THE NEWSLETTER OF THE 02

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

Balloons of Hope Queen visits to Links around the released in present Maundy world, Argentina Sheffield... Money... update... See page 5 See page 8 See page 12 Welcome from Steven Welcome to this new edition of Network . The Diocese of Sheffield is a growing family of churches across southern Yorkshire. Like any growing family, it’s important to keep in touch. This edition of Network is full of good news stories about people and places.

There are small churches and large churches across our It was wonderful to meet many of them and to listen to their Diocese and churches of many different traditions in city, town stories of faith. and village. Together we are a family. We support each other, I believe everyone, no matter their age or background, should speak well of each other and share a common purpose. take some time in their lives to explore Christian faith fully and The is present in every community. We are properly. Churches all across the Diocese are already planning there at the key moments in life. We are present in thousands of different ways of doing that this autumn. local groups to build up communities and serve those in need. I hope you enjoy this edition of Network. Please read it and then Our family is continually welcoming new members. In the six pass it on to someone else in your Church or neighbourhood. weeks after Easter more than 200 young people and adults Connect with us by email, Facebook, Twitter or visit our website. were baptized and confirmed marking a new beginning in their Please pray for us and with us as we journey together. Christian lives in special services across the Diocese. @steven_croft

My top ten Proverbs for social media.... People in Britain spend more time online than they do sleeping: over 8 hours a day according to an Ofcom survey in 2014.

What does the Bible have to say about how to be a Christian on Twitter or Self-control is needed in normal life and even more in the private world Facebook, in emails or texts? How are we salt and light in that part of of online interaction. When it goes, we are soon overwhelmed. God’s world? 6. A gossip goes about telling secrets but one who is trustworthy keeps a I turned to the Book of Proverbs in the Old Testament. Proverbs is made confidence. Proverbs 11.13 up of over 400 short, pithy sayings, most under 140 characters. They are Holding confidences is as important in texts, emails, facebook and thought provoking, memorable and full of wit, just like a good tweet. twitter as in real life So here are my top ten Proverbs from the Old Testament for users of Facebook and Twitter and other online media. The words in italics are my 7. A gentle tongue is a tree of life but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. own, very short, application of each verse. Proverbs 15.4 1. A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches. Proverbs 22.1 Words have real power to build up and to pull down. Use them well. Take care of your reputation online and offline. 8. The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels, they go down to 2. Some friends play at friendship but a true friend sticks closer than a the inner parts of the body. Proverbs 18.8 brother. Proverbs 18.24 So do rumours circulating on the internet. Beware. Friend is a big word not a small word; friendship is a gift and a 9. Like vinegar on a wound is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. blessing. Proverbs 25.20 3. Iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27.17 It’s well worth taking the trouble over what you say. Engage brain and We grow as people through wit, humour, interaction on and offline. heart before posting. 4. Better is a little with righteousness than a large income with injustice. Proverbs 16.8 10. A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver We spend much of our time online buying and selling and banking. Proverbs 25.11 Financial honesty and transparency is key; pay your taxes. And it’s worth taking trouble over the way you say it…. 5. Like a city breached, without walls is one who lacks self control. Bishop Steven blogs regularly on Proverbs 25.28 www.sheffield.anglican.org/blog/bishop-of-sheffield

2 NETWORK | WELCOME THE NEWSLETTER OF THE DIOCESE OF SHEFFIELD

THE DIOCESE Contents Issue 02 OF SHEFFIELD

Page Page 04 11

2015 sees the 50th anniversary of one of the Bryn Evans of Home Instead Senior Care more unusual church buildings in Sheffield. Sheffield, guest writes in our magazine with some essential advice.

Page Page 05 12

A north Sheffield community marks the 2015 Argentina update from ‘Links around the world’ - General Election with a release of balloons of the Diocese of Sheffield has close links with other hope. Anglican communities.

Page Page 08 13

Royal Maundy Review... The Queen visits Helping the young people of Bessacarr, Franky's Sheffield Cathedral on Maundy Thursday Nostell Place is a new outreach to young people in Doncaster.

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 Flourishing, diverse and celebrating it’s 50th!

2015 sees the 50th anniversary of one of the more unusual church buildings in Sheffield. The round shape and distinctive Derbyshire slate spire of Saint Peter’s Church in Greenhill is something of a local landmark. However, Saint Peter’s is not a church that is living in the past.

things going on for children and youth. minibuses collecting people, including But, despite their young vicar, the church is those in wheelchairs - but also attracts also helping out older people too. When those who have thought that church asked about this Harry said, ‘It is important perhaps isn’t for them and, until now, have that the church values each and every not been before. person. Nowadays it is increasingly easy It just leaves one question, what do for society to forget about the elderly, and people think of a vicar with tattoos? Harry there is a danger that people can become laughs, ‘They like them…I think. In fact they lonely, rarely leaving the house. So we asked if at one of the services I would talk ‘This anniversary gives us a chance to be decided to try and do something about it.’ about my tattoos, what they are of and thankful for what has happened in the So twice a month on a Friday afternoon why I got them – the meaning behind past and acknowledge all the prayers, the church regularly gathers over fifty them. Everyone enjoyed that sermon!’ vision, and hard work of those who built older people for their ‘Afternoon Teas’ and the church building,’ commented the vicar, ‘Tea Service’. Whereas the Afternoon Tea the Revd Harry Steele, ‘but it is also a is the kind of activity you might imagine: a chance to be thankful for what we are social event with sandwiches, tea, cream doing now for the local community, and cakes, and different types of looking to the future.’ In many ways Harry entertainment, it is perhaps the ‘Tea does not look like your average vicar. With Service’ that stands out. This event also his heavily tattooed forearms and chest, happens on a Friday afternoon, and pierced ears, and being under 35 years of involves, tea, coffee and cakes, but it is age, he is not what you imagine: and actually a church service, albeit one that perhaps the church is not either. happens with the congregation sitting For more details about their work with This Church of England church is a around tables, sipping tea from china older people, food bank, toddlers, young flourishing, diverse community. There are cups, and nibbling on cakes. This kind of people, craft group, and all the other people of all ages and backgrounds who church service is attracting both those who activities of the church, information can be gather there each Sunday, and lots of find attendance difficult - with special found at www.saintpeters.co

4 NETWORK | NEWS New leadership at St Matthew’s Carver Street

St Matthew’s Church, Carver Street has been vacant for three and a half years. It has recently been blessed with the arrival of Father Grant Naylor from Durham Diocese. Balloons of Hope... Fr Grant is also working in the Parish A community in North Sheffield wanted to mark the 2015 general Support Team at Church House as a Mission Development Advisor. Already Fr election by releasing 100 balloons of hope into the sky. Grant has been active in the parish visiting The Parson Cross Initiative (PXI) arranged the balloon release event to bring together the offices and shops and the new Moor Market bringing the Church to the notice of local local community in a show of strength, hope and solidarity. Everyone who wanted to people. send up a balloon was able to add a message describing their hopes and dreams for the future of Sheffield. The balloons were released all at the same time to create a colourful For the last few years with the help of Revd Graham Duncan St Matthew’s has been spectacle on the skyline. fundraising for a new building called the Art PXI wanted to hold the event one week ahead of the general election to encourage House. The old St Matthew’s house has people to engage more with local politics. It is hoped that people will take ownership of been demolished and new buildings their community and feel empowered to play a role in the political process. The event erected. It will have rooms for pottery and was being hosted by PXI in partnership with the Revd Ali Dorey, a pioneer minister for the art classes and a cafe as outreach to the Anglican church, who works on the Northern Estates of Sheffield. Many other community community. This will also assist people with leaders and representatives from other churches were also involved. mental health problems including stress and anxiety. The facilities will hopefully be available from July.

Speaking ahead of the event, Ali Dorey said: "In North Sheffield every week I meet people who are amazing, but who are facing real financial and personal struggles. It's so easy for us to be cynical or to feel powerless to change things, but I believe in a God who cares and calls us to hope, to pray and to act to bring about change. These hundred hopes to me are like the prayers of the people of Sheffield who long for a better world. May they be heard and may change follow!" PXI is a project, funded by the Methodist Church, working with other local churches and community groups in the Parson Cross area. It operates in a close partnership with other church denominations, aiming to find new ways of being church in the communities it serves. The main aim is to provide services and support to local people, and to promote Father Grant at the Moor Market with matters of social justice. Bishop Peter

NEWS | NETWORK 5 Young on the rise! Diocesan representatives appointed to encourage young clergy vocations

The , the Rt Revd , has appointed two new Young Vocations Champions in the Sheffield Diocese.

Their job will be to head up the Young Vocations Initiative in the diocese to encourage more people under 30 to enter ordained The Revd Duncan Bell said: ministry in the Church of England. The Church wants to encourage “I love being a and sharing more gifted and committed young men and women, from all kinds Jesus with people, and I hope that in of backgrounds, to consider whether God is calling them into this role I can encourage young people ordained ministry as priests. to think about , just as others encouraged me. Until someone helped me to think about The Revd Adam Preistley said: getting ordained, I assumed it was something that was for older people, so if I can help other people to consider if it “As someone who experienced both might be for them, that would be great! conversion and calling in my twenties ” I remember well the feelings of puzzlement which can sometimes and the Revd Adam Priestley, curate at St Francis in Bessacarr accompany the call to ordination. I was, however, greatly who will work in the Doncaster, Goole and Barnsley areas. blessed to have had some very discerning people guide, direct and support me. I hope to provide a similar role as In the coming months they will work to develop teams across the the Church of England seeks to recognise the gifts and diocese and promote young vocations at events, festivals and callings of the young people God is raising up as ministers conferences. They will also work directly with young people, in in his Church. ” places where they meet and gather. Another major part of the role will be to identify churches and The Champions are the Revd Duncan Bell, curate at St Chad’s in chaplaincies which nurture young vocations, then sharing this Woodseats who will work in the Sheffield and Rotherham areas; good practice with those that don’t.

Young vocations also on the increase

Statistics released by the way to the Iranian border,”. Church of England show that The Bishop of Sheffield, , chair of the Ministry Council, said: “It is young people (under 30) now really encouraging that young people make up a quarter of all people are continuing to come forward, playing their part in the Church of the future. accepted for training for Church One young ordinand Kim, who six years More and more young people are of England ministry. ago was a soldier serving in Iraq, hearing God’s call to bring their energy Figures for 2014 show that 116 young describes her journey to ordination in a and gifts to serve in the mission of the people under 30 were accepted for Church of England blog: church. training. This is the highest number of “I’d hit rock bottom and feeling I had As a Church we need this movement to young people accepted for ordination nowhere else to turn decided to shout deepen and grow still further”. For more training in the past 25 years. out to God whilst on a helicopter in the info see www.callwaiting.org.uk

6 NETWORK | NEWS Youth and Children’s Ministry Training

Aurora Youth and Aurora Children are 10-month ecumenical courses for anyone over 16 years old seeking practical, hands-on training for those involved in children’s and youth work. It is operated jointly by the Diocese of Sheffield and the YMCA, in partnership with Cliff College and the Methodist Church. Aurora is open for applications up to the end of August. The cost is £200 and it runs from September to June each year. This includes monthly Wednesday evenings in Rotherham, plus three full-day Saturdays (two of which are at Cliff College). You can also expand and deepen your knowledge and skills in youth or children's ministry with this foundation course. It leads to a Cliff College Certificate in Youth or Children's Ministry. 2014 was the first full year of Aurora and a total of 20 people passed through the course. All these were accredited with the Cliff College Certificate in Children’s or Youth Ministry. Visit auroratraining.org.uk for more information and to request an application pack.

Diocesan Centenary Project. Mission Impossible? Recent research suggests that one of the major reasons our churches are declining is the failure to attract and keep young people. Church attendance for young people under the age of 16 is at a serious all- time low of 1%. on this new and innovative role. I am passionate about children and young people and their journey with God. This may seem a very depressing statistic, and a “Mission Impossible”, but the good news is that research also shows My desire is for this project to make a real difference to the that churches who employ Children’s and Families Workers way we minister to children and young people developing a are those most likely to grow. Indeed there are some exciting vibrant and living relationship with God. stories around the diocese of Yo uth Groups, Messy Church, The Centenary Project will be a springboard to launch a whole Children’s Clubs and To ddler Groups which are thriving and new network of children’s, youth and family workers to enable growing. churches to reach many more young people in our Diocese In the light of this, the diocese believes that addressing these with God's love.” scary statistics is in fact a “Mission Possible” and has We hope that in the coming months and years committed 1 million pounds into a fund it is calling The there will be good news stories to tell of Centenary Project to stimulate growth in this area. This fund children, young people and families getting will seek to help churches employ Yo uth Workers or Children’s involved with churches across the diocese and Families Workers in parishes across the Diocese with an because of this exciting new initiative. emphasis on those parishes with the greatest need. More details of this project are available on this website. Helen Cockayne, who has been appointed as Project Leader to head up this initiative said, “I am really excited to be taking

NEWS | NETWORK 7 Royal Maund Review

On Maundy Thursday in Sheffield, thousands of people lined the streets of the city centre as the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh arrived to present Maundy Money to 89 men and 89 women at the Cathedral.

The changeable British weather was surprisingly calm as the ndy brush sun shone on the expectant crowds. Quick Mau This was the Queen’s service, to honour those Christian know? people who have given so much to their local communities. up! Did you For the duration of the service, the Cathedral became the Chapel Royal and the Cathedral Choir had the experience of y day, the Christian hol undy Thursday is singing with Her Majesty’s Chapel Royal Choir. The choirs Ma ter. It rsday before Eas were faultless as they sang to accompany the Queen as she falling on the Thu nd Last Supper tes the Maundy a handed out two leather pouches of Maundy money to each commemora th ostles. It is the fif recipient. It created a moving and unforgettable service for all Christ with the Ap of Jesus oly is preceded by H those there. f Holy Week, and day o iday. owed by Good Fr After the service the recipients and their companions were dnesday and foll We y coins on treated to a pie lunch in the Cutler’s Hall. The Queen and the istributed Maund The Queen has d e coming to the Duke of Edinburgh went for a reception at the Town Hall with ur occasions sinc all but fo es the Dean of Sheffield, the Bishop of Sheffield, the Cathedral ord 'Maundy' com ne in 1952. The w thro y Christ at Chapter and other civic dignitaries. The Royal party finally or 'mandatum' b om the command departed just after 2pm still smiling and waving to the crowds. fr her. , to love one anot the Last Supper The Bishop of Sheffield, the Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft said: , the number of fifteenth century “Since the news was announced publically in January, there Since the er of ut, and the numb y coins handed o has been a growing sense of anticipation and joy that the Maund elated to coins, has been r Royal Maundy should be taking place in Sheffield this year. ple receiving the peo hen The ge: for example, w It is a profound Christian reflection of the command to love one the Sovereign’s a omen and 60 another and it is taking place right at the heart of the city. 0 years old, 60 w Queen was 6 f 60 pence-worth o The 178 recipients being honoured today have been chosen ld have received men wou for their dedicated and humble service to their church and s. Maundy coin local community. It is fitting that the Queen, the city and wider region celebrate this special event together.” The 89 men and 89 women who received the Maundy gift Jesus said: were selected through local nomination in the South Yorkshire church network. These were then vetted by the Lieutenancy I give you a new commandment: Love one Office in South Yorkshire before the list was the passed to the another; As I have loved you, so you are to Queen, it is at this stage that the letters inviting the potential love one another. recipients were sent.

8 NETWORK | ROYAL MAUNDY What did the recipients think?... Mauree n Benfold of Balb y, aged 74, said: “It was a big, big shock an d something that happens to other people. It really hasn’t sunk in. There ha ve got to be peop le out there more deserving. It’s an honour tha t is so precious. I feel so hon oured and so hum bled to receive it.”

Marga ret Fellows said: “I just lo ve people. Workin g with people and listening to them is so reward ing. It was such a shock whe n I discovered I w ould be receiving the Mau ndy money. I had to read the letter three times!”

David Banham, Eccles field said he was ‘flattered ’ when he discov ered he would be receiving the coins. He said: “The thing t hat got me was th at you have to be over the a ge of 70 to receiv e it. I am over 70, but I don’t feel it!”

Gillian, who atte nds St Mark’s Ch B urch in roomhill, said it was a ‘privilege a ho nd an nour’. She said: “It was a gre at shock when I found out I was to receive th e money. I just th ought, who am I t receiv o e it? It really is an honour to all of u wh s o have worked to gether on various projects in the city and diocese.”

ROYAL MAUNDY | NETWORK 9 Historic Crossroads event for Sheffield Early this autumn, an historic event will take place across South Yorkshire. The Archbishop of York is bringing a team of 21 to engage in four days of mission across Sheffield Diocese from 10-13 September 2015.

As far as we know, it’s the first time so Bishops on Lindisfarne, that great Celtic morning (13th). Further details on how to many Bishops have worked together in centre from which the gospel spread get involved will be posted to mission in this way in a single Diocese in across the North of England. The Bishops www.sheffield.anglican.org/crossroads the long history of the Church of England. sensed a call from God to evangelise The Bishops are from every Diocese in the afresh in this generation. Specifically they A pra yer for the Mission Province of York and from every tradition. decided to offer to work together to serve Loving God, Th They include the most recent Bishops to one diocese a year in a short is world you love stands concentrated period of evangelistic at the crossroads. be consecrated for the north: Bishop Libby He mission. Sheffield is the first diocese to lp us help others Lane of Stockport and Bishop to discover your Way host such a mission. t of Burnley. o know your Truth After an initial service in Sheffield and to sha Our aim is to sow the good seed of the re your Life Cathedral on Thursday 10 September, the in your dear Son, Jesus Christ. gospel in many different places, in Inspi Bishops will be assigned to different parts re us by your Spirit partnership with the Bishops who will come to sow the good of the diocese. They will stay with clergy seed of the gospel and join us and their teams. Our hope is throughout this Di and parishioners. The Bishops and their ocese with imagination that through Crossroads many people will and compassion, teams will lead hundreds of different that many will come to know join enquirers' courses in the autumn and an you community visits and events on Thursday, d many will be str engthened in their come to a living faith. Through Je faith, Friday and Saturday. They will join in sus Christ our Lord Amen The vision for it came from a retreat of services in local parishes on Sunday .

Spreading the net: Communicating well - Diocesan Development Day 2015 This year the development day will take place on 2 October 2015 at St Thomas Philidelphia. The theme is on the importance of good communications in mission and ministry.

The keynote speaker for the day is the Revd Arun Arora, Director Richard became a parish development officer and of Communications for the Church of England. theologian for the Diocese of Wakefield, working with parishes to The Revd Dr Kate Bruce will lead a workshop on preaching. rethink and redesign their buildings as part of mission strategy. Kate is currently researching the connection between Other workshops will focus on themes such as websites, social entertainment and theology, particularly whether preaching media, design and print, presentations and ‘100 Ways to Get should be entertaining, identifying the positive in entertainment Your Church Noticed’. Bishop Peter’s ‘Sofa Spot’ is also back by as well as its more common perception as distraction. She often popular demand. leads innovative and engaging events on this topic for new and experienced preachers alike. 500 places are available on a first come first served basis. Richard Giles will lead another workshop on the importance of Parishes able to send more than one representative. Booking church buildings in communications. After his earlier career details will be issued by the end of June.

10 NETWORK | FEATURES Senior Snippets: Dementia

The Diocese is a member of the Dementia Action Alliance (DAA). The National Dementia Declaration lists seven outcomes that the DAA are seeking to achieve for people with dementia and their carers. How would you describe your organisation’s role in delivering better outcomes for people with dementia and their carers?

Bryn Evans of Home Instead Senior Care Sheffield , guest writes in our magazine with some essential advice:

One of the most important things to understand angering them will help them to remain calm. about dementia is that it is essential to change the Simple choices: Individuals with dementia often feel ways in which you care for the person in order to like they have lost control of their lives and so maintain their (and your) quality of life. Putting giving them simple choices, like “Would you like tea yourself in their world, rather than trying to bring or coffee?”, will help them to feel more in control them back into ours, will give you the opportunity to and, in turn, happier. be a much more effective caregiver. Engage: Engaging in basic mental, physical and Redirect: Changing the topic of conversation, if your social activities has been shown to decrease stress relative or friend asks the same question multiple and anxiety for people with dementia. times, for example, can stop unhelpful thought It is important to recognise that it may take various patterns. attempts and approaches before these techniques Apologise: Simply saying “I’m sorry, I become truly effective. If a technique does not work misunderstood you” and taking the blame, even first time, it is best to take a step back and try again when something is not your fault, can often calm a few minutes later, taking a different approach. down the individual if they are distressed. For more information on making your church, Remove: Removing distracting and or harmful things community group and organisation more dementia from the individual or removing the individual from a aware visit: www.sheffield.anglican.org/dementia- situation or environment which is distressing or action-alliance Jill and Bryn Evans Church Schools: Admissions debate Recently, church school admissions hit the headlines, with a Kingston church school changing admission criteria so that children were no longer selected on the grounds that they attended the parish church, but purely on closeness to the school. Huw Thomas, Diocesan Director of Education writes: Much of the debate centred on folks part of the mission to the whole parish, not at schools in a more affluent area. It used to attending church as a means of securing a as faith schools for Christian children. As be a joke in one such community that, on place at the parish school. This can create a such, governing bodies work out how to your tenth birthday, your parents gave you dilemma for clergy and it’s galling to think of balance the business of admissions such a ‘For Sale’ sign. Admission by mortgage church as a hoop people jump through - that the school both reflects the church prejudices the system towards those with though, I can think of no other time when community and offers to the whole parish. money, and, in doing so, exposes the fact someone’s motives entering a place of It is done prayerfully and reflects caring and that the church’s dilemma over admissions is worship get called into question. contextualised thinking. part of a wider problem. The crucial distinction is between the church Closeness to school is a bit of a sacred cow school and the faith school. We have no - it looks fair on the surface, but ask anyone Admissions will continue to be a contested faith schools in our Diocesan family. Church who’s lived in a challenging parish. They’ll issue… until the day when every school is a schools are established by the church as tell how some move away to secure a place ‘first choice’. We’re working on it.

FEATURES | NETWORK 11 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. Argentina Update were then unable to act on this without the consent of the province (Province of Partnership is in the air in Argentina as the Southern Cone). However, the well as Sheffield. Province has changed its rules, Towards a national church: this vast allowing individual dioceses to make country actually has two dioceses – their own decisions. Significantly, the the Diocese of Argentina, based on the Argentina diocesan synod has now capital of Buenos Aires, and the reaffirmed its conviction and is just The Anglican church in Rosario – one of Diocese of Northern Argentina, which the oldest buildings in the city waiting for its partner diocese in the grew out of churches in the indigenous north to confirm its position before feel quite isolated. But a partnership areas in the north but now including going ahead with implementation. has formed between the parish of urban churches as well. Both dioceses Martínez in the relatively affluent area cover vast areas and the country is too in the north west of Buenos Aires and large to form a single diocese. But the the parish of Rosario, serving a city of a two are in talks about forming a million people 200 miles away. partnership forming a national church Despite the distances, this provides for with the two dioceses strengthening mutual support, sharing of ministry and and supporting each other. coming together for some events such Already relationships have been as the annual retreat weekend. We Members of the church at Rosario. developing between churches in welcome Jony and Jenny Bertin from Revd Mónica Tompkins (second from the left) is minister there – she is currently Buenos Aires and poorer communities Martínez to the Diocesan Conference in ordained as deacon. in the north, 1200 miles away. Most of June the Argentine Anglicans are, in fact, A new era for the Diocesan Retreat Women’s ministry in Argentina: indigenous people. Centre: the centre is set in a beautiful the Diocese of Argentina voted 20 location in the Córdoba mountains but Partnerships between parishes: years ago in favour of the ordination of it is 500 miles from the churches in parishes in such a large country can women to the priesthood. But they Buenos Aires. The economic pressures on the country have led to reduced demand from its traditional users but the diocese has developed a promising new plan to serve more local users from within the Córdoba province.

Elections: presidential elections will take place in November this year. The Argentine economy is in a parlous state, which is leading to hardship and social unrest. The new president and the country will face immense The Retreat Centre, Diocese of Argentina challenges.

12 NETWORK | FEATURES Bessacarr...! Franky goes to

Franky's Nostell Place is a new outreach to young people in Doncaster. Its vision is to provide a safe and fun environment where young people can be inspired in a positive way of life, as well as being enabled to explore and grow in faith. It is based at St Francis’ Church in West Bessacarr and is open weekly on a Tuesday between 7-9pm. Just entering his second year of curacy, Adam Priestley writes:

Prior to my curacy at St Francis’ Church a number of local authorities had already made it known that they thought that some sort of youth project would be very beneficial for the area. After ordination it became increasingly evident that they were right as I regularly saw groups of young people hanging around the pedestrianised area surrounding the church; something that was often viewed negatively. From conversations it was also evident that many of the young people had no formal church connection. We decided to respond to this and Franky's was born. January launch A small team was formed and we started by putting on a launch event in January this year. For the event we had loads of fun things to do, such as pillow-bash and sumo suits. We also gave away some great quality prizes, such as paint- balling vouchers and Doncaster Rovers tickets. Following on from the launch event Franky's now runs weekly on Tuesday evenings. During the evening there is time for the young people to meet and catch up, then we have a number of community building games and then some time for sport or other fun things. We have recently started to include a section where faith is explored. These are short, interactive, and (generally) humorous and have included themes such as: 'Where does our true worth come from?' and 'Is God like a genie when we pray?' We have also just started a series which will look at 'Encounters with Jesus'. Numbers increasing Over the few months that Franky's has been open it has been great to see numbers increase (there are usually between 15-25 weekly) and relationships flourish between both the young people and the Franky's team. Many of the young people have started to really open up, sharing their thoughts, feelings, joys and anxieties in their lives. The Franky's team is frequently amazed at some of the young people's responses to faith and, whilst it is committed to supporting all, it is excited about discipling those who want to explore what it means to follow Jesus. Please keep Franky's Nostell Place, the young people and the team in your prayers!

FEATURES | NETWORK 13 Time for a Natter? solation ed at breaking down i field is an initiative aim e n the Diocese of Shef r discover faith for th Now running i connect with church o nd helping them to re among older people a first time. d group which brings r' is a community-focuse 'natte urch and ith those outside the ch together those inside w courses, discipleship of es a vehicle for seeker provid e ians as well as being th existing and new Christ service. natter is unch pad for a midweek potential la ple ffee morning and is sim around a traditional co based to meet. small team and a place to run, requiring only a , care and discipleship. It’s a place of belonging es in 2010, ‘natter’ ing at St Thomas Crook Beginn own al community to break d reaches out into the loc nd help them to n among the over 60’s a isolatio . Coffee, nd faith for the first time econnect to church or fi have made very good r sdays from about natter: ‘I pany are available Tue Jean says friends I Tea and good com forward to Tuesday. The always a welcome friends. I always look ntil 11:30am and there’s nds who help one 10:30am u on, become very dear frie natter with God’ follows have met have a buzz. Once a month ‘ s but friends support and inutes. . There are difficult time tyle’ service lasting 30 m another ha a relaxed ‘teashop s ve always believed, but Alp those who already you through them. I ha ryone stays on not only aged by the Almost eve er’ is e and I am really encour so those for whom ‘natt really helped m d Sunday church but al ary (the leader) atten , ‘natter+’, p group, I can’t praise M so a discipleship group discipleshi their church. There is al r into their faith or who enough.’ who want to go deepe for those I wouldn’t talk to hip. ‘If I didn’t go to natter enjoy regular fellows Les G. says: ou to if you don’t talk to anyone y company, a way of getting anyone all week. I think says: ‘It’s pleasant ’ Sylvia with it twice a lose the power of speech. ho are all nice. We could do gradually know people w e and the concern and car ated community with his ! I have made new friends a community, Jesus cre week zing. God is r the lost here is a problem is ama eds to be community fo of other people when t disciples, the church ne owing that is very to hold out the hope of one prays for you and kn e lonely. We also need Every and th ith e good news of Jesus w important.’ the gospel and share th ge. g can age you. You can be ne regardless of their a s: ‘Not doing anythin everyo Les W. say d talking to natter tter is good company an re about natter or start a lonely and bored but na If you want to know mo to enjoy playing in a Marsh via lters your opinions. I used our church contact John people a e group at y one now but I get the sam com band sadly they’re all g nattersheffield@gmail. t natter.’ enjoyment and friendship a

14 NETWORK | FEATURES Sheffield welcomes St Agatha's Community many new clergy Kickstart Fund

St Agatha's Trust Fund was set up men and women 30 years ago to provide kickstart funding for community initiatives The Diocese celebrates as it ordains seven new candidates to operate as and services, especially ones clergy within parishes in our area. promoted by churches and Christian In 2015, seven people take steps into their first year of ordained ministry. organisations of all denominations. The Bishop of Sheffield, Steven Croft, will ordain these seven deacons in Sheffield Grants are normally for up to £500, Cathedral on Sunday, 5 July 2015. Those to be ordained, and their place of curacy in order to help as many are as follows: organisations as possible with the Robert Bridgewater - St John the Baptist, Chapeltown funds available. Exceptionally, Lucy Clare Bolster - The Vine Church (formerly St Stephen’s and St Bartholomew’s) grants of up to £1,000 can be made. Stephen Gerard Chapman - Sheffield Manor Some grants have contributed to Alison Frances Creasey - Christchurch, Dore, Sheffield the funding of a feasibility study; Neil Marchant - Penistone and Thurlstone Team Ministry others have paid for furniture and Paul David Mellars - St James Clifton, Rotherham equipment or training, or help with Edward Scott Morrison - Cantley, St Wilfrid the cost of parish audits. www.sheffield.anglican.org/grants The Bishop of Doncaster, Peter Burrows, will also ordain five priests at Sheffield Cathedral on Saturday, 4 July 2015. These all now enter their second year of training and continue to serve their curacies within the same parish as follows:

Adam Priestley - (St Francis of Assissi, West Bessacarr) John Marsh - (St Timothy, Crookes) Adrian Bateman - (St John the Evangelist, Goole) Angela Lauener - (St John the Evangelist, Ranmoor) Duncan Bell - (St Chad, Woodseats) Christopher Brading will be ordained at St Margaret’s, Swinton on Sunday 5 July at 4 pm by the .

Fun filled day planned at Imaginaction... For children of primary school age, Imaginaction is a fun- packed, creative, imaginative, praise and story-filled afternoon. On Saturday 27 June at Dearne Valley Leisure Centre, the doors open on the first children’s development day, for children in years 1-6 (5-11 year olds). It will run from 2.30 – 5.30pm and cost £2 each (children and adult price). It will be a mix of songs, games, crafts, video and group time. Children must be accompanied by adults who will remain responsible for the children they bring throughout the event. To book and find out more, www.imaginaction.co.uk

FEATURES | NETWORK 15 The Diocese Sheff ield

EASTEAST RIDINGR

SOUTH YORKSHIREY

“ 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