District News – 9 July 2024

This Week's News

District Gathering – Hidden Treasures

Saturday 14 September 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM

Our next District Gathering will be on the theme of Hidden Treasures. Everyone is welcome to this free event, whether you are coming for the first time, have attended previous District Gatherings, or are a member of our synod.
Join us for a day of learning, sharing and worship with a buffet lunch provided. Hidden Treasures offers an opportunity for to renew existing connections across our District and meet new people.
In the morning Revd Gill Newton, Chair of the District, will be sharing some of the Hidden Treasures she has encountered during her year as President of the Methodist Conference. The afternoon will be run as a "Speed-sharing" session, where you will find out more about hidden treasures that takes place in churches from across the District, and be inspired to think what you could uncover in your context. We are delighted once again to have Matt Beckingham leading us in worship. Matt has performed for Queen Elizabeth II, conducted London Philharmonic Choir and led worship at Greenbelt Festival, Methodist Conference and many other events.
Register now for your free tickets now at https://buytickets.at/sheffieldmethodistdistrict/1303709

Three more New Beginnings seed funding grants

Grants have been awarded to three new initiatives aimed at supporting new people to have new beginnings in their faith journeys: Retired Not Expired Club in Firth Park offering faith infused fun and fellowship, Family Fun Days at The Crossing in Worksop which are intended to lead to a new Messy Church or similar congregation, and a new Messy Church in South Anston for families who have been attending the church's recently started Family Film Club. The Crossing and South Anston were both inspired by stories heard at recent District Gatherings and are receiving support and advice from District Children and Youth Coordinator Vic Loveday.
What could your church try to enable new people to experience or explore Christian faith and hope? Advice and application forms are available at https://www.sheffieldmethodist.org/what-we-do/finance-fundraising/new-beginnings.html And why not come along to our District Gathering on 14 September to be inspired by stories of more Hidden Treasures from across our district.

Coat of Hopes arrives in Sheffield

Some very wet pilgrims arrived at Victoria Hall this morning with the Coat of Hopes joined by the Cloak of Peace – a similar project run by SCRAP (Sheffield Creative Action for Peace). Tomorrow there will be a more formal welcome as it process from 35 Chapel Walk to the Cathedral at about 10:15.
More information can be found here, or on the website Coat of Hopes

District Updates

Safeguarding Review

A reminder that the annual Church Safeguarding Review was circulated at the start of June, with a deadline of 3 July to complete. Currently we have received 16 responses!
The review should be a snapshot of where your church is at this moment. If you can't answer some of the questions, that is absolutely fine – don't waste time hunting out information, but be honest about where you are now. Completing the review will help us know what additional support needs are required – which may be as simple as better signposting about where to find posters and leaflets because you don't currently have copies!
For those who have lost the original email – the information can be found here: Church Safeguarding Review
NB Circuits have also been asked to complete a similar review, about half have done this so far!

Events

Race for Life Cancer Research

21 July

In October 2023, I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer (a form of womb cancer). Just two weeks later, my husband, Jeremy, was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer (cancer of the food pipe). Thankfully, surgery for me was successful and I am now on a three-year follow up programme. Jeremy has undergone four cycles of chemotherapy and life-saving, complex, major surgery. He is shortly due to start four more cycles of chemotherapy.
I'm running on Gillian's Team. My friend, Gillian, has also been touched by her own cancer diagnosis. Please show your support and help fund life-changing and life-saving treatment by donating to my page!
Jill Pullan
I have signed up to do the Cancer Research UK 10k (6.2 miles) Race for Life run on 21st July. I would be very grateful if you will please sponsor me. Those who run and those who support with sponsorship help Cancer Research UK to fund diagnosing and preventing cancer, as well as providing kinder and more targeted treatments. Cancer Research UK is the largest charitable funder of cancer research in the world.
Sponsor money and donations may be given online through my Giving Page at:
https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/jills-race-for-life-327467718

Bread and Breath

Monday 23 September 10:00 am

Location: Upper Wincobank Undenominational Chapel, Wincobank Avenue, Sheffield. S5 6BB
A quiet day led by Inderjit Bhogul, exploring the spirituality of Holy Communion. Please bring your own lunch. Hot drinks provided, donations welcome to help cover the cost of the room.
Please contact Deacon Annabel Terry on annabel.1@live.co.uk to book your place.

Vacancies

Office Manager

Derbyshire North East Circuit

The Derbyshire North East Circuit comprises 14 churches serving communities in and around the historic towns of Chesterfield and Bolsover, close to the spectacular Peak District National Park and within easy reach of the City of Sheffield.
We are excited to recruit for this new post of Office Manager. T The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the administration of the Circuit Office and acting as line manager to two, part-time administrators.
They will act as a point of contact for 14 local churches and the Circuit trustees, advising on such matters as property and financial management, compliance, and administration.
They will liaise with and manage key relationships with third-parties and provide assistance to the Circuit's Leadership Team.
Prior knowledge and experience of Methodist procedures and structures would be of benefit to the role.
How to apply:
For an informal discussion about the role before making an application, please contact Rev Mark Carrick at mark.carrick@methodist.org.uk
Please submit completed applications by email before midday on the closing date to hr@sheffieldmethodist.org
Closing date: Sunday 28 July 2024

And Finally ...

A Prayer for after a General Election

God of justice, love and grace we pray for all who stood as candidates in the General Election.
We pray for all who will now take up their seats as Members of Parliament, for our newly elected Government, and for those parties that will serve on the opposition benches.
May all who serve in Parliament do so with integrity, with care for the most vulnerable, and with concern for the common good. We pray they will be filled with compassion, wisdom and mercy.
May every member of the Government seek to do what is right, for the benefit of all.
In your mercy, hear our prayer.
Amen.

Prayer of thanks for God's revelation of simple treasures

Sensitive God, as you hid your face from those who went before, knowing that we cannot grasp the full measure of your glory, thank you that so often in the quiet, hidden places you make your treasures known, teaching patient openness, and revealing depths of meaning and compassion or heights of possibility and hope. 
For treasures hidden in the gentle smile or kindly act, thank you. 
For courageous care and generosity of spirit, thank you. 
For persistent justice-seeking and moments of reconciliation, thank you. 
For all that illuminates the darkness in our own and others' lives, thank you. Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer, enable us to see and share your treasure, guiding and upholding into love and life for all. Amen.
James Tebbutt, District Chair, Cumbria District