Welcome to Enews+ for March 6
The latest resources, important information and more.
This is for all clergy, Churchwardens, Treasurers and PCC Secretaries, and is your chance to find out what is going on….

In This Edition
From the Desk of the Diocesan Secretary

Coronation Resources for Churches now available

New from Church House

Opportunities this Lent
  • Rhythm of Life Lent retreats
  • Lent Meditation

Children, Young People and Families Team
  • Resourcing and supporting parishes
  • Children and Youth volunteers invited to TEND events
  • Staying connected

Church Buildings and Pastoral Reorganisation Team
  • Understanding Health & Safety Responsibilities for Churches

Diocesan Interns Scheme
  • Finding and working with Interns - a conversation

Lay Training Team
  • Lay training courses

Environment Team
  • Important next steps for your church energy bills
  • Stations of the Planet
  • Churches Count on Nature

Stewardship and Income Generation Team
  • Money for Mission: Issue 43
  • Stewardship Training and Support
  • Revised Parochial Fees

Safeguarding Team
  • Safeguarding Winter Newsletter 2023

Communications Team
  • New Diocesan Website for 2023

Key Dates for 2023
Resources
Vacancies
Other Useful Links and Information
From the Desk of the Diocesan Secretary
Dear all,

And just like that, we are now into Lent. There is a lot going on, both inside and outside of the Diocese, and so rather than take up your time I wanted to flag three things.

1 – We received a number of hardship requests and are in the process of arranging the transfer of funds for these. The national money received has now been completely used up but if you are suffering hardship, please do be in touch with your archdeacon as there are other funds which can be accessed.

2 – A letter in relation to stipend increases will be coming out later this week – we are sending it directly to all clergy so all can receive and read it at the same point. Apologies therefore for sending a separate communication in such close proximity to this one.

3 – Please do keep sending us your news stories and content for us to publicise the amazing work going on in your parishes. We really love encouraging people with stories of what our churches are doing and ideas which will inspire others – so send us your good content so we can share it widely. 

As ever if there is anything I can help with please do get in touch.
 
Jonathan
Coronation Resources for Churches now available
The Church of England is providing a range of resources to help churches and parishes to mark the Coronation of King Charles III, an historic moment in the life of our nation.

Parishes are encouraged to help people find out about the services and events they are planning on AChurchNearYou.com. Use it to list your Coronation services, celebration events or volunteering work.

The range of resources include:

  • A Book of Daily Prayers. As the King and Queen Consort prepare to solemnise the promises and commitments they make to the nations and people they represent, the Church will begin 28 days of prayer and spiritual preparation alongside the King – praying with and for the King from Easter Sunday to the Coronation.

  • Service materials and various liturgical resources including prayers and forms of intercession for use at Morning and Evening Prayer, a vigil service, and special forms of service for a civic or community gathering.

  • Daily prayers and reflections will be published on the Church of England website and across their social media channels. Christians are encouraged to share their prayers and thoughts on the Coronation using the hashtag #CoronationPrayers from Monday, April 10.

  • Publicity toolkit, made up of Coronation logos, posters, social media graphics and other promotional materials.

For details of all the Coronation resources, visit the Church of England website.

New from Church House
Rhythm of Life Lent retreats
A time to pause and reflect on the rhythms of our lives. Each retreat will be led/hosted by one of our Area Bishops or Cathedral Deans. Further details and booking information can be found here.

Bradford: Saturday, March 11 at Bradford Cathedral
Huddersfield and Wakefield: Saturday, March 11 at College of the Resurrection
Ripon: Saturday, March 11 at Ripon Cathedral
Leeds: Saturday, March 25 at St Paul's, Ireland Wood
Lent meditation
Tuesday, March 28, 7.30pm - 8.30pm, Online

You are invited to find some peace and stillness. With the help of scripture and other sources of inspiration, we journey deeper into Lent. This session offers an opportunity to reflect, pray and discover the practice of Christian meditation.

For more information, contact Henriette Howarth who will lead the session on [email protected]

To receive the Zoom link, please email [email protected]
Resourcing and supporting parishes
Continuing our workshop and training programme this term we have Finding Funding for your Church’s Youth Work on Wednesday, March 15. Then on Tuesday, March 21 we have Engaging with Christening Families workshop for parishes wanting to consider how they support families bringing children for baptism and on Tuesday, March 28 we have Discipleship in Children’s Groups, an opportunity to explore how we support children to grow in faith. On Tuesday, April 18 we have Applying for Grants for your Church’s Youth Work which will be led by Theo Sheridan-Watts, currently Chief Officer at Wellsprings Together, who has a wealth of experience in grant applications.

We are really delighted to offer our new Ministry with Children and Young People course on Saturday, March 18 in Wakefield. This is an in-person course designed for everyone; whether you’ve been working with children and young people for a long time or you are just starting out, and it aims to help you develop and refresh skills and knowledge so you can serve children and young people well. More dates around the diocese to follow.
Children and Youth volunteers invited to TEND events
We're delighted to invite everyone involved in children and youth ministry in the diocese - volunteers, leaders and helpers - to join us at one of our TEND events. Often people serving in children and youth ministry are unseen and so through these TEND events, we want to take the opportunity to honour and support church volunteers and workers, especially after all the challenges faced during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The events are being hosted by our three Cathedrals, with one of the Area Bishops attending each event and taking part in the affirmation and encouragement of leaders and volunteers. We are delighted that Lucy Moore, the Head of the Growing Faith Foundation, will be speaking at each event and there will be opportunities for discussion, sharing ideas, resources and details of workshops and on-going support, plus lunch. Full details, including how to book can be found for each of the dates below – booking is essential, so please don’t miss out.
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 [email protected].
Understanding Health & Safety Responsibilities for Churches
Wednesday, March 15, 2023, 2pm - 3pm
 
Heather Ford, Church Insurance Consultant with Ecclesiastical will be leading this session on Health & Safety. Using easy to understand language, it will explain why managing health and safety effectively is important, provide an overview of health & legislation relevant to churches and offer a step by step guide and the tools to enable churches to feel more confident in managing their health and safety responsibilities. 
 
This session will take place in-person at Church House, 17-19 York Place, Leeds, LS1 2EX.


To book on to these sessions, please contact Rob Andrews, Team Coordinator at [email protected].
Finding and working with Interns - a conversation
Come and join us in a conversation about finding and working with interns on Thursday, March 16, 1pm - 2pm, online (Zoom).

This is another opportunity to:
  • hear about our Diocesan intern scheme which equips young adults for life, work and leadership as disciples of Christ through placements in churches and training;
  • find out how we can support you with finding and recruiting potential interns and hear stories of different interns' journeys. 

What does it look like to invest in an intern over a year? What would the church need to commit to? How do we find interns?

Whether this is something you are considering now, have a vision for in the future, or maybe have personal experience of, we would be delighted to welcome you in the conversation as we look to grow more disciples and leaders across the Diocese through the internship scheme.
 
To join the conversation, please email [email protected] for a Zoom link. A flyer for the event can also be accessed here.
 
We very much look forward to hearing from you,
 
Revd Joanna Seabourne, Director of Interns at the Diocese of Leeds
Lay training courses
Applications for Licensed Lay Minister Training
If you have undertaken the Introduction to Theology Course and are considering applying to train as a Licensed Lay Minister, please note that you must submit your Initial Enquiry form by Friday, March 31, and your Application form by Monday, May 22.
More information on the application process can be found here.

Ministry Pathways – Lay Worship Leaders and Lay Pastoral Ministry
Applications are now open for the 2023-24 Lay Worship Leaders and Lay Pastoral Ministry courses. 
More information about these ministry pathways and the application process can be found here.

The Being With Course (Monday, March 20, Tuesday, March 21 and Monday, March 27, online) 
The ‘Being With’ course is excellent for enquirers. Over ten weeks the course focuses on the experience of being in community as we explore Christian faith together. A ‘taster’ three session course is planned for March 2023, so you can see how the course runs and whether it will suit your context.
More information on this can be found here.
  
Discovery Course (Saturday, March 4, The Trinity Centre, Bingley BD16 2ST, 10am start)
An opportunity to learn more about how God has individually equipped you to serve him.
Find out more here.
 
**Advance notice** Introduction to Theology (Autumn 2023, The Mirfield Centre, Stocks Banks Road, Mirfield WF14 0BW)
Ever wondered what theology means and how to study it? Need some guidance on how to dig a bit deeper? This introductory course may well be for you. This course is also required before you can apply to train as a Licensed Lay Minister.
Find out more here.
Important next steps for your church energy bills
Ensure you get good value for money by getting into good energy contracts. The Green Journey is a partnership that the diocese run with Green Energy Consulting. Existing churches customers (with September 2023 contract end dates) will be contacted soon. Please do not delay in responding – renewals close to the termination date considerably increase cost. 

Not with the Green Journey? Please consider this option for your parish. The 250 churches who use the scheme have been on a 3 year tariff at 2019 prices. Of course energy prices have now risen considerably, but the Green Journey team are specialist in energy procurement and can usually find a good unit price/standing charge to suit your energy use. Renewable electricity and carbon offset gas get your church very close to carbon net zero too! Read more.
Stations of the Planet
As we approach Easter we remember that Christ’s death and resurrection brings healing and renewal for the whole planet. This new resource for churches offers 10 simple reflective prayers for Christ’s broken creation. The Stations of the Planet could be used in a service or as a prayer activity either during holy week or at another time of year. Download here.
Churches Count on Nature
Whose living in your churchyard? This annual nature fest is an opportunity to invite the community into your grounds, slow down and look at God’s creation on your doorstep. Churches Count on Nature week is Saturday 3rd - Sunday 11th June. Suitable for any size of churchyard. Book the date and organise a simple nature hunt in your churchyard. Family friendly fun. Details and resources here.
Money for Mission: Issue 43
The March 2023 edition (Issue 43) of Money for Mission is out now. In this edition:

  • Thinking About Generosity.....
  • Revised Parochial Fees 2023
  • Proof of Charity Status for Churches
  • Could you be a Treasurer Ambassador?
  • How to Set up Digital Giving in Your Church
  • PGS Webinar - New Resources to promote the PGS
  • New Church Grants from Benefact Trust
  • Important Next Steps for your Church Energy Bills
  • Basic Treasurer Training from ACAT

If you would like to receive Money for Mission directly, you can sign up for direct mailing by clicking the link in the newsletter.
Stewardship Training and Support
Digital Clinic in Wakefield - How to Set Up Digital Giving For Your Church 
The Stewardship team are hosting another Digital Clinic on Tuesday, March 21 at the Wakefield Episcopal Area office in Thornes Park, Wakefield from 10am until 4pm. You can attend in person or arrange a Zoom call.

At the clinic you can seek advice on buying a contactless device for your church, how to set one up or even discuss issues you are having with your current device. The clinic will run on an appointment only basis so you can receive 121 support. 

To book a slot email the Stewardship Team at [email protected] or call 07376 525684

PGS Webinar - New Resources to Promote and Launch the PGS
Join this Zoom meeting on Monday, March 27 at 1pm to discover the new suite of free PGS resources you can adapt and download to help you launch and promote giving through the PGS across your community. The meeting will be hosted by your Diocesan PGS Representative Janet Edmond.

Visit this link to book your place at the PGS webinar.

Contact your Diocesan PGS Representative at [email protected] with queries regarding the PGS or call 07376 525684
Revised Parochial Fees
The framework for parochial fees in 2020-24 agreed by General Synod in 2019 resulted in the fees increasing by 9.9% (August CPI) rounded up to the nearest pound from 1 January 2023. You may be aware that the Archbishops’ Council considered this was too high an increase in the light of factors such as stipend increases and cost of living pressures. It asked General Synod to consider an amending order which would reduce the increase to 5% rounded up to the nearest pound and set the 2024 increase at the lower of CPI and 5%. This order was approved by General Synod earlier this month SI/SR Template (churchofengland.org).

As a result, the revised (lower) fees for 2023 came into force on Wednesday, March 1 2023. The diocesan website has updated forms containing these revised fees, which will need to be used for all services / events now taking place. If you have already submitted a form affected by these changes you do not need to resubmit.
New Church Grants Programme from Benefact Trust
The Benefact Trust have just launched two new grants for churches:
  • Buildings Improvement Grants Programme
  • Community Impacts Grant.

The new grants are open to applications from churches, cathedrals, denominational bodies, and Christian charities. It will support capital costs such as essential repairs and improvements, conservation and restoration, energy efficiency measures and projects enabling the wider community use of church buildings. Applicants must have 30% match funding before applying. For more information on both grants and how to apply click this link.
Safeguarding Winter Newsletter 2023
Please find here our Safeguarding Team's latest newsletter, with lots of useful news and resources.
New Diocesan Website for 2023
We have launched a new diocesan website! Please bear with us while we continue to make sure everything on it is up to date. If you come across any issues, please do let us know at [email protected].

Key Dates for 2023
Diocese of Leeds Synod:
  • Saturday, March 18
  • Saturday, July 15 
  • Saturday, October 14

Church of England General Synod:
  • Friday, July 7 - Tuesday, July 11 
  • Monday, November 13 - Wednesday, November 15

#DustAndGlory: A Lent journey of faith, failure and forgiveness: Ash Wednesday (Wednesday, February 22) to Easter Day (Sunday, April 9)

Rhythm of Life Lent Course: Resources available here 

Step Forward Conference: Saturday, March 11

Coronation of King Charles III: Saturday, May 6

Thy Kingdom Come: Thursday, May 18 - Sunday, May 28

World Environment Day: Monday, June 5

Ordination of Priests: Saturday, June 24 or Sunday, June 25

Ordination of Deacons: Saturday, July 1 at Bradford Cathedral

Creationtide: Friday, September 1 - Wednesday, October, 4

Diocese of Leeds Generosity Week: Sunday, September 24 - Sunday, October 1

COP 28: Thursday, November 30 - Tuesday, December 12

Resources
The Church of England is providing a range of resources to help churches and parishes to mark the Coronation of King Charles III, an historic moment in the life of our nation. Find out more here
Saving Creation
The Diocese of Leeds has launched its resources to help churches reach carbon net zero by 2030, 'Saving Creation: Strategic Action to Combat Climate Change'. These include a video, toolkit, and case studies, with more to come. Read more here.
The latest edition of the Prayer Diary is now online to download.There are fresh prayers for Sudan as well as prayers for Tanzania. Download prayers here.
For information, resources and more, visit www.leeds.anglican.org
Vacancies
The purpose of the role is to provide reception and administrative support within the Diocesan office in Leeds and to ensure the maintenance of equipment and smooth running of the building. Find out more here.
The purpose of the role is to provide reception and administrative support within the diocesan office, to ensure the maintenance of equipment and smooth running of the building and to support in the maintenance of the diocesan database. Find out more here.
Other Useful Links & Information
For safeguarding issues, contact our advisers on:
[email protected] or call 0113 353 0257 
Carla Darbyshire - Safeguarding Team Leader
Jenny Leccardi - Safeguarding Adviser
Narinder Lyon - Safeguarding Adviser
Nikki Rose - Safeguarding Adviser
Moves and Appointments

Revd Claire Renshaw to be Canon Pastor at Ripon Cathedral

Revd Cyndy Sheard to be Associate Priest of Cleckheaton (Huddersfield EA)

Revd Andrew Clarke to be Associate Priest of St Michael and All Angels Cottingley (Bradford EA)

Revd Jay Hewitt to be Interim Priest in Charge of Staincliffe and Carlinghow (Huddersfield EA)

Our Who is Who section offers useful Diocese of Leeds contacts and details of how to gain access to our diocesan database. Access it here 
Contact us with your news
Please contact the Communications Team with your news so we can share it with the wider diocese. Our regular Enews is published twice a month. Area news stories to [email protected]  

© Anglican Diocese of Leeds, 2023
Church House, 17-19 York Place, Leeds, LS1 2EX
 0113 200 0540

Any views or opinions expressed by the author of this email do not necessarily represent those of the Leeds Diocesan Board of Finance

Why am I receiving this email?
This email from the diocese is sent to those who have asked to receive it by 'subscribing' or who receive it because they have a relationship with the diocese, holding an office or position in a church in the diocese, a church school or the diocese itself. However, if you do not wish to continue to receive these emails, simply use the 'Unsubscribe' button at the foot of the enews. 
Under no circumstances are email addresses shared with third parties.