Welcome to the Enews for December 7

The latest resources, news and more.

Click on headlines or pictures for more details.  

Contact [email protected] with your news. 

The Rt Revd Colin Buchanan, an Honorary Bishop in the Diocese of Leeds and eminent theologian, has passed away peacefully with his beloved family around him. In tribute, the Rt Revd Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds has written to clergy following the sudden death of Bishop Colin in the Leeds General Infirmary on November 29. Bishop Nick writes: “Colin is loved and respected around the world, but especially here in the Diocese of Leeds." Read more here

Bishop Arun has joined with a national charity to encourage people “to be more St Nic” this Christmas and become Secret Santas to those in need. The online charity Acts 435, described as an “ebay for giving”, is encouraging everyone to become a Secret Santa on Wednesday, December 6 by making anonymous donations. Read more here

Malham Cove saw record numbers attend this year’s ‘Carols at the Cove’ to the delight of organisers, including Revd Sue McWhinney of our Upper Aire Benefice. When the National Trust said they could no longer organise this popular annual event, the Parish Council and the Malhamdale community got together to make sure it happened, offering mulled wine and mince pies, facilities for the band, and assistance to the less mobile to enable them to get there. Read more here

One of our Ripon churches has been doing Messy Church to learn all about Hanukkah, as the festival starts this week. Edith, of St Oswald's Horton-in-Ribblesdale, wore Horton's priestly hat to learn about the Jewish festival of light. Read more here

Bradford Cathedral has become the 849th Silver Eco Church in England and Wales. The award was given by the Christian conservation charity A Rocha UK, and reflects Bradford Cathedral’s commitment to walk in step with nature and put creation care at the heart of what they do. Read more here

A Christian spiritual support network founded by one of our curates is hosting a special online Christmas service for those affected by cancer. Firm Roots Cancer Support offers prayer and spiritual support for people affected by cancer in the UK and was founded by Revd Helen Jones, now a curate in Holy Trinity Church, Huddersfield, after her own cancer diagnosis in 2010. Read more here

Children’s Commissioner for England, Dame Rachel de Souza and renowned Christian broadcaster John Bell were among key note speakers who have praised the work of our diocesan school leaders at a special conference. Organised by the diocesan Education Team, delegates from our 237 schools gathered at the Queen’s Hotel, Leeds for a day of thought-provoking presentations and discussions on the theme of “Flourishing People, Flourishing Places”. Read more here

The Church of England has released a Christmas single, as part of a campaign encouraging people to come to church, sing carols, and celebrate the real meaning of Christmas. The song is a new version of the time-honoured text, The First Nowell, written by renowned composer, and former King’s Singer, Bob Chilcott and will be performed by choirs up and down the country, as part of carol services and concerts for Christmas and Advent. Read more here

On this Quiet day we will explore the gift of prayer. We will find inspiration in the Scriptures and Christian tradition to deepen our awareness of God who is not far away but ‘in whom we live and move and have our being.’ We will practice different ways of praying during the day: silence, contemplation and the Ignatian way. Everyone is welcome whether you have an established practice of prayer, whether you struggle with prayer or simply want to find out more about it. This is a free event, but please contact the Hall to book your place. Find out more here.

Eligibility criteria, discernment information and an initial enquiry form have been sent to all incumbents, chaplaincy team leaders, PCC Secretaries and Churchwardens in September 2023. A reminder will be sent in early January 2024. The deadline for initial enquiry forms is 1 March 2024. Once an initial enquiry form has been received an application pack will be sent out.

More details and the Application Timeline can be found here.

If you require any specific help or information, please do contact the School of Ministry administrator at [email protected].

A 12 session journey looking at the Christian faith, your own faith journey and developing theological skills. All students will be encouraged to create a portfolio of your new skills. Potential LLM candidates need to submit their portfolio for review. This course is a pre-requirement for LLM training. 

Further information on dates and booking links can be found here: Spring-24 and Summer 2024. Portfolio submission deadlines for both courses are compatible with the 2024 application timeline for LLM applicants.

If you require any specific help or information, please do contact the School of Ministry administrator at [email protected].

This retreat is especially for those who live with or care for loved ones who struggle with physical or mental health challenges. There will be space to rest and time to receive from God, and opportunities to learn from Scripture and other spiritual resources about compassion and love for those who care deeply for others. Led by Henriette Howarth. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Find out more here.

Bradford Cathedral and The Royal Opera House present 'Songs for Ukraine Chorus' performing Christmas Songs as the beginning of the Royal Opera House's contribution to Bradford City of Culture 2025. We are now proud to present this Chorus for their first performance outside London in Bradford in preparation for City of Culture. Find out more here

Follow Me is a series of inspirational teaching sessions held at Wakefield Cathedral and organised by the Bishop of Wakefield, the Rt Revd Tony Robinson, an opportunity for people to learn more about discipleship.

Evensong at 6.30pm, complimentary supper will be served from 7.15pm, (both optional). Teaching sessions from 7.45pm until 9.15pm. To book your place and for supper please email Bishop Tony’s PA, including any dietary requirements, to: [email protected]

Mobile: 07776 963653

This day is aimed particularly at leaders and worshippers in smaller local churches (typically 15-55 worshippers on a regular Sunday). With input from Revd Jolyon Trickey & others from ReSource, we will encounter God afresh, renewing our confidence in the inextinguishable power of biblical hope. We will also have time to worship, to reflect, and to wrestle together with the practicalities of living hopefully in our own little local and ‘ordinary’ churches. Find out more here

Cost £10.00, which includes hot drinks, please bring a packed lunch. To book your place please email: [email protected]

Mobile: 07776 963653

When Jesus calls us to follow him, he is inviting us into a lifelong journey of transformation and renewal. How are we living that out as disciples of Christ? On Fire Mission is inviting you to come as you are and join us at OFM onsite 2024 for a time away to recharge, to discover fresh perspectives and insights, and to become part of a Spirit-filled, creative, sacramental community; equipping Christians to become agents of renewal in their local context. We will be joined by a host of great contributors, from across the OFM network and beyond, offering great teaching, inspiring workshops, dynamic worship and much more. Find out more here

As we talk about Parish Share in 2023/24, hear a message from Bishop Nick giving a big thank you to all those who give their money generously, individually and through their parishes, which pays the Parish Share.

Watch the video here.

This is an opportunity for someone with administrative skills to work with the Vicar and other lay leaders to provide administrative support to the benefice. We would like to hear from you if you have: the ability to use ICT systems competently and creatively; confidence in using social media and websites to promote events; and the ability to work flexibly from home to manage competing priorities. 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 December 21. Area news stories to [email protected]