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Beacon Methodist Church Newsletter April 2013

1 Registered Charity Number 1138647

Beacon Newsletter

April 2013

Lisa’s Children’s and Fami-

lies’ Worker Report

January and 2013 were well and truly

welcomed in with a wonderful New Year

Dinner at Nether Green. Over 80 people

enjoyed great food and Steve and I led a

giant interactive game of snakes and lad-

ders.

January’s X:Site was cancelled because

of snow but the March event took place.

We thought about the story of the feed-

ing of the 5000 (well, around 17000 if

you include women and children!). Dur-

ing the evening I asked a little girl of

around 8 years old how Jesus could do

this miracle. She replied it was because

he was God. I suggested to her that he

was a man when he came to earth and

didn’t have all of the powers of God. The

little girl said that maybe Jesus had a bit

of God in him. Wonderful! Very enthusi-

astically I agreed and, having just talked

about the Holy Spirit coming to Jesus at

his baptism, I hoped she would say that

the bit of God in Jesus was the Holy Spir-

it. When I asked her, she happily replied

that it was the ‘magic bit’. Perfect! She

made my day!!

3. Monthly Praise

Service

3. Nether Green

Notices

4. Housegroups

4. Ann Hughes and

friends

5. Spiritual Accom-

paniment

5. Contributions

6. X:Site

7. Stewardship

7. Beacon AGM

8. Mike King

9. Whirlow Grange

11. Limericks

12. Beacon Week-

end Away

13. Church Council

Highlights

16. Crookes Valley

News

16. Fun Page

17. Janet Brown

17. Listening Ear

18. Chaplaincy Eve-

rywhere

19.Life begins at 80

19. MWiB

20. Broomhill News

21. Stephen Hill

News

22. Can you help?

23. Mission Enabler

News

24. Newsletter

Inside this issue:



Unexpectedly, we had a visit from St

Marie’s Roman Catholic School in Janu-

ary as part of the week of prayer for

Christian unity. The children had pre-

pared some prayers and I helped them

think about what makes Christians

different and similar. We agreed togeth-

er that we share Jesus and he is most

important. We made footprints and

handprints together to remember the

visit.

During half term the church was open

for a BIG Day In with a bouncy castle,

craft, games, cooking and more to enter-

tain children during the holiday. It’s a

great way of welcoming families into the

church and offering other groups and

activities to them. We had 24 children

come over the course of the day which

was great (and more than we’ve had at

previous events).

Sue and I have designed a children’s and

youth flyer which promotes the different

groups on offer at Nether Green. We

have over 1000 of them and so will be

starting a delivery operation in the near

future – any offers of help gratefully re-

ceived.

Almost a year after the celebrations be-

gan, in February the members of Nether

Green purchased the final books of the

100 we had pledged to buy. This was

part of our 100th anniversary celebra-

tions. I happily delivered the books, in

the snow, to NG Junior, Fulwood Nurse-

ry, Tapton and Notre Dame and they

were gratefully received. It was a fabu-

lous way to bless the schools in our com-

munity.

At the beginning of March I welcomed

over 70 Year 1 children (5 and 6 year

olds) and their teachers from NG Infants

to the church. It was the school’s annual

visit when they hunt around the church

looking for key objects like a Bible, the

organ, a cross, the pulpit etc. We

chatted together, ate bread and shared

a story. During the question and answer

time at the end I was asked about the

organ, why we have banners on the wall

and where is heaven!

On a personal note, January saw the ar-

rival of our first nephew, a healthy baby

called Oliver Robert. Steve and I trav-

elled down to Reading to meet him a

few weeks ago. It also gave us a chance

to see where we’ll be living in the

months to come. In case you haven’t

already heard, Steve has been offered a

job as Community Minister for an Angli-

can church in west London (and not far

from where we used to live). He starts

just after Easter and so will move down

at the beginning of April. You are stuck

with me for a little bit longer as I will be

seeing out my contract but I will be

heading back down south in July. My last



Nether Green Advanced

Notices

Nether Green Summer Celebration, 10.30 joint service with Nel followed by a BBQ and bouncy castle - Sunday 23rd June, 10.30, more details and invitations to follow, all Beacon friends welcome.

German Exchange, 40 visitors from Nag-old in Germany will be with the Nether Green congregation from Friday 26th July to Friday 2nd August - keep your eyes and ears open for details of the ex-citing activities planned and the different ways you and your family can get in-volved.

working day will be 23rd July. It doesn’t

feel like we moved here over 2 and a

half years ago and so it feel very strange

to be planning to move on again but Ste-

ve and I both feel that it’s what God

wants for both us and the church for the

coming years. Writing for my disserta-

tion is nearing its end. Today (26th

March), I have 12000 words (which is

the minimum) and a small section, intro-

duction and conclusion left to go. By the

time you read this on Easter Sunday (or

later) I hope that my work has been sub-

mitted and I am recovering!!

Lisa

Monthly Praise Service

2nd Sunday of the month

6.30pm The Beacon at Crookes Valley (Broomhill)

To join with the praise band practice session, simply

turn up early, at 4.30pm.

New musicians/singers welcome.



HOUSE GROUP AT JAN’S MANSE

Revised Dates!!!

The house group looking at the book by Brian McLaren ‘Naked Spirituality’ will now meet on the following Mondays at 7.30pm:

8th April / 13th May / 17th June / 29th July / 19th August / 16th September / 14th October / 18th November

FELLOWSHIP GROUP AT JAN’S MANSE

Withdrawn...

Due to a lack of interest the fellowship house group for Nether Green people, which met at Jan’s manse on Monday evenings will no longer be available.

If you would like your housegroup added here please email:

[email protected]

New Travellers House Group

The group will meet at 65 Hallam Grange Road.

Thursday 11th April

10.30

The Beacon at Broomhill

Ann Hughes and Friends Entertain

At Coffee Morning



SPIRITUAL ACCOMPANIMENT

What is Spiritual Accompaniment?

It is a form of prayerful discernment.

What happens?

It is a three-way meeting with God at the centre.

Is it for me?

Yes – it is for anyone seeking to draw closer to God.

Why would I seek an Accompanier?

An Accompanier will enable your own reflection.

How can I find more about Spiritual Accompaniment?

Deacon Jan Miles is a trained Spiritual Accompanier and is offering this as a service to people in The Beacon Methodist Church ~ For details or to book:

By appointment only Tel: 0114 230 1338

Contributions Wanted

If you are thinking that you might have an article that others in the Beacon

might like to hear about or are thinking that you would like your events to be

advertised in the Newsletter then please do send it in to

[email protected]

The deadline for the next issue is Sunday 21st Apr on paper, or Thursday

25th by email.

The next issue will be for May.



STEWARDSHIP

A big thank you to everyone who has returned their Time and Talent and Pledge

forms from the Beacon church council.

It is not too late to return yours. Please hand to a steward, put in a collection plate

or send to me.

We still need more pledges for regular giving and urgently need £20,000 (plus Gift

Aid) so we can advertise for the Beacon Children and Families Worker as a three

year full time post.

The Nether Green refurbishment project is also underfunded.

A fuller report will be made at the General Meeting.

Andrew Coomer – Treasurer

Beacon AGM

Sunday 14th April - 12.30pm at Nether Green

Bring and share lunch

AGM starts at 1.30pm



You are invited to

An Evening with Mike King

Vice-President of the Methodist Church

with an opportunity for Mike King to respond to ques-

tions about the World Church.

Tea and Coffee will be served.

On Friday 19 April 2013: 6.30 - 9.00

At Victoria, Methodist Church,

Stafford Road, Sheffield, S2 2SE

Arranged by Methodist Women in Britain & Victoria Methodist Church

for the Sheffield District



One-Day Workshops

(1) Myers Briggs Workshop

Thur 25 Apr, 9.45am – 3.45pm. Cost £31.

During the day we will ex-plore the theory of psy-chological type using expe-riential workshop activities designed to highlight the differences in psychologi-cal type between individu-als in respect of how they prefer to receive infor-mation and make deci-sions based upon it. By the end of the day participants should know their own type formula and have some understanding of what that means for them.

Please note that a ques-tionnaire will need to be completed and returned by 4th April to determine your type in order to par-ticipate in the day.

The leader is Revd. Pat Holmes who is an or-dained priest and has worked in the Wakefield Diocese for the past fifteen years. She has been a qualified Myers Briggs Practitioner for six years and has completed a Mas-ters degree in the practical

implications of Psychologi-cal Type Theory in relation to preaching, ministry and spirituality. She has led workshops relating Per-sonality Type to preaching, stress, spirituality, Team-work and ministry at the Mirfield Centre, Yorkshire Ministry Course and within the Wakefield Diocese.

A further workshop that looks at how your type may affect your spirituali-ty is on Thursday 23rd May.

(2)Spiritual Warfare?

Thur 9 May, 9.45am – 3.45pm. Cost £21.

The leaders are Sister Vanessa Kirby & Sister Louise Yaull. When out and about in the commu-nity Vanessa became aware of places that felt ‘spiritually dark’ and would specifically pray for God’s presence and peace in these areas. These experi-ences have led her to begin explore how spiritu-al warfare can be mani-fested within our commu-nities.

Louise’s personal interest in spiritual warfare has

grown from encountering people over the years who have been set free and found healing through prayer ministry. This has led her to look afresh at the biblical perspective and Christian teaching about the spiritual world, even when it seems to clash with Western ration-alism.

Drawing on their own ex-periences and ministry, Vanessa and Louise would like to explore through this awareness day the rele-vance and reality of spir-itual warfare in a way that enables discussion and reflection to occur from a variety of perspectives. The aim is that partici-pants will leave with an awareness of spiritual war-fare and how this can im-pact our daily lives as Christians.

Vanessa & Louise are Church Army Evangelists at the Wilson Carlile Cen-tre in Sheffield, the home of the Church Army. In the past Vanessa worked for 6 years with vulnerable women within the city, developing relationships of

Whirlow Grange Christian Spirituality Centre



trust and exploring crea-tive expressions of Chris-tian community. Louise has spent the last five years ministering as a chaplain in GP surgeries as well as in the city centre.

Weekend Event

Songs of Life with John Bell

Fri 26—Sun 28 April. All inclusive weekend—£180

Option to attend individual sessions. Please see our website for full details and booking form.

This weekend offers the opportunity to be with John Bell in a variety of settings to hear him speak and lead in music.

Fri 26 evening The Lost Tradition of Lament

For a variety of reasons, the engagement of con-gregations in lament has diminished in frequency in the past century. It is not that there is less to lament about: people still die, and the incidence of war, dis-aster, mental illness, etc. has not noticeably de-creased. But the expecta-tion to be constantly en-tertained, even in church, sometimes prevents peo-ple from relating to God in the depths of sorrow as

much as of joy. In this hopeful session we look at the untapped potentials of lament.

Sat 27 morning Singing with the Global Church

For a long time, the west dominated the song of the church. Our expectation has been that developing nations should use our hymns, albeit translated into local languages. But in recent years, the song of the churches in Africa, Asia and Latin America reveal not only attractive music that westerners can sing, but also texts that alert us to dimensions of scripture, belief and spirituality which can contribute to our growing in faith as the universal body of Christ. In this workshop, we sample some such sources.

Sat 27 afternoon The Effect of Sung Text in Faith Development

As distinct from sermons which are usually preached once, hymns and songs tend to be sung again and again, thereby unconsciously developing a deep rooted theology in the minds and hearts of the singers. Undoubtedly the notion that one of Je-

sus' primary characteristics was gentleness owes much more to hymnody than to any exposition of the Gos-pel in which we find fre-quent expressions of Jesus' anger. So here we explore how our faith has been shaped by what we sing and also discern the things of which we need to sing more often.

Sat 27 evening Revd Phil-ip Roderick will be

‘In Conversation with John’.

Sun 28 morning Songs from the Iona Community

Over the past thirty years, the Iona Community has produced songs and hymns which have gone into the repertoire of churches worldwide. At the same time, it has con-tinued an older tradition of bringing, from the church-es to which we once sent missionaries, songs of pro-found depth, easy engage-ment and refreshing spirit-uality. In this session we will sample a wide variety of types of song.

John Bell is based in Glas-gow and works with his colleagues in the areas of



music, worship and spirit-uality. He is neither Leader nor Musical Director of the Iona Community, but is simply a Wild Goose Resource Worker.

Simple Quiet Day

Tues 16 April, 9.45am-

3.45pm. Cost £12 includ-ing a packed lunch.

For More Information

You can get more infor-mation, or book, by phon-ing the Centre on 236 3173.

Visit the web site www.whirlowgrange.co.uk

The Centre is off Whirlow Grange Drive off Ecclesall Road South, Sheffield, S11 9PZ(postal), (S11 9RX for sat nav)

BEACON LIMERICKS

Broomhill's of a radical turn

And welcomes all chances to learn

Solar panels arrange

To avert climate change

As there's no longer money to burn.

They're an interesting group at Crookes Valley

They're always so friendly and pally

They love Knit and Knatter

And worship with chatter

But are liable to dilly and dally.

Nether Green has a family feel

For at Crossroads you get a good deal.

Groundbreakers is fun

Breakthrough, Icthus and none

Can beat Tea on the Ramp for a meal!

Stephen Hill is a welcoming church

There's a coffee lounge where you can perch

Any day of the week

And if God you would seek

There are those who will help in the search.

Jenny Carpenter 26/03/13.

Have Jenny’s fun limericks

inspired you?

Perhaps we should have a

poetry/limerick competi-

tion with a Beacon theme.

Send in your poems to

newsdesk@

beaonmethodist.org.uk

http://www.whirlowgrange.co.uk/



THE BEACON

WEEKEND AWAY

SPRING 2014

TO REGISTER AN INTEREST CALL

Deacon Jan Miles: 230 1338



HIGHLIGHTS OF BEACON CHURCH COUNCIL on 21 MARCH 2013

PEOPLE

Nel Shallow has been unanimously accepted as a candidate for presbyteral ministry by the Connexional Candidates Committee. This is subject to the agreement of Methodist Conference in July – but that is 99.99% certain.

Congratulations, Nell.

Steve Macbeth is beginning a new job with an Anglican parish in West Lon don.

Lisa will be staying on in Sheffield until her contract ends in the summer.

Jesus' words “Do not cling to me” have added significance for Lisa and Steve this Easter.

Deacon Jan Miles is to spend 2 hours a week offering chaplaincy to the Cross pool Medical Practice. This is work close to Jan's heart and Beacon Church Council offered prayerful support.

It was resolved that Joanna Dunn and Liz Harding be received into membership at the Beacon United Service on Sunday 14 April at 6.30pm at Crookes Valley.

SAFEGUARDING

Tim Bradshaw explained that the rules have now changed. Fewer people will have to have police checks. The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) has been replaced by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). However two independent references will betaken up for all new volunteers to work with children/young people or vul-nerable adults and new volunteers will have to do the prescribed “Creating Safer Space” training.

FAIR TRADE CHURCH ACCREDITATION

It was stated that Broomhill, Crookes Valley and Stephen Hill each have Fair Trade accreditation. As we are all one church now, Nether Green leadership team was asked to check and confirm their engagement with the principles of Fair Trade. It was further resolved that all groups using Beacon premises have their attention drawn to this commitment.



FINANCE

The current financial situation was presented : roughly in line with budget. In the 2013-14 financial year, churches will be expected to pay only the same assess-ment as this year – though offers to give more will be welcomed! In a Sheffield -wide list of giving per head per Methodist member, Beacon is currently in third place. The Stewardship Pledge Forms returned so far averaged a 25% increase in the giving of those individuals, which was encouraging, but only a low percentage of forms sent out have so far been returned. (See Stewardship Update elsewhere in this Newsletter).

PROPERTY

Good progress was reported in the re-ordering of the Nether Green worship area. Funds are available to proceed with its carpeting. Work on the car park and associ-ated modifications at Stephen Hill are to be deferred, as is the replacement of the Community Room carpet at Nether Green. Priority is to be given to the toilets at Nether Green. Thanks were recorded to Nigel Thomas for the practical work he does for the Beacon, saving hundreds of pounds in contractors' bills.

ELECTRICITY

Donald Smith is to seek clarification from the electricity company who have advised that they will be making a modest charge in relation to the electricity generated through Broomhill's solar panels. This has come out of the blue and does not accord with the terms of the scheme, so to be taken up with Connexional Property Office and Nick Clegg MP.

BEACON REVIEW GROUP REPORT ON STAFFING

Discussion took place on an evident lack of understanding of Deacon Jan's role. Dea-cons are ministers, though they do not necessarily have an authorisation to preside at Holy Communion. They epitomise Christ's servant role and have a community focus. Tim and Jan have carefully thought through their complementary roles and are equally ministers for the Beacon. The Council members were urged to help con-gregations appreciate this. It is also important to stress that a visit from a pastoral visitor or class leader is a visit from “the Church” just as is a visit from the minister. Consultation on possible re-invitation from September 2014 will begin shortly, as the July Circuit Meeting will agree the decision. This relates to Tim Bradshaw and Cat Harland.



CHILDREN & FAMILIES

Lisa Macbeth submitted a full report, and was wished well with her dissertation which is nearing completion. She asked for volunteers to help the work with chil-dren at Nether Green on Monday and Thursday evenings, to replace Steve who will be working in London after Easter.

NEW POST : CHILDREN AND FAMILIES DEVELOPMENT WORKER

A draft job description and person specification were examined. It was agreed to add in work with local schools to the job description. So far money pledged for this new post amounted to about two thirds of that needed to make a 3 year full-time appointment. It was agreed to appeal for a further £25,000 to make up the shortfall. If this was not forthcoming, the post would be advertised offering flexibility be-tween 19 and 24hrs a week, subject to District agreement.

YOUTH

Sue Brown submitted a report. Hers is a half-time development worker post. Her other job is leading a counselling programme at a Leeds primary school. One new initiative is Re:vue, a fortnightly Thursday evening group at Stephen Hill discussing ideas in books and films raised by the youngsters themselves. Volunteer adult help is needed. It is hoped to engage those involved in the pantomime … and their friends. Another is Tea and Toast, a safe place for young people to come straight after school. This has been advertised in Crosspool shops and the Tapton School newsletter. It is hoped to start a Friday night group at Nether Green post-July for 11-13 year olds.

PRAYER 8

On the 8th of each month the Circuits in Sheffield take it in turn to arrange a prayer day for the new Circuit. On 8 April Sheffield West hosts a prayer day at Stephen Hill.

Nel and volunteers will prepare from 8am and there will be sessions from 10am to 12noon and from 6pm to 8pm. Refreshments available. Worship gatherings within these times will be at 11am and 7pm. Please support this.

ANNUAL CHURCH MEETING Sunday 14 April. 12.30 Bring & Share lunch at Nether

Green followed by business including appointment of church stewards.



Emily Hazel was baptised on 3rd March; it was a lovely service (thanks Cat and Dave) with a

large congregation – many of whom are not regular church goers – they were made to feel

very welcome. Unfortunately many members of that congregation came down with a sick-

ness bug afterwards! You can’t have everything!

In spite of the snowy conditions, we still managed to meet for a service on the 24th March.

Dave Lees did a sterling job as stand-in preacher and pianist after Tim was unable to travel

through the Arctic conditions. Everyone then went for lunch together, which was really

lovely.

Crookes Valley News



Listening Ear

April 3rd May 1st

June 5th July 3rd

‘Listening Ear’ offers an opportunity for one to one confidential conversation with

Deacon Jan, in which to explore your own spiritual journey or share what’s on your

mind...

Feel free to come along on the following Wednesdays 10.30 – 11.30am

THE BEACON METHODIST CHURCH AT STEPHEN HILL

“Stay active and stay interested!” That's the advice of the oldest man in Britain, Sheffield's own Ralph Tarrant at 109. Ralph is only one of the hundreds of el-derly people in Broomhill and Broomhall who over the years have counted Janet Brown a friend.

For over 13 years Janet has been em-ployed by Churches Together in Broom-hill and Broomhall as a Community Worker with Older People. At the end of March she retires from full-time work. A special celebration of her work was held on Friday 15 March from at the Beacon at Broomhill Methodist Church. Janet gave a brief report on her work.The guest speaker was Paul Blomfield, MP for Sheffield Central.

Tributes were made by representatives of the churches and local community, including Ralph Tarrant's daughter and

Fatuma Hussain, a Somali woman from Broomhall, who testified to Janet's friendly and knowledgeable help.

Janet was presented with a camellia bush and a rosemary bush for her Stannington garden as well as a sizeable cheque. Oth-er personal gifts were presented, includ-ing some House of Commons chocolate mints from Paul Blomfield. It's good to know that they aren't all humbugs!

This is not the first time that Janet's work has been given public recognition.

She has twice been awarded a “Community Star” for the contribution she has made to the wellbeing of older people in Sheffield.

Jenny Carpenter

CELEBRATING JANET BROWN



A small group resource for nurturing engagement in God's mission through chaplaincy.

Local, congregation led chaplaincy is one of the most effective ways to collaborate in God's mission in the world; local people responding to local needs over time can

change the world!

This course is designed to take a group from being interested in the ministry of chap-

laincy to actually planning a chaplaincy ministry and doing it.

The Chaplaincy Everywhere Course

The Beacon Methodist Church at Broomhill ~ Fulwood Room

Saturdays: June 1st ~ June 15th ~ June 29th

Refreshments including cake will be available!

To register a place please contact the leaders:

Nel Shallow: [email protected]

Rev. Cat Harland: [email protected] or

Deacon Jan Miles: [email protected]

The Chaplaincy Everywhere Course

mailto:[email protected]





Life begins at 80

I have good news for you: the first 80 years are the worst, then everyone wants to

carry your bags or help you upstairs. If you forget an appointment, or promise to be

on two places at once, or spell words wrongly, you just need to explain that you are

80.

At 80 you can relax with no misgivings. You have a perfect alibi for everything. No-

body expects anything of you. If you act silly, then it’s your second childhood – eve-

ryone is looking for symptoms of softening of the brain.

If you can survive until you’re 80, everyone is surprised that you can walk. At 70,

they are mad at you for everything: at 80, they forgive you.

Remember, old folks are worth a fortune, with silver in their hair, gold in their teeth,

stones in their kidneys, lead in their feet and gas in their stomachs.

I have become a little older since I saw you last, and a few changes have taken place

in my lifestyle since then. Frankly, I have become quite a frivolous old girl. I am see-

ing four gentlemen a day.

As soon as I wake up, Will Power helps me get out of bed. Then I go and see John.

Arthur Itis shows up and stays for the rest of the day. He doesn’t like to remain in

one place for too long, so he takes me from joint to joint. After a busy day, I’m really

tired, and am glad to go to bed with Vic Vapour-Rub. What a life!

PS The vicar called the other day. He told me that at my time of life I should be

thinking about the hereafter. I told him “I do that all the time. No matter where I am

– in the kitchen, upstairs in the bedroom or down in the garage – I ask myself ‘What

am I here after?’”.

Courtesy of Thelma Smeaton, with acknowledgements to Holy Trinity Church, Wey-

mouth

MWiB

Wednesday 24th April 2013 10am - 4pm Cost £23 Retreat Day, Bawtry Hall, nr. Doncaster.

Theme : " Pilgrims on the Way. "

Leader: Rev. Kirstin Markay. Minister in the Barnsley Circuit. Kirstin has served as a pastor in mission and ministry in the U.S.A., Lithuania and Italy.



Broomhill News

Monday Discussion Group. Fitzwilliam Court 15th April: Lunch Out (Meet at 12.00) 6th May: Newspaper Cuttings even-ing (7.30 p.m.) Contemplative Prayer Group 7.30 p.m. Thursday April 4th. Venue TBA Wednesday May 1st. Venue TBA For further details contact Donald Smith on 266 2491

or [email protected] St. Mark's Centre for Radical Christiani-ty. St. Mark's C of E, Broomfield Road, Broomhill. Saturday 11th May 2013. 10.00 - 4.00 'Christian Beginnings - Why Jesus didn't die out' Professor Gurt Ludemman of Georg-

August-University, Gottingen, Germany. How did the faith of a crucified Galilean in the first century AD become good news for most of the inhabited world? For details contact CRC on 266 3613 or [email protected]

There will be No Coffee Morning on Thursday 4th April. [See next item for reason]

The congregation at Broomhill were sad-dened to learn of the death of Stuart Watchorn, on 20th March, after a long period of indifferent health. He was in his 90th year and had worshipped at Broomhill and its predecessors for at least 60 years.

We send our condolences to his three sons and their families. Our prayers are with them at this time.

Stuart's Memorial Service will be at Broomhill at 11:00 on Thursday 4th April, following a private funeral.

There will be a Traidcraft Stall after morning service on Sunday 14th April. As ever, Margaret Robinson will gladly sell you Fairly Traded goods at other times, if you ask her.





Rivelin Valley Conserva-tion Group Tuesday 16th April, 7.30pm AGM A look back on the previ-ous year and plans for the future. There is a small entrance fee for all Open meetings and drinks and snacks are available.

Sheffield Environment weeks – begins Sat 27th April Sunday, 28th April Rivelin Valley Litter Pick – Join the RVCG task team on our annual sweep of the Valley starting at 10am Havelock Dam between Hollins Lane and the Fire Station, Rivelin Valley Road. All tools supplied and transport available along the length of the valley. Contact Keith Ken-dall 2307144.

Tuesday, 14th May Rivelin Valley Walk – with Roger Kite. Meet at the Three Merry Lads Lodge Moor at 7pm. Contact Roger Kite: 2306194.

Sunday, 26th May Task Day – If you would like to participate and are not currently a member then please give Keith Kendall a

call on 2307144.

Men’s group. The Plough, Sandygate Rd, 8.00 for 8.30pm, Tues 30th April Steve Ellis will lead a dis-cussion on ‘The work of the Montgomery Arts & Christian Centre’. New members welcome to join in. Crosspool WI Monday, 15th April, 7-9pm at St Columba’s: Belly Dancing. A chance to join in the fun with Jenny Muhlwa. Monday, 22nd April, 1-3pm at Stephen Hill: A Walk Down Memory Lane with words and music. All visitors are welcome; you can attend up to 4 times without becoming a member. Afternoon Cream Tea with music by Ian Sharpe: Thursday 18th April from 2.00-3.30pm in the Forum. Tickets £2.00 available from Rosalie Hoyland (2308661) or Pat Lintott (2681161) as we need to know numbers for cater-ing. Proceeds will go to the Crosspool Festival Com-mittee Well Dressing Fund.

If you are interested in helping with the Well Dressing, there will be a taster session in May. Watch this space! Update on the Aquabox We took our most recent box to the Aquabox ware-house this week and were given a tour of the premis-es. The boxes no longer contain purification tablets as a newly developed fil-tration system allows users to turn 100 litres of dirty water into drinking water each and every hour; tab-lets, of course, run out. The filtration pump is built from its components by volunteers. When we were there, around two dozen folks were on the assembly line - it looked like Santa's workshop! We saw pallets of boxes ready for des-patch and learned that 500 had recently been sent to Sierra Leone. We met a couple who had recently taken boxes to a school for deaf and dumb students in Gambia, and saw their photos. Many of the stu-dents had become handi-capped as a result of men-ingitis from drinking dirty

Stephen Hill News



water, underlining the great need for these box-es. Of course we brought back a new box! Due to the gen-erosity of many, and in particular of Mrs Drake, who passed on several boxes of items which Ar-nold had been storing in his garage, only a few items are required to com-plete the current box. Bob Hodges and Trevor Wilson Tea and Toast in the Fo-rum on Thursdays from 3.10-4.15pm –run by Sue Brown, our Church Youth

Worker and volunteers. This is designed for all young people of secondary age, a space for food, drink and relaxation on the way home from school. Come along and bring your friends. Crosspool Festival This will take place from Friday, 28th June to Sunday 7th July this year. It commences with the blessing of a well dressing on 28th June and a Gardens Open Day on 29th June. Plans are well under way for the design and fund raising for the

well dressing which will be put together in the down-stairs room in Stephen Hill. A coffee morning last Sat-urday raised £119.46 to-wards this project. On Tuesday, 2nd July there is to be a folk evening. In addition there will be a series of events taking place each morning in the Forum from 1st to 5th July. More details later. Cream Tea, Thursday 18th April at 2.30pm in the Forum. This event is to raise funds for the Well Dressing. All are welcome.



Mission Enabler News

A very Happy Easter!

Our ‘Inter-

Generational Book Group’ continues to

meet with an excellent conversation

around ‘The Stand’ by Stephen King at

our last evening together .. a wide rang-

ing conversation about humanity, reli-

gion and the human spirit.

Our April meeting is

on Thursday 25th, 7.30pm at Broomhill

and our book for April is ‘Silver Linings

Playbook’ by Matthew Quick. All are wel-

come to join with us.

‘Open The Book’ con-

tinues to be a wonderful outreach expe-

rience into Lydgate School. This term we

shared the stories of The Lost Coin & The

Great Parade and were thrilled to be in-

vited to take The Great Parade into the

Nursery School too during Holy Week.

We now have assemblies booked for

next term in both schools J Please con-

sider joining our lovely ecumenical team

for this truly worthwhile work of mis-

sion. Let me know if you’d be interested.

‘Messy Church’ contin-

ues at Fourways with a regular core

‘congregation’ meeting at Stanwood

once a month. We are in the process of

recruiting a lay worker for the Fourways

Church to continue the community out-

reach work and would value your pray-

ers as this progresses.

‘Hall Park Head’ ~ the

Fourways congregations at Hall Park

Head have asked me to lead an Envision-

ing time during their normal Sunday

afternoon service. Anyone interested in

sharing in this is warmly invited to join

with us on Sunday April 7th, 4pm – 5pm

at the Hall Park Head Community Centre.

Please let me know if you’d like a lift.

Nel Shallow ~ 07809320986 or nelshal-

[email protected]





Help Wanted

We are in desperately in need of people to

help photocopy the newsletter for your

churches.

If you feel you could spare 2 hours once a

month to photocopy and collate the news-

letter please let us know. The more people we

have volunteer the less time is needed!

Please email :

[email protected]

Newsletter article submissions to the

same email address please

Your newsletter

Needs you

Prayer8

The Beacon is hosting the Sheffield

West Prayer8 event ~ a time of gath-

ered prayer for the new Sheffield Cir-

cuit. Each of the existing Sheffield Cir-

cuits is hosting these prayer events and

it’s ‘our turn’ on Monday 8th April

The Prayer8 event will be held at Ste-

phen Hill with two sessions on Monday

8th April .

10am to 12noon

6pm to 8pm

All are invited to join with us during

these times .. there will be refreshments

available and activities for children

If you would be willing to help during the

prayer times as a Welcomer, Steward,

Coffee Maker or you would be willing to

bake cakes beforehand please let me

know

Nel Shallow ~ 07809320986 or nelshal-

[email protected]

And finally I will be travelling up to Hud-

dersfield on the evening of Tuesday 25th

June to attend the Testimony Service for

John Hayes in preparation for his Ordina-

tion on July 7th. I will have space in my

car for a few passengers so please let me

know if you’d like to come too



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