Welcome to the Enews for July 24

The latest resources, news and more.

Click on headlines or pictures for more details.  

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

Our Diocesan Women’s Ministry Advisors are inviting women across the diocese to an online meeting to discuss the next Bishop of Leeds, as part of our Vacancy in See public consultation. The meeting will take place on Monday, July 28, at 7pm on Zoom. Read more here

The Very Revd KK Chan, Dean of St John’s Cathedral in Hong Kong has enjoyed a wide-ranging visit to the Diocese of Leeds. Dean KK was in the UK as part of a trip organised by the Friends of the Church in China. For the first leg of his time in the UK, Dean KK was hosted by Revd Dave Ho Young (Team Rector of Moor Allerton and Shadwell) who had been welcomed by Dean KK to St John’s Cathedral when he had visited Hong Kong on sabbatical in 2023. Read more here

Churches are being advised by our Church Buildings Team to check their boilers, which may not have been needed to run heating in these warm summer months. Every autumn, as temperatures start to cool, many churches turn on their heating for the first time to find that their boiler has broken, leaving them without heat.  Read more here

Revd Canon David Gerrard, currently Area Dean of Wakefield and vicar of St Catherine’s Wakefield, will be the next Archdeacon of Sheffield and Rotherham.  Speaking on his appointment, Revd David said: “I feel truly honoured to be called to serve the Diocese of Sheffield as the next Archdeacon of Sheffield and Rotherham." Read more here

A full scale community production of the smash hit musical Sister Act has been a sell-out success at one of our churches. St Stephen's Church, Lindley, in our Huddersfield Area, hosted an immersive production of the much-loved show and had four sold out performances. Read more here

St Paul’s Alverthorpe has marked 200 years of worship with events and a celebration service. On Saturday, June 28, the Wakefield area church threw open its doors and invited people in for bacon butties, crafts, tea and cake. Read more here

Huddersfield University has presented Bishop Nick with an honorary doctorate “in recognition of his outstanding achievements in knowledge generation, ordained and episcopal ministry”. Bishop Nick was with former Huddersfield MP Barry Sheerman, and wedding dress designer Kate Halfpenny who also received Honorary Doctorates, joining hundreds of students at ceremonies on campus throughout Graduation. Read more here

Talented folk in Settle have created a striking figurine of the Rt Revd Anna Eltringham, the Bishop of Ripon, from flowerpots. The bright yellow flowerpot statue was raised respectfully up the outside of Holy Ascension's tower to occupy a prime spot overlooking the town. She will remain there smiling throughout the summer months. 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.

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.

Live at Fountains presents West Yorkshire's own Explosive Light Orchestra, celebrating the music of Jeff Lynne and ELO. Featuring hits such as Mr. Blue Sky, Evil Woman, Livin' Thing, Don't Bring Me Down, and Strange Magic.

Doors open from 6pm for a 7.30pm kick-off. Enter via the Fountains Church café on Morley Street to collect your wristbands and enjoy a drink in the bar.

Please note this event is 18+. All seating is unreserved, on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Click here to find out more.

80th anniversary observance beginning with the Angelus. Light refreshments will follow in church. Everyone is welcome.

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.

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.

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

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. They will have the opportunity to develop online learning materials, hold instructional webinars and events and speak to church leaders and clergy, including senior clergy about all aspects of generosity and giving ensuring they are confident in growing and leading generous churches. Find out more about this role here

The diocese is seeking to appoint an IT Project Manager on a six month contract as it embarks on the selection and implementation of two key systems – a new Customer Relationship Management (‘CRM’) tool and a replacement Property Management System. These projects are critical to the delivery of the Leeds Diocesan Board of Finance strategy of Encouraging Confidence, with effective systems and processes central to everything we do. 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 August 7. All news stories to communications@leeds.anglican.org. Many thanks!