Knitted Gospel Scenes Bring Churches Together Across Rotherham

Members from six churches in the Rotherham and Dearne Valley Circuit have come together to knit a series of gospel scenes designed to encourage reflection, conversation and community engagement as they tour local church buildings.

Thirteen scenes have been created so far telling the story of Jesus from his birth through to post-resurrection encounters. Each display is accompanied by captions to encourage people to pause and reflect, and those involved hope the scenes will connect with people from the wider community who already use church buildings for groups, activities and events.

More scenes are now being created, with plans for the collection to travel between churches across the circuit. It is also hoped that some of the displays will be taken into schools and care homes for more people to enjoy and offer new opportunities for storytelling, reflection and conversation beyond the church building.

Funding for the project came through a Sheffield Methodist District New Beginnings grant, which provides an initial £500 to help kick start the project and a further £250 after the first 12 months for projects that continue to develop new ministry and outreach opportunities.

Revd Dr Andrew Fox said: “This project has brought together people from across our churches in a creative and thoughtful way, and we hope it will help many others engage with the story of Jesus. As the scenes move around our churches, and potentially into schools and care homes, we pray they will spark reflection, conversation and a sense of welcome for all who encounter them.”

With more scenes in development, the project is expected to continue growing over the coming months, offering churches new ways to share the gospel story.

The tour begins at Broom Methodist Church, and further locations will be advertised in due course.

To apply for New Beginnings Funding visit:

https://www.sheffieldmethodist.org/p/what-we-do/finance-fundraising/new-beginnings/apply-for-a-new-beginnings-grant.html