District News – 4 April 2023

This Week's News

Representative Synod/District Gathering

Saturday 22 April, starting at 9:30am, Victoria Hall Methodist Church, Sheffield

We are really looking forward to this event and delighted that so many people have already registered to come. Registration is needed so we can make sure there is enough lunch for everyone, and also to organised the workshops – all around practical ways of becoming a Just Church. We are also looking forward to seeing the Justice Quilt, made from so many contributions from across the District!
The deadline is 12 April, but don't leave it to the last minute. Full details can be found here: https://230422-JustChurch.eventbrite.co.uk

Stitching the Justice Patchwork

We are looking for volunteers to help to hand stitch the braiding on the patchwork. A room has been arranged at Millhouses church on Monday 17th April from 9.30 to 3.30. Tea and coffee provided. please bring sandwiches.
Thimbles, needles and thread will also be provided!
See you there???

Appeal for Donations of Pre-Loved Laptops for Kenyan Students

Rev'd Jonathan Gichaara is asking for donations of pre-loved Laptop Computers in good working condition. The laptops should be cleaned of data and ready to use. This is in response to a request of help from students in Kenya who require laptops – to be delivered by Rev'd Gicharra. Please contact Rev'd Gicharra (gichaara@yahoo.co.uk) if you have a donation or any questions.

Congratulations!

Emmanuel Methodist Church has become the first church in Barnsley to receive a Silver Award in recognition of its work to become an ECO Church.
Emmanuel gained the Silver Award after work by many people in the congregation, to meet the criteria set by the international organisation A Rocha, which works with churches of all denominations across the world.
Being an ECO-Church is part of our Christian commitment to care for creation. Let's celebrate our efforts so far, work to achieve more and tell everyone how important it is.
And don't forget the ECO-Fest is now on September 2nd!

Methodist Women in Britain (MWiB) Easter Offering

Easter Offering envelopes will be included in the circuit envelope for World Mission. As this is the only way World Mission receive monies we (MWiB) encourage each church to join in the Easter Offering.
An Easter offering Service will take place on Sunday June 4th at Killamarsh Methodist Church at 3pm where the monies will be received.Hear stories of the Methodist community offering welcome, hospitality and support to people who are displaced, forced to migrate and seeking a new life.

Easter Offering is prepared by Methodist Women in Britain and raises funds for the World Mission Fund of the Methodist Church in Britain.

A Date for your Diary 21st May

District Day MWiB event for everyone.
On May 21st MWiB are hosting a Bible Quiz based on the women in the bible. Rev Michael Brown is setting the questions and Rev Romeo Pedro will be the Quiz Master,
The Venue is Victoria Stafford Rd Methodist Church 3pm for 3.30pm. Afternoon tea will follow the Quiz with donations going towards our project "Twinning"
All are welcome do come along and make it an enjoyable afternoon.

'Faith in Change and Conflict'

9-11 May & 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

District Safeguarding Update:

Safeguarding Policy and Procedures for the Methodist Church in Britain March 2023

The revised Safeguarding Policy and Procedures for the Methodist Church has now been approved by the Methodist Council.

Summary of the changes

The current policy document covers seven sections over one hundred and eighty-six pages. The revised policy also contains seven sections but over one hundred and thirty-one pages. The comprehensive review puts the user of the document at its heart with a starting position of the Church's understanding of safeguarding and the many forms harm can take. The previous detail in respect of health and safety and data protection are removed from the document and, in the case of the later, placed in an appendix.

The Policies and Guidance webpage

On the Policies and guidance (methodist.org.uk) page of the Methodist Church webpage, you will now find the following updated policy documents

• Safeguarding Policy and Procedures for the Methodist Church in Britain – March 2023
• Model safeguarding policies for churches, circuits and districts – March 2023
• Role Descriptions for church and circuit safeguarding officers
• Local Ecumenical Partnership Guidance
• Procedures for Safer practice in children's activities

I will need time to review the changes to understand how I can best advice Church and Circuit Safeguarding officer. Once I have a better understand I will email people directly. Therefore, please can I ask all safeguarding officer to make sure we have your correct contact details by responding to the email sent out on Monday from the District Office.

Events

Wander and Wonder Art Event

6-9 April – Monyash Methodist Church, Chapel Street, Monyash DE45 1HE

Ever wondered where the women of Holy Week are?
You are invited to "wander and wonder" through the paintings of Ally Barrett .
The exhibition will be open as follows:

• Thursday 6th 10:30-16:30
• Friday 7th 10:30-14:00
• Saturday 8th 10:30-16:30
• Sunday 9th 12:30-17:30 followed by
• Sunday Easter Reflections 18:00 -- 18:45

Good Friday Meditation

Friday 7 April 12 at 12 noon

St Andrew's Psalter Lane Church, 31 Psalter Lane, S11 8YL

The annual Good Friday Meditation service this year includes 'Voices from the Crowd' Meditations and music from local cellist Tom Pickles, including compositions by Bach, Britten and Tom himself.

Regional Retreat – The Path is made by Walking

9-11 May 2023.

There are still a few places available on the next Regional Retreat for presbyters, deacons and lay employees.

This retreat will ponder how the act of walking contributes to our experience of pilgrimage and journey. We will explore the nature and rhythm of walking and how it might illuminate and open up our prayer life and our reading of the scriptures. There will be opportunity for reflective walks, long and short, led and self-directed, in the beautiful grounds of Wydale Hall and the surrounding countryside.

Full details including how to book your place here: https://YP-230509-retreat.eventbrite.co.uk by 25 April.

Administrators Gathering

Thursday 25 May from 8:30am

The South Yorkshire UCAN (UK Church Administrators Network) group are organising a breakfast gathering at All Saints Church, Ecclesall Road, Sheffield. This will be open to anyone who is involved in administration within the church setting. By starting early, it is hoped it won't impact too much on your working day, but will be an opportunity to learn more about the work of UCAN and to offer each other support and encouragement.
Find out more, and book your place here: https://ucan.churchsuite.com/events/tln1lcfk

Cliff College Festival – Eden Restored

26-29 May 2023

At Cliff Festival 2023 we will explore significant garden encounters in Scripture – from the garden of Eden at the very start of the Bible to the tree of life and the restoration of all things in the book of Revelation. We'll be considering what it means to live in and witness to the kingdom of God in our messy world which will one day be fully restored to its created glory, and reflecting on the meaning of our stewardship of the earth and how we can honour God as we look after his creation. Come and encounter God in the Cliff garden with us at Festival 2023.
Book your place here: https://www.cliffcollege.ac.uk/cliff-festival/cliff-festival-2023-eden/booking-2023

Reflect Retreat

17th – 19th October 2023

Praying Without Words
For many there is a strong desire to cultivate an inner life of prayer, it has always formed an essential part of the Christian tradition. Many also long for silence and stillness. Where does this desire, this longing originate? How might it be fulfilled? A retreat provides a good opportunity to explore and experience 'praying without words', bearing in mind there are no experts, just explorers

We shall explore the way of 'praying without words' as taught and practiced in the Hebrew Scriptures (OT), by Jesus and the early church (NT), through the early century mystics to present day. Whether this is your usual practice, or you are just venturing on this path of discovery this retreat could be for you.

This is not a totally silent retreat; however, space and time will be offered to enter into and experience prayer of silence, and we shall respect each other's space as appropriate.

Download the booking form here: Reflect Retreat Booking
Reflect is the national Methodist retreat and spirituality movement open to all.

Methodist News

You might recognise these folk...

Disability through chronic illness

The Revd Pam Webster is a Methodist Minister who is currently unable to work in active ministry due to chronic illness. In this blog she shares a little of what life can be like for those who live with long-term, debilitating conditions.

Freedom at 10 Downing Street

On Wednesday 22 March, Mark North had the privilege of attending the Community Champions event at No 10 Downing Street, with his MP, where he met Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak. Mark is CEO of the Freedom Project in Bolsover, Derbyshire. To read more click here.
Freedom are looking for volunteers. Volunteering can provide a healthy boost to your self-confidence, self-esteem, and life satisfaction.
If you have time to spare and would like to volunteer please contact info@freedom.charity or call 0300 3020334.

Other News

An Easter Reflection from David Legh, Chair for the Derbyshire Rural Chaplaincy Steering Group.
David has written a wonderful account of a very special Easter garden and you can read the full story here: https://www.sheffieldmethodist.org/lib/drcs-easter-reflection-april-2023-F740661.pdf

And finally...

From the Methodist Prayer of the Day:

Lord of all, you reign supreme
Over all creation
Valleys and hills echo with praise
Extolling your faithfulness

Grace poured out among us
Overcomes our sins
Daily receiving forgiveness

Loving you means loving others,
Opening our hearts to their needs.
Valuing each person
Embodying Christ's teaching

You have shown us how to care and
Overcome our prejudices.
Urging us to Reach out.

None must be excluded
Everyone is a child of God.
Inclusiveness must be our watchword.
Giving Help to all.
Be aware of the situations around us
Overcome our fears
Undertake God-given tasks.
Respond in love wherever we are needed.
Joan Bosomworth, local preacher, Wharfedale and Aireborough Circuit