District News 5 May 2026

Stories from across the District

Celebrating David Attenborough’s 100th birthday in The Book Room

It's David Attenborough's 100th birthday on 8th May. Through his broadcasting and writing David Attenborough has transformed the way many people see our planet and humanity's place in it. As well as playing a unique role in celebrating wildlife, he has helped raise the alarm about the destruction of ecosystems and the rate at which species are being lost due to human-made climate change.
The Book Room (the second-hand bookshop in Hathersage Methodist Church) is marking David Attenborough's 100th birthday with a 'Wildlife awareness' theme throughout the month of May. There is an array of wildlife books to browse or buy (all books £1), a rainforest jigsaw on the go, plus children's activities to join in with. There is also space in the church to pause to reflect on the wonder of wildlife and to mourn the loss of species in our world.
Church and bookshop open daily 9am to 5pm

Journey to Jerusalem at Bakewell

Four hundred and two visitors came during the two weeks when we had the church open every day with refreshments and crafts as well. Fifteen people helped as Stewards and with setting up and clearing away – grateful thanks for all that support and commitment to sharing the Good News of Jesus. A visitors book was prepared in order to ask for comments or suggestions. It makes wonderful reading, with amazing comments from people who had come from far and wide through publicity and word of mouth. Many great conversations were shared and seeds sown. One church has since been in touch to ask if they could bring a coach load at Christmastime for “Journey to Bethlehem”.
What an inspiration for other churches to try something different!

Interactive Maps

Derbyshire North East Circuit now have an interactive map on their website, showing where regular events are taking place across their circuit, including social events, youth and children's groups and much more. Each type has its own icon, and is a great way to share the many activities going in across the churches.
https://www.dnemethodists.org.uk/your-local-church/interactive-map.html

District News and Updates

Stop debt vultures suing Ethiopia

One. Billon. Dollars.
That’s more than Ethiopia’s ENTIRE health budget. It’s also the amount debt vultures are suing Ethiopia for right here in the UK. And our government is letting them do it.
As huge global increases in energy and food prices combine with rising interest rates to push lower-income countries further into debt, speculators are scouring for opportunities to cash in. These debt vultures buy up the debts of countries like Ethiopia at rock bottom prices, then threaten to sue for large repayments in order to make vast profits.
A new debt justice law could stop the debt vultures mid-flight. Will you email your MP today and call on them to demand urgent action to stop countries like Ethiopia being sued?
Find out how you can help here: https://act.debtjustice.org.uk/stop-debt-vultures-5

Other News

Methodist Women in Britain

Are you ready to lead with passion, justice, and joy?

Methodist Women in Britain (MWiB) is looking for a visionary leader to join our team. This unique 4-year volunteer journey offers a clear path of growth, starting as Vice-Chair, flourishing as Chair, and concluding as a Strategic Mentor.
If you are a member of the Methodist Church with a heart for connecting women and committed to collaborative leadership, we want to hear from you!

The Journey: Your 4-Year Impact
• Year 1 (Incoming Vice-Chair): Partner with the Chair, learn the ropes, and champion our mission-focused projects.
• Years 2 & 3 (Chair): Become the "heart" of our leadership. Shape strategy, lead the Board, and act as our public face across the UK and the global Methodist family.
• Year 4 (Outgoing Vice-Chair): Use your wisdom to mentor the next generation, ensuring a smooth handover and lasting stability.

What You’ll Bring
• A Collaborative Spirit: You’re a team player who loves mentoring others.
• Leadership Experience: You’re comfortable chairing meetings and navigating strategic puzzles.
• Global Vision: You’re excited about justice and the chance for potential global travel within the Methodist family.
• A Good Sense of Humour: Essential for navigating the beautiful, busy life of a volunteer-run charity!

Why Join Us?
You won't just be "holding a position"; you’ll be equipping women to participate more fully in their communities and the wider world.

Ready to step into the fold?
For more information please contact governance.mwib@gmail.com using the subject “Recruitment – Chair/Vice Chair”

Application Closing date – 05 June 2026

Interview in Telford – Friday 26 June 2026

Glimmers – ArtServe Festival 2026

23 – 25 October – Kents Hill Park Conference Centre, Milton Keynes

Join us as we explore the ‘Glimmers’ in our lives: the small, often unexpected moments that bring us closer to God and closer to one another, that deepen our faith, and renew our strength for the next step on our journey. What are they? Where might we encounter them? And how can we respond in creative ways?

Explore the Festival theme with author and creative artist Wendy Usher.

Hone a skill or try something new in three creative workshops, including stained glass, dance, fabric postcards, photography, outdoor worship, creative writing, off-loom weaving, and music.

Join Maria the ‘flibbertigibbet nun-turned-governess’—and author Bryony Wood—for an evening of laughter, reflection and singing.

...plus worship, fellowship, good food, and much more!

A chance to meet up with other Christian creatives, to practise our creative skills and learn new ones, and to share our creative faith journeys together.
For full information and booking details visit: www.artserve.org.uk

Regional Officer for Safeguarding Updates

Creating a safeguarding foundation to have courageous conversations, Part three.

This is week three of a four-part series designed to refresh our learning on how to respond safely and appropriately when someone makes a disclosure of abuse. The aim is to strengthen our safeguarding foundations as we continue to welcome and engage with others.
In week one, we revisited the Samaritans’ SHUSH listening tips. In week two, we reflected on the importance of making a clear and accurate record when a safeguarding concern arises. This week, the focus is on referring concerns appropriately.
Once a record has been made—or as you are making it—you must pass the information on in the appropriate way. It is important to know who, within your church or circuit, safeguarding concerns should be shared with. This is usually the church or circuit safeguarding officer, the minister, or the leader of the group you are working with.
When you completed the Foundation Safeguarding Module, you should have received a trifold Safeguarding Quick Reference Guide. This includes guidance on what to do if you have a concern, as well as space to record relevant contact details. If you do not have a copy, please ask your church or circuit safeguarding officer, who will be able to source one for you.
If someone is at immediate risk of harm, your first action must be to contact the emergency and/or statutory services, and then inform your safeguarding officer as soon as possible. This can understandably feel daunting, but support is always available.
If there is no immediate risk, record your concerns and pass them on within 24 hours to the appropriate person or people. This may include the minister, church or circuit safeguarding officer, or the Regional Officer for Safeguarding (formerly the District Safeguarding Officer).
Recording and referring concerns is a vital part of a strong safeguarding culture. While these terms can feel intimidating, they simply mean noting what you have seen or heard, discussing it if appropriate with others, and passing the information to the right person. If you are ever unsure, please contact me for advice.

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

Christian Aid Week

10-17 May

The theme for this year is around supporting mothers in Nairobi, Kenya, who are facing devastating urban poverty and a daily struggle to feed their children. By raising funds this May we can help mothers like Fridah Moraa and Belinda Kasudi, who live in crowded informal settlements, protect their children from hunger and grow a more hopeful future.
There are some excellent resources to download, including a full order of service and power point presentation for both an all-age worship service and a 'regular' worship service, as well as a film, prayer sheet, a daily devotional and fundraising packs for running a Big Brekkie event and/or a Quiz night
Here is a link to the resources on the website: https://caw.christianaid.org.uk/uk/resource

Urban Gospel Coffee Time

Monday 11 May, 11:00 – 12:00

You are warmly invited to UTU's next Urban Gospel Coffee Time.
Make yourself a drink, pull up a chair and get comfortable.
Hosted by Andrew Crowley (RC Deacon, Chair of Sheffield Interfaith)
This group will meet monthly online, 11.00am to 12.00am 2nd Monday of the month, where the conversations will be on the coming Sunday's Common Lectionary First and Gospel reading.
Zoom link – https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89996529028?pwd=JGtwiNxPIwb654pCVkENUJHZ0RSmy9.1

Metal Methodist Service

Saturday 16 May 3:00 pm

There will be a Metal Methodist service taking place on Saturday 16 May 2026 at St Paul's Methodist Church in Dronfield. The service starts at 3pm and you can expect an inclusive welcome and worship with an alternative vibe.
Please contact Kate the Metal Methodist Development Worker on katemetalmethodist@outlook.com for more information.

Facing The Storm: an evening of music, poetry, reflection and discussion

Sunday 31st May 7pm

Join Rich Gower and Aaron Shah at the Whirlow Spirituality Centre for an evening of music, poetry, reflection, and discussion exploring the role of Christian contemplation and activism in a world of injustice.
The evening will begin with tea and coffee and Aaron and Rich’s books will be on sale (card and cash welcome)
Free, no need to book.

Grandparenting for Faith

2 June from 3 – 4:30pm on Zoom

This workshop will introduce Anna Chaplains and Anna Friends to the resources BRF’s Parenting for Faith ministry provides for grandparents. Becky Sedgwick and Kate Irvine from Parenting for Faith will share information about the 6-session Grandparenting for Faith course. The course is based on Becky’s BRF book, ‘Grandparenting for Faith: Sharing God with the children you love the most’. Anna Chaplain Karen Olorenshaw will also share her experience of running the course. The session will address some of the pastoral concerns of Christians grandparents and the need for contexts in churches where they can share.
Please click the booking link here to book your place. These workshops are always popular so we recommend booking quickly.
When making your booking, please ensure that you follow the process right through to the end and that you get a confirmation. Please note we are unable to book you on as it is an automated system.
If you try to book and it says it is not available, that will indicate that the workshop is full. If you wish to be added to the waiting list if a place should become available, please do email annachaplaincy@brf.org.uk

Thresholds Retreat

Saturday, 13 & Sunday 14 June

A weekend retreat in which we can slow down, be present and connect with ourselves, each other, nature and the Divine.
Each morning and afternoon we will playfully contemplate a story which has been told in the sand using objects. Our dialogue – both verbal and non-verbal – will be grounded in the Touchstones of Circles of Trust® and the principles of Deep Talk and OutoftheBox. After the group work there will be time for us to respond individually, e.g. by journalling, playing with objects, creating with art materials, walking or simply sitting.
This retreat may not be suitable for anyone currently experiencing significant turmoil or trauma. Please speak to the Chaplain, Alison Richards, if you would like to explore if this is right for you.
A simple lunch and refreshments throughout the two days will be included.
Cost £75 – please contact the Chaplain if the cost is a barrier as bursary support may be available.

And finally ...

A prayer for awareness of God's all-sufficient love

Sometimes it seems our tuneless songs are unleashed into emptiness, An unknowable void where nothing is heard.
Remove from us the fear that we are insufficient and that you are unresponsive.
Instead replace it with the knowledge that all we have is you and one another,
And that is enough.
Jude Levermore, Head of Mission, Connexional Team