St Andrew's Psalter Lane Church
Weekly Newsletter
Sunday 19th January
Epiphany 2
10.30 am Holy Communion Revd Naomi Cooke
Collect
Living God in Christ you make all things new.
Transform the poverty of our nature by the riches of your grace,
and in the renewal of our lives make known your heavenly glory;
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Readings Psalm 36: 5-10
John 2: 1-11
Hymns StF 42 O sing to the Lord
StF 397 The Spirit lives to set us free (v1)
StF 603 Come to a wedding v 1-3 only
StF 594 Lord Jesus Christ
StF 455i All my hope on God is founded
This service will also be live streamed and you can watch it here from 10.30 am.
There is a Junior Church Activity sheet available here.
You can read the full Newsletter here.
NEXT SUNDAY
Sunday 26th January
Epiphany 3
10.30 am All Age Communion Revd Cheryl Collins
THIS WEEK
Every Monday
10.00 am – 12 noon Knit and Natter Group in Room 1, Shirley House
Everyone welcome to come and knit, sew, craft or just chat and enjoy a drink and a slice of cake.
Every Tuesday
2.00 - 4.00 pm - Tuesday Café in Shirley House
The café is for those living at home with memory loss or dementia and their carers. Hot drinks and cakes, music, memories, singing, stories and more. For further information ring the church office (0114 2678289) or email office@standrewspsalterlane.org.uk.
Every Wednesday
10.30 am Holy Communion in Church
Monday 20th January
7.30 pm Eco Group Meeting in the interfaith Room
NEW! You can listen to a podcast of our recent services here!
Same sex marriage at SAPLC
At St Andrew’s Psalter Lane Church, we seek to be an inclusive church, and a place in which every person is celebrated and affirmed.
We are delighted to announce that we have now received consent from both the Methodist Church and the Church of England to use SAPLC for the solemnisation of same sex marriages conducted by a Methodist Minister according to the rites of the Methodist Church, and we have made an application for the church building to be registered for such occasions.
We welcome enquiries from anyone who is considering getting married and who would like to explore this further. Please contact the Revd Naomi Cooke: minister@standrewspsalterlane.org.uk
You can also donate by BACS: Sort code: 05-08-08 Account Number: 36930499
or by cheque payable to: St Andrew’s Psalter Lane Church, and posted to St Andrew’s Church Office, 31 Psalter Lane, S11 8YL.
Don't forget to Gift Aid your donation if you can, as this will increase the amount we receive by 25%!
NOTICES
Changes to services
Rev Cheryl Collins will lead a service of All Age Communion on Sunday 26th January. Please note there will be NO 9.15 am service.
Sunday 9th February - The 10.30 am service will be a Local Arrangement service led by Mary Mitchell and Jan Owen.
Sacred Space at SAPL This service, offered on the last Thursday of the month could also be described
as ‘church at the edge’. An invitation not only for our regular churchgoers but for those who may not usually walk through the doors of this building for a variety of reasons.
Many of us find sustenance within a ‘space’ where we can be still, breathe and remember the love which holds us all.
A small, dedicated team plan a themed service for all of us to experience a quiet contemplative hour, being guided to reflect with some meditative self-inquiry, readings, poetry and music. A sacred space to help us reconnect with the inner wisdom of our hearts and cultivate both a sense of calm and self-care for body, mind and soul.
When we nurture ourselves with gentleness, we are revived and feel safely held. As a result, we ultimately have greater capacity to love and give to others in all the ways we feel called to.
Please feel warmly welcome to join us on the last Thursday of each month, keeping a check on dates via SAPL newletter/website.
To express your interest, or for further info: please contact Fiona
Watson: wildgustfiona@gmail.com or Nessa
Hargraves: nessahargraves@gmail.com
Our first dates: Thursday 30 th Jan, Thursday 27 th Feb, Thursday 24 th April
7:30pm
Help needed! We are looking for someone willing to act as Safety Officer for SAPLC, to oversee risk assessments, identify hazards and ensure our operations accord with good practice and the Health and Safety policy. This is not likely to be a very onerous or time-consuming role, and training and support would be provided by the Property and Finance Committee. If you think this is something you would be interested in, please speak to John Cripps (Email cripps@uwclub.net Tel 258 8932)
Important Dates for your Diary
At Home Church Community Weekend: June 13th to 15th 2025 Next June we will hold our first Church Community Weekend here at SAPLC. A full schedule of activities will be available nearer the time, but in brief there will be worship, teaching, creative groups, lots of good food, fun and games, and the opportunity to deepen friendship and grow together in the Spirit. Our guest speaker will be the Revd Dr Gary Hall, tutor in Ethics and Preaching at the Queen's Foundation in Birmingham. He is an inspirational person and will be a blessing to us all. Please save the date now: The weekend is for everyone, from the oldest to the youngest among us and activities will be for all.
All We Can Loose Change Appeal
Thank you so much for all your donations to All We Can. The collection bowl will be out during Sunday service so please bring along any small change. Thank you again.
Clifford All Saints School
Community monthly prayer group If you are unable to attend but would like to share a prayer request for the group please click here.
The Psalter Lane building is now closed, and the whole school is at the Ringinglow Road site. The Morris School window - originally one of the pair in old St Andrew’s, of which the one in the narthex is the other - has now been installed in the Ringinglow Road building and looks wonderful. There is a photograph of it on the board in the narthex.
The Tuesday Café The café is open every Tuesday from 2.00 - 4.00 pm in Shirley House. The café is for those living at home with memory loss or dementia and their carers. Hot drinks and cakes, music, memories, singing, stories and more. For further information ring the church office (0114 2678289) or email office@standrewspsalterlane.org.uk.
Regular Giving to St Andrew's Psalter Lane Church If you do not give to the church through the envelope scheme or by bank standing order, please have a word with Rodney Godber (tel 0114 266 3893) who will explain how this makes your giving to the church easier and more beneficial. If you would like to join the envelope scheme, please contact Janet Loughridge (tel 0114 258 4164)
Car Parking If you are parking at church, please take care not to park directly opposite the yellow lines marking the path towards Shirley House and Southcroft, as this blocks pedestrian access for people coming to church from Southcroft
Methodist podcast Have you discovered the weekly Methodist Podcast? Available here and on most audio streaming services. Half an hour of inspiring stories, emerging ideas and latest news from across our national church.
Sheffield Interfaith news Visit the Sheffield Interfaith website for news on what they are doing.
Please also note this post about getting the Zoom links for their events.
EVENTS
Online Information Session: Hosting Refugees Wednesday 22nd January 2025
7.00 - 8.00 pm. Join Refugees at Home, Malcolm Chamberlain (Archdeacon) and Huw Thomas (DDE) for an online information session to find out about hosting refugees and how you can get involved.
Refugees at Home is a charity that connects refugees and people seeking asylum with hosts across the UK. The vision is for every refugee and every person seeking asylum to have a safe place to stay.
Register here.
New Community Energy Projects in Sheffield and area: A Call to Action!
Saturday 25 January 2025 at 2.00 pm - 5.00 pm, Cemetery Road Baptist Church (Napier Street entrance) Hosted by Sheffield Community Energy. The event is aimed at individuals and groups who are now willing and ready to start setting up their own community energy projects in the Sheffield area that can take advantage of new government support for community energy.
On the day, you will have the chance to:
• Meet with others who are interested in similar projects
• Find out about the key first steps in setting up your own project
• Find out about useful sources of support, locally and nationally
• Find out about possible ways your project could be funded
• See how others have set up similar projects
• ‘Sign up’ to either already existing or potential new projects
There will be stalls to visit on the day covering set-ups including for Places of worship projects, Schools projects, Insulation advice projects. There will also be general advice on fund raising and on working with Sheffield City Council. This event is FREE to attend, however, we welcome donations, which will go towards the hire of the venue. Donations will be administered by South Yorkshire Climate Alliance. There is just over 2 weeks to go and there is still time to sign up and get more information, via this link https://buytickets.at/sheffieldcommunityenergy/1479042
All We Canuary
The idea is simple: do all the *something* you can in January 2025, and fundraise for All We Can in the process! Whether it be running all the miles you can, reading all the books you can, or knitting all the hats you can – it's up to you what challenge you set yourself, because only you know what you need to fulfil your potential.
In the process, you'll have the chance to learn and share inspiring stories from All We Can's local partners in Liberia. As they fulfil their potential, journey with them as you seek to fulfil yours!
Find out more here.
Hospitality Sunday
On Sunday 9th February members of the congregation share lunch with one another in their homes.
Circuit and District Celebration
Event for Church of Sanctuary Please see the invitation on the noticeboard in the narthex to the Circuit & District Celebration Event. We will be celebrating the award of 'Church of Sanctuary' which will be presented to Victoria Hall Methodist Church. This will take place on Sunday 9th February 2025 at 6pm. Following the service food will be provided by the City of Sanctuary. The President of the Methodist Conference will take part in the service, along with Rev Inderjit Bhogal. RSVP by 10th January for catering purposes to revjhaigh@gmail.com
Methodist Church Eco Community Network
Is a network for people passionate about faith and the environment; for those exploring climate justice, and those already taking action. SAPLC is a member of this network so invites you join in a free two hour zoom conference taking place on Monday February 10 at 7:00pm or Tuesday 13 May at 7pm. Ticket available via Eventbrite.
Service of Thanksgiving and Celebration: Saturday 1st March at 11.30 am at Sheffield Cathedral There will be a service of Thanksgiving and Celebration to mark the five years in which Bishop Sophie has served as the Bishop of Doncaster. This is an opportunity for the Diocese to come together to celebrate Bishop Sophie and to share our appreciation for all that she has achieved during her time with us. Following the service refreshments will be provided. You are most warmly invited to attend – families and children all welcome. For administrative purposes, can you please register your attendance here - pa@bishopofsheffield.org.uk
There will be a presentation to Bishop Sophie at the end of the service and if you would like to contribute to a gift, please contact Wendy Whitfield at Bishopscroft (pa@bishopofsheffield.org.uk) or make a BACS transfer, marked ‘Bishop Sophie’ to the Discretionary Fund, details are as follows:
Account Name: The Bishop of Sheffield Discretion Fund - Sortcode: 40-41-18 - Account Number: 90166847. With every blessing, The Rt Revd Dr Pete Wilcox Bishop of Sheffield
Methodist Church Eco Community Network
Is a network for people passionate about faith and the environment; for those exploring climate justice, and those already taking action. SAPLC is a member of this network so invites you join in a free two hour zoom conference taking place on Monday February 10 at 7:00pm or Tuesday 13 May at 7pm. Ticket available via Eventbrite.
Teaching the Lord's Prayer across the North of England - Sheffield 25th June 2025
The Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell plans to teach the Lord’s Prayer across the North of England throughout 2025, a priority of his vision for Faith in the North. Archbishop Stephen is to visit all 12 dioceses in the Northern Province of the Church of England where he will be speaking and sharing the importance and relevance of the Lord’s Prayer to our world today, encouraging people to pray and live by this as part of their missionary discipleship. Working alongside others Archbishop Stephen is encouraging prayer, storytelling and church planting inspired by the Northern Saints such as Hild, Cuthbert, Bede and Paulinus. The aim is to foster deeper connections with the Christian faith across the north and renew the Church’s missionary purpose to share God’s love with all.
Large churches and cathedrals will be hosting the events, many of which will be livestreamed to enable the widest participation. It is hoped that many people will come to a greater understanding of the Lord’s Prayer and see their lives shaped by the vision it presents.
Archbishop Stephen has authored ‘Praying by Heart: The Lord’s Prayer for Everyone’ and ‘The Lord’s Prayer: A Beginner’s Guide’ for children and young people, to be published next year by Hodder. Video extracts of the book and suggestions for home study resources will be available online in 2025.
Please see the poster in the Narthex – for more information click here
Foodbank and Baby Basics
Firvale Foodbank and Baby Basics are still desperately in need of help, so that they can help the most vulnerable members of society. If you are able to give anything, donations can be dropped off at the following addresses.
Food Bank
Donations can be left at the rear of 16 Edgehill Road, S7 1SP or in Church. Fir Vale continue to take referrals and just under 100 people are being supported. Food and cash donations are welcome. Food is especially welcome. The Food Bank particularly need pasta, rice, UHT milk, toiletries and toilet rolls, but are ever grateful for canned goods.
They need
- Baked Beans
- Canned Tomatoes
- Pasta/rice
- Toothpaste
- Canned meats/fish
If you would like to give cash, you can donate here, or you can send a cheque made out to St Cuthbert’s (write Fir Vale Food Bank on the back) and send to Joe Dey at 16 Edgehill Road, S7 1SP, who will hand it over when he delivers to the Food Bank at St Cuthbert’s.
Baby Basics
Gifts, especially nappies, toiletries and hand-knitted items (cardigans and jumpers for 2-5 year olds rather than babies if possible), and the following items for 2-5 years are always in short supply: pyjamas, underwear, socks, tights and warm trousers/jogging bottoms for boys and girls.
At the moment, they really need 0-3 month clothing, baby socks and scratch mitts, 3-6-years clothing, baby wipes, nappy cream, cotton wool, 0-2year toothpaste and brushes, kids shampoo & conditioner for afro/curly hair.
Donations can be left in the basket at 51 Barkers Road, S7 1SD or in Church; cash donations should be put through the letter box. If Pat is away she will remove the basket from her front door step and she asks that items aren’t left at her door if the basket is not there. If you have something you can put through the letter box, that would be alright. The Facebook page also has information about donating via their Amazon wishlist. Donations can be left in the box at 51 Barkers Road, S7 1SD; cash donations should be put through the letter box. Pat would be able to collect donations if you cannot get them to her – telephone her on 2014881 if you would like to donate this way. You can also now donate online.
We are grateful to all the very kind people who are taking these donations to where they are so desperately needed.
Help Needed!
(Not necessarily an accurate representation of a Working Party!)
A message from John Cripps:
'Many thanks to everyone who helped at the Working Party on Saturday 7th December. The next Working Party will be on Saturday 1st February 2025. Do come along and help – even an hour can help make a great difference to the appearance of the church grounds, which we can all enjoy. More volunteers would be very welcome!
Everyone is welcome to carry out gardening tasks at other times convenient to them. The compound has a new lock and that and the tool box have combination padlocks. Please ask me (01142 588932, 07914 290016, cripps@uwclub.net) if you want to know the combination and if you open either lock, please take care the combination is set correctly before closing it. The tool box contains the mower, strimmer and some small tools and there are additional tools in the cellar.'
The Green Box
Calling all potential climate activists!
Seven proven ways to help the planet in 2025 Slowing down climate change is an immense task, but small individual actions can add up to help reduce emissions. In 2024, the critical 1.5C threshold was breached for a full year for the first time, highlighting the urgent need to rapidly cut global emissions. Much of the work needed to curb climate change goes beyond the remit of individuals – from scaling up renewable energy to stopping the production of oil, gas and coal. But research shows that individual actions can add up too.
For information on how you can make a meaningful difference, see here.
[With thanks to Bill Atherton for sending this in]
Please sign the petition "Sainsbury's & Tesco: publicly support real action to cut plastic production" Since 2021, major UK supermarkets, including Sainsbury's and Tesco, have been rolling out front-of-store collection points to recycle soft plastic packaging. An investigation revealed that 70% of the tracked soft plastic bundles that reached a final destination is burnt, not recycled. You can read more and sign the petition here.
Traidcraft loo roll
This toilet paper is special because...
*It's made in the UK from 100% recycled paper (no imported bamboo) and it funds tree planting projects to actively restore nature.
*It supports producers around the world - every purchase is fighting for a fairer trade system.
*It includes free delivery straight to your door and extra long rolls for brilliant value.
Subscribe to save: When you subscribe (cancel at any time) - you save 10% (with this discount 36
rolls cost £31.49) and there's no hassle of reordering - it's all done for you.. We want you to get the best deal here so we've created a guide to how often you should order based on household size...
1-2 person household: once every four months
3-4 person household: once every three months
5-7 person household: once every two months
Business, church or big household: once a month
So in a world of worry, let this toilet roll be one less thing on your mind - and more than that - let it be a joy. When you switch to Traidcraft loo roll, you are are using the power of your everyday purchases to make the world a better place.
You can place your order here.
We all want to care for the planet, but can’t do everything at once. Here is the next in a series of tips to think about. Some can be done today, some this month, and some will not be for you. But remember - everyone can do something!
Eco Tips
January - At Home
Refresh your air filters: Clean — by vacuuming or rinsing with water — or replace your HVAC filters every three months. Your heater or air conditioning will blow more efficiently and draw less power.
For more practical ways to enjoy, nurture and defend nature, sign up to A Rocha UK’s Wild Christian email: arocha.org.uk/wild-christian
See the Eco Group page for more Green news!
This page contains information about upcoming services and events and groups that we support.
Please contact clare@standrewspsalterlane.org.uk or janet.loughridge.45@gmail.com if there is anything you would like to see or to add, or anyone you would particularly like us to pray for.
This Newsletter will continue to be emailed instead of being printed to hand out in church. This will be better for us as an Eco-Church. There will be printed copies in church, but only for people who cannot receive the emailed newsletter.
We will be live-streaming our main Sunday morning services, for those people who aren't able to join us in church.
All contributions, serious or light-hearted, would be very welcome!