of Director of Music at St Andrews Psalter Lane Church. This part time role is for up to 13 hours a month on a flexible basis including Sundays.
Worship is central to all that we are and is creative and varied, drawing on both Anglican and Methodist traditions. Our worship pattern includes regular services of Holy Communion, All Age Worship, Taizé services and all the usual special services for the great Festivals throughout the year. There is a choir which currently comes together for special services and a small music group who play when asked.
The rate of pay will be £21 per hour
We are looking for someone who can:

Play the piano and the organ (or is willing to learn to play the organ) and/or other instruments
Has an active desire to be collaborative, creative, contemporary and open to all styles and genres of music.
Respond well to the changing and eclectic needs our worship requires.
Is self-motivated and flexible
Is a great team player but able to work effectively unsupervised when required
Is able to prioritise workload and manage time effectively

An application pack is available here: https://standrewspsalterlane.org.uk/about-us/vacancies/

Closing date for Applications and CVs to be received by 17th November
Interviews will be on the 27th November
Send your Application/CV and covering letter to the church office: St Andrews Psalter Lane Church, c/o Shirley House, 31 Psalter Lane, Sheffield S11 8YL
Or email the application to revnaicooke@gmail.com
Start date on or after 1st January 2024

Young People's Pioneer

Derbyshire North East Methodist Circuit

This role has been developed to support existing children's and young people's work across the Circuit, whilst pioneering new opportunities where need is identified.
This is a part-time, permanent post, working 20-hours a week.
For an informal conversation about the role before applying, please contact Rev Mark Carrick by email at mark.carrick@methodist.org.uk
Important dates: The closing date for receiving completed applications is midday on Friday 17th November.

Community Pioneer

Doncaster Methodist Circuit

The successful applicant will have the aspiration for everyone to access a fulfilling life in Christ through growing and developing communities across Rossington, spreading the Gospel to new people who don't go to a traditional church.
It is envisaged the post will develop and evolve with the successful applicant, considering their skills and gifts, and in response wo where they feel they are being called, whilst working closely with Ministers, staff , the wider leadership team, and people within Rossington.
The post holder will be responsible and accountable for growing and developing various communities with key project areas of focus being New Housing chaplaincy, Youth hub, and Christian mindfulness.
For an informal conversation about the role please email Jack Key at jackkey@btinternet.com.

Youth Worker

Attercliffe and Darnall, Diocese of Sheffield

5 year appointment working 25 hours/week
General responsibilities: -
1. To develop and oversee the work with young people in the Parish of Attercliffe; reaching, nurturing and discipling young people in their Christian faith.

2. To coordinate and develop a team of volunteers to oversee the work with young people.
3. To be a member of the Centenary Project Network.
Closing date: 30 November
More information here: https://www.sheffield.anglican.org/vacancies/centenary-project-youth-worker-attercliffe-and-darnall/

And finally ...

A prayer by Jeff Foster,

sent in by Mike Wildgust

(My desperate and sad prayer.)

I...

I pray...

I pray for Israel.

I pray for Palestine.

I pray for all of us now.

And if you condemn me for taking sides,

or judge me for not taking sides,
then maybe you don't understand
the depths of this love.

Because love itself is the prayer.

And the one who prays.
And the longing and the light.
And the darkness and the answer.

And so I pray for you too.

For all of your conflicting parts.
For all the children fighting within you.

And I pray for you to know
the Consciousness prior to identity.
I pray for you to know
the I Am itself.

Before I am a Palestinian.

Before I am an Israeli.
Before I am Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, or an atheist.

Before division itself.

Before any notion of God or her absence.
Before time.

Before all of this began.

Before the world,
the joy and the sorrow of living.
Before territory and history.

I am what you are.

I am your rage, your grief, your loneliness.
Your fear. Your vulnerable heart.
Your powerlessness. Your shaking.

And through these non-dual eyes,
perhaps we can finally love each other.
In spite of our beliefs.
In spite of our ancient rage and our lust for revenge.
In spite of religion.
In spite of what the holy books
tell us to think.

You are my brother.

My sister.
My child.
My mother.
My father.

I pray for love to permeate the world.
Before it's too late.

I pray for awakening.

I pray for Palestine.

I pray for Israel.

Before it's too late.

I pray for all the children.

All the babies.
All the mothers and fathers.
Sisters and brothers.
Friends and enemies.

I pray for the end of hostilities.

Before it's too late.

I pray for all those who are scared right now.