Circuit Pilgrimage stage one

My intention is to visit all 60 plus of our church premises across Sheffield. The hope is to walk from church to church in clusters so gving me and those who might join me a different perspective on our amazing city. When we walk we see things which when in a car are missed or give no time to reflect upon. It is to be a time to give people an opportunity to ask about the life of our shared circuit so clarifying concerns. It means for me an opportunity to see and hear what good things are happening and make connections for our  work together.

So stage one on Saturday took me from Hillsborough to Wisewood to Stanwood.

Hillsborough is in the midst of a major refurbishment which has already opened up what was a pew filled worship space into one that is bright, multi purpose and very useable. 

 

A number of people came along to have a coffee and chat before I set off for our Wisewood Methodist church.

The normal concerns surrounding the size of our very large circuit were raised and the need to retain a sense of belonging to each other. The hopes at Hillsborough, following on from all the yet to be completed building work, is that it can be more than just a place where 'good work ' is undertaken. The Challenge to offer a vibrant and a distinctive contribution to sharing the Christian faith remains a central task for them and the circuit. 

What a day though to start the pilgrimage warm and sunny which makes everywhere look good. Hillsborough overlooks a wonderful park but I headed away up hill with one companion and so in talking no photos. I was struck as always by the volume of housing in our city, the lives we rarely come in contact with, and if we are honest probabley dont even know we exist.

Arriving at Wisewood the church was in full swing with the annual spring clean, the knit and natter group were hard at , well mostly nattering! and an offer of a bacon butty.

Katie their  minister was there to greet us.

There was an excellent spirit and the place had a real buzz. Concerns raised included what will happen when our current outreach worker post ends this summer? Is this an opportunity for the  circuit togive some  assistance so the new pieces of work are not lost, while the local church determines how it can keep it going.

The lovely phrase is succession planning.

 It is vital that when we undertake new work, projects and employ people, we are at the same time giving thought to how we maintain that work when funding ends. Of course new work highlights the fact that as a circuit we may have to stop doing old things so we can do new work. This is never easy as the familiar brings a kind of security even if it leads to decline.

Refreshed from my time with the Wiswood folks I moved on alone. I think the thought of the walk uphill may have put some off.

Back tracking slightly I then cut through down to where the roads go off along the Rivilin  or stannington.

Passing St Mark's ' the church on the hill' I never knew it was there !

You would think you were in the heart of the countryside from this photo but no traffc and housing all around. What beauty is to be found if only we stop and look.

My middle daughter told me not to walk at my usual pace if people joined me. So I  surprised the steward at Stanwood arriving early inspite of the walk uphill.

A chance for important conversation and for me to hear hopes and dreams. The walk ended with prayer and I look forward to stage two going from Tinsley to Darnall to Handsworth. It's going to be different again .