New from Church House

• Parish Share processes - Parish Share requests and Parish Share Agreements
• Parish Share 2026 - A Message from Bishop Toby
• Parish Share in the Diocese of Leeds - new animation
• Dean Andy Bowerman to leave Bradford Cathedral in new year
• Autumn and Winter guidance from Ecclesiastical
• Resourcing and supporting parishes for children, young people and family ministry
• Lay Training
• Church security
• The Churchwarden's Yearbook 2026
• Churchwarden training sessions
• Advent Meditation
• Formation Team - books to a good home!
• HR Team update - HR support for clergy and parishes
• Carol of the 7 Hills
• Parish Giving Scheme new forms
• Digital Clinics in November
• Online Budget Training Sessions in November
• Greggs Foundation - community grant opportunity for churches in areas LS7 and BD15
• Money for Mission: Issue 75

Key Dates for 2025

Resources

Vacancies

Other Useful Links and Information

Parish Share processes - Parish Share requests and Parish Share Agreements

All parishes should have recieved a three-year Parish Share request, as we begin our Parish Share processes for 2026. We have also launched the Parish Share Agreements process and a suite of new resources to help parishes have good conversations about generosity.

Parish Share contributions enable local ministry to thrive by funding the work of clergy. Every penny given supports the costs of clergy, their pensions and their housing, and is shared out so that every parish, regardless of its individual wealth, is supported in its ministry and mission. Helping together is what Parish Share is all about, as every church is asked to give and every church receives so that we can be confident Christians, grow our churches and transform our communities.

We are taking a new approach to Parish Share and looking to open up new lines of communication between parishes and Church House, by launching Parish Share Agreements. A face-to-face meeting will be held with every parish on a rolling three-year basis, giving an opportunity for parishes to share about their individual concerns, local context and the impact of contributing to Parish Share. The meetings will enable diocesan officers to fully understand local context and agree a reasonable share request for a three-year period, using the existing share formula as the benchmark for discussions. The meetings will be an opportunity to identify issues in a parish, so that targeted support can be provided to make a difference, encourage confidence and help parishes flourish. The hope is that this process will empower parishes to fulfil their Parish Share contributions, provide opportunities to explain the impact of Parish Share, and act as an opportunity to build stronger relationships between Church House and parishes, improve open communication, and grow trust.

The Parish Share Agreements process commenced in autumn 2025, but all parishes have received a three-year request covering the years 2026-28.

To help with the Parish Share processes, we have produced a Parish Share Guide for 2026, which can be read here.

More on Parish Share can be found on our Parish Share Explained page here.

If you haven't received your Parish Share request and accompanying information, or have any other questions, please email resourcingparishes@leeds.anglican.org.

Parish Share 2026 - A Message from Bishop Toby

As parishes receive their Parish Share requests, and we begin our Parish Share Agreements process, hear from the Rt Revd Toby Howarth, Bishop of Bradford and Acting Bishop of Leeds, about the importance of Parish Share to supporting mission and ministry across the diocese.

Parish Share in the Diocese of Leeds - new animation

To support our Parish Share processes in 2026, we've produced a new animation setting out the details of Parish Share, what it supports across the diocese and something of the Parish Share Agreements process.

Dean Andy Bowerman to leave Bradford Cathedral in new year

The Very Revd Andy Bowerman, Dean of Bradford, has announced that he shall be leaving Bradford Cathedral to take up a new role in the new year.

After a period of careful prayer and discernment, Dean Andy has accepted the invitation to become the first Dean of Faith & Community at CREST Education, a Christian education network of schools in Melbourne, Australia with approximately 3500 students & staff.

In this new role, Andy will be responsible for initiating, shaping and strengthening the Christian ethos across the schools, helping ensure that faith is authentically lived out and woven into every aspect of learning and community life. 

Read more here.

Autumn and Winter guidance from Ecclesiastical

With Maintenance Week approaching in November, now is a good time to highlight the importance of regular maintenance to keeping church buildings in good condition and prepared to meet the challenges of winter weather. 

Below here are some links to a selection of guidance and other resources relating to church maintenance and Autumn/Winter risks.

• Simple maintenance checklist - green 
• Church self assessment questionnaire toolkit 
• Testing requirements | Church Guidance | Ecclesiastical 
• Tree maintenance | Guidance Note | Ecclesiastical

The risk calendar highlights different seasonal risks and can act as an aide memoire for church officers and the general congregation to keep on top of maintenance issues as well as guidance on managing storms, floods and cold weather.

• Risk Reminder | Risk management | Ecclesiastical
• Church Cold Weather Advice | Risk Management | Ecclesiastical
• Flood – protecting your church property | Church Guidance | Ecclesiastical
• Church storm safety | Risk Management | Ecclesiastical

For churches planning more ambitious maintenance projects here is a link to their Building Works guidance.

• New building works | Church insurance made simple | Ecclesiastical

Resourcing and supporting parishes for children, young people and family ministry

Opportunities to connect

The Children, Young People and Families Team are very happy to support parishes in their mission and ministry, please do contact us on childrenyouth@leeds.anglican.org if you would like to share what you do or if have any questions or would like assistance, we’d love to hear from you.

In-person Workshops 

Safe Practice in Children and Youth Work (various dates and venues)

This new workshop is available for a variety of contexts to support people wanting to follow safe practice in their mission and ministry with children, young people and families

Exploring Resources sessions (various dates, Church House Leeds)

This new session allows you to test out some different resources to see what might work for your church and the children, young people and families that you engage with. This session can also be run at churches/for deaneries.

Employed Children and Youth Workers Gathering (Tuesday, November 18, Church House Leeds)

A couple of hours of input, catching up and praying ahead for those who are employed to work with children, young people and families.

Online Opportunities

Toddler Teams Learning Community Gathering (Tuesday, November 4)

A gathering to support and encourage all those involved in church toddler groups.

Additional Needs Learning Community (Wednesday, November 26)

A chance to gather online to discuss how church can be more welcoming and inclusive to children and young people with additional needs and their families.

Staying Connected

If you would like to receive the Children, Young People and Family Team newsletter, please subscribe to the Digital Learning Platform here and be sure to tick the ‘Children & Youth’ and ‘Sign me up’ boxes! In addition we host a Facebook group for anyone involved in children, young people and family ministry where people share details of events, resources, activities and training and also ask questions, debate ideas and learn together. As always, if you require any specific help or information, please do contact us on childrenyouth@leeds.anglican.org.

Lay Training

Introduction to Theology (Thursday evenings starting January 22, 2026, with a break for February half term, online)

This course is for anyone who wants to do theology - to talk and think about God - and to deepen their discipleship. It’s also an opportunity to think about how God is forming us right now. All of us are on a journey with God. We are letting God mould us into the person God always meant us to be.  

More details and booking information can be found here.

Mental Health First Aid Training (Monday February, 9 and Tuesday, February 10, 9am – 4:30pm, Church House Leeds)

Do you have an interest in supporting those struggling with mental ill health? Want to develop your knowledge and become accredited as a Mental Health First Aider?

We will be running a course, led by an expert trainer from the Saltaire Training Company, that can support you to develop your skills and confidence in this area.

More details and booking information can be found here.

Occasional Preachers Course (Tuesday, December 9, 8pm - 9pm, online)

A course for lay people who are unable to commit to becoming Licensed Lay Ministers but still feel called to a preaching ministry on an occasional basis.

More details and booking information can be found here.

If you require any specific help or information, please do contact us at layministry@leeds.anglican.org.

Church security

Unfortunately, recently there have been a couple of significant thefts of York Stone in the northwest, and so now is an important time to consider the security of your buildings. Specifically in relation to the theft of stone we recommend churches consider the following:

1. Engage with local neighbours asking them to keep and extra watch over the church premises, reporting any suspicious activity to the police immediately. Take a note of the vehicle registration number of vehicles involved. 
2. Communicate with your neighbours, send flyers telling them they will be informed if any work is planned at the church. Often, offenders appear to be genuine contractors wearing high viz jackets and using builders vans. 
3. Review security to the churchyard perimeter. Ensure all gates are locked when the church is not in use to restrict access.
4. Consider introducing security lighting to illuminate unlawful visitors where there is a reasonable level of surveillance from neighbouring properties.
5. Mark stonework with a forensic security marking solution, such as SmartWater.  
6. Work with local police and ask your community support police officer to include the church in his daily duties. 
7. Share your actions with the local press to spread the story to act as a deterrent.  

We have more guidance on our website: Safety and Security - Diocese of Leeds.

Ecclesiastical also offer the following guidance: Church Security | Risk Management.

The Churchwarden's Yearbook 2026

The Churchwarden's Yearbook for 2026 is now available to order.

The Diary Section has: Advent 2025–Epiphany 2027, with additional pages for planning 2027; one-week-to-view; Common Worship readings for the Principal Eucharistic Service and Book of Common Prayer readings for Holy Communion for Sundays, Principal Feasts, Holy Days, Festivals and Lesser Festivals; liturgical colours for every day; Saints’ Days and Commemorations; flag days, church-related events, bank and public holidays, and other notable events; items of local, national, traditional and contemporary interest; phases of the moon, times of sunrise and sunset; four-year calendar and year planners for 2026 and 2027; extra pages for names, addresses, expenses and other notes.

The Reference Section has: Outline of churchwardens’ duties; recommended reading matter and websites; helpful organizations and sources of finance; contact details for key personnel in all Anglican dioceses in England, Wales and Europe; religious festivals of other faiths; Parochial Fees tables.

The price is £16.95 including free delivery direct from Churchwarden Publications.

Click here to find out more and to download the order form.

Churchwarden training sessions

Ecclesiastical Insurance are putting on some Training Sessions for Church Wardens in the Autumn. These will be on Zoom and will cover various topics. To book a place on any of these please contact carmel.dylak@leeds.anglican.org.

Introduction to Fundraising (Wednesday, November 26, 7pm)

Do you have a church project in mind but don’t know where to start with fundraising ? Ecclesiastical have developed a Church Fundraising Hub to help churches with this. Heather Ford, Church Support Manager with Ecclesiastical will lead the session and take you through their easy to follow resources to help you build a successful campaign

Advent Meditation

Tuesday, December 9, 8pm - 9pm, online

In the busyness leading up to Christmas, you are invited to find some peace and stillness. With the help of Scripture and other sources of inspiration, we journey deeper into advent. Led by Revd Henriette Howarth. Please email charlie.scott@leeds.anglican.org to book a place.

Find out more here.

Formation Team - books to a good home!

The Formation Team have been busy emptying the Resource Rooms at Trinity Centre Bingley and Dewsbury Minster. Any books remaining are now free to a good home, so please help yourselves. For any further info, please contact jess.fort@leeds.anglican.org.

HR Team update - HR support for clergy and parishes

If you would like to receive our regular HR updates, which will include notifications of legislative changes and for parishes employing staff and updates to our resources, please complete the HR newsletter/updates sign up.

Please find a link here for a copy of the summary of information supplied to those parishes who have signed up for regular updates.

Carol of the 7 Hills

An ambitious project is underway to bring an invitational story of the Bradford area to the stage in six venues this Advent. ‘Carol of the 7 Hills, A Story of the Bradford District’ is a specially written play, using a cast of actors from local churches, and highlighting the talent in each venue. Written by Jonathan Hall (Radio 4) and directed by Julia Smith (RSC, Bradford Theatres), it forms a key moment for Christians in Bradford’s City of Culture year.

The performances are all at 7pm, and are as follows:

• Thursday, November 27: Immanuel College, Idle
• Friday, November 28: All Saints Church, Ilkley
• Saturday, November 29: St Andrew’s Church, Keighley
• Thursday, December 4: Forster’s Academy, Bowling
• Friday, December 5: Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College
• Saturday, December 6: Fountains Church Bradford

To find out more and to book tickets, please click here.

Parish Giving Scheme New Platform - overview webinars

The new, updated Parish Giving Scheme website is now live! The PGS team are holding webinars in mid-November to provide an overview of the new platform to all parishes, and to give a space for you to ask any questions.

Please use the links below to sign up for the webinars:

Thursday, November 13:

·    10am - register here 

·    12.30pm - register here 

·    2pm - register here 

·    8pm - register here

Tuesday, November 18:

·    10am - register here 

·    12pm - register here

Parish Giving Scheme new forms

As part of the changes to the Parish Giving Scheme website, there are new gift forms available. These are the forms your givers can use to set up their regular giving. Old copies of the form, either the physical paper forms, or the PDF versions, will not be accepted now that the website has been updated. Your givers can still set up their gift online, through the PGS website, or by calling up the PGS team directly, but if they want to use a form, it must be the new one.

Get in touch with the Stewardship Team to request the form for your parish. They will send the PDF version, and can post a small quantity of the paper copies if required.

Get in touch: resourcingparishes@leeds.anglican.org.

Digital Clinics in November

Book in a one-to-one Digital Clinic session with a member of the Stewardship Team to discuss Digital Giving.

These sessions are perfect for finding specific solutions to any issues you are having with contactless devices or online giving pages. These are also a great space for finding out more if you are new to digital giving. The Stewardship team can discuss how to promote this way of giving in your church, including creating new eye-catching giving campaigns.

Book a session for one of the dates and locations below:

• Monday, November 17 - Huddersfield Parish Church: Book Here
• Monday, November 24 - Bingley, Trinity Centre: Book Here

Online Budget Training Sessions in November

Now that Parish Share requests have been prepared for 2026 - 2028, we have developed a one-hour long, online training session to help you plan your church budget for up to three years ahead. For training dates in November please see the information below to register your place. 

• Budget Training : Tuesday, November 11, 6.30pm - register here
• Budget Training : Thursday, November 26, 1pm - register here

Further training dates will be offered throughout 2026 (dates tbc) and will be announced in future editions of Money4Mission.

Greggs Foundation - community grant opportunity for churches in areas LS7 and BD15

The Greggs Foundation Community Grants Programme offers grants of £20,000, for up to three years, to local organisations helping to tackle the challenges facing local communities. The Greggs Foundation looks to support organisations tackling a clear local need. That could be providing space and opportunities for people to come together to overcome social isolation, building connections, improving the health and wellbeing of the local community or helping to alleviate food poverty.

There are four application rounds per year and next closing date for application is 12 noon on Friday, November 14. For more information on eligibility and how to apply please visit  Greggs Foundation Community Grants.

First Sunday of Advent: Sunday, November 30

Christmas 2025: Thursday, December 25

Net Zero Strategic Fundraising Manager - North East dioceses cluster

In line with the Church of England’s national route map, the Dioceses of Durham, Leeds, Newcastle, Sheffield and York are collaborating on this joint ambition to achieve net zero by 2030 across the area. Each diocese has developed a detailed Net Zero Carbon Action Plan to decarbonise their churches, other buildings and schools, and each has taken its own approach to fundraising. Whilst the national Church of England is providing some financial support towards this extensive programme of net carbon zero work, all parts of the Church will need to raise additional funds to implement this plan. We are now seeking an experienced fundraiser to work alongside the NE cluster and lead a strategic approach to NZC fundraising across the whole area, by accessing statutory bodies, grant-making trusts and other sources willing to finance net zero and other environmental improvement activities. Find out more about this role here

The Revd Christopher Buckley has resigned from his post as Incumbent of Belle Isle and Hunslet Benefice in the Leeds area, with effect from 1 January 2026

The Revd Graham Francis Weirhas been granted PTO in the Diocese of Leeds 

The Revd Mark Ireland has been granted PTO in the Diocese of Leeds

The Revd Susan Angela Griffiths has been granted PTO in the Diocese of Leeds

The Revd David John Griffiths has been granted PTO in the Diocese of Leeds

The Revd Dr Kevin Wardhas been granted PTO in the Diocese of Leeds

The Revd Nancy Kathleen White has been granted PTO in the Diocese of Leeds

The Revd Jon Berry, currently serving as Interim Team Vicar in the Benefice of Keighley in the Bradford area, is to become Team Vicar of the same benefice

The Revd Judith Clark has been appointed as Associate Priest at St John’s and St Luke’s, Bilton in the Ripon area

The Revd Sally Osborn, currently serving as Assistant Curate in the Benefice of Leeds St Aidan in the Leeds area, is to be licensed as Associate Priest of the same benefice

The Revd Alan Garrow and the Revd Darryl Hall have been appointed  as Honorary Canons of Ripon Cathedral