Welcome to the Enews for February 26

The latest resources, news and more.

Click on headlines or pictures for more details.  

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

The Crown Nomination Commission for the Diocese of Leeds, the group choosing who the next Bishop of Leeds will be, starts meeting soon, and our cathedrals will be holding prayer vigils on the days of their meetings. The Crown Nomination Commission is responsible for identifying and recommending candidates for the role of diocesan bishop. Read more here

St Mary’s the Less Allerton Bywater have been helping make their community feel more connected to their church with a new space for events, organised with the support of our Children, Young People and Families Team. ‘Your Space’ is a Saturday morning session that looks to help people engage with faith by building relationships with people more loosely connected with St Mary’s. Read more here

Twelve women in His Majesty’s Prison and Youth Offenders Institute New Hall recently publicly affirmed their faith in Jesus through baptism and confirmation. The service on Wednesday, January 21 was conducted by the Rt Revd Malcolm Chamberlain, Bishop of Wakefield, at the institute’s Chapel of Hope, with three women baptised and nine others confirmed. Read more here

The Diocese of Leeds’ Racial Justice Board held its inaugural meeting at St Peter’s Huddersfield on Monday, February 9, launching a commitment to build racial justice into the fabric of the diocese. The Board has a mandate to ensure that strategy remains rooted in scripture in pursuing equity and greater inclusion of people of Global Majority Heritage in our structures and systems, in order that all people may flourish in God-given diversity. Read more here

The government’s Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme has now closed, and is no longer accepting new applications. All awards within this year’s £23 million budget have now been allocated to applicants, and there will be no further funding rounds, as the Scheme is being replaced by the Places of Worship Renewal Fund. Read more here

In a "living proof" of faith, three generations stood together to be baptised during a single, powerful service at St Mary the Virgin Beeston recently. Five-year-old twins Dawson and Dalton, their mother Mia, and their grandmother Julie all transitioned into their new life in Christ, surrounded by a supportive congregation. Read more here

People from across the diocese will have the opportunity to spend some time in a rhythm of prayer, sharing and community this summer, as part of a pilgrimage to Taizé. Taizé is an ecumenical community in Burgundy in France, where people travel from all over the world to join with the brothers there, deepening their faith and prayer life and exploring vocation. Read more here

It has been Lunar New Year recently, and our bishops sent greetings and best wishes to all who celebrated as we entered the Year of the Horse. Read more here

Halifax Minster will be presenting their third Festival of Faith this year, which will run from Ash Wednesday through to Easter Day. The aim of the festival is an outward facing series of events that look to draw people from outside the Minster to come and experience common ground in a sacred meeting place with God. Read more here

Whether you have been working with children and young people for a long time or you are just starting out, this course is designed to help you develop and refresh skills and knowledge so you can serve children and young people well.

To sign up for the course and specific dates, please email childrenyouth@leeds.anglican.org.

Find out more here.

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.

To find out more please click here.

Led by Bishop Toby Howarth. An opportunity to pray and reflect during Lent, including both private prayer and collective worship.

To find out more and to book, please click here.

Join us at our three cathedrals for prayer vigils on the days the Crown Nominations Commission is meeting to work on appointing the next Bishop of Leeds.

• Wednesday, March 4 – Wakefield Cathedral
• Wednesday, May 13 – Bradford Cathedral
• Thursday, May 14 - Ripon Cathedral

Find out more here.

Led by Revd Janet Williams, Vice Principal of St Hild College. This Quiet morning will include some reflections on finding every day a ‘holy day’, on being held by God in season and out of season, and on the transfiguration of time. You are encouraged to bring whatever helps you reflect – such as a journal, knitting, or doodle pad.

To find out more and to book, please click here.

All Church Officers are welcome to attend upcoming safeguarding forums! Come meet the Diocesan Safeguarding Team, get updates on Church of England safeguarding practice and much more!

To find out more and to book, please click here.

Led by Henriette Howarth. An opportunity during this Lenten season to meet with others online and to take time to reflect, pray and practice silent prayer and meditation. We will use Scripture, poetry, music and silence as ways to connect with God this evening.

To find out more and to book, please click here.

Led by Bishop Anna Eltringham. An opportunity to pray and reflect during Lent.

To find out more and to book, please click here.

Parcevall Hall are running a variety of retreats.

To find out more about them and to book please click here.

Breath - Prayer and Fitness Retreat

Friday, March 13 to Sunday, March 15

Led by Katherine Hogg

A weekend for being active physically and spiritually. Join the exercise and weights classes, spend time outdoors in the Gardens and the Dales, and take time to reflect on life and faith.Cost: £235

Through Solitude and Contemplation Retreat

Friday, March 13 to Sunday, March 15

Led by Bishop David Hawkins 

On this retreat, we will seek God through solitude and contemplation with teaching on the Orthodox tradition and the science of silence, and periods of personal private retreat in the Poustinia. Cost: £198

Christian meditation in Lent

Monday, March 16

Led by Revd Henriette Howarth

Spend the day exploring and practicing contemplative prayer in this season. The day runs from 10am - 4pm and is a Pay As You Feel event. 

Self-love(d): learning to love God, neighbour and self, through the insights of mindfulness

Friday, March 27 to Sunday, March 29

Led by Karen Openshaw and Bishop Chris Edmondson 

This is an invitation to experience more of the extravagant love God has for us and discover a healthier rhythm of being, doing and loving. Cost £235

“He is risen, Alleluia!” A mindful singing retreat

Friday, April 17

Led by Revd Mike Leigh

In the Easter season, sing your faith with others led by Mike who is a natural voice practitioner. There will be songs from across the world that are easy to learn and full of harmony. Together we will create community, build self-confidence and open the channels of our awareness of God, other people and the beauty of creation. The day runs from 10am - 4pm. Lunch and refreshments are included. Cost £45

Falling Upwards

Friday, April 17 to Sunday, April 19

Led by Revd Dilly Baker

Inspired by the writing of Richard Rohr, this retreat offers you the chance to map an engaged Christian faith that is characterised by radical compassion, both for yourself and the world. Together we will explore what it might mean to work with the ‘failings and fallings’ of our lives in such a way as to discover a deeper and more authentic way of living. Led by Dilly, an experienced retreat leader and life coach. Cost £235

Our Vocations Team are running a series of events in 2026, on the theme of 'how do I make my faith count?' Please see the flyer for more details, and please click here to book.

People from across the diocese will have the opportunity to spend some time in a rhythm of prayer, sharing and community this summer, as part of a pilgrimage to Taizé. The pilgrimage is being led by the Rt Revd Smitha Prasadam, Bishop of Huddersfield, and will take place from Saturday, July 25 to Monday, August 3, and cost £400.

Find out more here.

Upcoming events from Harrogate School of Theology:

• Saturday, February 28, seminar: Unlocking the wisdom of John’s Gospel: An introduction to David Ford’s Theological Commentary on John’s Gospel. With Revd Ian Johnston.
• Saturday, March 28, lecture: Julian of Norwich and the Last Judgement. With Revd Dr Janet Williams. Please note the change in date.
• Saturday, April 18, seminar: Wilding Disciple-making and Mission. With Revd Ben Askew.

Find out more here.

For Lent 2026, Riding Lights Theatre Company are proud to present Night Falls, a new passion play by Paul Birch.

Four final days before an execution that will change everything. Three enemies that want to put an end to the so-called Messiah. Two strangers torn between faith and doubt, hope and grief, trying to prevent Jesus of Nazareth from getting himself arrested, One safe house in Bethany.

The hours are running out, but even as night falls, a strange hope is wrapped in a secret that both strangers share. For this is the house of Lazarus, and under his roof, the impossible has already occurred...

Night Falls is a fresh and dynamic retelling of the Easter story, blending music and powerful drama alongside space for reflection and worship. 

Tickets: £15 Full Price/£10 Concessions

Recommended 12+

Find out more here.

Mass is sung by the Horsforth Choral Society. Followed by a reception in church.

This year's Lent Talks at St Mary's Church, Whitkirk will focus on the Lord's Prayer. Explore in more depth the prayer that Jesus taught us, probably the first 'formal' prayer that most Christians learn, a prayer we say, perhaps without really stopping to think about what its words really mean to us. Each speaker will present a personal take on a line of the prayer, with time for questions or reflections. Each talk will take place at St Mary's Church, Selby Road, Leeds, LS15 0AA at 7pm, and will be followed by a short service of Compline.

• Wednesday, March 4: Revd Canon Jude Smith (Director of Mission and Revitalisation for the Diocese of Leeds): 'Lead us not into temptation'
• Wednesday, March 11: Revd Andy Muckle (Chaplain to St George’s Crypt & Bishop’s Chaplain to the Homeless in the Diocese of Leeds); 'Give us this day our daily bread'
• Wednesday, March 18: Very Revd Dr Philip Hobday (Dean of Wakefield): 'Our Father'
• Wednesday, March 25: Revd Linda Boon (Harrogate School of Theology and Mission): 'Forgive us our trespasses'

God always reaches out in love to humankind, calling us and journeying alongside us. Jesus Christ says, 'Come and follow me' into life in all its fullness. For some, their fulfilment is found in the ordained ministry. Might you be called by Jesus to follow him in this challenging and exciting vocation?

A day conference for 18-30 year olds.

Find out more here.

Anyone who is interested in affirming and developing an inclusive vision for the Church is welcome to join us in Leeds Diocese Together Network.

You can join us via Facebook here.

And/or contact us at: catherine.Shelley@leeds.anglican.org.

We're delighted to invite you to our next Open Day! For those interested in theological study on any of our pathways or programmes. It will be an excellent opportunity to hear about what sets us apart, ask questions and explore why Cranmer Hall might be just right for you. 

Find out more here.

Performed by Bradford Festival Choral Society with Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra, this uplifting oratorio is inspired by the Book of Genesis and includes the unforgettable moment “And there was light!”. 

Tickets £18–£36.

Find out more and book here.

Immerse, the quarterly contemporary worship evening, is back again. This is an initiative jointly organised by several local Anglican churches, each event is held at a different church in the area. Our speaker in March will be Smitha Prasadam, Bishop of Huddersfield.

With music led by our live band you can expect joyous upbeat praise, songs of deep worship, and the opportunity to receive prayer. Refreshments will be served, and all are welcome! We would love you to join us as we seek the presence of God together.

Come and sing at Wakefield Cathedral! Free entry, suggested donation £5.

Illustrated with music by Handel, Stainer, Haydn, Mozart, Palestrina, Faure, Victoria and Bach.

Find out more and book here.

Finzi's Intimations of Immortality and Poulene's Organ Concerto Gloria sung by the Ripon Choral Society. Conducted by John Dunford with Orchestra D’Amici.

Find out more and book here.

The Saviour by William Lloyd Webber, sung by the choir of Leeds Minster. A meditation on the life and Passion of Christ.

388 million Christians worldwide live in contexts where they face extreme discrimination of persecution for following Christ. That's one in seven of our brothers and sisters. This evening will give us the opportunity to hear some of their stories, pray with them, and be encouraged and challenged in our own walk of faith and witness.

With optional choral evensong at 6.30pm.

To book please email caroline.asquith@leeds.anglican.org.

Join us for a free, full day’s course focusing on Mental Health. Explore what is meant by mental health, the stigmas attached to it, practical ideas to help improve resilience, and how Mental Health First Aid can support you and other member of the community. Optional individual Prayer Journey space. This course is open to anyone interested, especially those who may care for, or want to learn more about supporting others who may experience mental health issues. N.B. This is a non-accredited course. The day will include challenging and

distressing content, including suicide.

To book your place, or for further information, please email: ruth@bradleystthomas.org.uk.

Whether you are a choir director, choir member, instrumentalist or new to music ministry, this conference includes something suitable for all. Through discussion, idea sharing, and singing together with one heart and voice, participants may develop their musical skills and contribute to a sense of community within their churches, encouraging each other in the valuable work of everyday liturgy in our local parishes. Importantly, the conference offers the opportunity to meet and share experiences with others involved in church music from across the country.

Canon Peter Gunstone (priest musician previously involved in pioneer ministry in Bradford and now Precentor at Carlisle Cathedral) will speak on ‘One heart, one voice - can people of diverse backgrounds and traditions become one people of God in worship?’ 

Theologian Dr Sue Price, with her specialist interests in Children's Spirituality, the use of Godly Play and outreach work into parishes, will explore how liturgy in whatever form can really feed people’s spirituality.

Practical workshops will explore various musical styles including Iona Community Worship and Life, Gospel Singing, Animating Song, and Supporting the Worshipping Community in music. 

More information from: jburridge@me.com.

The Oasis of Silence programme at St Hilda´s Priory offers space and stillness to seek God with loving awareness in the present moment. It offers a variety of opportunities to make retreats of different lengths in a peaceful and welcoming environment, away from our busy everyday lives.

It is for everyone seeking stillness and silence and who is interested in getting to know or to deepening the practice of contemplative prayer.

Find out more here.

We are looking for someone to join our team as a mission enabler/family worker to help strengthen and grow our pastoral mission to local families so they may come to know the love of God for them through Jesus Christ and find a place in his church. The post holder will work alongside our leadership team and volunteers to build up and strengthen our work with families. They will have the opportunity to develop good relationships with our church families and those on our fringe, and will play a key role in helping grow our Messy Church into a mature all-age congregation. Find out more about this role here

Scargill House is home to an intentional, ecumenical, and international community offering generous hospitality through a wide variety of retreats and conferences, with Jesus at the centre. We are looking for a servant hearted leader to nurture community life, shape Scargill’s ministry to guests, and guide the next phase of our development as a prophetic voice in today’s world. Find out more about this role here

We are looking for a new Choirmaster who is passionate about the role that music plays in worship and is motivated to develop, innovate, grow and inspire our choirs. Our Benefice is a friendly, welcoming group of churches near the lovely town of Ripon. Our churches are proud to offer worship within the central choral tradition of the Church of England as part of the Diocese of Leeds. We have a growing congregation of all ages, ably supported by enthusiastic members of the congregation. We are continuing to develop our outreach that will seek to develop and build upon the connections within the local community, particularly our church schools. 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 March 12. All news stories to communications@leeds.anglican.org. Many thanks!