Welcome to the Enews for October 16

The latest resources, news and more.

Click on headlines or pictures for more details.  

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

The Diocese of Leeds has published its Statement of Needs, an important milestone in the Vacancy in See process. The Statement of Needs gives a descriptive overview of our diocese, covering the breadth and depth of our diverse and varied region, and a statement setting out the desired profile and qualities of our new Bishop. Read more here

His Majesty The King has approved the nomination of the Bishop of London, the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally, as the next Archbishop of Canterbury, Downing Street has announced. The 106th Archbishop of Canterbury since Saint Augustine arrived in Kent from Rome in 597, Bishop Sarah will be the first woman to hold the office. She will be installed in a service at Canterbury Cathedral in March 2026. Read more here

The bishops of the Diocese of Leeds are praying for all affected by the synagogue attack in Manchester, and want to encourage people everywhere to pray for the strength and courage to stand together against hatred in all its forms. Read more here

Churches across the Diocese of Leeds aiming to reduce their carbon emissions are invited to apply for a Net Zero Carbon Quick Wins grant to kickstart a small-scale decarbonisation project. Applications are now open for grants of up to £10,000, which can be used to support initiatives such as installing LED lighting, adding pew heaters, improving insulation, upgrading electricity supplies and more. Read more here

Organisers of protests outside migrant hotels have been urged by the Rt Revd Arun Arora, Bishop of Kirkstall and one of the Church of England’s lead bishops on racial justice, to put megaphones and placards aside and join talks aimed at building bridges between communities. Bishop Arun said the Church of England’s role is not only to "unashamedly and unapologetically" speak against the racist violence and abuse aimed at minority communities but to help facilitate listening and conversation between opposing groups. Read more here

How churches can better work together to help maintain their buildings has been the key focus of a recent Diocese of Leeds project: Maintenance Collectives. Maintenance Collectives are a concept to improve church building maintenance, focused on collaboration in a geographical area. Read more here

One of our Huddersfield area churches has launched a new family-friendly church service, looking to engage with young children and families. Mirfield Team Parish launched Bubble Church on Sunday, October 5 at St Mary the Virgin, welcoming some 25 people from local families who came along and enjoyed the service together. Read more here

This Black History Month, we are celebrating figures whose lives and work continue to inspire. The Revd Wayne Simmonds, Diocesan Racial Justice Officer, said: “This year’s theme, Standing Firm in Power and Pride, is a call to embrace identity with confidence and strength. It encourages us to recognise the struggles that have been faced, while celebrating the resilience and achievements that continue to shape black communities today." Read more here

Todmorden CE J, I & N School stepped back in time on Friday, October 10, as the school marked its 180th anniversary with a joyful and educational day themed around its founding year, 1845. The children of the school dressed in traditional Victorian clothing for the day, including flat caps, pinafores, lace-up boots, and even some chimney-sweep smudges among the younger pupils, adding colour to ‘1845 Day.’ Read more here

With Black History Month happening in October, the Church of England have shared a suite of resources to mark the month, including a video commissioned by the Rt Revd Smitha Prasadam, Bishop of Huddersfield. These resources include reflections, prayers, liturgy and films. Read more here

The next deadline for the Diocese Church Buildings Grant is Friday, October 31. The diocese offers small grants to support parishes with repairs and improvements to their church buildings. There is also funding available for carbon-cutting projects, such as insulation, heating and lighting.

The application process is straightforward and the diocesan Stewardship Team are on hand to support you in getting your application in the best shape for the panel to make a decision. Do get in touch if you have any questions about these grants, resourcingparishes@leeds.anglican.org.

Find out 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.

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:

• Monday, November 3 - Leeds, Church House Leeds - book here
• Monday, November 10 - Wakefield St Catherine - book here
• Monday, November 17 - Huddersfield Parish Church - book here
• Monday, November 24 - Bingley Trinity Centre - book here

On Saturday, November 1, the diocese will be holding a service to celebrate the month at St Margaret’s Thornbury.

The service, called Rooted, Rising, Rejoicing, will look to celebrate black faith, flourishing communities, and the transforming power of hope.

The time, which runs from 1pm to 3.30pm, will begin informally with food and fellowship before people draw together to worship and celebrate.

The Rt Revd Smitha Prasadam, Bishop of Huddersfield, will be speaking at the service, to which all are welcome.

Find out more here.

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, 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.

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 theme of this year's lecture is 'Prophet or Provider' - exploring how the church can be a prophetic voice for change while meeting the needs of those at the margins. 

As churches are increasingly being called upon to meet the urgent needs in our communities, how do we balance this important work with the Christian call to be a prophetic voice for change?

This timely lecture will bring together academics, church communities, and organisations at the front lines of this work.

Find out more here.

The perfect opportunity to spend a weekend learning and practicing new ways to deepen your relationship, presented by a Christian team. £50 booking fee which includes accomodation and meals.

Find out more here.

Concordiamici, directed by Judith Blezzard and accompanied by John Chapman and Thomas Dixon at the organ, will sing Choral Evensong (Book of Common Prayer) on:

• Saturday, October 25, 4pm, Saint Michael The Archangel Kirkby Malham
• Sunday, October 26, 4pm, Halifax Minster 

A new ecumenical group for discussing theology will have a first meeting where anyone is welcome. We start unexpectedly at the shared tomb of Mary Tudor and Elizabeth I, on which is written that they are Sisters in Hope. This is the title of a recent short report by the Anglican-Roman Catholic New Malines Group. It will help us think about the theology of the Church, in times when it is criticised by many. If interested, email Brother George Guiver on gguiver@mirfield.org.uk. Future topics will depend on what participants suggest.

Lecture given by the Most Revd Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York.

Find out more here.

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.

Christ is the head of the Church, the Church is the body of Christ and Christ lives in all. We are called to love one another and yet discrimination still persists. What does it mean to grow together “in Christ”, as individuals, parish churches, local communities and National institutions? How does our relationship with God combine with our everyday lived experiences to equip us to tackle issues of Racial Injustice?

This conference will offer the opportunity to worship and to listen to one another in dialogue with keynote speakers, group discussions, and space and time for networking.

Come and be inspired, comforted and transformed as we prayerfully continue the work of racial justice.

The conference is open to all who are interested in issues of racial justice within the Anglican Church and we look forward to seeing members of the GMH and UKME Anglican community and their allies there.

Find out more here.

We are running a taster session puppet workshop for adults where you can learn about Rod Arm Puppetry. Rod Arm Puppets captivate an audience of all ages. They can be used to put the message of the gospel across in a way that speaks on so many levels. Through songs and actions and props, bible truths can be shared and enjoyed by all.

You may just want to have a go having seen a performance or maybe you are thinking about how you might engage young members of your church using rod arm puppets.

Please email the parish office (admin@esbb.co.uk) for more information and to book a place.

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.

An evening on Praying with the Psalms with Revd Dr Megan Daffern, author and priest. Megan Daffern took up the post of Canon Chancellor of Wells Cathedral in autumn 2023. She is the Chapter member responsible for education, including the oversight of the Chained Library and Archives. Her academic focus remains on the Psalms and the poetry of the Hebrew Bible, with a particular interest in linguistically informed exegetical methods.

Please email caroline.asquith@leeds.anglican.org to find out more and to book.

The day will be led by Dr Chris Hewer, a Christian theologian who also has a thorough understanding of Islam which is respected by local Muslims. There will also be lots of time for discussion and reflection.

Please email nkinterfaith@gmail.com to find out more and to book.

The Diocese of Leeds is seeking a passionate and creative Lay Training Officer to join our dedicated team, empowering lay ministry and lifelong discipleship across our diverse and vibrant communities. As part of the Diocesan Lay Training Team, you will play a key role in developing and delivering high-quality training pathways for lay ministers and disciples. You will manage and support volunteer tutors, contribute to innovative learning initiatives—including hybrid and online training—and work collaboratively within the wider Formation Team to encourage Christian confidence in our churches. Find out more about this role here

We are looking for someone to join our Safeguarding team to as an Administrator. The Safeguarding Administrator will work alongside the Safeguarding team to provide administrative support in all areas of our work. They will play a key role in supporting our safeguarding training and overall development in safeguarding in Diocese of Leeds. The successful candidate must be a team player with exceptional organisational skills. Find out more about this role here

We are seeking a highly organised and personable individual to join the Diocese of Leeds as a part-time PA to the Archdeacon of Pontefract. This is a rewarding and varied role supporting the Archdeacon in delivering pastoral, administrative, and secretarial responsibilities across the Episcopal Area. You will provide confidential, efficient, and proactive support to the Archdeacon, acting as a key point of contact for clergy, diocesan staff, and external organisations. The role involves servicing committees, coordinating pastoral visits, managing diary appointments, and supporting clergy vacancies and training events. Find out more about this role here

The Churches of the Skipton Deanery are looking to appoint a part-time Deanery Networking Coordinator. The Skipton Deanery is a group of thirteen churches located in Skipton and in the surrounding area. The Deanery provides a link between these worshipping communities and is looking to develop a networking role to the benefit of all member churches. This is a unique opportunity to take on an exciting new role to promote the establishment of a Deanery identity by facilitating the sharing of: Worship, Ministry and Mission, Expertise and Resources, so enhancing the life of our communities according to Gospel values and encouraging growth. 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 October 30. All news stories to communications@leeds.anglican.org. Many thanks!