Welcome to the Enews for March 30

The latest resources, news and more.
Click on headlines or pictures for more details.  
Contact [email protected] with your news. 
News
How we recognise God's presence in our complicated and imperfect world, and reflect that hope back into the world together, was the topic of Bishop Nick's presidential address at the most recent Diocesan Synod. He spoke about the first disciples and their responses to Jesus' radical message of the Good News of God, and how that influences our responses to today's challenges. Read more here
Excellent interfaith work in the Bradford area has been celebrated at the Mitzvah Day Awards. They were attended by the Revd Jenny Ramsden, Diocesan Interfaith Adviser, and Kaneez Khan, Faith & Communities Co-ordinator West Yorkshire for Wellsprings Together, as representatives of the Bradford Mitzvah Day project they organised in 2022. Read more here
Children and staff at Bramley St Peter's Primary School have been immersed in the story of Easter this week, thanks to a dramatic Story Trail at their church. The interior of the St Peter's was transformed into a striking backdrop that transported them back to the very first Easter. Read more here
Following an extensive programme of restoration, repair and facility upgrades, a picturesque Yorkshire Dales Grade II* listed church continues to welcome and serve the local community. St Oswald’s Thornton in Lonsdale has seen considerable investment in both fabric repairs and a wide range of essential welfare facilities. Read more here
Leaders of Chapeltown and Harehills Churches Together have come together to help tackle and reduce violent crime in Leeds with the installation of two specialist weapons disposal bins. Like many others, the members of Christian churches in Chapeltown and Harehills have been deeply saddened and worried at the tragic loss of young lives to violent crime in the streets of Leeds. Read more here
Despite the intervention of North Yorkshire snow, some 40 people from 25 parishes attended two heating workshops at Embsay. St Mary’s Church has been holding trials of different types of person-centred heating over the winter and had advertised the workshops as an opportunity to hear about the exercise and experience the effect of the different units. Read more here
Faith and determination have delivered vital improvements at St John the Baptist, Low Bentham in the far western corner of our Ripon Episcopal Area. The village sits a stone’s throw from Lancashire and Cumbria and 14th C St John’s became the parish church for the communities of High and Low Bentham some 12 years ago. Read more here
A devoted member of St Mary’s, Gomersal has penned a special poem as if written by the church itself, in a bid to raise much-needed funds. Churchwarden Trees Fewster turned to verse as the 19th Century church needs some £25,000 for repairs and upkeep and she has shared her words on local social media platforms in the hope that the Gomersal community will rally round. Read more here
The Church Organiser, a free room and events management tool which integrates with A Church Near You, is soon to be launched. Come along to one of two free training events on Friday, April 28 at Church House to help your church get set up and learn how it can help. Bring your own laptop and join with others as you are guided through The Church Organiser. Find out more and book a place here
For more diocesan and regional news, visit www.leeds.anglican.org
Living and Learning
If you wish to apply for the Occasional Preachers, Eco Mission Enabler (Saving Creation Gold), Lay Pastoral Ministry and Lay Worship Leaders Courses for the 2023-24 academic year, please ensure that you speak to your incumbent, as you will need their support for your application. More information on the range of ministry pathways we offer and the application process can be found here.
Wednesday, April 19 at 7.30pm
In September the Diocese offers a new Spiritual Direction Formation Programme. Year 1 of this programme is called Spiritual Growth and Transformation and is for those who want to deepen their own spiritual journey and explore their gifts to accompany others. We are hosting an online information evening for people to find out more about the programme. Click here for more information
Thursday, April 20 at 4pm
The coronation of King Charles III gives a wonderful opportunity for churches to engage their communities in celebration and worship, and to support volunteerism, as well as to pray for the King. This webinar will update you on the national plans and resources for the coronation weekend with suggestions as to how to use them locally to create a memorable and outward-facing occasion. Find out more and register here
Starting Thursday, April 20 at 6.30pm
St Hild are offering a 10-week Online Short Course on Christian Doctrine for the summer term. This course is a great taster for those who are possibly interested in further theological study. Here is the Eventbrite page where individuals can sign up. St Hild's newest Postgraduate Prospectus is available to download on their website here.
Starting Thursday, May 4 at 7pm
Explore the places and people of Jesus’ ministry in this eight week course. Through scripture, contemporary writing and archaeological evidence we discover anew how ‘the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.’ The course will be led by Canon Gordon Dey. Find out more here
Saturday, May 20 at 10am
A day for people who are interested in revisiting prayer ministry and developing their skills. During the day, we’ll be looking at why praying for people in this way matters, and how Jesus did it. This course will take place at St Mark’s Church, Keighley, and will be led by Revd Angela Hannafin, and Revd Natasha Thomas. Find out more here
Starting Sunday, July 30
Christ Church Oxford are offering a two-week residential summer school for members of the clergy, theologians and teachers of religious education. Explore the programme theme Christian Theology in a Time of Global Crises. Participate in seminars taught by members of Oxford University's Theology Faculty, distinguished theologians, and prominent church leaders. Attend lectures from leading scholars in the field of Theology. Find out more here
Autumn 2023 at the Mirfield Centre
Ever wondered what theology means and how to study it? Need some guidance on how to dig a bit deeper? This introductory course may well be for you. This course is also required before you can apply to train as a Licensed Lay Minister. Find out more here
For more Diocese of Leeds training visit the Digital Learning Platform
Events across the diocese
The Gospel of Mark 
Thursday, March 30 at 7pm or Tuesday, April 4 at 7.30pm
Ian Birkinshaw plays ‘John Mark’ who relates the extraordinary story of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This vivid gospel narrative is underscored throughout by music which captures the shifting mood of the crowds. It will be held at both St Oswald's, Askrigg and St Paul's, Ireland Wood.
Easter Celebration - Hope Huddersfield
Sunday, April 2 at 7pm
Hope Huddersfield are hosting an Easter Celebration at Huddersfield Town Hall. They will welcome J John and Gaz Thompson as special guests. This will be evangelistic in focus and a perfect opportunity to invite friends, family and neighbours to hear the good news. 
Parcevall Hall Retreats
Parcevall Hall have a number of retreats coming up, including:
  • Monday, April 3 - Quiet Day. Led by Revd Canon Andrew Tawn. Freewill offering
  • Thursday, April 6 - Easter Retreat. Led by Canon Graham Bettridge. £335 per person

Find a list of all the retreats at Parcevall Hall coming up in 2023 here. To book, please contact the Hall at [email protected] or phone on 01756 720213.
Follow Me session - Revd Canon Mark Oakley, Dean of St John's College, Cambridge
Thursday, April 20 at 7.15pm
Bookings are now being taken for the next Follow Me session. For supper purposes, please send your RSVPs and any dietary requirements before 5pm on Tuesday, April 11, to [email protected]. An E-ticket for the supper will be sent to you. 
Saturday, April 29 at 9.30am
Join Revd John Bavington, vicar of Great Horton and Lidget Green, for a day of exploring the Bible. Attendees will take a deep dive into scripture, learning how it points to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Book a place here
Pilgrimage at Ripon Cathedral
Saturday, May 13 at 10am
A welcome with light refreshments will be followed by a pilgrimage around the cathedral including a visit to the beautiful and moving crypt. The pilgrimage morning will finish with a Eucharist at 12 noon, leaving the remainder of the day free for you to wander around the cathedral at your leisure and visit the rest of the city. Contact the cathedral office on 01765 603462 if you wish to book.
Self Supporting Ministry Celebration
Sunday, June 11 at 3pm
A special service to celebrate Self Supporting Ministers and Self Supporting Ministry will be held at Garforth St Mary. The preacher will be the Revd Maeve Sherlock Baroness of Durham. If you wish to attend please reply to [email protected]
Thursday, February 29 - Thursday, March 7, 2024
An eight day Pilgrimage with the Revd Mike Green, Vicar of St Andrew’s Kildwick, St John’s Cononley and St Mary’s Bradley, to the Holy Land is being arranged in February and March 2024. Find all the details and how to reserve a place here.
Resources
This Lent we're all invited to explore how we can live well with the mess of everyday life. Dust and Glory, the Church of England's Lent Campaign, encourages us to take a fresh look at the frustrations and failings that every day brings and seek to learn from them and grow closer to God. Find out more here
The Church of England is providing a range of resources to help churches and parishes to mark the Coronation of King Charles III, an historic moment in the life of our nation. It includes a Book of Daily Prayer, liturgical resources, social media graphics and more. Read more here
Leeds Diocesan News continues to be produced in digital form, containing important news and views from across the Diocese of Leeds. Download and view the latest edition here.
The latest edition of the Prayer Diary is now online to download. There are fresh prayers for Sudan as well as prayers for Tanzania. Download prayers here.
Dates for 2023
#DustAndGlory: A Lent journey of faith, failure and forgiveness: Ash Wednesday (Wednesday, February 22) to Easter Day (Sunday, April 9)

Coronation of King Charles III: Saturday, May 6

The Coronation Big Lunch: Sunday, May 7

The Big Help Out: Monday May 8

Thy Kingdom Come: Thursday, May 18 - Sunday, May 28

World Environment Day: Monday, June 5

Ordination of Priests: Saturday, June 24 or Sunday, June 25

Ordination of Deacons: Saturday, July 1 at Bradford Cathedral

Creationtide: Friday, September 1 - Wednesday, October, 4

Diocese of Leeds Generosity Week: Sunday, September 24 - Sunday, October 1

COP 28: Thursday 30 November - Tuesday 12th December
Media
Barnabas: Encouraging Confidence is the way in which the Diocese of Leeds wants to support churches to move forward in mission, ministry and sustainability. Watch this video to hear more about what Barnabas is and how is can help.
The Revd Canon Smitha Prasadam will take up the role of Bishop of Huddersfield, Downing Street announced last week. Watch a video message from Smitha here, speaking from The Piece Hall in Halifax.
...is the name of Bishop Nick's blog and his most recent entries can be viewed here.
Vacancies
Youth Work - St Paul's Church, Ireland Wood
St Paul's Ireland Wood are looking for a youth worker to join their staff team to help them see their young people become a "Growing Community, Shaped by Jesus" within the life of St Paul's Church and in the surrounding community. Find out more about this role here
The Parish of Girlington, Heaton and Manningham are wanting to recruit an Office Manager to have oversight of operational areas, including financial, staffing, buildings and facilities management, office management and logistics. This will ensure the smooth running of the life and ministry of the churches in the parish. Find out more about this role here
Are you passionate about students and student mission? Would you like to work in a Resource Church team in the vibrant city of Leeds? St George's are looking for a Student Pastor to join our Ministry Team to lead and develop ministry to undergraduate students. Find out more about this role here
Useful Links & Information
For safeguarding issues, contact our advisers on:
[email protected] or call 0113 353 0257 
Carla Darbyshire - Safeguarding Team Leader
Jenny Leccardi - Safeguarding Adviser
Narinder Lyon - Safeguarding Adviser
Nikki Rose - Safeguarding Adviser
Moves and Appointment
Revd Canon Dr Philip Hobday to be Sub-Dean of Wakefield Cathedral
Revd Rachel Ford to be Vicar of Rawdon (Leeds EA) 
Revd Rodney Chapman has retired as Incumbent of Stainland and Outlane (Benefice) (Huddersfield EA)
Revd Canon Mark Umpleby to be Team Rector of Rothwell, Lofthouse, Methley with Mickletown and Oulton with Woodlesford (Leeds EA)
Revd Jayne Lee has been granted Permission to Officiate in the Diocese of Leeds 
Contact us with your news
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 13. Area news stories to [email protected]  
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