Words of Grace: Living Hope in the Diocese of Sheffield

"Who is missing from the table? And how do we make sure there is space for everyone?"Revd Adam Priestley and Revd Anesia Cook host today’s Racial Justice and Working-Class special.Adam and Anesia talk about: ✝️ Ministry on the margins in Doncaster ✝️ The realities of working-class life and feeling left behind ✝️ Racial justice, identity and belonging in the Church ✝️ Creating spaces of welcome, grace and honest conversation ✝️ What it means to gather - and be sent out - as one body in Christ

‘I’d been chasing fullness of life - just in all the wrong places. I found peace again in Jesus’.Revd Luke Graham, Priest-in-Charge of St John’s Park, is on the podcast today with Paul and Ben, talking about:✝️ Growing up in church - and drifting into a double life✝️ Finding peace through God✝️ How John 10:10 inspires him✝️ Church grafts and why they’re not takeovers

‘I didn’t recognise it at the time — but I know now I was being held by God'.Beth Langner, Priest-in-Charge of St Bartholomew's Maltby and All Saints Laughton-en-le- Morthen, is on the podcast today.Beth talks about:✝️ Being told she wouldn’t amount to anything because of where she’s from✝️ A powerful encounter with God at Sheffield Cathedral✝️ Stepping into ordained ministry and serving diverse communities✝️ A heart to make Jesus known in Maltby and Laughton

"I haven't been to church in 12 years, what do I do?"Richard Dawidek, Churchwarden at St Matthew’s Carver Street, joins Ben and Paul on the podcast this week.Richard shares his story, including:✝️ Growing up with a cultural connection to church but falling away at University✝️ The journey that led him from "there is no truth" to "there must be"✝️ Embracing Christianity after stumbling across the Anglo-Catholic tradition✝️ Finding a calling at St Matthew’s Carver Street

"I’ve always said that the way I pray is through singing."Emily Cooper, Music and Liturgy Administrator at Sheffield Cathedral, joins Ben on the podcast today.Emily talks about: 🎶 Growing up in church choirs and a lifelong love of music🎶 Her role bridging clergy and music at the Cathedral🎶 Walking the Camino pilgrimage🎶 Her PHD study examining the mental, physical and social wellbeing benefits of group singing🎶 Her vision for building community through music

"I think a community needs to be rooted in love. That is my role – that I should love as deeply as possible anyone who comes into my path"Mother Caroline Wyman, Priest in Charge of St James Clifton, joins Ben and guest co-host Matt Grindrod on the podcast today.Caroline talks about:✝️ Growing up in South Africa✝️ Initially resisting a call to priesthood✝️ The community in Clifton✝️ Her vision for opening up church✝️ Her heart for hospitality

Joe Goodchild, Assistant Lights for Christ Enabler for the Diocese, is on the Words of Grace podcast today.Joe talks about:✝️ Discovering faith as a student and learning the “why” behind belief✝️ Studying theology and church planting alongside working in the Diocese✝️ Moving out of his comfort zone✝️ His passion for discipleship✝️ What Lights for Christ means for everyday faith in the Diocese

Jonny Patton, Worship and Operations Director at St John’s Goole, joins Paul and Ben on the podcast today.Jonny discusses:✝️ Coming to faith just before heading to university✝️ The change in church style from Northern Ireland to Chorleywood✝️ Finding his calling in worship and creativity✝️ Navigating ministry across different traditions✝️ How God has made a difference at St John’s Goole

Charlotte Roberts, Head of Education at Sheffield Cathedral, is on the podcast today talking about: ✝️ Walking the St Cuthbert’s pilgrimage solo✝️ Doing the Camino pilgrimage with Sheffield Cathedral colleagues✝️ Her pride of being born and bred in Sheffield✝️ Helping to make heritage relevant and engaging in her current role✝️ Her background in teaching