Words of Grace: Living Hope in the Diocese of Sheffield

Reader and Focal Minister Peter Rainford is on the Words of Grace podcast today. Peter talks about:✝️ The church move as a child that helped to define his faith journey✝️ His passion for serving on different working groups from a young age✝️How a life-changing move to Sheffield nearly didn’t happen✝️ Being part of the Kimberworth Park congregation✝️ Focal Ministry and being re-authorised

Gillis Robbie, member of Sheffield Diocesan Synod, is on today’s episode of Words of Grace. Gillis discusses:✝️ His upbringing as a Vicar’s son and growing up as part of an intercultural evangelical church✝️ Being bullied at school and being diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome during a difficult time✝️ Being on the PCC at Christ Church Fulwood at the age of 22✝️ Getting to know people from other faith traditions in the Church of England✝️ His passion for church governance

The Rt Revd Martyn Snow, Bishop of Leicester, is today’s guest on Words of Grace.Bishop Martyn talks about:✝️ His curacy in Rotherham, his ministry in Pitsmoor and his time as Archdeacon of Sheffield and Rotherham✝️ His family history of mission work abroad✝️ The chance conversation at 16 that renewed his faith✝️ Important walk in intercultural affairs in Leicester and the CofE✝️ How Richard III has made an impact in the Diocese of Leicester

"Because of the place I came from in faith, I have such a heart for people who don’t think they belong".We welcome Revd Kate Bottley today for this special Words of Grace podcast episode.Kate talks about:✝️ Growing up in Sheffield not going to church✝️ The moment she considered ordination, and how it felt when she heard women could be priests in 1994✝️ Challenging misconceptions about Christians and the media✝️ Connecting with people who are unsure about their faith✝️ Sparking conversations about faith through her media work

"I knew in my heart that God was real and He was calling me back, but I had to make that decision. I felt God speaking to me" Kirsty Dronfield, Centenary Project Worker at St John’s Park in Sheffield, is today’s guest on Words of Grace. Kirsty talks about:✝️ Growing up as a Christian and initially losing her faith as a student✝️ Going from being an introvert to becoming an extrovert✝️ Having chronic fatigue and managing her boundaries and work patterns✝️ Her passion for children’s work✝️ The promising growth taking place at St John’s

"It’s incredibly important to help other people – that’s formed my ministry in so many ways. It doesn’t matter how different you are to the next person; you’re just as important as everyone else" Revd Tracey Morris, Priest-in Charge of St Columba’s, Authorised Minister of Stephen Hill Methodist Church, and Oversight Minister in the H4 Mission Area, is on today’s Words of Grace podcast episode.Tracey discusses:✝️ What growing up in a ‘semi-Anglican household’ meant✝️ The Bible passage that helped to start her journey to faith✝️ Helping disadvantaged people in society and showing them the love of Jesus✝️ How being bullied at school shaped her path to faith✝️ How the Anglican-Methodist covenant in Crosspool works practically

The Revd Dr Bill Goodman, Director of Ongoing Ministerial Development at the Diocese, is today’s guest on Words of Grace.He talks about:✝️ Early life overseas and living in different countries as an adult✝️ His unexpected conversion moment as a teenager✝️ Lifelong learning, through family, encounters in other cultures and also further study✝️ Some bewildering and hard things that have been part of the journey✝️ Wordless worship that made him jump! 

The Revd Canon Dr Matthew Rhodes, Vicar of St John’s Ranmoor, joins Ben and Paul on the podcast today, talking about:✝️ Living in Nigeria, Sudan, New Zealand and Cairo✝️ His pact with his siblings as a child not to become a Vicar!✝️ The major rebuilding project taking place at St John’s✝️ The inclusive partnership with St Mary’s Walkley and St Mark’s Broomhill✝️ How he and his wife Cathy have supported each other in their careers