THE NEWSLETTER OF THE 07

SUMMER 2018

MBE Award for Thy Kingdom Come, The Value of Anne for foster care global prayer Spiritual services.... movement... Accompaniment... See page 4 See page 8 See page 11 Welcome from Bishop Pete Dear brothers and sisters – welcome to the latest issue of Network magazine for the Diocese of Sheffield. Time has passed quickly since I was installed as Bishop last September. Since that time, I have been caught up in a hectic but delightful round of baptisms, confirmations, licensing and other services, planning meetings, deanery gatherings and civic events.

Both Cathy and I are extremely grateful to all of you for the experience, strategy is at its most effective as a tool for warmth of the welcome we have received during these early mission when it is regularly revised — and the arrival of a new visits around the Diocese. Diocesan bishop is an obvious occasion for such a revision. We have been left in no doubt at all what wonderful, diverse, As I have been travelling around the diocese I have been gifted and generous people there are to be found in asking: what will a generous and flourishing diocese of congregations right around the diocese and I really do feel Sheffield look like in 2025? What does it mean to proclaim very blessed indeed to have been called to serve as the 8th the Gospel of Christ across our Diocese today? What are the Bishop of Sheffield. most urgent needs of our communities and what can we do The vision for our Diocese remains unchanged: we long to together, in partnership with the Holy Spirit, to meet those grow a sustainable network of Christ-like, lively and diverse needs? I would certainly appreciate your prayers as I Christian communities in every place, which are effective in continue to consult on these very questions over the making disciples and in seeking to transform our society and summer months. God’s world. We long to see the Body of Christ grow in depth and in numbers. We long to see every disciple and the whole I hope you enjoy reading the articles in this issue of Network Church serving our wider society: the whole people of God magazine. It will give you a glimpse of the amazing things engaged in the whole mission of God. that are already taking place within our communities by the However, not even a stated vision is a straight-jacket and any grace of God. strategy framed to achieve a vision is still less so. In my +Pete

2 NETWORK | WELCOME THE NEWSLETTER OF THE DIOCESE OF SHEFFIELD

THETTHTHETHE DIOCESEDTHE DITHE DIOCESDIOTHE DIOCEDIOCTHE Contents Issue 07 OFO SHEFFIELDSSHSHESHEFSHEFFSHEFFISHEFFIESHEFFIEL

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At 78, Anne Shaw is the longest-serving foster Church House in Rotherham has now truly carer in the country and recently received an gone green with the installation of 48 solar MBE for her services. panels on the roof .

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In March, Bishop Pete led a small team to As a part of St Peter’s College here two work with churches on the latest in the series people give their stories on their route to of missions initiated by Archbishop Sentamu. digging deeper in their faith.

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Thy Kingdom Come is a global prayer A group of 24 church members from across movement, which invites Christians around the diocese travelled to Germany at the end the world to pray. of October.

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.

CONTENTS | NETWORK 3 MBE for long service awarded to Anne At 78, Anne Shaw is the longest-serving foster carer in the country and recently received an MBE for her services. Anne is a long-standing member of St Leonard’s Church Norwood in north Sheffield. She lives in Parsons Cross and is a member of the Deanery Synod.

Amazingly, she is in her 49th year of fostering. She says it will be her last as her teenage foster daughter is due to leave soon. Anne has fostered over 60 children, although she prefers not to think of the overall figure. She would rather see each child as an individual and points out that some were with her for a short time and others for eight years. Many are still in touch with Anne. Those and others she hadn’t heard from for a long time recently contacted her with visits, phone calls and cards to offer congratulations on her MBE. Anne received the award from Prince William at Buckingham Palace on March 20th – on the same morning Beatles drummer Ringo Starr collected a Knighthood and author Jilly Cooper a CBE. Anne says the Prince asked her, “Have you enjoyed fostering?” and she replied, “I wouldn’t have done it this long if I hadn’t. I love it”. Lots and lots of love With the birth of the Prince’s third child approaching, he also asked, “Have you got any hints (for bringing up children?)”. “All I can say is you love them. Give them lots and lots of love because that’s what they want,” Anne responded. Anne, wearing a cream outfit including a fascinator bought for the occasion, attended the investiture with her daughter Rachel, who is also a foster carer, Rachel’s husband Simon, and her sister Susan, who lives in Italy. Anne has four natural children: Andrew (who fostered for several years), twins Rachel and Judith, and Joanne. With the help of her late husband Alan, who died in 2004 aged 64, Anne started fostering in 1969. She still has the letter, approving them as foster parents. She has mainly fostered British girls and boys but also Somali and Arab girls. “I think I’m lucky because that’s what I wanted to do. I think I’ve achieved that,” Anne modestly said as she spoke to Network Magazine in Revd Keith Ryder-West’s living room next door to St Leonard’s Church, where she married Alan. So pleased for Anne As well as her medal, stored in a special case, Anne brought with her an A3-size certificate, official photos of her receiving the MBE from Prince William and a DVD that she hadn’t yet watched. Father Keith said: “I’m in awe of Anne doing that for all those years and being a very active member of the church as well.” When Anne received an email late last year telling her she had been awarded an MBE, she thought it was a hoax. A family member made a phone call to confirm it was genuine. Anne told Father Keith of the news before it was made public in the New Year’s Honours list. He too had to keep it a secret until then. “Everybody was so pleased for Anne,” once the news was announced, he added. Anne, who has overcome lung cancer and a broken hip, plus had a knee replacement, reflected: “I’m very proud of doing it, looking after them. The fact that they come back and those cards that I got when I got the MBE, they were lovely.”

4 NETWORK | NEWS Confirmed at Doncaster 41 church in one service...

The Revd Chris McCarthy, Vicar of St James’ Doncaster, was overjoyed to take part in a confirmation service of a diverse group of 41 young people and adults.

The group was made up of 8 young people To prepare for the confirmation, asylum (7 Nigerian and 1 Dominican Republic) seekers were asked to complete the along with 33 adults (2 English, 3 Afghans, Emmaus Course before being baptised, 5 Iranian Kurds and 23 Iranians). It made for and the Alpha Course before Confirmation. a very multi-cultural celebration! The young people completed a Confirmation is a special church service in discipleship course called “The Greatest which a person confirms the promises that Journey”. As a result of the confirmation were made when they were baptised. For classes many have asked to meet every those baptised at a christening when a week to study together. child, their parents and godparents made Smaller groups have also been established these promises on their behalf. As a young The service was also attended by the person or adult, individuals become ready , , who for the Iranians to study in Farsi whilst to affirm these promises for themselves and laid his hands on each confirmation keeping them together for a weekly study commit their life to following Jesus Christ. candidate’s head. in English. Movements in, out and around the diocese Since the last issue of Network magazine a number of comings and goings have taken place around parishes in the Sheffield Diocese. In the past six months we have seen:

n The Revd Rob Bridgewater licensed as the Associate n The Revd Alison Earl has moved from Worsborough and Minister, Christ Church Endcliffe. Elsecar to become the Vicar of St Mary, Tickhill and St Winifred, Stainton. n The Revd John Armstrong has moved from the Diocese of Manchester to become the Rector of St Mary Wombwell. n The Revd Ed Pennington has moved into the Senior Minister role at Christ Church Endcliffe. n The Revd Pip Salmon has moved from a Team Vicar role in the Diocese of Salisbury to become Priest in Charge of n The Revd Malcolm Lambert is moving from the Diocese of Christ Church, Pitsmoor, Associate Priest of St Cuthbert, Southwell and Nottingham to become the Interim Priest Fir Vale and Associate Priest of St Peter, Ellesmere. in Charge of St Timothy, Crookes.

Of course we welcome all these, and all the others, clergy and lay, that have changed their roles within the diocese in recent months.

NEWS | NETWORK 5 Many churches seem to struggle to find practical ways to share the good news of Jesus with their networks and communities. It feels like trying to move a proverbial mountain! So what might it look like to have faith (Matthew 17:20) to see this happen?

In March, Bishop Pete led a small team to work with churches in Whitehaven on the latest in the series of missions initiated by Archbishop Sentamu. The events they organised and the principles behind each one might help you to see how you could do something similar (perhaps as part of Hope 2018 (www.sheffield.anglican.org/hope-2018). Creative link with schools On the Friday before Mothering Sunday, both Anglican churches opened their doors for events planned by their local schools. This drew in significant numbers of parents and carers. At each event a team member had opportunity to bring an appropriate message to a sizeable gathering. Good use of church buildings One church has a town centre daytime café space; others had good catering facilities and put on simple events like afternoon tea with Table Talk questions. Another combined an organ concert with a short talk, planning to throw open its doors one lunchtime a month. None of these things could be described as ‘rocket science’ and this makes them attainable. The key is to be brave enough to also engage in conversation and sharing good news. Fresh Expressions of Church A Messy Church event in the Civic Hall attracted huge numbers (63 children, 150 in total) and reached many new people who might find Messy Church a good way to explore and experience Christian faith. One of the churches also had a ‘Pizza church’ event – just as interactive but less effort to set up and, they hope, able to retain children who seem to grow too old for Messy Church. For several years, Whitehaven has had a café church meeting in Costa Coffee at Sunday teatime. John Hibberd stayed on to answer questions at an apologetics’ event there. Creative church with pizza or with coffee; what’s not to like! Helen Terry, one of the Sheffield contingent, said: “One of the main things that will stay with me was not only the wonderful warmth and hospitality of our hosts, but the positivity of the people who came to the events. The number of folk who said, “I don’t usually come to stuff like this, I wasn’t going to come, but I’m so glad I did.” Perceptions shifted, relationships formed and hope ignited as the mountains of misunderstanding moved.

6 NETWORK | NEWS Did you hear the one about the Bishop and the actress?

On, 16 May, the Bishop of Doncaster, Peter Burrows, joined Emmerdale actress Natalie Anderson, to open a new wing of Elm Park Care Home. Peter’s wife, Jane, is a resident of the home and was made guest of honour for the event: Bishop Peter writes. As many of you across the diocese know The mark of good care is also signalled my wife Jane went into full time residential by the fact that in my worst moments they care at Elm Park in Woodlands in January rescued me and have made visiting Jane with advanced Alzheimer’s. This was a a great deal easier. It is a supportive, decision that my children and I hoped we caring and loving community. would never have to face. It has been the It was then a great privilege that, along most difficult decision I think I have ever with the actress Natalie Anderson, I was had to make and the past few months asked to jointly open of the new wing of have been difficult emotionally and the care home that will continue to provide spiritually. The range of emotions have a high level of care and support for been similar to that of bereavement yet residents and family. with Jane still physically present. We know this condition can only go one way and What made the occasion even more there is more pain to face as the special was that Jane was a guest of Alzheimer’s continues to deteriorate. honour and received a beautiful That is also true for Jane of course but the arrangement of flowers. So, in a way she condition makes it difficult to really know was as much part of it as I was as the what Jane is thinking and experiencing. pictures demonstrate. Over the past few months I have got to I greatly appreciate and value being part know the staff well and also some of the of the Elm Park community which I visit other residents families. The care the staff almost every day but am also grateful for provide is exceptional as is the the many expressions of support, care and environment. They treat every person as love that I receive from across the an individual, with respect and dignity. diocese. Thank you. Renewed. Released. Rejuvenated DIOCESAN DEVELOPMENT DAY 2018 This year, this annual event will take place on 6 October 2018 at St Thomas Philadelphia The day will see Bishop Pete lead with the launch of the updated diocesan strategy. Speakers and workshops will look more closely at what the strategy means for the diocese Bookings will open soon and will be advertised on the Diocesan and St Peter’s websites

NEWS NETWORK 7 “I cannot remember in my life any been involved in where I have sen the work of the Spiri Archbishop Justin Welby

Thy Kingdom Come is a global prayer movement, which invites Christians Prayer Night around the world to pray between Ascension and Pentecost (10-20 May in St Matthew’s Carver Street held a 2018) for more people to come to know Jesus Christ. What started out as with Christian Aid. Starting at 6pm an invitation from the Archbishops’ of Canterbury and York in 2016 to the evening began with a traditional E has grown into an international and ecumenical call to and The Rosary. Thereafter the ev prayer. followed by prayer. As part of the prayer movement, churches around the Diocese of Sheffield held 24-7 prayer, prayer stations, prayer walks and more. 10 Days of Prayer Action Here are some examples: All Saints Ecclesall held a number Prayer Pilgrimage allow people to participate in the w It started with an all-age “Messy” p To mark the 10 Days of Prayer, Bishop went on a walking They also linked in with the Christi pilgrimage around parts of the diocese. This covered areas he did not get a Mission Evening on 19 May. to on his walking pilgrimage in the run up to his installation in September Pray for Five 2017. From 11-13 May he visited parishes in Wath and Tankersley, and on 17 and 18 May he went to parishes in Laughton, Attercliffe and Ecclesall. Many churches made full use of th the prayer bookmarks and cards t 24 hour Prayer Room names of five people you would li Eleanor Robertshaw, Rector of Gre For the fourth year in a row, St Cuthbert’s Fir Vale created a 24 hour prayer Island, Melrose Abbey and the An room on 18-19 May (6pm-6pm) within its building. Operated by volunteers and open to the public, people found space to be still, reflect and pray at whatever time was convenient to them.

Beacon Event

On 20 May, Sheffield Cathedral hosted its second official Thy Kingdom Come Beacon Event, one of many held around the country. Hundreds from around the diocese came together to worship, pray and celebrate Pentecost and mark the end of the prayer movement for 2018.

8 NETWORK | THY KINGDOM COME

ything that I’ve nsed “ so clearly it.

prayer night on 18 May in association

and continuing until midnight. The

Evensong, followed by The Benediction

vening offered contemporary worship

r of events throughout the 10 days to wider Thy Kingdom Come initiative. prayer party followed by a prayer night. ian Aid Big Breakfast morning and held

he resources on offer with many using to #prayforfive. That is, writing down the ke to come to know Jesus. The Revd eat Snaith, even took her card to Holy

gel of the North to pray every day!

THY KINGDOM COME | NETWORK 9 Sticking it where the sun shines!

Church House in Rotherham has now truly gone green with the installation of 48 solar panels on the roof that faces into Rotherham town centre. This means that natural sunlight, converted into energy, will now be powering the activities of the diocesan central admin office.

In the past ten years the UK has property team. It was fitted over the the system is producing, and also its total recognised solar electricity as an course of a week in late March - ready for productions is since installation. excellent source of renewable power. the (hopefully) sunny British Summer. Heidi Adcock, Diocesan Secretary said: Contrary to the long-held myth, it doesn’t The energy that the 12Kw system is “By installing the solar electricity system, necessarily need direct sunlight to work – expected to produce will be used up in Church House is hoping to demonstrate to still generating electricity on a cloudy day! working hours by those operating in the community and wider diocese that Solar electricity is an excellent, cheap, Church House. Out of hours, the unused solar electricity is a genuine option for all renewable energy supply that doesn’t put energy feeds directly back into the grid types of buildings. It saves on our energy pressure on the earth’s resources. and gets recycled. Estimates say that the bills and works to protect the environment The large system was installed by Solar cost of the system will be offset in nine for future generations. It is also very Roof Solutions Ltd, part of New Channels years with the reduction that will be seen visible from Rotherham town centre and Technology, a company based in on the electricity bills. the new Tesco across the road, which Sheffield. They won the work after a There is a small display in the reception raises awareness of renewable energy tendering process led by the dicoesan area that shows both a live feed of what even more.” Our journey to cleaner, greener future... Since we started on our quest to encourage churches in the diocese at an even better value than fossil fuel, enabling more of us to take to use renewable energy instead of fossil fuels, a remarkable 68 advantage. We also want to put into practice the advice in the energy churches have made the switch. surveys, so we can improve our energy efficiency and keep cutting our Most churches have also been able to save money in the process, and one consumption. or two have decided that their green commitment is worth a little extra. David Middleton, Vicar of Holy Cross Gleadless Valley said ‘We switched at We’ve been working with Green Journey, who have been visiting every the beginning of the year. I’d encourage others to look into it too’. Murray parish in the Diocese to carry out an energy survey and then offer a price Brown, Vicar of St Paul’s Norton Lees said ‘We have switched. I was for renewable electricity and carbon neutral gas. As well as offering delighted that we could get greener energy and save a bit of money.’ renewable energy to help us cut our carbon footprint, Green Journey have Untangling multiple contracts can be tricky, so Fr Jeffrey Stokoe also been checking whether we’re paying the right amount of VAT. Some appreciated Green Journey’s help at St Hugh of Lincoln, New Cantley: ‘the churches have been paying too much and Green Journey have helped work they did with and for us was very helpful.’ Meanwhile, Rev Lynn them reclaim over £2,800 between them, with possibly another £700 still Broadhead, Vicar of Holy Trinity Thorpe Hesley was delighted with their to come. £72 savings and is now setting her PCC off to consider cutting their plastic This is definitely the start of our journey, and we still have more roads to waste and investigating solar panels on their community hall. travel. Sometimes the timing or pricing isn’t right, but churches can always If you’d like to know more about our Green Journey, then please join in later. As the demand for green energy grows (and we are get in touch with Jo Chamberlain, Diocesan Environmental Adviser contributing to that growth) then it will become more easily available and at [email protected]

10 NETWORK | FEATURES Hidden Gems The Value of Spiritual Accompaniment

"Spiritual accompaniment By Angie Lauener, Bishop's provides an opportunity to press Assistant Advisor in Facts & Figures the ‘pause’ button amidst a busy Spirituality. The list of authorised accompaniers has grown to life and trace God's finger in it all". some 50 people all around the Diocese. These The Accompaniers also have valuable I think of the people who offer this are mature Christians, from a variety of gains from offering their ministry: "... The denominations but mostly Anglicans, who have ministry as 'hidden gems' because the completed the training (including safeguarding) opportunity to offer another the gift of ministry is rather invisible yet highly and are in supervision. Ages range from the 40s careful listening, encouragement and valued both by those who receive it and to 80s and they come from a range of help with discernment"; "it is a privilege backgrounds and professions. Many offer this those who offer it. Look at the facts and and humbling..." "It sometimes feels like ministry free of charge or invite a small donation figures below - you may be surprised! standing on holy ground". to cover their ongoing training and development. Here is what I found when I asked Around 300 people in total are currently people to say what they value about Importantly, spiritual accompaniment is receiving spiritual accompaniment. meeting with a Spiritual Accompanier, as not mentoring or counselling, or a place shown by their quotes. where someone would be judged or held accountable. Rather, it is "Help given by The meeting - A spiritual accompaniment one Christian to another which enables 32% meeting typically lasts for an hour, 39% that person to pay attention to God's usually in the Accompanier's home, once personal communication to him or her, to every two or three months. Some people respond to this personally value the space - "a sanctuary; a place 11% communicating God, and to live out of 18% of trust", "a place of rest", "a space to the consequence of the relationship." - step back from the busyness of life", Barry and Connolly* "essential to my well-being", Ordained clergy Want to find out more? "conversations in a safe and relaxed Not in lay or ordained ministry Contact: atmosphere", "valuable breathing space". Training or exploring angie.lauener@sheffield.anglican.org Lay ministers Outcomes of a session are many and or look on varied, but usually provide for the http://www.sheffield.anglican.org/spiritual www.sheffield.anglican.org/spirituality particular spiritual needs of the person attending: "space ... to reflect more deeply on the important things that are Bishop's Advisers in Spirituality happening in my life and the 'hidden I am extremely grateful for Neil Bowler, whom I worked with for two years in this role. Neil stepped down in 2017. There is now a new assistant helping - Dee Sircar. workings of God' within them"; ".. Places Revd Dr. Angie Lauener is Revd Dee Sircar is a retired of rest where I can take bearings on the Associate Priest at Abbeydale priest. Interested in Ignatian paths of discovering more about who and Millhouses. She is a spirituality, he recently spiritual Accompanier, one of received training in Spiritual God is"; "to consider my daily life, with the referral team and is trained Accompaniment and now all its busyness and routines, in the as supervisor. She also is one offers it. He is about to context of my Christian spiritual journey"; of the course team for the undertake further training at St. Spiritual Growth and Beuno's in Wales in running "helps me to see how God is at work in Transformation course. retreats. my life"; "I am listened to, supported, As Advisors, we are keen to find out what would help you in prayer and spirituality advised if asked for". generally. Look out for a survey to be circulated late summer.

*The quote is from The Practice of Spiritual Direction by William Barry and William Connolly, Harper Collins, 2009.]

FEATURES | NETWORK 11 Faith stories from St Peter’s College St Peter’s College is the learning community for mission and ministry in the diocese, here two people give their stories on their route to digging deeper in their faith:

I'm Amanda, a year-three Reader in training. I think the main “reason I decided to come to the School of Ministry was I wanted to find out more about my faith...why I believe what I believe and it's also the reason I came to church in the first place. When I was a teenager. I wanted to know what happened between Christmas and Easter. What happened to this baby born at Christmas, what happened in his life to get him on that cross at Easter. I wanted to know more of the story and this training is part of that, learning more about the story, what it means for my life. I think I also wanted to do more in church to support my priest and one way I can do it is by training how to preach, and supporting him in other ways. For me it was slightly scary because I have no formal qualifications. I didn't sit any GCSEs at school so coming in to what is a very academic based system, I found rather scary in the first couple of

sessions but actually it's not too bad I'm generally getting Cs and Ds and a couple of Bs… last“ time I got a B... I was so pleased and there's plenty of support. My name is Ed and I'm currently on the 'Foundations' course at the “School of Ministry. I started this course with the hope of having something to prove towards my ordination in regards to being able to study academically but I've found that as I've gone through the course that actually what it’s done is really helped me deepen my faith, deepen my relationship with God and my understanding of the world around me. I think there's something really precious about digging deeper in your faith and it's really helped me to understand who I am, who people around me are and who God is. I don't think you can ever stop that journey of learning and so actually it's started the ball rolling to something that hopefully will last the rest of my life and I can see the changes in myself and in other people on the course that have been really good and fruitful. I'm still really hoping to go for ordination and to be able to get across those things I've learned but actually I think continuing on this journey, learning more about myself, more about

the Bible and what it has to offer, I think developing that has been“ the best part of this course so far.

12 NETWORK | FEATURES Fir Vale Food Bank

Fir Vale Food Bank at St Cuthbert’s church in Sheffield is no ordinary food bank. Besides providing vital food to those in need, it also offers free haircuts, hand massages and English classes among other

It started around eight years ago when the previous vicar, Revd “We also welcome asylum seekers who benefit not just from Louise Collins, noticed people ransacking local bins for food. the food offered, but an opportunity to mix with others in a People now come to find friendship, warmth, a hot meal, a bag warm and friendly environment. of food, second hand clothing or household goods, Citizens “There are some who are purely and simply lonely and Advice, English as a second language, a listening ear and, if attending the food bank gets them out of the house. you are happy to join the queue, a free haircut by an asylum “We are aware that the food bank also offers a place of safety seeker. whereby people of different creeds and cultures can sit and eat Revd Monica Sutton, Priest in Charge of St Cuthbert’s, said: together and share experiences of life. “Free haircuts may seem a small thing and something many of us would take for granted but, believe me, when someone

living in chronic poverty looks in a mirror and sees smart hair, “ We believe that this facility helps to their self-esteem gets a real boost. encourage peace and tolerance on our “We are now also offering hand massages which have been a streets and in our community, which“ surprising hit.” has had a reputation for unrest. The food bank is run by volunteers who, like most of the users, are from other faiths or have no faith.

Some of the volunteers are themselves in food poverty, but The Fir Vale Food Bank is open every Thursday and, unlike helping gives them some self-worth and value. most food banks, operates on a ‘no referral needed’ basis. Others have found that the experience of volunteering in a food As it gets no assistance from the government or social services, bank has opened a way into paid employment and out of the much of the food is donated by Tesco from items near their sell- poverty trap. by date. Donations also come from other churches and faith Revd Sutton added: “Most weeks approximately 60-80 people groups, including a local mosque. come through our doors. Their needs vary. St Cuthbert’s has also taken the opportunity to develop links “When we listen to some of their stories we realise how easy it with local schools and youth groups who are keen to help is to fall into homelessness and debt, and how difficult it is then contribute to the food bank and learn more about what it offers. to recover. People are welcome to volunteer and can donate non- “What may start as losing a job or becoming unable to work perishable food items or financially via can quickly turn into a cycle of long term poverty, social localgiving.org/charity/firvalefoodbank . Please email isolation and poor health. fi[email protected] for more information.

FEATURES | NETWORK 13 Centenary Project The Centenary Project seeks to equip the local church to effectively engage, grow and disciple a new generation of young people, children and families. The project has been going from strength to strength CENTENARY with the addition of two new workers in the first quarter of 2018 alone taking the number of churches PROJECT supported by the project to 42, around 20% of the Diocese! Here are just a few highlights from the Centenary Workers in 2018 so far… Engaging | Nurturing | Discipling

Hannah – Rossington and Finningley Cafe 3:30 is a monthly cafe style fresh expression, taking place on the 4th Sunday of the month at; you guessed it, 3:30pm! The church is set out cafe style, and starts with refreshments, followed by contemporary songs, a craft activity for family tables, a group activity, an interactive prayer station or activity, and a themed reminder ‘takeaway’. Since our February launch we have had 42 different adults and 37 different children come, averaging 53 people at each Cafe 3:30, which is such a blessing.

Annabel – Crossways Mission Partnership During the Easter holidays I took five teenagers to Bristol as part of an evangelistic event called Hope Bristol 2018. There were opportunities to serve the local community in practical ways as well as pray for people in the city centre. This has had a huge impact, not just on the young people that came, but also on our friends and community back home in Doncaster. Who knows… maybe next year we will be inviting people to join us for Hope Doncaster 2019!

Becky – Cornerstone Mission Partnership We noticed that young people walked past the church on their way home from school so we started a hot chocolate outreach. In November 2017, we set up a stall to bless the young people with a free hot drink in the cold weather. Progress has been slow but our consistency is starting to build relationships with these young people. On average we hand out around 30 drinks a week, with people stopping to chat. Recently I had a group of young people stop for around 15/20 minutes chatting away to us about school, relationships and life.

Dan – Bramley The Centenary Project partnered with the Higher team and Shine to put on several “Higher Nights”, a series of days comprised of in-school teaching and assemblies, followed by an evening gig with a strong evangelistic focus. In a school in Greasbrough, the band performed to each year group and spoke to the students about mental health, self-confidence and identity, followed by an invite to a gig held at St Mary’s that evening. The whole event was a brilliant success. The school has been really positive in their feedback and we’re looking forward to Higher 2019.

Jordan – Swinton & Mexborough Messy Church at St Margaret’s has continued its strong start, regularly attracting around 80 people, the vast majority of which do not have any other previous, regular contact with Church. Around half of the numbers attending are children, several of whom have started coming to other Church events, and have occasionally started coming to Church on a Sunday. As a result of the success of Messy Church in Swinton, we are looking to set up another Messy Church in our mission-partnership Church St John the Baptist’s, Mexborough in the coming months.

See www.centenaryproject.org.uk for more updates and information.

14 NETWORK | FEATURES Sheffield Diocese links around the world 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. Hattingen – Witten Link Visit October 2016 A group of 24 church members from across the Diocese travelled to Germany at the end of October.

The area used to be dominated by coal Evangelical Church in Germany and By Revd Dagmar Wilkinson mining and steelworks, just like South the Church of England, face similar (Curate, Aston, Swallownest & Yorkshire. The link has been questions: how can we be a confident Ulley) and Hazel Winstanley established for 30 years, and it is still and effective Christian presence in a (St Francis, Bramley) going strong. multi-faith society? How do we find fresh ways of communicating the Gospel? How do we love The visit was about creating new and renewing old Christ and neighbour? friendships. Part of this was through sharing in excellent food. The German hosts were willing not only to provide Sheffield German guests will be visiting the Diocese from 20-26 guests with shelter for a week, but really wanted everyone to October this year. If you would like to extend a hand of feel at home. Guests joined hosts for church services and friendship to our European neighbours, and host a visitor or sometimes joined the group on their trips in the area. two, please contact Revd Vicky Camber on 01909 771101 or at [email protected] Stories were shared at the farewell service - one being told of two 10 year old boys (one guest, one host). Originally, there was a language barrier, but they overcame that to play with Lego together. Translation was provided on visits, and church services were bilingual. Guests were encouraged to learn something of German culture - by tasting some beer as part of a tour of the brewery museum in Dortmund. Even Martin Luther said, “Whoever drinks beer, he is quick to sleep; whoever sleeps long, does not sin; whoever does not sin, enters heaven! Thus, let us drink beer!”

One of the main attractions of this year’s visit was that 31 October 2017 marked 500 years since Martin Luther triggered the start of the European reformation when he nailed his theses to a church door in Wittenberg. That day was declared a national holiday in Germany, and so the group travelled to the Ruhr Museum in Essen to visit an exhibition called “Der geteilte Himmel”, cleverly translated as “The Divided/Shared Heaven”.

This showed the impact of the Reformation on religious diversity in the Ruhr and Rhine regions of Germany. It was clear that Luther’s actions were highly influential in the country. Playmobil had even released a model version of the German monk, which was the fastest selling and most popular toy in Germany in 2017.

Over the week there were plenty of opportunities to share mutual experiences of being Christians. Both Churches, the

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