District News – 6 September 2022

This Week's News

Happy New Year

The Methodist Year starts on 1 September and we welcome all the incoming ministers: Revds Romeo Pedro, Naomi Coates, Mike Jones and Philip Peacock to the Sheffield Circuit and Deacon Alison McCauley to the Barnsley Circuit.

WarmWelcome.UK

If your church will be providing a regular welcoming warm space this winter, either through adapting/ extending an existing activity or starting something new, please consider registering on the WarmWelcome.UK website. This new tool organised by the Churchworks Commission and supported by the Methodist Church is designed to provide practical advice and resources for churches. Having large numbers of churches registered on this website will also demonstrate the need for co-ordinated financial support towards the cost of sessions offered in this rapidly evolving crisis, alongside any grants and donations that churches can access through their local community networks.

Thank you once again to the many Sheffield District people amongst the 400+ on Monday evening's warm spaces Connexional webinar, and the many more already making preparations. We will share new resources arising from this webinar when they become available.

Doncaster Pride

This year members from across Doncaster Methodist Circuit were involved with Doncaster Pride. This involved a stall in the town centre for 'City Pride' and a stall in Elmfield Park for the 'Main Event'.
McCauley Key, Community Worker for the Doncaster Circuit explains "People were curious as we were the only ones at the event talking about faith. This wasn't a stall that provoked debate or talked about faith on an abstract level, this was a stall that was actively listening to the problems found in society and then responding on a deeper, more meaningful level."
Read the full story here: https://www.sheffieldmethodist.org/news/news-stories/doncaster-pride-2022.html

The EcoChurch journey

Hathersage Methodist Church in Derbyshire is one example of a small church that has used the EcoChurch scheme to help them with ideas and inspiration for environmental action.
Steering group member Dave Fisher said, "The great thing about EcoChurch is that there is something for everyone. Some of our congregation are passionate about campaigning and global change, others are more interested in local wildlife and biodiversity. Some are very focused on practical actions on the church premises, others are great at engaging the wider community. EcoChurch has given us a broad perspective on what we can do to cherish creation and help protect the planet."
Read the full story here: https://www.methodist.org.uk/about-us/news/the-methodist-blog/the-ecochurch-journey-hathersage-derbyshire

Methodist Women in Britain (MWiB)- Sheffield District

In April MWiB enjoyed a quiet day at The Pevril Centre Castleton. Rev Lisa Quarmby led the day based on "l the Lord of Sea and Sky." Lisa shared her memories of time spent at Lindisfarne. We spent time taking part in crafts, painting and poetry. It was good to share fellowship together and the day concluded with worship including Communion.

One hundred and seventy-five members enjoyed time at Swanwick our first time meeting together since Covid.
Jill Baker was the keynote speaker and gave us a new aspect on the story of Noah. It was great to meet together and join in fellowship.

In May an Easter Offering Service was held at Frechville with a small number attending, which was disappointing, but once again worship and fellowship was shared and £808 was given for World Mission
June 11th was a day of Celebration 10+1 years since MWiB was formed. The Garden party celebration was held at Epworth Rectory attended by 170 people. Once again a joyous day was enjoyed.
This year District Day was held at Emmanuel Methodist Church Barnsley, Ruth Parrott President of Mwib lead the day. The attendance was poor but those who attended enjoyed the day.

Looking forward to 2023

Rededication of President Pam Meek will be held at Bents Green Methodist Church on 14th Octoberat 11am the Service will lead by Deacon Annabel Terry.( please bring your own lunch)
Christmas lunch and Carols will be at Frechville Methodist Church on Friday 7th December at 11am more details of this and other events planned for next year will be sent out as soon possible.

In the District let us embrace MWiBand l encourage you to spread the word in your churches and look out for future events taking place.
Pam Meek -President

Journey of the Magi – Springs Dance Company

Share the joy and wonder of Christmas with your church and local community through this exhilarating, critically acclaimed performance. The show offers a bridge between contemporary life and Jesus's birth, comparing our own personal journey to Christmas day with the journey that the wise men took. With sparkle and songs to keep the children entertained and bags of good humour for the grown-ups, Journey of the Magi delights audiences of all ages and offers a chance to reflect and refocus.

Springs is inviting churches to host a performance of Journey of the Magi, which will be available nationally during Advent 2022.
Further information can be found on the Springs Dance Company website page https://springsdancecompany.org.uk/productions/journey-of-the-magi/, by emailing touring@springsdancecompany.org.uk or by calling 07876 752 910

District Staff news

Property – Community of Practice

The new property and development community of practice is starting. This group will enable access to training, help, advice and networking with others in similar roles. This is meant to be informative, efficient, and effective sessions. There will be time for Q&A but these will be broad questions that may need to be followed up with more tailored advice out of session.
Contact Tom Rattigan – mpe@sheffieldmethodist.org if you are interested in finding out more.

Safeguarding – Advance Module Training

Safeguarding training is mandatory for those in the roles identified in the following link: Advanced Module Required Attendance. This includes all ministers, local preachers & worship leaders, lay workers with children and vulnerable adults, District Policy Committee members and circuit safeguarding co-ordinators.
We are offering two options to complete the training: online (which will include some self-study) and face to face.
Full details, including how to register, can be found here: https://www.sheffieldmethodist.org/what-we-do/safeguarding/safeguarding-training.html

Events

Heritage Open Day – St Andrew's Psalter Lane Church, Sheffield

10 September from 10am

Take a short tour of the church, chat with our stewards about our history or simply enjoy the quiet space and wonderful light of our building. The church will be open from 10.00 am until 4.00 pm on Saturday 10th, Friday 16th and Saturday 17th September.
Free refreshments will be available.
See https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/event/st-andrews-psalter-lane-church1 for more information.

Learning Network Regional Retreat for Presbyters, Deacons & Lay Employees

Visio Divina: embracing the new normal through creating images on our camera

8-19 November at The Briery, Ilkley
This retreat will open up the possibility of contemplative photography and show you how to incorporate it into your everyday life. You don't need to be a skilled photographer, but you do need a camera--the one on your phone will do just fine.
This will be led by Stephen Radley, an Anglican priest, trained professional photographer and members' ambassador for the Guild of Photographers.
Cost: £220 A subsidy of £110 is available for those in the Yorkshire Plus region to attend one retreat a connexional year. A deposit is required to confirm your registration.

Register online via EventBrite https://221108visiodivina.eventbrite.co.uk before 28 September

Anna Chaplaincy

Webinar 7:30pm Tuesday 27 September

Did you know that there are now more people over 60 than under 18 in the UK? Anna Chaplains care spiritually for older people, whether they're affiliated to the church or not. In this webinar, Gary Hopkins and Emma Nash from the Connexional Team talk to the Anna Chaplaincy team about what they do, why they do it, and how Methodist churches can get involved.
Register here to attend

Whirlow Spirituality Centre – Soul Spark

Wednesday 7-9pm, 12th October – 16th November

Soul Spark is a six-session course (12th October-16th November) which opens up some of the riches of the Christian tradition to enable a deep and healthy spirituality.
Written by Nick Helm, an Anglican priest with over 30 years of ministerial experience in the Dioceses of London, Sheffield and Hereford, the sessions will be facilitated by Whirlow Chaplain Joy Adams and Jacky Stride.
For more details and to book a place visit the Whirlow events page.

Labyrinth Quiet Day

Saturday 29th October

Following our successful quiet day last year, Judith Jessop is returning to Whirlow to lead a day's retreat to help us explore the changing season as British Summer Time comes to an end and we move towards Hallowe'en and All Souls through the use of labyrinths.
https://www.whirlowspiritualitycentre.org/whats-on/2022/labyrinth-quiet-day

Christians on Ageing conference

Wednesday 21 September

"Older people need the best: supporting faith and care"
Christians on Ageing are holding their annual national conference on at Central URC in the heart of Sheffield. Open to anyone engaged in or considering work with older people, speakers will include Rev Dr Keith Albans, Pastoral Director at Methodist Homes. Details of other speakers and how to book at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/christians-on-ageing-annual-conference-tickets-382758239197

Hagg Farm Retreat

19 – 23 October 2022

This is for any children, families, youth or schools volunteer or worker across the Sheffield District. Come for a day, a couple of nights or the whole thing. Whatever you can manage.

At just £15pppn (donation for day visits) it's too good to miss!

Contact Victoria Loveday on cy@sheffieldmethodist.org for more information or
Book your places here: https://forms.office.com/r/yFmA1mXZGK

Urban Theology Union

Book Launch

Thursday 15 September at 7:30pm
Come and listen to Dr. Joe Forde talk about his new book "Before and Beyond the 'Big Society'"
Where: Norfolk Room, United Reformed Church,60 Norfolk Street, Sheffield S1 2J
Free refreshments
A chance to meet up with some former and present UTU, students, friends and tutors.

City Wires and Networks: How Christians Navigate Them.

Join us by Zoom at 4-5.30pm on Wednesday: 28 September 2022 for a rich conversation between:

• Lord David Blunkett, former MP for Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough;
• Councilmember Kristerfer Burnett of Baltimore, Maryland (USA);
• and Rev Zaidie Orr, minister of Central United Reformed Church in Sheffield.

Our conversation will be moderated by the Rev. Dr Rob Hoch, UTU's Director of Theological Exploration
Use the following Zoom link to join in: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83289648804

I am Mark

Saturday 8 October at 7pm – St Marie's Roman Catholic Catherdal, Norfolk Street

In this dynamic new, word-for-word, solo performance, Stefan Smart recreates for a modern audience the way in which the story was originally narrated – as a full bodied drama, with its many characters and nuances brought startlingly to life.
There is no ticket fee, but they must be booked in advance here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/i-am-mark-in-hallam-diocese-tickets-397024580207 (donations can be given on the day)

Job Vacancies

Part Time Bookkeeper – Freedom Community

Applicants must be in possession of a full driving licence and experience in managing payroll and budgets.
12 hours per week/ Hourly rate £12.50 per hour.
Closing date is Wednesday 16th September 2022.
Interview Date: – Wednesday 21st September 2022

Application forms available from0300 302 0334 or careers@freedom.charity

Community Co-ordinator based at MHA Communities – South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw

At MHA Communities we offer a variety of exciting fulfilling social and online activities and services for people aged 55 and over. Our aim is to enable older people to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible. (We do not provide personal care).

You will be part of a dedicated team who want to enable older people to live their best life.
As a Community Coordinator you will:

• Coordinate and run a programme of activities in addition to developing new activities based on feedback from and the needs of the community
• Liaise with Members and Volunteers.
• Assist the Manager by researching and identifying new areas for development and possible sources of additional funding

Full details here: Job Profile

Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE_

Every council must have a SACRE by law. This statutory body is responsible for advising the council on religious education (RE) and collective worship in its schools. Although RE is not a national curriculum subject, the 1988 Education Reform Act confirmed that it is a compulsory part of the curriculum for all students.
There is currently no Methodist representatives on the Sheffield, Doncaster and Rotherham councils

A suitable candidate should

• Have a passionate interest in the teaching of RE in schools.
• Be prepared to contribute to meetings and join in discussions and occasionally volunteer for extra committees.
• Have an open mind about all religious sects.

If this is something that interests you, please contact the District Office (admin@sheffieldmethodist.org) to find out more.

Other news

Action for Children

Help us improve our communications

Methodists are a valuable part the Action for Children family. We would like to understand how we can communicate effectively and create the right opportunities to help you stay involved in what we do. Please help us complete a short survey which takes between 5 and 10 minutes. Your answers will remain anonymous. To share your thoughts, visit https://bit.ly/3JSgJAJmethodistsurvey

Boycott your Bed: Stay Up

We are excited to announce that our fundraising event, 'Boycott your Bed' is back on Friday 7 October 2022. Please join our dream team, a community of people giving up their beds for one night to raise vital funds to support vulnerable children in the UK. You could make their dreams of a safe and happy childhood come true. To take part on your own or with family, friends or your church, visit www.actionforchildren.uk/stayup