District News – 14 October 2025

This Week's News

Listening skills training with Dame Evelyn Glennie

Tuesday 11 Nov 2025

Good listening is key to growing, inclusive, evangelistic, justice seeking churches. Often listening at multiple levels: to each other, to the wider community, to what voices are not heard, and to God.
Dame Evelyn Glennie's remarkable career as the world’s first full-time solo percussionist has given her a unique perspective on how to listen effectively. This challenges us to enquire into our own culture of listening. What would it mean not only to listen better to others, but to develop the faith to truly listen to ourselves? To listen unselfishly, avoiding external distractions, developing new capacities that enhance our most important relationships.
FREE for members and staff of churches in Sheffield Methodist District. More details and booking at https://buytickets.at/sheffieldmethodistdistrict/1870468

Understanding Islam

Saturday 22 November – St Peter's Ellesmere

Understanding Islam: the First Steps; a study day led by Dr Chris Hewer, helping us begin to explore what Muslims believe, a journey into understanding Islam from its own perspective.
Chris Hewer is a Christian who comes from a background in Christian theology, education, Islamic studies and inter-faith studies. He has worked in the field of Muslims in Britain and Christian-Muslim relations since 1986, including 6 years as Adviser on Inter-Faith Relations to the Bishop of Birmingham.
9.30 am – arrivals & refreshments.
The session will run from 10:00am to 3.30pm
To book, or with any queries, contact Rev Liz Wills, johnandlizwills@gmail.com or 01142610732

Action for Children

We want to hear from you to help shape our future. Your opinion truly matters to us, so we would love it if you could spare 10 minutes of your time to fill out our survey.
The aim is to understand our Methodist supporters better so that we can:

• Improve how we steward and communicate with you.
• Provide fundraising and campaigning tools that you find engaging and workable.

Want to help? Take the survey here

‘Anna Chaplaincy: ageing well and how the church can help’

Thursday 13 November 2025, 9.30am – 3.30pm, Clifton, York

Do you care about the spiritual well-being of older people?
Anna Chaplaincy is an ecumenical, community-based chaplaincy, offering spiritual care among older people. Through its compassionate and practical approach, it has had an impact on thousands of lives and seeks to offer a gold standard in resourcing and enabling this sensitive ministry of presence.
‘Anna Chaplaincy: ageing well and how the church can help’ is a FREE day event led by the national team, local Anna Chaplains and with the support of the Diocese of York

• Thursday 13 November 2025, 9.30am-3.30pm
• Drinks provided – please bring your own packed lunch
• Clifton Parish Church, Shipton Road, Clifton, York YO30 6BH (accessible by public transport, Park & Ride, and with local parking available)
• Aims: To introduce Anna Chaplaincy and to inspire local churches for more effective ministry among older people

Book a place here

New Archbishop of Canterbury

Methodist leaders welcome Bishop Sarah Mullally

“We warmly welcome the news of Bishop Sarah Mullally’s appointment as Archbishop of Canterbury. We pray God’s blessing upon her for this profoundly important ministry. May God guide Archbishop Sarah in her leadership within our public life, within the Church of England and among the worldwide Anglican Communion. The Methodist Church and the Church of England are covenanted partners: in local communities across the country Methodists and Anglicans are growing together in responding to the gospel of God’s love in Christ, enriching one another’s discipleship, and sharing in worship and mission.
"As church leaders, we look forward to walking alongside Archbishop Mullally in that same spirit of partnership in the coming years. Our present age demands a confident and united witness by the Church, to the love and grace of God that can mend divisions and overcome the fears of our world. We are encouraged by Bishop Sarah’s clear commitment to making the Church a safe space for all, where all are welcome and can thrive. We will keep Bishop Sarah and her family in our prayers as she takes up this significant and demanding global role.”
The Revd Richard Andrew, President of the Methodist Conference
Mr Matt Forsyth, Vice-President of the Methodist Conference
The Revd Dr Jonathan Hustler, Secretary of the Methodist Conference

Foundations units from Cliff College – starting in January 2026

As we approach the end of one year and the start of another, how are you preparing for all that God wants to do in and through you in 2026? Cliff College’s online Foundations units offer flexible and practical learning to inspire and equip you for ministry and mission. This January, choose from:

• Exploring Children, Youth and Family Ministry
• Growing in Leadership
• Reading the Old Testament

Units last ten weeks each, with another five weeks to prepare and submit assignments. Find out more and apply now on the Cliff College website.

District Office Updates

Safeguarding Update: Responding to anti-migrant protests

In response to queries about the recent anti-migrant protests, the Church has produced some guidance on the best way to respond:
"In a church that sees diversity as gift rather than challenge, a generous response to those of other faith and a desire to engage in dialogue are signs not of weakness but of strength. The antipathy to other religions that is apparent in some parts of Britain today is perhaps an instinctive, perhaps even an understandable, reaction to difference, particularly in the wake of global conflicts which have in part been informed by religious extremism, but it is based on a narrow view of God’s purposes. The Christian faith that the Methodist Church has taught me is based on a much broader interpretation of those purposes, one which is open to receiving and learning from those other faiths whilst at the same time holding fast to the unique significance of God’s saving acts in Christ. That is what we are promoting through our evangelism and growth strategy."
The Revd Jonathan Hustler, Secretary of the Methodist Conference
Read the guidance: Responding to anti-migrant protests

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

Events

MWiB – Sheffield District

Annual Service of Dedication Thursday 16th October 2025

11.00am at Clifton Methodist Church, Lister Street, Rotherham, S65 2AX. The preacher will be Rev Louise Makin (Rotherham & Dearne Valley Circuit).
Please bring your own lunch – tea/coffee will be provided
Following this Ken Dunn MBE will give a presentation on Africa’s Gift – the MWiB Sheffield District’s Partnership Charity
The latest MWiB Newsletter is out now and can be found on their website: https://mwib.org.uk/

Eco Church – Lament and Hope

Saturday 18 October, Rotherham Minister

As part of our refreshed district strategy for resourcing mission, we hope to grow the number of Silver Award Eco Churches in our district from the current six to at least 18 by 2030. More details about support available will be confirmed in the coming months.
In the meantime, Sheffield Diocese are hosting an Eco Church event – open to all – with creative arts and music in Rotherham Minister on Saturday 18 October. This will include performance of a hymn written by local Methodist Jenny Carpenter and the Stations of Lament art exhibition created by the late Rev Louise Carr, who served in our Barnsley and Sheffield circuits
More details at https://www.sheffield.anglican.org/event/lament-and-hope/

Metal Methodist Meetup

Saturday 18 October 3:00 pm

Fresh from their sessions at 3Generate – the Metal Methodists are meeting up on Saturday 18th October 2025 at St Paul's Methodist Church in Dronfield from 3pm. Come along to chat, hang out and worship with Metal music and an alternative vibe.

Wrestling with Faith

Saturday 18 October 9:30am

An Ecumenical Workshop on Worship let by the Wild Good Resource Group of the Iona Community, Scotland. This is taking place at Central Methodist Church, Chesterfield, starting with refreshments from 9:30 and ending at 1pm.
If possible, please let Judith Timperley (07785 538 531) know if you would like to attend, although you can just turn up on the day.
There is a suggested donation of £10 per person to help with costs of putting this event on.

Dreaming Beyond – Living Well with Uncertainty

22 October – 1:30pm

In a time when many small and rural churches face difficult decisions about their future, this online event offers space to reflect, connect, and discern. Whether your church has chosen to keep its building open, close it, or is still navigating that journey, there is no single “right” answer — only the path that fits your unique context.
Join us as we explore together what it means to live well with uncertainty. This is not just about decision-making, but about discernment — reconnecting with your “why,” listening deeply, and finding clarity in complexity.
Expect honesty, gentle reflection, and a chance to share with others who understand the challenges and possibilities of ministry in uncertain times.
You can book your place here

SCCC – Gala Dinner

Thu 23 Oct 2025 7:00 PM

We are excited to invite you to our first ever charity Gala Dinner. We couldn't let our 60th Birthday go by without celebrating, could we?
So join us at the OEC Sheffield, look back at our 60-year history and be the first to see our bright new beginning with a big reveal.
Tables of 10 available £650. Individual places £65 pp.
If you are interested in being the first to see our big reveal book online today. Or if you require more information contact kimberley.france@scccc.co.uk
We also have sponsorship packages available if you would like to be part of this special event
Book your place here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/scccc/1618847

Reflect Open Day-Conference 2025

Saturday 1 November 10:30 am

Reflect (Methodist Spirituality and Retreats) invites you to an event with the President of Conference, Rev Richard Andrew, as keynote speaker. There will be workshops and a bookstall.
Reserve your place: email: gilldascombe@hotmail.com
You can just turn up on the day! Full details can be found here: Reflect Open Day

For Goodness Sake

“For Goodness Sake” is a gathering of people who long for justice, taking place in Derby on Saturday 8 November 2025. It is being organised by the Joint Public Issues Team on behalf of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, Methodist Church and United Reformed Church, and in association with the Church of Scotland and Iona Community.
The Conference will be a mixture of worship led by the Iona Community, keynote speakers (including Bishop Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani) and panel events, with stalls, craftivism, filming and writing activities, and much, much more. It an ideal opportunity to meet with other Christian justice-seekers and to connect in a friendly space.
There will be Listening Spaces built on community organising practices to enable us to hear each-other’s voices, and the voices of those most effected by issues of injustice.
Tickets are just £15, and if you’re under 25 years old, it’s free.
To book visit https://jpit-conference-2025.eventbrite.co.uk/
and to find more out about the day For Goodness Sake! What's the plan?

Hospitality and Sanctuary for All

Come and join us at Holy Rood House in Thirsk from Friday 28 – Sunday 30 November for our Advent Retreat 'Hospitality and Sanctuary for All' led by the Revd Inderjit Bhogal OBE.
Inderjit was the Founder of City of Sanctuary (UK) and was awarded the World Methodist Peace Award in 2018 as someone who has made significant contributions to peace, reconciliation and justice. His message is so simple: “Be human, be hospitable, challenge
hatred and hostility”. The weekend will include talks, discussion, creativity, prayer and space to rest and reflect.
For further information please see https://www.holyroodhouse.org.uk/Groups/426712/Events.aspx
or email enquiries@holyroodhouse.org.uk

Vacancies

Missional Property Enabler

Sheffield Methodist District seek to appoint a Missional Property Enabler to encourage, support and equip local churches a dn circuits to make their properties fit for mission.
With previous experience of managing buildings and an understanding of building regulations, applicants should have the skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously and the knowledge and understanding to articulate how buildings can support or hinder contextual Christian mission.
Main duties will concentrate on Property and Mission, Net Zero, and Residential Property Income, whist acting as the District Manse Secretary.
Full details here

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Lighthouse Homes

Established for 20 years, Lighthouse Homes is a Christian Charity and Company limited by guarantee, which exists to relieve poverty, and advance the education of people, particularly those who are homeless.
Our values:

• Stability by ensuring an environment of safety
• Dignity by demonstrating genuine respect
• Friendship by creating a compassionate community
• Purpose by sharing a life-giving faith
• A plan by encouraging new opportunities

Lighthouse Homes offer Christian inspired residential communities, providing opportunities for change in both lifestyle and values. We are an ecumenical charity; whose roots are in Churches Together. However, all are welcome at Lighthouse Homes, those of all faiths and none.
The CEO will lead a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, you will continue to develop a culture of excellence and continuous improvement, ensuring high quality standards in all operations. The role is not just a job, it’s a vocation to create lasting positive change in the lives of those experiencing homelessness in Rotherham, Shirebrook and Chesterfield.
Full details can be found here: CEO Lighthouse

And finally...

A Prayer for the movement of Life

Tender God,
you move through all things
through wind and water, silence and song,
through change and circumstance and every breath we take.
When the ground shifts beneath us, help us to loosen our grip,
to trust the flow of your grace in the unfolding.
Remind us that we are part of the rhythm of life,
not separate, not in control,
but carried and called to live fully.
Amen
Revd Vicky Atkins – District Chair