Welcome to the Enews for June 12

The latest resources, news and more.

Click on headlines or pictures for more details.  

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

People in churches all across the diocese volunteer their time and energy to engage, nurture and disciple children, young people and families, helping to put them at the heart of the church and grow faith. Read more here

The role of a Treasurer is a very important one, as thousands of pounds flow through the accounts of churches, and PCCs are independent charities, and need to conform to Charity Commission guidance. Read more here

When vicar Debby Plummer retired from ordained ministry 10 years ago, she was keen to get outdoors. Debby serves as one of our Eco-Mission Enablers, working across the Huddersfield area to support churches in their environmental ambitions, as well as working with other groups in the community. Read more here

Safeguarding is at the heart of all we do, making sure that people can enjoy church safely and securely. Parish Safeguarding Officers are key to this, working in churches to make sure people are safe, training is done and guidance is followed. Read more here

Governors are the strategic leaders within schools and are responsible for promoting high educational achievement standards, ensuring every child and adult in their school flourishes. Governors can make a huge difference to a school, pupils, their families and the community. Read more here

Volunteers make our churches function, and we are incredibly grateful for all the hard work, time and energy they give to serve their communities. We want to say a massive thank you to all who volunteer at their churches in any capacity, and say that this work is massively appreciated. Read more here

The Rt Revd Malcolm Chamberlain was ordained and consecrated on Wednesday, June 11, the feast day of Barnabas, and will take up his role as Bishop of Wakefield shortly. The service at York Minster saw Bishop Malcolm swear his oath of canonical obedience and be ordained and anointed as bishop by the Most Revd Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, and a gathering of other bishops, including representatives from the Diocese of Leeds. Read more here

Young people in the Wakefield area have been learning about the Christian faith and helping out in their community, as part of a course ran through the Every Good Work project. The Acorn Course has been specifically designed by the Every Good Work project as a discipleship course designed for unchurched young people to participate in social action projects and learn the Christian faith. Read more here

Eighteen places of worship, including some in our diocese, are celebrating this month after receiving over £95,000 from the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust (YHCT). One of the churches receiving funding is St John the Evangelist at Birkby, in the Huddersfield area. Read more here

Skipton's heart was in its mouth as confident Christians, residents and visitors took part in a Leap of Faith fundraising event in support of Holy Trinity Church. The Leap of Faith featured daring sponsored abseils from the 90 feet high church tower; stalls from community partners such as Martin House and St George’s Crypt homeless shelter in Leeds and pop-up refreshments from local coffee shop Bean Loved. Read more here

One of our Ripon area churches has been transformed to play host to a church murder mystery, bringing the community into the building and raising money as well. The 12th Century church of St Andrew’s Kirkby Malzead was turned into a cathedral to act as the setting of a new play: ‘Becket – A Medieval Murder Mystery’. Read more here

Malcolm Chamberlain will be welcomed to the Wakefield area as new bishop at a special service on Sunday, September 28 at Wakefield Cathedral. This formal welcome will start at 3.30pm, and will also include Malcolm's installation as an honorary canon. Read 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 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.

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.

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.

The Divine Chord Gospel Show’s DJ Greg Belson will join Bradford’s City of Culture celebrations this summer.  

British-born, Los Angeles-based DJ Greg Belson has become world renowned for his monthly Divine Chord Gospel Show and his regular sets at Glastonbury. 

Belson is an authentic industry stalwart specialising in rare and mostly unknown 7” vinyl, often recorded as vanity presses by churches, choirs and unknown record labels in the deep-South states of America during the 60s and 70s. These will be used for a totally unique club night.

Tickets cost £12 in advance and £15 on the door, fundraising for Fountains.

Click here to find out more.

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.

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

The Leeds Diocesan Internship scheme is an amazing opportunity to explore more of what it means to be a lifelong disciple of Christ and to serve his church. It is a year where you will be equipped for the kingdom of God in life, work, and leadership. Hear from the Revd Simon Walters, our Intern Lead, about what it's all about!

Watch the video here

Personal Growth and Leadership development are very much linked. Over the years our training team in Bradford have created a space for clergy and lay church teams to explore these areas together, out of the rush of parish ministry, to learn, share, and put into practice some key principles around growth and leadership, encouraging confidence among lay and clergy teams.

People from across the diocese are now taking part! In this video hear from some of the course participants about what it's all about and what you can expect.

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

An exciting opportunity to develop and support Cantonese Ministry at St Barnabas’ Alwoodley and across the Diocese of Leeds. Work with us over two years to develop our Cantonese ministry at St Barnabas’ Alwoodley and to support work with Hong Kongers across the diocese. 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 June 26. All news stories to communications@leeds.anglican.org. Many thanks!