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Diocesan Enews
Welcome to the Enews for April 2

Welcome to the latest Enews with resources, news and more.
Click on headlines or pictures for more details.  
Contact  [email protected]  with your news. 
News
Bishop Nick Baines has reiterated national advice that churches must stay closed to clergy, laity and the public to protect communities and the NHS from the spread of COVID-19. In a letter sent to all clergy, Bishop Nick urges everyone to heed further guidance sent out at the same time by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York and the diocesan bishops. Bishop Nick will be broadcasting short messages of prayer and reflection for each day of Holy Week starting from Palm Sunday. These will be posted on the diocesan website and shared on our social media platforms. Read more here
Debbie Child has now retired officially from her key role as our Diocesan Secretary, handing over to Jonathan Wood, who takes on that responsibility in most challenging times. Debbie has given 28 years loyal service to the Church of England in our region, having begun work in education for the then Diocese of Bradford, before becoming its Diocesan Secretary. Read more here
Bishop of Huddersfield, the Rt Revd Dr Jonathan Gibbs, has spoken openly of the personal importance of his new role as the Lead Safeguarding Bishop for the Church of England, which he commences this week. In a blog posted on the national Church of England website, Bishop Jonathan talks of how difficult memories from his childhood will help in the many aspects of his new role. Read his blog here
The once-a-decade gathering of the bishops of the Anglican Communion, which was to be held in Canterbury, Kent, in July and August this year, has been rescheduled for 2021 in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. The decision has been taken by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, following consultation with a range of stakeholders. Read more here
A Leeds church has been making sure that the most vulnerable in their area still have vital supplies, by setting up a new centre for distributing goods. St Hilda’s Cross Green has been serving as a focal point for those needing food and other provisions across parts of East Leeds, with the establishment of the St Hilda’s Food Hub. Read more here
New video services have allowed ministry to the deaf in the Diocese and beyond to continue, despite the current restrictions on physical gatherings. The Revd Mark Smith has been leading the Diocesan Deaf Ministry Team in producing new video worship services that include music, readings, reflections and spiritual communion, all available in English and British Sign Language. Read more here
An easy ten step guide has been produced by the Diocese of Leeds to help churches make the most of live streaming. Church communities across the country have adapted to the suspension of public worship by becoming digital; streaming live services, home groups, communion and times of prayer on platforms such as Facebook and Youtube. Read more here
St Edmund’s, Roundhay in Leeds has recently featured on a BBC program looking at responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in Yorkshire. The episode of the BBC’s Inside Out Yorkshire and Lincolnshire program showed how the church is using livestreaming to remain connected to its congregation, as well as what practical steps it is taking to help those most vulnerable in their area.  Read more here
Children from a primary school in the diocese have been able to worship together despite current restrictions, thanks to livestreaming from one of our priests. Revd Ruth Newton, vicar of St John’s Sharow, recently led Collective Worship virtually for children from Sharow Primary School, using Facebook Live to connect to children at home and the small number still in school. Read more here
The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has broadcast an uplifting Mothering Sunday Service from the chapel at Lambeth Palace. With a minumum of people present, he asked listeners to face Coronavirus fears with strength and generous spirits: "Let God lead us into praying for the world." Read more here
Resources
A new COVID-19 web page, designed to give easy access to information and resources regarding coronavirus, has now been created on our website. It can be accessed via the banner on the home page and contains links to Church of England advice for parishes, clerg y and worshippers, plus downloadable material from the national church. Read more here
In a special edition of Money For Mission our stewardship, income generation and finance teams hope to answer some of the questions you may have around church finances at the moment. They also offer s ome helpful guidance and reassurance around giving in the current climate. R ead it here and find other editions on our website.
Our Children, Young people and Families Team have gathered a number of great resources on the Digital Learning Platform, to support and equip parents, children, young people and church youth leaders during this time of physical distancing. Find and access the resources here.
The effects of mental health problems are huge, and given the challenging times we are living in with coronavirus, it's more important than ever that we take steps to support good mental health.To that end, the Church of England have updated their mental health reflections booklet with new material to p rovide hope, reassurance and comfort. Download it here.
Keeping a church connected during a time of social distancing. In this series of webinars, the Church of England Digital Team will look at different ways your church can use digital communications to keep connected with those who attend your services and events.There are lots of webinars to take advantage of, including how to Make the most of your A Church Near You page. They are free to attend . Find out more here.
The free monthly printed news for April has been delivered around the diocese - check pick-up points and where your church's are here. April's issue includes: Christian links strengthened during a trip to Sri Lanka, a Green Lent path to Easter, a message from our diocesan bishop Nick Baines and information regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Safe Togetherness is a new Facebook group designed to give easy access to information and church resources for those across the diocese, regarding coronavirus. For many it is an uncertain and challenging time, and we want this to be a space for people to talk, offer support and share the good things churches are doing to help those in need. Join the group here
On our COVID-19 web pages we have made a list of the church services and events being live streamed across our diocese . This is so anyone in our area is able to find their nearest live streamed Sunday service or prayer meeting. Follow this link to view the list and email [email protected] if you want your church to feature.
"Take responsibility for your discipleship ...join the online learning community" urged Bishop Nick at the close of the Diocesan Lay Conference in 2018. The Digital Learning Platform is full of great information - and you ca n join up now by visiting it and registering 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.
Media
 .. .is the name of Bishop Nick's blog, which includes his appearances in the House of Lords and can be viewed here .
Live streaming has become an important way for churches to stay connected and ensure everyone is able to access events and serv ices, even when people are unable to physically attend. Here , our Digital and Social Media Officer, Richard Ea rnshaw, presents 10 easy steps for live streaming through Facebook and on a smart phone.
Elections for General Synod, the Church's 'parliament', are taking place this year. Will you stand for synod? Will you stand to vote on important issues in the life of the church? O ur diocese will be looking for people to stand as candidates in the elections that commence in the summmer. Watch this videos to find out more
Vacancies
They will be responsible for supporting the Bishop’s Senior Staff with the delivery of the strategic programme. The role will ensure that strategic projects are delivered on time, within scope and budget. The Programme Manager will provide oversight of the strategic programme from inception of ideas through implementation to delivery of projects, ensuring change outcomes are well-defined, appropriately prioritised, and delivered to plan.  Find out more here
The Governors at East Morton Primary School in Keighley wish to appoint an inspirational Headteacher for this rewarding leadership role . Please follow the link here to find out more information and an application pack. 
We are looking for someone who would enjoy working within a committed and collaborative team, to be priest-in-charge of the parish of Christ the King in Battyeford (West Yorkshire) whilst also teaching and supporting students for lay ministry within the School of Ministry of the Diocese of Leeds.  Find out more here
Useful links & Information
For safeguarding issues, contact: 
Jenny Price 07800 740001 
Jenny Leccardi  07872 005189 or
 Narinder Lyon  07872 005309
Moves and Appointments
Revd Stuart Stobart to be Priest in Charge of the Benefice of Halifax Holy Trinity and St Jude’s (Huddersfield EA).
Revd Phil Arnold to be Vicar of Christ Church, Upper Armley (Leeds EA).  
Revd Diane Lofthouse has been granted a licence to serve as Chaplain at Harrogate District Hospital (Ripon EA).
Useful Contact Details
The Who's Who directory lists clergy & diocesan staff (email addresses & phone numbers). Access it here  
Contact us with your news
Please contact the Communications Team with your news for future editions. The e-news is published twice a month. The next edition will be sent out on April 16. Area news stories to [email protected]   
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