District News – 6 October 2026

Stories from Across the District

Cliff Resourcing Day:

Sat 10 Oct 10am-4pm

On Saturday 10th October Cliff is holding a resourcing day. This is themed around material from the Methodist Church for the Advent/Christmas period. This will be helpful for local churches as we look to plan our own advent and christmas services.

It will begin at 10am and end around 3.30-4pm. Everyone is welcome and lunch is included. There are rumours of cake too!

Please book in via reception, with any dietary requirements, at reception@cliffcollege.ac.uk by Wednesday 7th October.

We look forward to sharing the day with you and casting an eye forward to Advent and Christmas. It'll soon be here!

Rev Carole Marsden
Dean of Residential Life & Community Warden, Cliff College

Hathersage Repair Café

Saturday 10 October, 9.45-12.15

Hathersage Methodist Church Hall

The Repair Cafe is back on 10 October and a team of volunteer experts will be on hand to offer advice and small repairs for clothes/textiles, electricals, knife and tool sharpening, small furniture and houseplant revival. All repairs are free of charge – donations are welcome towards future running costs, and any surplus goes towards good causes.

There are now 18 Repair Cafes across Derbyshire, and they aim to promote a culture of repair and re-use, cutting down the amount of stuff going to landfill and reducing the environmental costs of buying new. Hathersage Repair Cafe is run by the Anglican and Methodist churches in Hathersage, trying to do our bit to take care of God's earth and serve the community. The October session will be the 5th birthday of Hathersage Repair Cafe which launched in October 2021.

Refreshments served, and all welcome, whether bringing something for repair or just to chat and see what's going on.

October is Poetry Month in The Book Room

National Poetry Day falls on the first Thursday or October each year. It's a mass celebration of poetry – promoting the reading, writing and performing of poems across public spaces in the UK.

The Book Room (the second-hand bookshop in Hathersage Methodist Church) is making this with a 'Poetry month' theme throughout October. There is a range of poetry books to browse or buy, plus a poetry jigsaw on the go. An exhibition in the church showcases several different poets, including a 'poem of the week' and visitors to the church have an opportunity to nominate their own favourite poem for display the following week.

District News

The District Office will be closed on the following dates in October due to a variety of reasons!: 

8-11; 14-15; 19; 23-26; 29

I will be keeping an eye on emails during this time, but won't be around to answer the phone.

Regional Officer for Safeguarding Updates

Domestic Abuse Awareness Month

October is Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of domestic abuse, challenge misconceptions, and encourage everyone to play a part in creating safer communities. While domestic abuse is often hidden from view, its impact can be devastating for individuals, families and communities. As churches, we have an important role in ensuring that our congregations are places where people feel safe, supported and able to seek help. Taking time to learn about domestic abuse and how to respond appropriately can make a significant difference to those who may be experiencing abuse or supporting someone who is.

The following was written by members of the Learning Network who have kindly given me permission to use it:

Domestic abuse is not always visible. It can take many forms — physical, emotional, psychological, financial, sexual or coercive and controlling behaviour — and it can affect people of any age, background or circumstance.

Churches are not separate from this reality. People experiencing domestic abuse may be sitting in our congregations, volunteering in our communities or trying very hard to hide what is happening behind closed doors. For some, church can become a place of safety and support. For others, fear, shame or misunderstanding can make it difficult to speak openly about their experiences.

Safeguarding means being willing to recognise the signs of abuse, listen without judgement and respond carefully and appropriately. It also means understanding that abusive relationships are often complex, and that leaving or seeking help may not be straightforward or immediately safe.

Faith communities can sometimes unintentionally make things harder when ideas about forgiveness, family or submission are used in ways that minimise harm or place pressure on victims to remain in unsafe situations. Healthy safeguarding keeps the safety and dignity of the person experiencing abuse at the centre.

Organisations such as Restored (www.restored-uk.org) work with churches across the UK to raise awareness of domestic abuse, equip church communities and support survivors. Their resources, training and campaigns help churches become places where abuse is understood seriously and responded to safely and compassionately.

If you have any safeguarding questions or concerns please give me a call on 07483 362 735 or email me at hilla@methodistchurch.org.uk

Many thanks
Alison Hill

Net Zero News

Contribute to wildlife conservation.

• Clean bird feeders to prevent diseases spreading to winter migrants.
• Install a nest box well before breeding season to provide a cosy retreat for small birds during cold winter nights.
• Prepare to support more birds next year, with more tips at arocha.org.uk/give-a-bird-a-home.

As you observe the local birds reflect on this verse, ‘I know every bird in the mountains, and the insects in the fields are mine.’ Psalm
50:11.

Upcoming Events

What's on at Whirlow

October Events:

Exploring Contemplative Prayer: continues 7th October.
This series of sessions will offer some explanation and history of various forms of praying contemplatively, with plenty of time to experience each form and an opportunity to reflect on the experience. Join us if you would like to know more, or simply to experience this in company with others.

Praying without Words: 15th October
Many are drawn to silent prayer, meditation, centering prayer, contemplation ... for that purpose, we run Praying Without Words via Zoom each third Thursday of the month. An initial prompt is given, followed by a time of silence, and then we are invited to share our response. People often choose to turn off their cameras, particularly during the silence.

Third Sunday: what brings me closer to God? With Gillian Philips 18th October
Gillian Philips will explore how visual thinking and praying can bring us closer to God. She will introduce the practice of Ekphrasis: an approach to visual art that engages with it using vivid, detailed, even poetic verbal description.

Simple Quiet Day: 20th October 
Starting with Reflective Communion, the programme is kept simple to provide maximum space. If you are fairly new to spending time in silence, the Simple Quiet Day is a good introduction.

Contemplative Dialogue: 25th October
Contemplative Dialogue is designed to facilitate a non-threatening, ‘safe place’ for open sharing and discussion. The focus is on listening to ourselves and others, rather than formulating a response to what is being said.

Simple Retreat Days: 30th October
Days specifically designed and facilitated to offer maximum quiet and solitude in the peaceful setting of Whirlow Spirituality Centre

Urban Gospel Coffee Time

Monday 12 October 2026  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.
https://www.methodist.org.uk/for-churches/resources/the-lectionary/lectionary-for-this-year/

Contact the office for more details and to get the Zoom link: office@utusheffield.org.uk

The 2026 Samuel Chadwick Lecture

Friday 16 October 11:00 am

The title for this year's lecture is 'A Pentecostal Spirit: reimagining mission with, to and from the edges as a Wesleyan Imperative', delivered by Rev Dr Deirdre Brower-Latz, Principal of Nazarene Theological College.
This year the lecture can be attended on campus at Cliff College or online.
Those attending on campus are invited to stay for lunch.

Church Action on Poverty Sheffield: 2026 Pilgrimage

Sat 17 October

Start at Highfield Trinity Methodist Church   |   9:30am

The opening service will include an opportunity to hear about the church's varied and valuable work in the neighbourhood. The route then visits Heeley Parish Church, Heeley City Farm and St Wilfrid's Centre for the homeless, vulnerable and socially excluded, with stops along the way to pray for the homeless, education, healthcare, social justice and the environment.
The walk covers 2.2 miles and is expected to finish around 2pm. All are welcome to join.

Find out more

Understanding Islam: The First Steps

Wednesday 21 October 9:30 am

A day looking at Understanding Islam led by Doctor Chris Hewer – a captivating and inspiring speaker, from a background in Christian theology and Islamic studies and Christian Muslim relations. Please bring a packed lunch, drinks will be provided through the day, and let Heather Rotherham know if you are intending attending

Urban Theology Union AGM

Saturday 7th November 2026 at 2pm

We are very pleased to say that our speaker is Chine McDonald Director of THEOS (a Christian church and society think-tank currently researching Christian nationalism ) and author of two works challenging the white male theological mainstream: 'God is Not a White Man', and 'Unmaking Mary'.
She will be bringing her insights into the world of urban theology. 
Please book your free place at the AGM via this link 
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/utu-annual-general-meeting-tickets-1999668944643?aff=oddtdtcreator

Ebor Lecture 11 November 2026:

How finding women from the past can shape a more equal future

Professor Janina Ramirez, author, presenter and Director of Studies for History of Art at Harris Manchester College, University of Oxford

5.00-7.00pm, Wednesday 11 November 2026

Our next Ebor Lecture is now open for booking!  Please join us at the Creative Centre, York St John University, or online and share the invitation to this free event with your own networks.

Professor Janina Ramirez will explore how the misrepresentation and repackaging of female figures from the past has shaped our current gender divide. Janina will uncover how broader socio-political and ideological agendas have contributed to the two-sphere world experienced by women in the modern era. From distant matriarchies in Crete, through Eastern Empresses and Mesopotamian war leaders, Janina will show how reengaging with fresh evidence from the past can build positive foundations for future communities founded on equality and diversity.

• 5.00-6.00 pm Talk by Janina Ramirez with Q&A,

• 6.00-7.00pm Drinks and book signing for in-person attendees

• Hybrid event – in person at the Creative Centre and live online

• Free to attend

• All welcome!

Find out more and book your places here

And finally ...

A Prayer for Black History Month

By Rev Dr Kennedy Gondongwe

God of our ancestors,
God of liberation,
God of freedom,
God of justice,
God of the oppressed,
God who hears the cries of the oppressed
And walks with those who struggle for freedom.

Today and this hour and this minute
We remember the generations who endured chains,
torture, segregation, violence, exclusion, and injustice,
and yet refused to surrender their dignity,
their faith, their culture or their hope.

We give thanks for those who resisted
For those who marched, organized, taught, plotted, created,
Prayed, spoke truth and opened doors,
that others might walk through.

We remember the names we know,
and countless names history has chosen to forget,
We remember many pacifists who were beheaded and whose heads hung in world capitals' museums displayed as trophies of war.

In the same token may you give us short memory sufficient to forget and forgive all violent racists who destroyed lives, communities and engaged in primitive accumulation.

We also pray for holy anger that we may play our part in destroying symbols of slavery colonialism, racism and modern-day slavery.

We remember individuals and communities of whatever colour and nationality who selflessly paid the ultimate prize for their belief in the equality of all people. May their courage live not only in our memories but in the choices we make today.

Liberating God free us from every system that diminishes human worth,
Give us courage to challenge racism,
to confront injustice
to speak when silence seems the safer way
to engage when passivism protects oppression,
and to stand alongside those whose voices are too often unheard.

Where there is inequality
make us agents of justice
where there is hatred,
make us builders of communities
where there is exclusion,
make us open doors
where there is despair
make us keepers of hope

May black history never be confined to one month.
May it call us to remember,
To learn,
To resist injustice,
To celebrate black joy and creativity,
And to build a future where every person can live
With dignity, freedom, safety and belonging.

May we honour the ancestors
By refusing to accept oppression as inevitable,
May we honour the present
By standing together
And may we honour the future
By leaving behind a world
More free, more just and more loving
than the one we inherited.

Amen