Words of Grace: Living Hope in the Diocese of Sheffield

Revd Phil Batchford, Vicar of Rotherham Minster and St Paul’s Masbrough, and Christine Batchford, Manager of Rotherham Minster’s Social Supermarket, join Ben and Paul on the podcast today.They talk about:✝️ When they first met whilst working in Hong Kong – and how it wasn’t love at first sight!✝️ Phil’s work in alcohol rehab and Christine’s work in speech and language therapy✝️ How social justice has informed what they do✝️ Being influenced by the work of Jackie Pullinger✝️ Rotherham Minster and St Paul's as a focal point for the local community

"It’s important to know that you’re called and that Jesus is with you. It’s wonderfully joyful to serve in this role".The Rt Revd Stephen Race, Bishop of Beverley, is on the Words of Grace podcast today with Ben and guest co-host Fr Andrew Howard, Vicar of St Wilfrid’s Cantley.Speaking on location ahead of St Wilfrid’s recent Patronal Festival, Bishop Stephen talks about:✝️ Growing up in Zimbabwe during the country’s struggle for independence✝️ Living in apartheid regimes and how it formed his sense of racial justice in ministry✝️ Being called to serve in different places across the world✝️ Spending his entire ordained ministry in the north of England✝️ Having an eclectic taste in music

"Faith has given me experiences that I will remember for the rest of my life"Hannah Robinson, Centenary Project Hubs Oversight Worker, joins Ben and Paul on the Words of Grace podcast today.Hannah discusses: Being bullied as a child for being the daughter of a Vicar South Yorkshire being the first place she’s called home Centenary Project helping people during tough times Serving on the PCC from the age of 16 Giving young people a voice and growing the church younger

"Everything changed in my life; I realised at that moment I had had an encounter with God."Revd Dr Hannah Patton, Priest-in-Charge of St John’s Goole, is on the Words of Grace podcast today.Hannah discusses: Processing grief and building each other up The gospel opportunities she had from growing up in a Bed and Breakfast Her experience of a prophetic word when staying with friends in the USA Being ordained in Chelmsford  The Goole community and the faith stories taking place there

"What brings me hope is my Christian faith and the love God has for me through Jesus Christ".   Captain Canon Mike Reeder, liturgical chaplain to the Bishop of Doncaster, joins Ben and Paul on the podcast today. Mike talks about:  His calling to serving others and sharing what brings him hope His chaplaincy at St Luke’s Hospice Overcoming an ordination rejection 2006 and his eventual ordination in 2009 Learning from people on a daily basis What brought him to the Diocese of Sheffield from Norfolk

"I remember this feeling of truth and understanding of seeing the world through a different set of eyes. It was like a child had discovered his long-lost father waiting for him with open arms".Graham Sandersfield, Learning Development Manager for the Diocese of Sheffield, is today’s Words of Grace podcast guest. Graham talks about:✝️ His upbringing in Sunderland and coming to faith as an adult✝️ A faith revival at Sheffield YMCA✝️ His time as Head of Operations at the King’s Foundation✝️ Sports ministry across the world✝️ Reaching the summit of Ben Nevis before his team!

Ben and Hannah Grist are on today’s Words of Grace podcast for a joint episode.Ben is a Curate at St John’s Goole and Hannah is the Diocese’s Ministry Experience Scheme Coordinator.Hear more on:✝️How Ben and Hannah first met✝️How Hannah recommitted to God following a retreat✝️Ben’s curacy in Goole and God’s presence in the local community✝️How the MES project works and Hannah’s passion for it✝️Getting ordained and married in the space of a few days!

"Through daily walks with God your faith grows stronger; finding more about him through the circumstances presented to you"Retired police officer and member of All Saints Ecclesall, Barry Byles, is on today’s Words of Grace episode.Barry discusses:✝️ Asking God for help and coming to faith as an adult✝️ His calling to service with the police✝️ Being up front about his faith while working in the police✝️ Serving in the band at All Saints Ecclesall✝️ Evangelistic encounters in a Sheffield café