THE NEWSLETTER OF THE DIOCESE OF SHEFFIELD

SPRING 2016

04

Happy Birthday tothe MothersUnion...See page 4

Coffee shop 1554at SheffieldCathedral...See page 8

What makes achurch schooldistinctive....See page 12

2 NETWORK | WELCOME

Welcome from

Bishop Steven

They came to St Thomas Philadelphia, with their leaders,

from all across the Diocese. Together we were exploring

faith and the rhythm of life with God. The number of young

people involved has more than doubled since our first day in

2014. People love the day together and are keen to bring

their friends.

We worshipped together. We explored Scripture. This year I

spoke about living our whole lives in the rhythm of the two

great commandments Jesus gives: loving God and loving our

neighbour as ourselves. There were workshops on prayer, on

going deeper with God, on service, on transforming God’s

world. All through the morning the young people text in

questions on anything to do with life and faith and, just before

lunch, I try and answer them. We eat together (Subway – a

big highlight). Each year this part looks a little more like the

feeding of the 5,000 as small groups of teenagers gather

across the conference room (there are no chairs so everyone

sits on the floor).

Over lunch the huge inflatables arrive and the first part of the

afternoon is given over to some serious fun and games. Then

it’s worship again, the results of various competitions, some

filming for the music video of the day and the chance to be

still, to reflect and to collect a holding cross to take away to

remind us of the theme of the day.

You can catch a flavour of what happened on page 10 and in

the various videos made on the day on

www.breathedeepday.info

When people ask me what’s happening in the parishes of the

diocese at the moment, I’m never short of things to say.

There are so many stories of life and growth. But one of my

favourite things, if I’m honest, has to be the new work we are

beginning to do with children and young people and families.

Together we are helping the next generation discover faith in

Jesus Christ.

When I was 12 years old, I was on the very edge of the life of

my small, local parish church and set to drift away from faith.

If I had, my life would have been very different. One person

in that parish was determined to do something. She had no

qualifications but she started a small youth group for me and

just two other teenagers. Over time she went on training

courses and involved others. Through that group (and at a

Diocesan event), I found faith and God found me. Jean still

prays for me and for the others involved in that youth group

more than forty years later.

We now have funding and support available for churches to

grow families and children’s and youth work again. We have

excellent training courses to help people who want to start

something take the first steps. We’ve already booked the

date for our fourth Breathe Deep day on 28 January next

year. If there is nothing happening in your parish for young

people, the place to begin is prayer. If you can’t help

yourself then pass this edition of Network on to someone

who might be able to make a new beginning. Let’s do what

we can to help young people in every community to

rediscover faith in Jesus Christ.

@steven_croft

Over 250 young people aged 11-18 gathered together on a coldSaturday in January for our third annual Breathe Deep day.

3CONTENTS | NETWORK

Contents Issue 04Page

04

THE DIOCESETHE DIOCESEOFOF SHEFFIELDSHEFFIELD

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE DIOCESE OF SHEFFIELD

Doors will be opened for the first time for the

Joined Up Conference for youth, schools,

children’s and families workers.

Page

05

Local communities throughout the UK will be

planning celebrations for Her Majesty the

Queen’s 90th birthday in June this year.

Page

08

After being asked for many years where the

coffee shop is, visitors to Sheffield Cathedral,

now receive a positive answer.

If you are interested in contributing an article in future editions of Network please email

communications@sheffield.anglican.org or telephone the Communications Team on 01709 309100.

Network is copyright © of the Diocesan Board of Finance, a company limited by guarantee and registered in England

(No. 196087). Registered charity No. 245861.

Registered address: Church House, 95-99 Effingham Street, Rotherham, S65 1BL.

Page

10

250 young people from churches all over

South Yorkshire gathered to breathe deep, to

think, to have fun and to discover God.

Page

13

What makes a church school distinctive? We

find out with guest writer Huw Thomas,

Director of Education.

Page

14

In 2015, it was the turn of the Sheffield

Diocese team to visit Germany.

NETWORK | NEWS4

This year will see Mothers’ Union mark 140 years of faithful Christian outreach to families of all faithsincluding families with no affliation to the church.

Happy Birthday to Mothers’ Union!

It offers a chance to join with others to share ideas and learn new ones in this interactive

day conference in the heart of

Sheffield. It will be held at St Marys

Bramall Lane, Sheffield from 9.30am.

A booking fee will apply but this also

includes lunch.

The keynote speaker will inspire,

encourage and challenge

delegates to consider ways to

better serve young people and

children. There will also be 15+

workshops on a variety of issues

to choose from and resources

available to purchase.

If you are a youth worker in a

church, a volunteer children’s

helper, a schools worker…

whatever avenue you minister

in, this day will provide you with

a real boost of energy for what

you do and why you do it.

Since 1876, when Mary Sumner first brought together parents in

her own parish to build their confidence in bringing up their

children, it has grown to an organisation of over four million

women – and men – in over 80 countries of the world.

Why celebrate 140th, rather than wait for 150th? In the Old

Testament of the Bible, in the first book of Samuel, there is the

story of Samuel marking an unlooked for victory against the

mighty Philistines by erecting a stone between Mizpah and Shen,

naming it “Ebenezer” meaning “stone of help” as a permanent

reminder of the leading and guidance of God “Thus far has the

Lord helped us”.

Over the past 140 years, Mothers’ Union has faced, and will

continue to face, many challenges. Family life is under increasing

pressure and the call on resources is higher than ever. But the

Union can look at how it is meeting these challenges and say, like

Samuel, “Thus far has the Lord helped us.”

This year over 500,000 people will benefit from Mothers’ Union’s

support for family life. Many more will know the support of its

membership without any tally being taken.

There has never been a more challenging, or more exciting time

to be part of Mothers’ Union. The hope is to train more members

to help more families; to encourage greater outreach across those

countries and communities where family life is under greatest

threat. To do this help is needed.

To find out how you can help Mothers’ Union mark 140 years of

faith in action contact the Supporter Care line on 020 7227 0620

or email communications@mothersunion.org

Joined Up ConferenceOn Saturday 12 March the doors will be opened for the first time for theJoined Up Conference for youth, schools, children’s and familiesworkers.

Unlockingthe treasuresof St LaurenceSt Laurences Church in Adwick-le-Street hasfinished a major re-ordering of its church. Thebuilding is now more welcoming to visitors,especially schools, children and groups. Thishas been achieved by reordering an aisle ofthe church to provide toilets and kitchenetteand space for children’s work, group workand hospitality. The project has beensupported by the Heritage Lottery Fundwhich has granted £99,950 to enable thisproject to come to fruition.

Now the project hopes to encourage moreresearch into the history of the church.Called "Unlocking the Treasures of St.Laurence", it focusses on four stories whichare unique to St Laurence. These four storiesare based around: hermit and spiritual writerRichard Rolle; Robert Parkyn, priest of thechurch from 1541-1569; the tomb of JamesWashington; and a Cholera outbreak in 1832.

When St Laurence was asked in 256 AD topresent the church’s treasure to the Romanauthorities, he did not show the gold andsilver and fine carvings but he presented thepeople. The treasure is also in the peoplewho have lived, worked and worshipped inAdwick and found inspiration and meaningin Christ.

NEWS | NETWORK 5

Communities set tocelebrate The Queen’s90th birthdayLocal communities throughout the UK will be planningcelebrations for Her Majesty the Queen’s 90th birthday inJune this year.

Many parish churches will be joining in with the celebrations by

organising festivals and exhibitions over the weekend of 10-12

June 2016.

The Church of England’s ChurchCare website is providing a virtual

map of events and offer tips on themed celebrations, a helpful

checklist on how to involve community partners as well as

publicity opportunities. Church schools have been taking part in a

competition to design a logo for the campaign. The winner for this

was announced in February as Lucas Salinger, aged 10, from

Potten End C of E Primary School in Hertfordshire.

Dr John Inge, Bishop of Worcester and lead Bishop for Church

Buildings said, ‘Churches up and down the land will be organising

myriad events in thanksgiving for the wonderful Christian service

that the Queen has given, celebrating her commitment to God and

the common good over ninety years.”

Official celebrations will take place in London between the 10

and 12 June including a thanksgiving service at St Paul’s

Cathedral, a Birthday Parade on Horse Guards Parade and a

street party in The Mall. It is envisaged that church events will be

integrated into local community celebrations that take place that

weekend.

The birthday celebration weekend offers churches the opportunity

to share local stories from the last 90 years through exhibitions

and oral histories, securing these memories for future generations.

Events in our area will be advertised locally and on the diocesan

website.

Helping people on the streets ofSheffield - Street PastorsStreet Pastors is an initiative designed to help get the church more visibly present on the streets where it can have an impact for good.

Dressed in a Street Pastor blue jacket and cap, the team is composed of male and female members from all cultures and backgrounds

patrolling the streets of Sheffield city centre every Friday/Saturday night. The team engages with people from all walks of life by calling into a

number of takeaway shops, pubs and clubs. The members give out water, flip flops to girls in bare feet, and lollies, administering First Aid

where required. It also looks out for vulnerable people, potential trouble and are a calming influence. The aim is to engage with the community

by listening, helping, serving, caring - simply because they care about the people in our community. Street Pastors work in liaison with the City

Centre night time economy, being linked with via a two way radio and CCTV.

Street Pastoring schemes have been successful in a number of major UK cities in reducing gun and knife crime and making communities safer.

This project is a partnership of local churches, the council and the police forming what is called an “Urban Trinity.”

To be a Street Pastor you need to be over 18 (no upper age limit), a church member and able to commit to an eight session training course over

a year. The course includes subjects such as roles and responsibilities, listening skills, drugs awareness, knowing your community, alcohol,

and street safety.

Street Pastors is a joint church initiative further details available at www.streetpastors.co.uk or www.sheffield.streetpastors.org.uk

NETWORK | NEWS6

Report reveals that between50 and 60 food banks nowoperate in the local areaThe Bishop of Sheffield has published the findings of a research project into the food bank networks operatingwithin the Diocese of Sheffield.

The research has found that somewhere

between 50-60 food banks and

emergency food providers are in

operation throughout the area. These

generally source their food from a

combination of personal, commercial and

church donations, as well as through

partnerships with organisations, such as

FareShare, that redistribute edible surplus

food from supermarkets’ supply chains.

The final report is based on evidence

given in response to a series of

consultation questions. Responses to

these questions were gathered from

churches, homeless support

organisations, the Trussell Trust and other

third sector groups. Key conclusions from

the report include:

� All churches that responded encounter

regular cases of hunger and food poverty.

� Benefit delays, errors and sanctions are

cited as the main reason that people are

hungry and struggling to eat.

� Changes to, and problems with, disability

benefits are also a major contributing

factor to the use of food banks in our

area.

� 100% of both church and provider

responses indicated that relieving hunger

should be the responsibility of national

government.

� There is some local authority involvement

(often including some modest resource) in

each borough.

The Diocese includes three major

administrative areas in their entirety – the

metropolitan boroughs of Doncaster,

Rotherham and Sheffield –and also parts

of Barnsley Metropolitan Borough

(around the north) and East Riding of

Yorkshire (to the east).

Writing on his blog as the report was

published, the Bishop of Sheffield, said:

"Why do people need food banks in

modern Britain? We have food in

abundance - enough to waste in most of

our homes.

There are many different reasons but top

of the list in every survey are delays or

errors in paying benefits, problems with

disability benefits, or the application of

benefit sanctions", he continued: "it is

important to understand that something

can be done about most of these

reasons."

The local research was conducted as a

response to the national Feeding Britain

Inquiry. This was set up by the All-Party

Parliamentary Group on Hunger and

Food Poverty in 2014. The Diocese of

Sheffield has writen to every MP in the

area with the findings and a final copy of

the report. The report in full can be found

on the diocesan website.

NEWS | NETWORK 7

A foodbank in practise…

It now has around 100 clients attending each month, which

equates to 3-400 people being supplied with food. During the

school holidays, that number increases dramatically as it

reflects the number of children not receiving school meals.

Many families are constantly struggling, not just to make ends

meet, but to survive and the situation has worsened because

of the welfare reforms, sanctions etc. The S2 Foodbank issues

on average two tonnes of food a month as the catchment area

is huge and the population will soon grow once the new build

on the Manor is completed. Thanks to this remarkable

resource, 39 families received Christmas Hampers providing

enough food for all 3 meals on Christmas Day, plus treats and

small gifts. Two Muslim families also received Halal hampers.

The Foodbank is not just providing food, but has realised that

many of the clients need help with learning to cook, budgeting

skills, shopping and the growing problem of fuel poverty has

led to clients not having access to a cooker to prepare hot

meals – a major worry in winter.

Thanks to links with local mosques, the multi-faith involvement

is to be applauded as the support from them not only involves

food donations but more recently 24 taxi drivers gave their

time and taxis free of charge to take 96 foodbank clients to

Cleethorpes! The appeal for money, buckets & spades, sun

cream, child car seats etc. exceeded all expectations and

resulted in everyone being treated to fish & chips, entry to

Pleasure Island and everyone was given £10 spending money.

Spirits were lifted, heads were held high, some dignity

regained and the sense of loving one’s neighbour was clearly

evident.

All the events and activities the parish is involved in provide

great volunteering opportunities for local people, many who

are unemployed, lonely or even former clients themselves.

Some have even said that their lives have been improved

through volunteering.

Sheffield Manor parish is statistically one of the most socially deprived areas in the Diocese of Sheffield andis constantly dealing with families in poverty. The main project in the parish is the S2 Foodbank launched inNovember 2014 and based at the heart of the Manor Estate in St Swithun’s Church.

TimeBuilders – offer your time and skill in exchange forhot meals and other social events

TimeBuilders has been a life-line to a

large number of people with or without

children, both men and women, young

and old within our parish and wider

community. It is a time and skill

exchange programme; in return you

receive a Time Credit, that you can use to

buy a hot meal in St Mary`s Cafe` from

Monday to Thursday. One credit buys

you a meal and drink. Without

TimeBuilders people would find it very

difficult to have a hot meal or find a safe

place to socialise and feel valued.

TimeBuilders helps people of different

ethnicity, background, faith or with no

faith, employed or unemployed. People

come together to  help each other with

everyday life issues, help with CVs,

speaking, reading and writing English,

these are just a few of the things that

people are getting help with.

Time Credits enable people to use them

as payment instead of money. In 2015 a

large number of TimeBuilders have gone

to Hull, Scarborough and Liverpool for

day trips, they also organise social

events, like poetry or games nights.

TimeBuilders gives individuals confidence

to seek further studies or employment, to

also have a sense of worth and belonging

in a community. We are working together

and improving lives.

St Mary’s Bramall Lane,

Sheffield

NETWORK | 15548

Since the summer of 2015, Sheffield Cathedral has

an added ingredient to its ministry of welcome and

hospitality. Now the thriving coffee shop is open six

days a week serving drinks, sweet treats and other

homemade food.

There is a strong emphasis on ‘Sheffield’ running

throughout the café with food and drink sourced

locally, even the serving counter was made in

Sheffield. It is wholly-owned by the Cathedral so all

profits go directly into supporting its mission.

After being asked for many years w is, visitors to Sheffield Cathedral, no

answer as they are pointed to t

Heavenly CoffeeThe coffee available at the café is produced byThe Heavenly Coffee Company, a Sheffield-based business. A very appropriate name! Theblend available is unique to the Cathedral but isalso available to buy and take away should youget a taste for it.

Meet Ruth!Ruth Maher is the manager of 1554 and leads ateam of five. She can be seen welcoming visitorsmost days. She said: “I’m really excited to bepart of this new phase of the Cathedral’s mission.The first six months have been great and itactually feels like we’ve never not been here!”

A meeting venueThe café environment is perfect as a meetingplace for leisure and business purposes. It offerstables with seating and comfy sofas ideal forsmall groups. Larger groups can also enquireabout the conference rooms.

Why On 8 Ju Royal C to Sheffi Since th by the S manage make gr benefits annuall

The menu changes every week but generally offers

items such as soups, quiches, deli salads, gluten free

items, sausage rolls and a selection of cakes. A wide

range of hot and cold drinks are also available.

One of the most striking things about 1554 is its

environment. The combination of a modern

development in an ancient space works really well.

It has already helped to bring in new people that

would not normally enter the building.

Many parishes have been using it for away days as a

full meeting package can be offered.

Keith Farrow, Canon Missioner for the Cathedral said:

“1554 has been yet another major development for

us here. F

of change

has been

that has b

Sheffield

diocese. W

faith, 1554

The 1554

1554 and

1554 | NETWORK 9

here the coffee shop ow receive a positive

the 1554 Gallery.

y ‘1554’? ne 1554 Queen Mary Tudor granted a

Charter which returned land and proerpty field which has been seized by the Crown.

hen, these resources have been managed Sheffield Church Burgesses. It carefully

ers the ancient endowments to be able to rants year on year. The Cathedrals from significant support from thisy. The 1554 Gallery celebrates that.

For me to have been involved in the scale

e we have witnessed in the last two years

a once in a lifetime opportunity. Everything

been done here is to further the mission of

Cathedral, both in the city and the wider

We are always trying to pioneer for our

4 is another way of doing that.”

team looks forward to opening the doors of

welcoming you all.

NETWORK | FEATURES10

250 young Christiansgather for annual eventOn Saturday, 30 January, 250 young people fromchurches all over South Yorkshire gathered to breathedeep, to think, to have fun and to discover Godtogether.

Steven Croft, Bishop of Sheffield spoke at the event encouraging

the 11-18 year olds to listen to the rhythm of God in each of us and in

the world around us. The day encouraged young people to look at

their relationship with God, their own lifestyle and how to grow as a

disciple of Jesus.

The day hosted loads of activities, with time set aside to worship

God in creative ways, to hear the Bishop talking about finding God

in the world, and for workshops that stretched thinking.

The young people had time to socialize with others and have fun

with games, inflatables, games consoles, prizes, video challenges

and Subway for lunch! As with previous years, one of the highlights

of the day was the making of the ‘music video’ together at the end of

the event.

Speaking at the event, Bishop Steven said:

Breathe Deep is one of the best daysof the year in my calendar, it is full ofenergy and life and young peoplewith hope and faith.

“

“

FEATURES | NETWORK 11

Churches across the Diocese of Sheffield have been working hard to review their effectiveness. They haveused a process of self-assessment called Mission Action Planning (MAP). All sorts of plans and ideas haveemerged ranging from minor tweaks to existing projects to completely new projects such as developing alocal food bank and starting new events for children and families.

Kaspar Vilkaste, the 31 year old Doncaster-baseddancer, choreographer, street artist and dance instructorhas been carrying out Streetdance classes – for free –at Doncaster Minster.

‘Poppin’ at the Minster’Streetdance sessionsat Doncaster...

The Mission Action Plans have been used

by the Diocese’s Parish Support Team to

plan a range of training events and

develop resources. One thing that many

churches wanted to do was improve the

ways that they welcome people into their

buildings and church services. Two

training events were organised that

proved to be very popular. Those who

attended said they were “very inspiring”,

“thought provoking”, “really encouraging”.

Mark Cockayne, the Director of the Parish

Support Team said “all of the events which

we have put on so far have been

oversubscribed. I think this is because we

are responding to the needs that churches

are identifying for themselves through

their Mission Action Plans. It has been

really encouraging to share with so many

people who are enthusiastic and

passionate about helping their churches

to grow.”

The next major event the Team are

planning, Baptism Matters, will be in July.

People will hear about National research

looking at people’s experience of baptism

services and how simple changes to what

we do can help families on their lifelong

journey of faith.

Now, 12 months into the process, churches

have begun to revisit these plans and

review their progress. We are hearing

encouraging stories telling how they have

been putting their plans into action. Lynn

Wortley, vicar of Greasbrough, said: “One

year on from the initial MAP targets being

set, our prayerful reflection and

experience has revealed that as a whole,

our confidence in being a discipling,

missionary, outreaching people has grown

and we are more strategic and

enthusiastic in mission and stepping out in

faith and hope.”

Mission Action Planning

What is MissionAction Planning?Mission Action Planning is a tool to

help churches look honestly and self

critically at the things they are doing

as they serve God and their

communities. These reflections are

then used to help make plans for the

coming months and years. They

consider many aspects of church life

including welcome and worship; the

place of children and young people

in the life of the church; how the

churches are led; how they serve

their communities and how they help

people to discover and grow in the

Christian faith.

The sessions are taking place from Jan – March and for everyone and

anyone over the age of 10 – no experience necessary.

Kaspar is closely connected to Doncaster Minster and will be tying the

knot there with his girlfriend Samantha later this year. He decided he

wanted to offer Streetdance classes to young people and adults in the

town he has made home for the past 10 years to encourage and

motivate them to follow their creative dreams, even if they cannot

afford to pay.

Kaspar was inspired by the music and dance of Michael Jackson when

he was growing up in Latvia and dance and creativity has remained at

the heart of what he has done since then. While you don’t need any

experience, you should be prepared to join in and try new things!

“Well it’s a church school so it’s got a

caring ethos” and other such statements

imply the school down the road that isn’t

churchy is also horrible to children.

As a Diocese we have been exploring the

‘D’ word and have come to realise that the

distinction of a church school from a non-

church school should never be sought at

the dividing lines between them. That just

leads us to the boring differences around

admissions criteria or inspection

arrangements. No, the way to express that

difference is, instead, to affirm what lies at

the heart of what we do.

The theologian Miroslav Volf said it best

when he observed that “Christian identity

is established not primarily by denying

and combating what is outside but by

embracing and highlighting the centre of

what is inside – Jesus Christ as the Word”.

For us, exploration of distinctiveness

involved turning to the heart of

Christianity. A series of meetings looked at

a range of prayers, explored the fullness

of the Bible and engaged with the way the

church expresses faith. Through these we

moved towards the five key expectationsthat we now commit to in our schools,

namely that we will enquire into belief,

encounter Christianity, engage with

scripture, experience prayer and explore

church.

We choose our ‘e’ words carefully. Note it

says ‘experience prayer’. Some may ask:

why not just say that children will pray?

As the year 6 rebel who refused to do so,

I can attest that just making children put

their hands together and say some words

isn’t prayer. If we want our children to get

the best out of prayer then, in a church

school, it’s our job to open the doorways

onto it, and their choice if, when and how

to pass through them.

Similarly we don’t say “believe the Bible”

but we do look towards lively and

interesting engagement with scripture.

We have also translated these ideals into

some specific expectations. These include

the commitment to at least a weekly

encounter with the Lord’s Prayer,

opportunities for liturgy and the big

commitment every child visits the

Cathedral once in their school career.

When visiting Cowick School recently I

reached the point where I was mentioning

this in staff meeting and hesitatingly said

“This may be a challenge, but…” and the

staff chorused “The coaches are booked”.

They had been a few steps ahead of me

with a trip planned for the week after.

A critical part of all this is the goal that

children engage with scripture. The

Diocese has provided every school with a

set of 44 gospel stories with the

expectation one be read, once a week,

outside of collective worship.

They are drawn from across the gospels

and range from story to parable to

teaching. However, reading isn’t enough.

There needs to be some discussion, so

each reading comes with a discussion

point. Here, again, the emphasis is on

engagement not beliefs, so faced with a

wedding at Cana, children are not asked

about this sign’s significance. They are,

however, asked to reflect on times when

something went horribly wrong at a party.

This is something our children are doing

on a weekly basis.

In searching for distinctiveness we have

shifted from pottering around at the edges

and differences between us and others

and, instead, rediscovered the Christ,

through the gospels, at the centre of what

we do. Funnily enough, we just needed to

turn around.

NETWORK | FEATURES12

What makes a church school distinctive? That word gets used a lot in the national discussion around churchschools. Some of the talk you get is less than helpful:

Why a ‘Church’ school?

Huw Thomas, Director ofEducation guest

writes in this issue

FEATURES | NETWORK 13

Jayne Spaven is a volunteer at Shiloh HomelessShelter in Rotherham. She is also a member ofHoly Trinity church in Thorpe Hesley. Holy Trinityand Shiloh have had links for a very long timefirstly through the Revd Jan Hardy and morerecently with the Revd Lynn Broadhead. As a member of Holy Trinity’s congregation, Jayne started

volunteering at Shiloh on retirement from teaching. She has

helped at the shelter for a number of years now and has a

particular interest in engaging the guests there in physical

activity. These activities are varied – it could be football,

rounders, indoor bowls, table-tennis and badminton. Jayne

believes that sport enhances mental well-being as well as

increases self-esteem.

She also helps with youth activities at Holy Trinity and finds

that sport is a great way to engage young people in God’s

word. It seemed natural to put the ‘two’ together and the

young people at Holy Trinity have held a number of

sponsored badminton marathons to raise much –needed

funds for Shiloh and have visited during their school holidays

to play matches against the guests at Shiloh. Return matches

have also been played at the Trinity Centre in Thorpe Hesley.

Both parties have gained enormously from the link and

recently got together to organise a ‘games’ afternoon as part

of the Crossroads Mission which proved to be very

successful. Bishop Chris was an enthusiastic participant!!

COMMUNITY VOICES

From 5 to 15 May, Christians across the area will focus their thoughts on prayer. Each year for the pastseven years, the Bishop of Sheffield has urged his Diocese to pray individually and together during the‘10 Days of Prayer’ from Ascension to Pentecost.

Four out of five British adults believe in the

power of prayer with three in every ten

people, when asked what they would pray

for, citing peace in the world, an end to

poverty and concerns about climate

change.  There are many different types of

prayer such as: asking; thanking; forgiving;

and hoping.  There are also many different

ways of praying: it doesn’t have to be with

eyes close and hands clenched!

The Diocese of Sheffield produces prayer

postcards so that church members can

print, then leave them in public places, or

post through letterboxes. Collecting points

will allow anyone to write and post their

prayer requests, which will then be picked

up by churches in the area. Whether a

practicing Christian or not, many turn to

prayer when times get tough. The 10 Days

of Prayer aims to encourage everyone to

share their concerns, inviting others in their

community to do the same.

This year, this also links with the Church of

England’s national ‘Just Pray’ initiative with

the simple focus being on:

Prayer is for Everyone. More details and

resources can be found on the website

www.justpray.uk or on Twitter @JustPray

and #justpray

10 Days of Prayer – time to #JustPray

NETWORK | FEATURES14

Hattingen – Witten Link Visit October 2015

On arrival at the Welcome Service at the Evangelische

Johannes-Kirchengemeinde everyone was given a piece of

jigsaw and, as part of the sermon, were invited to fit the

pieces together. It turned out to be a map of Europe and

signified that individually we might feel “small and

insignificant” but working together as one we could be “more

productive” with co-operation being crucial.

The service and welcome meal certainly set the tone for a

week of thought-provoking experiences both as a group and

as individuals with the hosts.

After a Sunday spending time with the host families engaging

in a range of activities Monday was spent in Dusseldorf (the

capital city of Nordrhein-Westfalen). Here, the team had a

tour of the Landtag (Parliament) learning about the

importance of regional governance. There was also the

opportunity to learn at first-hand how Germany was coping

with the large influx of refugees – it really was humbling and

very informative.

In Munster, the team explored the many different churches as

well as “the old town” and enjoyed lunch in a 16th Century

Hostelry. At the Christuskirche in Witten, everyone was

greeted by the singing voices of the children from the

Kindergarten. Next was a talk to hear about the charismatic

way in which different congregations in terms of age, ethnicity

and religious backgrounds come together to explore Gods

Word. A German Gospel band recording their latest CD,

Currywurst mit Pommes Frites afterwards and a meeting with

the mayor added to the experience.

The last day saw a visit to the “Institute for Church and

Society” in Schwerte-Villigst to hear about its work amongst

asylum seekers and refugees.

A farewell service took place in which both German and

English Priests officiated together. A final “faith” supper was

shared while the experiences of the trip were discussed.

People can get involved in the future either by hosting in

October 2016 or visiting Germany in 2017 (you don’t have to

be able to speak German!). Jayne Spaven is available to visit

Churches of Groups to speak about the link should they be

interested in further information email: spaven4@aol.com

Sheffield Diocese

links around the world

In 2015, it was the turn of the Sheffield Diocese team to visit Germany.

The Diocese of Sheffield has close links with other Anglican communities in different parts of the world.

The Diocese is currently linked with the Diocese of Argentina and with the Church District of Hattingen

Witten, Germany. The Link with Argentina began in 1992 and the German links go back to 1987.

FEATURES | NETWORK 15

Posada Trail... Saint Andrew’s Psalter Lane Church (SAPLC) ‘Posada’ was made possible because of its Knit and Natter group(meeting every Monday) and their generosity in knitting an entire nativity set for the Christmas season.

Mary, Joseph and Donkey started their journey from SAPLC

on the first Sunday in Advent. In total, they visited four

schools and went home each night with a family from our

Parish school (Clifford CofE Infant School) or our

Neighbouring Parish School (Porter Croft Church of England

Primary Academy) to be looked after.

Whilst with families, they kept a log of what they did, where

they went and what they ate. They visited many places,

including an Indian restaurant (they really loved Indian

food), the English Institute of Sport, the theatre (to watch the

Pantomime Aladdin), Sheffield Asperger’s Children and

Carers Together (ACCT) to have breakfast with some of their

parents; and the place they were most proud to attend was

the Sheffield Children’s Hospital to help a very special little

girl to feel better.

They played key roles in several church services including

our church service for younger children (Sandcastles), Crib

Service and our service for children and families with neuro-

disabilities (they most definitely had a busy advent), and the

families were delighted to meet baby Jesus at our Crib and

Christmas day services.

Mary Joseph and Donkey travelled a total of 115.9 miles,

meeting people of different cultures, religions and ages

before coming back to SAPLC to be homed in a wonderful

presentation bag made by our Knit & Natter members. It

provided a great opportunity for people to share together

the true meaning of Christmas. Look out for it in Advent 2016!

The Rivers Team: four churches workingtogether to serve their local areaThe Rivers Team is a group of four churches in Rotherham: St Andrew’s Brinsworth, St Mary’s Catcliffe, StHelen’s Treeton, and St Lawrence’s Tinsley.

The team serves its surrounding area,

which is made up of a thriving

community, including a large new

housing development. Some members

of that community have struggled with

issues of poverty or inequality. Here, the

team has responded to improve lives by

engaging them with a church related

project.

The Rivers Team has launched a weekly

FoodCycle Café on Tuesday each

month at St Lawrence’s Church. The

project aims to help parishioners who

are struggling to access healthy meals

due to poverty. Five teams of four

people (predominately women from the

local Asian community) take it in turns to

prepare a meal. The ingredients are

fresh/perishable items which are

delivered free of charge by FoodCycle.

It is hoped that in time, this project will

also include a meal delivery service for

those who cannot get to St Lawrence’s

Church. St Mary’s at Bramall Lane in

Sheffield also offers support for the

project.

The Rivers Team also has ‘Thursdays at

St Andrew’s’ for parishioners who are

lonely, elderly, or bereaved. This runs in

a similar way to day centres: there is

coffee, tea and a social activity in the

morning, a meal at lunch time and an

act of worship at 2.00 pm. People are

free to attend one or more of these

parts, as they choose. St Mary’s Catcliffe

and St Lawrence’s Tinsley run a coffee

morning (Coffee Pot) each week both of

which involve community groups and

church congregation members.

The churches work in a close

partnership together to actively engage

in the community, where people are

coming to faith, growing in discipleship,

worshipping Jesus, supporting each

other and serving God.

EAST RIDINGEAST R

SOUTHYORKSHIREY

The

Diocese of Sheffield

Diocese of Sheffield | Church House | 95-99 Effingham Street | Rotherham | S65 1BL

Telephone: (01709) 309 100

Facsimile: (01709) 512 550

Email: reception@sheffield.anglican.org

@DioceseofSheff Find us on facebook.com/dioceseofsheffield

www.sheffield.anglican.org

The Diocese of Sheffield is called to grow a sustainable network

of Christ-like, lively and diverse Christian communities in

every place which are effective in making disciples and in

seeking to transform our society and God’s world.

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