New from Church House

• Barnabas: Encouraging Confidence
• Sign up for 50 daily devotions!
• Leeds @ 10 Booklet
• TEND 2024 – next event on Saturday, June 8 at Dewsbury Minster!
• Resourcing and supporting parishes
• Ministry with Children and Young People course
• New Growing Faith Learning Community
• Staying connected with our Children, Young People and Families Team
• Churchwarden training events
• Resting in God
• Lay Training courses
• Work out your church’s carbon footprint to help care for God’s Creation
• Eco Church Workshop
• Open for nominations: The Church Times Green Church Awards
• Churches Count on Nature / Love Your Burial Ground Week: June 8 - 16
• Treasurer Forum Meeting - Monday, June 10, 6pm
• Treasurer training needs survey - please complete
• Give To Go Green round 2 - new match-funding grants for environmental projects
• Webinar - new resources to promote the PGS
• Money for Mission: Issue 57
• Salt and Light Festival

Key Dates for 2024

Resources

Vacancies

Other Useful Links and Information

Barnabas: Encouraging Confidence

We are sharing a conversations day with the Northern Mission Centre on Tuesday, July 16, about imagination and its role in growing churches. It will be a mixture of conversation and sharing of practical tools that help to encourage engaging with mission imaginatively. This will be in person in Penrith. More details will come through in the June Enews+, or email jude.smith@leeds.anglican.org to register your interest.

We would also like to extend an invite to the next Greenhouse gathering. Greenhouse is a learning community that gathers twice a year to support people who are leading new congregations or who are looking to start a new congregation from an existing activity. We will gather on Thursday, June 13, from 6.30pm for a 7pm start. This will be in Harrogate (precise details to follow). Again email jude.smith@leeds.anglican.org for more details or to find out about other support we can offer.

Revd Jude Smith

Director of Church Revitalisation

Sign up for 50 daily devotions!

During the 50 days from Easter to Pentecost, you can subscribe to receive a daily devotion to help mark the 10^th Anniversary of the Diocese. Each day a reflection, written by a different member of our diocese, will be emailed to you. As we journey through the Book of Acts, every reflection will be linked to one of the areas of focus in our Rhythm of Life initiative: encourage, share, create, pray, rest, celebrate, reflect. There will also be ideas for activities and links to good news stories.

To sign up, click here. For more on the Rhythm of Life initiative, click here.  

If you have signed up, but seem to not be getting the emails, they may be in your junk email box, so please do check there too.

Leeds @ 10 Booklet

We have produced a Leeds @ 10 Booklet, which marks our 10th anniversary by sharing stories from across our diocese, from our cathedrals and more, and looks to the future. It includes thoughts from the Bishop of Leeds, the Rt Revd Nick Baines. Copies of the booklet are being distributed to every parish in the diocese, through Area Deans, area offices and our three cathedrals. Do get in touch with any of these people if your parish has not recieved any booklets yet. It is made of recycled paper and was kindly funded by an external donor. Please click here to download a digital version of the booklet.

TEND 2024 – next event on Saturday, June 8 at Dewsbury Minster!

We are delighted to invite all children, young people and families workers, leaders and volunteers to attend one of our TEND events this year.

This year’s theme is Encouraging Confidence and the days will include workshops, speakers, worship, reflection and the opportunity to meet others involved in ministry with and to children, young people and families. The dates and venues are:

• Saturday, June 8 at Dewsbury Minister
• Saturday, September 7 at St Matt's Leeds

Please click here for more details and to book.

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

All Inclusive? Supporting Children and Young People with Additional Needs (Saturday, May 18, 10am – 1pm, St Barnabas, Alwoodley)  

The team is delighted to be hosting a workshop from Urban Saints considering accessibility, inclusion and belonging for all.

Hospitality and Faith Sharing (Tuesday, June 25, 7pm – 9 pm, St Mark’s Keighley)

This is an interactive workshop to help you consider what it means to be welcoming and hospitable to those we encounter during our outreach activities such as Messy Church, toddler groups, family events and to look at ways of building relationships and sharing our faith.

Whole Church and Outdoor Worship (Saturday, September 21, 10am – 2pm, St Stephen’s West Bowling)

A workshop led by Engage Worship to explore the power of outdoor and intergenerational worship for our churches.

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

Ministry with Children and Young People course

• Tuesday, June 18, 2pm - 5pm, St Matthews Leyburn
• Wednesday, June 26 and Wednesday, July 3, 7.30pm - 9pm, St Paul’s Walton, over two evenings

This is an in-person course designed for everyone; whether you’ve been working with children and young people for a long time or you are just starting out, and it aims to help you develop and refresh skills and knowledge so you can serve children and young people well.

For more details, and to register your interest for the course, see here.

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

New Growing Faith Learning Community

This is a new online learning community for exploring opportunities to develop stronger links between church, home and school to enable children, young people and families to grow in faith and discipleship. Click here to find out more, or contact childrenyouth@leeds.anglican.org.

Staying connected with our Children, Young People and Families Team

If you would like to receive the Children, Young People and Families Team newsletter, please subscribe to the Digital Learning Platform here and be sure to tick the ‘Children & Youth’ and ‘Sign me up’ boxes! In addition we host a Facebook group for anyone involved in children, young people and family ministry where people share details of events, resources, activities and training and also ask questions, debate ideas and learn together. As always, if you require any specific help or information, please do contact us on childrenyouth@leeds.anglican.org.

Churchwarden training events

We are hosting online training events for Churchwardens across the diocese.

• Basic training for new churchwardens: Thursday, July 11, 7pm - 9pm
• Experienced training for churchwardens: Wednesday, October 16, 7pm - 9pm

Please contact the Archdeacon's PA for your episcopal area to book onto this training and to recieve the Zoom link.

• Bradford: carmel.dylak@leeds.anglican.org
• Huddersfield: christine.bleasdale@leeds.anglican.org
• Leeds: helen.allison@leeds.anglican.org
• Ripon: chloe.drummond@leeds.anglican.org
• Wakefield: heather.ricks@leeds.anglican.org

Resting in God

Friday, June 7, 4pm to Sunday, June 9, 3pm, Parcevall Hall, BD23 6DG

This retreat is especially for those who live with, or care for, loved ones who struggle with physical or mental health challenges. There will be space to rest and time to receive from God, and opportunities to learn from Scripture and other spiritual resources about compassion and love for those who care deeply for others. The retreat is led by Revd Henriette Howarth.

More details and booking information can be found here.

For more information please contact henriette.howarth@leeds.anglican.org.

Pastoral Conversations Workshop (Wednesday, May 8, 7pm - 9pm, online OR onsite at St Matthew’s Church, Leyburn, DL8 5FD)

Jesus commands us to love one another as he has loved us. This workshop aims to uncover some of the unconscious bad habits that get in the way of loving care and attention. It also seeks to foster a response to pain and suffering that is both compassionate and transformative.

This is a hybrid event so can be joined either in person in Leyburn or via Zoom. When booking, please specify which option you are interested in.

Preaching with Honesty: Lessons from Mark’s Gospel (Saturday, June 8, 10am - 1pm, Online via Zoom)

In recent years we have hosted several well-respected authors and academics to lead a Gospel Masterclass for Licensed Lay Ministers and Occasional Preachers, to encourage and inform them in the preaching task. This year we are delighted to welcome the Revd Dr Joanna Collicutt, from Oxford Diocese, who will be addressing the theme of ‘Preaching with Honesty: Lessons from Mark’s Gospel’.

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

Licensed Lay Ministry (Reader) Training - application process for 2024 start date is now closed for new applicants

No further applications for LLM training starting in September 2024 will be accepted. The application process for LLM training starting in September 2025 will begin during the autumn of 2024.

Introduction to Theology (ITT)

Dates for the academic year 2024-25 are under discussion and will be published on the DLP during the summer term.

The course is a 12 session journey looking at the Christian faith, your own faith journey and developing theological skills. All students will be encouraged to create a portfolio showcasing their new skills. Attending an ITT course is a pre-requirement for Licensed Lay Ministry training in the diocese of Leeds.

If you require any specific help or information, please do contact the School of Ministry administrator at shuna.hartley@leeds.anglican.org.

Work out your church’s carbon footprint to help care for God’s Creation

The Church of England’s Energy Footprint Tool, part of Online Parish Returns, is now open for churches to enter fuel and power use from 2023.  The data collected from the tool will help your church understand its carbon footprint and will mean you may be eligible for grants to help kickstart your net zero projects. This work is an essential part of caring for God’s Creation, by helping to combat global heating and climate change. Find out how to complete the Energy Footprint Tool here.

Eco Church Workshop

Sunday, May 12, 2pm - 4.30pm, St Mary's Church, Embsay.

A free workshop for anyone who is interested in the Eco Church Award Scheme. Churches at any stage of the award scheme – and those who have not yet started – are all welcome. Numbers will be limited so please book early. Click here to find out more and to book.

Open for nominations: The Church Times Green Church Awards

Do you have a project or person who is your eco star? Why not nominate them for one of these prestigious awards designed to celebrate the remarkable efforts made in recent years by individuals and congregations to offset the damage being done to the earth, and to set good examples before others who might be inspired to follow suit. This year the Green Journey is sponsoring the “Action on a Shoestring” award. Read more.

Churches Count on Nature / Love Your Burial Ground Week: June 8 - 16

Join in celebrating UK churchyards, cemeteries, and other types of burial grounds. From history talks to wildlife surveys, there’s something for everyone.Start to plan your churchyard wildlife survey or community activities now. Register on the Caring For God’s Acre website by Thursday, May 23 to receive two free starter guides and Guide to Wildlife in Burial Grounds. More details.

Treasurer Forum Meeting - Monday, June 10, 6pm

Based on feedback from across the diocese, we are pleased to announce the launch of our new Treasurer Forum in 2024 and invite you to attend. This online forum will feature informative talks from Diocesan staff and our treasurer ambassadors, along with a Q&A session and networking opportunities with fellow treasurers. Join us for our first meeting on Monday, June 10, at 6pm. Link to register.

Salt and Light Festival

Friday, June 14 - Saturday, June 15, The Sill, Northumberland

A new festival of faith and hope for rural mission in the north. Salt and Light aims to be an opportunity for those leading and working in the church to gather and explore the opportunities and joys of northern rural contexts.

Partnering with dioceses including Leeds, Carlisle, Durham, Newcastle and York, Salt and Light will be the beginning of a pattern of sharing and learning for the church in the rural north.

Click here to find out more and to book.

Diocese of Leeds Synod:

• Saturday, June 15 
• Saturday, October 19

Church of England General Synod:

• Friday, July 5 - Tuesday, July 9 
• Monday, November 18 - Wednesday, November 20



Thy Kingdom Come: Thursday, May 9 - Sunday, May 19

World Environment Day: Wednesday, June 5

Ordination of Priests: Saturday, June 22

Ordination of Deacons: Saturday, June 29

Creationtide: Sunday, September 1 - Friday, October, 4

Diocese of Leeds Generosity Week: Sunday, September 22 - Sunday, September 29

COP 29: Monday, November 11 - Friday, November 22

First Sunday of Advent: Sunday, December 1

Christmas 2024: Wednesday, December 25

Children's Worker - St Peter's Bramley

St Peter's is a Church of England parish church in the Bramley area of Leeds. We are centrally located in the heart of Bramley, close to the local shopping centre and CofE primary school. In October 2022, St Peter’s began the grafting process, welcoming 15 people from St George’s Church, a designated ‘Resource Church’ in the city centre, and a new Rector, to support the evolving church in a new chapter with a focus on mission and growth. As part of the grafting programme, we wish to employ a Children’s Worker funded by a 2 year grant from the Church Commissioner’s Strategic Development Fund. Find out more about this role here.

Revd Nicky Gladstone has been appointed as Anglican Chaplain at HM Young Offenders’ Institute, Deerbolt in the Ripon area

Revd Tom Bates-Bourne, currently serving as Associate Priest in the Priory Benefice in the Deanery of Pontefract, has been appointed as Incumbent of the Benefice of South Thornaby in the Diocese of York

Revd Gareth Howles, currently serving as Priest in Charge of St John’s, Farsley has been appointed as Priest in Charge of Pudsey Parish Church in the Leeds area

Revd Lisa Senior has resigned as Interim Priest in Charge of Middleton to become Interim Team Vicar (for 1 year) in the Benefice of Rothwell, Lofthouse, Methley with Mickletown, and Oulton with Woodlesford in the Leeds area

Revd Robert Johnson has been appointed as Associate Priest (SSM) at St John’s Bierley in the Bradford area

Revd Derek Jones, Priest in Charge of the Benefice of Little Horton, has been appointed as Assistant Area Dean for the Inner Bradford Deanery in the Bradford area

Revd Tim Stevens, currently serving as Vicar of Darton and Staincross and Area Dean of Barnsley in the Wakefield area, has been appointed as Canon Precentor of Wells Cathedral in the Diocese of Bath and Wells

Revd Canon Steven Harvey has been granted Permission to Officiate in the Diocese of Leeds

Revd Sylvia Earl, Richmond and Wensley Deaneries; Revd Ruth Harris, Harrogate Deanery; and Revd Jeremy Trigg, Ripon Deanery, have been appointed as Retired Clergy Officers in the Ripon area

The Bishop of Ripon, the Rt Revd Anna Eltringham, who holds the portfolio for Women’s Ministry in the Diocese of Leeds, is pleased to announce the appointment of the following Area Advisers in Women’s Ministry:

•   Leeds EA – Revd Sharon Wilkinson

•   Bradford EA – Revd Camilla Cork

•   Wakefield EA – Revd Kathy Robertson

•   Ripon EA – Revd Julie Clarkson

•   Huddersfield EA – Revd Catherine Shelley

Revd Diane Komorowski, at present Assistant Curate in Lupset and Thornes, has been appointed as Associate Priest in the North Wakefield Benefice in the Wakefield area

Revd Canon Mike Cansdale is leaving the Parish of Keighley in the Bradford area where he is currently serving as Rector to take up appointment as the Vicar of St Mark’s Newby, and St Luke’s in Scarborough in the Diocese of York

Revd Elspeth Cansdale is leaving the Parish of St Mary, Oxenhope in the Bradford area where she is currently serving as Assistant Curate to take up appointment as the Vicar of St Columba and St James with Holy Trinity Scarborough in the Diocese of York

Revd Bob Bailey, Team Rector of Allerton Bywater, Kippax and Swillington (Benefice), has been appointed as Assistant Area Dean for the East Leeds Deanery in the Leeds area

Revd Jess Davis, who is currently serving as Priest in Charge of St Peter Birstall, is to be additionally licensed as Priest in Charge of Bownhill St Saviour in the Huddersfield area

Revd Emily Tidball, currently serving as Assistant Curate of The Morley Benefice, has been appointed as Priest in Charge of Gomersal St Mary and Birkenshaw cum Hunsworth St Paul in the Huddersfield area

Revd Paul Wheelhouse, Incumbent of the Benefice of Bierley in the Bradford area, has been appointed as Interim Assistant Area Dean of the Outer Bradford Deanery

Revd Philip Grayson, currently serving as Assistant Curate in the Sherburn Group in the Diocese of York, has been appointed as Associate Priest in the parishes of Ferrybridge, Brotherton, Knottingley, Kellington with Whitley, and Womersley in the Wakefield area