Issuu

Ex A cl R us I S iv e E:M pr ev A R ie w CH in si de !

SPRING 2024

Your

FREE copy

M A G A Z I N E

Discover what God is doing in Sheffield

A FRIEND BROUGHT A BIBLE TO HIS H O S P I TA L B E D

WA L K T H E S T R E E T S WITH JESUS THIS MARCH

“THE SECULAR WORKPLACE IS AN AMAZING PLACE!”

The unexpected healing that set John Lawson on his way to serving Sheffield.

Five steps you can take to kickstart your prayer life this year.

What Margaret learned about faith at work in the fast-paced corporate accounting world.

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL Beth Craggs, Editor

New Year, renewed mission. There’s a gale blowing through the streets of Sheffield. As I walked my youngest son into school this morning, there were moments when the wind was so strong it felt like a physical force, firmly guiding me in a different direction. As we look at the year ahead I wonder if you feel like you’re being guided in a new direction. Maybe the Holy Spirit has been whispering, prompting, inviting you to take another step forward in faith. At Arise Sheffield, we believe that God has an amazing plan for HIs Kingdom in Sheffield, and that He longs for every believer in our city to be involved in bringing it

Thank you!

into being. As we approach Arise:March – Sheffield’s month of citywide prayer and mission – I invite you to consider what new step of faith you will take this year. As ever, this new edition of Arise! is here to support you on your way. This is not just a magazine; it's a celebration of the myriad ways God is working among us, and an invitation to join hands, hearts, and prayers for this new season. As you flick through these pages, let these ordinary, extraordinary, stories of faith inspire you. Be encouraged by John’s testimony about how a career-ending injury led to a midnight Psalm, a complete healing, and a new mission in ‘Kingdom Collaboration’. Be inspired by the zeal of the

students and young adults of St Vincent’s MissionHub, who committed to a month of fasting while they prayed for their friends to come to faith in Jesus, in ‘Operation Lentil’. And find motivation to live out your faith in new ways in your workplace as you read Margaret’s account of guiding her manager to Jesus, in ‘Faith at Work’. If you love these stories, you’ll be even more encouraged to meet these and other inspiring Arisers at the Arise:March Launch evening on Saturday 24 February. We’d love to see you there as together we embark on a new journey of prayer and mission for Sheffield. Book your place now at bit.ly/Arise-24-launch. With every blessing, Beth

Thank you to every person who reads these stories of faith and to the whole Arise community, for inspiring this magazine. Thank you in particular to our dedicated Arise Supporters who give so faithfully to grow citywide prayer and mission, without whom this magazine would not be possible. And, thank you to everyone who worked hard to bring this edition to life:

Writers: Blessan Babu, Pippa Baker, Phillip Dolby, Ella Ducker, Joanne Gilchrist, Rachel Hall, Giles Holloway, Roger Hoyle, Bird River LoveGod, Svitlana Nedliko, Hannah Sandoval, Viki Seithel, Fiona Walton, Cat Wiffen, Ben Woollard. Contributors: Malcolm Clegg, Andrew Crowley, Erica Dunmow, Margaret Howells, Margaret Ibison, Martin Jacobs, Bev Lawrence, Lillian Miller, Bess Popplewell, Heather Raison, Brian Reece, Nicky Sandell, Sallie Wilson. With additional comments from Anna, Barbara, Fiona, Harry, Heather Waller, Katie H, Katie M, Jo Henry, Judith, Lesa, Margaret G, Simone. Proofreader: Roger Hoyle. Designer: Ben Ashworth. Local photographers: Ben Elliott, Tom Rolley, Ben Woollard, Unsplash photographers: Anton Velchev, Benjamin Elliott, Bruno Martins, Jason Blackeye, Levi Jones, Matthew Ansley, Nick Abrams, Taylor Smith, Thomas Koukas. Advertisers: Birkdale, Blokes Church, The Filling Station, The Station Gym.

CONTENTS

JUMP-START Meet the Team

Get Ready to Arise! What is Arise:March?

F E AT U R E

Discipleship Done Differently

Sharing Joy with Arise:Hallow by Viki Seithel

Interview with an Evangelist featuring Heather Raison

Fasting and Feasting by Pippa Baker

Top Tips for Prayer-Walking with Kids by Joanne Gilchrist

5 Ways to Walk with Jesus this March

F E AT U R E

by Ben Woollard page 6

Seek: Offering Prayer for the People Around You by Rev Giles Holloway

Can You Help a Sheffield Asylum Seeker Find a Home? by Blessan Babu 39

F E AT U R E

Kingdom Collaboration featuring John Lawson page 40

Faith at Work 7

Shift: New Ways to Prayer-Walk by Ben Woollard 8 Share the Good News of Easter by Ben Woollard 9

Faith Lives Meet the Arise Champion Coordinators by Beth Craggs

Bird's Ideas for Communities by Bird River LoveGod

God of the Hills and Valleys featuring Brian Reece

featuring Margaret Ibison page 28

Armour to 'Protect This House' by Fiona Walton 50 Hilltops and High Places by Rachel Hall

A Divine Jigsaw in Gleadless Valley by Margaret Howells 33 Arise Map

A Snapshot of Arise:Hallow and Arise:Advent

Food for the Journey Book Review: 5 Things to Pray for Your Church by Roger Hoyle

Hope: What the World Needs Most Right Now by Rev Giles Holloway 54 Discipleship: A Recurring Theme by Hannah Sandoval 56

This edition of Arise! is dedicated to Chris Marriott. Chris was a member of City Church. His death made national news in December 2023 when he died while giving first aid to a stranger. This selfless act of compassion stands as a testament to the depth of his character, and the Jesus he loved. Let’s honour the legacy of Chris’ faithful Christian presence, and the indelible mark he left on our city through his final, heroic act. A GoFundMe page has been set up to support his wife and two young boys: www.gofundme.com/f/chris-marriott

From the Front Lines Ascend Sets Its Sights Even Higher by Catherine Wiffen 58 Arise and Shine in Ukraine by Malcolm Clegg & Svitlana Nedilko

Good News for Sheffield

Prayer Points for Sheffield by Rachel Hall & Beth Craggs 66

MEET THE TEAM

MEET THE TEAM Arise is powered by local multi-denominational Christian charity Together for Sheffield. The team is growing, and this year we welcomed two new staff members; find out more about them here.

or Country Living Magazine. I also love interior design, and will spend hours considering how our space creates a welcoming environment for the meals I love to host for our friends.

Viki Seithel Viki describes herself as a Northerner who happened to be born in the South. She moved to Sheffield seven years ago and lives in Malin Bridge with her husband and Golden Retriever puppy. Viki is the Events and Operations Manager at Together for Sheffield and is passionate about creating spaces and places where individuals feel at home and celebrated. She attends St Thomas Philadelphia church. What do you like to do in your spare time? I love spending hours in a coffee shop, sipping a vanilla latte, reading a good book

What's been bringing you closer to Jesus recently? The outdoors. By pairing prayer with a daily dog walk, I’ve noticed Jesus more in nature, in both the stillness and the busy roads surrounding our home. When might people in the Arise community hear from you? If you are a Church Leader within the city, you can expect to receive emails and updates from me linked with Sheffield Leaders in Prayer (SLIP). If you’re in the Arise community, you’ll also hear from me as I’ll be making sure you are invited to each Arise event, where you can play your part in seeing Sheffield transformed.

“By pairing prayer with a daily dog walk, I’ve noticed Jesus more in nature, in both the stillness and the busy roads surrounding our home.” Viki 4

Nicky Sandell Nicky has lived in Sheffield since June 2022 and attends Christ Church Central with her husband and two sons. Nicky is the Project Coordinator at Together for Sheffield, and it brings her joy to serve the local church in Sheffield, particularly in her work alongside the Arise Champions. What do you like to do in your spare time? I love meeting up with friends, as well as meeting new people. I also enjoy going for family walks or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon at home with family whilst we're all reading our books. What’s been bringing you closer to Jesus recently? I really appreciate going along to Bible studies and getting to know Jesus better in the context of a group study, it's so helpful to learn together. When might people in the Arise community hear from you? I might be in touch with you if you’ve ordered Arise resources on behalf of your church, or if you’re an Arise Champion.

GET READY TO ARISE!

In 60 Seconds... WHAT IS ARISE:MARCH? Since 2021, over a thousand believers from across Sheffield have been arising together each March to prayer-walk every street in our city, using the Arise:March Prayer app. Join in this year and take a front-row seat on the ways God is working in our city. Every step you take in prayer brings you closer to Jesus’ heart for Sheffield. 5 ways to walk with Jesus this Arise:March:

STEP

SEEK

SCOUT

SHIFT

Take a walk with Jesus in your local area.

Offer prayer for others.

Prayer-walk in a different area of Sheffield.

Try a different form of prayer-walking.

SHARE Share the Good News of Easter.

Visit www.AriseSheffield.org and click ‘Join In’ to become part of the Arise community today. Keep an eye on your inbox for your invitation to the Arise:March Launch event, your link to the prayer-walking app (when it goes live on 1 March), and other tools to help you make the most of March.

Your favourite moments of Arise:March 2023 “Taking time to pray while I walked the dog made me more aware of my local area and the people in it. Just smiling at people to bless them while I quietly prayed meant I received so many smiles back, and that blessed me back.” Barbara

“Feeling affirmed in my work locally because I can pray for it on my prayer-walks, and was able to share that with my manager. Also knowing other people prayed for requests I shared.” Fiona

“My overall favourite thing about Arise 2023 was knowing that Father was being exalted and how happy He would be that churches were praying together as one!” Katie H

“There were many! Leading a prayer-walking group from my Church has had a significant impact, and the Arise:March Launch event was truly fabulous!” Candida

“Seeing the Arise map change colour as people added their walks. It was so encouraging to see our small contribution as part of a bigger picture.” Margaret G

“Seeing our whole church family go out and pray for our local area.” Katie M

“The willingness of people to be prayed for was amazing.” Judith 5

## G ET # READY TO ARISE!

W A Y S

T O

WALK WITH JESUS T H I S

M A R C H

by Ben Woollard My beloved calls to me, “Arise, my darling. Come away with me” Arise Sheffield isn't just an event; it's a movement. It's a commitment to action, a declaration of our love for Sheffield and belief in Jesus. This is your invitation to join a citywide pilgrimage; to walk with Jesus who is already at work as He weaves His way through every street and alley, touching lives and transforming hearts. Will you join Him? When we meet Him, He shapes us, moulds our hearts, and transforms our city. Arise, walk with Jesus and bring hope to our city. Let’s take these five simple steps together this March. Every step we take in prayer brings us closer to Jesus’ heart for Sheffield. 1. Step: It begins with a simple, yet profound act: start where you are. Your daily walks become a prayer. It turns into a spiritual pilgrimage. As you tread the familiar paths, let your steps be prayers, and pray as you step, infusing every routine

“Your steps are powerful, your prayers are impactful, and your faithful presence can bring change.”

walk with a deeper purpose. Mark your walk on the app to track your progress and encourage others! 2. Seek: This step invites you to engage actively with those around you. Discover the stories, the hopes, and the needs of your neighbours, friends and people around you. Simply ask if there is anything they would like prayer for. Put it on the app and hundreds of people across Sheffield can pray for them too. 3. Shift: Prayer is about our relationship with Jesus, and this step encourages you to explore its diverse forms. Experiment with contemplative or declarative prayer styles, or go for a prayer walk with a prayer partner. Each new method opens up fresh avenues for connecting with God. 4. Scout: Explore different areas of Sheffield, join a group prayer-walk or get involved with the Good Friday prayer-walk. Make sure you’re registered for emails from Arise to receive details of all the group prayer-walks taking place this March, including one especially for young families. 5. Share: The final step is about expression and invitation. Share a story of how Jesus has impacted your life on our special page. Extend Easter invitations through

meaningful gestures – gospel Easter eggs (ask your church about getting these from Arise), cards, a kind word. Arise:March is more than a series of steps; it's a call to reshape our city through prayer and action. It's about recognising that Jesus is already at work in Sheffield and joining Him in His mission. Each step we take, each prayer we utter, each life we touch adds to the story God is telling in Sheffield. Arise:March 2024 is an opportunity to be part of something greater than ourselves. It's a chance to walk with Jesus, to see the city through His eyes, and to be shaped by, and be sharers of, His love and grace. As you walk the streets of our city of Sheffield, remember: your steps are powerful, your prayers are impactful, and your faithful presence can bring change. Join us this March. Embrace the call to pray for Sheffield. Walk with Jesus and witness the transformation He brings to every street and home. Let's Arise together and walk with Him. Arise.

GET READY TO ARISE!

OFFERING PRAYER FOR THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU SEEK

by Rev Giles Holloway

As part of Arise:March this year, we’re preparing not only to cover our streets in prayer, but also to discover the prayer needs in our local areas. So, how do we do this? Prayer is a two-way conversation with God –

listening to Him and talking to Him. So, when it comes to praying for our city, it’s valuable to listen to what God is saying about your local area, as well as talking to Him about it. It’s also valuable to listen and talk to the people in your community in order to get a more accurate picture of the needs. Since my appointment at King’s Centre four years ago, I’ve been trying to have this twoway conversation with God about the needs in our area of Nether Edge.

How will you offer prayer? “During Arise:March I’m going to switch to going to a cashier instead of selfcheckout. Then I’m going to offer prayer by asking, ‘If God could do one thing in your life this week, what would it be?’” Beth

"When I’m at a toddler group with my kids, I might often tell another parent that I’ll be praying for them, but during Arise:March I’m planning to start asking, ‘I’d love to pray for you: is there something specific I could be praying for?’” Jo

“When I’m out and about, I look out for people yawning. If someone yawns, that’s my cue to say ‘Tired?’ This almost always leads to a conversation and often to an opportunity to offer prayer.” Brian

“Whenever I go out to a restaurant, I ask the waiter or waitress who brings me my meal if I can pray for them. I say, ‘I like to pray before I eat; is there anything you’d like me to pray for for you today?’ Ben

The best way to find prayer needs in your local area is by engaging with the people you pass on your prayerwalks. Simply ask them about their prayer needs, by saying something like, “If God could do anything for you today, what would it be?” I have only ever had positive responses to this question, as people are amazed that you would take the time to bless their neighbourhood. This may even turn into an opportunity to pray with them. In the Summer of 2022, Nike Adebajo and I spent several weeks asking this question to people in our area. We were constantly encouraged by people’s openness to prayer, and the Gospel too. An hour or two spent talking to people always resulted in at least one in-depth conversation. From there we tried to connect them with a relevant, local Christian contact like a toddler group, foodbank or café, or sought to meet up with them again.

Remember: you can upload all your prayer discoveries to the Arise:March Prayer app and hundreds of other Arisers will be praying with you.

GET READY TO ARISE!

NEW WAYS TO PRAYER-WALK SHIFT just a walk; it's a dialogue.

by Ben Woollard

When I prayer-walk, it's less about the precise words and more about the journey with Jesus. Initially, I found myself quickly running out of things to say, but since then I have discovered a profound sense of connection in simply talking out loud with Him as I walk. It's not

My approach often involves the 'Arise Prayer-walking' postcard: a fantastic tool that reminds me of some of the many different things to pray for. Sometimes, something I see sparks a prayer, turning ordinary moments into opportunities to see God touch lives. The real transformation, though, comes in being present. Prayer-walking makes me more approachable, more open. I've noticed that when

I'm out there, with a heart ready to interact, people are more likely to start conversations with me. It’s as if my intention to be available for God’s work also signals to others my availability for them. In these moments, I'm not just walking: I’m serving, ready to offer prayer and a listening ear. For those keen to start, I suggest beginning with a prayer reflection, perhaps using the 'Pray as you go' app, to attune yourself to God's presence. This sets the tone for a more spiritually-aware walk.

Here are some other ways that Arisers like to prayer-walk – which of these feel new to you? Which would you most like to try this March? “If you are in the listening phase, simply stop every now and then, and talk to God about what and who you have seen. You might also pray a very simple blessing such as ‘Peace be upon this house/park/business’ as you walk past. If you are walking around institutions like schools, police stations, courts, or similar, you might want to say, ‘May this place be one of justice and joy’.” Erica Dunmow

“In the same way that each one of us has a distinct style and rhythm of walking, so it is with the way that we prayer-walk. In essence, prayer-walking is seeing the world with the eyes of Christ, the eyes of love and compassion. Remember always that Christ has gone before you, and that He came to save, not to condemn. You may find your own style of prayer-walking as you build the habit of it, but for starters you could

try repeating a simple prayer as you walk along. For example, the Jesus Prayer (Jesus Christ, Son of Living God, have mercy on me, a sinner), or a repetition of a phrase from the Gospels. There is a definite beat to the following phrase: ‘The Kingdom of God is close at hand, repent and believe the good news.’” Deacon Andrew Crowley

“I like to pray contemplatively, paying attention to what I see as I walk, and listening for what God might want to share about places and people in my local area. I’ve put together a playlist of Christian music that I listen to while I prayer-walk. I like ‘The Blessing’ by Kari Jobe, ‘So Will I’ by Hillsong United, ‘Hills and Valleys’ (The Valleys version) by Tauren Wells, ‘10,000 Reasons’ by Matt Redman, and of course, ‘Arise’ by One Hope Project!” Beth Craggs

GET READY TO ARISE!

SHARE THE GOOD NEWS OF EASTER SHARE

by Ben Woollard

Our journey doesn't end with covering the city with prayer, and discovering local prayer needs: it's also about sharing the Good News of Jesus’ love for all of us. Alongside our prayer-walking and discovery of the prayer needs of those around us, we also have the opportunity to proclaim the Easter message. We can look for opportunities to tell others how we’ve experienced God’s love in our lives, we could give Easter gifts and cards that help connect friends and neighbours with the true joy of Easter; or find a time to offer a word of kindness.

Supported by the prayers of the whole Arise community, let’s step out in faith and love those around us. Too often, the hope and joy of Easter is hidden among the Easter Bunny trails and novelty chocolates. Children hunt for eggs without realising that what’s really missing is the true meaning of Easter – Jesus’ love and sacrifice, death and resurrection. Let’s work together to recover the real message of Easter for our communities this year by introducing them to the One who will truly satisfy. Arise is partnering with Churches across Sheffield to make Easter cards freely available for you. You can use these to invite people to church services and

“Let’s work together to recover the real message of Easter for our communities this year by introducing them to the One who will truly satisfy.” events, or simply to share a positive Easter message with a neighbour. If you like, you can hand these out with ‘Real Easter Eggs’ (a Fairtrade chocolate egg that includes the story of Jesus’ resurrection). Hundreds of believers have given out thousands of Real Easter Eggs since Arise started in 2021 because it’s a simple way to build deeper relationships within a community. Arisers have used the gift of eggs to help them connect with neighbours; children have given them to school friends (which has opened up great conversations with parents); churches have built relationships with local schools and nurseries. Ask your church leader or Arise Champion this weekend how your church plans to share their cards and eggs. If you’d like to give out cards and eggs, but can’t access any through your church, email hello@arisesheffield. org and we’ll try to help. 9

FA I T H L I V E S

MEET THE ARISE

Champion Coordinators

by Beth Craggs, in conversation with Bev Lawrence, Lillian Miller and Margaret Howells

Arise works to encourage, empower and equip every believer in Sheffield to live their faith more boldly, and in the Summer of 2023 we began a new journey of commissioning Arise Champions – believers who are passionate about helping their communities to join in with citywide prayer and mission.

Champion Coordinators: Bev Lawrence, Margaret Howells, and Lillian Miller. They meet each month with Arise team member Nicky Sandell to pray for Sheffield, for Arise, and for the Arise Champions, and plan how best to support Champions across Sheffield as they invite their communities to a new season of Arise.

Supporting these Arise Champions are three

Find out more about Bev, Margaret and Lillian here.

FA I T H L I V E S

Bev Lawrence Bev is a Sheffielder born and bred, and she is part of the church community at Faith Temple The Inn of God (Apostolic), which meets in St Oswald’s on Bannerdale Road. How did you first hear about Arise, and what drew you to join in? I received an Easter card through the post from Arise and thought the card was such a great way to outreach to the city of Sheffield. I'd been praying that the body of Christ would become more united and make a visible impact on our world. Then lo and behold, along comes the Easter card from Arise sharing the aim of praying for the city of Sheffield; for the church to come together as one; and for many hearts to be turned to Jesus Christ. I knew the Lord had heard my prayer and had responded! What do you love about being an Arise Champion Coordinator? I love meeting up with Lillian and Margaret, and praying for Arise Champions and the growth of the network. I also

love planning how, through Arise, we as Co-ordinators (and as Champions ourselves) can help support the other Champions and give them opportunities to meet up, pray and hear about what other Champions, and their churches, are doing across Sheffield. How has being involved in Arise affected you? Arise has significantly widened my church network. I have met so many more Christians through my role as Champion Coordinator and through the Sheffieldwide events organised by Arise. Also, I'm amazed at all the wonderful work that's being done across Sheffield churches to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and extend His light and love into the city. Q: What is your prayer for Sheffield in 2024? I pray that every church in Sheffield will hear about Arise and get involved, and for Sheffield to become one big church. I also pray that the hearts and minds of those that live, work and/or study in Sheffield are turned to Jesus Christ and that many souls are saved.

"...lo and behold, along comes the Easter card from Arise sharing the aim of praying for the city of Sheffield; for the church to come together as one; and for many hearts to be turned to Jesus Christ. I knew the Lord had heard my prayer and had responded!"

Lillian Miller Lillian moved to Sheffield with her family in 1986, and now lives in Fulwood with her husband. She’s part of the church family at St Luke’s in Lodge Moor, which is an ecumenical partnership of Anglican, Baptist, Methodist and URC. How did you first hear about Arise, and what drew you to join in? My first encounter with Arise was through the prayerwalking during the pandemic in 2021. The combination of prayer and churches working together is what ignites my passion, so I had to get involved. Q: Could you share a personal story about an encouraging experience you've had as part of Arise? On Good Friday 2022 I walked, for the first time, from Weston Park to the City Hall and joined with Christians from all over the city, to worship and proclaim the gospel in the heart of Sheffield; it thrilled me so much. That is what being a Christian is all about – standing up and proclaiming our faith together and inviting others into the relationship we enjoy with our Lord Jesus. What do you love about being an Arise Champion Coordinator? It is such a privilege to be part of this movement for God! I learn so much from the other Champions and the varied ways they serve God in their churches. They are

FA I T H L I V E S

so passionate about prayer and evangelism and I am delighted to be in a position to help them fulfil their calling as Champions. How has being involved in Arise affected you? It has given me greater courage to share my faith and a greater concern for my neighbours as I prayer-walk the streets. What is your prayer for Sheffield in 2024? I pray that the Lord will transform Sheffield for his glory! I pray that, through Arise, more Christians will share in the task of winning our city for Christ, for surely that is our mission in every generation? Arise has ignited the flame of united prayer and evangelism among the churches of Sheffield and I pray that the flame will grow brighter still in 2024.

Margaret Howells Margaret has known Sheffield almost all her life, and has lived here for over 15 years. She’s part of Antioch Community Church. How did you first hear about Arise, and what drew you to join in? I first heard about Arise in an emPower Zoom prayer meeting in January 2021, through slides shared about the initiative, being launched with the first citywide prayerwalking in March of that year. I knew instantly that this was part of what I and many others had hoped and prayed for – God on the move, drawing His church together to pray and be together in transforming the city, building on the faithful prayers and sheer hard work of so many Christians down the years who have lifted up

the name of Jesus. I pasted the information excitedly into emails to friends. Soon it was time to pray and turn streets golden on the Arise prayerwalking app. I was hooked! What have you found most encouraging about being a part of Arise? Through the focus given by Arise in the three years of facilitating and promoting prayer on streets and paths and hilltops, I’m massively encouraged by the way that I’ve seen atmospheres shift, and things change ‘on the ground’, in all kinds of ways. It might be a derelict building rebuilt and repurposed, it might be the relaxed chatting on the streets where once people hurried with bent heads and hard eyes, it might be the families streaming into a church drop-in morning, or the willingness of passersby to be prayed with. When

"That is what being a Christian is all about – standing up and proclaiming our faith together and inviting others into the relationship we enjoy with our Lord Jesus." 12

FA I T H L I V E S

you keep walking and you keep praying, you see. And wonderful things are also happening which we don’t always see. What is your prayer for Sheffield in 2024? I hope and pray that in 2024, believers in Sheffield and places nearby will shine like stars as we hold on to and hold out the Word of Life. (Philippians 4:15-16). I pray that there will be more and more stars shining gloriously so that people will stop and notice – then receive the Gospel, the Word of Life. What do you love about being an Arise Champion Coordinator? Being in the Arise Champion Coordinators team and relating to Champions is a privilege because before our eyes, the Lord is speedily knitting hearts together in

"I knew instantly that this was part of what I and many others had hoped and prayed for – God on the move, drawing His church together to pray and be together in transforming the city, building on the faithful prayers and sheer hard work of so many Christians down the years who have lifted up the name of Jesus." prayer across the churches, in fellowship and support, and in the sharing of innovative ideas for outreach and mission. It’s hard to believe it was only last June when we three Coordinators met as the first Champions. It’s sound advice to ‘find out what God is doing and get in on it’. I also love the fact that the amazing Arise staff embody that old

saying sacrificially and in joy. In fact, I think joy is a hallmark of the Champions’ network: sharing, encouraging and already forming a powerhouse of prayer. If you are thinking that the Lord might be calling you to be a Champion, be assured that you are joining the friendliest and most positive bunch you could ever wish to meet!

Currently, the following Sheffield churches have an Arise Champion – does yours? If your church doesn’t yet have a Champion and you’d like to help your community join in with citywide prayer and mission, get in touch with Nicky, at nicky@togetherforsheffield.co.uk. • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

All Saints Ecclesall All Saints Totley Antioch Community Church Beauchief Baptist Church C3 Hope Cemetery Road Baptist Central URC Christ Church Central Church on the Corner Emmanuel Church Faith Temple: The Inn Of God Apostolic Hillsborough Methodist Hope Family Arbourthorne Mayfield Chapel

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

Oughtibridge Parish Church Our Lady and St Thomas of Beauchief Rock Christian Centre Sheffield Community Church Sheffield Vineyard Spa View Community Church St Gabriel's Greystones St Luke's, Lodge Moor St Paul's Wordsworth Avenue St Thomas Crookes St Thomas Philadelphia The Well The Well at Woodseats

FA I T H L I V E S

S H A R I N G

J O Y

W I T H

A R ISE :HALLOW

by Viki Seithel Viki, who has lived in Sheffield for seven years, describes herself as a Northerner who happened to be born in the South, and lives with her husband and Golden Retriever puppy. Viki is the Events and Operations Manager at Together for Sheffield and is passionate about creating spaces and places where individuals feel at home. She can often be found finding bargains in charity shops.

It’s 3:15pm. I live on a busy school route, and there are hundreds of teenagers flocking past my living room window as they make their journey home from school. Some are clearly in year 7, with backpacks twice the size of them and blazers which I’m sure they’ll grow into. Some look older, 14

perhaps in their final year of GCSEs, scrolling through TikTok as they make their way up and back down the hill. Whether they are a year 7 with a backpack bigger than them or a year 11 who is a little too big for their boots, there is one similar thread that unites every student that walks by.

As I sit in my living room and hear them approaching, there is a wave of “look at that dog!” as one by one and group by group, they pass my window. You see, I have a golden retriever who has gained quite a reputation in our local area. Sitting on a chair in the bay window, she gazes out at the students walking by, bringing a smile to people’s faces. She has a gift of bringing joy to even the seemingly grumpiest of people, because let’s face it, who doesn’t smile at a happy golden retriever? She, for a moment, grabs people’s attention and brings a little bit of joy to their days. As we approached Halloween, I wondered how we might take this opportunity to bring a bit more joy to the

FA I T H L I V E S

community around us: a joy that runs deeper than a happy golden retriever. By taking part in Streets of Light and placing a simple, hopefilled Christian message in our window, we were able to communicate a deeper joy in the midst of a darker season. With a simple message of “even in the darkness, there is light”, accompanied by our golden retriever, we watched as people of all ages and stages gazed at our window. Some walking quickly slowed their pace, and then continued on with a subtle smile on their faces. Others paused to ponder the message. A few people took a picture of the message to save for later. I caught a glimpse of a conversation between two young women. As they walked up the street I noticed a distressed expression on one of their faces. They walked towards the window, and one friend pointed out

“We found it was a simple and lovely way to share our faith in the community.We are in a prominent position so we can share God’s love.” Lesa the message to the other. They pondered the words for the moment, and they looked at each other with an expression of relief and reassurance. I will never know what their day consisted of or what those words meant at that moment, but I do know that this simple Gospel message of hope brought light and joy to two strangers passing by. We have heard simple and powerful stories similar to this from all over Sheffield throughout Hallow. One home transformed into the ‘House of Heavenly Treats’ which attracted 100 trickor-treaters! In addition to sweets and chocolate, children received handwritten blessings from Christians

in their community, as well as Bags of Hope filled with gospels and treats. In addition to this, we’ve seen Christians wearing and sharing their faith, from pin badges to 14 days of wear your faith fortnight outfits! In an otherwise dark time of year, the church represented a light in the darkness, giving the city an alternative narrative of hope. A running thread throughout each season we find ourselves in, from Hallow to Advent, or simply your day to day life, is the importance of sharing the hope of Jesus to the communities around us. This does not need to be complicated, but instead can be making the most of

FA I T H L I V E S

an opportunity and being faithful to what is in front of you. Whether it’s a Bag of Hope given over a doorstep, an item of clothing that professes your faith in Jesus, or simply a golden retriever sitting in a window with a hope-filled message, sharing the hope of Jesus through simple means has never been

more powerful. Arise:March provides you with the opportunity to step out and proclaim the hope of Jesus across the city of Sheffield. From prayer walking to worship, from contending to celebration, Arise:March exists to unify and awaken the church in a way that captivates

“Hearing what different people do at the Arise:Hallow event injected me with a bit more energy to keep praying and thinking creatively about how to approach Halloween with the kids; this helped lead to the cards idea. We also gave out the Bags of Hope as party bags at the end of the Tricks & Treats party at school, adding Halal sweets alongside the stickers and Bible comic. We’re so grateful for mission resources. I ran a tricks & treats party which about 100 people came to. The Christian magician talked about Jesus, the Light of the World, so I was able to give out copies of the Gospel of John to everyone, referring them to that passage in the Gospel. I also made a QR code which linked to The Jesus Film (which is John's Gospel in thousands of

communities in our city. If you missed out on being involved with Arise:Hallow, this is another opportunity to be involved in a city-wide prayer movement that brings hope to Sheffield. How can you make the most of the opportunities around you?

languages); the people who come to our fresh expression speak a huge range of languages as their first language. We leave our setup at home functioning without needing us there, and go trick or treating as a way of engaging with the community. This year we gave these thank you cards to everyone who gave us sweets. Everyone was really touched by the gesture. It was really good for the kids to see first-hand how they were being a light to those people. It also helps them not to just be out to get but to give as well. My son was covered in fairy lights! People kept telling them we were the best trick or treaters because of the cards! One girl answered her door in silence to be spooky, dressed as an evil spirit, and when they passed her the thank you card she just melted and said how nice that was.” Heather Waller, Church Army Evangelist

ADVERT

JOB ADVERTISEMENT

Trustee Vacancies at Together for Sheffield / Arise About Together for Sheffield / Arise

Skills and Qualifications

Together for Sheffield, the charity the powers Arise and Ascend, is a dynamic and growing charity with a citywide remit in Sheffield. We long to see everyone in Sheffield come to know and experience the love of Jesus. Our mission focuses on empowering Christians and churches in Sheffield to engage in citywide prayer, mission, and social action.

• Experience in Organizational or Church leadership at C-suite or board level. • For the Ascend program role: A passion for supporting employment initiatives with a Christian perspective. • For the finance/operational role: Strong background in financial management or operational leadership.

We are excited to announce two pivotal Trustee vacancies:

Time Commitment

• Trustee with remit of our 'Christians Against Poverty for Employment' Programme (Ascend)

• Trustees are expected to attend six daytime meetings per year and engage in relevant activities as needed.

• Trustee with Finance or Operational Background

Benefits and Opportunities

Working with the CEO, the Trustees play a crucial role in steering and supporting our various programs and initiatives across Sheffield.

Key Responsibilities • Provide strategic guidance and oversight for the 'Ascend' program or financial/ operational aspects of the charity. • Collaborate closely with the CEO and TFS team in implementing cross-sector initiatives. • Attend daytime Trustee meetings six times a year and actively participate in decisionmaking processes.

• Unique opportunity to empower and shape the future of church and Christian involvement in Sheffield. Be part of strengthening a charity that will support the Christian community for decades and centuries to come (Maranatha).

Application Process To express your interest in these transformative roles, please email Ben at Ben@togetherforsheffield.co.uk. Join us in making a lasting impact on the Sheffield community!

FA I T H L I V E S

Heather Raison Interview with an Evangelist as told to Philip Dolby

Heather Raison

Philip Dolby

Heather Raison, 35, is a dentist by profession and works as a lecturer at the University of Liverpool. Born just outside Belfast in Northern Ireland, she now lives in the Millhouses area of Sheffield, and moved to the city from Manchester to help plant the local congregation of Audacious Church. Heather is married and has two young children. She is on the core team of Audacious church, and her passion is to reach out to those who are new to church and help them discover faith in Jesus.

Phillip Dolby is a freelance journalist, editor and PR consultant based in Sheffield. His specialist subjects include: local and national news, politics, the arts, religion and international development. He loves the adventure of working in the media industry and wants to use his voice to speak up for the poor and disenfranchised.

How long have you lived in Sheffield? My family and I moved to Sheffield in August 2021. What do you love about the city? The green space, the friendly people, and the much improved weather compared to Manchester! Where are your favourite places in Sheffield? I love a good brunch and a walk so some of my favourite places include a cosy little

Website: phillipdolby.com Twitter: @PhillipDolby

café and Ecclesall woods.

changed me forever.

When and how did you come to faith in Jesus?

What are you most thankful to God for?

May 2012. I was blown away by the type of church service I experienced at Audacious Church, Manchester. The preacher did an altar call, and God spoke straight to my heart. I made a response in that moment and have spent the last 11 years working out the decision I made that night.

Joy in my heart and peace in my spirit. That He’s always faithful and true to His word.

Tell us your testimony in fewer than 7 words. God spoke to my heart and

Where and how do you share your faith with others? One of the best ways I’ve found to share my faith is simply by loving others well. Over time, people naturally start to ask questions – the perfect opportunity to share the good news.

FA I T H L I V E S

"One of the best ways I’ve found to share my faith is simply by loving others well. Over time, people naturally start to ask questions – the perfect opportunity to share the good news." Are there things you find yourself saying as you communicate faith to others? God loves you. He knows you. He is for you. There is grace, peace, hope and joy to be found, regardless of the realities of your situation and circumstances. Is there a particular story of leading someone to Jesus or communicating the gospel that you remember fondly? One story that sticks out is

leading a young student to Jesus after a church service. An honest and real conversation gave way to a revelation moment for salvation – what a joy! What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn how to communicate the good news with confidence? Know God. Be attentive to the Holy Spirit and His prompting. Don’t over complicate it. Be

willing to share honestly. What is one thing you could recommend to help followers of Jesus become bolder in their faith? Be found in the word and in prayer. What is your dream for Sheffield? That we would see the great commission fulfilled – disciples of Jesus, baptised in water and Spirit.

STRONGER TOGETHER

Join us & experience Birkdale Prep School at our Open Morning: Saturday 16th March 9.30am-12noon

FA I T H L I V E S

Fasting Feasting A N D

How lentils helped us proclaim the Gospel

FA I T H L I V E S

by Pippa Baker Full time missionary, Pippa Baker worked in the Advertising industry for six-and-ahalf years in Central London. In 2017 she felt the call to quit her job to pursue a life working with the Church all over the UK. Her passion lies in helping the next generation follow Jesus daily. She helps lead One Hope Project, a creative collective encouraging fresh expressions of worship in the Catholic Church. She has lived in Sheffield for five years and is part of the team at St Vincent’s Mission Hub.

When a group of my family, friends and I moved up to Sheffield five years ago, we were amazed at the many creative and compelling ways that Christians across the city were sharing the good news of our faith. Over this time, we at St Vincent’s MissionHub – a recent Catholic church plant for Sheffield’s students, young adults, and young families – have desired to join in and see God’s kingdom come to this wonderful city we call

home, and recently we felt stirred to undertake a fasting, prayer and mission initiative. We called it ‘Operation Lentil’, and we encouraged everyone in our Church community to participate. So, what is Operation Lentil? Well, for the month of November we undertook a gradual fast – gradually giving up food and drink until we were solely eating rice and lentils and drinking water. The aim of this was to spur us on to pray for those we know

who don't have faith to come to know Jesus, particularly those in the city of Sheffield. The grumbling of the tummies and the tedium of the daals helped fuel our prayers for our loved ones. Over the 27 days of fasting, we hosted two all-night prayer vigils where we prayed for 99 different names that were hung up around the room. We prayed for opportunities to share faith with colleagues, neighbours, friends, and family and cheered one another on to be bold and courageous for Jesus. A wonderful opportunity to do this arose when inviting people to the party we were hosting to break our fast

“No human effort would have made this month outstanding – only the Spirit of the living God.”

FA I T H L I V E S

“126 people attended, with over half not being Christians or not having been to Church for a long time… We truly witnessed people leaving feeling loved, welcomed and with questions about God.”

called ‘The Feast’. What could be better than feasting after fasting?! And not just eating delicious food but we wanted this night to be an evening that the very people we had been praying for, could come and enjoy a spectacular evening all for free. On the 2nd of December we hosted ‘The Feast’ having transformed our Church building into a beautiful space for a party. We lay out white tablecloths and multi coloured candles, erected a balloon arch, hung up many lanterns and lined the tables

with fresh eucalyptus. The building had never looked so good! 126 people attended, with over half not being Christians or not having been to Church for a long time. We greeted them with homemade canapes, a glass of prosecco or nosecco, we partnered with local piemaker Jack (highly recommend his company Windsor’s Bakery) and served steak and ale pies with mushy peas and mash. I then gave a 15-minute message attempting to share God’s magnificent love for each attendee and extend

the invitation to them to a relationship with Jesus. After brownies, coffee and a peruse of Alpha’s ‘Why Jesus?’ resource, we listened to incredible live music from local singer Emily West and finished off dancing the night away with a silent disco! We were and are blown away by God’s goodness for Operation Lentil and The Feast. We truly witnessed people leaving feeling loved, welcomed and with questions about God. There were many conversations about faith around the tables, so much

FA I T H L I V E S

joy and an opportunity for our community to be united in serving, clearing, and welcoming. We even had guests stay until past 2am wanting to help us clear up! I wanted to take this opportunity to boast in the power of prayer and fasting, no human effort would have made this month outstanding – only the Spirit of the living God. And I want to encourage us to keep going – to keep praying, fasting, and sharing the good news that God loves Sheffield and every individual within this beautiful city!

Testimonies from members of the community who joined in "Over the course of Operation Lentil we were encouraged to pray for three people in Sheffield who wouldn’t call themselves Christian. One of these people was my friend and university housemate James, who previously had no faith (and was even quite against it). After a lot of thought, prayer, and long conversations over a six year period, he messaged me on the day of The Feast and said that he does believe in God now, is going to Church regularly, praying daily, and has said how important he now thinks it is to bring a Christian revival to the UK. His girlfriend has also asked to come to church with him! The second person on my list agreed to come to The Feast with me and he said he had a really good time, felt very loved and found conversations refreshing and lifegiving." Harry

"I want to testify to the way God really blew my mind during the fasting period. As I gave up more and more food and

drink, God seemed to bless me with more time in my mornings to pray or find peace before the day starts. Some of the things I’ve previously found difficult or stressful no longer felt that way – it didn’t mean that the situations necessarily changed but I definitely was given a new perspective. I also felt much more focused!" Anna

"I have been writing up my PhD. The deadlines were approaching, and I found that I was running late. Then we were invited as a community to take part in Operation Lentil, and I was really unsure. But I am astonished at how God has used this. Thanks to this fasting and prayer initiative I had the idea of turning all the time I was wasting during work breaks into prayer. The liturgy of the hours fit perfectly with my routine, and I found that praying gave me rest and productivity in a way that I could never have imagined. Now, I'm even back on track to submit my thesis on time!" Simone

FA I T H L I V E S

S T O P T I P-W ALKING

F O R P R AY E R

S D I K WITH

FA I T H L I V E S

for praising God too loudly, Jesus said “From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise” (Mathew 21:16). Since this was just a few days before his crucifixion, I like to think that the praises of little children brought Jesus joy. I believe the prayers and praises of children today bring Jesus joy, the kind of joy for which he endured the cross. (Hebrews 12:2)

by Joanne Gilchrist Joanne Gilchrist has lived in Sheffield for ten years, ever since her husband took a role at The Oakes Holiday Centre. She has three fabulous daughters who inspired her to create the God for Kids app, and write the Animals of Eden Valley books. She founded the charity Ruach Resources in 2019, has a graduate certificate in Theology, Ministry and MIssion, and loves singing, cross-stitch, and Christmas!

I’ve never been much of a walker but I grew up with a youth leader who loved hiking! I’ve hiked up mountains, round reservoirs, through muddy peat bogs and even though it would take a HUGE amount of effort to get started, I always, always, always, felt amazing by the end. Inspired, energised, God-connected. One day, our youth leader decided we should start prayer-walking around the streets on a Friday evening. Great, I thought. Two of my least-favourite things – walking and praying aloud. But something amazing happened on those prayerwalks and I found my voice. I discovered a freedom to pray in a way I’d never imagined before.

Prayer-walking is not exactly hard – you walk, you pray. Simple. So why is it so difficult when there are kids involved? Perhaps these top tips will help overcome obstacles that prevent you from even thinking about prayer-walking with your kids. Perhaps you might even discover that kids make really good prayer-walkers. It might look a little different to how you would do it alone, but prayer-walking could be an empowering way for your children to feel like they’re connecting with God and doing something good for their community.

Prayers of Children are a Blessing

Prayers of Children are Powerful In Matthew 21:16, Jesus actually quoted from Psalm 8:2 which says: “Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.” It might not seem like those simple, child-like prayers could be powerful but Jesus says they are mighty enough to silence enemies and bring down strongholds. Do you want to see transformation in your community? Then take a kid prayer-walking.

When the Pharisees asked Jesus to admonish children

“Prayer-walking could be an empowering way for your children to feel like they’re connecting with God.”

FA I T H L I V E S

S P I T P UR KIDS O O Y T H T I 0 W 1 NG E R -WA L K I F O R P R AY

1. WH ATE VE R GE TS YO U OU T TH E DO

OR …

ivates you? Quality This is the hardest bit so think: what mot where you plan to time with your family? The coffee shop r… finish? Whatever gets you out the doo

2. PR EPAR E TH E KI T LIS T

g card from Grab your kid’s prayer-walkin white-board Arise and a pen. Ideally, get a n the card pen so that you can wipe-clea Haribo for and re-use it. Maybe pack a few kids too. motivation. And some for the

3 . P R E PA R E T H

E K ID S

Before you star t, look at the back of the card and talk through the di fferent things you want to look and pray for. Just like a scav enger hunt!

4. PR AC TIS E TH E BL ES SIN G

prayer on the card before you Practise the ‘call and response’ eone you want to bless, you start so that when you spot som you and Keep you” and your say the words “May God Bless next. child knows exactly what to say

5. PR AY For little ones it might be enough to simply pray “God bless you.” Some kids might love the predictability of the call and response prayer but others might prefer to make up their own prayers. On the whole, children model their parents and will pray in the style they’ve seen modelled at home and church and (possibly) school. Give them space and time and see what they come up with. Silent prayers are ok too.

6. ADAP T TO YO UR FA MI LY Are your children naturally en compassionate and notice wh see the to people are sad? Do they like pired big picture: would they be ins y can the by going to a hilltop where Will they look out over the whole city ? as or be stimulated by busy shop are urb? prefer the peace of a leafy sub they ces pla Will they get distracted by yers to know or will it inspire their pra rth wo be be more specific? It might the researching some facts about food or s, ool number of churches, sch have a banks in your local area, if you . ails det child who loves facts and

FA I T H L I V E S

7. BE CREATIVE The prayer-walking card might not work for your family at all so here are a few ‘pick-and-mix’ ideas you can use for inspiration • When you see a post-box, pray for those awaiting news. • When you see a grit-bin/sand-box, pray for the road workers’ well-being, safe travel or good weather conditions. • Look up other blessings from the Bible like Philippians 4:19 or Ephesians 3:20. Perhaps write words from these blessings on stones to hide in places others will find later. • You could carry grass seed to scatter as you pray, symbolic of the word of God being scattered far and wide. • You could walk one street in silence so that you listen, instead of talk. See if you can hear what is on God’s heart for that place. • Look for seven things in each colour of the rainbow, to thank God for. A purple bus, a yellow sun etc.

8 . K E E P IT S IM

PLE

…and let your ch ild surprise you. If you fill yo ur prayerwalking with to o many things, you mig ht forget to actually pray! Th e prayercard is more of a prompt to help facilitate pr ayer, it’s not a ‘to-do’ list. So don’t get too hung up on ge tting it right, and do allow sp ace to pray.

10 . RE FL EC T ON TH E PR AY ER -WAL K

t coffee Once you’ve reached tha e time shop (or home) take som r he to reflect on the walk. Eit in conversation or use the Arise printable sheets from the n draw website so your child ca r, this their reflections. Last yea rt of was the most fruitful pa child. prayer-walking with my into I got to see her insights d me. God’s world and it blesse

9. D O N ’T ST R ES S IF (W H EN ) IT A LL G O ES W R O N G ty With kids, this is pret rry too common! So don’t wo -walk is much if your prayer refuses cut short or your kid n always to take part. You ca ething try again or try som different next time.

FINA LLY. .. Prayer-walking is not just about family time, getting fit or even the little coffee shop at the end. It is not another religious ritual to add to the never-ending to-do list that makes parents feel guilty. It is simply a good thing to do. So why not give it a go with your kids and see what blessings may abound for you, your children and your community.

FA I T H L I V E S

FAITH AT WORK

A conversation with Margaret Ibison

Accountant Margaret Ibison has seen God move in her workplaces in simple and significant ways since starting her career. From corporate accounting, to serving the S6 Foodbank, her experience spans over years and sectors, and throughout all this, there is one theme: God’s faithfulness to those who seek Him. After speaking with Margaret, I felt so encouraged by her persistence in prayer in each of her workplaces. Here, she shares her experience of committing to pray for her colleagues despite a difficult work environment. V: Tell me about your experience of living out your faith at work. M: One of the most significant aspects of sharing my faith was early on in my work life, 28

when I worked in London. I worked in a very aggressive, fast-moving environment and I tried as much as I could to affirm my faith in the way I worked. It wasn't the healthiest workplace, but I tried as much as possible, to really serve the needs of the business, and the needs of the people around me. I used to pray every day for my attitude and my workspace and the people in my department. I worked in an open-plan area, and I just prayed that if anyone stepped over that carpet line, that they would be blessed, experience respect, kindness and fairness, all of which were, at times, in short supply in that kind of environment.

V: How did you initially share your faith with your work colleagues? M: At my recruitment interview, my future boss discovered that I was a Christian through some of the questions he asked. During my first year working there, it was painfully stressful and I felt hugely challenged. I thought to myself, any witness of God’s peace in me must be completely trashed! But after a year, my boss asked if he could speak to me over lunchtime. He said that a friend of his mother had become a Christian and that she kept talking about Jesus. It was really winding him up! He said to me, “I know you're a Christian, but you haven't just banged on about it all the time. Tell me how you became a Christian.” I’d had an opportunity for a year to affirm the Gospel, but it took someone else to proclaim the Gospel to really get under his skin! He said that despite being in a stressful work environment, he saw a peace in me that never changed, regardless of the circumstances around me. I was completely unaware of

“I used to pray every day for my attitude and my workspace and the people in my department.”

FA I T H L I V E S

this! But God's peace is so much greater than we realise, and so much greater than our faults, inadequacies or our human limitations. He told me that he wanted to experience the peace he saw in me. I started by introducing him to my small group leader who was a similar age.

comfortable sharing my faith with people than I used to be in days gone by. V: What impact do you think that prayer made in that situation?

M: I think it helped me to keep focused on what God was doing in that place, and what God could do there. I couldn't necessarily change the bigger V: What happened next? environment of the company, M: He gave his life to Jesus but I had influence over the three months later! staff in the department and He was involved with our the space we occupied in a small group for a couple corner of an open-plan office. of years, and then was I knew that I wanted everyone diagnosed with cancer. I who came into our area to remembered visiting him be blessed by God, that my in the hospital. staff and those Everything had who stepped gone wrong for into our space him in those would somehow “He gave his life three years, but experience to Jesus three he was content, a different months later!” and he told me atmosphere. that he had the I believe that peace he had God creates and been looking designs everyone individually for. He died of cancer a few for purpose, Christian or weeks later and I had the non-Christian. He has given opportunity to sing at his each of us passions, gifts and funeral. I think I was really personalities. Through prayer, privileged to see something we can ask the Holy Spirit to very rare, to see someone draw attention to how He sees come to faith and to see it others and to call that out. grow from the beginning, all the way through to the end. V: What does this look like practically for you? At that point in my life, I was very comfortable M: When I was working as affirming the Gospel, a temp in Sheffield I said to one of the girls I worked fairly uncomfortable with with, “I believe God sees you proclaiming the Gospel. as someone with a really big This experience made me heart that you encourage realise that we need to be others with and He really prepared for God to call us loves that.” I try to do this to do either because both where I can. I may see a are needed and that God at picture that I'll share with a points would maybe require colleague and then tell them, me to proclaim the Gospel. “This is how God sees you.” I think now I'm much more

When you speak out how amazing they are in God’s sight, people are delighted, because it's as if you're going deep in and you're identifying the secrets of their hearts. The thing is, they know they have passions and things they are gifted with, but seldom others see or affirm it in them, speaking it out! I often say, “Even if you don't believe in God, God believes in you!” I’ve found this opens people to believe that God is for them rather than against them. Even if they’ve ignored Him most of their life it gives the opportunity for them to start again in how they see God. V: What verses have you found helpful in sharing your faith at work? M: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour” (Luke 4:18-19 NIV) The secular workplace is an amazing place. I believe that God loves all he has made and wants them to enjoy his favour. I love rubbing shoulders with nonChristians, because if you're working with people who don't go to church, then one of the only ways they're going to be introduced to Jesus is through someone who they have the opportunity to, day after day, observe for quite a while, and then maybe explore faith bit by bit, on their own terms.

FA I T H L I V E S

H I L LT O P S A

HIGH PLACES

by Rachel Hall Rachel Hall has been the Together for Sheffield Prayer Ambassador for over four years. She encourages believers across the city to be connected in prayer. She has a passion for unity and the Church coming together to be a blessing for the city. In her spare time she enjoys the beaches of North Wales, and good coffee shops.

Since November 2022, a group of ten Arisers from different churches across the city have been meeting every six weeks on different hilltops across Sheffield, to pray for the city from its high places. 30

In 2022, Arise Champion Margaret Howells shared that she believed that Sheffield’s hilltops were an important prayer focus. Our group then caught the vision and started this new journey of prayer! At present we

have prayed in: Parkwood Springs; City Amphitheatre/ Park Hill; Wincobank; Graves Park; Ringinglow; Gleadless; Manor Lodge; and Wadsley Common. There are still more viewpoints to go, so we are starting to think that – instead of the traditional seven hills of Sheffield – there are perhaps twenty hills in Sheffield! However, it was never about ‘completing a task’ as such, but about partnering with God to see His view of the city and pray according to His Holy Spirit. It really is a great way to get God’s heart for the city. Every viewpoint is so

FA I T H L I V E S

“As the group left she shouted after us, ‘You are bringing light to the whole city!’”

unique and reveals different landmarks and communities in this diverse and beautiful city. Giles Holloway – leader at King’s Centre and part of the hilltop prayer group – says ‘Praying on the hilltops is a really practical way of getting out in the city and praying with Jesus.’ Towards the beginning of this prayer journey the group sought God as to whether there should be a particular focus to the prayers on each high place. Psalm 24 was highlighted: it speaks of ascending the hill of the Lord and seeking His face. Verse 9 says, “Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.” We were encouraged – that as we stood on the hilltops to pray – we were inviting the King of Kings to enter into the city and to come and take His place, and for His will to be done and His Kingdom come!. Each hilltop has also brought different themes for us to pray about and it has been wonderful to be led by the Holy Spirit in our prayers.

1. Parkwood Springs The very first hill the group ascended – in November 2022 – was Parkwood Springs. (The photo above was taken in summer months and the view really is wonderful). However, on our visit, the vista was a wall of white fog! We couldn’t believe how little we could see as we started this prayer journey. It felt quite ironic. It was also pretty cold up there, as I attempted to play the guitar with frozen fingers! However, we were encouraged with the sense that the fog represented ‘a blank canvas’ and that God was doing a new thing in the city. The old has gone and the new will appear. Sallie Wilson – leader at Church on the Corner and part of the hilltop prayer group – recalls, “We couldn’t see, but God was saying, ‘Don’t worry, because I can!’’ The second huge encouragement while we were there was that a lady with a wooden flute appeared out of the mist and stood a little way off, intrigued as to what the Arise group were doing. Brian Reece from our group went up to the lady to talk to her. She was a young Muslim lady who had wanted to meet God, and had come up the hill to do so with her instrument. How surprised she was when we were right there worshipping! What a God incidence! Brian shared his testimony and

the Gospel with her and encouraged her to speak to Jesus, as she was asking how she could meet Him. As the group left she shouted after us, “You are bringing light to the whole city!” What a start to our journey!

2. City Amphitheatre We then felt called to pray over the city centre at the amphitheatre behind the station. It is a great vista and is a key place in the city as it looks over the train and bus stations where those entering and leaving the city come and go. Sallie Wilson reported a real sense that God is at work in the city when we prayed here. We were also led to pray for honour and respect in the church, for unity and renewed hope and passion for Jesus.

3. Wincobank Here, we enjoyed another great view of the city and a significant prayer time over the East of the city. We had glimpses of industrial buildings, steel works, and Meadowhall too. We prayed for businesses and economic blessing, and got a sense of fresh innovation in the city.

FA I T H L I V E S

4. Graves Park We enjoyed some stunning views from Graves Park, and saw lots of dog walkers out and about too! It was good to pray for the churches that we could see across the city. This prayer time was slightly more difficult to discern, so we prayed for clarity, for eyes to be opened, and for people to see the truth of Jesus.

5. Gleadless Margaret Howells has a wonderful story about how the Holy Spirit worked through the hilltop prayer in Gleadless to find a new Youth and Children’s Minister for a local church – take a look at the sidebar to find out more.

“We don’t always have to be talking and praying, we can just kneel and be in His presence”

6. Ringinglow Here there is a fantastic vista over the South of the city. This is Giles Holloway’s favourite high place to pray: he loves the views of the schools, the churches and other landmarks from here. When asked why he has been joining us to pray on the hilltops, Giles says, ‘We see that the high places are significant in the Old Testament: I sense the powerful nature of praying from the high places’. Interestingly, Jesus often took Himself up a mountain to pray (Mark 6, Luke 6).

Holiness. For some of the group sensing this, the appropriate response was for them to kneel on the hill and worship. We felt such a real sense of God's awe. Sallie noted, ‘We don’t always have to be talking and praying, we can just kneel and be in His presence’. There was also a sense of hope for the next generation as we prayed for the schools we could see in our view.

8. Wadsley Common

7. Manor lodge This was Sallie Wilson’s favourite hilltop so far. There was a beautiful sense of God’s presence as we prayed, in particular, a sense of His

This was Martin Jacobs’ favourite hill, because it gave us a very wide view of the city. This empowered and informed us in our prayer. We were drawn to pray for mission initiatives across the city and for wisdom for strategy for evangelism. We also prayed for the lost and

FA I T H L I V E S

felt it was perhaps significant that two of our group actually couldn’t find where we were praying, so could have been seen as ‘lost’. Sometimes there are physical signs that confirm our prayers.

I hope this article has encouraged you to follow God’s prompting to pray where and when He leads. Just text a friend, get your walking boots, and join in God’s prayer adventure! Let

us be encouraged to make intercession for all people in our city! (1 Timothy 2 1-4). We will continue to pray on the hilltops. Contact me to find out more at prayer@ togetherforsheffield.co.uk.

A divine jigsaw in Gleadless Valley

by Margaret Howells

On Easter Sunday 2023, I was prayer-walking in Newfield Green and down the Gleadless Valley. This was the day that I became one of the witnesses to a wonderful moment of God at work in Sheffield. This area of Sheffield was unfamiliar to me, and as I stood and prayed, I rejoiced about all the Kingdom building activities listed on the noticeboard at Holy Cross Church. I hadn’t known that there had been a fatal shooting outside a tower block of flats at Newfield Green in the early hours of Easter Sunday, until I was told by delightful children in a God-ordained chat. By then, I had already been taking the area to my heart – divine ‘jigsaw piece’ number one. I would be praying.

Towards the end of April, another Ariser – Kathy Parsons – and I called in at the Holy Cross coffee morning, to make connections and see where God was leading. Kathy lives not too far away and was also feeling that heart connection to the area. We left some Arise magazines, picked up a wonderful church welcome leaflet and asked for prayer needs. We were told of their ongoing search for a Youth and Children’s Minister. Jigsaw piece number two. I passed this prayer point on to the Arise team and posted it on the Arise Prayer app, as well as sharing it with my own church house group. I’d told them about my initial prayerwalking, and during April and May they prayed with fervent love for the Gleadless Valley and for a new Youth Minister. Their intensity and faith – and that of the other Arisers who prayed for this need through the Arise Prayer app – also had a part to play as the Holy Spirit went on bringing the ‘jigsaw’ together. In the middle of May, our hilltop prayer group was

praying on Daresbury Road and looking across towards the Gleadless Valley, focussing especially on young people and youth workers. When I shared what had been happening, another member of the group – Brian Reece – had a special Holy Spirit moment, as one might say! God was placing another piece in the jigsaw. Brian knew of someone who might well be the person God was calling to the vacancy at Holy Cross. Following Brian’s visit to Holy Cross church the following Sunday, we were delighted to read his joyful report on the Hilltoppers’ WhatsApp group. Unknown to me at that stage, many more jigsaw pieces went into place over the Summer. And when we prayed on the hilltop of Manor Lodge near the end of September, the newly installed Youth and Children’s Minister Sunday Dawodu was there praying with us as a visible answer to our prayers! 33

FA I T H L I V E S

A quick look at

ARISE

Boundary lines for LOCAL AREA COMMI TTEES

(North, North East, Central, South West, South, East, South East) 34

Explore your local area on the map: 1. Take a look at the map of last year's prayer-walking in your area. Who could you invite to help you turn even more streets to gold this year? 2. Do you know the other Arisers who live in your local area? The Arise:March launch event is a great place to meet them: register now at bit.ly/Arise-24-launch 3. Go even deeper: take a look at our interactive online map to view churches and Arisers, and to find out which Sheffield Ward you live in: visit bit.ly/Arise-map or scan the QR code.

Postcodes of

ARISE MEMBE RS IN 2023

Streets prayer-walked during

ARISE MARCH IN 2023 35

FA I T H L I V E S

ARISE:HALLOW 2023 One home in North Sheffield hosted a massive open event for trick-or-treaters on Halloween, offering high-quality chocolates alongside handwritten blessings, plus the Arise:Hallow Bags of Hope packs which included the Gospel of John, a children’s Gospel story booklet, and stickers featuring the message ‘God’s love is warm and safe’, based on one of the runner-up designs in the Bishop’s Badge Competition.

Streets of Light

An event at Rotherham Minster celebrated the children who were awarded commendations for their Bishop’s Badge Competition designs. Young people and their families from across the Diocese of Sheffield packed into Rotherham Minster, where they received a warm welcome from the Diocese team. After being served hot chocolates, each child was given their own certificate with a personal note from the team sharing what they appreciated about their design. Many of the families had never been to church, or not attended in some time. 36

FA I T H L I V E S

ARISE:ADVENT 2023 "The kids in my class asked me today why my nails were this colour... So I shared the mystery of the candy cane with them and told them I'm getting baptised... Cue question time, including 'Will your shoes get wet too?'" a teacher in a local school "Martin Jacobs and other local believers braved the pouring rain on Thursday when they went out into the streets of Rotherham town centre, sharing their faith using the mystery of the candy cane. Bonus points go to the lady with the amazing candy cane outfit!" Giles Holloway

“We set up a life-size Nativity outside our church, and sang carols while giving out hot chocolate and the Arise:Advent candy canes to children and parents as they came out of school. Everyone received them so well and were really blessed. The younger children loved playing on the ‘camel’ and feeding the ‘sheep’ hay.”

Spotted in Sheffield this Christmas...

Sallie Wilson, Church on the Corner 37

D I S C I P L E S H I P D O N E D I F F E R E N T LY

Bird's Ideas FOR COMMUNITIES

by Bird River LoveGod Bird LoveGod is a member of STC in Crookes and St Matthews Church on Carver Street, and the director of EthicalMuch.com as well as a writer and publisher of Godly things.

“This is such a simple way to extend your church community, and to share the love of Jesus.”

SHOW THIS TO YOUR CHURCH LEADERS!!! Tear out the page and post it to them if needs be. Whatever it takes. Here’s a way for your church to reach 1000 people every month, in the local area, with local news, evangelistic messages and Christian cultural content. Produce a printed newsletter. Give it a hyper local name. The Ecclesall Explainer, the Crookes Chronicle, something like that. The content is: Local news, Church news, Testimonies, and Christian commentary, and by that I mean comment on national and international news and events from a Christian perspective. It can be printed A3 and folded to A4, and start out with just 4 sides. That’s a single sheet of paper. Put together a little production team, a couple of students perhaps; it’s good training and work experience.

Include a letters section and email address so people can write in if they like. You can even have a couple of adverts in the next editions, and so make it revenue neutral. Distribute them by hand to 500 homes and businesses in the local area. It’s so simple. It’s so easy. It’s so obvious. Why not? Just do it. Every month. It’ll reach more people than all your social media combined. How much will it cost to print? About £100 at the most. Visit Mixam.co.uk or YouLovePrint.co.uk and have a look. Print in black and white. It’ll cost half as much. Just imagine the people in your local area who feel isolated and disconnected from community – this is such a simple way to extend your church community, and to share the love of Jesus. If you want a hand producing, get in touch: Bird – 07535 670 581.

D I S C I P L E S H I P D O N E D I F F E R E N T LY

Can you help a Sheffield asylum seeker find a home?

Practical interventions

by Blessan Babu Blessan works at City of Sanctuary Sheffield as SPRING Delivery and Advocacy Manager (Sheffield Project for Refugee INtegration & Growth) and he is one of the leaders at City Church Sheffield.

Homelessness is not a new problem, but it can be devastating. Jesus was very clear that we need to care for society's most vulnerable. "Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done…"

More refugees face homelessness and destitution Since the beginning of August 2023, a new Home Office policy has seen thousands of successful asylum seekers become homeless. The policy gives those granted asylum just 28 days to open a bank account, secure a job, and find somewhere to live, when evidence shows that this process takes at least 5–6 weeks. It’s estimated that there are over 700 homeless asylum seekers in Sheffield in

January 2024. You may not see them all on the streets, and they may not even appear in Council statistics, because most of them are relying on the hospitality of others providing temporary support and shelter. Newly granted refugees are one of the most vulnerable social groups. As Christians, there are many ways that we can help.

Prayer points • Pray for the council for leadership, wisdom, and provision of finance. • Churches to respond with faith and grace both in prayer and practically.

• Could you make space for a refugee? Refugees at Home is an organisation that supports people with spare rooms to host refugees. Visit: https://refugeesathome.org/ get-involved/id-like-to-host. • Give generously: The Open Hands Project (featured in the June 2023 edition of Arise! works to offer homes to refugees and asylum seekers in Sheffield – www.openhandsproject. org.uk. Additionally, City of Sanctuary Sheffield does amazing work and would also be very grateful for any donations, as they seek to support refugees and asylum seekers in crisis – https:// sheffield.cityofsanctuary.org/ • Buying properties to be used by the homeless: Could your church community work together to buy a house for homeless asylum seekers? We can be a blessing to the nations on our doorstep. Contact Blessan to get started: blessan@sheffield. cityofsanctuary.org

“It is estimated that there are over 700 homeless asylum seekers in Sheffield in January 2024... Jesus was very clear that we need to care for society’s most vulnerable.” 39

D I S C I P L E S H I P D O N E D I F F E R E N T LY

KINGDOM C O L L A B O R A T I O N

D I S C I P L E S H I P D O N E D I F F E R E N T LY

Interview with John Lawson

As told to Ella Ducker

John Lawson is Hub Leader at The Message Trust’s Yorkshire and Humberside hub, which is based in Woodseats, South Sheffield. He moved from Lincoln to Sheffield in 2022.

Ella is currently studying English at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. When back home in Sheffield, she enjoys catching up with friends and family, and sewing.

The Message Trust is an international Christian charity, founded 30 years ago in Manchester supporting the ministry of The World Wide Message Tribe, a band that went into schools and prisons using music and the arts as an evangelistic tool. Today, The Message Trust focuses on working in schools, prisons and high deprivation communities serving people’s needs and sharing their faith. ‘Eden’ teams of urban missionaries move onto high deprivation estates and serve the communities from the inside. In Sheffield, Eden teams are working in Fir Vale, Jordanthorpe & Batemoor, living among the community and providing holistic wraparound care for families in the area. Recently, in Jordanthorpe, the team cleared and renovated a neighbour’s garden so that an ambulance could reach his door and help him get to the hospital. The Message Trust also partners with C3 Hope Foundation to run a community grocery, offering food dignity by reducing the cost of essential food and household supplies. They hope to open another community grocery in Sheffield over the next few months and are looking at running cookery courses. The C3 Hope Foundation & Community Grocery also host a Conversation Cafe which offers friendship to non-native English speakers, as well as many other wraparound care groups, supporting individuals to access local services. 10–15 have then gone on to join Alpha courses and start attending church. They are also launching a house of prayer in partnership with the Well at Woodseats, converting a double decker bus, which will also include a climbing wall, games consoles, nail bar and slide for use in youth work.

I’m meeting John Lawson at The Message Trust’s regional headquarters, a recently renovated building in Woodseats. John shows me through the foyer, where he and his colleague Janet are working, to a spacious, light room with exposed brick walls where desks are set up for a flexible working space. Off from this room are offices, one of which houses an office for The Well at Woodseats – a church plant that meets here on Sundays. Upstairs, there is an event space and above, in the balcony, a music studio that looks out over the Sheffield hills to the Peak District. We sit downstairs at one of the desks and John tells me more about his work in Sheffield with The Message Trust. John arrived in Sheffield in Summer 2022 to take on the role of Regional Hub Leader for Yorkshire and Humberside. Before this, he had been leading an Eden* team in Lincoln, living in a deprived area and sharing the Gospel in his community. How does John like to share the Gospel? “There's nothing quite as powerful as testimony sharing,” John tells me. “I think preaching at people doesn't always work, there's nothing personal to it. Whereas when you're sharing a personal experience of how God's had an impact in your life, no one can refute that, no one can say, ‘no, that didn't happen.’ I mean, they might try, but you know, deep in your soul, that that was a God-orchestrated incident.

D I S C I P L E S H I P D O N E D I F F E R E N T LY

I asked John to tell me more about his experience working with The Message Trust, sharing the gospel in deprived communities, and about his move to Sheffield. Before moving to Sheffield, you worked with The Message in Lincoln. What did you learn from your experience in Lincoln that you’d like to bring to Sheffield?

That’s why testimonies are so powerful.”

me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.”

John went on to share his own testimony with me. Between the ages of 17–21 John had been touring the “At a time when I had no world, performing as a singer use of my and dancer. legs, it really A dramatic resonated injury while with me,” on stage “...there’s nothing recounts one night John. “I burst left John that brings as much into tears paralysed joy and excitement there and from the as serving Jesus.” then.” Just waist down. a few days Faced later, a doctor with the called out of prospect of the blue to offer John a place being unable to walk again on an experimental surgery, – let alone dance – a friend brought a Bible to his hospital and within months, John had regained the use of his legs. bedside. Several surgeries and months later, he woke in “And it’s been a journey since the middle of the night with then. One of challenge, one an overwhelming sense that of joy, one of frustration, but he needed to read the Bible, there’s nothing that brings as and opened it to Psalm 40. much joy and excitement as He read, “I waited patiently serving Jesus.” for the Lord; he inclined to 42

“One of the biggest initiatives that we saw in Lincoln was something called the Night Light Cafe. We partnered with the NHS & Transform Lincoln [the local church unity movement], where the NHS funded out-of-hours mental health cafes, but only planted them into churches. Why? From what we were told, the NHS commissioning group asked themselves the question, ‘Where are the most compassionate people ever found?’, and the people around that table said, ‘It’s churches.’ Now, the Night Light Cafes are not limited to just the city of Lincoln: they’re rolling them out around the county. There are about 20 in total now. I’d love to see a very similar kind of mental health cafe brought to Sheffield. I think there’s so much power in Christians being able to stand alongside people that have mental health issues and speak into that from a biblical perspective, as well as to bring God’s peace and comfort into those conversations.” “Another brilliant thing about the Night Light Cafes is that although they were all run

D I S C I P L E S H I P D O N E D I F F E R E N T LY

from churches, lots of the volunteers came in from outside the church. Bringing together Christians and nonChristians for one common cause was really beautiful. I think that piece of work would be amazing to see replicated because then it opens up the door for faithfilled conversations between the volunteers themselves as well as between volunteers and visitors.” Did you find it difficult at times to have conversations about faith, or were people generally receptive? “You can’t go in with both feet and just start preaching at them, there has to be a relationship there first. But we’ve seen people come to faith through the Cafes; we’ve seen people baptised; we’ve seen people healed. But it's all about longevity and really building relationships first.” How have you found moving to Sheffield? “I've loved it. I really feel more at home here in Sheffield

in areas of high deprivation is that there’s often more of a sense of community there than anywhere else I’ve ever lived. In communities that society would say might not be worth investing in, or might just be full of crime and drugs, actually, there was more of a support network within those “I’ve loved moving communities than to Sheffield. I really anywhere feel more at home else… here than I have Neighbours done anywhere else.” would bend over backwards for each other.”

than I have done anywhere else, and I've lived in quite a few different places. But there’s something quite beautiful about living somewhere where you know that God has clearly called you.” What do you feel makes Sheffield unique?

“One of the unique things in Sheffield – and admittedly I did see a lot of this in Lincoln too – is the church unity; churches here are really putting their own church agendas to one side to focus on Kingdom collaboration. That has been so beautiful and really encouraging to see.” Is there anything you’ve learned from the people that The Message serves? “What I witnessed in living

What have been your highlights since taking on this role? “One of the biggest highlights is being able to see our building project in Woodseats finally wrapped up and launched as a centre for Kingdom Collaboration with different ministries involved.”

D I S C I P L E S H I P D O N E D I F F E R E N T LY

“I'm really excited about how unified the church is becoming here in Sheffield and seeing that ripple effect resonate around the city.”

“It’s also been really good connecting with Sheffield leaders in prayer and with the church or church leaders from around the city and getting to build a relationship with them and find out how we can work together in partnership.” What are you excited about from this coming year? “I'm really excited about how unified the church is becoming here in Sheffield and seeing that ripple effect resonate around the city. I get this picture of a completely still, calm lake of water, where those first drops of church unity – as they hit the surface of the water – will cause an incredible ripple effect. I feel what's developing here in Sheffield won’t just have an impact in Sheffield; it will be seen around the region and it will continue to grow and grow and grow.” “I’m also excited for the doors 44

that will be opening this year, that I have no idea about yet: where God’s just going to move powerfully through and open up opportunities around the city and around the region.” How can people get involved? “People can get involved by volunteering: in our community grocery, just meeting people’s needs practically and then being able to speak into their lives from a faith point of view. We had a lady yesterday who walked in and immediately broke into tears, was asking for prayer and is now coming to church on Sunday. Or, if they want to volunteer with our Eden teams, we’d absolutely love that, seeing what society would deem some of the most challenging people & places transformed for the good of the gospel. That would be incredible.

Or if people just wanted to grab coffee and talk about partnership, we would also love that.” Is there anything people can pray for? “I’d love people to pray for the team. We’ve been in a bit of a season of shrinking as a team…so it would be good to pray for the team here to grow in strength and unity as we really seek to see lives transformed.” What’s been bringing you closer to Jesus recently? “One thing that's been bringing me closer to Jesus recently, and it’s very, very Sheffield centric, is I have been going on little weekly walks in Rivelin Valley and have felt so connected to the Lord, just being out in his creation and seeing the beauty of nature. It's bringing me so much joy.”

Sign Stat up in T i h and on Gym e get a your pp sess fi ion f or fr rst ee!

BUILDING A COMMUNITY As Mansfield Road Fire Station, our building used to serve the community. That is what we aim to do at The Station Gym, this time with Jesus at the centre. While we are Sheffield's largest independent gym, community is at the heart of everything we do. Not only do we offer state of the art resistance, strength and cardio equipment for our members, we also have an on-site café accessible to the public and community space available for meetings, training and other events. Whether you're an elite athlete or an absolute beginner, we are confident we'll have what you are looking for. We can't wait to see where you fit in with us!

GET IN TOUCH! www.thestationgym.co.uk info@thestationgym.co.uk Former Mansfield Road Fire Station, Mansfield Road, S12 2AD

WHAT WE OFFER

A friendly environment for you to train no matter what your goal is Extensive range of machines and weights State of the art cardio kit A variety of classes included in membership Monthly memberships starting at £32.99 Discounts for students, over 60s and frontline staff Café for members & non-members to enjoy

D I S C I P L E S H I P D O N E D I F F E R E N T LY

G O D

O F

T H E

H I L L S & VA L L E Y S

A conversation with Brian Reece, written up by Ella Ducker

In the run-up to Arise: March 2023, Arise community member Brian Reece felt called to start a spin-off – Arise Peaks and Dales – bringing believers from across the rural Peak District areas together to pray, share their faith. As someone who works and attends church in Sheffield but also lives and attends church in the Peak District, Brian was perfectly placed to draw on the Arise Sheffield vision and adapt it to serve the very different needs of the Peaks and Dales communities. We caught up with Brian to find out more about Arise Peaks and Dales and how it’s been growing this year. 46

You started Arise Peaks and Dales out of a heart for the local area that you live in. Tell us more about the story so far. Brian: I have been involved with Arise:March in Sheffield since it started in 2021, witnessing the great encouragement it provided as many churches and communities worked together to cover Sheffield in prayer. Despite the different demographic in the Peaks and Dales communities, it was easy to see that the same vision could connect our local believers through prayer. And so, I have been working to make good connections with church leaders and fellowships across the many different villages and towns in the Peak District, getting to know small fellowships and communities of Christians. Some of them have already

been praying faithfully for God’s Kingdom to come; for others, joining together in prayer is something new. We launched Arise Peaks and Dales in March 2023 and covered many of the towns and villages of the Peak District in prayer through our own version of the Arise prayer app. My hope for Arise Peaks and Dales in March 2024 is to grow the awareness and momentum from our first year. We are a very wide geographical area (over 1,400 square kilometres in comparison with Sheffield’s 122!) so I would love for Arise Peaks and Dales to encourage wider prayer for the many small communities that often feel quite scattered. There are diverse needs for prayer in the Peaks & Dales: we want to pray for the 13 million tourists we receive each year, and those who

D I S C I P L E S H I P D O N E D I F F E R E N T LY

cater to them; there is also a great need for us to pray with and for those who farm the land. With God’s help, there are incredible opportunities here for His Kingdom, and for the sake of the Gospel. You could sum it up as the call to Prayer and Mission.

to talk with. It only takes a dropped spoon, or a ‘bless you!’ after somebody sneezes, to engage in conversation. A gentle comment often starts a conversation about what is happening in that person’s life, and so, the door is opened.”

Tell us about some of your favourite moments of prayer-walking in the Peaks and Dales.

I know you are very thankful for a lot of people who’ve supported you in Arise Peaks and Dales. Would you like to share a little more about them?

Brian: There have been many opportunities to meet people, Brian: Absolutely! The beauty to understand their needs about prayer is that it is not and to pray for them. For about one person, or even one example, in March, one of denomination: it is what God our Peaks and Dales prayercalls all of His people to do. walkers encountered an elderly lady In the same who looked week that distressed. Arise Sheffield The prayercommissioned “It only takes a walker asked us to start Arise dropped spoon, or what was Peaks and Dales, wrong, and a ‘bless you!’ after I discovered heard that somebody sneezes, that another the lady was group was also to engage in struggling to organising a conversation.” get a doctor’s prayer and appointment; unity event there were for the Peak too many District, called calls in the phone queue. Unite to Pray. I felt this as a The prayer-walker offered to wonderful encouragement: remember the lady in prayer, a confirmation that God had and gave her a copy of the been working through many New Testament, which had people in the Peaks and my name and phone number Dales, calling them to greater written in the front. Later unity in prayer. that day the lady called to thank us, because she had managed to be seen by the doctors, and was now reading the Bible. What a blessing.”

As Arise Peaks and Dales, we were mostly encouraging more prayer in the East of the Peaks and Dales area, and at the same time, intercessors from the West and South were also putting out a call to unite in prayer. So it was that the first ‘Unite to Pray’ gathering started during the exact same month as Arise Peaks & Dales. We have also connected with the Derbyshire Rural Chaplaincy. I met the lead Chaplain Rev Alan Griggs some years ago, and we have shared time together. His own testimony is quite amazing, and he welcomed our group of Arise prayer-walkers to join in with the Derbyshire Rural Chaplaincy at their monthly time of fellowship and prayer. We publish the monthly prayer meeting times for both Unite to Pray and the Derbyshire Rural Chaplaincy on the Arise Peaks and Dales website – www.arisepd.org Which areas have joined in so far? Brian: This year we have been able to visit many churches across the Peaks and Dales to let them know about Arise, connecting where possible through church leaders at first, and then with wider congregations.

Often, if I'm not too sure what God's leading me to do, I'll go to a coffee house and will invariably meet people

D I S C I P L E S H I P D O N E D I F F E R E N T LY

same Spirit.”

“Once you start a habit of prayerwalking, you come to realise that you can include it in your everyday life.” This first full year, Christians from many churches and areas have covered their areas in prayer: Chinley, New Mills, Whaley Bridge, Chapel-en-leFrith, Buxton, Bakewell, Eyam, Hathersage, Hope, Bamford, Castleton, Bradwell, Bakewell, Over Haddon, Rowsley, and more besides. There really has been a very real vision to pray for God’s Glory to be shown in our time, and to express a desire to reach out with the Good News of Jesus Christ. You coordinated a breakfast update meeting for the Peaks and Dales back in November: how did that go? Brian: We worked really hard to reach as many churches as possible to invite them to join us for a prayer breakfast in November 2023. We were really encouraged when more than 50 people turned up, from all over the Peaks and Dales! It was a testimony to the passion for prayer and unity in the area. We spent time in fellowship, worship, Bible reading, prayer and testimony. What is your prayer for Arise Peaks and Dales? Brian: I pray that through Arise, we can encourage unity of purpose and unity of spirit in the true sense, as in John 48

What’s been bringing you closer to Jesus recently? Brian: At the moment it has to be fellowship with like-minded Christians: those I have already met, and those I am yet to meet. It really does feel like spending time with family. 17, where Jesus prayed for his disciples to be one as He and the Father were one.” What would you say to anyone thinking about starting an Arise prayer and mission movement in their area? Brian: The more prayer, the better! It doesn't matter how small you may be in numbers: prayer-walking is something that can be done by one person, or a group of three or four quite easily. The Bible tells us to pray without ceasing: once you start a habit of prayer-walking you come to realise that you can include it in your everyday life – on your way to work, on a walk with a friend, or even walking the dog! You’re in your early 70s now and show no signs of slowing down. What’s keeping you motivated? Brian: The love of Jesus. The way He affects my life, and knowing that His desire is to affect the lives of others; the way He sets the example of prayer and so encourages us to do the same. Also, as I go around churches and fellowships in the Peaks & Dales, it’s always a great encouragement to meet other believers who are of the

And, reading the Scriptures daily remains such an encouragement. In Jesus’ prayer for unity for his followers, he also asked that God would sanctify them by His word: he understood our need to be constantly fed and watered with His Truth. True worship, open and honest prayers, hearing God’s Word: together they’re like a wellbalanced meal from God that keeps us spiritually healthy. I often feel like William Cowper, who wrote these lines in a hymn: “O for a closer walk with God, a calm and heavenly frame, a light to shine upon the road, that leads me to the Lamb!” How can Arisers in Sheffield support Arise Peaks and Dales? Brian: I would ask the readers to pray especially for the scattered church communities and also the needs of our farming communities as they go about their daily tasks, caring for livestock and farmland in all kinds of weather. And also, they would be very welcome to join any of our group prayer-walks or meetings: details of all of them can be found on our website at www.arisepd.org

Walk the streets with Jesus alongside a thousand believers this March with

YO U R P R AY E R -WA L K I N G PA R T N E R

THE ARISE P R AY E R A P P SHARE

PRAY

local prayer needs with other Arisers – and pray for the needs of others – all through the app.

for your streets as many times as you like: they'll glow brighter each time they're walked.

NO DOWNLOAD REQUIRED! All you need is internet access – the App will work on your phone, tablet or computer.

Take the next step Join the Arise Community today to receive your link to the new and improved app on Friday 1 March

Find out more about Arise:March: p.5–9

www.Arise Sheffield.org/join or scan the QR code 49

D I S C I P L E S H I P D O N E D I F F E R E N T LY

ARM OUR TO 'PRO TEC T THI S HOU SE'

by Fiona Walton Fiona Walton works for Christians & Sheffield Schools (CaSS). She also teaches and is the Open the Book Training and Development Officer for Yorkshire. fiona.walton@cass-su.org.uk

Under Armour makes kit for athletes. Its mission is to improve athletes’ performance "through passion, design and the relentless pursuit of innovation.” They have some great taglines, such as 'Protect this House' and 'The only Way is Through'.

Biblical armour-bearers were servants who carried a warrior's large shield and extra weapons . They were a bit like a golf caddie, for generals. Saul (1 Samuel 16:21) and Jonathan (1 Samuel 14:6-17) had armourbearers, and others did too. Armour bearing was a ministry of service.

As we run the race of life we all wear armour of various kinds. Sometimes it is effective, other times it is defective. Sometimes it is the wrong provision for a situation. For example, Brene Brown refers to being 'crazy busy' as 'numbing armour'. But the right armour can make a big difference: ill-equipped soldiers are ineffective.

Christians and Sheffield Schools (CaSS) sees itself as an armour-bearer to those on the frontline who serve schools. We act as 'back up', aiming to connect, resource,

encourage, train and serve, just as a Biblical armourbearer was chosen by kings and generals (connect) to bear their armour (resource) and to stand by them in a time of danger (encourage). We equip Christians so they can have positive, professional, productive relationships with schools. Here are a few ways that we’re doing this: We have run a training, networking and equipping conference (see www. joinedupconference.com) for 10 years, where there have been speakers and workshops on a wide range of topics from assemblies, poverty, and county lines, to pornography, messy church and vaping. Hundreds of schools workers, children's workers, youth workers, school chaplains and parents have taken up the

“The right armour can make a big difference: ill-equipped soldiers are ineffective.”

D I S C I P L E S H I P D O N E D I F F E R E N T LY

chance to reflect on the stuff of life that our young people are facing. It is our prayer that we have played a part in equipping people to help in the battles and challenges that the next generations will face. We are passionate about the role of school chaplaincy and so far trained and equipped 62 School Chaplains through our very practical courses covering topics as diverse as loss/ bereavement, generations Z and Alpha, ACES, mentoring, mental health, drug awareness, collective worship and much more. Our next event, in partnership with Prayer Spaces in Schools focuses on how to run a prayer space in a school: https://prayerspacesin schools.com/events/event/ prayer-spaces-in-schoolstraining-sheffield/

Prayer spaces in schools enable children and young people, of all faiths and none, to explore faith, prayer and life's big questions in a safe, creative and interactive way. This training will cover all you need to know to get started in hosting your first prayer space in a school. We also have some prayer space resources available to borrow. Another part of our mission as CaSS is to cover schools in prayer, so CaSS staff and trustees meet to pray every month. We spend this time praying for every single person involved in a school, from governors, to teachers, to caretakers and students. If we want to reach children and young people with the Gospel, we have to be in schools. And so, we want to empower Christians across Sheffield to work with their local schools with confidence. We host a useful website (www.cass-su.org.uk) that aims to resource people with a concern for or a ministry to

“We have a range of resources available to borrow when ministering to schools, from books and prayer space items, to costumes and props.”

schools. There are numerous links, ideas, suggestions and inspiration to be found there on 30 key topics. For example, we have produced 35 one-word prayer cards to help churches or individuals pray for schools. They can be downloaded at https://www. cass-su.org.uk/prayer-cards We also have a range of resources available to borrow when ministering to schools, from books and prayer space items, to costumes and props. If you think we can help supply you with any resources or 'armour' to strengthen you, then do get in touch with us. We are here to help.

Dore Community Centre S17 3GA

sheffieldwestfillingstation.co.uk

Not been to church in ages, not recently picked up your Bible? Come along to restart your fire. Throw on Holy Spirit fuel and let the flames go higher.

JAN 27

FEB 24

MAR 23

APR 27

MAY 25

JUN 22

New Year Meal

Arise Launch

Monthly Meeting

Panel Discussion

Joy Family Day

Start times vary; please see our website for event details.

Come and join our Mindful, Unprejudiced Discussion group for blokes, that uses the Bible and the teachings of Jesus to help answer those big questions in life... Why are we here? What is our purpose? and What happens to us when we die? We are a collective of blokes from various walks of life, some Christian, some not that meet every Wednesday at 7.30pm over pizza and a couple of brews to help clear the MUD from our thinking.

Dore Community Centre S17 3GA

www.blokes.church

FOOD FOR THE JOURNEY

THINGS TO PRAY FOR YOUR CHURCH

Book Review by Roger Hoyle Roger Hoyle worships at All Saints Totley. He has been a lay preacher for over 60 years, and he is part of the Prayer Ministry Team for Sheffield West Filling Station.

Well, that’s a start! But only five things? How can you fill a book with only five things to pray for, in praying for a church? The front cover of the book is encouraging: “Prayers that change things for the life of your church”. Plenty of pastors, priests, ministers, church leaders, will be only too delighted to have their congregations praying that kind of prayer. Now look inside the book. After some glowing recommendations, we see that in the book’s 90+ pages there are 21 themes, each with its own ‘5 things to Pray.’ In the course of three weeks, we pray that my church would… , and that I would…, and for people in my church…, and for the wider church near and far. And every prayer is prefaced by words from the

Bible – so we know we’re doing it properly. I was given a copy of this book, as was every other new arrival at my church. And the numbers there are growing rapidly. I am sure there’s a link between the two things. When you have caught the vision of this ‘5 Things to Pray…’ you will be only too ready to go on to eight other titles in the series: ‘5 Things to Pray____ for your kids, for the people you love, for your world, for your parents, for your heart, for your spouse, in a global crisis, for your city.’ At £3.99 per book, this could be a life-changing investment. As one reviewer described it: ‘A thought-provoking, vision-expanding, prayerstimulating tool. Simple, but brilliant.’

Find this book at The Good Book Company thegoodbook.co.uk 53

FOOD FOR THE JOURNEY

HOPE

What the world needs most right now

by Rev Giles Holloway Giles Holloway is the leader of Kings Centre, in Nether Edge. He is very fortunate to have a wife and three kids. When the weather is right, he can be found riding his bike in the Peaks, or hitting a golf ball in the vague direction of the green.

What do you need right now? “What the world needs now is LOVE, SWEET LOVE!” sang Dionne Warwick. But as I write this shortly before Christmas, I disagree. With war once again in the middle East; with a government failing to get to grips with a cost-of-living crisis; with a society that largely has no better way of moving forwards, I think that what we need right now most of all is HOPE!

Put your HOPE in Jesus Hang on a minute: “Love is the greatest thing,” sang Damon Albarn – St Paul said it, so it must be true! Yes! The greatest thing is LOVE, but without HOPE love is going nowhere. Without HOPE, LOVE lacks energy and

brings JOY to the parents of FAITH and LOVE and motivates them to skip along joyfully swinging the little one between them.

Ten years ago, I ran a marathon. It took me four hours; that is a lot of time to be out of breath and in pain. The way I got through it was to fix my EYES ON THE PRIZE! I would imagine a hot purpose because without bath and a hot take-away as HOPE there is nothing to put a reward at the end of it all. our FAITH into and there is no When that wasn’t enough HOPE that LOVE will amount I would look to much. forward to a Paul wrote couple of jelly “And now babies at the these three end of every “The greatest remain: faith, mile. hope and thing is love, In the Letter to love. But the but without hope, the Hebrews, greatest of love is going the writer puts these is love.” it like this: nowhere.” (1 Cor 13:13), “Since we are but how do surrounded they work by such a together? A great cloud Christian poet of witnesses, let us throw once said that HOPE is like a off everything that hinders toddler between two parents and the sin that so easily – the two parents are called entangles. And let us run with FAITH and LOVE. They are perseverance the race marked fundamental pillars of the out for us, fixing our eyes on Christian Faith, but without Jesus, the pioneer (founder/ HOPE they are static and leader/author) and perfecter lacking in purpose. HOPE of faith. For the joy set before is like the little toddler that

FOOD FOR THE JOURNEY

Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:1–2). What was that joy set before Jesus? It was the HOPE of sitting down at the right hand of the throne of God. That was Jesus’ hope and because of it He was able to endure unimaginable pain. Similarly, Jesus is our HOPE – the one upon whom we fix our eyes – like a bride purposefully and gracefully inching down the aisle towards her husband-to-be.

Put your Hope in Heaven We should put our hope in the person of Jesus – yes, but Jesus also asks us to put our hope in heaven. In the same way that fixing our eyes on Jesus gives the church joy to move towards Him, heaven gives the church a vision of what to hope for here on Earth. “Your Kingdom come here on Earth as it is in heaven,” said Jesus. As NT Wright puts it so well in “Surprised by Hope”, a healthy view of heaven helps us create a healthy heaven on Earth. The picture painted by John in Revelation 21 and 22 gives us something to strive towards – a vision of no Satan, sin and sickness, no Devil, desperation and destruction. Instead, a vision of beauty, of

The New Testament Greek word for ‘hope’ is ‘elpis’, meaning “assurance, expectation, trust, confidence”.

love, of God’s presence with His people, with no more crying or death and ALL THINGS NEW (Rev 21:1–5). Rather than simply changing us as our vision of Jesus does, a vision of Heaven helps us change Earth. At Network Church Sheffield we say “In Sheffield as in heaven.” Sheffield does not currently resemble heaven (it’s closer than some cities(!) but still a considerable way off) so with the Spirit’s help we are motivated to work towards that end. There are no tears in heaven, so we seek to serve the city to alleviate food poverty, debt, domestic abuse, depression, joblessness, and homelessness. The people belong to God in heaven so we seek to share our relationship with Jesus so that others may know the hope we have (1 Peter 3:15) and come to know Him also. These two things – serving and sharing – go hand in hand as a genuine witness to Sheffield, but there is also a wonderful benefit. The work of bringing heaven to Earth or – to use Isaiah’s phrase – “rebuilding the ruined cities” (Isaiah 58) is not a

“What hope has God placed in your heart throughout your life as a bit of heaven which He wants to establish through you?”

small and simple task. We constantly wonder “where are the workers?” Jesus had the same issue with reaching Israel. He said: “pray to the Lord of the harvest, for the workers are few”. Hence the harvest of people coming to faith through our faithful witness of serving the city and sharing our faith join the workforce helping Jesus bring heaven to Earth. Praise God – what a strategy!

Hope is Born As we start 2024, what is your Hope in? The future is bright, the future is Jesus. Are you willing to place your hope in Jesus, the Saviour of the world, who was born as a poor and helpless babe in order to redeem it. And are you, like Mary, to have the hope of heaven born in you so that you are willing to help Him bring heaven to Earth? What hope has God placed in your heart throughout your life as a bit of heaven which He wants to establish through you? My hope is that all across Sheffield Christians will be encouraged to Arise and Reach Sheffield with Jesus so that many more will be equipped and empowered to bring heaven to this great city. “To them God has chosen to make known the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27). 55

FOOD FOR THE JOURNEY

Discipleship A RECURRING THEME

‘Discipleship? Oh yes, we’ve done that already this year.’

by Hannah Sandoval Hannah Sandoval is the Lights for Christ (Discipleship) Enabler for the Diocese of Sheffield. She attends Holy Trinity Church in Thurgoland, with her husband, Jonny. In her spare time, you might find her playing the harp, or reaching new heights in one of Sheffield’s rock climbing gyms.

“Our calling to follow Jesus each day is lifelong.” 56

One of the greatest joys of my role as Discipleship Enabler for Sheffield Diocese is getting to visit churches of diverse traditions and contexts and seeing how people live out their faith in Jesus – how they put their discipleship into practice. Often people are keen to tell me that their church has just run a course on discipleship, or that this subject has recently been covered in a sermon series. ‘Discipleship?’ they say, ‘Oh yes, we’ve done that.’ ‘That’s great!’, I reply, glad to hear that they have had some focussed teaching on the subject. But here I challenge the idea that our learning on discipleship is ever ‘done’ – I think it’s something we never fully complete. A particular course or sermon series may last for

a fixed time, but our calling to follow Jesus each day is lifelong. Each season of our lives provides an opportunity for our faith to be worked out in new ways. Some Christians like to think about discipleship using different language: as well as calling themselves disciples, people might refer to themselves as ambassadors for Jesus, pilgrims on the way, or, in Sheffield Diocese, ‘Lights for Christ.’ I’ve heard some Christians describe their discipleship journey as their being apprenticed to Jesus. Whatever you call it, I’d like to encourage you to see your discipleship – your apprenticeship to Jesus – as the lens through which you view all areas and seasons of your life; as an attitude you carry with you every day. In Sheffield Diocese, we call this idea being ‘Lights for

FOOD FOR THE JOURNEY

Christ’ in the world today. This language is both Biblical and baptismal: in Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus says to his followers, ‘You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others…’. When someone is baptised or confirmed in the Church of England, they are told ‘you have received the light of Christ, walk in this light all the days of your life’. Of course, this calling does not just apply to Christians within the Anglican Church – Christians of every denomination and background have this same calling placed on their lives through their baptism. The call to be a disciple of Jesus (or a light for Christ) is perennial, worked out differently in the seasons

“Which habits and practices help you to grow closer to Jesus, and how can you weave more of these things into your everyday life?”

about how you can weave teaching on discipleship into the different seasons of 2024. These could be the Arise seasons of March, Hallow and Advent, the seasons traditionally celebrated by the Church, such as Epiphany and Lent, or both together! In all things, let’s make our apprenticeship to Jesus Christ the recurring theme of our lives.

of our lives, but constant throughout. As we look ahead to the new year, I encourage you to think about your own patterns of discipleship – which habits and practices help you to grow closer to Jesus, and how can you weave more of these things into your everyday life? If you’re a church leader, I encourage you to think

P R A Y I N G

F O R

SHEFFIELD al

P hys ic a l

PERSONAL P R AY E R N E E D S

Em oti o n a l

H e a lt h

PUBLIC

Ed u c ati o n

r G ove

P R AY E R N E E D S

nme

ial

lig

Soc

Here’s a handy prompt as you prayer-walk the city.

tu iri

FROM THE FRONT LINES

Christian youth employment programme

ASC E N D sets its sights even higher for 2024

by Catherine Wiffen Cat has been in Sheffield since 2005, a wannabe Northerner and all round lover of the Steel City. Part of the church family at All Saints Totley, mum to 4, wife to Sam and co-waffler on the Plumbline Podcast.

One of the highlights of my year is playing Secret Santa Grab with other Christians at my church. If you’ve never played, it’s similar to Secret Santa, with the added twist of being able to steal someone else’s present. Of course, the intricacies of the game when played within a group of Christians could be an article in and of itself, but this year will always stand out to me. As we were playing, I got chatting to Matthew, who lives in Sheffield and leads

a business based mostly in London. After I’d successfully stolen a bar of Toblerone from my tenyear-old son (show no mercy), Matthew asked me, ‘So, what do you do?’ This gave me the perfect opening to share my passion for Ascend, the local young adult employment programme that I help to deliver. You might remember that the last time I wrote about Ascend, we had

FROM THE FRONT LINES

recently launched our new programme for unemployed young adults in Sheffield, with the dream of becoming the ‘Christians Against Poverty’ for employment. We have been working hard to build robust structures, to offer something different and more holistic to those searching for work, and to operate in a way that advocates for young adults, while offering a genuine opportunity for employers to build their businesses and meet the demands that so many are facing. The culmination of all this work has seen 21 young adults move into permanent and paid work. By being able to say ‘Yes’ to any young adult who wants to participate, we are living out a profoundly Gospel-based principle: just like God, who in His gracious ordaining made a covenant that is for all people, in all places, at all times, so are we in a small (and much more insignificant way) able to do the same. We’re so grateful for all those who have supported Ascend whether financially, through prayer, mentoring or other practical support. We are hopeful for an even

brighter future in 2024! Ascend recently won a contract with Sheffield City Council to help unemployed young adults into work. In addition, the Benefact Trust has also awarded a major multi-year grant to Ascend, leaving us in a strong position to make a significant dent in youth unemployment. As Matthew and I parted ways, me clutching the puzzle which I had ended up with, and him, much to my disgruntlement, the bar of Toblerone, he noted, ‘We could really do with something like Ascend in London’. Perhaps by 2030!

“By being able to say ‘Yes’ to any young adult who wants to participate, we are living out a profoundly Gospel-based principle: just as God made a covenant that is for all people, so are we – in a small and much more insignificant way – able to do the same.”

Four ways you can help end youth unemployment in Sheffield: 1. Pray: for Ascend’s current and future young adults, their mentors and employers, and the Ascend team. 2. Volunteer: becoming an Ascend mentor can change lives – young adults and your own! We offer full training and resources – contact Catherine@ togetherforsheffield.co.uk to find out more. 3. Employ: could you create a role in your team for an unemployed young adult? Contact Katie to find out more: Katie@ togetherforsheffield.co.uk. 4. Give: a growing number of churches and individuals are giving financially to help create more spaces for young adults on the Ascend programme. Could you join them? Contact Ben to discuss the impact your gift could have: Ben@ togetherforsheffield.co.uk 59

FROM THE FRONT LINES

ARIS E AN D S H I N E

IN UKRAINE

FROM THE FRONT LINES

by Malcolm Clegg and Svitlana Nedilko Sheffield arose and is shining in Ukraine together with Central Eurasian Partners supporters! With heartfelt thanks to Christ Central Church, St. Thomas Crookes Church, Oughtibridge Parish Church and other special individual Christians in Sheffield, we were able to shine in the lives of our brothers and sisters in Ukraine who are suffering in the war. Through this support, Central Eurasian Partners (CEP) was able to provide medicine, generators, clothes, food, hygiene products, and a great encouragement that the people of Ukraine are not forgotten. It was a great reassurance to those we are working with in Ukraine that people in Sheffield are praying for Ukrainians and for the war to end, and that they do send a hand of help to those in need. Christopher Franklin – who has made several trips from the UK driving vans of supplies to deliver to CEP partners in Europe – says: “It’s incredible to see the ways God is working through this small group of very faithful believers. However you are able to support it will be massively appreciated, whether you are able to support financially, with your time or with prayer, God will use it to spread His light across Central Eurasia.”

“It was a great reassurance to those we are working with in Ukraine.” of Ukraine says: “I am very thankful for the generator you provided. It enables us to minister to children through online school when we don’t have mains electricity. We have heating, power, internet, and a warm meal for the children. God bless you richly for your kind heart and input into God’s Kingdom”. Coming out of the Christmas season – a time where many people like to give treats to their loved ones – we are looking to provide “Love and Warmth for Ukraine”. Among big needs, we would like to encourage you to join the project by fundraising for: • Power stations (big power banks used as a source of energy): we need 20 of these and they cost £700£1000 each. • “Starlink” a satellite phone: we need 10 of these and they cost £500 each • Winter sleeping bags: we need 50 of these and they cost £80 each.

You, your church or community could also become a part of the ministry by praying/supporting/giving. We can make a difference together! Please send your donations to Central Eurasian Partners: https://cepartners.org.uk/ get-involved/give/

We also have a CEP travel team with Ukrainian colabourers, who are travelling around the UK raising support and awareness for CEP projects in Ukraine. Our next visits are in March and June. If you/your group/ church is interested in watching our presentation, please let us know by email: svitlanalightsv@gmail.com. We can shine brighter in Ukraine together with you!

One pastor from the East

GOOD NEWS FOR SHEFFIELD

Growing unity among Sheffield church leaders “Sheffield Leaders in Prayer has been such a personal encouragement to me, you've helped our church plant and grow roots in Sheffield” Dave May, Emmanuel Church Sheffield

even more deeply, with around 60 leaders from all denominations joining in each month. Every church and ministry leader in Sheffield is warmly invited to

join in. Ask your church leader if they’re receiving their email invites, and if they aren’t, ask them to contact ben@ togetherforsheffield.co.uk.

Sheffield Leaders in Prayer – a monthly prayer lunch for Sheffield’s senior church and ministry leaders – saw record levels of engagement in Autumn 2023. Coordinated by multi-denominational charity Together for Sheffield, Sheffield leaders have been embodying Jesus' unity prayer from John 17

Open House closer to opening! Work is progressing on a Christian community coffee shop in Woodseats. Open House Sheffield is a charity working to reopen a Christian community presence in Woodseats, South Sheffield, with a community coffee shop. We first featured the Open House project in Arise! magazine’s Spring 2022 edition, p.41. If you’ve travelled down Woodseats High Street in the last few months you’ll have noticed that renovation work is now well underway, so we asked the team to send us an update. Trustee Bess Popplewell shared the following:

“Open House has made some slow but significant progress. The planning permission came through, building control have signed off our plans and our team have been working very hard to get started on site. “This August, Creative Building Projects arrived, and they cracked on with securing the building as part of our Phase 1 renovation. In the meantime, the team has been applying for grants and engaging with local churches and community groups. Open House now has support from the local Church of England churches, Baptist churches,

Methodist churches, and other denominations. We’ve built a connection with a Christian coffee roaster and supplier, and local Councillors have shown their support for the project. “With a collective passion and a lot of prayer, we are committed and confident in the vision for Open House. We are excited to see what God is going to do!” Visit www. openhousesheffield.co.uk to find out more about the project and how you can help build community in Woodseats.

GOOD NEWS FOR SHEFFIELD

Churches collaborating for citywide Alpha campaign “Churches across Sheffield are laying down their own agenda to work together for the sake of the Gospel in Sheffield” Jo Willis, Lead Pastor, C3 Hope Church Sheffield churches are uniting for a citywide Alpha campaign, innovating together in unity and outreach. Antioch, !Audacious, C3 Hope, Elim Central, Kings Centre, St Thomas Crookes Sheffield (STC), Wadsley Church and the S17 churches (and most likely more at time of printing!) are sharing training sessions, hosting a joint launch

evening, and coordinating dates and times of Alpha courses across Sheffield to make extra impact. They’re even launching their own local Alpha website – http:// tryalphasheffield.org.uk – to make it easier for people to find convenient courses near them. Look out for adverts

online and in the city centre. This concerted effort marks a significant step towards helping every person in Sheffield come to know and experience Jesus’ love. Please pray for all the churches involved and for all the people they will reach with the Gospel.

A Beacon of Hope – at St Marie’s Cathedral

by Candida Calvert

It was a dark and stormy night on the 9th December… Certainly not what we were anticipating, but in hindsight, the perfect backdrop to our Beacon of Hope event at St Marie’s. The street team bravely set out into the City Centre, inviting shoppers into our

Cathedral to light a candle from our Candle of Hope. Our carol-singers, sheltering from the wind and rain in the south porch, created a link from the secular to the sacred, and offered a complimentary hot drink to passers-by. And inside the candlelit Cathedral, there really was a sense of the sacred. All was peace and beauty, with gentle waves of the most beautiful live worship music soothing troubled and harried minds. I wish I could tell you what really went on that evening; the Holy Spirit was certainly moving. But I can tell you that

we had over 130 visitors, and that 86 candles were lit. Many people stayed for a while, and plenty of silent tears were shed. And at the very end, I got the longest, tightest hug I have ever received from a stranger. “Thank you,” she said, “I was on my way home, but it’s been a tough year, and this was exactly what I needed”. Special thanks to our team of volunteers who came from a number of different Catholic parishes, and also to Margaret Howells, from Antioch, who not only volunteered, but also donated some candy canes!

“Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV)

S AV E T H E D AT E S ! Join the Arise Community today to receive invitations to these citywide prayer and mission events, and much more: www.AriseSheffield.org/join

SATURDAY 27 JANUARY

7.30PM

Seek First at Sheffield Cathedral SATURDAY 24 FEBRUARY /

7PM

Arise:March Launch Event at The Hope Centre SATURDAY 2 MARCH / 1–4PM

Arise:March Family Launch at St Thomas Philadelphia Playtime Centre FRIDAY – SUNDAY 22–24 MARCH

City Centre Mission Weekend SATURDAY 23 MARCH

Local Mission Day WEDNESDAY 27 MARCH

Arise:March Celebration Evening FRIDAY 29 MARCH

Good Friday Prayer-Walk

THURSDAY 26 SEPTEMBER

20 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER

23 NOVEMBER – 24 DECEMBER

Arise:Hallow Launch Evening

Arise: Hallow

Arise: Advent 65

P R AY E R P O I N T S

Prayer Points for Sheffield by Rachel Hall and Beth Craggs In every season, Arise Sheffield is deeply rooted in prayer. As we approach Arise:March 2024, let’s pray for an increase in the knowledge and revelation of Jesus for every person in our city!

SCOUT “The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good.” Numbers 14:7b Let’s pray for everyone joining in a prayer-walk in a new area of Sheffield; that through prayer, believers will come to know and love our city in a deeper way. Also let’s pray for everyone who will witness the Good Friday prayer-walks, that they will be moved by this display of faith, and by the Good News of Jesus that it honours.

STEP “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you.” Deuteronomy 31:8 As we prepare to walk with Jesus around the streets of Sheffield this March, let’s pray for everyone joining in with Arise. That as we prayer-walk we will forge new bonds with our local area, the people and places around us, and other local believers.

SHIFT “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Ephesians 6:18 Let’s pray that Sheffield believers will grow in different kinds of prayer this month and take this opportunity to do so. And, that they will explore and embrace new ways to pray, deepening and widening their faith.

SEEK “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people…This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1 Let’s pray that during Arise:March 2024, thousands of people across Sheffield will experience Jesus’ loving kindness first-hand as they accept offers of prayer from the believers they encounter. May they taste and see that the Lord is good and that He deeply cares about their lives.

SHARE “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” Romans 10:15 As believers across Sheffield prepare to proclaim the Gospel of Easter, sharing cards, gifts, and stories about how Jesus has changed their lives, let’s pray for wisdom and boldness as we discern how best to share Jesus’ love with the people we meet. We also pray for the mission weekend March 22-24th that many people would encounter the transforming Gospel of Jesus and believe in Him.

“Arise, shine, for your light has come!” ISAIAH 60:1

YOU ARE INVITED TO

ARISE:MARCH

launch event FEBRUARY SAT

2 4 2024

7:00PM - 10:00PM Join hundreds of other believers from across Sheffield for a night to be inspired, united and commissioned into a month of mission, while enjoying canapes, drinks and live music. THE HOPE CENTRE BERNARD ROAD SHEFFIELD S2 5BQ

Reserve your place now! TICKETS ARE LIMITED

https://bit.ly/Arise-24-launch 67

SHAPE SHEFFIELD’S FUTURE Imagine a Sheffield vibrant with prayer, where every street and home is touched by the Gospel. A gift from you can help make this vision a reality. At Arise, we long to see every person in Sheffield come to know Jesus’ love. To achieve this, we coordinate events and create resources to help believers rise up together in prayer and mission. Becoming an Arise Supporter provides vital funds to sustain and grow this ministry, so that all believers can witness first-hand the ways that God is at work in Sheffield. Plus, all Arise Supporters receive their own printed copy of every edition of Arise! Magazine, delivered directly to their door.

BECOME AN ARISE SUPPORTER TODAY AT

www.arisesheffield.org/yes

L E AV E A L EG ACY O F

FAITH AND HOPE

New for

2024

WITH ARISE

When you write your Will, you choose the final chapter of your life story. Shape the faith of Sheffield for future generations by including a gift to Arise Sheffield in your Will. It’s a simple yet powerful way to make a lasting difference: a statement of your values and your vision for the future of Sheffield.

FIND OUT MORE AT