District News – 16 February 2021

This Week's News

God In Love Unites Us

special Synod Saturday 27 February

A final reminder that the deadline to register to attend this is Friday 19 February. The link to register is here:: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0qcO6qqTksH9LfiREnq2mKLn3RHj097tv1
You will receive a confirmation email from Zoom with a link to join the meeting. Please do not pass this email on to anyone else.

If you do not receive this email, contact Katrin in the District Office who can let you know if your registration was successful.

District Safeguarding Update

Update on Job Roles

Last month I held the first District Safeguarding Briefing about Forms and Safer Recruitment. I've been thrilled to get so much feedback on that evening, with most people commenting on Job Roles. Many people have suggested there must be certain roles that will be the same regardless of church or circuit. I have been speaking to other people more proficient in Methodism than I and I believe we can create a core list of job roles for the following: Steward; Treasurer; Pastoral Visitor & Committee Secretary; Class Leaders; Communion Stewards; Gift Aid Secretary; Secretary to the Church Council; Property Steward; Local Preacher; Worship Leader; Social Media Editor; Lettings Secretary. Over the next few weeks I intend to work on this and then share with people in order to get feedback. Once I have more information I'll let you know!

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.

Cliff College Festival

Are you interested in engaging with Cliff College's Festival at Home in a new and exciting way?

We want Festival at Home 2021 to be a gift to the church. With this in mind, we'd like to offer your church or circuit the opportunity to stream our live Bible study and celebration services through your Facebook pages and YouTube channels on Sunday 30 May. With excellent Bible teaching, different styles of sung and creative worship and exciting opportunities to engage live with the Festival at Home team, this will be a blessing to your church as well as to your ministry and leadership teams.

For more information, join us on Zoom on Monday 1st March at 7:30pm. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAtcuihqjoqEtH-gnjPtKa7SdM4ifRLdwq8

District pioneers gathering

2pm Friday 26 March

A gathering for people who are – or are exploring a call to – start new Christian communities. We will gather to share experiences, discuss what could support you further in living out your vocation, and explore what might open more eyes to the possibilities of new places for new people. Experienced pioneers and those tentatively exploring a vague itch to start something new equally welcome! Register your place here.
If you are interested but unable to make this date contact Neil mission@sheffieldmethodist.org or Siggy parratt-halberts@methodistchurch.org.uk and we will find a way to include you in future conversations.

Chaplaincy

Are you a chaplain, or interested in chaplaincy? Whatever your focus, or context, there is support for you. Who chaplains the chaplains, after all? Take a look at the Methodist Church website for details of monthly 'coffee', Take Time sessions and quarterly learning & sharing opportunities. There's also a Facebook page if that's your bag. Details here: https://www.methodist.org.uk/connecting-chaplains/

Why not subscribe to the newsletter? You'll be kept up to date with all things chaplain-ey: https://www.methodist.org.uk/chaplaincy-newsletters/. You can access previous editions of the newsletter here too.

Want to get involved, or have a few questions? Get in touch: Gary Hopkins hopkinsg@methodistchurch.org.uk.

Events

Reflective Communion – Whirlow Spirituality Centre

Live on YouTube – 23 February

They will stream a service from the Chapel of the Holy Spirit at 9.45am on the first Tuesday in Lent, led by their chaplain Joy Adams.

Please join us on the day, subscribe to the channel and comment with any feedback or to let us know you're there! YouTube Channel link here

Book Club

25 February – 7:00pm

There are still some spaces left for the Book Club event with Brian McClaren and his book "Faith after Doubt". You can register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwrcuyuqT0sEtG0TCiOgpI2Ame54Fd7lj1L
The CLC warehouse has 21 copies of Faith Beyond Doubt in stock at the moment via clcbookshops.com or by phone on 0330 8181 000.
Importantly, EQUIP members get 20% off the RRP and free delivery on orders of £10 and above, whether orders are placed online or by phone.

Leaning Network Regional Retreat

Wednesday 10 March

As previously indicated the next Regional Retreat for presbyters, deacons and lay employees will be an online day retreat on Wednesday 10 March.
We are delighted that Nick Helm, formerly of Whirlow Spirituality Centre in Sheffield, will be leading our reflections on 'All Shall be Well?' Life, Suffering and the Love of God with Julian of Norwich'. It promises to be a very enriching experience.
Details including the program for the day are on the flyer here.
It will be free of charge but booking is essential so please click on the link here to register and secure your place by Friday 5 March
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZckc-GrpzIoEtUas_ZfmNg5EwJLHTDQHES7

Training and Learning Opportunities

GDPR Support

Katrin is offering some on-line sessions to help support churches (and circuits) with managing their GDPR compliance. They are intended to be informal meetings of mutual support rather than formal training.
Registration is required so she knows how many to expect!
You can check the dates and register for one (or more) of these by following this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0udO-tqTMpHNASBNSdCztVMhm3HmB25uCL

Thomas Becket:an inspiration for the Churches today?

The next online seminar of the Society for Ecumenical Studies takes place via Zoom on Tuesday 23 February from 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm. The keynote speaker is Professor Henry Mayr-Harting, Emeritus Regius Professor of Ecclesiastical History, University of Oxford and there will be responses by Revd Dr Keith Clements, former General Secretary of the Conference of European Churches, who will reflect on Church-State relations and by Archbishop Angaelos, Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London and one of CTE's Presidents, who will speak about martyrdom today. This costs £5 and you need to book via Eventbrite.