St Andrew's Psalter Lane Church
Weekly Newsletter
Sunday 29th June
Second Sunday after Trinity
10.30 am All Age Worship Judith Roberts
Collect
Faithful Creator,
whose mercy never fails:
deepen our faithfulness to you
and to your living Word,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Readings Galatians 5:1,13 - 25
Hymns StF 76 Give me joy in my heart
HON 430 Love is the only law
StF 707 Make me a channel of your peace
StF 394 Spirit of God
StF 397 The Spirit lives to set us free
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 this week's Newsletter here.
NEXT SUNDAY
Sunday 6th July
Third Sunday after Trinity
10.30 am Holy Communion Revd Joy Rulton
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 Wednesday Service in Church
Saturday 5th July
9.30 am onwards Working Party in the church grounds Please come along and help if you can – even one hour will make a difference. Coffee, biscuits and conversation at 11.00 am – all welcome!
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%!
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)
NOTICES
CHURCH PICNIC!
When: Sunday, 13th July, following the service
Where: Church grounds if fine, inside if wet
What to bring: own savouries, biscuits/cake/
Revd Richard Andrew Saturday 28th of June was the first day of the annual Methodist Conference. The new president, who was inducted that day, is Revd Richard Andrew, whom some of you will recall being a probationer and then an ordained minister at SAPLC and Endcliffe Methodist Church. Please pray for Richard (now chair of the Darlington District) as he embarks on the year to come.
De-cluttering at home - Turn Books into Blessings: Easy Fundraising for Churches
How It Works:
1. Visit WeBuyBooks.co.uk
2. Scan or enter barcodes for instant quotes
3. Package your items – we cover postage
4. Drop off or book a collection
5. Get paid the next day
6. Pass the money on to SAPLC, or keep it for yourself if you prefer
See poster and flyers in narthex for full details
Monthly house group - new members welcome! If you would like to join the monthly house group that meets at the Morris' house at 7:45pm on alternating first Sunday and Monday of each month, please message Emma on 07454562180. The next session is on Sunday 1st June.
Old Jewellery and Watches to a Good Cause You may be interested to know that old jewellery and watches, in any condition, even if broken, can be donated to the Alzheimer’s Society. There’s a Freepost address which is: Freepost RTKL-TKLJ-STER, Alzheimer’s Society, Unit 14 Amber Business Village, Amber Close, Tamworth, B77 4RP.
Appeal for pre-loved laptops Revd Jonathan Gichaara is appealing for pre-loved (pre-used) laptops, tablets and smartphones for use in the local computer class in Mituntu Vocational Training Centre in Kenya.
He says "When I was in Kenya last, I found an entire class of about 15 students congested around a single computer. The instructor had a hard time teaching everyone with a single gadget.
My wife Elizabeth and I are returning to Kenya at the beginning of July and would be happy to share those communication gadgets with those students.
We would request the donors to clean their items before sending them to me. Alternatively, you could drop your item at the District Office in Sheffield (Chapel Walk).
I wish to acknowledge with gratitude the previous help with the same gadgets which I was able to give to students reporting to the university.
Many thanks for your consideration."
Rev Jonathan Gichaara PhD, 20 Shardlow Gardens, Bessacarr, Doncaster DN4 6UB
Is your pension contributing to Israel's attack on Gaza? You are paying into the South Yorkshire Pension (SYPA) if you are a member of the pension scheme, or through paying your council tax. The pension scheme invests in arms manufacturers that are helping the destruction of Gaza and the murder of innocent civilians, including thousands of children
The South Yorkshire Divest for Palestine Campaign is running a petition to urge SYPA to divest from this harm and instead, to invest in sustainable local enterprises such as green energy, social housing and home insulation. There are postcards in the narthex or you can get more information at
Https://linktree.ee/SYDPC Anne Hollows
Please pray for lasting peace, healing and the restoration of communities in Gaza and Israel.
Sheffield City of Sanctuary statement
Our church has signed up in support of this statement:
At City of Sanctuary Sheffield we believe in a country where people are safe, welcomed, and treated with dignity. The Government’s new immigration proposals, and the rhetoric accompanying them, take us further away from this vision.
Let’s be clear: yes, there is deep inequality in our society. But it is not caused by people seeking sanctuary. It is the result of political decisions: to underinvest in our public services, to allow a housing crisis to deepen, and to prioritise the super-rich over working people. Scapegoating migrants is a dangerous distraction; one that divides communities, fuels xenophobia, and hides the real roots of inequality.
It’s been less than a year since towns across the UK, including Sheffield, faced far-right violence that targeted people seeking sanctuary and communities of colour. We have seen first-hand the harm caused when government rhetoric and policies encourage hostility.
These are not the actions of a country committed to building stronger communities. They are the actions of one trying to blame the most marginalised instead of addressing systemic failures. These policies isolate, exclude and punish people who are ready to contribute. People who deserve protection and a fair chance, not hostility.
There is a better way.
In Sheffield, we see every day how people seeking sanctuary enrich our city: as carers,students, volunteers, neighbours, colleagues, and friends. We know that when people are welcomed, they contribute creatively and help build thriving communities. When people are properly supported and included - to study, to work, to live in a stable home - they thrive. Safety turns into belonging.
We call on politicians, the media and our communities to reject scapegoating and to join us in building a future rooted in welcome, justice and solidarity.
Who to contact for asylum seekers/ refugees
Asylum seekers accommodated in Sheffield will normally be in touch with City of Sanctuary. Melinda (see below) may help in an emergency. The Wednesday ‘drop in’ ( around 150 people) has clothing, conversation, and advice on law, health, accommodation, finance etc.
For people granted refugee status, for a newly granted case please call 0114 221 1845.
SPRING is the Sheffield Project for refugee integration and growth. For urgent SPRING referral (newly granted refugees in Sheffield only) please email to adminspringcoss@sheffield.cityofsanctuary.org
for newly granted refugee referral please use the link https://sheffield.cityofsanctuary.org/our-work/the-sheffield-project-for-refugee-integration-and-growth/
If you have an urgent request for City of Sanctuary, please contact one of the following people:
Governance/ CoSS - Tom Martin ( Director) (tom@sheffield.cityofsanctuary.org)
The Sanctuary &The Drop In – Anna Aitken (anna.aitken@sheffield.cityofsanctuary.org)
Volunteering : emma.milne@sheffield.cityofsanctuary.org
System Change and Advocacy – Melinda Mo Martinez (melinda.momartinez@sheffield.cityofsanctuary.org)
Communications and Media work – Annie Feetham (annie.feetham@sheffield.cityofsanctuary.org)
Finance – Angela Argenzio (angela.argenzio@sheffield.cityofsanctuary.org)
There is a copy of this information sheet on the board in the narthex
Anne Hollows
Action for Children - Paying the Price campaign launched Children across the UK are paying the price of poverty but we are campaigning to change that. The government has promised to lift children out of poverty with a new plan that it's publishing soon. Change is possible – but it will require real investment and a commitment from the government to do what's right.
Please join our campaign. We've only got a short time to get our message across to government, before it publishes its plan. By taking action today, you can help ensure more children's lives aren't defined by poverty.
Please sign our open letter here and share it with others.
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.
Revd Kate Bottley on Words of Grace Podcast “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
Don’t forget you can submit questions and express an interest in coming on the show by emailing wordsofgrace@sheffield.anglican.org. Listen now on the Diocesan website, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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.
Clifford School Building The old Clifford School building on Psalter Lane is under consultation by Historic England for listing but heavy plant is already on site. It may well get demolished before it is protected. Sheffield could protect it by issuing a Building Protection Notice, but at the moment is not willing to do so. We are being asked to write to the Council’s ‘heritage champion’ at janet.ridler@councillor.sheffield.gov.uk to urge them to protect Clifford. Please do so if you feel inclined.
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.
Car Parking As an Eco Church we would urge you not to bring your car to Church, but to use public transport, walking, cycling and car sharing if possible. If you do come here by car and need to park in the nearby roads, please do so with due consideration to our neighbours. In particular do not block accesses such as by parking on both sides of Cherry Tree Drive, and leave quietly. Thank You!
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
Christian Aid Night Hike
The 2025 Sheffield Night Hike will be on Saturday 5 July 2025. Starting from Hathersage Methodist Church, Hope Valley, S32 1BB, with check-in from 7.30 pm and walk start at about 8.00 pm.
The route is about 9 miles from early evening to midnight. This is a brilliantly well organised and supported sponsored walk through a beautiful part of the countryside, ideal for youth, older uniform groups, or families with older children. If you would like to walk in 2025, see details and Eventbrite registration.
Calling Justice Seekers!
An "Act Now, Change Forever" mass lobby of Parliament is being planned for Wednesday 9 July. It is organised by the UK Climate Coalition and supported by all the major NGOs and bodies such as South Yorkshire Climate Alliance. The aim is to remind MPs that the vast majority of people in the UK are looking to them for leadership on climate change. Are you, or someone from your church, ready, with others from your constituency, to arrange to meet your MP in Westminster?
Register here. Please let Jenny Carpenter (email: jennyc106@btinternet.co.uk) know your name and your Parliamentary constituency if you intend going in person. It would be great if each of the South Yorkshire MPs received a delegation calling for vital funding to communities hit hardest by climate change; reduction in energy bills; secure transition to green jobs; a fairer future for all; restoration of biodiversity. Eco churches especially should be rising to this challenge!
Jenny Carpenter (Justice Seekers)
Sharing D-Light - an invitation
When?
From 4.00 – 6.00 pm on Sunday 13 July 2025.
Where?
Wisewood Methodist Church, Ben Lane, Sheffield, S6 4SB. There is plenty of parking on Ben Lane and in the Church car park.
What?
A gathering of people mostly – but not exclusively – from Team D churches in the Sheffield Circuit who are happy to meet and share fellowship with each other.
Why?
To build up our faith, share our doubts, and nurture enthusiasm for the future of our churches’ ministry and mission
How?
By worshipping, talking and eating together. Please bring food to share.
Contacts
Hilde Storkes, 07870 179915, hstorkes@aol.com
John Wilkins, 07807 471846, johnwilkins73@gmail.com
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
A message to food Bank Supporters:
Dear food bank supporters
On behalf of everyone at Firvale we'd like to thank you for your continued generous support to the food bank
We don't know who you all are but we're grateful for your support
Your kindness makes a difference to the lives of less fortunate people
Thank you all so much
Regards
Joe & Liz
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.
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 June. The next Working Party will be on Saturday 5th July. 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!
Share your views on Sheffield's waste and recycling services
Message from Sheffield City Council
We want to hear from you! Your feedback is an important part on how we improve and deliver our waste and recycling services across Sheffield. Every year we launch a set of customer satisfaction surveys to help us understand what is working well and what we can do better.
We have 4 separate surveys for:
Black bin collections Recycling collections Household Waste Recycling Centres Waste and recycling collections in flats
To complete the survey, see here.
Need assistance or a paper copy? Please e-mail us on wastemanagement@sheffield.gov.uk or call us on 0114 203 7621
Please note: These surveys are not for lodging complaints. If you need to make a formal complaint please visit our website: Make a complaint or call 0114 273 4567.
This survey is separate from the public consultation on proposed changes to recycling services held last year. Updates on the outcome of that consultation will be shared later this year.
Thank you for taking your time to help us improve Sheffield's waste and recycling service!
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
June: Personal
Showering beats soaking! A five-minute shower uses 10 to 25 gallons of water, whereas a bath can use up to 70 gallons of water. Even a 10-minute shower uses less water than a typical bath. Each time you opt for a shower over a bath, you'll save water and the energy required to heat those extra gallons of tub water. Install a waterproof timer on your shower wall to challenge yourself to take shorter showers.
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!