District News – 7 April 2026

Stories from across the District

It has been so lovely seeing on social media all the different decorated crossed from churches across our District.
Christ is risen indeed!

Families in the Peak Circuit celebrate Easter……

Hathersage Messy Church

Hathersage Messy Church had a fun session on 29 March where our theme was 'Easter is all about LOVE!' Seven families came along to join in with love-themed activities including decorating biscuits, creating flowers, writing prayers, designing menus, colouring in crosses and more. We also had a Palm Sunday procession, a story from Rev Tim and an opportunity to chat over an indoor picnic.

Busy Bees, Fountain Square Church

16 families with a total of thirty children together with their parents and carers enjoyed a fun morning celebrating Easter at Fountain Square Church on 31 March. With lots of different crafts, LEGO building and toys for the little ones there was something for everyone. And of course we finished our morning with in an Easter egg hunt!

District Updates

District Gathering – booking deadline extended

If you haven't booked in yet to come to our District Gathering, we have extended the deadline to this Thursday 9 April.
We need to know how many to expect so that we can make sure that there are enough seats and food for all!
The link to book is: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/sheffieldmethodistdistrict/2033448.
Do also encourage your church members to consider attending.

New Church Gathering

Saturday 13 June

For anyone who is involved in leading (in any capacity), or preparing to lead, a new Christian community. An opportunity to spend quality time with the growing network of fellow pioneers following similar callings in other places across or affiliated to Sheffield Methodist District.
Our hosts will be Manor Church & Community Project, a Christian charity rooted in Sheffield's Manor Estate. Our morning will be led by Mark North, our Faith Rooted Community Organising Lead, and will focus on the interaction between community organising and pioneering.
Reserve your space and free lunch here – https://buytickets.at/sheffieldmethodistdistrict/2140476

Regional Safeguarding Officer's Update

Transforming Shame Network webinar – 24 April

The “Transforming Shame Network” is putting on an interesting free online webinar on Friday 24 April from 10.30am – 12noon. They will be discussing an article by Ian Mobsby (a lay pioneer/missioner, with particular interest in missional forms of new monastic communities and the renewal of parishes as mixed ecology contexts of the experimental alongside the traditional) called, “When Shame Becomes a Second Skin: The Quiet Unconscious Violence from Within” (available to read free here):
When Shame Becomes a Second Skin: The Quiet Unconscious Violence From Within
It discusses how shame can be transformed through the silence and stillness of contemplative practice. Ian describes how life circumstances and religious experiences can build a deep barrier of shame within our psyche. As a contemplative practitioner he proposes that in the slow, still process of silent prayer we can find spiritual union and healing from shame. Here is a quote:
“When Christianity is preached without tenderness, without an awareness of trauma, and without a deep theology of grace, it becomes fertile ground for shame to thrive. This is one reason many spiritual seekers today find institutional religion unbearable. It is not that they reject transcendence or moral seriousness, but that they have been wounded by shame-based religion. They have learned to associate God with coercion, rejection, or humiliation. Stepping away is often not rebellion but self-preservation. Yet the longing for meaning, belonging, and love does not disappear. It simply searches for safer ground.”
If you want to attend the event and discuss the article, sign up is via EventBrite here: From Hiding in Shame to Trusting Through Silence
From Kate Little, Safeguarding Survivor Lead Officer

Advanced Safeguarding Training

A reminder about the face-to-face training sessions taking place this Connexional year.

• Saturday 16 May – Chapeltown Methodist Church (Sheffield Circuit)
• Monday 15 June – Broom Methodist Church (Rotherham & Dearne Valley Circuit)
• Saturday 4 July – Bakewell Methodist Church (The Peak Circuit)

Please note that registrations close 20 days before the event date to allow enough time to receive and complete the preparation material before attending the core session.
There needs to be a minimum of 15 people registered for the session to take place, so please do encourage those in your churches who need to do this training to book early.
https://25CSSAdvanced.eventbrite.co.uk

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

News from the Methodist Church

Eclipse 2026: A Methodist Day of Outreach

Save the date!

On Wednesday 12th August, between 18:00 and 20:00, the UK will experience its most total solar eclipse since 1999 and until 2090. During this amazing spectacle, churches across the Connexion are invited to host community viewing events, during which they can meet new people, have a shared experience of awe and wonder, and engage in gentle, authentic faith-sharing. Resources to support churches in planning and hosting viewing events will become available in the coming months.
For now, find out more and express your interest in getting involved at Eclipse 2026: A Methodist Day of Outreach

Other News

A Message from the Diocese of Hallam

We were sorry to hear that Bishop Ralph Heskett CSsR has stepped down from the office of Bishop of Hallam. You can read his letter of resignation here: https://hallam-diocese.com/a-message-from-bishop-ralph-heskett-cssr
We give thanks for the service he has given over the past twelve years and hold both him and our catholic colleagues in our prayers during this time of transition.
Our prayers are also with Bishop Marcus Stock, who has been appointed by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Hallam. He will beginning a consultation with the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Diocese of Hallam about a possible reunification with the Diocese of Leeds, from part of which Hallam was created in May 1980.

Orgreave Inquiry Formally Launches

The Inquiry, announced by the UK Government in July 2025, will investigate events before, during and after Monday 18 June 1984, a pivotal moment in the 1984–85 miners’ strike. It has full statutory powers to compel witnesses and require the disclosure of evidence and is expected to report by spring 2028.
The Rt Revd Dr Pete Wilcox, Bishop of Sheffield, will chair the Inquiry, supported by a four person panel. The Inquiry will operate entirely independent of government and any other public body.
Read more here

Upcoming Events

Walking the Peak Wesley Way to raise funds for Africa's Gift

Thursday 14 May 10:00 am

This is a pilgrimage led by Faye Ramsey Smith ( Hope Walking) and Ken Dunn ( Africa's Gift) to raise funds for Eco Cookbags.
Details on Facebook https://hopewalking.co.uk/peak-wesley-way-charity-challenge

The woman at the well

Regional Retreat for ministers and lay employees

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 1 May

Lay Employees Retreat

3-6 June 2026

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

There is an agreement that the 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.

And finally ...

A prayer that we might embody God's grace

Jesus, our way and our life,
your love has broken every barrier down,
and by your death and glorious resurrection,
you unite all who put their faith in you.

In this world of conflict and disunity
help us to embody your grace:
to be good neighbours,
to be friends to all,
to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world.

Open our hearts to claim and cherish
our shared calling to be your disciples,
sharing our life and faith across traditions
with grace and joy.

Unite our prayer with yours,
that in you your children may be one,
that the world may believe.
In your Holy Spirit we pray.
Amen.
Steven Cooper, Ecumenical Officer, Connexional Team