Words of Grace: Living Hope in the Diocese of Sheffield

From Buenos Aires to Thurnscoe, we're treated to a double bill on the podcast today!The Rector of St Helen's Thurnscoe, the Revd Sarah Maughan, recently hosted the Bishop of Argentina, the Most Revd Brian Williams.Bishop Brian and Sarah both took time after a community event to speak to Ben and Paul about:Bishop Brian's journey to ordination and the moment he became a ChristianSarah's journey to faith after a serious illnessThe links between The Diocese of Argentina and the Diocese of SheffieldThe importance of sharing faith stories across countriesBishop Brian's South Yorkshire welcome!

"There is a sense of call towards this particular role in the Cathedral. The opportunities are there for reaching so many people – Christians and non-Christians. You’re there for people of the whole community."Dean of Sheffield Cathedral, the Very Revd Abi Thompson, joins Ben and Paul on the podcast today.Abi talks about:✝️Not growing up in a Christian household✝️Her career in music and how it forms part of her ministry✝️The importance of The Archer Project in helping people✝️Sheffield Cathedral as a focal point for welcome✝️Looking ahead to the celebration event of the ordination of women on 8th June 

"Listening to the voices that we don’t always listen to is what Jesus wanted us to do and is what Jesus did. If we ignore those small voices we are missing out on something that God is saying."Church in School Learning Hub Leader Elise Deput is on Words of Grace this week, talking about:✝️Faith taking on a new dimension during stages of her life✝️Spells of doubt in her faith journey✝️The importance of the Bible Project Classroom during the first Covid lockdown to her faith✝️Her journey to becoming a Centenary Project Worker✝️Prioritising children’s work in the life of the church and seeking inclusion

"For a long time, I believed the lie that you have to put on a brave face and put on the perfect picture – but that’s not true. The only way we can deal with mess is to get it out into the open"Priest-in-Charge of St Francis Bramley and St Leonard’s Thrybergh – Revd Helen Terry – is on the podcast this week.Helen discusses:✝️Being born and bred in South Yorkshire and what the Diocese means to her✝️Her teaching background and initially saying ‘no way’ to ordination✝️Overcoming an eating disorder and how Jesus healed her✝️Breaking down barriers with the Bramley community✝️Which songs to dance to!

"Jesus transformed my life. It came clear to me during a time of trouble that God is with me. Peace just got bigger and more overwhelming."Christians Against Poverty Senior PR Officer Joe Beardsall is on the Words of Grace podcast this week.Joe talks about:✝️His background in broadcast journalism and radio✝️The work Christians Against Poverty is doing in helping people across Yorkshire✝️Overcoming an addiction to gambling and the transforming power of Jesus✝️How his role at CAP came up during a time of upheaval ✝️The Star Wars inspiration for his middle name!

Today we are discussing Part 2 of the Easter Special on Words of Grace, looking at topics such as:·      Is the resurrection historically credible? Does it matter if it isn’t?·      Do you have to believe that Jesus physically rose from the dead and that the tomb was empty?·      What does Easter tell us about the Christian hope of resurrection?Joining Ben and Paul for this discussion are:✝️The Revd Canon Toby Hole, Director of Mission and Ministry at the Diocese of Sheffield✝️Dr Daniel McGinnis, Principal of St Hild College and currently in ordination training at All Saints Ecclesall✝️The Revd Dr Beth Keith, Associate Vicar and Liberal Theologian at St Mark’s Broomhill and BroomhallYou can catch Part 1 of the Easter Special on the crucifixion on our website, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

For Part 1 of our Easter Specials we are joined by:✝️The Revd Canon Toby Hole, Director of Mission and Ministry at the Diocese of Sheffield✝️Dr Daniel McGinnis, Principal of St Hild College and currently in ordination training at All Saints Ecclesall✝️The Revd Dr Beth Keith, Associate Vicar and Liberal Theologian at St Mark’s Broomhill and BroomhallThe roundtable discussion focuses on Good Friday, with contributions from the group discussing questions, themes and implications from areas including:·      What is ‘Good’ about Good Friday?·      Why has Jesus’ death led to forgiveness and did he have to die?·      What does the wrath of God mean to a 21st century audience? Part 2 of our Easter Special will be released on Easter Monday.

"There’s been a real joy in seeing an increased youth presence, and that sense that we’re an all age family again"Priest in Charge of Christ Church Stannington, Revd Nick Lattimer, is our guest on the Words of Grace podcast this week.Nick talks about:✝️ What brought him to Sheffield in 2023✝️ How a church graft to Stannington has been going – one year on✝️ How a trip to Brazil as a student helped to bring him to faith✝️ His time as Associate Vicar and Curate in Leeds✝️ Becoming a Yorkshire adoptee!