District News 6 January 2026

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District Stories

Carol singing around North Anston Chapel

It was our third year that North Anston chapel members had decided to bring some Christmas joy by simply singing Carols in the streets of North Anston.
The previous two years we had gone wider afield up into the council estate and even though we had advertised we had felt we hadn't really been heard. So we decided, with some of our carollers not able to walk too far, that we would focus our singing to the smaller estate behind the chapel. This enabled more singers to come and join us and it was wonderful to have people from the several community groups that meet at the church including shoebox ladies Sing for Joy group and Meet and Make group. A true coming together church and non church folk, some even bringing their friends.
It worked a treat we had families and young children waving from bedroom windows and out on the doorsteps. We reached more people and spoke to more people that night than we had in all the other two years we had done the singing. One lady came out and she said we had made her night as she had got ready to go out to her Christmas party she loved hearing the carols that we sang. She really appreciated it.
Once we had covered as many of the cul-de-sacs as possible we headed back to the chapel for hot chocolate, marshmallows and cream, and cakes and mince pies. The fellowship continued there for quite a while, no one rushing to go home. Holy spirit , the joy love and peace of Christmas alive and bring and excited buzz to our conversations.
This has been a true from little acorns grow. From a suggestion made at an autumn church council about carol singing in the community by me, it became a reality that first Christmas and to think in three years how it has evolved is credit to the congregation who believe all things can be possible with God.
Revd Angela Pothecary

This Week's News

Statistics for Mission

You may have been aware that the usual "October count" did not take place this year, due to the ongoing changes to the Methodist Church Online Suite. It was hoped that this would have been completed by now, but it has been delayed again until March.
We had hoped that this year’s Statistics for Mission could be entered in the new system but with the delays, it has been decided to use the old system for this year. The old system has been configured so that information from the October count can be entered in. Click here to enter in your stats.
The deadline for entering the information is Monday, 16 February 2026.

Requiring a New Home

Staging with Carpet and Curtains

Tickhill Methodist Church are offering portable staging with carpet and curtains to anyone who could use it.
Price to be negotiated. Please contact Philip Randall (philliprandall@outlook.com) for further information.
Viewings can be arranged

Administrators Gathering

Wednesday 4 February from 9am

The next Gathering for all those involved in church administration will be held at The Furnival, 199 Verdon Street, Sheffield. This is a great time to meet up with others in similar roles, to share experiences and good practice and to offer support and encouragment.
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: https://ucan.churchsuite.com/events/ygmvyxup

Do pass this invite on to anyone you think might benefit.

Lay Employees Retreat

3-6 June 2026 – Wydale Hall

The lay employees retreat is like no other. It offers time and space away from work and busy diaries to relax, meet new people and catch-up with old friends. The programme is designed with plenty of choice. There are led sessions and reflections, creative opportunities and freedom to explore the wonderful gardens at Wydale and beyond. A rhythm of prayer and worship is offered, with ample time in the evenings for socialising, either in the bar or through organised activities.
Full details of this year's retreat, including how to book, can be found here: https://260603layretreat.eventbrite.co.uk
The full cost is £270 for an en-suite room or £100 for non-residential (staying off site, but joining in all meals apart from breakfast)
There is an agreement that Districts will support those wishing to attend by giving an automatic 50% subsidy, for those who have not already attended another subsidised Retreat this year.

Safeguarding Update

Foundation Module (2024) Trainers training

The majority of people with a role at church, are required to undertake the Foundation Module of Safeguarding Training, however it's not always easy to find available courses.
If you or your church would like to take control of safeguarding training, then this is the course for you.
The training is over two evenings. Facilitation skills are covered in the first session and familiarisation with the revised Foundation Module material at the second. Both sessions are essential for all new trainers and recommended for existing trainers.
The Facilitation session in on Wednesday 25 February at 7pm and the Familiarisation session on on Wednesday 4 March at 7pm. Both sessions will be held on Zoom. By booking on the first session, you are also confirming you will be attending on the second. If you have completed a facilitation skills session within in the last year, please put a comment on the booking form so we know not to expect you . You do still need to book onto the first session, otherwise you won't get the link to join the familiarisation session.
The Trainers Handbook and a memory stick with the files needed to deliver the training will be posted out after the deadline to book. There is a minimum number needed to make the sessions viable, the deadline to book in is 18 February.
Book in here: https://0226foundationtrainers.eventbrite.co.uk

Events

Urban Gospel Coffee Time

Monday 12 January 2026 @ 11:00 – 12:00

You are warmly invited to Urban Theology Union'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 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
https://www.methodist.org.uk/for-churches/resources/the-lectionary/lectionary-for-this-year/
Zoom link – https://us06web.zoom.us/j/2182336614?omn=83365615717

Positively Rural – Being Present in Schools

Tuesday 3 February 2026@1:00pm

In this session, we will be sharing how local rural practitioners have developed presence in rural schools with stories of lived experiences and good practice. We will cover both Primary and Secondary Schools, as well as having opportunities for those attending to share their own stories. As always, there will also be opportunities to share your own experiences in smaller break-out groups.
The deadline to register is 31 January 2026 at mid-day.
Book your place here: https://260203Schools.eventbrite.co.uk

Sheffield District MWiB Programme

26 March –Afternoon tea and stalls
Venue: Bents Green Methodist Church at 2.00pm.
There will be a stall for Africa’s Gift’

10-12 April — Swanwick weekend.
Keynote speaker—Caroline Godfrey (ex Vice President of Conference). Full details to follow, or visit the MWiB website

20th May 2026 — Quiet Day
Venue: Green Moor Methodist at 10.00 for 10.30am
Leader Deacon Annabel Terry. Bring your own lunch , Drinks provided.

July 2026—District day
Venue: Hoyland and Birdwell Methodist Church at 10.30 for 11.00am.
Leader—CoChair of MWiB, Olive Ruzvidzo. Bring your own lunch. Drinks provided

Regional Retreat – The woman at the well

The next Regional Retreat for presbyters, deacons and lay employees will be held at Wydale Hall from 20-22 May 2026.
Donna Worthington (Retreat Leader) will be leading our time together when we will explore: The Woman at the Well: an invitation to journey to the well, to Christ the Living Water. Donna is an experienced retreat giver trained in Ignatian spiritual direction, labyrinth walking and storytelling.
More information and booking details can be found via EventBrite: https://260520RegionalRetreat.eventbrite.co.uk
Bookings close on 18 February

Vacancies

Community Outreach Manager

Greenhill Methodist Church (School Lane, Sheffield S8 7RL) are seeking to appoint a full-time Community Outreach Manager to manage, enable and develop the current community outreach activities at the church, initiating new work when needed with the primary purpose of serving the local community and to fulfil the Church's objective to make disciples.

Contract type: Full-time, 3 year fixed term contract
Working hours: 37 hours per week.
Work pattern: A flexible working pattern, to include evening and weekend working.
Rate of pay: £29,100 per annum

Closing date: 9 January 2026
Full details here: Community Outreach Manager

Volunteers wanted

I was in prison and you visited me......(Matt.Ch.25 vs.36)
The Independent Monitoring Boards (IMB) are seeking volunteers to monitor conditions and treatment in these local prisons , which house male adults and young offenders from Sheffield, Doncaster, Rotherham and surrounding areas: HMP Moorland, HMP Doncaster, HMP Lindholme, and HMP Hatfield .
IMB members visit prisons regularly to ensure that people in custody are treated fairly , humanely, and well prepared for life after release. This is a unique opportunity to make a real difference. No previous experience is required: just a commitment to justice and compassion. Full training and ongoing support are provided.
Jenny Bywaters has been doing this for 10 years, and would be happy to have an informal chat with anyone who may be interested. (Tel.0114 235 0425 email jlbywaters@aol.com)
Apply between Jan 7th and Feb 18th 2026.
To find out more or to apply visit http://www.imb.org.uk

And finally...

A prayer for the new year

God of every new day,
as we step into this new year
full of possibility, but not without its challenges,
we pause and place ourselves in your care.

Nurture in us the ability to see beyond frustration,
beyond the burdens we carry,
beyond the hurdles that sometimes feel immovable.
Lift our eyes to the opportunities before us,
to the seeds of hope already being sown,
to the quiet signs of new life you are growing among us.

As we leave one year behind,
help us to receive 2026 with gratitude!
for all that might yet be,
for second chances,
for new encounters,
for paths not yet imagined.

Where there are mistakes or regrets,
we place them gently into your hands.
Meet them with forgiveness,
and return to us courage, encouragement,
and the grace to begin again.

Root us deeply in hope.
Free us to embrace the spirit of new beginnings,
not with naïve optimism,
but with a steady trust that you are with us,
calling us forward,
making all things new.
Amen.