THE NEWSLETTER OF THE DIOCESE OF SHEFFIELD 04

SPRING 2016

Happy Birthday to Coffee shop 1554 What makes a the Mothers at Sheffield church school Union... Cathedral... distinctive.... See page 4 See page 8 See page 12 Welcome from Bishop Steven

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

They came to St Thomas Philadelphia, with their leaders, diocese at the moment, I’m never short of things to say. from all across the Diocese. Together we were exploring There are so many stories of life and growth. But one of my faith and the rhythm of life with God. The number of young favourite things, if I’m honest, has to be the new work we are people involved has more than doubled since our first day in beginning to do with children and young people and families. 2014. People love the day together and are keen to bring Together we are helping the next generation discover faith in their friends. Jesus Christ.

We worshipped together. We explored Scripture. This year I When I was 12 years old, I was on the very edge of the life of spoke about living our whole lives in the rhythm of the two my small, local parish church and set to drift away from faith. great commandments Jesus gives: loving God and loving our If I had, my life would have been very different. One person neighbour as ourselves. There were workshops on prayer, on in that parish was determined to do something. She had no going deeper with God, on service, on transforming God’s qualifications but she started a small youth group for me and world. All through the morning the young people text in just two other teenagers. Over time she went on training questions on anything to do with life and faith and, just before courses and involved others. Through that group (and at a lunch, I try and answer them. We eat together (Subway – a Diocesan event), I found faith and God found me. Jean still big highlight). Each year this part looks a little more like the prays for me and for the others involved in that youth group feeding of the 5,000 as small groups of teenagers gather more than forty years later. across the conference room (there are no chairs so everyone sits on the floor). We now have funding and support available for churches to grow families and children’s and youth work again. We have Over lunch the huge inflatables arrive and the first part of the excellent training courses to help people who want to start afternoon is given over to some serious fun and games. Then something take the first steps. We’ve already booked the it’s worship again, the results of various competitions, some date for our fourth Breathe Deep day on 28 January next filming for the music video of the day and the chance to be year. If there is nothing happening in your parish for young still, to reflect and to collect a holding cross to take away to people, the place to begin is prayer. If you can’t help remind us of the theme of the day. yourself then pass this edition of Network on to someone You can catch a flavour of what happened on page 10 and in who might be able to make a new beginning. Let’s do what the various videos made on the day on we can to help young people in every community to www.breathedeepday.info rediscover faith in Jesus Christ. When people ask me what’s happening in the parishes of the @steven_croft

2 NETWORK | WELCOME THE NEWSLETTER OF THE DIOCESE OF SHEFFIELD

THE DDIOCESEIOCESE Contents Issue 04 OOFF SHEFFIELDSHEFFIELD

Page Page 04 10

Doors will be opened for the first time for the 250 young people from churches all over Joined Up Conference for youth, schools, South Yorkshire gathered to breathe deep, to children’s and families workers. think, to have fun and to discover God.

Page Page 05 13

Local communities throughout the UK will be What makes a church school distinctive? We planning celebrations for Her Majesty the find out with guest writer Huw Thomas, Queen’s 90th birthday in June this year. Director of Education.

Page Page 08 14

After being asked for many years where the In 2015, it was the turn of the Sheffield coffee shop is, visitors to Sheffield Cathedral, Diocese team to visit Germany. 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.

CONTENTS | NETWORK 3 Happy Birthday to Mothers’ Union!

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

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 This year over 500,000 people will benefit from Mothers’ Union’s Testament of the Bible, in the first book of Samuel, there is the support for family life. Many more will know the support of its story of Samuel marking an unlooked for victory against the membership without any tally being taken. mighty Philistines by erecting a stone between Mizpah and Shen, naming it “Ebenezer” meaning “stone of help” as a permanent There has never been a more challenging, or more exciting time reminder of the leading and guidance of God “Thus far has the to be part of Mothers’ Union. The hope is to train more members Lord helped us”. to help more families; to encourage greater outreach across those countries and communities where family life is under greatest Over the past 140 years, Mothers’ Union has faced, and will threat. To do this help is needed. continue to face, many challenges. Family life is under increasing pressure and the call on resources is higher than ever. But the To find out how you can help Mothers’ Union mark 140 years of Union can look at how it is meeting these challenges and say, like faith in action contact the Supporter Care line on 020 7227 0620 Samuel, “Thus far has the Lord helped us.” or email [email protected] Joined Up Conference Unlocking On Saturday 12 March the doors will be opened for the first time for the the treasures Joined Up Conference for youth, schools, children’s and families workers. of St Laurence St Laurences Church in Adwick-le-Street has It offers a chance to join with others to share ideas and learn new ones in this interactive finished a major re-ordering of its church. The day conference in the heart of building is now more welcoming to visitors, especially schools, children and groups. This Sheffield. It will be held at St Marys has been achieved by reordering an aisle of Bramall Lane, Sheffield from 9.30am. the church to provide toilets and kitchenette A booking fee will apply but this also and space for children’s work, group work and hospitality. The project has been includes lunch. supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund The keynote speaker will inspire, which has granted £99,950 to enable this encourage and challenge project to come to fruition. Now the project hopes to encourage more delegates to consider ways to research into the history of the church. better serve young people and Called "Unlocking the Treasures of St. children. There will also be 15+ Laurence", it focusses on four stories which workshops on a variety of issues are unique to St Laurence. These four stories are based around: hermit and spiritual writer to choose from and resources Richard Rolle; Robert Parkyn, priest of the available to purchase. church from 1541-1569; the tomb of James Washington; and a Cholera outbreak in 1832. If you are a youth worker in a When St Laurence was asked in 256 AD to church, a volunteer children’s present the church’s treasure to the Roman helper, a schools worker… authorities, he did not show the gold and whatever avenue you minister silver and fine carvings but he presented the people. The treasure is also in the people in, this day will provide you with who have lived, worked and worshipped in a real boost of energy for what Adwick and found inspiration and meaning you do and why you do it. in Christ.

4 NETWORK | NEWS Communities set to celebrate The Queen’s 90th birthday

Local communities throughout the UK will be planning celebrations for Her Majesty the Queen’s 90th birthday in June 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 integrated into local community celebrations that take place that that the Queen has given, celebrating her commitment to God and weekend. the common good over ninety years.” The birthday celebration weekend offers churches the opportunity Official celebrations will take place in London between the 10 to share local stories from the last 90 years through exhibitions and 12 June including a thanksgiving service at St Paul’s and oral histories, securing these memories for future generations. Cathedral, a Birthday Parade on Horse Guards Parade and a Events in our area will be advertised locally and on the diocesan street party in The Mall. It is envisaged that church events will be website. Helping people on the streets of Sheffield - Street Pastors Street 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

NEWS | NETWORK 5 Report reveals that between 50 and 60 food banks now operate in the local area The Bishop of Sheffield has published the findings of a research project into the food bank networks operating within the Diocese of Sheffield.

The research has found that somewhere metropolitan boroughs of Doncaster, between 50-60 food banks and Rotherham and Sheffield –and also parts emergency food providers are in of Barnsley Metropolitan Borough operation throughout the area. These (around the north) and East Riding of generally source their food from a Yorkshire (to the east). combination of personal, commercial and Writing on his blog as the report was church donations, as well as through published, the Bishop of Sheffield, said: partnerships with organisations, such as "Why do people need food banks in FareShare, that redistribute edible surplus modern Britain? We have food in food from supermarkets’ supply chains. abundance - enough to waste in most of I Changes to, and problems with, disability The final report is based on evidence our homes. given in response to a series of benefits are also a major contributing consultation questions. Responses to factor to the use of food banks in our these questions were gathered from area. churches, homeless support I 100% of both church and provider organisations, the Trussell Trust and other responses indicated that relieving hunger third sector groups. Key conclusions from should be the responsibility of national the report include: government.

I All churches that responded encounter I There is some local authority involvement regular cases of hunger and food poverty. (often including some modest resource) in

I Benefit delays, errors and sanctions are each borough. cited as the main reason that people are The Diocese includes three major There are many different reasons but top hungry and struggling to eat. administrative areas in their entirety – the 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.

6 NETWORK | NEWS A foodbank in practise… Sheffield Manor parish is statistically one of the most socially deprived areas in the Diocese of Sheffield and is constantly dealing with families in poverty. The main project in the parish is the S2 Foodbank launched in November 2014 and based at the heart of the Manor Estate in St Swithun’s Church. It now has around 100 clients attending each month, which meals – a major worry in winter. equates to 3-400 people being supplied with food. During the Thanks to links with local mosques, the multi-faith involvement school holidays, that number increases dramatically as it is to be applauded as the support from them not only involves reflects the number of children not receiving school meals. food donations but more recently 24 taxi drivers gave their Many families are constantly struggling, not just to make ends time and taxis free of charge to take 96 foodbank clients to meet, but to survive and the situation has worsened because Cleethorpes! The appeal for money, buckets & spades, sun of the welfare reforms, sanctions etc. The S2 Foodbank issues cream, child car seats etc. exceeded all expectations and on average two tonnes of food a month as the catchment area resulted in everyone being treated to fish & chips, entry to is huge and the population will soon grow once the new build Pleasure Island and everyone was given £10 spending money. on the Manor is completed. Thanks to this remarkable Spirits were lifted, heads were held high, some dignity resource, 39 families received Christmas Hampers providing regained and the sense of loving one’s neighbour was clearly enough food for all 3 meals on Christmas Day, plus treats and evident. small gifts. Two Muslim families also received Halal hampers. All the events and activities the parish is involved in provide The Foodbank is not just providing food, but has realised that great volunteering opportunities for local people, many who many of the clients need help with learning to cook, budgeting are unemployed, lonely or even former clients themselves. skills, shopping and the growing problem of fuel poverty has Some have even said that their lives have been improved led to clients not having access to a cooker to prepare hot through volunteering.

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

TimeBuilders has been a life-line to a people are getting help with. large number of people with or without St Mary’s Time Credits enable people to use them children, both men and women, young as payment instead of money. In 2015 a and old within our parish and wider Bramall Lane, large number of TimeBuilders have gone community. It is a time and skill Sheffield to Hull, Scarborough and Liverpool for exchange programme; in return you day trips, they also organise social receive a Time Credit, that you can use to TimeBuilders helps people of different events, like poetry or games nights. buy a hot meal in St Mary`s Cafe` from ethnicity, background, faith or with no Monday to Thursday. One credit buys faith, employed or unemployed. People TimeBuilders gives individuals confidence you a meal and drink. Without come together to help each other with to seek further studies or employment, to TimeBuilders people would find it very everyday life issues, help with CVs, also have a sense of worth and belonging difficult to have a hot meal or find a safe speaking, reading and writing English, in a community. We are working together place to socialise and feel valued. these are just a few of the things that and improving lives.

NEWS | NETWORK 7 After being asked for many years w is, visitors to Sheffield Cathedral, no answer as they are pointed to t

Since the summer of 2015, Sheffield Cathedral has us here. F an added ingredient to its ministry of welcome and Meet Ruth! of change hospitality. Now the thriving coffee shop is open six Ruth Maher is the manager of 1554 and leads a has been days a week serving drinks, sweet treats and other team of five. She can be seen welcoming visitors that has b homemade food. most days. She said: “I’m really excited to be Sheffield part of this new phase of the Cathedral’s mission. diocese. W The first six months have been great and it Heavenly Coffee actually feels like we’ve never not been here!” faith, 1554 The coffee available at the café is produced by The 1554 The Heavenly Coffee Company, a Sheffield- The menu changes every week but generally offers based business. A very appropriate name! The 1554 and blend available is unique to the Cathedral but is items such as soups, quiches, deli salads, gluten free also available to buy and take away should you items, sausage rolls and a selection of cakes. A wide Why get a taste for it. range of hot and cold drinks are also available. On 8 Ju One of the most striking things about 1554 is its Royal C There is a strong emphasis on ‘Sheffield’ running environment. The combination of a modern to Sheffi throughout the café with food and drink sourced Since th development in an ancient space works really well. locally, even the serving counter was made in by the S It has already helped to bring in new people that Sheffield. It is wholly-owned by the Cathedral so all manage profits go directly into supporting its mission. would not normally enter the building. make gr benefits Many parishes have been using it for away days as a annuall full meeting package can be offered.

Keith Farrow, Canon Missioner for the Cathedral said:

“1554 has been yet another major development for

A meeting venue The café environment is perfect as a meeting place for leisure and business purposes. It offers tables with seating and comfy sofas ideal for small groups. Larger groups can also enquire about the conference rooms.

8 NETWORK | 1554 here the coffee shop ow receive a positive the 1554 Gallery.

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. 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 Cathedral s from significant support from this y. The 1554 Gallery celebrates that.

1554 | NETWORK 9 250 young Christians gather for annual event

On Saturday, 30 January, 250 young people from churches all over South Yorkshire gathered to breathe deep, to think, to have fun and to discover God together.

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 days

of the year in my calendar, it is full of energy and life and yo“ ung people with hope and faith.

10 NETWORK | FEATURES ‘Poppin’ at the Minster’ Streetdance sessions at Doncaster... Kaspar Vilkaste, the 31 year old Doncaster-based dancer, choreographer, street artist and dance instructor has been carrying out Streetdance classes – for free – at Doncaster Minster. 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! Mission Action Planning Churches across the Diocese of Sheffield have been working hard to review their effectiveness. They have used a process of self-assessment called Mission Action Planning (MAP). All sorts of plans and ideas have emerged ranging from minor tweaks to existing projects to completely new projects such as developing a local food bank and starting new events for children and families.

The Mission Action Plans have been used The next major event the Team are by the Diocese’s Parish Support Team to planning, Baptism Matters , will be in July. What is Mission plan a range of training events and People will hear about National research develop resources. One thing that many looking at people’s experience of baptism Action Planning? churches wanted to do was improve the services and how simple changes to what Mission Action Planning is a tool to ways that they welcome people into their we do can help families on their lifelong help churches look honestly and self buildings and church services. Two journey of faith. training events were organised that critically at the things they are doing Now, 12 months into the process, churches proved to be very popular. Those who as they serve God and their have begun to revisit these plans and attended said they were “ very inspiring ”, communities. These reflections are review their progress. We are hearing “thought provoking ”, “ really encouraging ”. then used to help make plans for the encouraging stories telling how they have Mark Cockayne, the Director of the Parish coming months and years. They been putting their plans into action. Lynn Support Team said “all of the events which Wortley, vicar of Greasbrough, said: “One consider many aspects of church life we have put on so far have been year on from the initial MAP targets being including welcome and worship; the oversubscribed. I think this is because we place of children and young people are responding to the needs that churches set, our prayerful reflection and in the life of the church; how the are identifying for themselves through experience has revealed that as a whole, their Mission Action Plans. It has been our confidence in being a discipling, churches are led; how they serve really encouraging to share with so many missionary, outreaching people has grown their communities and how they help people who are enthusiastic and and we are more strategic and people to discover and grow in the passionate about helping their churches enthusiastic in mission and stepping out in Christian faith. to grow.” faith and hope.”

FEATURES | NETWORK 11 Why a ‘Church’ school? What makes a church school distinctive? That word gets used a lot in the national discussion around church schools. Some of the talk you get is less than helpful: “Well it’s a church school so it’s got a Huw Thomas, Director of opportunities for liturgy and the big caring ethos” and other such statements Education guest commitment every child visits the imply the school down the road that isn’t Cathedral once in their school career. writes in this issue churchy is also horrible to children. When visiting Cowick School recently I As a Diocese we have been exploring the We choose our ‘e’ words carefully. Note it reached the point where I was mentioning ‘D’ word and have come to realise that the says ‘experience prayer’. Some may ask: this in staff meeting and hesitatingly said “This may be a challenge, but…” and the distinction of a church school from a non- why not just say that children will pray? church school should never be sought at staff chorused “The coaches are booked”. As the year 6 rebel who refused to do so, the dividing lines between them. That just They had been a few steps ahead of me I can attest that just making children put leads us to the boring differences around with a trip planned for the week after. their hands together and say some words admissions criteria or inspection A critical part of all this is the goal that isn’t prayer. If we want our children to get arrangements. No, the way to express that children engage with scripture. The difference is, instead, to affirm what lies at the best out of prayer then, in a church Diocese has provided every school with a the heart of what we do. school, it’s our job to open the doorways set of 44 gospel stories with the onto it, and their choice if, when and how The theologian Miroslav Volf said it best expectation one be read, once a week, to pass through them. outside of collective worship. 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 Similarly we don’t say “believe the Bible” They are drawn from across the gospels church expresses faith. Through these we but we do look towards lively and and range from story to parable to moved towards the five key expectations that we now commit to in our schools, interesting engagement with scripture. teaching. However, reading isn’t enough. namely that we will enquire into belief, We have also translated these ideals into There needs to be some discussion, so encounter Christianity, engage with some specific expectations. These include each reading comes with a discussion scripture, experience prayer and explore the commitment to at least a weekly point. Here, again, the emphasis is on church. encounter with the Lord’s Prayer, 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.

12 NETWORK | FEATURES 10 Days of Prayer – time to #JustPray

From 5 to 15 May, Christians across the area will focus their thoughts on prayer. Each year for the past seven 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 practicing Christian or not, many turn to power of prayer with three in every ten prayer when times get tough. The 10 Days people, when asked what they would pray of Prayer aims to encourage everyone to for, citing peace in the world, an end to share their concerns, inviting others in their poverty and concerns about climate community to do the same. change. There are many different types of This year, this also links with the Church of prayer such as: asking; thanking; forgiving; England’s national ‘Just Pray’ initiative with and hoping. There are also many different the simple focus being on: ways of praying: it doesn’t have to be with eyes close and hands clenched! post through letterboxes. Collecting points Prayer is for Everyone . More details and The Diocese of Sheffield produces prayer will allow anyone to write and post their resources can be found on the website postcards so that church members can prayer requests, which will then be picked www.justpray.uk or on Twitter @JustPray print, then leave them in public places, or up by churches in the area. Whether a and #justpray

Jayne Spaven is a volunteer at Shiloh Homeless Shelter in Rotherham. She is also a member of Holy Trinity church in Thorpe Hesley. Holy Trinity and Shiloh have had links for a very long time firstly through the Revd Jan Hardy and more recently with the Revd Lynn Broadhead. As a member of Holy Trinity’s congregation, Jayne started COMMUNITY VOICES volunteering at Shiloh on retirement from teaching. She has helped at the shelter for a number of years now and has a young people at Holy Trinity have held a number of particular interest in engaging the guests there in physical sponsored badminton marathons to raise much –needed activity. These activities are varied – it could be football, funds for Shiloh and have visited during their school holidays rounders, indoor bowls, table-tennis and badminton. Jayne to play matches against the guests at Shiloh. Return matches believes that sport enhances mental well-being as well as have also been played at the Trinity Centre in Thorpe Hesley. increases self-esteem. Both parties have gained enormously from the link and She also helps with youth activities at Holy Trinity and finds recently got together to organise a ‘games’ afternoon as part that sport is a great way to engage young people in God’s of the Crossroads Mission which proved to be very word. It seemed natural to put the ‘two’ together and the successful. Bishop Chris was an enthusiastic participant!!

FEATURES | NETWORK 13 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 2015 In 2015, it was the turn of the Sheffield Diocese team to visit Germany.

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 Currywurst mit Pommes Frites afterwards and a meeting with tour of the Landtag (Parliament) learning about the the mayor added to the experience. importance of regional governance. There was also the The last day saw a visit to the “Institute for Church and opportunity to learn at first-hand how Germany was coping Society” in Schwerte-Villigst to hear about its work amongst with the large influx of refugees – it really was humbling and asylum seekers and refugees. 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,

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: [email protected]

14 NETWORK | FEATURES 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 families were delighted to meet baby Jesus at our Crib and parents; and the place they were most proud to attend was Christmas day services. the Sheffield Children’s Hospital to help a very special little Mary Joseph and Donkey travelled a total of 115.9 miles, girl to feel better. meeting people of different cultures, religions and ages They played key roles in several church services including before coming back to SAPLC to be homed in a wonderful our church service for younger children (Sandcastles), Crib presentation bag made by our Knit & Natter members. It Service and our service for children and families with neuro- provided a great opportunity for people to share together disabilities (they most definitely had a busy advent), and the the true meaning of Christmas. Look out for it in Advent 2016! The Rivers Team: four churches working together to serve their local area The Rivers Team is a group of four churches in Rotherham: St Andrew’s Brinsworth, St Mary’s Catcliffe, St Helen’s Treeton, and St Lawrence’s Tinsley.

The team serves its surrounding area, people (predominately women from the coffee, tea and a social activity in the which is made up of a thriving local Asian community) take it in turns to morning, a meal at lunch time and an community, including a large new prepare a meal. The ingredients are act of worship at 2.00 pm. People are housing development. Some members fresh/perishable items which are free to attend one or more of these of that community have struggled with delivered free of charge by FoodCycle. parts, as they choose. St Mary’s Catcliffe issues of poverty or inequality. Here, the It is hoped that in time, this project will and St Lawrence’s Tinsley run a coffee team has responded to improve lives by also include a meal delivery service for morning (Coffee Pot) each week both of engaging them with a church related those who cannot get to St Lawrence’s which involve community groups and project. Church. St Mary’s at Bramall Lane in church congregation members.

The Rivers Team has launched a weekly Sheffield also offers support for the The churches work in a close FoodCycle Café on Tuesday each project. partnership together to actively engage month at St Lawrence’s Church. The The Rivers Team also has ‘Thursdays at in the community, where people are project aims to help parishioners who St Andrew’s’ for parishioners who are coming to faith, growing in discipleship, are struggling to access healthy meals lonely, elderly, or bereaved. This runs in worshipping Jesus, supporting each due to poverty. Five teams of four a similar way to day centres: there is other and serving God.

FEATURES | NETWORK 15 The Diocese of Sheff ield

EAST RIDING

SOUTH YORKSHIRE

“ 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 i“ n seeking to transform our society and God’s world.

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