Weekly eBulletin
The Weekly EBULLETIN - 30 April 2013
30 April 2013
Edited by Adam Orr
EASTERTIDE
Please note:
The contact details for the Diocesan Communications team are changing. Please can all future eBulletin submissions or general media enquiries be sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or alternatively please call 07939547749.
Please remember
All contributions should be sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by 5pm each Monday with a limit of 100 words and a web reference for more information.
Our Vision Statement to use on all outward communications at parish and deanery level
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.
A few extracts from the Bishops’ diaries for your prayers over the next few days;
+Steven
Thu 2Confirmation Service at Brampton Brierlow (7.30pm)
Sun 5Preaching at St Mary the Virgin, Sprotbrough at 10.15am
+Peter is currently away in Argentina. Keep up to date with his visit via his blog account:
To see a YouTube interview with +Peter discussing his trip visit: www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=jRwsccU6XOA
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NEW
Ten Days of Prayer from Ascension to Pentecost 2013 (beginning Thursday 9 May)
Listen with care
All the prayer resources this year are designed to help us listen more carefully to God, to one another, and to those around us. As you follow the Ten Days of Prayer Lectionary, we will ‘tune in’ and listen to a different area of need each day. Let everyone be quick to listen, but slow to speak… (James 1:19) Be ready for this prayerful, active listening to inform our ignorance, challenge our assumptions, and re-shape our perceptions. May this lead us into more prayer and then on to appropriate action. You may like to use the prayer below:
A Special Prayer to use every day
Risen and ascended Lord,
seated at the right hand of the Father,
You intercede for us and long to speak into our lives.
May we listen for Your voice,
see with Your eyes,
understand Your purposes
and act according to Your will.
As we hear the heart cries of the world around us,
may the Spirit fill us with Your love and compassion,
inspire us to fruitful partnerships,
and empower us to be salt and light within our communities.
to the glory of God the Father.
Amen.
You can download this prayer together with all the other prayer resources from the diocesan website. www.sheffield.anglican.org/church-in-action/ministry-mission-training-and-development/music-and-worship/10-days-of-prayer-2013
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NEW
The Bishop’s Letter [June] by Bishop Steven
Copy for reproduction in June editions of parish magazines is in the Appendix below.
NEW
Churchwardens take centre stage
NEW
‘Refresh’ yourself with Church
NEW
Together for Growth: Diocesan Development Day 2013
Saturday 5 October (9.30am-3.30pm) at St. Thomas Philadelphia, Sheffield. This year we will be exploring how we can work together in mission to support each other, serve our communities and grow our churches. Last year the Diocesan Development Day was oversubscribed, so start thinking now about who might like to represent your parish at this year's exciting event.
Further details to follow soon.
NEW
Retirement of Mr Nick Hutton, Diocesan Christian Giving Director
Many of you will be aware that Nick Hutton has been unwell since last year. He was due to retire later this year but due to his health that date has been brought forward to the end of this month (April). Nick has done a wonderful job in his time as Christian Giving Director in encouraging parishes and individuals to recognise and share the resources and talents that they have available. His contribution to the work of the Diocese will be sorely missed and we wish him a speedy recovery and a happy retirement. For advice on Giving, please watch the diocesan website or contact Church House Reception on (01709) 309100 if you require specific guidance. Sue Byers
NEW
Summer 2013 Lay Ministry Development "A whistle stop tour through the Old Testament”
For all in authorised lay ministry: Readers; Lay Parish Evangelists; Pastoral Workers; Children's Ministers and Workers; Youth Leaders; and Worship Leaders. The next study day for all authorised Lay Ministers is on Thursday 11 July at Church House, Rotherham. (7pm-9pm). Led by Dr John B Thomson, Director of Ministry. Booking for this course is ESSENTIAL, to help us prepare materials for participants. Any last minute bookings should be by telephone please. For booking details visit www.sheffield.anglican.org/home/courses-and-events
NEW
Diocesan Resources Centre
We now have a series of DVD recordings of key events in the Diocese (Bishop Steven’s Re-imagining Ministry Talks; Diocesan Development Day presentations by Bishops Stephen Cottrell and Martin Warner and Ann Morisy; plus recent Shrove Tuesday Lectures) filmed and produced by Mike North. So…if you were unable to get to an event…or liked what you heard and want to share it with the rest of your parish/cluster…contact Liz in the Resources Centre to borrow or reserve a copy. Don’t forget as we prepare for the Ten Days of Prayer, that we have many items to assist you: CDs, music, DVDs, posters, icons, games, parachutes and many books with lots of ideas and guidance for creative prayer and worship. Make sure the children (and adults!) in your church/school/community are included by maybe using our puppets or Godly Play boxes.
The Resources Centre is based at Church House in Rotherham and is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. You are welcome to call in and have a browse and see what we have to offer.
For more information contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or ring 01709 309105: Items can be reserved for collection, and it is possible for smaller books etc. to be posted out.
Hattingen – Witten Link trip
Would you like to be part of a visit to our link Diocese in Germany from 25 October – 1 November 2013. Travelling by coach and overnight ferry. Approximate cost £200 per adult. An opportunity to stay with a family, make new friendships and experience church life in a different context. Also, an exciting programme of visits around the district. Families and young people welcome – and no German necessary! To order a booking form, contact Dominique Horsfield on 01302 846610 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . If you have any questions, please contact Revd Sue Hobley on 01709 872299 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Deadline: Wednesday 15 May.
Mission Shaped Introduction Course
We are pleased to announce that we will be running the Fresh Expressions mission shaped intro course (msi) in both Rotherham and Doncaster in May and June 2013. For more information visit http://www.sheffield.anglican.org/index.php/church-in-action/ministry-mission-training-and-development/mission-and-evangelism/fresh-expressions
Mental Health – Challenge or Opportunity?
To build on the successful study days which were held during 2012 (which were attended by 75 people in total) and to continue the work of changing outdated perceptions of mental illness, in 2013 the Diocese is hosting a further series of study days (all taking place on Saturdays) entitled ‘Mental Health – Challenge or Opportunity’ at the following venues.
St Mary’s Church, Worsborough – 11 May
St Timothy’s Church, Crookes – 15 June
St Simon & St Jude, Thurcroft – 19 October
St Mary The Virgin, Sprotbrough – 2 November
You are warmly invited to apply to attend one of these events – you may well be glad you did! A leaflet incorporating an application form to attend one of the study days is available to download at http://www.sheffield.anglican.org/index.php/home/courses-and-events or
by post from Mrs. D. Cook, 27 Auckland Rise, Sheffield, S20 4TQ
Partners Together Quiet Day ‘Prayer in a Busy Life’ – Saturday 18 May 2013
Partners Together aims to support and network clergy spouses in the Diocese of Sheffield. A Quiet Day has been organised for 18 May at Bawtry Hall near Doncaster. The day is called ‘Prayer in a Busy Life’. The speaker is Angela Ashwin who is an experienced leader of Quiet Days and has written several books on prayer. More information and booking form can be found on the Partners Together webpage under Resources on the Diocesan Website. Alternatively, contact Catherine Redeyoff (Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; Tel: 01302 770 240) or Ann Croft (Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; Tel: 0114 230 2170)
NEW
‘Just call me Lopez’’: A Story of Imperfection and Grace
Friday 31 May – Sunday 2 June, cost = £12 Friday evening only, £180 residential/£130 non-residential. Led by Margaret Silf at Whirlow Grange Conference & Spirituality Centre, Sheffield S11 9PZ (S11 9RX for sat nav). During this weekend we will explore some aspects of the story of Ignatius of Loyola (‘Lopez’) – a very flawed individual who was radically open to the flow of divine grace, and who became a guide for many. We take a fresh look at Ignatius’ story and connect its flow with the movements of our own lives and hearts, encouraging us to discover the story of God’s grace active in our own imperfection. Please note the Friday evening is a standalone event and can be booked for just £12. For more information visit our website www.whirlowgrange.co.uk/just-call-me-lopez-a-story-of-imperfection-and-grace/ or call 0114 2363173 to book. Karen Colley
Ministry Bursary Awards 2014
The Ecclesiastical Ministry Bursary Awards are once again open for entries. The awards are open to all clergy in Anglican Christian faiths and aim to provide financial support to members of the clergy for sabbatical breaks and projects undertaken in 2014. The awards for 2014 are now open for applications until 30 September 2013. Judging of the applications will take place in November and awards will be made during December 2013. To find out more about the Ministry Bursary Awards, eligibility criteria and to download an application form, please go to www.ecclesiastical.com/mba.
Foundations of Faith - Bible Overview - introducing the whole Bible over eight Saturday mornings.
The course will take place on Saturday mornings (10.15am-12noon) at St Peter’s, Warmsworth, Doncaster from 4 May-29 June. Suitable for all who wish to deepen their faith and understanding. No academic requirement. For more information contact Mrs Trish Stafford (01709 309147) This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , the Revd Alan Isaacson (0114 285 1225) This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.sheffield.anglican.org/church-in-action/ministry-mission-training-and-development/parish-and-deanery-development/discipleship-development/foundations-of-faith
Time and Space to Wonder residential for 8-11 year olds AND Young Filmmakers Week for 11-16 year olds.
The programme will begin on Tuesday 28 (10am) and Thursday 30 May (3pm) and we will be staying at Hatfield Woodhouse Village Hall. Cost £50 for full board and all activities. Further details can be obtained from Jenny Lambourne 01709 309144. Booking form here www.sheffield.anglican.org/attachments/1114_TSTW%20Booking%20form.pdf
Young Filmmakers Week (including residential)
We will be based at Hatfield Woodhouse Village Hall on Saturday 25 May, then back on Tuesday 28-Thursday 30 May (residential with Time and Space to Wonder). Further details can be obtained from Mike North 01709 309146. Booking form here www.sheffield.anglican.org/attachments/1113_FILM%20Booking%20form.pdf
Some of our Current Vacancies
For a full list of current vacancies and further details visit: www.sheffield.anglican.org/index.php/key-information/vacancies/diocesan-stipendiary-clergy-posts or www.sheffield.anglican.org/index.php/key-information/vacancies/vacancies
NEW
Diocesan Director of Ordinands
Following the appointment of the Dr Joanne Grenfell as Archdeacon of Portsmouth, the Bishop of Sheffield is seeking to appoint a new Director of Ordinands. For more information on how to apply visit http://www.sheffield.anglican.org/key-information/vacancies/diocesan-stipendiary-clergy-posts. The deadline for applications is Friday 10 May and interviews will be held at Doncaster House on Friday 24 May.
A selection of Diocesan events
A number of events are taking place this weekend across the Diocese. For further information on them please visit www.sheffield.anglican.org/index.php/home/parish-events
Miscellany
NEW
Sea Sunday 2013
On Sea Sunday churches around the world come together to remember seafarers and pray for them, their families and those who support them. As well as raising money to help those who work at sea, the day is celebrated with services, parades and ship blessings. Sea Sunday 2013 will be held on 14 July. For more information visit www.seasunday.org
NEW
Event for N Sheffield on Welfare Reforms
The Healthy Communities programme in North Sheffield is putting on an event on Thursday 23 May from 1-4pm at the Miners Welfare in High Green to provide information on the Welfare Reforms. Here is your chance to hear direct from the DWP and from the Sheffield City Council on how the changes are being implemented. What do you need to know? How might people be affected? What support is available? Speakers from DWP, Sheffield Homes, Revenues and Benefits Clients Team. The event is aimed at professionals in Northern Community Assembly area. To confirm a place please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Rotherham History Festival
Friday 3 - Sunday 12 May. Rotherham during the two civil wars which shaped our modern country
The War of the Roses 1455 – 1485 & The Civil War 1642 – 1652. For more information visit: www.rotherhamminster.co.uk/news.htm
Hymn books wanted!
The parish of St James, Clifton is desperately short of hymn books. If anybody is updating their hymn books and have copies of the orange Complete Anglican Hymns: Old and New that they would like to find a home for, please contact Revd Abi Thompson on 01709 363082 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . We are looking particularly for the words-only version. Thank you! Abi Thompson
Theological Reading Day 2013- ‘Beyond Busyness: Time Wisdom for Ministry’ Written and led by: Dr Stephen Cherry - Thursday 2 May (9.30am-4.15pm) at The Mirfield Centre, Stocks Bank Road, Mirfield WF14 0BW - Cost: £25, inclusive of lunch & refreshments. Participants are expected to read a copy of the book beforehand, Sacristy Press 2012, 112pp, £8.99, ISBN 9781908381057. About the Book: “Beyond Busyness” is a practical and effective step towards connecting up the limitations of time with the demands and realities of ministry. It helps ministers to take positive steps in developing a time wisdom which will help them navigate the very considerable pressures that many currently face. To book or for enquiries contact Jim Coleman on E: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or T: 0113 289 8490
School of Theology and Mission
On 18 May (9.30am-12.40pm) we have excellent presentations on each of the 4 tracks. Great teaching, great worship, great discussion & great coffee!
Life – ‘Christianity & Sport’ by Lincoln Harvey, tutor in Theology at St Mellitus College (LIVE)
Mission – ‘Missional Communities’ by Rich Robinson, Director of 3DM UK (LIVE)
Faith – ‘Trinity’ by Mike Lloyd, lecturer at St Pauls Theological Centre (DVD)
Bible – ‘Catholic Epistles’ by Graham Tomlin, Principal of St Pauls Theological Centre (DVD)
For more details: www.schooloftheology.org.uk // This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it // 0114 2671090
Appendix
The Bishop’s Letter, April 2013
This letter from Bishop Steven is for you to reproduce in June on your church website, in your parish magazine or in your Sunday Newsletter:
This month Bishop Steven writes:
A powerful and helpful prayer
Every once in a while I come across a prayer which helps me pray. I normally stay with it for a while, trying to use it every day. Sometimes I paste it into the prayers I say each week.
A few months ago, I came across a prayer of St. Augustine in a copy of a sermon someone handed me to read. It spoke to me very powerfully. I don't remember seeing the prayer before. I think it deserves to be better known.
Augustine of Hippo (354-430) was a Bishop in North Africa. The prayer is a beautiful prayer of dedication to God. I think I would rank it alongside the Methodist Covenant Prayer for the power of the words and the honest dedication to God's cause. Perhaps Augustine's prayer influenced John Wesley.
The English translation I was given didn't really flow so this is my attempt at a revision:
Jesus, Master,
May I know myself and know you.
May I desire nothing if not you.
May I forget myself and love you.
May I do everything because of you.
May I humble myself and exalt you.
May I think of nothing if not you.
May I die to myself and live in you.
Whatever happens may I accept from you.
May I renounce myself and follow you
and always long to follow you.
May I flee myself and fly to you.
May I be worthy to be defended by you.
May I fear myself and fear you,
that I may be among those chosen by you.
May I mistrust myself and trust you.
May I be willing to obey because of you.
May I cling to nothing if not to you
And may I be poor because of you.
Look upon me that I may love you,
Call me that I may see you
And in eternity may I delight in you.
Amen.
The prayer is full of Christ: every line ends in “you”. It is also very self aware. As you read it, think about which lines help and challenge you. Several of the lines have already challenged me deeply. Several have made me think. The final three lines are especially beautiful and worth learning as a short prayer in their own right.
If you like the prayer, cut it out and keep it for the future. Like all good prayers, this one is a call to holiness. It's a prayer for quiet days and retreats, for moments of special dedication or seasons of pondering the way forward.
+Steven
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