District News – 7 January 2025

This Week's News

District Office closed

The weather has caused a power cut to the District Office – so it will be closed until further notice. I will be working from home until it is fixed. It also means that the landline isn't working – so if you do need to speak to me, please use the office mobile – 07552 131455.

Journey to Bethlehem

Told through more than one hundred nativity scenes, Bakewell Methodist Church in the Peak Circuit shared the Advent story with around 400 people in just four days. From the prophet Micah's message of Bethlehem as Jesus birthplace, through to the flight of the Holy family into Egypt. Revd. Fran Johnson explains more...
https://www.sheffieldmethodist.org/news/news-stories/journey-to-bethlehem-bakewell-methodist-church-christmas-festival-of-nativities.html

Dreams and Realities – homecoming

Sheffield Cathedral – Tuesday 4 February
Evensong at 5:30pm; Reception at 6:15pm
Welcome home this powerful and moving portrait exhibition by Sheffield artist Stephen Martin as it finishes its UK tour.
Find out more and book your place at dreamsandrealities.eventbrite.co.uk

Calling all Church Stewards!

As a part of the ongoing development of training and guidance for Church Stewards, we are creating a few film shorts of Church Stewards to encourage others to take on the role. Filming is on 6 February from 3pm until 8pm at Littleover Methodist Church, Littleover, Derby DE23 6EP. We would expect that your travel and food would be paid for by our team; there will be more details on sign-up.
If you fancy having your voice heard, presenting your best side, and getting ready for your close-up, have a think about these two questions; this is what we would like to cover.

1. Having better meetings
2. The role and responsibilities of a Church Steward

We are asking for your honesty and for your favourite stories. If you're interested, please contact Siggy Parratt-Halbert parratt-halberts@methodistchurch.org.uk and James Key keyj@methodistchurch.org.uk.
The Oscars are calling....

Reflect

Methodist Spirituality and Retreats

... for contemplation, silence, spiritual growth, renewal and a greater involvement in Christ's world.
Reflect has been part of the Methodist Church for nearly 50 years. It is part of the national Retreat Association.
The Reflect website includes resources for spirituality, prayer, and meditation.
Reflect organises events each year including:

• 3 retreats each year around the country
• Online Quiet Mornings 3 times a year
• Reflect facilitates other spirituality and discernment events around the country and online.

Reflect is a membership organisation, run by an Executive Committee, currently chaired by Rev Judith Jessop. Please let her know how Reflect might help you by emailing chair@ reflectretreats.co.uk
www.reflectretreats.co.uk
Facebook: @reflect.methodistspirituality

Spiritual Growth and Transformation

Are you looking for more in your faith? Or feeling called to walk alongside others in their journeys of faith?
Over ten days from May to November, Sheffield Diocese's Spiritual Growth and Transformation course offers a process of prayer, listening and reflection through which participants are supported in drawing closer to God. The course is ecumenical, enriching the experience for all who take part. It has been a turning point for many, in their own lives and in their support of others. It also forms the first part of a programme for the formation of Spiritual Accompaniers.
You can find more information and the downloadable course leaflet at https://www.sheffield.anglican.org/learning/courses/spiritual-growth-transformation/
The deadline for applications is 31st January 2025.

Sheffield Intergenerational Forum

Tuesday 11th February, 11am – 12noon

Kathryn Rawling (Dementia & Wellbeing Manager at Sheffcare) and Abbey Hayes (Head of Nursery Services at Sheffield College) are both going to speak about their exciting new project in Sheffield, linking nurseries with dementia care homes.
We're looking forward to hearing about their considerable experience and expertise in early years provision, and dementia care.
Please do forward this email on to anyone who might be interested to come along. We'll send out the Zoom link nearer the time, so if you haven't received this email direct from Helen (OaksAndAcornsSheffield@gmail.com), please drop me an email to receive the Zoom invite.

Events

Positively Rural- A Place to Call Home?

Thurs 16 Jan, 1pm

Positively Rural are running a series of webinars on aspects of rural homelessness.
The first was held on 3rd July and looked at the provision of affordable housing, or local needs housing for those who live in our rural communities.
In this session, we will be joined by Carin Tunake from the University of Kent and the lead author of the Rural Homelessness report 2023 ; Helen Pearce, the Cornwall Social Justice Co-ordinator and Jo Couch, church administrator at Saltash on their experiences with homeless in the south west; and Keith Smith from the Ferry Project at Wisbech which provides more than just housing for the homeless.
Book your free ticket here: Positively Rural: A place to call home – 2 Tickets, Thu 16 Jan 2025 at 13:00 | Eventbrite
Positively Rural is an online community hosted by the Learning Network and is open to anyone of any denomination involved in rural ministry, including volunteers, lay workers and clergy.

You got the blues?

Saturday 18 January 7:00 pm – St Paul's Donfield

Have you got the January blues?
Then lay your burdens down with the Metal Methodists in a spiritual space with metal and alternative vibes.
This event will take place at 7pm at St Paul's Methodist Church, Dronfield, S18 2LP and will also be streamed via the Metal Methodist Facebook page and YouTube channel.
All are welcome to come along!
If you have any queries, please email Kate at katemetalmethodist@outlook.com

Admin networking

Tuesday 4 Feb from 9am

Join the UCAN group for a a time of prayer, resource-sharing, and encouragement in your ministry. Whether you're a UCAN member or not, you're welcome to connect with fellow church administrators in your area. Light refreshments will be provided.
Venue: The Vine, St Bart's Church, Primrose Hill S6 2UW (next to Langsett Road tram stop)
This session will have a focus on PowerPoint, in particularly looking at how using slide masters and layouts can help with presentations.
Book your place here:

Church of Sanctuary award service

Sunday 9 Feb at 6pm – Victoria Hall, Sheffield

All are invited to a service to celebrate the awarding of Church of Sanctuary status for Victoria Hall Methodist Church on Sunday 9th February 2025 at 6pm, followed by food provided by the City of Sanctuary. The President of the Methodist Conference will take part in the service, along with Rev Inderjit Bhogal.
It would help with the planning/catering if you can RSVP to Jonathan Haigh, revjhaigh@gmail.com, stating your name and office and how many people will be attending with you.

Mental Health and Christianity Conference

Explore and Reflect on how we can support others and ourselves

On Saturday 22nd March 2025 from 9.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. at Wesley Hall Methodist Church, Crookes, Sheffield, S10 1UD
The Conference is aimed at all those, ordained or lay, who are working or volunteering with people in churches and Christian organisations. However, it is open to anyone who is interested. The Conference aims to deliver a high standard of information based upon both science and experience while respecting and incorporating the Christian faith. We will do this through our choice of speakers and workshop leaders who will offer both practical and academic information. We hope participants will find information and inspiration during the Conference that will help them support others and themselves.
Lunch and refreshments will be provided throughout the day.
There will be a safe space and a Mental Health First Aider/Chaplain available during the day.
https://MHandCConference.eventbrite.co.uk

Regional Retreat

The next regional retreat for presbyters, deacons and lay employees will be led by John Bell from the Iona Community from 4-6 June at Wydale Hall.
In 'Peddling the Past, Marking Time, or Moving Forward?' John will explore what the freedom is to which God calls us, what must be laid down and what picked up. And all this in the light of the scriptures which deliver new gifts to different eras.
Full details including booking can be found here: https://240604JohnBell.eventbrite.co.uk
Do book early – places are going fast!

Vacancies

The New Place Pioneer

Keighley, Yorkshire West District

We are seeking a pioneer to continue the development of The New Place (A New Place for New People) – someone who can build on the connections made already, enabling people to gather together to build community and explore faith.
This is an opportunity to be involved in the continued development of The New Place as it develops into a New Place for New People. New Places for New People are projects focused on forming new Christian communities for those not yet part of an existing church. You can find more information at www.methodist.org.uk/npnp
As The New Place Pioneer you'll be based at The New Place in Keighley, building on the connections made with the local community, to enable gatherings for friendship, community, faith exploration and discipleship.
You'll have experience of:- connecting with people and communities

• experimenting and pioneering
• leading gatherings and conversations
• helping people to explore Christian faith

If you have a love for people, community, faith and pioneering, this role could be for you.
You'll also become part of the Methodist Pioneer Pathway Community which offers community of practice gatherings, pioneer ministry training and coaching.

For more information please contact Revd Nel Shallow: nel.shallow@airedalemethodists.org or for an application pack, please contact the Circuit Administrator: office@airedalemethodists.org
Closing date: 23rd January 2025 at 12 noon
Interview date: 4th February 2025
Start date: ASAP
To learn more about our Circuit and the work that we do, please visit:
www.airedalemethodists.

Centre Development Manager

High Street Centre – Rawmarsh,

We're looking for a people-focussed and inspirational Centre Development Manager to lead us into the next exciting chapter of our story; working with our beneficiaries, staff, volunteers and Trustees to continue the positive impact of our work. Building on our success and working towards achieving our vision for the Centre, we are looking for a strong leader to ensure we remain sustainable and a continuing part of the community of which we are proud.
The role will require attendance at meetings outside of normal working hours, therefore, the successful candidate must be willing to work flexible hours when required to meet work demands.
Permanent subject to funding
Full time (37.5 hours per week)
We will consider a job-share
Salary Range £35,000 – £37500 (dependent on experience)

This appointment is being coordinated by Voluntary Action Rotherham. More details can be found here https://www.varotherham.org.uk/job/centre-development-manager
Closing date 12th January 2025 interviews 24th January
Email: hr@varotherham.org.uk | Web: http://www.varotherham.org.uk

And finally ...

A prayer for our senses

Loving Lord, who made me for your delight,
bless me with good use of the senses you created:

that I may use my sight to see the injustice in your world,
and respond with my heart;

that I may use my hearing to listen to the voice of suffering,
and respond with my heart;

that I may voice what is your will at all times, in all places
and respond with my heart.

Loving Lord, who made me for your delight,
bless me in your service.
Amen.
Pat Heynes, local preacher, North East Somerset and Bath Circuit