Welcome to the Enews for September 4

The latest resources, news and more.

Click on headlines or pictures for more details.  

Contact enews@leeds.anglican.org with your news. 

A group of seventeen young people aged between eleven and eighteen from the Wakefield Episcopal area travelled to Walsingham to join in with over three hundred young Christians for a week of worship, prayer, fun and camping at the Walsingham Youth Pilgrimage. The group had an eventful start, from breaking down at Kings Lynn and arriving to heavy rain and wind to pitch tents, resulting in broken tent poles. Read more here

A strong working relationship between our Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) and a Ripon area church has been demonstrated recently. Delegates from the DAC were pleased to meet with representatives from the Church Buildings Council and St Wilfrid’s Harrogate recently to discuss a range of proposals. Read more here

One of our Leeds area churches has used our Compass tool to help develop their next steps in mission. Compass uses a mixture of video and discussion to lead church groups through a process that can help to identify what might be done next for churches to develop. St Michael’s East Ardsley have recently used Compass to help revise their Mission Action Plan, first developed in 2021. Read more here

Churches across the diocese and beyond will be celebrating Yorkshire Churches Day on Saturday, September 13. The day, organised by the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust, looks to help people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests to explore the region’s places of worship and celebrate their rich architectural and cultural heritage. Read more here

One of our Ripon area churches has made significant progress towards becoming net zero, and are looking to share what they have learned with their local community. St James’ Wetherby have recently taken part in Give to Go Green, a scheme that provides match funding to support carbon-cutting projects, and supports churches in fundraising during a six-week targeted digital campaign. Read more here

One of our Huddersfield area churches has recently completed a long-awaited restoration of a beautiful stained-glass window. St Thomas’ Thurstonland is a small, rural, Grade II listed church above Holmfirth, with an east window portraying the story of the Good Samaritan. Read more here

St Mary’s Swillington have held the first Swillington Scarecrow Festival recently, raising much needed funds for their church’s major renovation work. Seen by the village as ‘their’ church, the Friends of Swillington Church was formed by Becky, Lauren and Susie to help raise funds for renovation work, running many events and activities. Read more here

Whether you have been working with children and young people for a long time or you are just starting out, this course is designed to help you develop and refresh skills and knowledge so you can serve children and young people well.

The Ministry with Children and Young People is interactive with groupwork activities plus times for discussion and reflection. We will explore four areas:

• Children Matter – the value of children to Jesus and to the church
• Practical Matters – the skills and practicalities needed to work safely with children and young people
• Faith Matters – how faith might develop for children and young people and how we might help to nurture faith.
• You Matter – the importance of knowing our roles and responsibilities and looking after our own faith and wellbeing

To sign up for the course and specific dates, please email childrenyouth@leeds.anglican.org.

Find out more here.

This event is about:

• Thanking you for your ministry to children, young people and their families
• Encouraging and equipping you and those you serve to grow in faith
• Networking with others and sharing experiences
• Doing – making time and space to set you up for what you will do next

This year’s theme is Sharing Stories and the days will include workshops, speakers, worship, reflection and the opportunity to meet others involved in ministry with and to children, young people and families. Keynote speaker: Huw Thomas, Director of Education (Diocese of Sheffield) and author of In the Way of our Story. For more information and to book your place, please click here.

Led by Revd Henriette Howarth and Revd Paul Wheelhouse. If you long to pray more and experience the divine Love more deeply, this retreat is for you. We will find inspiration in the scriptures and Christian tradition to deepen our awareness of God who is not far away. We will practice different ways of prayer including silence, contemplation and the Ignatian way, and seek nurture and inspiration with assistance of music, nature and a variety of texts. Cost: £195.

More information and booking details here.

Book 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 below:

• Tuesday, September 16 - Harrogate St Peter - book here
• Monday, September 22 - Richmond St Mary - book here

Further dates are coming in November, with information available on the website here.

Did you know that you can be ordained at age 23? Before that comes training and discernment, so you are never too young to explore that sense of calling you might have. The future of the Church depends on the next generation responding in faith to Jesus and, from them, would be leaders responding to their call. Could that be you, or someone you know?

This next EVT event will provide an opportunity for you to hear from some younger clergy and what it might be like to be under 30 and called to ministry. Whatever your age it is sure to be a formative evening as we Explore Vocations Together.

The evening will be led by Revd Simon Walters, Diocesan Intern Leader and the Rt Revd Anna Eltringham, Bishop of Ripon.

We gather at 7pm and we will finish no later than 9pm. Tea and coffee will be provided.

Click here to find out more and to book your place.

Theology is a word that comes from Ancient Greek. It means talking about God. It’s as simple as that. You already do theology, even if you don’t call it that. For example, when you say, ‘God loves you’ to someone, you are making a statement about God. You are ‘doing theology’. 

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. 

We may feel called to a particular ministry. We may just want to know more. Either way, this course is for you! 

Please note: anyone wishing to follow a commissioned pathway (Lay Worship Leader, Lay Pastoral Minister or Occasional Preacher) should sign up for Introduction to Theology, which is part one of your training. Part two courses, focussing on specific ministry roles, will take place in the spring term. 

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. 

The Saving Creation Gold course is for anyone who has already completed Saving Creation Silver and wishes to: 

• Gain an intersectional understanding of the ecological crisis. 
• Gain an in-depth understanding of the nature of mission and learn about eco-evangelism, pastoral care, and prophetic activism, and incorporating creation and social justice in worship. 
• Consider how to equip and support others in discipleship and advocacy. 
• Consider how to lead a project with an environmental focus at parish, deanery or diocesan level. 
• Begin to create their own resources. 
• Receive training in the skills required to be an effective, commissioned Eco Mission Enabler and practice these. 

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. 

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

We will be running several courses, 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.

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

As part of our mission action plan, ‘Signs of the Kingdom,’

The United Parish of Upper Nidderdale is devoted to growing deeply as disciples.

We start at 6.30pm with drinks and nibbles followed by a Speaker around 7pm. The evening should conclude after prayers, hopefully no later than 8.30pm

Dr Peter Vardy is a British theologian. The author or co-author of 18 books about religion and ethics. He was vice-principal of Heythrop College, a Jesuit college in London, from 1999 to 2011. He is known for the religious-studies conferences he runs in the UK for schools.

• Wednesday, September 3 - Crime and Punishment?: Why do societies punish and what is the purpose of punishment?
• Wednesday, October 1 - Global Economic Justice
• Wednesday, November 5 - Environmental Justice
• Wednesday, December 3 - Personal Justice and Christianity

This is a completely free event, however there will be an opportunity at the end of each evening to make a voluntary contribution towards a small-scale project in Uganda that supports young people with basic vocational training in computer skills, sewing, carpentry, and cooking etc. Even modest donations can make a significant difference.

It would be really helpful if you could let us know if you intend to join us so that we have an idea of how many people to expect. Contact: Darryl 07792419982 or email horlix@aol.com.

You are warmly invited by the Yorkshire West Methodist District and the Bradford Cathedral to an ecumenical service reflecting on elements of the Methodist Modern Art Collection that are being exhibited in Bradford, from Thursday, September 4, to Friday, October 4.

The service will invite different participants to respond to an exhibit in the collection, helping us to reflect on the themes of each venue and our own experiences of life and faith. 

Leeds Third Order Franciscans are meeting occasionally for a eucharist and discussion at Leeds Minster. We are welcoming anyone interested in coming along to worship with us and perhaps find out a bit more about TSSF and all it offers in the way of following Francis in love, joy, simplicity, and the honouring of God through creation.

Philippa Hanna is a Christian singer, song writer and recording artist. She will be performing ’An Evening with Philippa Hanna’ to promote the work of UK charity Projects Delivering Hope.

With her unique blend of gospel, pop and country music, together with her candid storytelling sharing her own experiences of coming to a ‘life-changing’ faith, we are looking forward to an unforgettable evening.

Having toured with the likes of Lionel Richie, Leona Lewis, Wet, Wet, Wet and Little Mix, Philippa has also established a presence in the Christian music scene having racked up collaborations with Kevin Max, Graham Kendrick and Chris Eaton. She is no stranger

to TV either with regular appearances on BBC ‘Songs of Praise’ and TBNUK’s ‘Praise the Lord’.

Loved by adults, children and young people, Philippa’s concerts are always a sell-out so we recommend booking tickets soon.

Click here to find out more and to book.

A day when churches open up and tell the stories of their buildings. We are taking part!

Explore the buildings, admire the beautiful stained glass windows, have a chat, find out what we do to support the community, enjoy light refreshments ... we'd love to see you!

Harrogate School of Theology and Mission is thrilled to host one of the world’s most respected theologians, Professor David F. Ford OBE, for a landmark lecture. This special event, titled “St. John’s Gospel: A Lifetime’s Study”, will offer rare and profound insights drawn from over two decades of Professor Ford’s engagement with the Gospel of John.

Author of the acclaimed The Gospel of John: A Theological Commentary (2021), and the forthcoming companion book Meeting God in John (November 2025), Prof. Ford has spent the better part of his academic life immersed in John’s deeply theological and spiritually rich narrative. In this unique lecture, he will unpack some of the central themes and enduring questions that have shaped his lifetime of study.

This event is not only for theologians and biblical scholars but for anyone seeking deeper understanding of Scripture and its relevance to personal faith and contemporary challenges.

Click here to find out more and to book.

This will be a relaxed opportunity to get to know new Bishop of Wakefield, Malcolm Chamberlain; he will be being interviewed by Canon Philip Hobday and then answering questions from the audience.

Bishop Malcolm arrived in the diocese in June having spent eleven years as Archdeacon of Sheffield and Rotherham. Ordained in 1996 he previously served as a parish priest and university chaplain in Walsall and Liverpool.

To book your place, please contact Caroline Asquith: caroline.asquith@leeds.anglican.org

St Paul's Birkenshaw will be be hosting a contemporary worship evening on Sunday, September 21, starting at 6pm. This is an initiative organised by several local Anglican churches, the event is held at different churches in the local area every 3 months.

With music led by our live band you can expect joyous upbeat praise, songs of deep worship, and the opportunity to receive prayer. We'll also be welcoming Debby Plummer, Huddersfield Area Environmental Champion, who will be giving a talk.

Refreshments will be served, and all are welcome! We would love you to join us as we seek the presence of God together.

Worship for revival at St Philip's.

This year we are privileged to host Rev Dr Susan Durber, World Council of Churches President.

Dr Durber has previously been Principal of Westminster College Cambridge and theological advisor to Christian Aid. Dr Durber will be speaking about the 1700th anniversary of the first Ecumenical Council at Niceae and its significance for today. This will link us with the world wide celebrations organised by the WCC.

The World Council of Churches has been holding conferences and Ecumenical events all over the world this year to celebrate Nicaea as part of their work towards church unity.

Optional Choral Evensong 5.30pm - 6.15pm

Tea and Coffee available from 6.15pm

Lecture and Q&A 7pm - 8.30pm

A free event.

Join us for a day of worship and theological reflection as we take stock of our current geopolitical situation – its deep challenges and injustices – and consider how we can ‘name the beast/s’, lament, and organise for change.

We will be led in worship by Andrew Nunn, and in theological thinking and reflection by Susie Snyder, Al Barrett, Charlotte Naylor Davis, and Jide Macaulay. We shall hear stories of ‘hope in action’ from a diverse group of leaders working for change locally through West Yorkshire Citizens.

Click here to find out more.

The pilgrimage around the Cathedral is called “Treasures Untold.” It is ideal for groups of up to 20 or so people. Teas and coffees will be served on arrival at 9.30am. Then the group will be led around the Cathedral to explore significant dimensions of its fabric and through them contemplate the activity of God in the world and in our lives. It is a prayerful progression around the building, seeking a real sense of God’s presence with us and his love for us. The pilgrimage will conclude in time for people to participate in the service of Holy Communion if they wish.

If anyone wishes to discuss the pilgrimage further before booking, please contact Canon Matthew Pollard on canonmatthew@riponcathedral.org.uk. Parishes are invited to book by contacting the Cathedral Administrator on cathedraladmin@riponcathedral.org.uk.

Anna Chaplaincy is an ecumenical, community-based chaplaincy, offering spiritual care among older people. Through its compassionate and practical approach, it has had an impact on thousands of lives and seeks to offer a gold standard in resourcing and enabling this sensitive ministry of presence.

Starting out as a pioneering, grassroots initiative in Hampshire in 2010, Anna Chaplaincy has grown rapidly to become a national network through BRF Ministries. Over 450 Anna Chaplains of all denominations have been appointed by local churches across the UK to serve their communities, supporting and honouring those in later life in a variety of contexts, whatever their faith or values.

‘Anna Chaplaincy: ageing well and how the church can help’ is a free day event led by the national team, local Anna Chaplains and with the support of the Diocese of York. Please save the date and watch this space for further details, flyers and how to book a place.

For general information go here or email: annachaplaincy@brf.org.uk.

Hear from the Rt Revd Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds, about parish share and how we are supporting parishes across the diocese.

Watch the video here

The first full retrofit of a clergy home to make it both greener and warmer in line with our commitment to Net Carbon Zero has been completed thanks to “fantastic” work by the diocesan Property Team.

Watch the video here

We are looking for someone to join our team to help grow generous and financially sustainable churches. The Stewardship Officer will work alongside two other Diocesan Stewardship Officers, a Parish Support Officer and a Net Zero Carbon Fundraising Officer to help parishes to achieve the levels of income they need to fulfil their mission objectives. They will have an important supportive role in assisting the Stewardship Officers and Parish Support Officer to successfully deliver the Parish Share Agreement process. Find out more about this role here

We are looking for someone to join our Safeguarding Team as a Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) on a 12-month fixed term contract as maternity cover. The role of Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor is: to manage allegations of abuse and provide support as appropriate; to support victims and survivors of abuse; progress cases to their full conclusion within the time frame stipulated by the Director of Safeguarding; and support the triage of incoming safeguarding cases. Find out more about this role here

Please contact the Communications Team with your news for future editions. The Enews is published twice a month. The next edition will be sent out on September 18. All news stories to communications@leeds.anglican.org. Many thanks!