District News 08 September 2021

This Week's News

Welcome

It has been a pleasure to welcome our new ministers and lay staff at various events over the last week. Revd Michelle Deans,Revd Claude Kimpende,DeaconAnnabel Terryand Deacon Jackie Wrightin the Sheffield Circuit, Deacon Emily Hoe-Crook in the Trinity Circuit. We also welcome some additions to the District Staff team: Arman Ghamari (Persian Ministry) and Victoria Loveday (Children & Youth).

Synod

Hopefully all Synod representatives have received all the papers relating to our meeting on Saturday, and we also look forward to seeing some new faces as well. It is likely that parts of the session will be recorded for those who are interested in the topic, but unable to attend on the day.
If you have not received any emails about this, and think that you should have done, please get in touch with Katrin (katrin@sheffieldmethodist.org) as soon as possible. It may not be possible to sort out any issues on the day.

YCCN Walk

Earlier this week saw the group of walkers travel through our District on their way to the COP26 summit. On Sunday they walked from Chesterfield to Sheffield, joined en-route by supporters, including our Chair of District, Revd Gill Newton. On Monday they travelled on out through the Peak District on to Chapel-en-le-Frith. Thanks to the Peak Circuit and Aline Danks for their hospitality in Bamford.

District Safeguarding Update

IICSA Report

On Thursday 2nd September 2021, IICSA released a report of the investigation into Child Protection in Religious Organisations and Settings. Hearings started in March 2020 but were delayed by the Covid-19 lockdown. The Methodist Church was asked to take part along with other religious organisations with a significant presence in England and Wales. While the Methodist Church was not called to give evidence at the hearing, it provided written submissions.
The report is over 200 hundred pages long so I summarised some of the key learning and responses from those with the Methodist Church and created an easy to read Newsletter. The Newsletter is on the Sheffield District website, under Safeguarding: Latest news.

Advanced Safeguarding Training – online

Due to a lack of interest we have started to cancel sessions due to a lack of numbers -this is concerning given I estimate over 500 people from around the District are required to undertake the training due to the roles they hold within their church or circuit.

After reading through the IICSA report mentioned above its vital people in privileged positions in our churches and circuits are armed with the information they need to protect the children, young people and vulnerable adults around us. Child abuse happens in churches. Ask yourself, do you know enough to spot a vulnerable child if they were in your church? Barnardo's state that only 1 in 8 children who've experienced child sexual abuse come to the attention of any protective agencies during their childhood. What a great responsibility we therefore have to be vigilant and watch out for the other 7. In my professional carer only once has a child / adult directly told me they were suffering abuse. I discovered abuse by knowing the signs to look out for. Training provides us with the information we need. To book onto a course please click here.

As ever, if you have any questions or concerns please give me a call on 07483 362 735 or email me at safeguarding@sheffieldmethodist.org
Many thanks
Alison Hill
District Safeguarding Officer.

Save the Date – 1-3 February 2022

Following on for the success of the 5-District Safeguarding Conference earlier this year, plans are already taking place for the next event.
More details will follow, but for now – keep these dates free!

GDPR Checklist

Thank you to all those churches and circuits who have returned the checklist, showing that they are aware for the requirements for keeping data safe and secure under the (not so news) General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).
However, it is worrying that there are still a significant number of churches where this has not been returned. Please can you check with your own church(es) and get in touch if you are not sure about this. As I said in last week's mailing, this could be seen as a breach of trust from those involved.
There is a section on the District Website about Data Protection, with resources to help churches and circuits understand their responsibilities: https://www.sheffieldmethodist.org/resources/data-protection. If you can't find what you need there, please do get in touch!

TMCP streamlined property sale process

Anyone who has been involved in sale of Methodist property knows that this can be slow, frustrating and time consuming. TMCP have designed a new streamlined process, which will hopefully remove some of the complications. This involves speaking with TMCP before you engage surveyors, solicitors or agents. Further information and details of forthcoming training sessions at https://www.tmcp.org.uk/news-hub/training-sessions-for-managing-trustees-streamlining-processes

New missional grants application process

We have updated the application process for district funding in support of transformational mission and making properties fit for mission. We hope this will better enable discerning together how to best use financial resources that God has provided for such a time as this, creating a permission-giving culture that takes holy risks. Please check out the details on our website as soon as possible if you think this may be relevant to the vision of your church or circuit: https://www.sheffieldmethodist.org/what-we-do/finance-fundraising/mission-grants.html

Events

Service of Thanksgiving

Saturday 18 September – 3pm
There will be a service of thanksgiving for the life of the Revd Jen Mullis OBE at Victoria Hall Methodist Church, Sheffield. All are welcome.

First Aid / Food Hygiene course

There are spaces on a first aid at work (one day) course being held at The Crossing, Worksop

Friday 24th September

Arrive 09:00 (course starts at 09:30 and runs until 16:00)
Lunch will be provided
Cost: £60 per person (£55 if you don't require lunch) this is at cost.

Spaces are limited to 12 people.
To reserve a space please email clara.taylor@thecrossing.co.uk speak to Clara on 01909 473375

ALSO

They also have a few spaces on an online Food Hygiene Course (level 2) available at £10 per person if this is of interest to anyone (they brought in bulk for the best possible deal and again the price is at cost). It takes 2 – 4 hours to complete at your own pace and you can download the certificate. Ideal for refreshments after service or if other churches are running community groups / coffee mornings / lunch clubs etc.

MWIB (Sheffield District)

Friday 15 October – 11am
The Rededication Service for Methodist Women in Britain is to be held at Bents Green on Friday October 15rh at 11am Rev Graham Wassell is officiating at the Service.
The Service will be followed by lunch (please bring your own) drinks will be provided after which we will launch our Project for 2021-22.
All are welcome do come and join us
Pam Meek
President

Friday December 10th
Carols and Christmas Dinner at Frechville Methodist Church
More details to be announced later.

After the Storm

Coping with Covid-19 Grief & Loss

So much has been lost because of Covid and while some are ready to move on and focus on the future, others are left behind in grief.
This webinar will look at the variety of losses we have experienced and offer some practical ways in which you can support those still grieving.
Thursday 7th October, 1.30-3pm
Register for this Zoom Webinar here: Booking Link

Introduction to Intentional Conversations

using coaching skills

Monday 11th October 2021
10am to 3.30pm on Zoom
Trainers – Elaine Lindridge & Rachel McCallam
This event will be helpful for those who wish to develop skills in creating intentional conversations and coaching.
Book now via eventbrite: https://intentional-conversations.eventbrite.co.uk
Places prioritised to North East & Yorkshire Plus Districts

Other News

Action for Children

In addition to the craft activity publicised in last week's news, there is also the Star Jump challenge!
100 star jumps every day for 30 days. It is so simple.

The Difference You'll Make

With your help we can make sure children have the basics – the things every child needs, like warm clothes and proper meals. Things that make them feel safe and comfortable, like a proper bed. And things that help them to reach for the stars, like tutoring or learning a musical instrument.

£12 could pay for breakfast and lunch for a child for over a week.
£25 could pay for a music class to help a child shine.
£50 could buy a school uniform for a child.
Sign up for FREE today

Fund for Human Need Newsletter

We have a special thanks from Project future and First Love Foundation, who have let us know how payments have helped their clients, and the very personal story of why he was happy to join the Fund from Rev David Palmer, our secretary.
You can read the full newsletter here

Thought for the month

Revd Carollyn McDonald reflects on the need to plan for harvests. You can read the full article here