Presidential Visit

The President and Vice President of the Methodist Conference spent the weekend in the Sheffield District visiting Yorkshire and Derbyshire.

Revd. Helen Cameron, President, spent time in the Peak Circuit where she visited Hathersage Methodist Church to discuss their silver Eco Church award and Messy Church sessions, then onto the Hub at Hope. The Peak Circuit is passionate about supporting the environment and has been on a journey for several years to improve the church buildings whilst keeping the history alive, create community worship outdoors and a pilgrimage along the Peak Wesley Way.

Following this she visited Litton Chapel to celebrate their past, present and future plans. The picturesque village of Litton has been home to Christians for hundred of years. In the 1600's William Bradshaw preached from a room above a barn opposite to where the chapel is today and the barn still stands and is now a family home. In 1834 13.5 acres of land was bought for the purposes of building a Methodist Chapel and the remaining land was for use by the church. During the celebration service stories where shared of the history of the chapel, people memories of birth's and marriages, and how it's always been at the true heart of the community.

On Sunday Revd. Cameron arrived in Sheffield where she preached at Brimington Methodist Church. This was followed by a visit to he Urban Theology Unit at Victoria Hall, then a celebration service in the evening and she presented Victoria Hall with a Church of Sanctuary certificate.

In 2005 Sheffield became the first City of Sanctuary, thanks to lots of agencies and local organisations working together with a common vision for Sheffield to be a place of safety and welcome for people seeking sanctuary. During the celebration people shared many examples of where they had entered the UK and found a spiritual home and support at Victoria Hall. It's become a vibrant and safe place for people from all walks of life to worship Jesus. The Church of Sanctuary award is recognition of how the church is working hard to make sure people seeking sanctuary have protective hospitality in communities, congregations and cultures of welcome and safety.

Helen said: "My heart sings when I get to travel back to Yorkshire where I lived for many years. It's been a wonderful visit with lots to celebrate. It's a privilege to travel around the Methodist Connexion and it's important for everyone to know that when we are visiting places we are bringing the whole Methodist Church with us. When we see, hear and celebrate the work of our churches, circuits and districts, we bring that learning with us and we say you are seen and you are appreciated."

Carolyn Godfrey, Vice President, visited young people on retreat at Wydale Hall in Scarborough. More than 30 young people and leaders gathered for the weekend to look at how disciples of Jesus can be imperfect and still be perfectly loved by God. Activities included looking at positive and negative influences in our lives, what gifts do we have and discussing what they like about church, what they don't like and what would they change.

On Sunday Caroyln led worship at South Anston in the Trinity Circuit, then spent the afternoon with Chaplains from around the district and beyond at Central Methodist Church in Rotherham. They discussed their work, the highs, the lows and the challenges and offered support to one an another.

Carolyn said, "The young people where so enthusiastic at Wydale and it was great to hear about the work of the One Programme Interns in the district. Chaplaincy has been a focus on many of our visits so far this year, it's a much-needed ministry."

Helen and Carolyn both added a big thank you to everyone who hosted them, offered homemade food, warm hospitality and for sharing stories and celebrating the work of the Sheffield District.

Gill Newton, Chair of the Sheffield District said: "It was a pleasure to welcome the President and Vice President this weekend. We were able to share much of the work which makes our district what it and I appreciate the support and hospitality offered by our circuits and churches to make the weekend possible."