Words of Grace: Living Hope in the Diocese of Sheffield

153. Bishop Tim Ellis, Chair of DAC, and Chris Ellis, Church Buildings Officer

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 23:00:00 GMT

The Rt Revd Dr Tim Ellis, Chair of the Diocesan Advisory Committee, and Chris Ellis, Church Buildings Officer, are on Words of Grace today for a special father and son episode.

They talk about:

✝️ Why Sheffield is a special place for them both

✝️ Passion for ministry in deprived areas

✝️ How Tim becoming a bishop felt like reconnecting with parish ministry

✝️ How the idea of Church Explorers Week came about

✝️ Which one of them is 99% Sheffield – according to Ancestry DNA!

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152. Easter message from Bishop Pete

Sat, 04 Apr 2026 23:00:00 GMT

"In Jesus, God draws near to wipe away tears. May this annual celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ - and his victory over death and darkness and despair - fill your hearts with joy this Easter".

Bishop Pete shares his Easter message of joy and hope.

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151. Emma Johnson - Centenary Project Worker for St John's Goole

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Emma Johnson, Centenary Project Worker at St John’s Goole, joins Paul and Ben on the podcast today, talking about:

✝️ The impact her nan had on her faith

✝️ How an Alpha course helped to encourage her journey with Jesus

✝️ The Goole community

✝️ Encouraging youth work

✝️ The story of an upside-down bible

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150. Revd Hannah Hupfield - Associate Archdeacon Transition Enabler for Adwick le Street & Snaith & Hatfield

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Revd Hannah Hupfield, Associate Archdeacon Transition Enabler (AATE) for Adwick le Street & Snaith & Hatfield, is today’s guest for our 150th episode of Words of Grace.

Hannah talks about:

✝️ Her upbringing in Tamworth

✝️ Getting married and preparing for ordination whilst studying at university

✝️ Studying for theological college in Cambridge

✝️ Feeling called to the Diocese of Sheffield

✝️ Why the role of AATE is one of the best in the Church of England

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149. Beth Henshaw - Focal Minister across Aston, Ulley, and Todwick

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Beth Henshaw, Focal Minister across Aston, Ulley, and Todwick, joins Ben and guest co-host Graham on the podcast today.

Beth talks about:

✝️ Growing up in Aston in a Christian family

✝️ Having ME as a teenager

✝️ Being diagnosed with autism last year and how it helped her understand herself better

✝️ Her passion for learning

✝️ Leading Godly Play and Messy Church

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148. Revd June Fox - Focal Minister for St James Woodhouse

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Revd June Fox, Focal Minister for St James Woodhouse, joins Paul and Ben on the podcast today.

June discusses:

✝️ Being a ‘distinctive deacon’ and what that means

✝️ Living and working in the same deanery throughout her life

✝️ How a church initiative helped to bring her to faith

✝️ Serving in different church roles across the years

✝️ The best crime thriller series

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147. International Women's Day 2026 Special

Sun, 08 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Rev Helen Terry and Rev Debbie Coyne-Fearn are our guest hosts for today’s International Women’s Day special. Helen and Debbie interview Charlene and Megan from The Rivers Team congregation, and talk about:

✝️ The women who inspire them

✝️ The women in the bible they’d like to meet

✝️ Charlene and Megan’s parents’ experience of moving from Zimbabwe to the UK

✝️ Experiences of preaching at a young age

✝️ Encouraging other women

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146. Leo Colson - HR Manager for the Diocese

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Leo Colson, HR Manager for the Diocese of Sheffield, is today’s guest on Words of Grace.

Leo talks about:

✝️ The HR support available for parishes

✝️ How to get in touch for any help

✝️Why his current role is the best he’s ever had

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145. Venerable David Gerrard - Archdeacon of Sheffield and Rotherham

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

‘I believe God calls us to change this world and demonstrate the kingdom of God in practical and tangible ways’

The Venerable David Gerrard, Archdeacon for Sheffield and Rotherham, is today’s guest on Words of Grace.

David talks about:

✝️ Growing up in a Methodist family in Prestatyn

✝️ Getting married, graduating and starting a new job in a matter of weeks

✝️ Why evangelism and social action must go hand in hand

✝️ How the calling to his role here came about

✝️ Which sci-fi franchise he owns the entire DVD collection of

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144. Revd Cliff Kay - Rector of Gleadless with Frecheville Parish

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Revd Cliff Kay, Rector of Gleadless with Frecheville Parish, joins Paul and Ben on the podcast today.

Cliff discusses:

✝️ Growing up in Bradford during a difficult childhood in various houses

✝️ Coming to faith in his teens, but realising God was always with him

✝️ His mum coming to faith later in life

✝️ Knowing when he met his now wife Jane that she was the one

✝️ Sharing his testimonies on his journey to ordination and then Sheffield

This episode comes with a trigger warning due to some of the subjects discussed.

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143. Revd Ben Lacey - Assistant Curate at All Saints Ecclesall

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Revd Ben Lacey, Assistant Curate at All Saints Ecclesall, is on the Words of Grace podcast today.

Ben talks about:

✝️ Growing up in churches around the Diocese of Sheffield

✝️ The importance of unity across traditions

✝️ The tough decisions made in his ordination journey

✝️ The rich experiences he had of teaching in a Catholic school

✝️ How he failed his driving test outside Church House

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142. Revd Kath Lonsborough - Assistant Curate at St Paul’s Wordsworth Avenue

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

‘I just burst into tears – which is not like me at all – and said, “I’ve been running away from God for too long”. I started exploring ordination after that’.

Revd Kath Lonsborough, Assistant Curate at St Paul’s Wordsworth Avenue, joins Paul and Ben on the podcast.

Kath discusses:

✝️ How being confirmed at 11 helped shape her faith in adulthood

✝️ Her sense of social justice from a young age

✝️ Feeling called to serve at the Parsons Cross foodbank

✝️ Her first calling to ordination in 2007 and initially rejecting it

✝️ Getting her black belt in martial arts

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141. Revd Helena Roulston - Head of Chaplaincy at Sheffield Hallam University

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Revd Helena Roulston, Head of Chaplaincy at Sheffield Hallam University, is on the podcast today.

Helena talks about:

✝️ Growing up in an inter-church family

✝️ Her university thesis on The Eucharist: ‘A Sacrament of unity in a divided church’

✝️ Being asked for advice by mainly non-religious students in her current role

✝️ The importance of a multi-faith chaplaincy

✝️ Training for ordination at Wescott House

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140. Revd Mike Gilbert - Associate Archdeacon Transition-Enabler for Ecclesfield and Hallam

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

‘Very quickly, it made sense. Within a couple of months of reading my bible and praying…I had fallen in love with Jesus’.

Revd Mike Gilbert, Associate Archdeacon Transition-Enabler for Ecclesfield and Hallam, is on the podcast today.

Mike talks about:

✝️ Being drawn back to faith as a teenager

✝️ Doing mission work in Hong Kong with Jackie Pullinger

✝️ Seeing what brought former triad gang members to faith

✝️ Missional challenges and opportunities during his time in Eyam

✝️ Serving his curacy in Sheffield

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139. Revd Sara Goodman

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

‘It was a real outpouring of the Holy Spirit and we didn’t really know what we were experiencing at that time’

Revd Sara Goodman joins Paul and Ben on the podcast today.

Sara discusses:

✝️ Growing up with Methodist and Anglican services

✝️ Teaching in Tanzania and living in Ethiopia

✝️ Answering the call to ordination after years of discernment

✝️ The love and support she received when she had cancer

✝️ Feeling rooted in Sheffield

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138. Rachel Baker - Young Leaders' Community Enabler

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Rachel Baker, Young Leaders’ Community Enabler, is on the podcast today.

Rachel talks about:

✝️ Growing up in Bristol

✝️ Helping to release young people into leadership roles in the church

✝️ How God called her to Rotherham

✝️ Worshipping at St Francis Bramley

✝️ The church leaders who inspired her

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137. 2025 Christmas Special Part 2: Christmas Live with Christ Church Stannington

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Explore Part 2 of our 2025 Words of Grace Christmas Special, as Ben is joined by his wife, and guest co-host, Revd Debbie Coyne-Fearn as they journey through Christmas Live with Christ Church Stannington.

Hear Ben and Debbie talk about:

✝️ How Christmas Live has been going for over 30 years

✝️ Their chats with Revd Alison Cook - one of the main organisers

✝️ How it draws hundreds of people every year

✝️ The cast performing between different locations in one night

✝️ Meeting Jo Jo the donkey

➡️ sheffdio.org/podcast

This episode is composed of edited highlights of Christmas Live, and not the full evening.

Don't forget to catch Part 1 of our 2025 Christmas Special at All Saints Totley!

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136. 2025 Christmas Special Part 1: All Saints Totley

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Paul is joined by special guest host Becca as they visit the All Saints Totley Christmas Experience!

Paul and Becca talk through with Vicar Ben Tanner what the experience entails, what they think to it and why you should come along next year.

Join us next week for Part 2 of our Christmas Special, as we visit Christmas Live at Christ Church Stannington.

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135. Toby Butler - Church Planting Support Lead for Faith in the North

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

‘I remember putting my hands up and I felt such an overwhelming presence - I can’t describe it’.

Toby Butler, Church Planting Support Lead for Faith in the North, is on the podcast today.

Toby shares stories on:

✝️ His background in church planting

✝️ Church leadership challenges

✝️ Faith in the North and working across the Northern Province

✝️ Being called to mission work within the UK

✝️ How his new church family has been a place of healing

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134. Rt Revd Leah Vasey-Saunders - Bishop of Doncaster

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The Rt Revd Leah Vasey-Saunders, Bishop of Doncaster, is on the Words of Grace podcast today.

Bishop Leah talks about:

✝️ Growing up in a working-class family

✝️ Coming to faith at the age of 18

✝️ Her experiences of different theological traditions when training for ordination

✝️ Her passion for choral music

✝️ What drew her to the Diocese of Sheffield

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133. Julie Sandoval - Lay Reader at Tankersley, Thurgoland and Wortley

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

‘When I first heard about Jesus, it all made perfect sense’.

Julie Sandoval, Lay Reader at Tankersley, Thurgoland and Wortley, joins Paul and Ben on the podcast today.

Julie discusses:

✝️ Coming to faith as a teenager

✝️ Why church didn’t initially appeal to her

✝️ How she met her now husband Ricardo on a mission trip in Mexico

✝️ Loving the training process for lay ministry

✝️ Being licensed at the Celebration of Lay Ministries service in September

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132. Revd Canon Justin Dodd - Canon Missioner at Sheffield Cathedral

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Revd Canon Justin Dodd, Canon Missioner at Sheffield Cathedral, is on the Words of Grace podcast today.

Justin talks about:

✝️ His upbringing in Johannesburg

✝️ How the fight against apartheid informed his faith and ministry

✝️ His previous work in advertising and copywriting

✝️ His passion for mission

✝️ His calling to Cathedral ministry

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131. Camino Pilgrimage Special

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Tim Renshaw, CEO of The Archer Project, and the Dean of Sheffield Cathedral, the Very Revd Abi Thompson, join Ben and Paul for a Camino Pilgrimage Special.

Abi and Tim discuss:

✝️ Why you should take part

✝️ Abi’s previous experiences on the Camino

✝️ Helping The Archer Project’s outreach work

✝️ Walking 20km a day

✝️ Encountering God through people from all walks of life on the pilgrimage

Sheffield Cathedral, The Archer Project, and The Choir with No Name are coming together as Team Sheffield, raising vital funds for the work they do supporting people experiencing homelessness.

The deadline for booking onto the Camino Pilgrimage is the 28 November, and it will take place from the 14-20 March.

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130. Safeguarding Special

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Siân Checkley, Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor, and Claire Sayce, Safeguarding Training Officer, join Paul and Ben for a special Safeguarding episode.

Siân and Claire talk about:

✝️ Their roles in the Diocese

✝️ How they came to faith

✝️ Improvements made to safeguarding

✝️ Why it’s important to affirm the work of safeguarding officers

✝️ The upcoming Safeguarding Sunday (16 November)

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129. Revd Tom Finnemore - Rector and Oversight Minister at St Thomas Crookes

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Revd Tom Finnemore, Rector and Oversight Minister at St Thomas Crookes, joins Ben and Paul on the podcast today.

Tom talks about:

✝️ His working-class background and how it’s shaped him

✝️ Being given bad advice at school

✝️ How faith has transformed him

✝️ The importance of being authentic and speaking directly

✝️ Moving to Sheffield three times

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128. Lizzie Ilsley - Associate Curate at Rotherham Minster

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Lizzie Ilsley, Assistant Curate at Rotherham Minster, is on the podcast today.

Lizzie talks about:

✝️ Growing up in a mixed Catholic and Anglican household

✝️ Working as a Speech and Language Therapist for 20 years

✝️ Her experience of living with depression as a person of faith

✝️ Rotherham Minster’s welcome to the community

✝️ How a silent retreat helped to guide her path to ordination

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127. Revd Jon Hidden - Priest in Charge of St Chad’s Woodseats and St Paul’s Norton Lees

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 23:00:00 GMT

‘Jesus provides this hope. I realised there’s more to life than getting a degree, getting a job, getting married – I found that in the person of Jesus’.

Revd Jon Hidden, Oversight Minister and Priest in Charge of St Chad’s Woodseats and St Paul’s Norton Lees, is on the podcast today.

Jon discusses:

✝️ His family coming to faith at the same time

✝️ Working in banking after studying marine biology

✝️ When he first asked someone to pray for him

✝️ The warm welcome at Anston, Woodseats and Norton Lees

✝️ The three methods for making tea in Yorkshire

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126. Revd Vicky Camber - Priest in Charge at St Peter’s and St Paul’s Todwick

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 23:00:00 GMT

Revd Vicky Camber, Priest in Charge at St Peter’s and St Paul’s Todwick, is today’s Words of Grace guest.

Vicky talks about:

✝️ Her faith evolving in her late twenties

✝️ The importance of conversations about Jesus

✝️ How she feels rooted here in the Diocese

✝️ Encouraging others in their faith

✝️ The communities in Laughton, Todwick and Ulley

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125. John Davis - former MES student in Sheffield

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 23:00:00 GMT

‘The fundamental reality of Christ is that he is there reaching out to us.’

John Davis, former Ministry Experience Scheme student in Sheffield, joins Paul and Ben via Zoom from his New Mexico home.

John talks about:

✝️ Generations of his family working on a ranch

✝️ Swapping the American West for Sheffield

✝️ What attracted him to the UK

✝️ His hopes for ordination

✝️ His placement at All Saints Ecclesall and the Derbyshire Rural Chaplaincy

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124. Revd Rachel Crossley - Curate at St Chad’s Woodseats and St Paul’s Norton Lees

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 23:00:00 GMT

‘Every step I’ve taken, God has been incredibly faithful. I love doing all the work I’m doing and being able to speak about God all day.’

Revd Rachel Crossley, Curate at St Chad’s Woodseats and St Paul’s Norton Lees, is today’s guest on the podcast.

Rachel talks about:

✝️ Growing up in a Methodist household

✝️ Spending her childhood telling people she’d never become a minister

✝️ Receiving her calling to ordination during bereavement

✝️ Finding new ways to connect with God – particularly outdoors

✝️ Metal Methodist services and what they entail

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123. John Ray - author based in Hook

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 23:00:00 GMT

John Ray, author and former mountaineer and teacher, is on the Words of Grace podcast today.

John talks about:

✝️ Watching the Battle of Britain as a 12-year-old from a Surrey field

✝️ Working at Gordonstoun School

✝️ Being inspired by Lesslie Newbigin

✝️ Working in Pakistan for 25 years

✝️ Moving to Hook in his eighties for a new challenge

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122. Revd Canon Karen Cribb - Associate Vicar at St Mary’s Bramall Lane

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 23:00:00 GMT

Revd Canon Karen Cribb, Associate Vicar at St Mary’s Bramall Lane, is on the podcast today.

Karen discusses:

✝️ Growing up in North London

✝️ Being part of a brethren church background in her youth

✝️ Her passion for social activism

✝️ The diversity of the congregation at St Mary’s

✝️ Busting Self-Supporting Ministry myths

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121. Faye Smith - Pilgrim guide, speaker and writer

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 08:38:27 GMT

‘It was my faith that saved me, and believing that God can – and will – restore.’

Faye Smith, pilgrim guide, speaker and writer, joins Paul and Ben on the podcast today.

Faye talks about:

✝️ Leading walking pilgrimages in Derbyshire

✝️ Losing her husband and daughter in the space of two years

✝️ Doing a 700km solo trek across two countries following a bad car accident

✝️ Finding fellowship with others to boost mental health – including former Diocese of Sheffield Vicar Fiona Kouble

✝️ The importance of not suppressing grief

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120. Revd Carol Rashid - Curate at St John's Goole

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 23:00:00 GMT

‘A tangible voice which I can only describe as the Holy Spirit said quite clearly, “I will never leave you. I will hold your hand and will take you where you need to go”’.

Revd Carol Rashid, Curate at St John’s Goole, is on the podcast today.

Carol talks about:

✝️ Coming to faith around the St Lawrence Hatfield church environment

✝️ Leaving an abusive relationship and finding God through difficult times

✝️ Her deep-rooted calling to serve others

✝️ How she felt presiding over her first communion

✝️ Her spiritual moment climbing to the top of Mount Sinai

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119. Shumaya Stephen - Member of St James Doncaster and Diocesan Synod

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 23:00:00 GMT

‘I got the confidence to talk about my faith after I came to the UK.’

Shumaya Stephen, member of the St James Doncaster congregation and Diocesan Synod, is on the podcast today.

Shumaya talks about:

✝️ Growing up in Lahore

✝️ The challenges she faced as part of a minority Christian group

✝️ Growing more confident in her faith

✝️ The importance of worshipping in Urdu at St James

✝️ The biggest cultural differences between Pakistan and England

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118. Mussarat Iqbal - Churchwarden at St James Doncaster

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 23:00:00 GMT

‘I had this overwhelming moment where I felt Jesus was stood next to me, calling me to ministry’.

Mussarat Iqbal, Churchwarden at St James Doncaster, is on the podcast today.

Mussarat discusses:

✝️ Growing up as a Christian in Pakistan

✝️ The difficulties Christians face worshipping in Lahore

✝️ Taking a pay cut to follow a calling to England

✝️ The Doncaster Urdu congregation

✝️ Her near-30 year calling to ordained ministry

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117. Estella Kirk - Christian songwriter in Nashville

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 23:00:00 GMT

‘My relationship with the Lord has grown through music and through taking little steps outside of my comfort zone. I’m trying to lead worship in other areas, and I’ve seen God’s faithfulness there’.

Estella Kirk, Christian songwriter in Nashville, joins Paul and Ben for a special international episode of Words of Grace.

Estella talks about:

✝️ Moving from her home state of Oklahoma to Nashville in Tennessee

✝️ Her love of music in a non-musical family

✝️ Leading worship from a young age

✝️ Express her faith through music

✝️ Being a US listener to Words of Grace!

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116. Revd Eddie Short - Curate at The Rivers Team

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 23:00:00 GMT

‘That’s when I was first presented with the idea of the Holy Spirit being tangibly present and accessible, and the fact that Jesus calls people to follow him – and that was a decision I needed to make for myself’.

Revd Eddie Short, Curate at The Rivers Team, joins Paul and Ben on the podcast today.

Eddie reflects on:

✝️ When his faith was reignited in his 20s

✝️ The importance of balancing faith, family and work

✝️ Misconceptions about self-supporting ministry

✝️ Positive signs of church growth in The Rivers Team

✝️ Being a DJ in his youth

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115. Revd Sami Ellmore - Priest-in-Charge of St Mary’s Rawmarsh and St Mary’s Greasbrough

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 23:00:00 GMT

‘During a difficult period, a friend of mine asked me, “do you think you’re trying to fill God-shaped holes in your life with things that aren’t God?” An enormous sense of longing filled me, and I felt a calling’.

Revd Sami Ellmore, Priest-in-Charge of St Mary’s Rawmarsh and St Mary’s Greasbrough, is on the podcast today.

Sami talks about:

✝️ Growing up in North Wales and attending an Anglo-Catholic church

✝️ Fellowship at St John’s Park in Sheffield during their time as a student

✝️ Leading a music worship group for the first time

✝️ Discernment on an inclusive journey during ministry

✝️ Which Doctor Who is the best

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114. Revd Christine Herbert and Revd Chris Herbert

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 23:00:00 GMT

Revd Chris Herbert and Revd Christine Herbert are both guests on today’s Words of Grace episode.

They talk to Ben and Paul about:

✝️ Christine growing up in a Christian household and Chris not doing so

✝️ Chris overcoming barriers with dyslexia

✝️ Christine’s work for people with learning disabilities

✝️ Music helping to bring Chris to faith

✝️ Both serving as ordained ministers

✝️ Where they see hope in the church

✝️ Interviewing Bono!

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113. Revd Alison Cook, Associate Minister at Christ Church Stannington

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 23:00:00 GMT

Revd Alison Cook, Associate Minister at Christ Church Stannington, joins Paul and Ben on the podcast today.

Alison discusses:

✝️ When she came to understand God’s love

✝️ Being a secondary school teacher in Jamaica and surviving a hurricane

✝️ Overcoming difficulties with undiagnosed dyslexia

✝️ Proving the doubters wrong on her journey to ordination

✝️ Christmas Live in Stannington

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112. Father David D'Silva SSC

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 23:00:00 GMT

"The Church at its best isn’t a place that ignores pain, because Jesus didn’t ignore pain. It’s a place that facilitates the transformation of pain, because Jesus on the cross turned our mourning into dancing and our pain into joy".

Fr David D’Silva SSC is today’s guest on Words of Grace, talking about:

✝️ Being Priest-in-Charge of St Leonard's Scawsby with St Luke's Scawthorpe; St Philip and St James New Bentley with All Saints Arksey

✝️ The moment he knew he wanted to be a priest

✝️ The communities he serves in Doncaster

✝️ Serving in his home diocese

✝️ The Bible passage that brings him to tears

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111. Lord's Prayer minisode

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 23:00:00 GMT

What does the Lord's Prayer mean to you?

In June we showed a video of testimonies from voices across the Diocese, sharing what the Lord's Prayer means to them:

· Revd Chrissy Moorey, Lights for Christ Enabler

· Mussarat Iqbal, member of the Doncaster Urdu congregation

· Charlene Satumba, member of The Rivers Team congregation

· Revd Dr Bill Goodman, Director of Ongoing Ministerial Development

· Revd Justine Smith, Associate Vicar at Rotherham Minster

· Laura Passo, Centenary Project Worker at Heeley Parish Church

In this minisode we’re featuring the testimonies in this extended version of the video, featuring additional reflections.

You can also watch the video here: sheffdio.org/LordsPrayer

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110. Tara Osborne - Children Youth and Families’ Worker & Focal Minister at Crosspool

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 23:00:00 GMT

"Every child should be welcomed in church – it’s such a blessing to have them there."

Tara Osborne, Children Youth and Families’ Worker & Focal Minister at St Columba and Stephen Hill Methodist, is on the podcast today.

Tara talks about:

✝️ Encouraging young people

✝️ How a good welcome at the first church she went to led to her journey of faith

✝️ The Bible verse that inspires her

✝️ A Crosspool initiative during Covid to help others

✝️ A previous job working for Toni & Guy!

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109. Revd Canon Mark Wigglesworth - Assistant Head of Finance and Mission Development Adviser

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 23:00:00 GMT

Revd Canon Mark Wigglesworth, Assistant Head of Finance and Mission Development Adviser, is on the podcast today.

Mark talks about:

✝️ His faith gradually growing through childhood despite not being part of a Christian family

✝️ Working for Rolls-Royce

✝️ What drew him to the Diocese of Sheffield

✝️His passion for parish ministry

✝️Plans for his upcoming retirement

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108. Theo Sheridan-Watts - Programme Manager for Faith in the North

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 23:00:00 GMT

"The Lord’s Prayer is said all over the place in different contexts, but do we always mean it when we say it? We want to share the Lord’s Prayer and what it means to people right across the Northern Province."

Theo Sheridan-Watts, Programme Manager for Faith in the North, joins Paul and Ben on the podcast today to talk about:

✝️Why you should attend the Lord’s Prayer tour at the Cathedral on Wednesday

✝️What Faith in the North is

✝️His upbringing in a charismatic church setting

✝️How social justice brought him closer to Jesus

✝️Paul as a dad!

Starting at 7pm on Wednesday 25th June, the event at Sheffield Cathedral will feature music, film and a powerful teaching session led by the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell. There will also be an opportunity for a Q&A, offering a chance to reflect and ask questions.

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107. Revd Ben Tanner - Vicar of All Saints Totley

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 23:00:00 GMT

Revd Ben Tanner, Vicar of All Saints Totley, is today’s guest on the Words of Grace podcast.

Ben discusses:

✝️Doing youth work for a year in a deprived area of France

✝️God providing through tough times

✝️Resisting ordination

✝️The ‘quiet revival’ of a church graft at Totley

✝️Being headhunted for the TV show ‘Traitors’

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106. Revd Jane Truman - Assistant Director of Vocations and Ordinands

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 23:00:00 GMT

"I’m a lot less sure about things now but my relationship with God is better, broader and deeper than it’s ever been".

Revd Jane Truman, Assistant Director of Vocations and Ordinands, is on the podcast today.

Jane talks about:

✝️Training lay and ordained ministers

✝️Her passion for helping others exploring their vocations

✝️Overcoming self-doubt and having robust prayer with God

✝️The calling to ordination over a period of time

✝️What she would put in her ‘Room 101’

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105. Bishop Designate Revd Leah Vasey-Saunders speech minisode

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 23:00:00 GMT

“God’s story comes alive when it’s told in the language of local life, when it meets people where they really are. I want to lead a Church that empowers every follower of Jesus—lay and ordained—to take their place in that story, using their gifts and rooted in their communities.”

The Bishop Designate of Doncaster, the Revd Leah-Vasey Saunders, has recorded the announcement speech she gave in Wheatley Park last week for this special minisode.

You can also read the text of the speech here: www.sheffield.anglican.org/bishop-designate-leah-vasey-saunders-announcement-speech/

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104. Centenary Project Workers' Special

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 23:00:00 GMT

We’re joined today by a group of Centenary Project workers for this special episode of Words of Grace:

· Bec Ackroyd, St Polycarp’s Malin Bridge

· Siân John at Attercliffe and Darnall Centre of Mission

· Lynne Noble, St Leonard’s in Arbourthorne and Norfolk Park

· Laura Passo, Heeley Parish Church

Hear the group talk to Ben and Paul about:

✝️ Sharing challenges and joys on their faith journeys

✝️ The faith stories inspiring them from the young people they work with

✝️ Why people should consider joining the Centenary Project

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103. Revd Susan Bedford - Associate Priest at Doncaster Minster

Mon, 26 May 2025 23:00:00 GMT

Revd Susan Bedford, Associate Priest at Doncaster Minster, is on the Words of Grace podcast today.

Susan talks about:

✝️ The Sheffield Chapter of the Society of Catholic Priests

✝️ Her Anglo-Catholic upbringing and knowing at 13 she wanted to be a priest

✝️ The origins of the SCP and its inclusive roots

✝️ The style of worship at Doncaster Minster

✝️ Encouraging others to explore Anglo-Catholicism

The SCP, in conjunction with Dean Abi and Sheffield Cathedral, are having a Modern Anglo-Catholic awareness day on Saturday 31st May at 11.30am – there’s no need to book!

Susan has also produced a list of book recommendations:

Not just for people preparing for confirmation, but basic teaching for all Christians who resonate with Anglo-Catholic spirituality and practice Faith Confirmed: preparing for confirmation by Peter Jackson and Chris Wright. Pub SPCK
More in-depth Pursuing the Mystery: worship and daily life as presences of God by George Guiver CR. Published by Mirfield Publications, available from the shop at the Community of the Resurrection, Mirfield.
Another book by a Roman Catholic Religious, Sister Wendy Beckett Sister Wendy on Prayer published by Continuum
A Glimpsed-at Reality, a priest's diary in lockdown and beyond, by Susan Bedford, published by Pendlebury Press.

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102. Centenary Project 10th anniversary special

Wed, 21 May 2025 23:00:00 GMT

Our Words of Grace episode today highlights the 10th anniversary of the Centenary Project in the Diocese of Sheffield.

Ben and Paul are joined by Sarah Beardsmore, Centenary Project Manager, and Helen Cockayne, her predecessor in the role and one of the driving forces of CP getting started.

Sarah and Helen talk about:

✝️ How CP started and its initial aims

✝️ How the project has grown and drawn people to faith

✝️ The initial £1 million investment that Helen helped to oversee to start up CP

✝️ Sarah taking over management and transition to a new team

✝️ Hopes for future expansion

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101. Cory Lovell - Director of Music at St Alban’s Wickersley

Mon, 19 May 2025 23:00:00 GMT

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

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100. 100th episode special featuring Bishop Pete

Mon, 12 May 2025 23:00:00 GMT

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

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99. Peter Rainford - Reader and Focal Minister

Mon, 05 May 2025 23:00:00 GMT

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

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98. Gillis Robbie - Member of Sheffield Diocesan Synod

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 23:00:00 GMT

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

97. Bishop Martyn Snow - Bishop of Leicester

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 23:00:00 GMT

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

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96. 2025 Easter Special minisode

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 23:00:00 GMT

✝️ 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

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95. Revd Canon Kate Bottley

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 23:00:00 GMT

"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

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94. Kirsty Dronfield - Centenary Project Worker at St John's Park

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 23:00:00 GMT

"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

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93. Revd Tracey Morris - Priest-in Charge of St Columba’s

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 23:00:00 GMT

"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

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92. Revd Dr Bill Goodman - Director of Ongoing Ministerial Development

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT

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!

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91. Revd Canon Dr Matthew Rhodes - Vicar of St John’s Ranmoor

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT

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

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90. Jo Edwards - Church Buildings Officer

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT

"My faith isn’t a voice faith; I live out my faith quietly doing rather than saying to help support people"

Jo Edwards, Church Buildings Officer for the Diocese of Sheffield, is today’s guest on Words of Grace.

Jo talks about:

✝️ Working in animation and nearly tripping up Samuel L Jackson

✝️ Helping to build up the Woodseats Community Garden with others from scratch

✝️ God sustaining during hard times

✝️ Picking up on prompts for prayer in life

✝️ How Church Buildings Officers can help parishes in the Diocese

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

89. International Women’s Day 2025 special

Sat, 08 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Revd Debbie Coyne, Team Vicar at the Rivers Team and Revd Helen Terry, Priest in Charge of St Francis Bramley and St Leonard’s Thrybergh, are our guest hosts for today’s International Women’s Day special.

Debbie and Helen talk about:

✝️ The women who inspire them

✝️ Who their top five dinner guests would be and why

✝️ Building up and encouraging other women in the Diocese

✝️ Their clergy roles in the Diocese

✝️ Some of the amazing women in the Bible

Head to episodes 13 and 39 to hear Debbie and Helen’s solo episodes on the podcast.

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88. Revd Rachel Price - Assistant Curate at St Peter’s Bentley

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT

"I had quite a big God moment…and fighting injustice has been the main thread through my life ever since"

Revd Rachel Price, Assistant Curate at St Peter’s Bentley, is today’s guest on the Words of Grace podcast.

Rachel discusses:

✝️ How she grew in confidence in faith in early adulthood

✝️ That ‘God Moment’ and how it shaped her faith

✝️ Her calling to fighting injustice

✝️ The social outreach work going on at Bentley

✝️ How Bentley feels like home

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87. Revd Fiona Kouble - Vicar of Christ Church Ardsley and All Saints Darfield

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Revd Fiona Kouble, Vicar of Christ Church Ardsley and All Saints Darfield, joins us on the Words of Grace podcast.

Fiona talks about:

✝️ Being a cradle Christian and how her dad’s ordination training influenced her own faith journey

✝️ Dropping out of school and exploring different careers early in life

✝️ Ministry training in Durham

✝️ Helping people struggling with grief

✝️ Departing soon to be Vicar in Tideswell

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86. Bishop Sophie farewell episode

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT

"I have absolutely loved my time in the Diocese of Sheffield. It’s been a brilliant place to work – there are great things going on with some wonderful people".

Bishop Sophie has kindly given her time to a farewell podcast episode ahead of her departure to be the next Bishop of Coventry.

✝️ How the Bishop of Coventry role first came about

✝️ The similarities between the Dioceses of Sheffield and Coventry

✝️ Her highlights as Bishop of Doncaster

✝️ What she will miss from the Diocese of Sheffield

✝️ What advice she has for the next Bishop of Doncaster

A reminder that Bishop Sophie’s farewell service will take place at Sheffield Cathedral on Saturday 1st March at 11.30am.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

85. Beth Burras - Director of Focal Ministry

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Beth Burras, Director of Focal Ministry at the Diocese of Sheffield, is on the podcast today.

Beth shares stories on:

✝️ Focal Ministry and her passion for building people up

✝️ Her love of Yorkshire and the impact it’s had on her life

✝️ Serving in different roles with Church Army and helping people training as Church Army evangelists

✝️ Her plans for seeing Focal Ministry grow

✝️ The best music gigs she’s been to

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84. Revd Emily McDonald - Assistant Curate at Sheffield Cathedral

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT

"I had this absolute sense of peace - a fullness of peace."

Revd Emily McDonald, Assistant Curate at Sheffield Cathedral, is on the Words of Grace podcast today.

Emily talks about:

✝️ Growing up in a mixture of church traditions and theology

✝️ The moment she felt called to ordination by God at 17

✝️ Serving in different placements with the Ministry Experience Scheme

✝️ Training for ordination in Durham

✝️ Her initial reluctance to the Cathedral role before embracing it fully

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83. Revd Julie Bacon - Associate Archdeacon Transition Enabler for Rotherham and Laughton

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

"I just had an overwhelming sense of the presence of God with me. It’s hard to put it in other words"

Revd Julie Bacon, Associate Archdeacon Transition Enabler for Rotherham and Laughton, is on the Words of Grace podcast today.

Julie discusses:

✝️ Working in the London Stock Exchange before retraining as a solicitor

✝️ Experiencing a transformative moment with the Holy Spirit while in Ilkley

✝️ The Christian studies course which led her to follow a calling to ordained ministry

✝️ Why being an AATE is the best job in the Church of England

✝️ Which skills transfer over from law to ministry

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82. The Revd Canon Toby Hole - Director of Mission and Ministry

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

"I had never experienced anything like this before. It was a voice that couldn’t be ignored, calling me to ordination – I remember 30 years on the exact time and place where it happened".

The Revd Canon Toby Hole, Director of Mission and Ministry at the Diocese of Sheffield, makes his solo Words of Grace debut today.

He talks about:

✝️Struggling to fit in at the church youth group he grew up with

✝️God’s call for him to be a vicar – and initially rejecting that calling

✝️Learning more about racism, class divides and homelessness during his curacy in Islington

✝️His calling to Sheffield – and persistence at choosing St Chad’s Woodseats

✝️His love of history

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

81. Revd Phil Barringer - Team Rector at The Rivers Team

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 00:00:08 GMT

The Revd Phil Barringer, Team Rector at The Rivers Team, makes his Words of Grace debut today.

Phil talks about:

✝️Serving in the area of his birth and first journeys to faith

✝️Balancing working in the secular world and serving as Team Rector

✝️The makeup of The Rivers Team and the areas it serves

✝️His first calling to ordination and initially being told ‘no’

✝️The missional opportunities for the future across Rotherham

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80. Nicola Adams - Centenary Project Administrator

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 00:00:05 GMT

"Nine days after life-saving treatment, there was a heartbeat. The ectopic was a twin pregnancy. That’s where my faith journey started".

Nicola Adams, Centenary Project Administrator in the Diocese of Sheffield, joins Ben and Paul on the Words of Grace podcast.

Nicola discusses:

✝️ Baby loss and having a 1 in 37 million chance of Hope

✝️ Finding faith as an adult

✝️ Seeing the Centenary Project grow

✝️ Exploring New Zealand

✝️ Being fully involved in her local church following a chance conversation

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79. Revd Edward Morrison SSC - Vicar of St John’s Mexborough

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:17 GMT

"If people are coming to you with questions about faith, they want you to have the confidence to give them a robust answer. Don’t water it down; people respect authenticity and are crying out for it in a very inauthentic world."

Revd Edward Morrison SSC, Vicar of St John’s Mexborough, is on the Words of Grace podcast today.

Ed talks about:

✝️ Growing up in a non-church going family

✝️ Coming to faith aged 18 after attending a Christianity Explored course

✝️ Serving in the University of York’s Royal Naval Unit

✝️ Meeting people where they’re at when communicating the gospel

✝️ How the church can serve deprived communities

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78. Christmas Day message from the Bishop of Sheffield

Wed, 25 Dec 2024 00:00:36 GMT

"The birth of Jesus continues to be particularly meaningful for us in times of anxiety and uncertainty."

A Christmas Day message from the Bishop of Sheffield, the Rt Revd Dr Pete Wilcox.

You can also view the video version of this message on our Facebook and Instagram pages. Merry Christmas from the Diocese of Sheffield!

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77. 2024 Christmas Special

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 00:00:03 GMT

Our 2024 Christmas special episode features a roundtable discussion with the following guests:

·The Revd Canon Toby Hole, Director of Mission and Ministry at the Diocese of Sheffield

·Revd Amy Hole, Vicar of Christ Church Heeley with Arbourthorne and Norfolk Park

·Revd Dr Daniel McGinnis, Principal of St Hild College and Assistant Curate at Hillsborough and Wadsley Bridge

The panel discuss:

✝️ The deep faith and convictions of Mary

✝️ What traditions Christmas does – and doesn’t – take from paganism

✝️ ‘Blue Christmas’ and the importance of stressing ‘God with us’ during hard times

✝️ The forgotten people in the birth narrative

✝️ What the birth of Jesus means for humanity

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

76. Dan and Julia Fall - Centenary Project Area Coordinator and Resource Centre Administrator

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 00:00:14 GMT

"At every opportunity, the door opened. It wasn’t a case of planning out what we wanted to do, but being open to where God was calling us."

Dan and Julia Fall – Centenary Project Area Coordinator and Resource Centre Administrator – are on the Words of Grace podcast today.

They talk about:

✝️ How they first met at a Christian youth event as teenagers

✝️ Serving in youth ministry growing up

✝️ How the Centenary Project called them to South Yorkshire

✝️ Expanding the resource centre at Church House

✝️ Featuring on a BBC show and how it helped their spiritual life

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

75. Revd Marie Raffay - Priest in Charge of Holy Trinity Wentworth

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 00:00:11 GMT

"I really feel God has been so good to me; I’m so thankful the Lord is here and has brought me to Wentworth"

Revd Marie Raffay, Priest-in-Charge at Holy Trinity Wentworth, joins Ben and Paul on the Words of Grace podcast.

Marie talks about:

✝️ Her own decision to follow Jesus as a student

✝️ Reader ministry

✝️ Her calling to ordination in Liverpool

✝️ Her belief that the church is called to make a difference in the world

✝️ Life in Wentworth and how it felt returning home

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

74. Heather Waller - Church Army Evangelist in Sheffield

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 00:00:10 GMT

Heather Waller, Church Army Evangelist in Sheffield, is on the Words of Grace podcast today.

Heather discusses:

✝️ What drew her to Church Army

✝️ When she set up Messy Church in her own home

✝️ Faith and Fun sessions at Porter Croft School

✝️ Inclusivity with faith and fellowship

✝️ Her recent Admitting and Commissioning Ceremony at Sheffield Cathedral

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73. Revd Gina Kalsi, Pioneer Priest at the Attercliffe and Darnall Centre for Mission

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 00:00:17 GMT

Revd Gina Kalsi, Pioneer Priest at the Attercliffe and Darnall Centre for Mission, joins Ben and Paul on the Words of Grace podcast today.

Gina talks about:

✝️ Her calling to ordination

✝️ Moving to a new area just before lockdown

✝️ Attercliffe and Darnall as a Christian community

✝️ The afterschool activity for all ages: ‘Church Create’

✝️ Working across denominations

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72. Captain Kinder Kalsi, Lead Evangelist at the Attercliffe & Darnall Centre of Mission

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 00:00:27 GMT

Captain Kinder Kalsi, Lead Evangelist at the Attercliffe & Darnall Centre of Mission, is today’s guest on Words of Grace.

Kinder talks about:

✝️ Growing up in a Sikh family

✝️ When he came to know Jesus after asking searching questions

✝️ His calling to Sheffield and evangelising in the city centre

✝️ Developing a rhythm of prayer

✝️ The Attercliffe and Darnall Centre for Mission

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71. Revd Canon Ian Smith, Rector of St Peter Warmsworth and Oversight Minister for Wadworth with Loversall and Balby

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 00:00:37 GMT

Revd Canon Ian Smith, Rector of St Peter Warmsworth and Oversight Minister for Wadworth with Loversall and Balby, is on the podcast today in one of his last engagements in the Diocese of Sheffield before he moves onto his new role.

Ian discusses:

✝️ Being a fervent atheist and how that changed at university

✝️ When he considered joining a monastic order

✝️ Teaching history in Zimbabwe

✝️ Reflecting on serving 22 years in the Diocese of Sheffield

✝️ His upcoming role as Team Rector in the Harwich Peninsula

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70. Revd Phil Batchford, Vicar of Rotherham Minster and St Paul’s Masbrough, and Christine Batchford, Manager of Rotherham Minster’s Social Supermarket

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 00:00:51 GMT

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

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69. The Rt Revd Stephen Race - Bishop of Beverley

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 00:00:39 GMT

"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

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68. Hannah Robinson - Centenary Project Hubs Oversight

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 23:00:02 GMT

"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

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67. Revd Dr Hannah Patton - Priest in Charge at St John's Goole

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 23:00:16 GMT

"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

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66. Captain Canon Mike Reeder - Liturgical Chaplain to the Bishop of Doncaster

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 23:00:10 GMT

"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

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65. Graham Sandersfield - Learning Development Manager at the Diocese of Sheffield

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 23:00:06 GMT

"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!

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64. Revd Ben Grist - Curate at St John's Goole, and Hannah Grist - Ministry Experience Scheme Coordinator

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 23:00:02 GMT

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!

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63. Barry Byles - Retired police officer and member of All Saints Ecclesall

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 23:00:04 GMT

"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

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62. Fr Stephen Edmonds - Associate Archdeacon of Doncaster and West Doncaster

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 23:00:32 GMT

Fr Stephen Edmonds, Associate Archdeacon for Doncaster and West Doncaster, is on the Words of Grace podcast today.

Stephen talks about:

✝️ Experiencing Charismatic and Methodist fellowship before feeling drawn to the Anglo-Catholic tradition

✝️ Working in local government in the North-East

✝️ His call to the priesthood and the upheaval that brought

✝️ His love of singing and its importance in worship

✝️ What drew him to Doncaster

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61. Revd Chris Tufnell - Priest in Charge of Oughtibridge Parish Church

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 23:00:27 GMT

Revd Chris Tufnell, Priest in Charge of Oughtibridge Parish Church, is on the Words of Grace podcast today, talking about:

✝️ His background in politics, with South Yorkshire Police and as a carer

✝️ Initially battling against a calling to ordained ministry

✝️ His curacy at Christ Church Fulwood and leading a graft to Oughtibridge

✝️ The outreach work that Oughtibridge Parish Church does with the community

✝️ Lifelong faith and how it has shaped his life

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60. Rachel Ridler - Youth, Children's and Families Worker at St Lawrence Hatfield

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 23:00:22 GMT

"I get to worship God as part of my job – I love it!"

Rachel Ridler, Youth, Children's and Families Worker at St Lawrence Church, Hatfield, joins Paul and Ben for our 60th episode of Words of Grace.

Rachel talks about:

✝️ Her career in fundraising and working for the Teenage Cancer Trust

✝️ God guiding her through setbacks with redundancy and house moves

✝️ Leading the Hatfield Heroes Youth Group

✝️ The importance of youth work across the Diocese

✝️ Her favourite Centenary Project game to play

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59. Revd Will Gowers - Curate at Christ Church Pitsmoor

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 23:00:53 GMT

Revd Will Gowers, Curate at Christ Church Pitsmoor, is on the Words of Grace podcast today.

Will shares stories on:

✝️Growing up in a faith-based environment in Ecclesall

✝️His acting background, including the Guildford School of Acting

✝️Periods of struggle with mental health

✝️Initially pushing back against a calling to ministry

✝️Life in Pitsmoor

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58. Megan Morris - LGBT+ Advisor to the Bishop of Sheffield

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 23:00:38 GMT

"I don’t know how I’m holding onto God, but I know God is holding onto me."

Megan Morris, LGBT+ Advisor to Bishop Pete, joins Paul and Ben on the podcast – talking about:

✝️ How her role developed

✝️ The importance of not putting God in a box

✝️ The need for transparency in churches

✝️ Her faith journey from childhood

✝️ Urging people to listen to one another: words matter

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57. Revd James Gould - Curate at St Francis Bramley and St Leonard’s Thrybergh

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 23:00:26 GMT

"No matter how difficult life can be, or how much we feel lost, there’s always God waiting for us to take us back in".

Revd James Gould, Curate at St Francis Bramley and St Leonard’s Thrybergh, joins Paul and Ben on the podcast today.

James discusses:

✝️Dealing with criticism and hurt on his ordination journey

✝️How moving to Sheffield changed his life

✝️The moment he felt encouraged to be ordained

✝️His role as a Curate and what responsibilities it entails

✝️Settling into his new role in Rotherham with a young family

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56. Revd Dr Beth Keith - Associate Vicar and Liberal Theologian at St Mark’s Broomhill and Broomhall

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 23:00:45 GMT

"When I read the gospels - when I read those stories of Jesus and his teachings, he went to where the mess was in life"

Revd Dr Beth Keith, Associate Vicar and Liberal Theologian at St Mark’s Broomhill and Broomhall, joins Paul and Ben on the podcast today.

Beth talks about:

✝️Her strong sense of calling to ministry as a child

✝️Hearing God’s “Yes” when the church said “No"

✝️Youth work and supporting survivors of sexual violence

✝️What is liberal theology?

✝️Life and ministry at St Mark’s

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55. Revd Will and Revd Gill Briggs - St Timothy's and The Vine in Sheffield

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 23:00:24 GMT

We’re joined today on the Words of Grace podcast by Revd Will and Revd Gill Briggs, speaking from St Stephen’s Church, Netherthorpe.

Hear Will and Gill talk about:

✝️Their upbringing in Australia and how they first met

✝️How the love of Jesus shone through during a serious illness for Gill

✝️What brought them both to Sheffield

✝️House of Prayer and 24/7 Prayer

✝️How they consider Sheffield to be home

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54. Revd Claire Welch - Curate in Charge of Christ Church Hackenthorpe

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 23:00:12 GMT

"People can seem far off – like I was – but God can change a heart in an instant. That’s the good news that we live with and the joy of salvation that we get to share."

Curate in Charge of Christ Church Hackenthorpe, Claire Welch, is on the podcast today, talking about:

Her upbringing in East London and her powerful encounter with Jesus as a teenager

Working with people in some of the poorest communities in the world

Recognising singleness in ministry

Having a heart for social justice, doing youth work and writing songs

Her curacy in Sheffield and the next steps as Oversight Minister

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53. Revd Lucy Sablan - Oversight Minister of St Leonard’s Arbourthorne

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 23:00:34 GMT

"So much is beautiful and rich about a community like this, but it does feel very ignored and downtrodden. Doing what we can to help people to thrive in their lives is exactly why I felt called to a community like this"

Oversight Minister of St Leonard’s Arbourthorne, Revd Lucy Sablan, is today’s podcast guest.

Lucy talks about:

✝️ The original history of St Leonard’s as a pub

✝️ Starting her role at St Leonard’s during a pandemic

✝️ The health inequalities faced by many people in the community

✝️ Her calling to serve in an area of deprivation

✝️ The outreach work the church is doing as a hub

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52. Revd Joy French - Oversight Minister at St John's Owlerton

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 23:00:00 GMT

"Toddler groups are some of the absolute shining lights of what we do as a church"

Oversight Minister of St John’s Owlerton, Joy French, is today’s podcast guest.

Joy talks about:

✝️ The empowering experience of her upbringing

✝️ Her passion for mental health and families

✝️ St John’s as a focal point in the community

✝️ Her recent appointment as Chaplain to the Lord Mayor of Sheffield

✝️ What more needs to be done in affirming women’s ministry

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51. Bishop Matthew Porter - Bishop of Bolton

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 23:00:43 GMT

We’re joined today on the podcast by the Bishop of Bolton - The Rt. Revd Dr. Matthew Porter.

Bishop Matthew was ordained in the Diocese of Sheffield in 1996 and served at Christ Church Dore and St Chad’s Woodseats, and discusses on the episode:

✝️His new books as part of his ‘Art of’ series: ‘The Art of Giving’ and ‘The Art of Journalling’

✝️Describing himself as ‘a follower of Jesus and a leader in God’s church – in that order.’

✝️His passion for the north and northern ministry

✝️Serving as Honorary Chaplain to the Queen and then the King

✝️Which Manchester football club he supports!

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50. 50th episode special

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 23:00:06 GMT

Happy 50th episode of the Words of Grace podcast!

Ben and Paul take a look back at some of their favourite episodes, delve deeper into their own faith journeys and talk more about the process of putting the episodes together.

Words of Grace launched in August 2023 and we’ve been delighted at the response, grateful for the stories shared and encouraged by plans for the future.

Thank you for listening and remember to send any questions to wordsofgrace@sheffield.anglican.org

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49. Revd Andy Poultney - Priest and Oversight Minister at St Paul's Wordsworth Avenue

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 23:00:16 GMT

"I couldn’t imagine myself being anywhere else"

Revd Andy Poultney from St Paul’s Wordsworth Avenue joins Ben and Paul on the podcast today, talking about:

✝️ Starting new things at Parson’s Cross

✝️ His re-licensing as an Oversight Minister and what it means

✝️ Growing up in a Baptist household and his calling to faith as a teenager

✝️ Serving in youth ministry

✝️ His favourite musical artists

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48. Celebrating 30 Years of Women Priests special episode

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 08:20:28 GMT

“There’s further to go and there’s more to be done on this journey”

Dean of Women’s Ministry Amanda Barraclough and Fr Chris Bishop are on today’s special episode looking ahead to Saturday’s event at Sheffield Cathedral; ‘Celebrating 30 years of women priests’.

As part of the planning team for the event, Amanda and Chris discuss with Ben and Paul:

Why it’s important to reflect as well as to celebrate on Saturday

Raising up women in ministry

Generational changes in ministry

What more needs to be done

How people can help to build each other up

Sign up for free tickets for Saturday’s event, taking place at 4pm, here: https://www.sheffield.anglican.org/event/celebrating-30-years-of-women-priests/

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47. Celebrating 30 Years of Women Priests minisode

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 23:00:10 GMT

Revd Lucy Sablan, Oversight Minister at St Leonard’s Arbourthorne/Norfolk Park, and Revd Amy Hole, Curate in Charge at Heeley Parish Church, are on the Words of Grace podcast for a special minisode today.

Reflecting on their journey to ordination and helping to encourage others, Lucy and Amy also look ahead to the special celebration event of women priests this Saturday at Sheffield Cathedral.

You can see Lucy and Amy in conversation during one of three videos which will be broadcast at the celebration event.

Get your tickets here: https://www.sheffield.anglican.org/event/celebrating-30-years-of-women-priests/

Look out later this week for a celebration event episode with Revd Canon Amanda Barraclough and Fr Chris Bishop.

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46. Venerable Malcolm Chamberlain - Archdeacon of Sheffield and Rotherham

Mon, 27 May 2024 23:00:12 GMT

"Christianity isn’t an exam to be passed but a relationship to be lived. There is a sense that we’re always learning."

The Venerable Malcolm Chamberlain, Archdeacon of Sheffield and Rotherham, is today’s guest on the podcast.

Malcolm discusses:

Growing up in Leicester and the moment he decided to be a follower of Jesus

Working for a year with the Church Mission Society in Peshawar

The next stages of the Diocese of Sheffield’s strategy moving forward

Being involved in the Living in Love & Faith process as an advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion

His passion for music, football and travelling

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45. Mike North - Children and Young People's Adviser for the Diocese

Mon, 20 May 2024 23:00:44 GMT

"The work I’m really focusing on is raising up young leaders in our diocese, who have opportunities locally in their own churches and across the diocese."

Children and Young People’s Adviser Mike North joins Paul and Ben on the Words of Grace podcast today.

Hear Mike talk about:

Growing up in the Baptist church during his childhood in Wiltshire

Becoming a youth worker in York and the impact that had on his faith

Helping to lead Breathe Deep

What drew him to Doncaster and the Diocese of Sheffield

The importance of listening to young people and giving them space to lead worship

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44. Venerable Javaid Iqbal - Archdeacon of Doncaster

Mon, 13 May 2024 23:00:04 GMT

"God has always surprised me! My life story is that I have always ended up in the place or role where I never thought I’d find myself."

The Venerable Javaid Iqbal, Archdeacon of Doncaster, is on the podcast today.

Javaid discusses:

Being the first member of his family to have a formal schooling

His upbringing in Pakistan before moving to various roles in the UK

Being a BAME vocation champion and what drew him to the Diocese of Sheffield

How God called him to unexpected places

Whether he’s hung up his cricket pads for good!

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43. Revd Sarah Maughan - Rector of St Helen's Thurnscoe, and Bishop Brian Williams - Bishop of Argentina

Mon, 06 May 2024 23:00:50 GMT

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 Christian

Sarah's journey to faith after a serious illness

The links between The Diocese of Argentina and the Diocese of Sheffield

The importance of sharing faith stories across countries

Bishop Brian's South Yorkshire welcome!

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42. The Very Revd Abi Thompson - Dean of Sheffield Cathedral

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 23:00:16 GMT

"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

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41. Elise Deput - Church in School Learning Hub Leader

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 23:00:16 GMT

"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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

40. Vocations Special

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 23:00:59 GMT

We’re joined by special guests for our Vocations Special, ahead of Vocations Sunday on the 21st April.

Returning to the podcast is Director of Vocations Dan Christian, alongside Reader in training Julie Sandoval and Ministry Experience Scheme candidates Rowan Ireland and Jade Tyrer.

The group talk to Ben and Paul about:

✝️Their individual faith journeys

✝️Their different callings and how they were called in unexpected places

✝️Encouraging others to follow their calling

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

39. Revd Helen Terry - Priest-in-Charge of St Francis Bramley and St Leonard’s Thrybergh

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 23:00:04 GMT

"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!

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38. Joe Beardsall - Christians Against Poverty

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 23:00:52 GMT

"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!

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37. Easter Special: The Resurrection

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 23:00:59 GMT

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 Broomhall

You can catch Part 1 of the Easter Special on the crucifixion on our website, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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36. Easter Special: The Crucifixion

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT

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 Broomhall

The 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.

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35. The Revd Nick Lattimer - Priest in Charge at Christ Church Stannington

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 00:00:27 GMT

"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!

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34. The Revd Harry Steele - Chaplain to the Bishop of Sheffield

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:21 GMT

"I love the whole Diocese of Sheffield. On a Sunday I get to be here, there and everywhere, and everywhere I go, I’m learning all these new places and enjoying meeting new people."

The Revd Harry Steele, Chaplain to the Bishop of Sheffield, is on the podcast this week.

Harry discusses:

✝️ His Pentecostal background and initial scepticism about the CoE

✝️ The importance of Holy Communion and sacraments

✝️ Battling and overcoming an addiction to alcohol

✝️ His role as Chaplain to Bishop Pete and what it means

✝️ His love of Basketball and being chaplain to the Sheffield Sharks and Sheffield Hatters

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33. The Revd Dr Casey Strine - Minor Canon Theologian at Sheffield Cathedral.

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 00:00:42 GMT

The Words of Grace podcast today features The Revd Dr Casey Strine, Minor Canon Theologian at Sheffield Cathedral.

Casey talks about:

✝️ Moving to the UK in 2007 from Ohio and to Sheffield in 2013

✝️ Sheffield Cathedral as a welcoming space for all

✝️ The importance of inter-faith dialogue

✝️ His training as a biblical scholar and historian

✝️ Why he’s stayed in Sheffield and what he loves about the city – and its similarities to Ohio!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

32. International Women's Day Special

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 00:00:01 GMT

We’re delighted to have our Lights for Christ Enabler Hannah Sandoval hosting today’s episode, speaking to Revd Beki Otieno - Associate Minister at the Wadsley and Malin Bridge Benefices.

Beki talks to Hannah about:

✝️ Beki’s calling to teaching and ministry

✝️ Praying with young people in her various roles

✝️ Balancing self-supported ministry with children’s work across the diocese

✝️ Being a Light for Christ to others

✝️ Being a witness to Jesus in the workplace

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

31. Youth Special

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 00:00:53 GMT

We’re delighted to welcome Ben, Ami and Megane from the St Mary’s Bramall Lane youth group onto the podcast this week.

The group discuss:

✝️ Leading workshops at Breathe Deep and other events

✝️ Building each other up in faith

✝️ Asking questions about Christianity and responding to others

✝️ How to make services engaging for young people

✝️ What the Diocese can do to encourage young people

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

30. Dave Ludbrook - Centenary Project Worker

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 00:00:45 GMT

"We’ve always said about Centenary Project that it’s a family. The CP family really came through for me.

"I’m in a job where I can talk about Jesus all day, every day – and it’s great!"

Centenary Project Worker Dave Ludbrook is our guest on the Words of Grace podcast this week.

Dave talks about:

✝️ Growing up in Sheffield

✝️ His calling to youth work

✝️ The importance of the Centenary Project in the Diocese

✝️ Getting treated for thyroid cancer in his 20s and the support he received

✝️ Sharing the gospel

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

29. Ben Woollard - CEO of Arise Sheffield and Together for Sheffield

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 00:00:29 GMT

"We always carry that tension of tragedy and triumph with us, and Arise is no different – you see that in our city as we’re walking and praying"

CEO of Together for Sheffield and Arise Sheffield, Ben Woollard, is on the Words of Grace podcast this week - talking about:

✝️ Arise:March and prayer-walking across Sheffield

✝️ Volunteering as a chaplain in HMP Doncaster

✝️ Sharing the love and friendship of Jesus with others

✝️ Wear Your Faith Fortnight and collaborating with the Diocese

✝️ His calling in Sheffield

The Arise:March launch evening takes place on 24 February at 7pm inside The Hope Centre in Sheffield.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

28. Most Reverend and Right Honourable Stephen Cottrell - Archbishop of York

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 00:00:08 GMT

"What I see in the Diocese of Sheffield is a Diocese that is asking the right questions, not ducking them. I believe I have a lot to learn from the Diocese of Sheffield."

The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, is our guest on Words of Grace this week.

Archbishop Stephen talks about:

✝️ Not coming from a faith background

✝️ The new Faith in the North initiative for the Northern Province

✝️ What he learned from his visit to the Diocese of Sheffield in 2023

✝️ The challenges facing the church today

✝️ His eclectic music tastes: from Chopin to Eminem!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

27. Revd Canon Adam Priestley - Vicar at The Resurrection Doncaster

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 00:00:17 GMT

"I had this call from God. It was almost like I was in a dark room – and someone lit a candle. The room lit up and something was different."

Revd Canon Adam Priestley, Oversight Minister for the Resurrection Doncaster, joins the Words of Grace podcast this week.

Adam talks about:

✝️ The huge change in his life that brought him to faith in his mid-twenties

✝️ How God turned his life around following times of struggle

✝️ Studying a degree in Religious Studies and Philosophy

✝️ Ordination in 2014

✝️ Helping to revitalise churches in Doncaster

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

26. Revd Andy Brewerton - Vicar of St Thomas Kilnhurst

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 00:00:53 GMT

“What gets me out of bed in the morning is wanting to help people who haven’t heard – or don’t know about – Jesus; to come into a living relationship with him.”

The Vicar of St Thomas Kilnhurst, Revd Andy Brewerton, joins Paul and Ben on the podcast.

Andy discusses:

✝️ Coming to faith whilst attending a small group at his local church

✝️ Doing a course in broadcast engineering

✝️ Working in engineering at the BBC TV Centre in the news department

✝️ Serving his curacy in Clacton before coming to Kilnhurst in 2009

✝️ His upcoming role working in the Diocese of Europe as a Chaplain

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

25. Canon Dr Christine Gore - Vocations Advisor for the Diocese of Sheffield

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 00:00:26 GMT

“Those little conversations can lead to something which ignites. You think ‘God’s at work here.’ It’s such a wonderful process to be a part of.”

Christine Gore is on the Words of Grace podcast this week.

Christine talks about:

✝️ Studying Biological Sciences with Honours in Genetics at the University of Edinburgh, followed by a PhD in Genetics at the University of Glasgow.

✝️ Serving as a Student Worker at All Souls Langham Place

✝️ Her time as Principal of what is now St Hild

✝️ Her previous role as Director of Formation for Ministry at the Diocese of Sheffield

✝️ Inspiring others to follow their calling

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

24. Dr Cathy Rhodes - Diocesan Environment Officer

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 00:00:09 GMT

“It’s a moral question. As a person of faith, you bring that determination that there’s a bigger picture; that you’re doing this with the help of God.”

Diocesan Environment Officer Dr Cathy Rhodes is on the Words of Grace podcast this week.

Cathy discusses:

✝️ Her childhood years in Iran, where her father was a CMS missionary doctor

✝️ Her calling to social activism and medicine, including work as a Consultant Obstetrician

✝️ Treatment for breast cancer in 2015 and the support she received from others

✝️ Working towards the Church of England’s 2030 Net Zero Carbon target

✝️ Serving in General Synod, Environment and choir groups

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

23. Revd Chris Stebbing - Associate Archdeacon of Attercliffe and Ecclesall

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 00:00:25 GMT

“I just felt this incredible peace and joy come over me. It was like all my cares and worries had been picked up and thrown away. I couldn’t explain it.”

The Revd Chris Stebbing, Associate Archdeacon Transition Enabler for Attercliffe and Ecclesall, joins Paul and Ben on the podcast today.

He talks about:

✝️ Coming to faith whilst studying engineering in Cambridge

✝️ His journey through ordination and the calling from God towards it

✝️ His curacy at Malin Bridge and incumbency at St John’s Park

✝️ Appearing on Channel 4’s Scrapheap Challenge

✝️ Which of his two childhood locations – Whitby and Scarborough – do the best fish and chips

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

22. Christmas Special

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 00:00:01 GMT

What are some of the best Christmas films? What Christmas song do you have to listen to every year? Is there a staple of Christmas lunch which always has to be included?

Ben and Paul gather colleagues and friends at Diocesan Church House over mince pies and festive treats to discuss these questions and more for the Words of Grace Christmas Special.

Disclaimer: opinions on Christmas films, songs and food and any other matters expressed in this episode do not represent the views of the Church of England as a whole!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

21. The Revd Canon Eleanor Robertshaw

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 00:00:10 GMT

"It opened the doors for people to talk about mental health, which I think is really important. No one who gets stressed, or has anxiety, is ever a failure".

Team Rector at Great Snaith, The Revd Canon Eleanor Robertshaw, joins Paul and Ben on the podcast today.

She talks about:

✝️ Her Yorkshire heritage and journey to faith

✝️ Her teaching background

✝️ Her passion for encouraging curates

✝️ Mental health and her experiences with burnout

✝️ Being an Honorary Canon of Sheffield Cathedral

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

20. Revd Chris Low

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 00:00:23 GMT

"Things were different. My body was different and that was it; God had healed me."

Revd Chris Low is our guest on the podcast this week.

She talks about:

✝️ Serving in North Devon, the Diocese of Bradford and the Diocese of Sheffield

✝️ Being involved with Soroptimist International, a women’s service organisation dedicated to empowering women

✝️ Healing ministry and her journey with Multiple Sclerosis

✝️ Publishing her first book: ‘Shattering Glass Ceilings: no obstacle too great for God’s enabling power’

✝️ Being a foster carer for Support Dogs of Sheffield

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

19. Steph Darbyshire - Centenary Project Mentor

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 00:00:08 GMT

"I think I know how God’s going to answer a prayer, but then God answers it in a different way that blows my mind – that happens quite a lot."

Centenary Project Mentor Steph Darbyshire is on the Words of Grace podcast this week.

She talks about:

✝️ The power of prayer and praying for others

✝️ Wearing and sharing her faith openly

✝️ The role of the Centenary Project in encouraging youth

✝️ Worship at All Saints Woodlands

✝️ Snowboarding!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

18. Dr Daniel McGinnis - Principal of St Hild College

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 00:00:28 GMT

"If our theology isn’t helping us to love better, we’ve got something wrong. The theology that leads us to loving God, others and ourselves in a more Christ-like and holy way is important."

Principal of St Hild College Dr Daniel McGinnis is on today’s podcast talking about:

✝️ Going through the ordination process and exploring theology further

✝️ What called him and his family to Sheffield from Texas

✝️ The book of Acts and how it can transform Christians and people who are yet to come to faith

✝️ Reading scripture in its original language

✝️ Helping to plant a church in Sheffield in 2005

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

17. Bishop Sophie Jelley - Bishop of Doncaster

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 00:00:07 GMT

"The priorities for the Diocese resonated with my own heart. For me, ministry is about loving God and loving people."

The Bishop of Doncaster, the Rt Revd Sophie Jelley, is on today’s episode of the Diocese of Sheffield podcast.

Bishop Sophie discusses:

✝️ Being consecrated and installed as a Bishop during a pandemic

✝️ Working with the Church Mission Society and serving at Uganda Christian University

✝️ Her school visits as Chair of the Board of Education

✝️ The gospel calling to reach out to deprived communities

✝️ Running the London Marathon in 2022 for charity

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

16. Bishop Pete Wilcox - Bishop of Sheffield

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 00:00:29 GMT

“The coming of the Kingdom of God is where I draw my sense of hope”

The Bishop of Sheffield, the Rt Revd Dr Pete Wilcox, is our guest on today’s episode of Words of Grace.

This episode features Bishop Pete talking about:

✝️Spending some of his childhood years in India

✝️ His conversion experience at the age of 13

✝️ Why joining the Diocese of Sheffield was an easy decision

✝️ Treatment for cancer and how it shaped his approach as a Bishop

✝️ The inner workings of the House of Lords

You can also catch our podcast interview with Bishop Sophie this Thursday (9 November).

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

15. Revd Stephen Gardner - Oversight Minister for The Redhouse Partnership

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 00:00:04 GMT

“That was the moment when I really felt God was calling me to be ordained”

Oversight Minister for The Redhouse Partnership Stephen Gardner is our guest on Words of Grace this week.

Stephen shares stories on:

✝️ His background in Engineering before ordination

✝️ Training to be a Reader and then a Vicar

✝️ His passion for helping the poorest communities

✝️ Explaining a moment in his life where he felt God’s presence during a tough time

✝️ Helping to build a satellite which is still in space now!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

14. Revd John Marsh - Mission Development Adviser

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 10:09:55 GMT

“Churches which start new things are also revitalised and refreshed themselves”

Mission Development Adviser John Marsh features on the Words of Grace podcast this week.

John talks about:

His teaching background

Training for ordination alongside Karen Colley, Phil Barringer and Julie Bacon

Encouraging New Congregations in the Diocese of Sheffield

Missional Pathways

Instigating ‘cool’ music at Diocesan Conference

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

13. Revd Debbie Coyne - Team Vicar with the Rivers Team

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 23:00:38 GMT

Revd Debbie Coyne (and Aslan the dog!) feature on the podcast this week.

Debbie was licensed to the Rivers Team in Rotherham in January of this year (2023), having served as the Priest-in-charge of the Benefices of Alne and Brafferton in the Vale of York.

Debbie discusses:

Growing up in a faith-filled and ministry household

Working with nursery and primary-aged children who have special educational needs

How an Open Day for clergy helped to convince her to join the Diocese of Sheffield

A parish pilgrimage in the Rivers Team

Aslan the cockapoo!

Listen here, or wherever you get your podcasts: https://sheffdio.org/podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

12. Revd Anesia Cook - Black History Month special

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 06:30:48 GMT

"How can we empathise with our brothers and sisters from different ethnicities if we don't understand their pain?"

Today's episode is a Black History Month special featuring Revd Anesia Cook, Vicar of the Parish of St Peter and St Oswald's, and the Bishop's Adviser on Black, Asian and Minority Anglicans.

In a powerful testimony, Anesia talks about:

✝️Why being non-racist isn't enough; we need to be anti-racist

✝️The importance of standing alongside those being discriminated against

✝️Black Lives Matter as a prophetic movement

✝️Her upbringing and ordination in Brazil

✝️Recognising our own biases and the need to change

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

11. Revd Dr Dan Christian - Director of Vocations and Diocesan Director of Ordinands

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 23:00:09 GMT

"Every single Christian has a calling for God"

Diocese of Sheffield DDO and Director of Vocations Dan Christian talks about his role and opens up about his faith story on today's episode.

Dan oversees the Vocations Team supporting those who sense that God may be calling them. As part of that role, he works with those exploring a call to ordination as the Diocesan Director of Ordinands.

In this episode, Dan also talks about:

✝️Teaching Biblical Hebrew and the Old Testament at St Hild

✝️His doctorate on satire in the Old Testament

✝️His passion for vocations

✝️Why John 1 is his go-to passage

✝️Featuring in the Archbishop of Canterbury's cricket XI

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

10. Revd John Hibberd - Development Day special

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 23:00:00 GMT

Development Day special!

Mission Development Adviser John Hibberd talks Ben and Paul through the upcoming plans for Development Day (Saturday 7 October).

This episode features:

✝️ The youth focus on Dev Day and why it’s important

✝️ The mixture of onsite and online talks for Saturday

✝️ John’s background as a Dawkins-style scientific atheist before coming to faith

✝️ The conversations which drew a sceptical John to faith

✝️ A bringing together of people from the Diocese for the Peak Pilgrimage walk

Get your free tickets to Development Day here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/development-day-2023-tickets-690764684767?aff=oddtdtcreator

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

9. Revd Amy Hole - Curate in charge of Heeley Parish Church

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 23:00:56 GMT

‘You have to trust the spirit will lead you in the right way, as you listen to the scripture and listen to the spirit. It’s a real joy to be preaching here.’

Curate in charge of Heeley Parish Church, Revd Amy Hole, is our guest on the podcast this week.

Amy talks about:

✝️ Growing up in Liverpool and Cambridge

✝️ Her background in law before ordination

✝️ Her calling to preach

✝️ Teaching Greek and Biblical studies at St Hild

✝️ Local history around the co-founder of the world’s oldest football club, Sheffield FC

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

8. LJ Buxton - Director of Communications at the Diocese

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 23:00:34 GMT

‘It’s been the best ten years of my life working here’

The Diocese’s Director of Communications LJ Buxton is the guest on the Words of Grace podcast this week.

LJ talks about:

✝️ Her Methodist upbringing and how it’s influenced her

✝️ A calling to serve the Diocese and the role of communications in doing that

✝️ Working with different bishops in her time here

✝️ Seeing change in the Diocese over the last decade

✝️ Being co-host Ben’s boss!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

7. Alex Shilkoff - Strategic Programme Director at the Diocese

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 23:00:01 GMT

The Diocese’s Strategic Programme Director Alex Shilkoff joins Paul and Ben on the podcast this week.

Alex talks about:

✝️ Choosing to be baptised at the age of 9 and her faith journey through life

✝️ How her role helps to encourage and empower others in the Diocese

✝️ Her Jewish heritage

✝️ The importance of social activism in tackling inequality

✝️ Choosing between the Stoke and Sheffield accents

If you’d like to submit questions to our guests, or are interested in coming on the show, email wordsofgrace@sheffield.anglican.org

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

6. Revd Dr Tim Gill - Vicar at St Mary’s Ecclesfield & Priest in Charge at St Mark’s Grenoside

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 23:00:58 GMT

‘If people are pursuing truth, eventually they’re going to meet God’

Revd Dr Tim Gill is Vicar at St Mary’s Ecclesfield and Priest in Charge at St Mark’s Grenoside, and joins Paul and Ben on the podcast this week.

Tim discusses:

✝️The passage in Matthew’s Gospel that brought him to faith

✝️His ministry in parishes in Yorkshire and Liverpool

✝️ Changing his views over a PhD thesis he composed

✝️ No one being beyond God’s grace and mercy

✝️Rock music, Doctor Who, karate and his steps towards getting the black belt

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5. Revd Dr Sally Myers - Director of Focal Ministry

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 23:00:04 GMT

‘I’m a failed atheist’

Director of Focal Ministry Revd Dr Sally Myers joins us on the Words of Grace podcast this week, talking about her journey from being an arch sceptic to a follower of faith.

Sally talks about:

✝️When she ran her own business

✝️Theological education and ministry formation

✝️ Her ordination

✝️Lecturing at Bishop Grosseteste University on atheism

✝️Focal Ministry

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

4. Fr Grant Naylor - Vicar of St Matthew's Carver Street

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 23:00:55 GMT

Vicar of St Matthew’s Church, Father Grant Naylor, is the guest on our latest Words of Grace podcast.

He talks about:

✝️Growing up in a mixed household of Catholicism and Protestantism

✝️The impact of his upbringing in Liverpool

✝️ Congregation growth at St Matthew’s Carver Street

✝️His ordination journey

✝️His interests of boxing, horseracing and Everton Football Club

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

3. Hannah Sandoval - Lights for Christ Enabler

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 23:00:22 GMT

This week’s Words of Grace podcast features Lights for Christ Enabler Hannah Sandoval.

She discusses topics on:

✝️Her background as a Teacher of the Deaf

✝️Visiting Christian communities and encouraging Lights for Christ

✝️The personal rules of life in our everyday lives

✝️Balancing work and rest

✝️Which film helped her to pass her driving test

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2. Amanda Barraclough - Rector of St Mary's Sprotbrough and Dean of Women's Ministry

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 23:00:28 GMT

Our first guest on the Words of Grace podcast is Amanda Barraclough, the Rector of St Mary’s Sprotbrough and Dean of Women’s Ministry.

In this episode Amanda talks about:

✝️When she first came to faith

✝️Defying the doubters about ministry

✝️Her ordination journey

✝️If she’s a fan or not of ‘Shine Jesus Shine’

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1. Meet the hosts

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 12:27:10 GMT

Our introductory episode features Ben and Paul outlining the purpose of the podcast and some of the upcoming guests, along with their own testimonies of faith.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.