Words of Grace: Living Hope in the Diocese of Sheffield

Cory Lovell, Director of Music at St Alban’s Wickersley, is today’s guest on Words of Grace.Cory talks about:✝️ How he started playing the piano at 10 from memory✝️ Growing up across Catholic and Church of England traditions✝️ Becoming Director of Music at the age of 19✝️ Forming his own ‘Coryllion Choir’✝️ Exploring his calling and vocations for the years ahead

We’ve reached 100 episodes on the Words of Grace podcast! A big thank you to everyone who has been listening and supporting us. Today’s episode features the Bishop of Sheffield, the Rt Revd Dr Pete Wilcox, talking to Ben and Paul about:✝️ The successful SMMIB (Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board) bid and what it means for the Diocese✝️ The process for appointing the next Bishop of Doncaster✝️ Reflecting on 8 years as Bishop of Sheffield✝️ The importance of prayer and mission✝️ His recent film recommendations

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

✝️ 2025 Easter Special Minisode"Right at the heart of my faith is the conviction that through the death of Jesus, God has brought not just his son to resurrection and new life, but the whole created order - giving, to you and me, hope". We hear from different voices in the Diocese of Sheffield what Easter means to them, and why it’s so important to the Christian faith.You can also listen to our 2024 two-part special featuring a roundtable discussion on the crucifixion and the resurrection:🎙️sheffdio.org/EasterSpecial1🎙️sheffdio.org/EasterSpecial2

"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