Welcome to the Enews for January 29

The latest resources, news and more.

Click on headlines or pictures for more details.  

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

Links between the Diocese of Leeds and an Anglican diocese in Hong Kong have been developed, thanks to a recent visit from the Rt Revd Arun Arora, Bishop of Kirkstall, and the Revd David Ho Young, Rector of Moor Allerton and Shadwell. Earlier this month, Bishop Arun and Revd Dave paid a visit to the Diocese of Hong Kong Island, which is one of three dioceses in the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui (Anglican Church of Hong Kong). Read more here

The Diocese of Leeds and the Church of England have events, retreats and resources to help churches and individuals draw near to God and one another this Lent. This Lent our area bishops will be hosting Lent retreats or quiet days in different venues throughout the diocese. Read more here

Racial Justice Sunday is on February 8, and the Diocese of Leeds is engaging with the day and its themes. Our diocesan Interns and Mission Apprentices have begun 2026 looking at mission and evangelism, and recently came together to hear the Rt Revd Arun Arora, Bishop of Kirkstall, teach on the Fourth Mark of Mission, about transforming unjust structures in society and the church. Read more here

The Listed Places of Worship Scheme, which allows listed churches to claim back VAT on building works, will end on Tuesday, March 31. We are strongly urging churches to submit any outstanding VAT claims on building works by that date. Read more here

St Mark’s Harrogate recently put into action their commitment to caring for God’s creation, with nearly all 24 members of the Parochial Church Council completing the Diocese of Leeds’ Saving Creation Bronze Course. Creation care is considered a vital part of the gospel message at St Mark’s, and the course has helped PCC members deepen their understanding of both the challenges and the Christian response. Read more here

St Oswald’s Askrigg have recently won the King of Prussia Gold Medal at the Ecclesiastical Architects and Surveyors Association (EASA) annual meeting held in London last week. The medal is awarded for innovative, high quality church conservation or repair. Read more here

St Mary’s Todmorden have started a new chapter in the life of their Lower Room, by converting it into a new-look Sunday school. After years of being used as a storage space the Lower Room at St Mary’s was cleared in the spring of 2025 for use with their Monday lunchtime ‘Family Dinners’ project. 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.

This morning session gives space to explore how we can support neurodiverse children and young people within our churches. To book a place contact childrenyouth@leeds.anglican.org.

A gathering for Messy Church Teams to share ideas, good practice and encourage each other. At this session we will be thinking a little deeper about the hospitality we offer at Messy Church and how this might extended beyond providing food and refreshments.

Find out more here.

An interactive session for you to test out some different resources for engaging with children, young people and families

This new session allows you to test out some different resources to see what might work for your church and the children, young people and families that you engage with. This session can also be run at churches/for deaneries. For more information or to book a place contact childrenyouth@leeds.anglican.org.

Join us on Zoom for a session to help learn more about the challenge of living with dementia and how we might be able to support those in our churches. We will be joined by Elizabeth Anderson from The Memory Tree who will be leading the session.

To book your place, please email natasha.lee@leeds.anglican.org.

An opportunity to consider the importance of intergenerational worship for the whole church. During this workshop we will:

• Consider what we mean by ‘Intergenerational Worship’ and why it is significant in the life of the church
• Think about how we might do it well within our services
• Share some examples of good practice
• Look at how we might nurture children and young people in their faith within an Intergenerational context
• Look at different ways of making prayer interactive

Each participant will receive a workbook full of ideas and resources to take away with them.

Please bring your own lunch. 

To book your place, please email childrenyouth@leeds.anglican.org. 

This new workshop is available for a variety of contexts to support people wanting to follow safe practice in their mission and ministry with children, young people and families. Please contact childrenyouth@leeds.anglican.org if you are interested.

Led by Bishop Smitha Prasadam. An opportunity to pray and reflect during Lent.

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

"Praying the Penitential Psalms" - led by Bishop Malcolm Chamberlain. A day for refreshment and guided reflection in the peaceful, meditative surroundings of Mirfield. All are welcome. Tea and coffee provided, bring your own lunch.

To find out more and to book, 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.

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.

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 during Lent.

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

Life in its fulness Lent Retreat

Monday, February 23 to Thursday, February 26

Led by Dean John Dobson

In seven addresses over the four days of this Lenten retreat, Dean John will help us to explore how the words of Jesus speak directly to us now, inviting us to enjoy his gift of life in its fulness. Cost: £297

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

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.

All welcome. The Rt Revd Smitha Prasadam, Bishop of Huddersfield, will be speaking. Donations will go towards the Jamaica Relief Appeal.

Evensong and Benediction sung by the Pusey Consort. Followed by a reception in church.

We’re thrilled to be welcoming Lizzie Deignan MBE, one of Britain’s most successful and inspiring world-winning cyclists, as our guest speaker. Lizzie is a former UCI Road World Champion, Olympic medallist, and one of the most influential figures in women’s cycling and she’ll be joining us in person in Leeds for an inspiring morning of conversation.

Find out more and book here.

Are you pondering the future of your local rural churches? Struggling to lead through a season of great change?

Why not join us on the Rural Mission & Ministry Course? 

Come and gather with other ecumenical rural leaders to explore what community, mission, evangelism & leadership can look like in rural contexts. 

Find out more here.

Cranmer Hall is holding its annual vestments fair on Friday 6th February, and all ordinands and clergy are very welcome to attend. The fair will take place between 10am and 2pm in the Leech Hall, St John's College, South Bailey DH1 3RJ. Visitors are asked to sign in at reception. No registration required to attend.

St Agnes Church, Burmantofts, working in partnership with Wellspring Together, will host a special Racial Justice Sunday celebration, bringing together local churches and community members to reflect, worship, and stand united in love and justice.

Racial Justice Sunday has been observed by churches since 1995, encouraging Christians to confront racism, promote equality, and work towards reconciliation. Rooted in the call to “Love your neighbour,” the day reminds us that justice, mercy, and humility are central to our faith and our shared life together.

Our gathering will include a joint sermon focused on racial justice, time for sharing food and fellowship, and opportunities to connect across cultures and backgrounds. It will be a welcoming space to celebrate diversity, strengthen community cohesion, and learn more about how we can continue this work together locally. Everyone is welcome as churches come together to affirm that we belong to one another.

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

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.

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.

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 committed to offering the highest quality of music as a part of our worship. We see our music ministry as a vital means of enriching services and growing congregations. Recently, four singers have joined the All Hallows' choir, and there is exciting potential to build on this. We are seeking a musician of the highest calibre to join us as Director of Music, someone whose inspiring organ playing will enhance our worship, and who has a passion for encouraging and developing volunteer singers, both young and young-at-heart. Find out more about this role here

The Vicar and PCC of St Giles, Pontefract is seeking a freelance fundraiser to identify and apply for strategic Net Zero Carbon fundraising opportunities across a cluster of parishes in the Pontefract area. This is an exciting and unique opportunity for an experienced freelance fundraiser with a passion for sustainability to pioneer new and imaginative ways to fund the Net Zero Carbon work for our historical buildings in a first of its kind role within the Church of England. The Net Zero Carbon Freelance Fundraiser will play a key role in supporting carbon reduction projects in churches in the Pontefract area, raising funds for a group of parishes in the area over a fixed period. As the role is regionally based, there will be a requirement to travel to the nominated churches across Pontefract. 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 February 12. All news stories to communications@leeds.anglican.org. Many thanks!