District News – 7 June 2022

This Week's News

District Celebration Service

Sunday 12 June @ 3pm

Join us at Central Church, Chesterfield, where Revd. Mark Carrick will share his testimony as part of his ordination process. The service will also be live streamed and you can watch it via this link. https://youtu.be/J1H2A-98N5M

Sad News

It was with great sadness that we learnt of the sudden death of the Revd Elizabeth Clark. Elizabeth served as the National Rural Officer for both the URC and the Methodist Church until her retirement last year. She cared deeply for rural churches and was a valued member of the Positively Rural planning team.
We hold her husband, Norman, and her family in our prayers.

Metal Methodist

Revd James Morley from the Sheffield Circuit is growing disciples and transforming mission through his Metal Ministry.
He's recorded a three part video series with his Dad, Revd Barrie Morley called Dad, Lad & Distorted Guitars. The videos have been created by Methodist Minister Homes Society. You can watch them here.
https://www.sheffieldmethodist.org/news/news-stories/metal-methodist.html

Congratulations

Congratulations to Matt Beckingham (Doncaster Circuit) on his appointment as Precentor to the Methodist Conference, alongside the Revd Nathan Falla (Superintendent of Newark & Southwell Circuit). Those who attended the District Synod when it was held at The Priory, Doncaster, may remember the inspring way Matt lead our worship then – and we wish him well in this new role.

Songs of Praise – Chesterfield Style

Methodist, Anglicans, Roman Catholics, United Reformers & Evangelicals joined in worship, testimony and story sharing at Central Methodist Church in a Song of Praise event Chesterfield style.
Revd. Paul King, Chair of Christians Together for Chesterfield led the evening where everyone gathered sang hymns and heard stories and testimonies.
The event highlighted the hospitality being offered to Ukrainian families and the heightened awareness of the hardship triggered by the sharply rising prices.
Stories where also shared about worship from the 'Spire' church and how it contrasts with a congregation who meet in a working men's club.
There will hopefully be another Songs of Praise event in the Autumn, watch out for further details.

District Officer's News

Safeguarding Update

This week I will be sending out the Annual Safeguarding Audits. The audit comes in 2 parts: the first part is for the Church Safeguarding Officer (or whoever holds the Safer Recruitment records); the second for Church Council members to complete.
Districts are required to ask each church and circuit to complete an audit annually. I have tried to create a form that doesn't just meet the Connexional requirement but is helpful in identifying where churches are struggling so targeted support can be put in place.
This audit needs to be an honest review of Safeguarding in the last 12 months. We all need to know where problems are so they can be rectified in the coming Connexional year. Please return the audit even if you can't answer the questions. Support will be put in place where needed, without judgement or condemnation. If you are completely honest with your answers then the audit should take no longer than 1 hour to complete.
In September I will share the audit results with the District Safeguarding Group. Together we will create a strategy of help and support for churches and circuit that are struggling. Please remember we are here to help not hinder churches and circuits with their safeguarding responsibilities.

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

Many thanks
Alison Hill
District Safeguarding Officer.

The Queen's Platinum Jubilee Celebrations

How did you celebrate this weekend?

Some of our churches organised community events to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee including Greenhill Methodist Church in the Sheffield Circuit, Spotbrough Methodist Church and Cantley Methodist Church in the Doncaster Circuit. We shared the photos on our District Facebook page.

We'd love to be able to share more photos and stories from this historic event. Tag us in your posts on Facebook @sheffieldmethodist or email comms@sheffieldmethdist.org

Thanks!
Samantha Roberts
Communications Officer

Office News

The office in Victoria Hall will be closed next week from Monday to Wednesday (Lay employees Retreat), and again from 27-30 June (Methodist Conference). Emails may be answered during this time, but not immediately due to other engagements.

Events

Oaks of Righteousness

Tuesday 5th July

Join with Inderjit Bhogal and others to reflect on Oaks of righteousness (Isaiah 61:3), Oaks of Mamre (Genesis 18:1-8), and their meaning and relevance today, giving thought also to the value of trees. We will meet in the Woodhouse area at 11.30am for reflection. Following lunch at 12.30pm we will take a short walk beside beautiful trees and a stream (maximum two miles along a flat path) and conclude by 3pm. Please bring own lunch and drink.
Booking is essential. The event will not go ahead if the weather is bad on the day. You will be informed by 09.30am on the day if the event is cancelled.

Bookings and location details via Rev Judith Jessop: judithjessop@tiscali.co.uk (preferred method) or 0114 231 3518

Other News

Derbyshire Rural Chaplaincy

The summer newsletter is now available, including a number of articles about farming from different parts of Africa; a reminder that farming remains essential to the well being and flourishing of local communities, and agricultural development that is in tune with the local ecology is one of the most powerful tools to end extreme poverty.
You can download a version here: DRC Summer

And finally ...

Deputy Chair Sean Adair shares a prayer with us as we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit, the birth of the Church and the Queens Platinum Jubilee.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JCTTEUOQwc