Words of Grace: Living Hope in the Diocese of Sheffield

Revd Dr Simon Cross, guest speaker at this year’s Bishop’s Annual Lecture, is a guest on Words of Grace today.Simon talks about:✝️ His lecture topic - ‘Artificial Intelligence and the Purposes of God’✝️ Growing up in an atheist household✝️ His time in aviation as an airline pilot✝️ Ordination and his calling to the permanent diaconate✝️ The importance of not outsourcing our critical thinking to AI

"I remember thinking there is more to life than all of those material things… and his name is Jesus."Revd Nick McKee, Director of Ministry Development for the Church of England, joins us for a special Vocations Sunday episode of Words of Grace.Nick talks about:✝️ Why vocations matter more than ever✝️ How every Christian has a vocation✝️ Sharing his journey from shyness to national leadership✝️How churches can grow and flourish during vacancy when lay vocations are released ✝️How nothing is wasted by the Lord

Ben and Paul introduce this week’s episode, featuring a recording of Revd Dr Simon Cross at Sheffield Cathedral and his talk on ‘Artificial Intelligence and the Purposes of God’ at this year’s Bishop’s Annual Lecture.Simon discusses in his lecture:✝️ The possible scenarios that could happen if AI advances further✝️ What AI means for our relationship with God✝️ The pros and cons of AI for the Christian faithSimon will join us as a guest on next week’s episode of Words of Grace. 

Hannah Butler, Development Manager for House of Opportunity, is today’s guest on Words of Grace.She talks about:✝️ The work the group do to prevent human trafficking and exploitation ✝️ Helping at-risk young people in Southeast Europe✝️ Her calling to Sheffield and Rotherham✝️ Coming to faith at the age of 3✝️ Being part of the worship band at The Rivers Team

The Rt Revd Dr Tim Ellis, Chair of the Diocesan Advisory Committee, and Chris Ellis, Church Buildings Officer, are on Words of Grace today for a special father and son episode.They talk about:✝️ Why Sheffield is a special place for them both✝️ Passion for ministry in deprived areas✝️ How Tim becoming a bishop felt like reconnecting with parish ministry✝️ How the idea of Church Explorers Week came about✝️ Which one of them is 99% Sheffield – according to Ancestry DNA!

"In Jesus, God draws near to wipe away tears. May this annual celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ - and his victory over death and darkness and despair - fill your hearts with joy this Easter". Bishop Pete shares his Easter message of joy and hope.

Revd Hannah Hupfield, Associate Archdeacon Transition Enabler (AATE) for Adwick le Street & Snaith & Hatfield, is today’s guest for our 150th episode of Words of Grace.Hannah talks about:✝️ Her upbringing in Tamworth✝️ Getting married and preparing for ordination whilst studying at university✝️ Studying for theological college in Cambridge✝️ Feeling called to the Diocese of Sheffield✝️ Why the role of AATE is one of the best in the Church of England

Beth Henshaw, Focal Minister across Aston, Ulley, and Todwick, joins Ben and guest co-host Graham on the podcast today.Beth talks about:✝️ Growing up in Aston in a Christian family✝️ Having ME as a teenager✝️ Being diagnosed with autism last year and how it helped her understand herself better✝️ Her passion for learning✝️ Leading Godly Play and Messy Church