Welcome to the Enews for May 1

The latest resources, news and more.

Click on headlines or pictures for more details.  

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

The Ven Dr James Theodosius, Archdeacon of Richmond and Craven, was recently collated and installed at Ripon Cathedral alongside their new Canon Pastor, the Revd Canon Wendy Dalrymple, and a new Honorary Canon, the Revd Canon Sue McWhinney. Ven James knows the Ripon area well, as during the last ten years he was Vicar of Upper Wharfedale and Littondale, then served at Holy Trinity, Skipton, where he was also Area Dean. Read more here

How your church can make the best application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for their support for building works is the topic of two upcoming support sessions hosted by the Diocese of Leeds. The diocese wants to encourage parishes to grasp such opportunities with confidence, and to support them in their efforts, in line with our Barnabas strategy, which is why we have organised these sessions with Sarah Ledjmi, Heritage Fund Engagement Manager. Read more here

Our clergy and lay leaders renewed their commitment to ministry at the Leeds Diocesan Chrism Eucharist at Ripon Cathedral on Maunday Thursday. Every seat was taken as Bishop Nick presided for the last time over the annual service at which Holy Oils for use in church ceremonies are blessed and distributed. Read more here

Parents of children with additional needs in the Leeds area have been getting together and helping one another as part of a support group being run by St Luke’s Holbeck. ‘SEN-TASTIC’ is a parent support group for families with children with additional needs, providing a monthly coffee morning. Read more here

The restored tower of St Oswald’s, Askrigg, complete with new rendering, was blessed by Bishop Anna at a special event to mark the successful end of an inspiring project. “After over a decade of hard work in research, planning and fundraising, the historic tower of St Oswald’s in Askrigg is now restored and returned to how she was intended to be - a beacon in the landscape, physically and spiritually,” said Revd Dave Clark on behalf of all involved. Read more here

Ann Weir, an active member of St. George's, Leeds, was among honoured recipients of Maundy Money from King Charles in one of the oldest royal ceremonies. Specially-minted coins were handed out to 76 men and 76 women at Durham Cathedral - the same number as the King's age - during a traditional Christian service to mark Maundy Thursday. Read more here

One of our Bradford area parishes will be using the May Day Bank Holiday to go back to the 1940s and mark VE Day, as well as raise funds to support work on their church bells. St Andrew’s Kildwick, part of the parish of Kildwick, Cononley and Bradley, are holding a 1940s themed community picnic on Monday, May 5, with cream teas, cakes and drinks, craft stalls, a sweet shop and old-fashioned children’s games. Read more here

Churches from across the diocese have been using our online policy bank more and more for the past year, and now are sharing why they find it useful. The policy bank has made possible as part of Barnabas: Encouraging Confidence, producing and gathering templates from lots of different sources, including from our parishes. Read more here

Churches across the diocese and beyond will participate in a series of commemorations to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day on Thursday, May 8. Events will offer an opportunity for reflection, remembrance, and a renewed commitment to peace, echoing the spirit of unity that defined the end of the Second World War in Europe. Read more here

As we celebrate the risen Jesus, the Rt Revd Nick Baines, has written an Easter reflection for this most special of days. “When a distraught woman visited a garden tomb in the early hours of the first Easter Day, the last thing she expected to find was an emptiness. Yet, the tomb was empty. The place of death had quietly and imperceptibly become the place of newness. And this newness began as an absence. Read more here

Parishes hoping to build affordable homes for their communities on pockets of church land – or as part of schemes such as rebuilding parish halls – are being invited to apply for grants to pay for expert advice from a new £3.2 million fund. Read more here

Have you ever wished you could grow your skills in supporting someone who is struggling with their mental health? Would a deeper understanding of mental health issues help you to be more effective in your pastoral work? You might be interested in attending a Mental Health First Aid course.

This would be run by an external provider and facilitated by the Lay Training team. To cover the provider’s costs there would be a charge (to be confirmed, but it would be approximately £100) for each attendee. (If they wish, clergy and LLMs can use their CMD allowance towards the cost.) We are hoping to gauge how much interest there would be in this course, to see if it would be viable to run it. If you or someone from your church would be interested in attending, please let us know by emailing layministry@leeds.anglican.org.

The Everybody Welcome course is a day for local churches to share experiences and explore how we offer welcome to newcomers.

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 BRF Parenting for Faith course equips parents to share their faith with their kids, helping them to move from God Smart to God Connected using 5 key tools for discipleship. Join the Children, Youth and Families team at Church House for an interactive introduction to this course and how you can use it in your church. Throughout the morning, you will discover the ways in which this discipleship course will empower parents in your church and can also impact the growth and faith of the whole congregation.

To book your place, please click here.

Join the Vocations Team and Lay Training Team for an explorative evening at Wakefield Cathedral.

There will be a variety of ministries both lay and ordained, embodied and lived in by the people who have travelled this road of questioning before. Come and hear their story, ask a question, discover more. Maybe God is calling to you right now. This is an opportunity to do something beautiful for God and for yourself.

We gather at 7pm and we will finish no later than 9pm.

Tea and coffee will be provided.

Please register your place.

These events are 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.

Full details, including booking can be found 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 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 and book 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.

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.

The purpose of this 2-year programme is for each participant to deepen their own spiritual journey and to discern whether there is a gift for and a call to spiritual direction ministry. In the first year there will be a focus on Spiritual Growth and Transformation. In the second year the focus will be on Equipping for the Ministry of Spiritual Direction. As a group, we will meet approximately 12 times throughout the year (8 in-person across the diocese and 4 online). Click here to read more about the content of the programme. Please email henriette.howarth@leeds.anglican.org to arrange an informal conversation before you apply, to clarify expectations.

Find out more here.

There are still places available at the Messy Church Conference 2025. ‘All together’ is a conference like no other! Join us for a weekend of inspiring keynote speakers, informative workshops, Messy Church sessions and fun together with the global Messy Church family. We will be exploring how we welcome people of all ages, abilities and from all backgrounds to Messy Church. We appreciate that money can be tight in the new year so to ensure you don’t miss out on a place at the Messy Church Conference in June you can pay a deposit now and pay the rest by Wednesday, March 19.

Find out more here.

Friday, May 2

Inspired by Nature, 7pm - 9pm

Art, music, photography by local artists.

Saturday, May 3

Eco-fair stalls, Fairtrade & Café, 10am - 12 noon

Ticketed events with Oaken:

Oaken Sings! 3pm - 5pm

Community Singing Workshop led by vocal quartet, Oaken. All voices welcome!

Oaken in concert, 7pm - 9pm

Sunday, May 4

Earth Day-themed Sunday Service

ARK Interactive Service

Music, Art & Dance for all abilities.

Click here to find out more.

Art Exhibition and Sale over the May Bank Holiday with organ music, craft stalls and refreshments.

Preview Evening - Friday, May 2, 7pm - 9.30pm Admission £7

Other opening times admission £3, children under 11 years free.

• Saturday, May 3, 10.30am - 4pm
• Sunday, May 4, 11am - 4pm
• Monday, May 5, 10.30am - 4pm

Further information ring 01422 256259.

Displays, activities and music from community groups, schools and individuals, refreshments served. Finishing with a short service of Commitment to Peace at 3.30 pm.

Part of a braoder programme of events including a VE Day service, and a schools celebration.

Led by Revd Debby Plummer, this retreat focuses on thanksgiving for God’s creation, inspired by Franciscan spirituality. In the midst of pressing concerns about environmental catastrophe, there will be time to seek peace and hope in nature and faith. Debby, a Third Order Franciscan and retreat leader, will lead sessions of reflection and prayer focussing on creation, destruction, and restoration. On the Sunday, there will be a Eucharist with a creation inspired liturgy. Cost: £225.

For more information see our website and for booking email admin@parcevallhall.org.uk.

Come and worship with the St Philip's Band at a service of prayer and praise.

Performances by the Mytholmroyd St Michael's Amateurs, with both afternoon and evening performances.

Click here to book tickets.

Led by Revd Matt Woodcock, extrovert priest and contributor to Pause for Thought on Radio 2, this 24 hour retreat is designed for people who find restoration and renewal in the company of others, and who think a retreat would surely be too quiet. There will be short quiet times, but also lots of time for discussion, bible study and activity. The retreat is an opportunity for spiritual growth and inspiration. Cost: £99

For more information see our website and for booking email admin@parcevallhall.org.uk.

Paul Kerensa is a Christian comedian and comedy writer, who has written for ‘Miranda’, ‘Not Going Out’, ‘TFI Friday’ etc. and appeared on Radio 2’s ‘Pause for Thought’. His performance will be suitable for anyone over 12, be they atheist or bishop. Paul has toured his solo show to 1000s of events & festivals, from Spring Harvest, Greenbelt and Keswick, to the Edinburgh Fringe and Montreal Comedy Festival.

“A brilliant writer, fantastic communicator, deep thinker & philosopher but most importantly, extremely decent bloke.” – CHRIS EVANS

“Top comic, top writer, top bloke!” – LEE MACK

Tickets are £10 plus booking fee.

Click here to find out more and to book.

Calling all worship and church leaders! You are warmly invited to our upcoming Intercultural Worship Day. This is a wonderful opportunity to collaborate and worship together in celebration of our diversity and unity as a Church.

The day will feature training sessions led by a team of worship leaders from Intercultural Churches UK.

Book your free ticket here.

Led by the Revd Canon Philip Hobday, this will be a day for refreshment and guided reflection in the peaceful, meditative surroundings of Mirfield. All welcome. Tea and coffee provided, please bring your own lunch. Suggested donation of £10.

To book your place please email caroline.asquith@leeds.anglican.org.

Tickets: £14 (£10 pensioners and under 16s) on the door or online

The York Waits take their name from the ancient city band of York, the earliest evidence for which is found in 14th century records. Today’s York Waits have revived the band as it was in its heyday in the 16th century, playing a wide repertoire of period European music as well as their own arrangements of popular dance and ballad tunes.They give regular concerts throughout Britain for festivals, music societies, schools and private functions. A very recent engagement was to play in Leicester Cathedral at the Civic Service of Thanksgiving held to mark the tenth Anniversary of the Reinterment of King Richard III.

Click here to find out more and to book.

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.

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.

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

Compass is a tool that any church can use to help them identify where they are in their journey of development, and to help identify next steps in mission. Hear more about it from the Revd Canon Jude Smith, Director of Mission and Revitalisation in the diocese.

Watch the video here

We are looking for someone to join our Church Buildings and Pastoral Reorganisation team as a Maintenance Collective Coordinator. The Diocese of Leeds has been awarded a Church Buildings Management Partnerships grant from the Archbishops’ Council, which has provided funding for this post for the period of eighteen months. The Maintenance Collective Coordinator will work alongside the Church Buildings Support Officer to run two pilot maintenance collectives, supporting PCCs to care for their churches by encouraging collective working. They will have the opportunity to be involved in a nationally innovative project which it is hoped will become a model for churches across the country to manage and maintain their unique buildings as assets for mission. Find out more about this role here

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 in a faith-based setting, helping us champion professionalism, inclusion, and employee wellbeing. Find out more about this role here

Wellsprings Together is a vibrant Christian charity based at Church House, Leeds. We work closely with the Diocese of Leeds, churches, local communities and third sector organisations to bring people of all faiths and none together, empowering local action around poverty, community cohesion and inclusion. Our work is rooted in Christian values of justice, compassion and hope — and we are passionate about seeing lives and communities transformed. We are seeking a Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees. Find out more about this role here

This role will give you the amazing opportunity to explore more of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus and grow as a leader of mission in a local church. For two years we will give you skills that will equip you for life, work, mission and leadership, and the opportunity to use and develop them in a local church setting. It's a two-year long adventure giving you the experience of leadership and service, learning alongside a community of other Mission Apprentices. 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 May 15. All news stories to communications@leeds.anglican.org. Many thanks!