District News – 9 September 2025

This Week's News

District Gathering (and Synod)

We are really looking forward to the next Gathering on Saturday at Staincross Methodist Church.
For those who are unable to attend our District Gathering in person, we are hoping to be able to stream it via Zoom.
Watch it here
If all goes to plan and the technology works, we will recorded and uploaded the main sessions later onto the District YouTube channel.

Youth President on BBC Radio Sheffield

You can listen again to the new Youth President Genesis (from the
Barnsley Circuit) chatting to Kat Cowen on BBC Radio Sheffield. They share
their faith journey and about their plans for the next year.https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0m1l4kc

One in Sport – Brand new Podcast

Lay Pastor Brad from Derbyshire North East Methodist Circuit & Tom Donoghue, Local Preacher in the Peak Circuit have just released their first podcast 'One in Sport' where they speak to people from the sports industry and to those of faith. This first episode features ex Principal from Cliff College Ashley Cooper talking about his role as Port Vale Chaplain (his favourite team)
It's recorded in partnership with the United Methodist Church Council of Bishops & Cliff College
You can listen on Spotify.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3D7OLgGkSaLcvGjenzYQqb?si=lxKoqk9EQH2B-DrDYB-IPw

Radical Disciple

The influence and significance of John J Vincent

In Radical Disciple readers will be introduced to John Vincent’s work by way of those who knew him best: students, friends, and colleagues. Each tells a story or offers a kind of testament, “warts and all? as John would put it.
In John Vincent's thinking, this is a “serious kind of book”—it relays the facts without missing “the many-splendored thing.” So, along with the facts, readers will find the dramatic, amusing, serious, and anecdotal. Most importantly, they will find a living testament to John Vincent's vision of radical urban theology and discipleship.
Edited by Ian K Duffield and Robert P. Hoch-Yidokodiltona
“Radical Disciple is a varied set of essays that is a more than just an homage to the creative, radical prophet of urban Christian presence who set up what is now the Urban Theology Union in the 1970s as a place where people can wrestle with what it means to follow Jesus in their context. The writers are people who’ve been inspired by John (and probably argued with him along the way) to engage similarly in making the kingdom of justice, hope and joy real in complex communities. Whether you want to know more of John’s approach, learn how others have embodied his methods, or apply his insights in your place, there’s plenty to dig into here.”
Contact the UTU office for details on how to order a copy – office@utusheffield.org.uk / 07771 223690

Calling a Wounded Earth Home

There are still places available for "Calling a Wounded Earth Home", a series of sessions responding to climate breakdown through a Christian lens of love, wisdom and justice. It’s possible to book individual sessions if you don’t wish or are unable to attend the whole series.
For our full programme of autumn and winter
events, please visit our website What's On — Whirlow Spirituality Centre

Heritage Open Days

Dates: 12-19 September
Location: St Andrew's Psalter Lane Church
Description: Open Days at St Andrew's Psalter Lane Church: 10.00 am – 4.00 pm on 12th, 13th, 15th, 18th and 19th September
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.
Within this light and spacious church, you can see our beautiful New Creation Window, designed by Rona Moody as part of major modernization and refurbishment work. You will also find 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 and refreshments 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.
Shirley House, which is also part of our premises, was built in 1885 and is home to the offices of several businesses. Why not pop in, while you're visiting the church, to see the magnificent stained glass window depicting War, Peace, Agriculture and Commerce?

Repair Café

Date: Saturday 20 September 10:00 am
Location: St Andrew's Psalter Lane Church
Description: The St Andrew's Psalter Lane Church Eco Group are holding a Repair Café on Saturday 10th September in church.
Volunteer repair people will be on hand to make small repairs and teach people how they can do these themselves, with the aim of reducing waste by re-using and recycling items that would otherwise be thrown away.
Come along with your wonky stuff and get it fixed!
Refreshments and lunches available.
No charge for repairs, but any donations, and profits from the refreshments, will be in aid of the Archer Project.

Leadership Year

Do you know any 18-30 year olds who want to grow as a leader?

The Leadership Year is an exciting opportunity for 18-30 year olds in the Methodist Church, who want to invest time in developing their leadership abilities. It is aimed at those who may just be starting out in a leadership role, or who are wanting to be involved in leadership, either within or outside of the Church.
It includes three residential weekends (November, March, July), an option to meet with a mentor and being part of a small group. It is a chance for young leaders to meet with other young adults, to reflect on what it means to be a Christian leader (in church, secular workplaces, and local community) and to develop characteristics needed for self-aware, resilient leadership.
There are 12 fully funded places available!
Applications close on Sunday 21 September.
Full details, including how to apply, can be found here: https://www.methodist.org.uk/for-churches/ministries/children-youth-family-ministry/methodist-young-adults/leadershipyear/

District Safeguarding Update

Scam Warning

We have received the following warning for our ecumenical colleagues:
We have been notified that an anonymous caller is contacting individuals in particular Clergy claiming to be a Police Officer using the name Jeffery Johnson Collar Number SC6621.
The caller instigates the individual is under arrest and wanting to access to their IP address on the computer.
Please note this is a SCAM. Do not give any information out or agree to access your computer and end the call immediately.
These calls must be reported to Action Fraud https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or Police via 101

Trauma Informed Practice Webinar

Saturday 11 October at 9:30am (online)

What is trauma?
We will be looking at the different ways people can be exposed to and treated to trauma and the practical ways we can best support those that have experience trauma.
This training session will look at the causes of trauma; how it is experienced in our bodies and how churches can support people who have experiences of trauma. You may find the content hard, so please look after yourselves. If you need to switch your camera off, do. There will be people who can be contacted for support during the session or afterwards.
Speaker: Rev Karen Jobson
Reverend Karen Jobson is the Chaplain for Staff Wellbeing at North West Ambulance Service. She has previously served as a chaplain in mental health hospitals and at the University of Portsmouth and was a circuit minister. A qualified counsellor, she brings both professional expertise and personal insight to her work, with a particular interest in trauma and emotional wellbeing.
Book your place here: https://251011-Trauma.eventbrite.co.uk

Spiritual Abuse Training

20 November on Zoom

Course overview:

• What is spiritual abuse?
• What is the impact of the experience
• Features of a good response
• Building Healthy Cultures

Enquiries can also be made to Bridget Down, Learning Network – downb@methodistchurch.org.uk
This is an online event, being hosted by The Connexional Safeguarding Team in collaboration with The Learning Network on Zoom.
Book your place here

Events

Administrator and Office workers Gathering

Tuesday 16 September from 9am

Join the South Yorkshire UCAN Local Group for 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.
Our focus in this session will be _New year/New You? What changes excite you, or fill you with dread?
Book your place (to help with catering) here: https://ucan.churchsuite.com/events/wmswdaeq

"Just " Economics? with Ann Pettifor

Saturday 20 Sept – St Mark's Broomhill

Internationally-acclaimed economist, Ann Pettifor, will offer critical analysis of prevailing governmental strategies before outlining an alternative ethically driven, environmentally-responsible approach in which economics serves the common good. Expect to be challenged, informed and inspired.
Admission is free, but delegates must register either beforehand via Eventbrite or on the day at the door. Donations are invited and can be made in advance or on the day via Givealittle .
Book your place here

Christian Aid 80th Anniversary Evensong

Sunday 21 September 4:00 pm

Sheffield Cathedral are dedicating their Choral Evensong service on Sunday 21st September, 4.00pm to celebrating 80 years of Christian Aid's work. Please come along to support us and give thanks for all that Christian Ais has achieved over the past 80 years.

NB The cathedral are providing refreshments so please could you RSVP to jandatrezise@virginmedia.com by 12th September (or phone 0790 6631108)

'What does it look like to be a Christian in the face of global injustice?'

Totley Rise Methodist Church invites you to An evening with Becca Wakelin, advocate for All We Can.
Come prepared to dig deep into our motivations, hopes and fears in an interactive exploration of what 'doing justice' looks like with our global neighbours.
Wednesday 24 September 2025 at 7.30pmat Totley Rise Methodist Church, Grove Road, Sheffield, S17 4DJ
Becca worked in social care for 7 years, as an engagement and wellbeing lead (aka 'Bingo Caller') and as a chaplain for MHA. In both roles, she walked alongside people, often who had been marginalised and neglected, putting them at the centre of their own care and lives. Now she advocates for people to have that same treatment when facing extreme poverty and climate change through her work with All We Can.
Becca lives in Nottingham, loves her wild garden and abundant grapevine, her new husband and her two children (nearly 17 and 19). She'd describe herself as a 'mystic', experiencing the presence of God in transformational ways, particularly when in, on or beside water.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Refresher Training

It is vitally important that mental health is treated equally to physical health. To keep skills honed, a physical first aider would periodically need to refresh their training, this is also true of a Mental Health First Aider.
This MHFA Refresher training will take place online on:
Monday 29th September 2025 from9:30 – 14:30
Please note that you must be a qualified Mental Health First Aider to access this training and have completed your training within the last 3 years.
Usually the course costs £150, however this course is offered at £40 to anyone who is a member of, and those with a connection to, the Methodist Church.
To book your place visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mental-health-first-aid-refresher-course-tickets-1430993031679?aff=oddtdtcreator. Bookings close on 19th September 2025.
For further information please contact Carla Quenet: quenetc@methodistchurch.org.uk / 07772979670.

Urban Mission Toolkit

Saturday 11 October 10am

Tools for talking about faith in urban contexts
Time: 10am to 3.30pm
Location: The Church of Christ in Darnall
Cost: £25 (including lunch)
Join us for a dynamic event where you'll learn effective communication techniques to share your beliefs in diverse urban settings. Discover strategies to engage in meaningful conversations about faith with confidence. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your communication skills and connect with like-minded individuals.
Book your place here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tools-for-talking-about-faith-in-urban-contexts-tickets-1563992035279

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.

Vacancies

Community Pioneer,

Broomhill Methodist Centre

Broomhill Methodist Centre is embarking on an exciting journey to reimagine how church and community intersect.
Rather than focusing solely on traditional Sunday services, the Centre will become a vibrant hub for three distinct yet interconnected communities: Climbing, Families and Student.
Each community is designed to meet the diverse needs of people in Broomhill and beyond, offering innovative, inclusive spaces where individuals and families can explore faith, build relationships, and grow together.
These three communities will operate under the same roof, utilizing the Centre’s unique facilities—such as the climbing wall and creative play areas—while fostering an environment of spiritual exploration and connection. By focusing on adventure, creativity, and authentic relationships, the Broomhill Methodist Centre aims to become a beacon of hope and transformation in Sheffield.
The role of Community Pioneer will play a key part in shaping three new Christian communities that are rooted in real relationships and everyday spirituality aligning with the national New Places for New People vision of the Methodist Church, creating fresh expressions of faith in response to local needs and imagination.
Full details, including how to apply, can be found here: https://www.sheffieldmethodist.org/.../community-pioneer-broomhill-methodist-centre.html

Faith Rooted Community Organising Lead

Sheffield District

Community organising is about bringing people together to take action around their common concerns, and to create changes that tackle issues and experiences of injustice.
This role is toadvocate for and deliver faith-rooted community organising practices in the Methodist Church as routes to justice, congregational transformation and church growth.
The post holder will lead on accompanying and developing an organising culture across the district, providing bespoke support to embed faith-rooted community organising practices to develop teams and effective leaders of change in those congregations and communities.
The role will be key to supporting existing churches and new Christian communities to make connections as part of their discipleship and core mission to be justice-seeking.
advocate for and deliver faith-rooted community organising practices in the Methodist Church as routes to justice, congregational transformation and church growth.
The post holder will lead on accompanying and developing an organising culture across the district, providing bespoke support to embed faith-rooted community organising practices to develop teams and effective leaders of change in those congregations and communities.
The role will be key to supporting existing churches and new Christian communities to make connections as part of their discipleship and core mission to be justice-seeking.
General enquiries and informal conversations about the role are actively encouraged. In the first instance we ask that you direct these by email to Neil Harland, Mission Enabler, mpe@sheffieldmethodist.org.
More details can be found here: https://www.sheffieldmethodist.org/recruitment/vacancies/district-vacancies.html

Epworth Old Rectory Trustees

Two vacancies – Treasurer AND Secretary

Epworth Old Rectory, in North Lincolnshire, the home of the Wesleys and now an accredited museum, is seeking to appoint two new Trustees, one to serve as the Treasurer and one to serve as the Secretary, on both the Epworth Old Rectory Trust and its Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), the latter being the operational arm of governance.
The key role of the trustees is to manage the affairs of Epworth Old Rectory, in particular developing its strategy and vision and overseeing the property, finances and staffing. The Trust is made up of an equal number of trustees drawn from the British Methodist Church and the World Methodist Council. It meets twice a year.
The CIO supports and contributes to the development of the life of the Rectory as a museum and place of pilgrimage. The CIO Directors, including the Treasurer and Secretary, support the operations of the museum and work closely with the Trust.
In order to give time to work alongside the current Treasurer and Secretary, whose terms of office will come to an end in 2026, we are seeking to appoint a new Treasurer AND a new Secretary as soon as possible.
Treasurer – this is a key role for a suitably qualified person, with experience of financial management, daily bookkeeping and preparation of annual accounts.
Secretary – this role is vital to support the smooth running of both Trust and CIO administratively.
Full details, including role descriptions and background document, can be found at http://epwortholdrectory.org.uk/support/volunteering
These are voluntary roles, with expectation of attending seven meetings per year (four in person, three online) and other work being carried out on a weekly basis from home. Trustees are appointed annually by the British Methodist Conference and may serve for a term of up to six years.
Expressions of interest with an outline of relevant experience should be sent to the Chair of Trustees, Sarah Friswell, on sarah.friswell@btinternet.com by Monday 22 September 2025.

And finally ...

A prayer for peace

We thank you, our Father and Mother, for teaching us the value of hope in the midst of the storms that accompany our lives. We thank you for being able to share with the poorest people the hunger and thirst for love that gives meaning to life. From our humble condition as your children, we pray that the wars will end. We beg you to perform one of your miracles of love and wisdom so that armies may be transformed into sowers of peace, justice and fraternity for their countries and for our world.
Thank you for allowing us to be resurrected everyday thanks to the water of new life of the gospel.
Amen.
Félix A Posada Rojas, Director of CEPALC, Colombia