Tuesday 15th July 2008
Bishop Cyril writes:
“As a naturally laid back denomination the Church of England gets its thrills by frightening itself to death.” So said Gerald Priestland. These words have been echoing in my mind as I have followed the debates at the GAFCON Conference in Jerusalem, the Synod discussions on the consecration of women bishops in York and the preparation narratives for the Lambeth Conference in Canterbury. At one level I admit that I am frightened to death. Can the Church that has not only survived, but has been energised by diversity continue to negotiate a way forward that maintains its essential unity?
My approach to this is to go back to basics and ask the question, why are we here? What is it all about?
As far as I understand it, the defining factor for church membership is the confession that JESUS IS LORD. This confession remains the most powerful impulse for Christian unity. There is a deep mystical bond, hidden and unbreakable, holding us together – conservative and liberal, traditionalist and progressive. I am bound by the Holy Spirit to hold this truth and to do everything in my power to maintain it.
I do this partly by acknowledging this powerful biblical reality, and partly by recognising the global and the local contexts in which our debates occur.
Our Holy Scriptures remind us that, “God so loved the WORLD that he gave his only son…”
This world that God loves is currently beset with political dysfunction, environmental imbalance, growing international mistrust, natural and man-made disasters, food and fuel shortages; all of which have immediate and serious implications as to whether millions of people live or die. Nearer home, the cost of housing, the economy and the fear of recession are occupying the minds of many of our citizens. In addition the frightening increase in knife crime is challenging police, social agencies, parliament and families alike.
In his presidential address at the York Synod Bishop Sentamu urged the Church to face outward. “Our call is to reach out to our neighbours with God’s message of love in Christ.” This remains for me the primary objective of the Church and must not be obscured by interminable debate on essentially internal issues.
Archbishop Rowan in his Synod address pleads with us “not to lay upon ourselves the yoke of desperate seriousness about ourselves.”
In describing the local context I thought I would tell you of some of the things I have been involved in as a bishop over the last two weeks.
I would have to work very hard to feel depressed about the Church with so many good things happening.
Filling our cup further, at this Synod we are welcoming distinguished visitors to our Diocese. Bishops from Kenya, the USA, Tanzania, Brazil, and Argentina. Our guests help us to see things in a world context and give us so many incentives to be grateful.
The Archbishop of Canterbury reminded Synod in his address of the one inescapable fact – we are “Prisoners of Hope”. We can do nothing other than hope. For this reason I want to end this address by using an easily recognisable eucharistic liturgical text “LIFT UP YOUR HEARTS.”
-+Cyril
The Bishop of Doncaster, Cyril Ashton, will be representing the Diocese at the Lambeth Conference 2008 which begins in Canterbury on Wednesday (16th July). The gathering of Anglican archbishops and bishops from right across the Anglican Communion happens once every ten years and will continue through to August 3rd. The bishops begin the conference with a retreat over several days before beginning a series of wide ranging conversions concerning a number of important issues.
Bishop Ashton said that he looked forward to representing the Diocese of Sheffield at Lambeth and to "some lively debate and important conversations."
The Diocese is currently waiting to hear who will succeed Bishop Jack Nicholls who retired this summer as Bishop of Sheffield. For further information visit www.lambethconference.org
win £3000 for your church. The true meaning of Christmas Ecclesiastical is inviting you to make a one-minute film on the subject with your camcorder, laptop or mobile phone. Then upload it to their specially created website – www.truemeaning.co.uk for the chance to WIN up to £3,000 for your church, plus some amazing prizes for you – your chance to see thebandwithnoname perform live, signed merchandise, tickets to Greenbelt ’09 and much, much more. Right now, visitors to www.truemeaning.co.uk can leave their email to receive advice, hints and tips on how to wow the judges. Entrants can upload their completed films to the website from 1 August 2008, giving you plenty of time to start planning your masterpiece.
Make a one-minute film about the true meaning of Christmas.
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The closing date for entries is 10 October 2008.
The Synod was held at St Mary’s Bramall Lane Saturday 12th July, with worship led by the Revd Canon Julian Sullivan. This was also the annual meeting of the Diocesan Board of Finance. This was the last Synod for both Canon John Biggin and Nick Hutton, who have done an excellent job of maintaining the funds of the Diocese through difficult times, given the recent pension situation with the Diocese having to pick up the bill. Thanks were expressed by John to various people but also to the Parishes who he appreciated had difficulties in paying the Parish Share.
Sandra Newton, who is taking over as Chairman of the DBF, gave a summary of the position for this year and hoped that Parishes would continue to pay. If we do not reach the 94 % target then things will be difficult, and Parishes are asked to advise Church House if they foresee problems. She also gave a report on the draft budget for 2009, which will be updated and discussed in November.
We had a report from Greg Venables, Bishop of Argentina, our Link Diocese – he is also Archbishop of the Southern Cone. Bishop Venables said that the country was the 8th largest in the world but they have 12 parishes and few clergy. They valued the support of Sheffield which has helped them but they had a lot to teach us about growth. Mike Wilkie of USPG explained his situation as a lone person in the country.
There was a motion from Laughton Deanery encouraging Parishes to make use of the Smartwater kits, which was passed. Canon Geoffrey Harbord gave a thorough report on the recent General Synod, interlaced with trademark humour. Finally we had news from 3 Bishops attending Lambeth from Tanzania, Brazil, and USA.
The Presidential Address was given by Bishop Cyril.
-Ian Downing
Following her recent marriage, Reverend Louise Ridley, Vicar of St Cuthbert's, Fir Vale, Sheffield is now known as Reverend Louise R. Collins.
Edited by Adrian Alker
This book offers the reader a landscape of hope for open minded engagement within the Christian Church today. Ten essays are coupled with questions for reflection and discussion and suggestions for further study leaving the reader with a rich and thoughtful resource.
Price is £4.99 plus £1.50 p&p
To order send a cheque payable to St Marks CRC or visit www.stmarkscrc.co.uk
Workshop to create and update Godly Play Stories in Resource Centre @ Church House 9.30-2.30 Wednesday 16th July. This workshop involves painting, cutting out, sticking, stories, fun and food! It is an opportunity to update the stories available to borrow from Church House and also to create and buy your own resources! Please let us know if you intend to come along by contacting Trish on 01709309147
Lunch will be provided @ a small cost.
We have recently had some new desks here at Bishopscroft and we have a nice secretary's desk and return in light oak with brown trim which is in excellent condition and I wondered if you could put something in Snippets for us please. It is free to a good home, just needs collecting. – Sue Davis, sue@bishopofsheffield.org.uk
We ask you to pray this week (16th - 22nd July) for people from the following occupations;- Metal machining, fitting, instrument making craftsmen and women, skilled car, bus and lorry workers.
The Occupational Prayer Cycle, which runs week by week, covers nearly all occupations over the course of the year. It is produced by South Yorkshire Workplace Chaplaincy (SYWC), and more information can be found on their website at http://www.sywc.org.uk/opc/.
SYWC is involved at Sheffield Forgemasters, which has a large number of people in these jobs, some of whose skills are practically unique.
Saturday 26th July 1.30 - 3.30 p.m. in the Rectory Garden.
Admission 50p (including lucky number draw). Crafts & cards, tombola, cakes, raffle, jewellery; Plants fun activities for children
Cream teas, strawberries & cream
Annual Festival of Art - 30th & 31st August 2008
Over 300 pictures on display by local artists, many for sale, craft stalls, tombola, bottle stall, excellent refreshments. - Tower Open.
SAT 30th Aug. - 10.00am - 6.00pm
SUN 31st Aug - 10.00am - 4.00pm
For further information call 01302 886539
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/minette_marrin/article4322604.ece
PLEASE NOTE THAT SNIPPETS WILL BE HAVE A SUMMER BREAK AFTER THE 22nd July Edition. It will return on 16th September. Between those two dates we will send you occasional news updates – particularly final resolutions from the Lambeth Conference etc. Many thanks for all the items you have sent in over the past 12 months and we look forward to continuing our weekly news service into the autumn. Please continue to send your news and events for the diocesan website and media office.
Revd Rob Marshall
Diocesan Communications Adviser
22nd-24th August 2008
New to Whirlow Grange is a Weekend Walking Retreat with an option to stay over until bank holiday Monday. This will be a good opportunity for you to get your family and friends to visit Sheffield, but be entertained and accommodated at Whirlow Grange. Three action packed days, with three grades of Walks each day, and some extra special treats for participants. The weekend has been designed for those not fully happy in an indoors retreat environment, and will have an environmental focus. Led by the Warden, Graham Holland, Ramblers expert Brenda Blaydes and seasoned Peak District Walker David Hughes, it will also feature input by Rev Mike Gilbert the Bishop of Sheffield’s Environmental Adviser. The cost is just £125. Don’t miss it! Book it now!
Exploring the distinctive nature of Church Schools
A CONFERENCE FOR HEADTEACHERS, CLERGY AND CHAIRS OF GOVERNING BODIES to be held at Sheffield Cathedral on Wednesday 8th October 2008 at 9.30 a.m. to 3.30 pm with Lisa Fenton Senior Adviser, Board of Education in the Diocese of Blackburn.
Cost: £50 First place for each school, £25 second and subsequent places Cost includes: buffet lunch one copy of Be Bold! per school. Booking by Wednesday 1 Oct. returned with cheque payable to SDBF to Trish Stafford Diocesan Church House, 95-99 Effingham Street, Rotherham,
S65 1BL, 01709 309147
We are looking for a joyful and enthusiastic person to be ½ time Priest-in-Charge at Todwick, and ½ time Chaplain among deaf people.
About the church and parish:
About the Chaplaincy among deaf people:
About you:
Incumbent’s stipend (£21,310)
Closing date: 31st July 2008
Interviews to be arranged
For an application form please contact the Archdeacon’s secretary at Diocesan Church House.
For an informal conversation about the parish, please contact one of the parish representatives, Roy Hesketh, 01909 770937 or David Thorpe, 01909 770821
For an informal conversation about the chaplaincy, please contact Canon David Bliss, 01709 364341
c £40k
Sheffield Cathedral sits at the heart of a diverse community, attracting some 50,000 visitors per year. It is in the midst of major re-development, having recently opened excellent conference and community resources, and is poised for further re-development. The driving strategy is to develop its role as a spiritual place for all people through prayer, as a unique event and exhibition space and through high quality hospitality services.
We now wish to appoint a General Manager to help us shape our business strategy and develop this offer. This is a multi faceted operations role requiring vision, commitment and influencing skills. You will bring a track record managing hospitality or event related services and excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Your leadership style will be inclusive and open and you will also be skilled in managing a multi disciplined operations team and building excellent customer and stakeholder relationships.
For further information and an application pack please contact our retained consultant Bryan McPaul, quoting bml 427, at Brophy McPaul Ltd on 01244 675132, by email at mail@brophy-mcpaul.com or in writing at PO Box 3435 Chester CH1 9DF.
Closing date for completed applications: 22nd July 2008
Interviews and assessments are planned for 1st August 2008
We are looking to recruit an organized person to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the busy and thriving church centre at St Bartholomew’s.
Hours and salary
25 hours per week (5 hours per day Monday to Friday). Pay is £10 per hour (gross)
A detailed job description is on the church’s web site www.stbartschurch.co.uk
For an application pack please e-mail Tina Powell-Wiffen at st.barts@tiscali.co.uk
The closing date for applications is 16th July 2008. They need to be in writing addressed to Mrs. T. Powell-Wiffen at the address below and marked ‘confidential’
Interviews will take place during the weeks beginning 4th and 11th August – please indicate any days during these two weeks when you would not be available for interview
St. Bartholomew’s Church Centre, Primrose Hill, Sheffield S6 2UW Phone 0114 2853075
Due to ill health a vacancy has arisen for an experienced or part experienced bookkeeper, ideally with purchase ledger experience. You must be used to using a computer based accounts package, we use Access (Horizons) but Sage experience is wholly transferable. This is a 5 hours per week vacancy, the days and hours worked are negotiable as is the salary. This vacancy would suit a returner, a person who has retired early, someone seeking to build their own business, or a person training in accountancy seeking an income from their spare time. Training in the actual systems at Whirlow Grange will be available, Training in Bookkeeping or accountancy skills will not. In the first instance telephone Graham Holland the Warden and General Manager on 0114 236 3173.
Whirlow Grange is seeking to recruit to this existing role when the existing Manager moves to manage another successful business in Sheffield. Whirlow is looking for an experienced or part experienced manager to cover hospitality services, residential accommodation, cleaning and house team services. Whirlow hosts many high level functions as well as spirituality retreats, national meetings and conferences. There is huge potential for learning and developing managerial skills, hotel type management and staff management, in a pleasant non-pressured environment. The right candidate will be experienced, sympathetic to the objectives of Whirlow Grange, be flexible, able to work weekends and shifts on a rota basis and have or be willing to work towards Designated Personal Licence Holder status. (Licensee). Salary around £20k depending on qualifications and experience. Although an experienced person is sought, a graduate or person currently training may be considered. In the first instance telephone Graham Holland the Warden and General Manager on 0114 236 3173.
This new post will be created after the Summer when a number of personnel are retiring or moving on to new posts. The person appointed will head up the hospitality team and beds team, and will have a supervisory role and a minor “duty manager” role at certain times. This is an ideal job for a student with hospitality experience but looking to gain first hand experience of supervisory or management skills. The successful candidate will be a permanent full time employee and will supervise a team of up to 8 part time and casual staff and volunteers under the direct supervision of the Assistant Manager/ Hospitality Manager. This is very much a hands-on role.
Hours of work will be 35 per week on a rota basis with late nights, early mornings and weekends. Salary is negotiable.
In the first instance telephone Graham Holland the Warden and General Manager on 0114 236 3173.
A vacancy exists for a non-executive Director to join the voluntary board of 12 Directors responsible for Whirlow Grange Limited. Ideally you will be a person with a business acumen And a sympathy with the work of the Christian Spirituality Centre and the work of Whirlow Grange. You should be able to commit at least 2 hours per month unpaid to attend the Board Meetings and a further two hours reading time in preparation. The successful applicant will be subject to the approval of the Diocesan Synod but need not have a religious background. We are looking for someone that will bring a spread of life skills and business skills to broaden the representation of the Board. Expenses can be paid for childcare, transport and the like. Meetings are currently held in the early evening and last for two hours. THIS IS NOT A PAID POSITION.
In the first instance telephone Graham Holland the Warden and General Manager on 0114 236 3173. Please note that all successful applicants will need to agree to an enhanced CRB check.
(Ref 425-161-08)
£28,313 - £37,326 pa pro rata (Band 7)
20.5 hours per week
Do you enjoy working with adults and children of all ages?
Do you want to offer direct pastoral and spiritual care
that makes a difference?
Do you want to spend more time on the wards than in the office?
If so we are seeking an Anglican priest or an experienced lay person to lead a small ecumenical Chaplaincy team. You will offer pastoral and spiritual care to children, families and staff of all faiths and none as well as heading up the team.
If you would like to arrange a visit or to talk with a member of the Chaplaincy Team, please contact 0114 2717338.
An application pack can be obtained via the NHS Jobs website www.jobs.nhs.uk or via email at jobapplications@sch.nhs.uk or by contacting the HR Department on (0114) 2260634 (answer phone).
Closing date: 16 July 2008
Interview date: 31 July 2008
Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust in accordance with the Equal Opportunities policy is committed to treating all individuals equally irrespective of age, race, social background, gender, sexual preference, colour, disability, nationality, ethnic origin, marital status, religion or trade union membership.
Emmanuel Church is a 4-way denominational LEP (Anglican, Reform, Methodist and Baptist). The successful candidate chosen will be asked to work on a .5 basis. They would need to work closely with:
The Methodist Minister, The Leadership Team, The Congregation of Emmanuel Junior School, which shares its premises with the Church and other organisations in the community.
An emphasis on PARTNERSHIP will be required. The successful candidate would need to have a passion for Mission and Church growth, both spiritually and numerically with a desire encourage and to train and release the congregation to be more outwardly active in authentic mission.
They will also need to demonstrate a Pastor’s heart and a desire to help people walk in peace and reconciliation. A flexible approach to worship is essential to the job, as are a wide variety of liturgies and styles. Emmanuel serves a community of social and private housing of some 7,000 people. Candidates should be ordained or licensed lay ministers.
Hours: .5 post
Salary: .5 of Ordained Minister
Main Duties and Responsibilities
The Aim of Appointment
Revd Steve Willett (Area Dean), 63 Sheffield Road, Hackenthorpe, SHEFFIELD, S12 4LR
Any query can be handled by the Area Dean on 0114 2484486.
Owen Edwards
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