Welcome to the Enews for April 3

The latest resources, news and more.

Click on headlines or pictures for more details.  

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

The Rt Revd Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds announced his retirement in an Ad Clerum to clergy this morning and will end his ground-breaking role at the end of November this year. “It has been an immense privilege to have been asked to serve in this role, and it has been an honour to work alongside clergy and lay leaders who demonstrate joy, vision, courage and resilience,” said Bishop Nick. Read more here

Our new Bishop of Wakefield enjoyed a grand tour of the varied area where he will serve everyone, following the Downing Street announcement of his appointment. The Ven Malcolm Chamberlain, currently Archdeacon of Sheffield and Rotherham was introduced to clergy, civic and faith leaders at Wakefield Cathedral, where he spoke of his excitement at joining the diocese and taking on the role of bishop for the Wakefield Episcopal Area. Read more here

The Bishop of Kirkstall, Arun Arora of our diocese, and the Bishop of Croydon, Rosemarie Mallett, have been appointed by the Archbishop of York and the Bishop of London as joint lead bishops for the Church of England on racial justice. Their role will involve acting as advocates on racial justice throughout the Church of England, including promoting implementation of the recommendations of From Lament to Action, the landmark report from the Church of England’s Anti-Racism Taskforce. Read more here

The world is changing, but stay focussed on the Kingdom of God, was the core message of Bishop Nick’s wide-ranging Presidential Address to our 30th Diocesan Synod. “The world is changing … and not necessarily for the better. While uncertainty becomes more real than ever, we must lift our eyes to what might be called ‘the point of it all’." Read more here

Safeguarding, Barnabas and lessons learnt from legal actions were on the agenda for the 30th Diocesan Synod which met online last Saturday. In a presentation which tied in with recent discussions at General Synod, the diocese’s Head of Safeguarding Juliette Mclellan told of the substantial work done in the last six months to heighten the functionality of her team and also to increase engagement with parishes in this most important area. Read more here

The Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches (DAC) of the Diocese of Leeds is seeking expressions of interest for volunteer members, as it enters a new term of appointment. The DAC is an integral part of enabling the church buildings across the diocese to thrive as centres of worship and as places for communities to come together. Read more here

Halifax Minster’s Festival of Faith public conversations hosted by Bishop Smitha are going from strength to strength through Lent. Bishop Smitha recently talked with Prof Adeeba Malik, High Sheriff of West Yorkshire, who spoke of her parents coming to this country, their struggle, her upbringing, and her passion for justice, equality, and of her work to bring people together, in understanding and mutual respect. Read more here

St Oswald’s Guiseley are celebrating achieving their Eco Church Silver Award. The church has a Green Team that meet every two months, as well as running a churchyard tidy every month, where they have a chance to chat in the open air and plan for their green successes. Read more here

As Mothering Sunday approaches, Julia Tum, President of the Mothers’ Union in our diocese has written a timely reflection on its valuable work with sisters and brothers at home and abroad. “It has been a wonderful three months for the Mothers’ Union (MU) across the world, within Leeds Diocese and in all of our Branches throughout this Diocese,” writes Julia. Read more here

More than 120 people working to look after the environment across the Church of England gathered at the headquarters of the British Antarctic Survey in Cambridge for two days to share ideas and learnings. A Connect 2025 conference, sponsored by Ecclesiastical Insurance, was held to bring together more than 120 people from all 42 dioceses plus other denominations to share expertise on climate change, net zero and the theology behind caring for God’s creation. 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.

Led by Revd Henriette Howarth, this weekend offers rest and spiritual nourishment to those who live with or care for loved ones who struggle with physical and mental health challenges. You don’t need to be a ‘recognised’ carer to come on this retreat. There will be space to rest and time to receive from God, learn from Scripture and other spiritual resources about divine compassion, and use music and creativity as tools to relax and experience God’s Spirit. Cost: £195. More information and booking details here.

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 charlie.scott@leeds.anglican.org to book a place on one of the information evenings being held on Thursday, March 27 or Wednesday, April 30.

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.

All Saints, Bingley Parish Church is hosting a performance of a play “I am Mark”, a professional dramatisation based on Mark's Gospel. Lent is an ideal time to reflect on Mark's Gospel.

“Sometimes it takes a living voice, like this one, to make you hear the Bible for the first time”

Archbishop Rowan Williams

Tickets are FREE, but should be booked in advance.

Click here to find out more and to book.

Our Festival of Faith 'In Conversation' events, are a series of public conversations reflecting on faith in the public square with Rt Revd Smitha Prasadam, the Bishop of Huddersfield. Kim Leadbeater is the Member of Parliament for Spen Valley constituency, and is the sister of Jo Cox, who tragically died as a result of an assault whilst serving as a Member of Parliament in the same constituency. Kim has a Private Members Bill currently going through Parliament on the subject of assisted dying.

Find out more here.

A free memorial event hosted by Project Bonhoeffer, in partnership with St Luke’s and St Matthew’s Lutheran Church and Leeds University Chaplaincy.

Join us to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s execution. Throughout the day, we will be joined by Bishop Martin Lind, who will deliver a memorial lecture, followed by a response from Revd Dr Keith Clemments.

There will be the opportunity to engage in discussion, conversation, and a memorial communion service for those who wish to participate.

Find out more here.

International Workers' Memorial Day Service on Monday, April 28.

We plough the fields - a Rogationtide service on Sunday, May 25.

If anyone wants more information please e-mail kjfbarnard@gmail.com.

Free event (donation for refreshments)

As well as the necessary business of an AGM we will be focusing on one of CoA’s core objectives – celebrating the gifts and potential of later life - and helping churches and others to develop activities which contribute to facilitating older people’s spiritual growth.

Our keynote speaker will be Revd Dr Chris Swift, recently appointed as Director of the Leeds Church Institute, and previously Director of Chaplaincy and Spirituality at Methodist Homes (MHA). After lunch, we will look at three examples of good practice in church activities that can ‘accompany ageing’:

*Helen McCormack, Pastoral & Development Worker for Older People North Yorkshire URC, on The Gift of Time.

*Dr Joanna Walker, CoA Trustee and previously researcher on older people’s spiritual development on Accompanying the later life transition of retirement.

*Dr Katherine Froggatt, Anna Chaplaincy Coordinator Diocese of Blackburn on Anna Chaplaincy: Embedding Spiritual Care in your Community.

All welcome! CoA members, and anyone interested in later life and older people ministry, are invited to join us.

To sign up for this event:

Email secretary@christiansonageing.org.uk

See www.christiansonageing.org.uk for further details and programme news.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Here is a little video message from the Ven Malcolm Chamberlain, the next Bishop of Wakefield, as he introduces himself to the diocese during his first day of adventures with us!

Watch the video here

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

The Diocese of Leeds is currently inviting expressions of interest for volunteer members for its Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches (DAC) for its new term of appointment. The DAC is an integral part of enabling the church buildings across the Diocese to thrive as centres of worship and as places for communities to come together. The DAC supports PCCs in caring for around 550 churches across the Diocese, the majority of which are heritage listed, and helps to ensure these much-valued assets are sustainable for continued use for the future. 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

Are you a passionate and driven surveyor eager to make an impact? Do you thrive in a team-oriented environment, managing a diverse and interesting property portfolio? If so, we want to hear from you! We are a flexible and forward-thinking organisation with an exciting opportunity within our Property Team for an experienced and motivated Property Manager. Our team oversees the management of a unique and extensive portfolio, comprising approximately 430 residential properties and 700 acres of land used for farming and development. You will collaborate with our Property Managers to maintain and enhance this varied portfolio across the Diocese. 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 April 17. All news stories to communications@leeds.anglican.org. Many thanks!