Author: DigiComms

Join us for an exciting day of inspiration, workshops, and conversation as we explore together the theme “The Kingdom of God is like…” Open to everyone – we are hoping to have 250 people from around the district gathering at York Manor Academy.

SATURDAY 11TH MAY 2024 | YORK | 9.30am – 3.00pm

We hope to have an exhibition space, opportunity to learn and discuss, formal workshops, and creative spaces for craft and prayer. The day will start with worship and include a small amount of Synod business. Please bring your own lunch and reusable cup for hot drinks. 

Find out more, and book to come, here:
www.yorkshirenemethodist.org/district/synods/

Flourish is returning in February 2026. New location. New speakers. New focus. Save the date!

13/02/26 – 15/02/26
University of York

Flourish 2026 will be exploring the theme ‘Woven Threads’ – a phrase that recognises that we are individuals that feed into the body of the church, and that each thread has a role in building the tapestry of the Methodist Church.

Stay tuned for more details in due course…

You can find out more about Flourish, along with a recap of the 2023 event here:
www.yorkshirenemethodist.org/flourish23/

Yorkshire North and East Methodist District is among one of seventeen outstanding organisations delivering innovative climate solutions that have reached the finals of the prestigious 2024 Ashden Awards.

Over 500 organisations applied for the 2024 Ashden Awards, and the District is one of just two finalists in the category of “People’s Energy for helping UK communities power up local energy solutions” after a rigorous assessment and selected by panels of expert judges including academics, investors, civil society leaders and journalists.

Award winners will be announced at a ceremony on 27 June 2024, during London Climate Action Week.

Our District Chair says: “Well done, and huge thanks, to all who have been working so hard within the District on pursuing our commitment to good stewardship of earth’s precious resources….”

Find out more about our Net Zero as a District here: https://www.yorkshirenemethodist.org/our-work/net-zero/

Ashden, a UK charity, has been spotlighting transformative climate solutions for more than 20 years through their prestigious Awards scheme.

Head of Awards Dr Stephen Hall said: “We’re thrilled with this year’s Ashden Awards finalists. They’re brimming with epic climate ambition – ambition to slash global emissions and transform our world. They’re also pioneers of climate justice, building a world that’s fairer and greener. It’s no surprise to find these two qualities together: when it comes to climate action, they go hand-in-hand. 

“Change happens faster when more people believe in it, back it, and enjoy the benefits. We’re really proud to celebrate these organisations, and urge investors, funders and policymakers to support them too.”

“Don’t wake the baby!” has returned for a second series and is the perfect way for your church to connect with or support parents of babies and toddlers in 2024! The podcast is hosted by (and the creation of) Emma and Elliot Crippen, who are young parents themselves, and is in partnership with The Kairos Movement and Yorkshire North & East Methodist District.
Find out more here: www.kairosmovement.org.uk/dontwakethebaby/
Listen to the show on YouTube, or on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

HOW CAN YOUR CHURCH USE THIS RESOURCE?

Many churches, whilst providing great community groups for babies, toddlers and families, often struggle to offer anything to engage with the parents who bring their children. Initiatives like Messy Church and Stay-and-Play toddler groups often attract many non-church goers from the community, but the only follow-on opportunities are often inviting them to church on a Sunday morning. This is not likely to work for busy parents (outside of whether your Sunday service is suitable for them). This is where a digital initiative (online church or “grace space”) is ideally suited.

As a district, we recognised that local churches and circuits were unlikely to have the time, skills or resources to create something like this themselves but that we could create a district-wide project that could be used by all. We want to free you up so you can minister to children while we minister to the parents. Remember we are all working together to grow God’s kingdom. Our aim shouldn’t be to get these parents to come to your church on a Sunday – and it doesn’t matter where they get their spiritual belonging or discipleship from. It may be online, it may be in person. It may be at your church midweek, it may be at a different church, it may be through a podcast, it may be talking with other parents, or it may be within The Kairos Movement.

If you have Church baby/toddler groups, Messy Churches, or anything aimed at families… Then here’s how you could utilise the podcast:

Support parents you’re in contact with by sharing the podcast with them

If you’d like flyers, cards or other publicity material get in contact with Elliot and he can send you printed advertising for the podcast that you can display or give out. Or you can find lots of digital publicity (videos, graphics and more) to share on social media here: YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Send details of your (Yorkshire) CYF groups to be shared with podcast listeners

As part of this two-way offering, we are signposting to our listeners the various groups for under 5s that are available around the District. We want to promote your church so we can both flourish, so I’d love to hear from you if you run or host a group! Take a look at the list and let me know:
www.yorkshirenemethodist.org/baby-and-toddler-groups/

Use the themes, topics & questions as ideas for talking points with parents at your church

Listen to the podcast yourself and learn about current issues and life experiences of young parents today (how things have changed) so you cater your family ministry or Sunday service to be more relevant to their lives, or just so you have a better sense of what to talk to parents about.

An example of what something new and creative online could look like

This project is a digital “new places for new people” (NPNP) and partly an experiment in trying something completely new to reach people outside the church. Use it to inspire you to explore how you might engage with non-churchgoers in your context.

Let’s work together!
digital@yorkshirenemethodist.org

Elliot Crippen works as Digital Enabler for Yorkshire North & East Methodist District

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About the project

Here’s how the podcast describes itself:
Unwind on sleepless nights to a wholesome mix of parenting, humour, and crafting. A fun, honest and unscripted conversation between Emma and Elliot on non-judgemental parenting and millennial-based topics, as we relax in the blanket fort with a craft or creative activity.

Find out more, or listen to the podcast, here: www.kairosmovement.org.uk/dontwakethebaby

WHAT IS A PODCAST?

The term “podcasting” was first used in February 2004. A podcast is like a radio show that you can listen to on demand. You subscribe to it on your smartphone and listen to it whenever you like. They can be any length, from a 1 minute news snippet, to a 3 hour in-depth interview. They can be any frequency, from daily to monthly. They can be any format, from simple solo shows up to multi-person audio dramas. Each episode is normally run by one or two regular presenters, talking about that subject. A lot of podcasts are really simple, just a few friends chatting about something that they’re all really passionate about.

WHAT ABOUT FAITH?

Emma and Elliot are open on the podcast about being Christians but the main topics focus on parenting. They are following the Fresh Expression pathway of initially “loving and serving” and “building community” first and in time more elements of “church” will take shape. In many episodes Emma and Elliot share the work, vision and values of The Kairos Movement – exposing it to a larger audience outside the church (also offering follow-on opportunities for those wanting to connect or explore more). They also occasionally share small snippets of their faith journey, however, they keep it very ‘light’ and non-preachy. Emma and Elliot are the face of the project (hoping to showcase Christians as “normal” people who can have liberal views), and listeners feel they are relating to them as individuals, not to a church.

HAS IT BEEN FRUITFUL?

The podcast launched in July 2023 and produced 10 episodes over the summer plus a bonus outtake episode. Series 2 launched in December 2023 and there are now a total of over 18 episodes to listen back to (they are topic-based so can be watched in any order at any time) with new episodes each week on a Thursday.

There have been over 1,500 Listens* of the podcast so far, and an engaged audience of 30-40 people who tune in each week. 

More importantly are the stories that emerge from those tuning in, with some comments including:

Read more here: www.yorkshirenemethodist.org/news-events/successful-podcast-launch/

The weather recently has been mild but very wet. As the sleepout approaches, I am not sure which is worse, cold, or wet. That of course assumes that we get to choose one or the other, and do not have to endure both!

The sleepout this year is on 20^th January, Lidgett has kindly agreed to host us once more. As previously, we encourage you to run your own campsite and can offer support to help you do this. Or, as many homeless people sofa surf, we would love it if you boycotted your bed if this feels more doable.

This is the fifth year of the sleepout. In that time, we have raised over £20,000, which has gone to local charities, Carecent, Inspire North and SASH. This year we are once more supporting Carecent and InspireNorth.

As many of you know Carecent is a breakfast centre for all homeless, unemployed or otherwise socially excluded members of our community. It operates from Central Methodist church on St Saviourgate in the centre of York. They provide food, clothing and fellowship in a friendly and non-judgemental environment. The volunteer staff listen, offer support and advice, collaborating with other agencies, when appropriate, to move people forward to an improved lifestyle. For more information please visit https://www.carecent.org.uk

Inspire North (charity number 1180693) is the parent organisation of Community Links and Foundation, two charities leading the way in mental health and housing support across the north of England. Their goal is to create a world where everyone matters, building brighter futures for people within the health and social care sector through their family of organisations. For more information please visit www.inspirenorth.co.uk

If you are going to join us in any capacity, please sign up at  https://bit.ly/3vuySS0 so we can cheer you on.

If you can support us by giving please go to https://bit.ly/3S0wkEf

If you need more information contact Victoria victoria@methodistyouth.org.uk or Keira Snaith admin@carecent.org.uk

Join Elliot Crippen, Ben Clowes and Rory Dalgliesh for an opportunity to drop-in and discuss more around the themes from the recent “Exploring Digital” online conference run by The Methodist Church (although it’s open to anyone, not just those who attended). We hope to offer practical steps you can take, beginner help, and where we go next within the context of our district. Focusing mostly on the themes covered in the conference: AI, Online Church, and Social Media. (watch a recording of the Conference on YouTube)

Monday 13th November
10am – 12pm
On Zoom (link below)

We’re aware that the time may not suit everyone, and we apologise – due to the nature of the open conversation, we will not be able to record the event, but would consider offering another opportunity for discussion at a different time if there was enough interest.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/97031490291?pwd=TVVCUmtYVUtVN1g2UjViWS9yeGEvQT09

Meeting ID: 970 3149 0291
Passcode: 957433

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Our hope is that this session will offer some of the following, although we will be guided by those who drop-in and may not be able to cover everything within this conversation:

• Capitalising on the momentum of the “Exploring Digital” conference to keep conversations around digital going
• An attempt to disseminate some of the learning (to those who didn’t attend the conference)
• Offering some follow-on and practical application / training opportunities (from our District Digital Enabler) that weren’t prominent during the conference.
• Sharing a district vision on where we might be heading with digital in a Methodist and District Context – particularly with the online church and social media conversations. Some practical templates for what could be ‘next steps’.
• Gathering those who are involved in digital in local churches around the district – those who “get it” – and offering support to those often isolated voices, spread around the district – finding ways we can support you.

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Find more digital resources from our District Digital Enabler, Elliot Crippen, here:

Digital Resources

Also note this follow on event from the Connexion:
Exploring Digital Lunchtime Learning – Wednesday 15th November
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/exploring-digital-lunchtime-learning-tickets-732332665717

A STUDY ON THE MUSICAL PRACTICE OF CONGREGATIONAL SINGING WITHIN THE YORKSHIRE NORTH AND EAST METHODIST DISTRICT.

Following an Undergraduate Masters which looked at the role of hymnody within the 21st Century Methodist Church, our District Administrator, Naomi Prince, is continuing her studies by looking at the relationship between congregational singing and evangelism. 

In 2020, the Methodist Conference voted on the ‘God for All’ strategy, which is a 5 year strategy about evangelism within the Methodist Church. Although aspects of this strategy look at how the church can reach to those who are not already churched, but what about those already in the church. How do we empower those in the church to be evangelistic?

The starting base for this research is a section of the God for All strategy titled  ‘Making Beautiful Worship: Beautiful Worship within the Gathered Community of Faith’. It talks about worship needing to ‘connect people to God and transform them for mission within the world’ and ‘inspire [them] through worship to serve God in daily life’ so therefore one of the questions that I am asking is: How does congregational singing fit into all of this? 

Nidd Valley Methodist Circuit continues to produce a short reflection online each Sunday – these mini “TED Talks” on a particular theme by members of the Circuit Team are done (mostly) in sets of three and are available on YouTube for other churches around the District to utilise.

(Do get in touch if your church/circuit has a particular resource that you’d like us to share more widely!)

History and Development of these online talks:
Since the beginning of lockdown, the Circuit provided weekly online pre-recorded services on Facebook and YouTube which were well-received by many people. As part of working out how these could help people grow as disciples of Christ, and also ease the pressure on staff and resources needed to create them, the circuit decided to change the format slightly from the beginning of January 2023. The videos no longer have music or hymns, were changed to 9am (not 10.30am), and moved to a TED talk style format. They are now short, informal but punchy talks. The preacher opens with a prayer, a short Bible reading, and then a talk of about 8-10 minutes finishing with a closing prayer. They are grouped together on YouTube into playlists so people can go back and listen to several successive talks on similar themes.

Here are the sermon series options so far available as playlists on YouTube (each with 3 videos on a theme) which you can link to, show, or use in your context:

“The Infancy of Jesus” – by Revd Ruth Parry (Supernumerary)

“Eating with Jesus” – by Revd Moses

“Once upon a time” – a journey through Ruth (by Revd Ben Clowes – 4 videos)

“Women of the Old Testament” – by Revd Lesley Taylor

“Walking through the Book of Revelation” – by Clair Webster (Local Pastor)

“Water” – by Revd Ruth Parry (Supernumerary)

“Faces of Failure” – by Revd Moses

“The Outrageous Grace of God” – by Revd Ben Clowes

“Moses: Call, Conversation and Co-operation” – by Revd Lesley Taylor

Nidd Valley Methodist Circuit is very open to others being involved in this and offering a set of studies – so if you would like to contribute to this ongoing resource, do get in touch with Revd Ben Clowes (Superintendent Minister).

“Don’t wake the baby!” is a new venture by Yorkshire North & East Methodist District. It is hosted by (and the creation of) Emma and Elliot Crippen, in partnership with The Kairos Movement. It is a digital “New Place for New People” (a fresh expression of church) to reach unaffiliated people and has received support and seed-funding from the district. It has also received exploratory funding to ‘enable exploratory work for digital pioneers’ from The Methodist Church (Connextion).

“Don’t wake the baby!” is a podcast that also has a visual crafting element on YouTube. It is aimed at millennial parents or those with preschool-age children. In each episode, Emma and Elliot chat about a parenting topic, share their experiences, and explore how parenting has changed since the 90s. It has a purposeful “made at home” and authentic feel and has a strong focus on humour, laughter and having fun. The podcast encourages engagement through YouTube and Instagram, and has a steadily growing community of parents on Facebook.

The aim of the podcast is to reach and build relationships with young parents outside the church in a “grace space” that is relevant to their lives. Looking and feeling more like the secular content they are used to, rather than looking like ‘church’ or typical ‘online worship’. Offering connection and mutual support to isolated parents. Parenting can be lonely, and many don’t have time to meet up physically, so this provides an opportunity to connect and support one another.

Here’s how the podcast describes itself:
Unwind on sleepless nights to a wholesome mix of parenting, humour, and crafting. A fun, honest and unscripted conversation between Emma and Elliot on non-judgemental parenting and millennial-based topics, as we relax in the blanket fort with a craft or creative activity.

Find out more, or listen to the podcast, here: www.kairosmovement.org.uk/dontwakethebaby

What is a podcast?

The term “podcasting” was first used in February 2004. A podcast is like a radio show that you can listen to on demand. You subscribe to it on your smartphone and listen to it whenever you like. They can be any length, from a 1 minute news snippet, to a 3 hour in-depth interview. They can be any frequency, from daily to monthly. They can be any format, from simple solo shows up to multi-person audio dramas. Each episode is normally run by one or two regular presenters, talking about that subject. A lot of podcasts are really simple, just a few friends chatting about something that they’re all really passionate about.

What about faith?

Emma and Elliot are open on the podcast about being Christians but the main topics focus on parenting. They are following the Fresh Expression pathway of initially “loving and serving” and “building community” first and in time more elements of “church” will take shape. In many episodes Emma and Elliot share the work, vision and values of The Kairos Movement – exposing it to a larger audience outside the church (also offering follow-on opportunities for those wanting to connect or explore more). They also occasionally share small snippets of their faith journey, however, they keep it very ‘light’ and non-preachy. Emma and Elliot are the face of the project (hoping to showcase Christians as “normal” people who can have liberal views), and listeners feel they are relating to them as individuals, not to a church.

Has it been a success?

The podcast launched in July 2023 and produced 10 episodes over the summer plus a bonus outtake episode.

There have been over 1,000 Listens* of the podcast so far, and an engaged audience of 30-40 people who tune in each week. A real community is forming.

More importantly are the stories that emerge from those tuning in, with some comments including:

“You’ve got to keep making these as they’re what gets me to sleep on a night now.”

Non-church goer

“I listened to the first one and it was great. You and your other half really work so well together … Seriously I’ll be recommending it to all the parents I know.”

Non-church goer

“Just watched the intro! Looking forward to it. …. You need to do some more! For when I’m up in the night.”

non-church goer

“I’ve actually been listening to it, I must confess that I love it! I’ve listened to every episode apart from the multi births ep. I find it very relaxing (idea of it being hosted in a blanket/cover fort is very calming) … Yes, please keep the content coming!”

non-church goer

“I have been enjoying listening along!! We have a 5 yr old and another on the way in a month or so… So hearing your baby stories and survival tips were at the right time … it has been good to hear another couples parenting and birth experiences! Thanks for sharing your stories (and crafts… I am a big artsy fan!)”

Kairos Listener

“Just wanted to get in touch and say I’ve been listening to your podcast and really enjoying it – looking forward to catching up with the other episodes very soon! … Keep going!”

Lucy Rycroft, currently hosts the “Parenting for Faith” podcast by BRF, and runs “The Hope-Filled Family” parenting blog

How can your church use this resource to engage with parents?

Many churches, whilst providing great community groups for babies, toddlers and families, often struggle to offer anything to engage with the parents who bring their children. Initiatives like Messy Church and Stay-and-Play toddler groups often attract many non-church goers (unaffiliated) from the community, but the only follow-on opportunities are by inviting them to church on a Sunday morning. This is not likely to work for busy parents (outside of whether your Sunday service is suitable for millennials). This is where a digital initiative (online church or “grace space”) is ideally suited.

As a district, we recognised that local churches and circuits were unlikely to have the time, skills or resources to create something like this but that we could create a district-wide project that could be used by all.

If you have Church baby/toddler groups, Messy Churches, or anything aimed at families… Then here’s how you could utilise the podcast:

Support the parents you are in contact with by sharing the podcast with them

Send Elliot details of your (Yorkshire) CYF groups to be shared with podcast listeners

Use the themes and topics of the podcast as ideas for talking points or even a discussion group at your local church

Learn from the podcast what the issues and life experience is of young parents in order to cater your family ministry or Sunday service to be more relevant to their lives

An example of what “online church” / Grace space could look like. A template for how to pioneer something new online.

Elliot says:
We want to free you up so you can minister to children while we minister to the parents. Remember we are all working together to grow God’s kingdom. Our aim shouldn’t be to get these parents to come to your church on a Sunday – and it doesn’t matter where they get their spiritual belonging or discipleship from. It may be online, it may be in person. It may be at your church midweek, it may be at a different church, it may be through a podcast, it may be talking with other parents, or it may be within The Kairos Movement.

Let’s work together!

digital@yorkshirenemethodist.org

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*Podcasts are usually measured in “Downloads”, however, this figure is a combined total of YouTube views and podcast downloads.

Elliot works for Yorkshire North and East Methodist District as Digital Enabler
Emma has the volunteer role of Synod Secretary in the District

Both are members of The Kairos Movement (a pioneering, non-geographical circuit/church) and also attend Starbeck Methodist Church in the Nidd Valley Circuit.

District Synod is a twice-yearly event for those in local churches around Yorkshire North and East. An opportunity for us to gather to worship, learn and share stories. Everyone is welcome to attend – connect with others from all around the district in learning, sharing experiences, challenges, and discussions.

Our upcoming Synod is on Saturday 9th September 2023 and the theme is “Many parts, one body” as we celebrate and reflect upon various parts of the diverse ministry and mission within the District and the wider Connexion.

As part of our carbon commitment, this Synod is going to be in a hybrid format: on-site at Acomb Methodist Church in York, and online via Zoom.

For more details, including how to let us know numbers for those attending at Acomb, see our webpage: https://www.yorkshirenemethodist.org/district/synods/