Welcome to the Enews for May 21

The latest resources, news and more.

Click on headlines or pictures for more details.  

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

The Diocese of Leeds is increasing its work to develop lay leaders from our most diverse contexts and in our most underrepresented areas, made possible by new funding awarded from the national church Diocesan Investment Programme. This new lay leadership development is part of our Encouraging Confidence strategy to become more confident in our leadership, witness and mission. Read more here

The Places of Worship Renewal Fund is now open for expressions of interest, with a deadline for the first round of Sunday, June 14. The fund, administered by Historic England, will support urgent repairs and essential improvements to listed places of worship in England with grants awarded for capital works that keep buildings safe, open and in public use. Read more here

People from different faiths and backgrounds from across the Huddersfield area recently gathered at Huddersfield Parish Church to discuss community and the challenges faced by all. The event, ‘Sacred Neighbours’, was organised by Huddersfield Community First, who have received funding for a series of events in local faith centres. Read more here

One of our Ripon area churches has put itself back at the heart of its community and is welcoming all in, thanks in part to support from the Diocese of Leeds. The church of St Mary’s Dunsforth has had a new kitchen and accessible toilet fitted, as well as a new electric heating system and some other repair works done, as part of their ‘Welcome Project’ making the building fit for the future. Read more here

Wakefield Cathedral has opened a not-for-profit café operated by Age UK Wakefield, aimed at providing support for older people in their community. The cathedral has partnered with the charity to reach older people who may be feeling isolated or in need of support and advice. Read more here

St Lucius’ Farnley Tyas have recently hosted a highly successful ‘Crafty Swop Shop’ to support their twinned parish of Rorya in Tanzania. This event brought together the Farnley Tyas Community Group, the Women’s Institute, and the St Lucius’ Eco-group. Read more here

One of our Bradford priests has been on a prayer pilgrimage around his town aiming to pray for every street in the area. The Revd Canon Richard Burge, Team Rector of Keighley, has begun visiting every neighbourhood within the parish as part of his pilgrimage that started on Ash Wednesday earlier this year. Read more here

People will have the chance to experience Taizé-style worship at an upcoming service at Bradford Cathedral, before a summer pilgrimage from our diocese. The service at 11am on Saturday, June 20 will give people the opportunity to explore the worship style of the Taizé community, 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

All of us are on a journey with God. We are letting God help us grow and develop. This course is for anyone who wants to do theology - to talk and think about God - and to deepen their discipleship. It’s also an opportunity to think about how God is forming us right now and explore how God might be calling you, and what you might be called to. 

More details and booking information can be found here. 

For more information or to book a place on one of the upcoming iterations, please contact Anne Payne on anne.payne@leeds.anglican.org.

Bubble Church are partnering with the Diocese of Leeds to run a training day in September, helping churches get involved in worship designed for young children and their families.

We are running a training day at Wakefield Cathedral on Thursday, September 24 to help churches learn about the service, how best to run it and the resources available to support its running.

Before the training day Bubble Church are running two webinars for churches in our diocese wishing to know more about Bubble Church, what it is, what it looks like and whether it might work in their church.

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

An online training session for PCC members, clergy, churchwardens and anyone involved the care of church buildings. Hosted by the Church Buildings Team, topics covered will include; working with your Quinquennial Inspector, interpreting your inspection report and permissions processes.

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

A day for anyone from the UKME/GMH community wondering whether God is calling them to ministry in the Church of England.

To register interest please email wayne.simmonds@leeds.anglican.org.

A day of celebration of children and youth work across the diocese, to equip and inspire each other, with opportunities for workshops, prayer, networking. 

Refreshments available from 9.30am. Please bring your own lunch. 

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

Join Parish Buying for a free webinar exploring everything you need to know about Parish Energy, the Church of England's dedicated procurement energy service.

Whether you're a churchwarden, treasurer, or PCC member responsible for your church's energy bills, this session will walk you through your options and show you how to get the best value from the Parish Buying Energy Basket.

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.

Join a relaxed, welcoming poetry workshop led by an experienced poet-designed for young people/adults from all faiths. Explore poetry, spoken word and belonging in a safe, creative space where your voice matters.

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

People will have the chance to worship in the style of Taizé and learn more about what our Taizé pilgrimage entails at events across the diocese. The next one is at Bradford Cathedral.

Find out more here.

Do you have an interest in supporting those struggling with mental ill health? Want to develop your knowledge or become accredited as a Mental Health First Aider? If so, you are welcome to join this two-day course, led by an expert trainer from the Saltaire Training Company, that can support you to develop your skills and confidence in this area.

More details and booking information can be found here.

If you require any specific help or information, please do contact us at layministry@leeds.anglican.org.

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. The total cost will be £400, excluding sundries.

To book your place please email taize@leeds.anglican.org by Sunday, May 31.

Find out more here.

Parcevall Hall are running a variety of retreats.

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

The Divine Weaver Retreat Day (Friday, June 12, 10am - 4pm)

Led by Revd Jayne Ward. Come and experience weaving as a creative pathway to prayer. Materials and a small frame for weaving will be provided. Refreshments will be served, please bring your own lunch. Cost £30

Walk, Rest and Pray Retreat (Monday, July 6 - Thursday, July 9)

Led by Revd Mark and Gill Ireland. In this retreat we shall go walking, delighting in God’s creation and reflecting from the Bible on how to build refreshing sabbath rest into our often busy lives. There will be six walks during the retreat, with moderately challenging and easier options. Cost: £297

Sing to the Lord a joyful song Friday, July 10 - Sunday, July 12)

Led by Revd Mike Leigh. This retreat will be a joyful weekend of song. Mike will teach songs using music from across the world which are easy to learn and full of harmony. All singing abilities and experience levels are welcome. Cost: £235

Retreat for Carers and those who care (Friday, July 17 - Sunday, July 19)

Led by the Revd Henriette Howarth. This weekend offers rest and spiritual nourishment to those who live with or care for loved ones who struggle with physical and/or mental health challenges. There will be time to rest and receive from God, learn from Scripture, enjoy nature, be creative, and experience God’s peace. Please consider recommending this retreat to people in your parishes who may benefit from it. Click here to find out more.

This course follows Introduction to Theology. It introduces those involved in pastoral work to the key principles of delivering pastoral care under the supervision of their incumbent in their parish(es) in the Diocese of Leeds. Lay Pastoral Ministers are authorised at parish level. This means that applicants for the course must have the approval of their incumbent and PCC.

More details and booking information can be found here. 

For more information, please contact us on layministry@leeds.anglican.org.

This course follows Introduction to Theology. will develop skills and leadership ability in those wishing to be involved in leading worship in their parishes. The Lay Worship Leaders course enables those who have successfully completed it to lead worship in their parish under the supervision of their incumbent. Lay Pastoral Ministers are authorised at parish level. This means that applicants for the course must have the approval of their incumbent and PCC.

More details and booking information can be found here. 

For more information, please contact us on layministry@leeds.anglican.org.

This course follows Introduction to Theology. It is a course for lay people who are unable to commit to becoming Licensed Lay Ministers but still feel called to a preaching ministry on an occasional basis. Occasional Preachers are authorised at parish level. This means that applicants for the course must have the approval of their incumbent and PCC.

More details and booking information can be found here. 

For more information, please contact us on layministry@leeds.anglican.org.

The annual Ale Saints Beer Festival is back on 2nd & 23rd May 2025. A wide range of real ales, gin, bottles of lager and cider also.

There will be live music on the Friday and Saturday (times to be confirmed)

Great value for money at £8 which includes a festival glass and your first pint (or equivalent).

Click here to buy tickets.

A one-day guided retreat exploring a familiar bible story from unfamiliar angles. Time together, followed by a choice of time to reflect on your own or with others both inside and within the grounds. Ideal for those people who need to step off the busyness of life, even if for a moment.

To book please email copsterbarn@gmail.com.

For rural Christians, lay and ordained.

“Being inspired by Regenerative Farming and Food Innovation”

Keynote Speaker: Dr Vincent Walsh, Managing Director of Regen Future Co

Workshops include:

• The Church of England National Environment Officer
• An Eco Church case study
• An energy efficient project in Skipton

Refreshments from 9.30am. Lunch will be provided. Finish after lunch.

RSVP by emailng GovernanceOfficer@riponcathedral.org.uk or by clicking here by Friday, May 15.

Procession of the Host and Benediction on the Eve of Corpus Christi sung by the Leeds Trinity University Chapel Choir with organist Matthew Lazenby.

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.

At a time of growing division around immigration, race, and identity, this evening will offer space to reflect prayerfully and theologically on how the Church is called to respond. Together, we will consider the rise of Christian Nationalism and explore how we might bear faithful witness to the reconciling love of Christ within our communities and nation.

To book supper, please contact Caroline Asquith by no later than Tuesday, May 27: Email: caroline.asquith@leeds.anglican.org

Tel: 07776 963653

Join us for a special evening exploring the urgent challenges of the climate and nature crises facing the UK, hosted by Bishop Malcolm.

On Friday, June 12, we will host a screening of the People's Emergency Briefing film, developed by the National Emergency Briefing team. This powerful film builds on the landmark event held at Westminster last November, which brought together over 1,200 attendees. 

Following the screening, there will be a panel discussion and audience Q&A, offering space to reflect on the issues raised and what they mean for our local communities. The discussion will be chaired by Bishop Malcolm and will include contributions from representatives of local grassroots organisations such as Just Transition Wakefield, GROW Wakefield, and the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.

Find out more and book here.

An evening of music centred on the American Deep South spiritual tradition. Overgate Hospice Choir will be joined by special guests the famous Hammonds Band under the expert baton of their conductor Morgan Griffiths.

Among other items, the choir will be performing ‘Feel the Spirit’, a cycle of seven familiar spirituals expertly arranged by Sir John Rutter.

The vivid and expressive arrangements bring new life to such well loved titles as Steal Away, I got a Robe and When the Saints go Marching In.

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

Our summer concert is a feast of Baroque music.

Bach’s Magnificat, taken from the Gospel of St Luke, is a musical setting of the biblical canticle: a message of hope written as a showpiece to illustrate his talents. “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord”.

Bach Cantata 51: “Sing God’s praise in every land!” This is one of Bach’s most sustained virtuoso pieces. It conveys a profound expression of commitment to God.

Handel’s Dixit Dominus is widely celebrated for its vitality, youthful energy, and dazzling complexity. Composed in 1707 when Handel was just 22, the work showcases his early mastery of choral writing and Italian Baroque style.

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

We believe God is calling the Church to reach new people across the north of England, in new and renewed ways, with the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Whether you’re exploring starting something or are an experienced church planter, join local leaders and teams at Multiply: North in Leeds on Tuesday, June 23 for a day of wisdom on church planting and multiplication shared across traditions, contexts and models.

Early bird tickets are available for £22.50 until Friday 27 March (full price £30).

Hosted by a new collaboration of Baptist, Anglican and ecumenical partners, Multiply: North shares a vision to see healthy churches planted and multiplied across the North.

Find out more and book here.

The Horbury Festival of Church Music 2026 will take place over the weekend of the 27th and 28th June, 2026. Originally founded at St Peter and St Leonard, Horbury, in 1867 and refounded in 2024, this year marks the third festival in its modern iteration. The core aim of the weekend is to study sacred music and share best practice together, celebrating the profound role of music embedded in the liturgy. The festival programme promises a rich weekend of education, worship, and newly commissioned music.

Admission free. Booking not required. 

For enquiries, contact music@horburychurch.com.

A Symposium on Healing marking the 800th Anniversary of the Canonisation of St William of York. The symposium forms part of the celebrations marking the 800th anniversary of the canonisation of William of York, whose shrine at York Minster became one of the great medieval centres of pilgrimage and prayer for healing.

Find out more and book here.

The Sisters of the Community of St Mary the Virgin in Wantage (OX12 9AU) are offering those wondering about a possible vocation to the Religious Life a chance to spend a weekend with them in their Convent joining them in chapel, eating with them, and more. There will also be opportunity to chat with the Sisters and ask questions. Further info can be found here.

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.

This year's Church Action on Poverty Sunday will take place on Sunday 18th October, with a theme of "Food, faith and fellowship".

A record number of churches took part last year, and interested churches are encouraged to register now.

Resource packs will be sent out over the summer, containing bring & share lunch ideas, worship materials, prayer cards, Scriptural reflections, activity sheets, and inspirational stories of churches already doing great work through food. 

To sign up, visit here.

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 to help grow generous and financially sustainable churches. The Stewardship Officer will work alongside two other Diocesan Stewardship Officers, a Parish Support Officer and a Parish Support Administration Officer to help parishes to achieve the levels of income they need to fulfil their mission objectives. They will have an important supportive role in assisting the Stewardship Officers and Parish Support Officer to successfully deliver the Parish Share Agreement process. Find out more about this role here

We are launching a major diocesan initiative to invest in children and young people, supporting up to 22 parish-based projects. To help ensure these roles and ministries thrive long-term, we are seeking a Sustainability / Business Manager to work with parishes to build financial and people sustainability. Find out more about this role here

The Diocese of Leeds is seeking a passionate and creative Lay Training Officer to join our dedicated team, empowering lay ministry and lifelong discipleship across our diverse and vibrant communities. As part of the Diocesan Lay Training Team, you will play a key role in developing and delivering high-quality training pathways for lay ministers and disciples. You will manage and support volunteer tutors, contribute to innovative learning initiatives—including hybrid and online training—and work collaboratively within the wider Formation Team to encourage Christian confidence in our churches. Find out more about this role here

Wakefield Cathedral and Sheffield Cathedral are looking for a shared, 0.8FTE (28 hours per week) Safeguarding Support Officer to undertake effective administration and liaison about safeguarding practice in both cathedrals. This is a rare opportunity to make a real contribution to two organisations at the heart of their local communities which work with people of all ages and backgrounds. 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 June 4. All news stories to communications@leeds.anglican.org. Many thanks!