District News – 8 September 2026

Stories from Across the District

Woodlands Chapel – Love Feast

At Alport Castle Farm on Sunday, 5th July, around 50 people gathered for the annual Love Feast, keeping alive a cherished Methodist tradition of fellowship, worship, and hospitality.
The event offered time for shared hymns, prayer, and reflection, followed by refreshments and warm conversation. People from across the Peak Methodist Circuit and beyond joined together, sharing testimony and encouragement, and giving thanks for God’s faithfulness.
Surrounded by such a great company of witnesses, we once again held this most moving, poignant and engaging ceremony. The simple, joyful spirit of the Love Feast once again reminded all who attended of the strength found in Christian community.

Peace exhibition at Hathersage Methodist Church

Throughout September, Hathersage Methodist is hosting an exhibition from the Methodist Peace Fellowship, which explores the strands of peace in the Methodist story. We welcome visitors to the church (open daily 9am to 5pm) to learn how Methodists from the past three centuries have responded to Jesus's Gospel of Peace.
Throughout September there is also a display of books about peace and peace-making to browse or buy in the church's second-hand bookshop, plus a Peace jigsaw on the go, some peace-themed artwork created by the children's Sunday Club, and an opportunity to pause for a moment of prayer. The church is marking the International Day of Peace which takes place each year on 21 September.
On 20 September at 10.30am the church will hold a special service for 'Peace Sunday', led by congregation member Jo Rand (who also helped write the text for the MPF exhibition).

The Methodist Peace Fellowship is a network of Methodists committed to the way of love and the rejection of violence. This is based on a belief that the church should be God's peace movement on earth. The touring exhibition is available for churches to book via www.mpf.org.uk

Eco Church Awards

Cantley Methodist Church, Doncaster gained the Silver Eco Church Award on 23rd August. This is the result of hard work and commitment from the congregation in caring for God's creation. Fairtrade coffee, LED lighting, a bug hotel and prayers for our planet are just some of the ways Cantley supports the work of Eco Church.
Thank you to everyone who has helped in any way.
Mike Scott
Cantley Methodist Church Eco Church Ambassador

BBC Look North – RAF Memorial

Revd. Julie Coates from Trinity Circuit had the privilege of leading a memorial service in the village of Wales near Rotherham over the weekend to celebrate the life of a RAF fighter pilot who died 45 years ago.
BBC Look North tells the story: https://www.sheffieldmethodist.org/news/news-stories/bbc-look-north-raf-memorial-service.html

BBC Radio Sheffield – A Week in Faith

Kinder Kalsi from Church of Christ in Darnell in Sheffield chatted with Kat Cowen all about Greenbelt Festival and community allotments. You can listen again here, fast forward to 1 hour 14 minutes.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0030w8b

District News and Updates

District Magazine

The next edition of our district magazine is being delivered to churches this week and you can also pick up a copy at our district gathering on Saturday. If you'd prefer to read it online, you can find it here. It's full of stories from around the district plus lots of photos from the Eclipse. Enjoy the read, then pass it onto someone else.
https://www.sheffieldmethodist.org/about-us/synod/district-magazine-autumn-2026.html

District Gathering

Saturday 12 September 9:30-3:30

Bookings have now closed to register your intention to come to the gathering, but we can always find space for those who missed the deadline. Please bring your own lunch as we will have ordered for those we are expecting.

Full details about the day can be found on the website here: District Gathering 

The day will also be live-streamed via Zoom for those unable to join in person.

Regional Officer for Safeguarding Update: 

A New Connexional Year: Building a Culture of Safeguarding Together

As we begin a new Methodist Connexional year, many of us look forward with a sense of anticipation and hope. September brings new opportunities, fresh beginnings and a chance to reflect on how we can continue to grow as disciples of Christ. It is also an ideal time to renew our commitment to creating churches that are safe, welcoming and places where everyone can flourish.

Safeguarding is often associated with policies, training and procedures, but at its heart it is about people. It is about creating church communities where children, young people and adults are valued, listened to and treated with dignity and respect. It is about fostering a culture where concerns can be shared, support can be offered and everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Throughout the coming year, this newsletter will explore safeguarding in a range of contexts, helping us to understand how safeguarding connects with everyday church life. Topics will include children, young people and families, digital and online safety, safeguarding adults at risk, neurodiversity, pioneering ministries, community outreach, justice and inclusion, and many other areas of church life and mission.

These articles are intended not simply to raise awareness, but to encourage conversation, reflection and confidence. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, and together we can help build communities that reflect Christ's love through care, compassion and accountability.

We are fortunate across the District to have dedicated Circuit Safeguarding Officers who work tirelessly to support churches, volunteers and church officers. They are a valuable source of advice and encouragement, and I would like to encourage you to reach out to them whenever you have a question, concern or simply want to talk through an issue. Likewise, please do not hesitate to contact me. No question is too small, and seeking advice early can often make all the difference.

As we embark on this new year together, let us see safeguarding not as an obligation but as an opportunity: an opportunity to create safer churches, stronger communities and a culture where every person is valued and able to flourish.

May God bless us in the year ahead as we continue to work together to make our churches places of welcome, safety and hope for all.

If you ever 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

Other News

Fairtrade Fortnight 2026

21 Sept – 4 October

Materials to help your church celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight are now available.

The Fairtrade Church Action Guide is here (and on the Fairtrade Foundation’s resource hub).
The new Fairtrade Chocolate Interactive Prayer is here: it enables people to pray for both local (dairy, especially) and global farmers.

Our parallel Fairtrade tea prayer and our other prayer and sermon resources are here. By late this afternoon, that will include the first of our sermon notes for the lectionary readings. It already has assorted prayers, an outline for a service, and links to sermons.

Thank you for promoting Fairtrade!

Resources for Church Action on Poverty Sunday

on 18th October are now available.

The theme this year is Food, Faith and Fellowship, and more than 120 churches have registered so far. Available resources include art resources; suggested hymns, prayers and sermon notes; posters; and tabletop conversation cards and placemats for churches hosting lunches.
Resources can be accessed at www.church-poverty.org.uk/sunday/resources
Gavin Aitchison from Church Action on Poverty says: "It's been fantastic seeing so many churches signing up this year, including many taking part for the first time. It is shaping up to be an enjoyable and really thought-provoking day of worship, reflection and fellowship."

Don’t be Afraid! Christmas Resources are Coming Soon

This year's Advent and Christmas resources from the Methodist Church help us share with our churches and communities the angel's words: “Don’t be afraid”.
Together we recognise the presence of God amid frightening times. Yes, the world is a scary place. Yes, life is hard. We are not alone
Get a sneak peak here: https://www.methodist.org.uk/for-churches/christmasresources/

AllWeCan – Extraordinary Gifts

Whether it’s providing training in beekeeping, investing in solar power, or providing education for girls in Sierra Leone – when you give one of our Extraordinary Gifts to your loved one, you will be supporting our partners' transformational work all around the world.
Every Extraordinary Gift and donation has the power to transform the lives of people living in poverty, not just today but for generations to come.
Shop here: https://www.allwecan.org.uk/extraordinary-gifts

Upcoming Events

St Andrew's Psalter Lane Church

Family Movie Afternoon: Hoppers (2026) (PG)

Sunday 13 September 1.30 – 3.30 pm

We will be screening “Hoppers”, a PIXAR animated science fiction comedy with an eco-theme. This will be a very family orientated, relaxed screening.
There is a space at the back for those who need a break from the movie, plus we have a quiet room.
There will be some craft and other gentle activities available during the movie.

Donations welcome – cash or card. No booking required.

For more information, please contact Sophie: sophie@standrewspsalterlane.org.uk

or Linnea: bookaroom@standrewspsalterlane.org.uk

People’s Emergency Briefing Film Screening and Discussion

Sunday 13th September:  Refreshments available from 4.00 pm; film starts at 4.30 pm.

No booking required.
A new film featuring Chris Packham, leading climate and nature scientists, a former general and Jennifer Saunders – all being pretty frank about where things are heading and what can be done about it.
In November 2025, the National Emergency Briefing brought together leading experts to present the latest evidence on the climate and nature crisis to politicians and other influential people in Westminster. This film brings this evidence together in a single, accessible format and will be followed by a facilitated discussion.
For more information contact Clare: Clareloughridge49@gmail.com

Heritage Open Days at St Andrew’s Psalter Lane Church

• Monday 14th September, 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
• Tuesday 15th September, 1.00 – 5.00 pm
• Wednesday 16th September, 12.00 – 4.00 pm
• Thursday 17th September, 10.00 am – 12.00 noon
• Friday 18th September, 10.00 am – 4.00 pm

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.

See our beautiful New Creation Window, designed by Rona Moody as part of major modernization and refurbishment work, our rare Bernard Rice window (the Lady and the Lamp) and the recently re-mounted School of William Morris window.
Volunteers will be on hand to tell you about the church; refreshments and children’s activities will be available.
Our garden is also open to all – and if you look up, you will be able to see our spire, which has recently been repaired.
Why not pop in to Shirley House to see the magnificent stained glass window depicting War, Peace, Agriculture and Commerce? You will also be able to see the war memorial tablets from the old St Andrew’s Sharrow Church – a folder of information about each man named can be seen in the church library.
No booking required.
For more information contact Clare: clare@standrewspsalterlane.org.uk

Repair Café at St Andrew’s Psalter Lane Church

Saturday 19th September, 10.00 am – 2.00 pm

Bring your wonky things and get them fixed! – We will be offering repairs of wooden, metal and electrical items, including PAT testing, and sewing repairs. Other repairs may be available depending on volunteers!
We'll be serving hot and cold drinks, light lunches, and lots of cake; plus there will be a stall selling lots of FairTrade items and children’s activities will be available.
All repairs are free but any donations, and profits from the refreshments, will be sent to The Archer Project.
You are also welcome to look around our beautiful building, as we are open for Heritage Open Days.
For more information, to volunteer as a repairperson or to ask what repairs are available: please contact Caroline Cripps: cripps@uwclub.net

For more information about these, or any other events at St Andrew's Psalter Lane Church, please visit: https://www.standrewspsalterlane.org.uk/events

Cliff Connexion Resource Day

Saturday 10 October 9:30

Cliff College's Resource Days are designed to equip and inspire you and your church to engage in transformational mission and ministry. This Resource Day will focus on helping you plan to use the Methodist Church's national Christmas campaign effectively in your local setting,

And finally...

A prayer for our District Gathering

Loving God,
as we prepare for our District Gathering,
coming together in person to explore your Word
and to discover afresh its wisdom and wonder,
its challenge and its hope,
we pray that our time together will be filled
with fruitful learning and life-giving conversations.

Help us to listen well 
to you and to one another.

Give us curiosity to hear different perspectives,
courage to ask questions,
and openness to words and conversations
that have the power to challenge us, change us
and help us see differently.

May we notice your light breaking through,
hear the conversation still going on, here and now,
and be ready to join in.

Amen.

Revd Vicky Atkins (District Chair)