Welcome to the Enews for June 26

The latest resources, news and more.

Click on headlines or pictures for more details.  

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

Some 60 people gathered at Fountains Church on Tuesday, June 10, to celebrate and give thanks for our Bradford Mission Apprentices and Diocesan Interns, celebrating all that God has done in and through them during the time they have been serving their churches. Read more here

New responsibilities, Barnabas and Living in Love and Faith were all on the agenda at our June Synod meeting, where Bishop Nick gave his last Presidential Address as Bishop of Leeds. Thanking Synod members, clergy and all who have worked with him since the formation of the diocese, he said he would “hand over the reins” with great confidence. Read more here

Worshippers at St John the Baptist, Knaresborough chose the Feast of St Barnabas to hold a celebration service attended by Bishop Anna to mark the end of a three-year re-ordering project, made possible by £180,000 donated by local residents Barney and Julia Skrentny. Read more here

The Diocese of Leeds has launched a new webpage to help explain the Vacancy in See process, as we get ready for the retirement of the Rt Revd Nick Baines, the Bishop of Leeds. The new page has helpful information about what the process entails, who is involved, a sense of the timings for the different strands of work, and how people will be able to get involved. Read more here

Bishop Nick will “hand over the reins” of the diocese with great confidence, he assured the June meeting of Synod in his final Presidential Address. Recalling many events from the last 11 years, he expressed his gratitude to clergy, laity and all who have worked with him in the formation and development of Diocese of Leeds. Read more here

The Diocese of Leeds is pleased to publish its annual report for 2024, sharing the successes of our teams working to encourage confidence and create confident Christians, support growing churches and help transform communities. 2024 was the 10th anniversary year of our diocese, and our report shares the hard work of our teams and the vision and strategy underpinning all of it. Read more here

Churches across the diocese have been able to take advantage of a new online learning platform to help them with their giving and generosity. Cornerstone is a platform from the Church of England’s Giving Team designed to support churches in all aspects of giving and generosity by using clear, step-by-step practical actions to grow giving and develop a deeper understanding of generosity. Read more here

Summer has arrived at Halifax Minster as it prepares for a festival of music, art, poetry and tours set to bring sunshine to the town. The Minster Summer Festival will get underway again this year from Thursday, June 26, running until Sunday, July 6 with something for everyone, including many free events. Read more here

One of our Wakefield area schools is using solar energy to power its classroom, thanks to a £2 million investment. Ackworth Howard School is the first to benefit from the investment from the not-for-profit organisation Solar for Schools Community Benefit Society. Read more here

A youth community which has seen thousands of Bradford’s young people inspired and empowered is celebrating its 20th birthday. Sorted is a community working with young people across North Bradford to offer hope, encouragement, inspiration and purpose, for those primarily attending Immanuel College and Hanson Academy. Read more here

The Very Revd John Dobson, Dean of Ripon has written a personal reflection to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed. First published in the Harrogate Advertiser, Dean John writes: “I believe in God, the Father Almighty,” - these are the first words of the Nicene Creed, a statement of Christian faith used daily in churches around the world, which is 1,700 years old this year." Read more here

This webinar will outline how your church can write applications for consideration by external funders, including organisations such as charitable trusts and foundations. It will include the preparatory work required to gather the necessary information before the writing process can start. Hints and tips will also be shared to enable your church to draft and submit funding proposals the recipient organisations will be interested in supporting. The training will be delivered by: Revd Paul Monk, Vicar of Ashton under Lyne Heather Ford, Church Support Manager, Ecclesiastical The webinar will be hosted by Paul Bailey, Diocesan Giving Advisor, Diocese of Manchester.

Click here to register.

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.

Denholme Shared Church, together with community groups and local churches, has created an exhibition of Doves for Peace as part of Bradford 2025 City of Culture. The building will be open for viewing from Saturday, May 31 until Sunday, June 29. Refreshments will be available.

Summer has well and truly arrived at Halifax Minster as it prepares for a festival of music, art, poetry and tours set to bring sunshine to the town. The popular Minster Summer Festival will get underway again this year from Thursday, June 26, running until Sunday, July 6 with something for everyone – including many free events.

Click here to find out more.

Helping us all go greem with a veggie food stall, pre-loved items, local businesses, nature, recycling advice, children's activities, refreshments and more. All are welcome!

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.

Sung by the Bradford Chordiality Choir with the National Festival Orchestra, alongside choral favourites by Handel, Verdi, Haydn and more.

Tickets are £18 are are available from chordiality.choir@hotmail.com, 07949 696064 or online here.

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.

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? Different ethical approaches to this issue will be considered and their consequences evaluated.
• Wednesday, October 1 - Global Economic Justice: Global trading arrangements are at the heart of economic injustice with power, politics and wealth contributing to the maintenance of global inequality with devastating effects on hundreds of millions of people around the world. The role of capitalism will be evaluated as will alternative models of approaching global trade.
• Wednesday, November 5 - Environmental Justice: Justice between human beings is one issue but to what extent should organisations have a moral responsibility towards animals and the environment? The difference between Deep and Shallow ecology will be explained and their impacts evaluated.
• Wednesday, December 3 - Personal Justice and Christianity: What does it mean to live ethically in response to demands for justice? Alternatives will be considered drawing on Biblical teaching but also on the work of atheist and humanist philosophers.

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.

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

Cornerstone is a new online learning platform designed to support churches in all aspects of giving and generosity by using clear, step-by-step practical actions to grow giving and develop a deeper understanding of generosity. Hear from the Revd Phil Carman from St Andrew's Starbeck about Cornerstone and how it's helped their giving and generosity!

Watch the video here

The diocese is seeking to appoint a Grant Funding Accountant, who will play a vital role in managing our grant funding. You will need to be a fully qualified Accountant (ACA/ACCA/ACMA), with excellent communication skills and an analytical approach. You will have proven technical expertise in both management and/or project accounting. You will have a good working knowledge of budgeting and cash flow forecasting. Ideally you will have experience working with grants in a multi-million-pound turnover charity but this is not essential. Find out more about this role here

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 an experienced property development professional to join our team. If you are an enthusiastic and highly motivated individual who is seeking an opportunity that will make a significant difference both to an organisation and communities around the Yorkshire region, then this may be for you. The Diocese of Leeds property team are responsible for a portfolio of circa 440 residential properties and 700 acres of land. We are now seeking someone to help us to identify and deliver opportunities across both our housing and land portfolios to deliver value, meet our communities’ housing needs and support our carbon net zero targets. Find out more about this role here

We are currently looking to recruit a Receptionist and Health & Safety Officer who will provide a front of house service to visitors and staff in a friendly office environment. The successful candidate will also assist with administrative support within the office, and ensure health and safety compliance and the smooth running of the building. 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 July 10. All news stories to communications@leeds.anglican.org. Many thanks!