Welcome to the Enews for April 13

The latest resources, news and more.
Click on headlines or pictures for more details.  
Contact [email protected] with your news. 
News
We are called to be ‘agents of hope, delight and joy’ this Easter, said Bishop Nick in his Easter message to the diocese. Bishop Nick has spoken in his message about how the pain and then the joy of Easter shows us the way to meet the difficult challenges of today in our world. Read more here
Joyful celebrations of Jesus’ resurrection took place at the Easter weekend across the diocese. Services, vigils, pilgrimages and gatherings occurred in every area of the diocese over the weekend, as people came together to mark Jesus’ triumph over sin and death with his Crucifixion and Resurrection. Read more here
Hundreds of clergy and lay people gathered in Wakefield Cathedral on Maundy Thursday to renew their vows and commitment to God. The Maundy Thursday Chrism Eucharist was led by Bishop Nick, and in addition to bishops, archdeacons and parish clergy, the packed cathedral was swelled by large numbers of lay people from across the diocese. Read more here
The first ever Diocese of Leeds Interns reunion was held recently, allowing interns from the last five years to gather and enjoy fellowship together. 26 interns from past and current years reconnected, shared a meal, worshipped and prayed together. Read more here
The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have written of their “hopes, desires and prayers” around the upcoming Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. The Most Revd Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Most Revd Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, have written a public letter to all clergy sharing ideas and resources for how churches can engage with the Coronation and take part in the bringing together of the nation that is hoped for during the period. Read more here
A parishioner from one of our Leeds area churches is walking a ‘Pathway to Parliament’ to raise funds and awareness for a charity supporting those with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Fran Heley currently sings in the choir of St Oswald’s church in Guiseley. Read more here
As we celebrate Easter, Revd Canon Hilary Barber, Vicar of Halifax Minster, has reflected on his Lent journey, which this year took him into the heart of public discourse. For several years, Canon Hilary has taken Lent as an opportunity to spend a day a week in the shoes of others and this year he focussed on Media and Communications, spending time with ITV Calendar, BBC Radio Leeds, the Diocesan Communication Team, and with the NHS. Read more here
Good Friday was marked by a mini pilgrimage through stunning Dales scenery by walkers from the churches of Gargrave, Coniston Cold and Kirkby Malham. Some 30 ramblers took part in the 14 mile circular hike from St Andrew’s, Gargrave, along the Pennine Way to St Michael’s, Kirkby Malham and then looped back via St Peter’s, Coniston Cold. Read more here
Hordes of people gathered in Skipton to watch or take part in the town’s Palm Sunday Procession, as they also did in many communities across our diocese. The procession started at the bottom of the High Street at 10am on Sunday before moving to Holy Trinity Church. Read more here
A fresh and modern take on the Crucifixion is being shared with people in the Leeds area, thanks to St Martin’s Potternewton. Eight original spray-paintings by York amateur painter Gareth "Gazku" Davies are on display in an exhibition at St Martin's Potternewton throughout the month of April. Read more here
A national event encouraging young adults to explore God’s call on their lives has taken place in part thanks to the hard work of our diocesan Vocations Team. The Step Forward event was held at Bishopthorpe and featured the Archbishop of York, the Most Revd Stephen Cottrell, as a key speaker. Read more here
Some 300 people of different faiths came together for the first ever community Iftar to held in Barnoldswick in our Ripon Episcopal Area. The Iftar was organised by Noor Uddin of Barnoldswick takeaway, Usmaniyah in Albert Road, and was supported by Barnoldswick Town Council and Building Bridges Pendle - an organisation which aims to improve community relations by raising awareness and understanding about different cultures. 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
Tuesday, April 18 at 7pm
Personal Growth and Leadership development are very much linked. Over the past four years, a 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. The course is now rolling out more widely, with a taster session at Church House on Tuesday, April 18. Click here for more information
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
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 22 from 10am
The first of a series of events at our cathedrals in 2023 run by our Children, Young People and Families Team. For all those involved in ministry with children and young people in churches, these events are 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
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
Barnabas: Encouraging Confidence is the way in which the Diocese of Leeds wants to support churches to move forward in mission, ministry and sustainability, in a way that is prayerful, intentional and, within the grace of God, possible. Barnabas offers every church resources and support at different levels, with a view to us all working towards the diocesan vision of Confident Christians, Growing Churches, Transforming Communities. 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
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 this summer. 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
The Cathedral is currently developing a new forward strategy, and looking ahead to 2025 when Bradford will be the UK City of Culture. They are implementing a new governance structure following the introduction of the Cathedrals Measure 2021. This post will form a key part of the operations and administration team at Bradford Cathedral, helping to ensure that our governance and administration is streamlined, efficient and effective. Find out more about this role here
The Wellsprings Together Parish Development Workers are specialists in parish-based community engagement and are experienced in helping churches to take the next steps in their social action aligned with the Diocesan vision of ‘transforming communities’. 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
The Revd Philip Bishop to be Vicar of St Mary the Blessed Virgin, Burley in Wharfedale in the Bradford Area.
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 27. Area news stories to [email protected]  
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