Welcome to the Enews for October 30

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 is beginning its Parish Share processes for 2026, with the launch of 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. Read more here

Let us learn from how Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and let us support each other in mission across our diocese, said Bishop Toby in his first address to Synod. Regarding the financial challenges faced by our, and many other dioceses, Bishop Toby said: “We will need to pray and to talk about money more and in different ways than we have done previously." Read more here

Diocesan finances, clergy wellbeing and our Barnabas work were all part of a busy agenda of the most recent meeting of Diocesan Synod. Synod on met at Holy Trinity Boar Lane in Leeds on Saturday, October 18. Read more here

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. 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.

A collaboration between Wellsprings Together and The Barnabas Team of the Diocese of Leeds.

Join us for a relaxed and inspiring FREE Learning Breakfast designed for church leaders, current volunteers and those thinking about getting involved, across the Diocese of Leeds.

Whether you’re from a large urban parish or a small rural congregation, Growing Better Together is a chance to pause, reflect and grow in how your church connects faith, social action and discipleship.

Come and enjoy good food, rich conversation and shared learning in the company of others who care about what it means to be the church in today’s world.

Find out more here.

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

A day of praise, music, dance and heritage. All are welcome!

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.

St Margaret’s Church, Ilkley, is proud to announce a landmark occasion in its musical calendar: Christopher Rathbone, Director of Music, will be performing his 150th organ recital as part of the Ilkley Arts Festival. This achievement marks Christopher’s dedication, artistry, and service to the musical life of the church and wider community.

The celebratory programme will feature works by Kenneth Leighton, Johann Sebastian Bach, and two of Christopher’s own compositions: a Passacaglia and Fugue from 2017 and his much-loved Fantasia on ‘Dancing Queen’ (with apologies to ABBA). Bach is represented by his glorious Prelude and Fugue in E flat, featuring the famous St Anne fugue, and the Leighton Paean completes the programme. The recital promises to be both reflective and exuberant, and the occasion is above all a tribute to Christopher’s significant contribution to the spiritual and musical life at St Margaret’s.

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.

Are you passionate about fostering a positive, supportive work environment while driving best practices in HR? Do you have the skills to guide and empower managers, clergy, and employees in people management? If so, we have the perfect role for you! The Diocese of Leeds is seeking a dedicated People Advisor to join our team. In this role, you will play a key part in supporting the HR needs of the Diocese, coaching managers, and developing a range of impactful HR-related projects. This is a unique opportunity to apply your expertise, helping us champion professionalism, inclusion, and employee wellbeing. 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

The Church of England has developed a national Net Zero Carbon programme to fulfil its commitment to reach net zero by 2030. It aims to equip, resource and support all parts of the Church to reduce carbon emissions from energy used in its buildings, schools and work-related transport by 2030. There is a National Net Zero Carbon fundraising team, who lead on the strategy to coordinate and support plans being developed by dioceses, churches, cathedrals, schools, and departments to secure some funds and distribute grants to leverage further fundraising. 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. 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

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 November 13. All news stories to communications@leeds.anglican.org. Many thanks!